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May 28, 2006
Taro Okamoto
One of my favorite abstract artists is Taro Okamoto. a man in my opinion help set off the design aesthetic now so prevalent in Japanese popular culture.
To me, this man opened the doors for many other Japanese and artists like Murakami. Although he passed away in 1996, I plan on someday visiting his museum in Japan to gaze in awe at his magnificent sculptures and paintings.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 7:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Mugs That Make It Easier
I have mugs all over my kitchen. I've wanted to break down and buy some sort of rack just to stack them all. I've seen them, but just found it to be easier to just leave 'em in the dishwasher.
Then comes along a product like this; the Cupple. It's a set of ceramic mugs that have been designed with an imaginative storage solution. The mug's handle interlocks with a rubber wall mounted holder. Each set comes with 3 mugs and only for $49.
Somebody buy it for me.
Posted by tranism at 4:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
May 20, 2006
Ecodomos
Geodesic homes are nothing new. We all know they give you the best mass to volume ratio and utilizes nature's strongest shape, the triangle in their construction.
However, they never caught on mainly because their space-age shape doesn't sit well with the modern family. So how else would you market the idea? Why not a hotel? Why not a hotel that specializes in stargazing?
Thats exactly what Hotel Elqui Domos is. Located in Chile, the hotel consists of geodesic domes provided by Ecodomos. Each dome is has two levels; the lower consisting of the living area and bathroom. The second level contains the sleeping area and of course, a telescope. As patrons leave their hotel, they have the option of ordering an Ecodomos for themselves.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 8:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
May 18, 2006
24x7x365 Apple
So the black facades are finally starting to come off. Steve Jobs obviously has some weird affinity towards cubes because NYC's newest flagship store (one that rivals and possibly surpasses the one in London) is a giant glass cube.
I've never heard of a computer store open 24x7 outside of Asia so this is probably a first for America. Those damn Yorkers are lucky to get something so magnificent. I know that thing would never pass building codes here in earthquake territory but I would be just as happy for a giant brushed steel version, or better yet, a transparent plexiglas one.
This store sits there to reinforce the Apple lifestyle and if it wasn't apparent now, let me make it clear, APPLE IS A LIFESTYLE. Just take a gander at the slow but sure reveal as the cube emerges from its cocoon.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 15, 2006
Solar Lampion
Ecological lighting is still a niche market, either because of expense or actual value. We've all seen those solar powered garden stakes that charge during the day to light up your walkway at night. Most of them are unsightly and don't illuminate very much. Sounds like a job for an industrial designer.
In comes Damian O'Sullivan with his Solar Lampion. The Lampion is composed of an array of 36" standard solar cells held together by an open frame, each connected to an LED bulb, which is fed by a rechargeable battery. On a mid-sunny day, the Lampion is able to collect enough energy to stay lit for more than 24 hours. Portability is also integrated into the design with a handle allowing you to move and hang it anywhere you'd like.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 5:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Shiny New Hardware
Now that E3 is over and all participants have played their cards (most of them at least), one question remains - What do you think of the final hardware? Since we all know what an Xbox 360 looks like, lets take a looksie at the remaining players, Sony and Nintendo.
Here's the PS3. I've criticized its design in the past and after seeing it in person, I haven't completely changed my mind, but I can accept it now. One thing you will have to admit tho is the system is def. sleek, sexy, and an evolution of the PS2. The chrome accents on the 60 gig model make it look SUPER EXPENSIVE. Sony's industrial design is good at doing that. How would it look in your home?
Its defining tech are blu-ray, CELL processor, wi-fi, bluetooth, online, and a revised wireless Dual Shock controller who has gained tilt functionality in lieu of the rumble feature. $499 for the 20 gig model, $599 for the 60 gig model. Do you love it yet?
Next up, we have Nintendo Wii. Ever since Nintendo revealed the console last year, little about the hardware has changed. The system is extremely small and very sleek. Clearly Nintendo wants out of its kiddie image and is determined to make a home amongst your other high end audio and video goodies.
It's defining tech are a slot load drive that can accept both full size dvd's and the Gamecube's 8 cm discs (Apple must be jealous). The Wii-mote and Nunchaku made a huge impression at E3 demonstrating how freehand control could possibly be the future of gaming and yes they are wireless. The build quality is EXCEPTIONAL and far surpasses that of Sony (yes I said it!). I don't know what kind of plastic Nintendo is using but it not only feels good, it looks good too. Nintendo also revealed the classic controller with your standard 4 action buttons, d-pad, trigger buttons, and 2 analog sticks. As its name suggests, it's designed for Nintendo's Virtual console service - yes all those classic games from Nintendo, Sega, and Turbo-Grafix 16 will utilize this controller. No official price announcements yet but speculations are somewhere in the $150 - $250 range. Do you love it yet?
Posted by tranism at 2:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
May 12, 2006
Selk'bags are Here!
My peoples over at The Parka Shop just told me they now carry the Selk'bag.
I first wrote about it a few months back and the response was insane. To date, that article still carries the most hits on our blog.
The Parka Shop offers three choices. The polyester hollow fibre yellow goes for $375.00. The polyester micro fibre blue goes for $630.00 and the chocolate colored one goes for $1,199.00 because it's stuffed with duck down.
Here's where I start to beg. SOMEBODY PLEASE BUY ME A SELK'BAG!
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 6:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
May 7, 2006
GINO the DOG
When you get a bunch of industrial design students from CCA to design a new line of doggie peripherals, the results can be quite imaginative and beautiful.
GINO the DOG is the name of that new line. I love the water bowls and the model for the pictures is a very handsome sharp looking Shar'pei.
Funny, CCA (California College of Arts) was initially one of my top choices for schools back yonder. They had just expanded into their newly built San Francisco facility at the time. Hummm, the things that might have been. . .
Posted by tranism at 1:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 6, 2006
Comfy Floor Furniture
I need this!
I have a nice couch and a chair but I'm always on the floor, whether I'm watching tv, playing video games or simply just hanging out, I'm always on the floor. This piece from Emiliana Design studio looks so comfortable, no more leaning on my elbows or stacking pillows trying to get cozy.
Someone buy this for me please!
one more photo after the jump
Posted by diverseawareness at 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)