Hasta La Ideas

pI just had one of those moments where I feel like I’m living in the future, prompted by watching a German commercial about an Italian appliance–specifically, the Bugatti-designed Volo toaster. Check it out (starts at 0:17):/p

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pAnd my “future” feelings aside, yes, I know, the Volo’s actually from the past. (It came out A HREF=”http://www.luxist.com/2007/12/14/the-bugatti-volo-toaster/” around 2007/A, but if you never heard of it either, give me a cyber high-five.)br /
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pThe only time I’ve seen rebar not in its “natural” straight state is when something has been ripped apart, like a dock cut free from its moorings that leaves the cut bars exposed like frayed hair. So it’s nice to see it being used for something with a more pleasant aesthetic: The UK’s A HREF=”http://www.grovesrainesarchitects.com/” Groves-Raines Architects/A have taken rebar and “woven” it together into curvy shapes to make a walled-off composting area for a garden in Edinburgh./p

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pThe structure twists and weaves to “embrace” a boulder, and the top is covered in grass that has somehow been coaxed into taking root. Rebar is such a naturally ugly object on its own that we were quite surprised to see it looking natural, almost like it belongs in the garden in the first place. Even the rusted look is fitting./p

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pThe rebar shed was a winning entry in this year’s A HREF=”http://news.aiauk.org/search/label/awards” AIA Excellence in Design Awards/A./p

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pvia A HREF=”http://www.homedesignfind.com/green/rebar-woven-into-composting-shed/” home design find/Abr /
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Wearable wireless speakers propose go-anywhere surround sound

This year’s Royal College of Art summer showcase includes a wireless and wearable sound system for mobile musical performances. Dubbed “The Nomadic Sound System,” the project is the brainchild of Benjamin Newman—a member of RCA’s atypical study group Platform 13.

Comprised of nine speakers—three bass, four middle and two treble—each component looks like a marching band instrument, enabling the same freedom of movement and configuration. For musicians and DJs, the system opens up the potential for spontaneous site-specific performances and the distinct ability to shape music with speaker placement and motion. Audiences can also participate and experience surround sound in new ways.

“The NSS puts a human in control of each element of the sound system and allows them to move individually or as a group, so you can use choreography to mix sound spatially and travel through space,” Newman tells We Make Money Not Art. For a glimpse of “The Nomadic Sound System” in action, check out the video above.

via We Make Money Not Art

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pMost of my Canadian friends are pretty funny, and during a crack-fight when one of them comes up with a zinger that shuts you up, as an American the fallback position is to tease them about living in America’s shadow. It’s admittedly low-hanging fruit, like blurting out “Well you’re just a big fat jerk,” and it means you lost the insult war./p

pIn any case, I like Canada and even though it’s not in their nature, I do enjoy seeing a little Canadian pride. So I’m psyched to see they’re holding an exhibit called IA HREF=”http://www.dx.org/index.cfm?pagePath=Exhibitions/Current_Exhibitionsid=19195″ Bent out of Shape: Canadian Design 1945 – Present/A/I at A HREF=”http://www.dx.org/index.cfm?pagepath=id=22243″ Design Exchange/A, Canada’s Toronto-based design center and museum. /p

blockquoteBent Out of Shape celebrates Canada’s rich industrial design history from 1945 to the present. The exhibition is devoted to showing the Design Exchange’s permanent collection through the lens of material, method, technology, identity and transformation. In doing so Bent Out of Shape will illustrate rapid political, technological, and social changes which burst forth following WWII and moving toward modernity.

pThe public will be granted access to the Design Exchange’s permanent collection, which spans over six decades and covers more than four hundred industrial design objects and archival materials. Items on display will include furniture, housewares, textiles, electronics, and lighting. The design context and process will be shown through supporting archival documents. The exhibition will also feature outstanding contemporary achievements in industrial design from new Canadian designers. The juxtaposition between historical objects and contemporary designs will present a unique opportunity to trace trends in Canadian design, the evolution of materials and design thinking, and forthcoming practices./blockquote/p

pIBent out of Shape/I opens on July 16th and runs through October.br /
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Five new whole-grain chip options take a little guilt out of snacking

While the phrase “healthy chips” might sound like an oxymoron, an increasing number of new food products incorporating whole grains want you to think otherwise. From lentils to beans, high fiber and nutrient-rich ingredients make the following snacks a little healthier.

Mediterranean Snack Food Company

The tasty baked lentil chips from Mediterranean Snack Food Company use a healthy assortment of gluten-free ingredients such as lentils, adzuki and garbanzo beans. Perfect with hummus or on their own, the chips are a great source of fiber and protein. They also come in sea salt or cucumber dill flavors, and sell from Whole Foods and health-conscious grocers around the U.S. for around $4 a bag.

Beanitos

The Black Bean and Pinto Bean chips from Beanitos skip the corn and gluten for a deliciously high fiber spin on the standard tortilla chip that’s low glycemic and packed with Omega-3s too. Pick up a bag from Whole Foods or Snack Warehouse for $4.

Plockys

For chickpea addicts, Plocky’s new Hummus Chip flips the usual equation. The gluten-free Kosher snacks use nothing more olive oil. Flavors like Roasted Red Pepper, Roasted Garlic and Original are an ideal base for nachos or dips. Plocky’s sell at grocers around the U.S. or online from Amazon for about $3 a bag.

The Whole Earth

Made with seven whole grains and seeds, The Whole Earth‘s Really Seedy Tortilla Chips load up on vitamins, fiber and flax. The chips sell from Ralphs for around $4 a bag.

Corazonas

Corazonas’ Freedom To Snack Potato and Tortilla Chips tap plant sterols (which naturally occur in fruits and vegetables) to help lower cholesterol for a healthy heart Corazonas owns the patent to infuse plant sterols into food, a process approved by the American Heart Association. To put it to the test, sign up on Corazonas’ website to take the 28-day challenge and see if Corazonas chips lower your cholesterol. Pick up a bag from retailer near you for around $3.