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October 26, 2005
A Climbing Light
Too freakin cute. I soooo want one. A simple and striking lamp which will grab hold of anything with just a single screw. Somebody buy it for me! Under $50
Posted by tranism at 1:33 AM | Permalink
Yamaha MT-OS
The Tokyo Motor Show isn't just for cars. Anything carrying a motor qualifies and that includes bikes. Namely, Yamaha showed off a raft of new bike concepts that left the press a-buzz. My favorite concept is the MT-OS (pictured above). The radically styled bike pushes 1670 cc's which would probably leave you outrunning almost anything on four wheels. Yamaha, build it and they will come.
images via gizmag
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:28 AM | Permalink
October 21, 2005
The Modern Obelisk
And it does something too. DEDON's Obelisk is a modular piece of furniture that also doubles as a display of art. Made up of smaller sections, the Obelisk explores how it's form can become chairs and coffee tables. It challenges you to find new ways of creating units while also challenging the idea that stacked furniture has to look ugly and stacked.
I'm not so much impressed with the idea. I'm more impressed with it's final shape when completely assembled. That thing looks phallic and I love all things phallic.
Posted by tranism at 2:51 PM | Permalink
October 19, 2005
Birds Have Better Looking Homes
Modern Birdhouses sells three beautifully designed birdhouses. The project is based off a case study program established in 1945 by John Entenza, the progressive editor and publisher of Arts and Architecture Magazine. Entenza commissioned architects to design simple and innovative modern homes for a growing post-war housing market. The resulting homes took full advantage of industrialized building processes and continue to broadly influence modern architecture.
The birdhouses are designed and named after three of the participants in the 1945 case study. J.R. Davidson, Richard Neutra and Ralph Rapson (his birdhouse pictured above). All three feature simple lines, modern detailing and durable materials. They are hand made from sustainably harvested teak which are stained with a light color.
These are some of the most beautiful bird houses I have ever seen. It puts the crap stuff I see at home depot to shame.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 2:59 AM | Permalink
Cave Bookcase
A unique solution to those who wish to escape the everyday stresses of life to a private retreat where the mind exercises it's imagination. Cave Bookcase provides a private reading space within its form. The "cave" comes with an integrated reading light and the bookcase is functional from both sides adding a third use as a room partition.
I think Ikea needs to jump on this immediately. I wouldn't definitely buy one.
via yanko design
Posted by tranism at 1:32 AM | Permalink
October 14, 2005
I Got Wood
iWood that is. Yet another accessory to add to the massive chain of iPod peripherals. A company called Miniot is making a luxury-lined wooden case for your brand new shiny nano. The iWood is carefully carved out of a single piece of wood and you'll have the choice of choosing between maple, mahogany, pear, wenge and walnut.
The case somehow seals shut when closed and also has a hole carved out for the headphone jack. No word yet on pricing but the company says expect it sometime next month. I'll keep ya'll posted.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 10:28 PM | Permalink
October 13, 2005
Japanese Supercars War
The announcements just keep rolling in from the Tokyo Motor show. Toyota was the first to show off it's Lexus LF-A supercar earlier this year, which was rumored to only have a V8. However recent announcements from Honda confirming its Acura NSX will be a super powered V10 and even Nissan getting back in the game with the rebirth of its GT-R; also a V10. So with its competitors already promising power that could eclipse the Lexus LF-A, Toyota just confirmed that it will go with a newly designed V10 - possibly a hyrbid V10!
Man, all this reminds me of the late 90's (or was it the late 80's?), the streets were lined with NSX's, Supra's, Mitsu 3000-GT's, RX-7s and Nissan GT's. I was just a wee-boy drooling over fast cars and the hot daddies that drove them.
All these cars are slated for a 2007 release. I say, LET THE JAPANESE SUPERCAR WARS BEGIN!
Lexus LF-A
Honda/Acura NSX
Nissan GT-R
Posted by tranism at 11:23 AM | Permalink
A Philippe Starck Apprentice
Now that's the kind of reality show I would like to see, but I digress - Jerome Olivet is a Frenchman who worked with Philippe Starck for three years and is now going it alone with his own line of amazingly beautiful and functional products. His latest works involve the study of gesture and movement. The fruition is this stark (no pun intended) and beautiful backpack.
The backpack has a clever twist in the straps to rest your thumbs and hands in. Anyone who regularly wears a heavy ass backpack knows how we tend to hold on to the straps to relieve some of the weight, often leaving us with sore-clenched hands. This backpack eliminates that thru its innovative strap design.
Currently sold here for only $165 $220. Somebody buy me one please!
Posted by tranism at 10:57 AM | Permalink
October 12, 2005
Audi Shooting Brake
Out of all the concepts shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Audi Shooting Brake was the star. The concept is based on the current Audi TT and could possibly expand Audi's lineup to include a sexy compact 3-door hatch.
The Shooting Brake is an all wheel drive vehicle powered by a V6 3.2 liter engine producing 250 hp. Some of the highlights of the vehicle are Audi's magnetic ride which allows you to chose between a sporty or luxury ride, all ceramic disc brakes, 19" alloy wheels, integrated touchscreen for basic car settings and controls reducing clutter of buttons, and an all new navi system that actually tells you when to shift.
Now to address the car's name; I have no idea why it's called the Shooting Brake, perhaps something lost in translation?
Chris has explained the name. THANKS!
"A shooting brake was traditionally a two-door luxury coupé converted to have an estate-style back so that you could have space to put your shotguns/waterproofs/killed animals in the back. Unsurprisingly it was the English who invented it.
Apparently the word 'brake' in 'shooting brake' may come from the French term for station wagon, break."
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:28 AM | Permalink
October 8, 2005
Akino
Chrysler's latest concept, the Akino brings home-comfort into a compact vehicle. I think the car is very much production ready as there isn't anything that would make it so different from current cars. The interior however may take some getting use to as the rear seat looks like something you'd find in a lounge and the passenger seat can swivel 180 degrees to face them.
It's interesting to see what the future of automobiles will look like. As they become more autonomous, will we become more like passengers instead of drivers? The Akino concept certainly thinks so. Many find the design to be bland. I think it's pretty forward thinking for a company that use to make something called a Caravan.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 5:02 PM | Permalink
m-ch
It stands for micro compact home and they ain't lying. The micro compact home is a lightweight, modular and mobile dwelling designed for one or two people. It's super compact with it's 77 sqft. cube adaptable to a variety of sites and circumstances. Functionally it has sleeping, working, dining, cooking and hygiene spaces. There's no need for furniture or lighting because it's all built in.
Now what would really make it amazing is if the m-ch could generate its own energy (fuel/solar cells?) and waste recycling. That way all you have to do is choose where to plop your m-ch down and spend more time enjoying life instead of cleaning house.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:52 PM | Permalink
October 7, 2005
Plants Smoke Too
Problem: We all know, (even the smokers do) that smoke stinks. It travels far (which is why non-smoking sections don't work) and when it has no where else to go, it seeps deep into your clothing until you start to smell like the back of a closet.
Solution: Make an ash tray with a very hardy indoor plant that will filter out the smoke and expel out clean breathable oxygen.
The tobacco industry has got it all wrong. If I were them, I'd market to the plants. Plants would smoke that shit up in a heart beat.
via yankodesign
Posted by tranism at 5:01 PM | Permalink
October 5, 2005
My House Can Be Amphibious
Maybe this is something for the Katrina ravaged cities and towns; when the water rises and there's no boat, never fear because your house can float - amphibious style that is.
The Dutch know all too well what happens when the water rises and their dykes can't hold up. Thirty seven of these amphibious houses are already strung along Maas. They look just like any ole' regular house except their foundation is a hollow platform with chambers, sort of like a big ship. The foundation is then anchored into the floor with large columns. The homes then float up and down on the columns when the water level rises.
The Dutch are also planning office buildings and public spaces based on the same technology. Eventually there may be 12,000 houses built close to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, right on the waters.
Who would of thunk it . . . I guess you gotta be "high" to come up with something like this. Wait, Dutch and high? hummm
Posted by tranism at 10:29 PM | Permalink
Utopia a.k.a Songdo City
This is why this century belongs to Asia (GO ASIANS!). South Korea is building a new city, from the ground up called New Songdo City. It will be a living experiment where all major information systems (residential, medical, business and government) share data and computers are to be built into homes, buildings and streets everywhere.
This ubiquitous city will be completed in 2014. The city's infrastructure will be a test bed for new technologies and the city itself will exemplify a digital way of life. It will be the future right here in the present. It all starts with a resident's "smart-card house key". The same key can be used to get on mass transit, park, see a movie, borrow a free public bicycle and so on. It's all anonymous and autonomous. City and urban planning also applies the latest theories in urban development. This is an opportunity to finally test which theories work and which don't; with the hopes that what does work can be applied to metropolises around the world. The city will be "green", clean air, clean transportation and will be equipped with the latest wireless and communications technologies.
Ironically, much of the technology going into New Songdo City was developed right here in the U.S. but the cost and regulatory obstacles prevent such a city from ever being built here.
This reminds me of the futuristic city of Brasilia that ultimately failed although much of the fantastic architecture still stands. If anything, the Koreans will know before anyone else what flies. I applaud the Koreans and 2014 just seems so damn far away now.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 10:04 PM | Permalink
TROPOLISM
Architecture meets the eye. I've been obsessed with a new blog called TROPOLISM (because metropolism was already taken). All about architecture and the funny emotions they evoke in us. CHECK IT OUT!
Posted by tranism at 12:00 AM | Permalink
October 2, 2005
Ultimate Bag For The Creative Professional
Adobe in collaboration with the Medium Design Group created a multipurpose messenger bag that can transform into a soft briefcase for the creative professional on the go.
Large interior pockets store sketchbooks and cables, while object specific thermoformed pockets organize a laptop computer, MP3 player and cell phone. An oversized strap dissipates pressure from a heavy load while the unique roll-top closure system ensures that precious expensive cargo remains inside. Crafted from high-denier nylon for strength and supple full grain leather for sleekness, there's even a deployment hood to protect the bag and everything inside from the elements.
Only $250 people, when you buy one for yourself please be kind and buy one for me too. :)
Posted by tranism at 5:15 PM | Permalink
Valerio Bottin Bubble Lamp
Every man needs this in his flat (I've been trying to be more European lately). Its scale and shape are perfect. If you're going to splurge on one item in your ikea ladened home, then splurge it on something luminescent. A great lamp instantly makes your home feel more upscale and inviting.
Velerio Bottin's bubble table lamp is that perfect lamp that'll have your guests ooo'ing and ahh'ing. On top of looking good, it actually functions wonderfully casting a huge amount of ambient light into the surround area. Damn near 1k but if you got cash to burn, burn it here.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 5:06 PM | Permalink
New Suzuki Concepts
Suzuki has been on a roll lately. In its efforts to increase market share outside of Japan (where it continues to be one of the largest auto makers behind Toyota and Honda), Suzuki has stepped up it's efforts in research and design in hopes of building up its brand name in North America. Its latest offering is the new 2006 Grand Vitara which blows away most of the current mini-SUV competitors in terms of quality, standard equipment, warranty and cost. To further expand it's reach, Suzuki just unveiled two crazy high-tech retro concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The first called LC short for what I think is Little Car - a definite throw back to the 60's and 70's. The second concept called MRwagaon which is supposed to be short for Mom's Personal Wagon although I don't know how they arrived at that acronym. The MRwagon looks a bit more contemporary than the LC but still has it's retro flare with it's big round headlights.
I may use the word retro here to describe the design, but the technology underneath both vehicles are far from retro. From what I could surmise, they are equipped with the latest safety, communications, electric and driver assist technologies.
I can't really see myself having one as my only car but it would be a great conversation starter, especially the LC. Hell, I just changed my mind. In fact if they built it then I'd probably buy it. Just make it safe, nimble, sturdy on freeways, powerful enough for good passing speeds and bluetooth and iPod enabled; I'll be more than happy to purchase one.
Posted by tranism at 4:26 PM | Permalink
October 1, 2005
Prefab Homes That Float
I've looked at property in and around Los Angeles and to be a home owner now-a-days, you have to either be God or have LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of money. Even with the rise of affordable prefab homes that offer amazing contemporary design and higher build quality, you still have to buy land. A prefab home may only be under 100k but the land sure isn't. So what to do then? If you're single, don't mind a little eccentricity, why not try a prefab home on water? Water is free . . . almost, but still a lot cheaper.
I've always detested boat homes but these aren't exactly boats since they merely float, no engines or anything to allow you to move around. They also have build in dampeners and stabilizers so you won't feel any of the rocking, unless you're rockin the boat yourself! HA! ZINGGGG!
These three designs from a German company are beautiful, minimal and come with all the amenities any home owner would want, minus the parking garage unless your have a car that traverses land and water. COOLNESS I say!
Posted by tranism at 10:53 AM | Permalink