Hasta La Ideas

The latest movie in our Dezeen x MINI Living series explores architect Maria Vergopoulou’s concept for self-build micro homes made of bioplastic, which came third in the Dezeen x MINI Living Future Urban Home Competition. 

The proposal, called Cocoon BioFloss, features clusters of pod-like homes made from thin bioplastic fibres, which resemble strands of candy floss.

The concept was submitted by Vergopoulou in response to the Dezeen x MINI Living Future Urban Home Competition brief, which asked Dezeen readers to design a home that would address the challenges cities could face in 100 years time.

In her proposal, the UK-based architect imagines an “economically and politically uncertain” future in which resources are scarce. She predicts that this would lead to the emergence of a new DIY movement, and spark innovations in construction technology.

Traditional building materials such as brick and concrete would be replaced by bioplastic, a renewable material derived from agricultural bi-products.

The material’s ingredients would be harvested from organic matter such as sunflowers, potatoes and apples, which would be grown on site by the buildings’ occupants.

Vergopoulou said this would would make Cocoon BioFloss “accessible and affordable”, as well as sustainable.

Cocoon BioFloss buildings would be completed in two stages. Sheets of the material would be layered over wire frames to create a weatherproof, translucent shell.

Then, the inside surface of the shell would be sprayed with extremely fine fibres to create what Vergopoulou describes as a “candy floss web”. These fibres would also be used to create the building’s internal walls.

The kitchen of each residence, situated at the heart of the unit’s floor plan, would double as a laboratory where bioplastic production would take place.

“It is the most important part of the house,” Vergopoulou told Dezeen.

The other rooms of the house would be strategically located around the kitchen. Their configuration would be influenced by the site’s sun path and location of natural resources.

The internal layout of each housing unit would be unique to both the site and the individual requirements of its occupants.

Vergopoulou envisions that the Cocoon BioFloss units would be arranged in a circular grid formation to accommodate allotments where the ingredients for biomaterial production would be cultivated.

Due to its flexible and self-sustaining nature, the BioFloss material “could be adjusted to adapt to many locations and climate conditions,” Vergopoulou said.

The architect hopes that the construction industry will start to combine innovation with consideration for the environment and start to “think outside of the traditional methods of fabrication and materiality”.

“For decades we have overproduced and over-consumed in terrifying amounts,” she said.

Cocoon BioFloss competed with over 400 entries from 56 different countries before being selected from a shortlist of 15. The proposal proceeded to claim third prize in the competition behind The Kentish Classic and Hour Glass, which were awarded first and second place respectively.

The contest is an extension of the ongoing Dezeen x MINI Living Initiative, a collaboration between Dezeen and MINI Living exploring the ideas that could shape our cities in years to come.

The post Cocoon BioFloss would enable people to grow their own micro homes appeared first on Dezeen.

Basée à Minneapolis aux États-Unis, la photographe autodidacte Lauren Wuornos nous propose avec ses oeuvres une immersion au sein d’une atmosphère électrisante et mystique. Jouant avec des couleurs vibrantes et des modèles au regard évasif, l’artiste réalise des clichés où il nous semble presque être arrivé au coeur d’un film de science-fiction. D’ailleurs, la photographe exprime s’intéresser beaucoup à l’actualité en technologie et à la réalité virtuelle.

«Mon travail est influencé par le cinéma, l’avenir et les rêves éclatants, alors j’aime accorder une attention particulière à la composition et à la couleur. Je suis attirée par ce qui est “dark” et mystérieux. Je suis aussi curieuse de connaître tous ces endroits cachés que l’esprit habite, ainsi que l’avenir des technologies immersives. J’aimerais un jour créer un travail significatif qui mélangerait des expériences de réalité augmentée et de réalité virtuelle en tant que nouvelle forme de narration», nous confie-t-elle.

Bien que sa signature graphique soit bigarrée, l’esthétique de ses photographies demeure soignée et une sensation futuristique demeure.

This year is, for all intents and purposes, the year of the retro wave. The Moto Razr is relaunching, Disney is practically remaking all their glorious movies, and nixie tubes may just be making a full comeback too!

The use of Nixie tubes dates back to the 50s, being used as light-up numeric indicators in various technical equipments. These tubes were hand-crafted, and required a great deal of technical expertise to manufacture. Needless to say, the tubes were soon replaced by flipboard displays, and then eventually pixels. The Nixie Tube still remains a lovable piece of technology that is reminiscent of a time when things were made by hand, and adored for its steampunk aesthetic.

The ZIN18 Reborn Clock is a modern-day throwback to that time. Designed by the designers and craftsmen at Millclock Company, the ZIN18 Reborn is a six-tube clock that features Millclock Company’s ZIN18 nixie tubes. These tubes are crafted entirely by hand, and use better materials and manufacturing processes than the tubes made half a century ago. They also run on incredibly low energy.

A delightful combination of old and new, the ZIN18 Reborn Clock does a hat-tip to the 70-year-old nixie technology while remaining a pretty sophisticated clock in its own right. It can be controlled via a smartphone app, and even features a touch-sensitive control panel to set the time. The clock has the ability to synchronize its timekeeping via the internet, and even features an alarm! The ZIN18 Reborn clock comes with a polished metal base and 6 individual nixie tubes that can be fitted into their individual housings. To protect these tubes from dislodging, or any accidental nudging, the clock comes with a glass hood that encases all six tubes, giving you a clear view of the time while also indicating the precious quality of these expertly handcrafted tubes.

Nixie tubes today are hard to find, given that nobody mass-produces them anymore, especially since they’re incredibly difficult to manufacture and require a skilled hand. Determined to bring this heartwarming piece of technology back, Millclock Company is working to evolve the craft, resulting in tubes that are stronger, safer, and have a lifespan of as long as 20 years of continuous usage. The ZIN18 tubes boast of the craftsmanship one would expect from a jeweler or a watchmaker, and the company also plans to make these tubes readily available to hobbyists and designers who want to use these tubes for their own projects in the future.

Designer: Millclock Company

Click Here to Buy Now: $97

ZIN18 is a modernized and most compact Nixie tube that has been produced. These tubes are crafted entirely by hand, and use better materials and manufacturing processes than the tubes made half a century ago. They also run on incredibly low energy. The Reborn ZIN18 Nixie clock works for about 20 years or 200.000 hours of uninterrupted time-telling, 24/7.

Determined to bring this heartwarming piece of technology back, Millclock Company is working to evolve the craft, resulting in tubes that are stronger, safer, and have a lifespan of as long as 20 years of continuous usage.

Conceptually, the name ZIN is a blend of the Z class and IN class Nixie tubes. The design of transformation of two classes into one new variety took us profound research and hard work.

The Millclock team modernized a beautiful base that is used in the Z class lamps. Then, they elongated a small IN18 Nixie tube, by only 44mm and mount it on the base.

The team manually assembles 47 best quality components of the envelope. Then, they create the glass tube and the thread in special machines and put the whole piece in the “ovens” with temperatures more than 600 degrees Celsius. Next, the team anneal’s it and infuses the mixture of pure gasses, and finally test it on the stand. This process results in a highly strengthened glass of the tube and leak-free seal at the bottom part of the lamp. And those are the two main check points of the tube’s long service time.

Reborn ZIN18 tubes are available with three varieties of bases to meet your aesthetic vision in projects making: polished aluminum, black anodized and sand blasted aluminum.

In ZIN18, the cathode digits can be easily programmed to show exact time and other valuable data. The digits can run diverse visual effects. They can slowly slide or quickly switch with adjustable speed that looks phantasmagorical, especially in the dark premises.

To create a mood-light effect at home, you can switch on the under lighting. The software allows for a vast range of colors and visual effects of under lighting that can create any mood in your home – party, romantic or relaxing.

ZIN18 Nixie clock works via Android and Apple iOS, it also supports censor communication through the embedded touch pad.

The manufacturing of this beautiful nixie equals to art-making, as making mechanical clocks, perfume, or gem jewelry. The process is quite intricate but mesmerizing and has the following milestones.

Click Here to Buy Now: $97

This year is, for all intents and purposes, the year of the retro wave. The Moto Razr is relaunching, Disney is practically remaking all their glorious movies, and nixie tubes may just be making a full comeback too!

The use of Nixie tubes dates back to the 50s, being used as light-up numeric indicators in various technical equipments. These tubes were hand-crafted, and required a great deal of technical expertise to manufacture. Needless to say, the tubes were soon replaced by flipboard displays, and then eventually pixels. The Nixie Tube still remains a lovable piece of technology that is reminiscent of a time when things were made by hand, and adored for its steampunk aesthetic.

The ZIN18 Reborn Clock is a modern-day throwback to that time. Designed by the designers and craftsmen at Millclock Company, the ZIN18 Reborn is a six-tube clock that features Millclock Company’s ZIN18 nixie tubes. These tubes are crafted entirely by hand, and use better materials and manufacturing processes than the tubes made half a century ago. They also run on incredibly low energy.

A delightful combination of old and new, the ZIN18 Reborn Clock does a hat-tip to the 70-year-old nixie technology while remaining a pretty sophisticated clock in its own right. It can be controlled via a smartphone app, and even features a touch-sensitive control panel to set the time. The clock has the ability to synchronize its timekeeping via the internet, and even features an alarm! The ZIN18 Reborn clock comes with a polished metal base and 6 individual nixie tubes that can be fitted into their individual housings. To protect these tubes from dislodging, or any accidental nudging, the clock comes with a glass hood that encases all six tubes, giving you a clear view of the time while also indicating the precious quality of these expertly handcrafted tubes.

Nixie tubes today are hard to find, given that nobody mass-produces them anymore, especially since they’re incredibly difficult to manufacture and require a skilled hand. Determined to bring this heartwarming piece of technology back, Millclock Company is working to evolve the craft, resulting in tubes that are stronger, safer, and have a lifespan of as long as 20 years of continuous usage. The ZIN18 tubes boast of the craftsmanship one would expect from a jeweler or a watchmaker, and the company also plans to make these tubes readily available to hobbyists and designers who want to use these tubes for their own projects in the future.

Designer: Millclock Company

Click Here to Buy Now: $97

ZIN18 is a modernized and most compact Nixie tube that has been produced. These tubes are crafted entirely by hand, and use better materials and manufacturing processes than the tubes made half a century ago. They also run on incredibly low energy. The Reborn ZIN18 Nixie clock works for about 20 years or 200.000 hours of uninterrupted time-telling, 24/7.

Determined to bring this heartwarming piece of technology back, Millclock Company is working to evolve the craft, resulting in tubes that are stronger, safer, and have a lifespan of as long as 20 years of continuous usage.

Conceptually, the name ZIN is a blend of the Z class and IN class Nixie tubes. The design of transformation of two classes into one new variety took us profound research and hard work.

The Millclock team modernized a beautiful base that is used in the Z class lamps. Then, they elongated a small IN18 Nixie tube, by only 44mm and mount it on the base.

The team manually assembles 47 best quality components of the envelope. Then, they create the glass tube and the thread in special machines and put the whole piece in the “ovens” with temperatures more than 600 degrees Celsius. Next, the team anneal’s it and infuses the mixture of pure gasses, and finally test it on the stand. This process results in a highly strengthened glass of the tube and leak-free seal at the bottom part of the lamp. And those are the two main check points of the tube’s long service time.

Reborn ZIN18 tubes are available with three varieties of bases to meet your aesthetic vision in projects making: polished aluminum, black anodized and sand blasted aluminum.

In ZIN18, the cathode digits can be easily programmed to show exact time and other valuable data. The digits can run diverse visual effects. They can slowly slide or quickly switch with adjustable speed that looks phantasmagorical, especially in the dark premises.

To create a mood-light effect at home, you can switch on the under lighting. The software allows for a vast range of colors and visual effects of under lighting that can create any mood in your home – party, romantic or relaxing.

ZIN18 Nixie clock works via Android and Apple iOS, it also supports censor communication through the embedded touch pad.

The manufacturing of this beautiful nixie equals to art-making, as making mechanical clocks, perfume, or gem jewelry. The process is quite intricate but mesmerizing and has the following milestones.

Click Here to Buy Now: $97

Véritable photographe explorateur, le français Jonk n’hésite jamais à parcourir des pays afin de découvrir et capturer des lieux méconnus. Ses oeuvres nous donnent à voir la force de l’environnement sous un regard neuf et nous amènent aux confins d’espaces laissés pour compte avec une poésie brute. Entre sa curiosité sans limite, sa passion pour le street art et la Nature avec un grand N, l’artiste nous parle un peu de son processus créatif et de ce qui l’inspire à partir à l’aventure.

Quel parcours t’a amené à devenir photographe?

Quand j’étais jeune, mes parents m’envoyaient une fois par an dans une famille américaine pendant deux semaines. C’était pendant les vacances de février en France, mais les Américains n’avaient pas de vacances, j’allais donc à l’école avec mon correspondant. J’ai fait ça de mes 11 à 17 ans. Au début, j’amenais plusieurs appareils photo jetables. Ça a été mes premières photos. Au bout d’un moment, je me suis acheté un appareil argentique. Pendant longtemps je ne faisais donc que des photos «souvenirs» – un peu mauvaises ! -, je ne me considérais pas encore comme photographe. C’est mon premier vrai voyage en solitaire qui a été un réel déclic. J’avais 19 ans et c’était à Barcelone. J’ai découvert le graffiti et pour la première fois, j’ai trouvé un sujet qui m’a poussé a essayé de faire de belles photos!

On le découvre à travers tes différentes séries et publications, les édifices et les espaces abandonnés où la nature reprend ses droits, comme dans la série «Naturalia», te passionnent énormément…

Oui, c’est justement le graffiti qui m’a amené aux lieux abandonnés où les graffeurs vont souvent peindre pour être seuls, tranquilles, et prendre leur temps de faire de plus grandes et plus belles peintures. Après quelques temps à fréquenter ces artistes, j’ai moi-même commencé à peindre dans ces lieux et c’est pourquoi j’utilise aujourd’hui le surnom «Jonk». En visitant des lieux abandonnés à la recherche de graffitis, j’ai réalisé l’intensité des atmosphères et la beauté du spectacle du passage du temps : la rouille, les murs fissurés, la peinture qui s’écaille, les fenêtres cassées, la nature qui reprend le dessus et créée des scènes incroyables, d’une grande photogénie. Je me suis donc mis à visiter des lieux abandonnés, pour le graffiti ou pas.

Avec le temps, mon intérêt s’est concentré sur ce qui m’est apparu le plus fort dans ce vaste sujet de l’abandon: les lieux repris par la Nature. C’est poétique, presque magique, de voir cette Nature reprendre ce qui a été sienne, réintégrer par des fenêtres cassées, des fissures, les espaces construits par l’Homme puis délaissés, jusqu’à les engloutir totalement. Ce thème s’est imposé à moi naturellement grâce à la conscience écologique qui m’anime depuis mon plus jeune âge et la force du message qu’il porte : la question de la place de l’Homme sur terre, et de sa relation avec la Nature. C’est très facile de faire un lien entre l’écologie et mes photos.

Aujourd’hui, j’ai visité plus de mille lieux abandonnés dans une quarantaine de pays sur quatre continents.  

Dans ta dernière série, tu nous amènes au sein des paysages méconnus de l’ex-Yougoslavie pour y explorer des statues oubliées.

En 2016, alors que je préparais un voyage dans les Balkans, j’ai découvert ces Spomeniks ou monuments oubliés, comme tu dis. Comme certains d’entre eux sont abandonnés, ils sont apparus dans mes recherches. J’en suis tombé amoureux instantanément. J’en ai trouvé énormément et ils ont représenté au final presque la moitié des lieux que j’ai visités lors de mon premier voyage de 2016. J’ai parcouru 5500 kilomètres à travers ce qui est aujourd’hui la Bosnie-Herzégovine, la Serbie, la Croatie, le Kosovo, le Monténégro, la Macédoine et la Slovénie et j’ai photographié 21 Spomeniks. Ce voyage a été une révélation. J’avais pressenti la puissance des monuments lors de mes recherches, mais les voir de mes propres yeux a été bien plus intense. Ça m’a confirmé que je devais creuser le sujet et retourner dans les Balkans.

J’y suis donc retourné en 2017 où j’ai parcouru cette fois-ci 4500 kilomètres à travers les mêmes pays. J’ai visité 29 Spomeniks lors de ce voyage ainsi que de nombreux lieux abandonnés. Et au final ces deux voyages ont donné un livre: Spomeniks!

Comment t’y prends-tu pour découvrir tous ces lieux et trésors cachés?

C’est la partie la plus compliquée! Après il suffit d’acheter un billet d’avion, louer une voiture et faire «clic»! J’exagère, mais effectivement trouver des lieux abandonnés est assez difficile, surtout des lieux intéressants. Je fais énormément de recherche sur internet, je passe des heures à fouiner sur Google Maps en vue satellite. Pour certains pays, il y a des bases de données qui référencent les édifices en périls, ça peut aider. Comme je suis un peu suivi sur les réseaux, il n’est pas rare que des gens viennent me parler pour me dire que dans leur village ou dans celui de leur grand-mère il y a tel ou tel bâtiment abandonné…

As-tu des nouveautés à venir?

Oui plusieurs, notamment un livre sur un thème assez insolite qui va sortir dans quelques mois.

Suivez le travail et les voyages du photographe sur Instagram.

Warehouse, Taiwan, 2017

Mansion, Taiwan, 2017