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Apr 20

Swapping video calls for VR will change our homes forever says Space Popular

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The Venn Room by Space Popular virtual reality

This movie by Space Popular explores how virtual reality could become as widespread as the video call, allowing our homes to digitally merge with those of our loved ones.

Zoom meetings and FaceTime calls have become a major form of communication, as people around the world face the realties of life and work in coronavirus shutdown.

Space Popular founders Lara Lesmes and Fredrik Hellberg believe this technology will be superseded by the widespread adoption of VR.

The Venn Room by Space Popular at Tallin Architecture Biennale 2019 — Virtual reality will be a new form of communication, says Space Popular

The pair suggest that, as people start to communicate with friends and family in virtual reality, the physical spaces of their homes will overlap, shaping new hybrid spaces for them to inhabit together.

This proposal featured in The Venn Room, a virtual-reality installation that the two architectural designers created for the Tallinn Architecture Biennale in 2019.

The Venn Room by Space Popular — When people come together in virtual reality, their physical environments overlap

The VR movie that featured in this installation was never intended to be seen outside of the installation.

But in light of the pandemic, Lesmes and Hellberg have produced a 2D version of it, which is making its premiere here on Dezeen.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is the first major health crisis humans have experienced where live communication is possible,” they told Dezeen. “The fact that we can see and hear bits of each other makes isolation perhaps a bit more bearable.”

“This current situation, in all its awfulness, might serve as a moment to reconsider and experiment with the place that technology takes in our lives, opening our eyes to the threats it poses but also the opportunities it offers,” they said.

The film looks at what happens when two people wearing VR headsets occupy the same virtual space, but are located in different physical spaces.

When they come together, the physical spaces of their homes are inadvertently combined, just like a Venn diagram. The size, shape and layout of these spaces dictates where people can sit or stand. If two people want to sit together, for instance, they have to move physical furniture to align.

This creates opportunities for people to actively and collectively create shared environments, as a form of augmented reality. It could lead to all kinds of new virtual spaces, for both work and play.

“As long as you choose to access virtual worlds from within the safety of your privately owned property, your physical home will inevitably become the skeleton upon which these worlds are built,” said Lesmes and Hellberg.

The Venn Room hero — Many of these virtual spaces could be created in one home

The Venn Room is one of several VR experiences that Space Popular has designed. The London-based studio is particularly interested in the impact this technology will have on architecture in the future.

With many people stuck at home, Lesmes and Hellberg hope this film will show them how virtual reality can offer greater possibilities for togetherness, while also giving people a renewed interest in their immediate surroundings.

“Virtual togetherness and remote communication is an ongoing project which is both technological and cultural,” they added.

“It has only been 150 years since the telephone was invented and, since then, we have never stopped our efforts to transfer as much of us as possible and with ever greater fidelity at every step.”

“We have the chance to choose how to use and manage that technology and how to make it part of our lives.”

Space Popular is a design studio founded by Lesmes and Hellberg in in 2013 in Bangkok, where for five years they taught architecture. Other recently completed projects by the firm include Brick Vault House in Valencia, a video installation at the gate of a historic palace in Seoul, and an installation that charts the past 500 years of architectural history at RIBA.

The post Swapping video calls for VR will change our homes forever says Space Popular appeared first on Dezeen.

Apr 20

Gift Guide: 420 Happens Twice a Day

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Each of these cannabis-centric products gives back to the community

As our focus on physical and emotional wellness intensifies, many individuals turn to cannabis because it can help with chronic pain, anxiety, stress, inflammation and more. But while the cannabis industry continues to grow and profit, many people suffer at the hands of long-stranding injustices. Thus, for this 420, we have selected some of our favorite products from brands that give back—all of which we highlight before. It’s worth noting that many other companies in this segment aren’t big enough to donate just yet (or face legal challenges which forbid them from doing so) and with that in mind, we encourage you to buy from women- and BIPOC-owned brands whenever possible. (Some of our favorites include Native Humboldt Farms, Buena Botanicals, Session Goods, and Botaniq.)

If you’re interested in the ever-evolving and fast-growing cannabis industry, take a look at initiatives like Cannabis Cultural Association and Cannaclusive, which attempt to create a more diverse and fair playing field, or Last Prisoner Project and Equity Org, whose members work tirelessly to right the wrongs caused by the unjust and racist War on Drugs.

Liquid Live Resin Mimosa Cartridge

Available in select legal cannabis dispensaries, Bloom Farms’ 500mg Liquid Live Resin Mimosa cartridge ($35) delivers cannabis concentrate produced with a focus on freshness. The live resin designation states that the concentrate is extracted from flash-frozen plant matter, ensuring that the true flavors and terpenes of the plant are embodied in the extract. Produced by Symbiotic Genetics, the Mimosa strain boasts notes of citrus and soft grape and provides a mild, uplifting high. Plus, the purchase of one Bloom Farms cartridge guarantees the donation of one meal through their “One For One” partnership with a number of West Coast food banks.

“It’s a Plant, You’re an Animal” T-Shirt

Emblazoned with the straightforward and factual “It’s a plant, you’re an animal,” this long-sleeve T-shirt ($30) from Miss Grass highlights the way that something born from nature has been stigmatized, racialized and demonized. With 100% of the profits donated to the National Bail Out Fund—an organization led by black people and focused on black people incarcerated pre-trial because they cannot afford bail—this top is more than a slogan.

Good Day Tincture

Providing a sense of calm clarity, Prismatic Plants’ Good Day tincture ($70) combines adaptogens with cannabidiol to combat stress and anxiety. Eucalyptol improves brain function and alertness, while various other essential oils and terpenes provide benefits from improved focus to elevated moods. Prismatic Plants also donates proceeds to various initiatives including The Hood Incubator, Women’s Voices and the Weil Foundation.

Hemp-Infused Olive Oil

Potli’s hemp-infused cold-pressed olive oil ($30) is genuine EVOO—made when olives are crushed using force, instead of chemicals, heat or other techniques. This oil boasts a naturally peppery taste and the cannabidiol adds to its existing herbaceous and floral flavor. In each 250ml bottle, there’s 250mg hemp-derived, non-psychoactive CBD; more dosage information can be found online. With each purchase, Potli donates product of equal or greater value to Food Runners, an organization dedicated to alleviating food insecurity and reducing waste in San Francisco.

Salome Aromatic CBD Anointing Oil

Highborn formulates all of their sublime small-batch products with the utmost care. Using ingredients sourced directly from organic farmers, the brand (founded and helmed by Lauren Gannes) is firmly rooted in nature, science and ritual. Their exquisite Salome Aromatic CBD Anointing Oil ($58) is made with essential oils derived from rose otto, holy basil, sweet orange, and sandalwood—along with 420mg of full-spectrum cannabidiol from certified organic and ethically farmed cannabis plants. The slightly herbaceous aroma balances upon rose’s delicate floral scent and holy basil’s spice. A reiki-charged quartz, intended to protect and promote positivity, sits inside. Currently Highborn donates 10% of all sales to various NYC food banks to help those facing food insecurity.

Red Ikebana Cannabis Arrangement Art Print

Made in collaboration with cannabis publication Broccoli Magazine, Goldleaf’s pretty ikebana prints ($33) embed the marijuana leaf subtly in larger, delicate floral arrangements by Amy Merrick. Printed on thick, uncoated archival paper, this print comes in one size (18 by 24 inches) and in three iterations: print only, print in walnut hanging rails, and print in maple hanging rails. Best of all, Goldleaf actively supports (financially and through word of mouth) the Project Sanctuary and the Last Prisoner Project.

Legalize Humanity Cap

Available in brown, black or tan, these adjustable caps ($35) from Old Pal Provisions are part of the brand’s Legalize Humanity collection, from which 100% of the proceeds are donated to organizations making a positive impact on the world. Currently they are sending funds to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund. Crafted from cotton, these embroidered caps are sturdy but will wear in comfortably.

Lighter + Joint Locker

A collaboration between LA-based Besito and Another Room, this handy little joint and lighter locker ($28) safely stores the essentials for an on-the-go smoke session. A cylindrical compartment can fit a joint next to the lighter holder—Besito recommends a standard Bic for the perfect fit. The durable plant-based plastic is easy to clean, should ash or hash clutter the bottom. Best of all, 1% of all proceeds (on all Besito sales) go to Equity First Alliance.

Cannaclusive + tietillyoudie T-Shirt

All 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this Cannaclusive + @tietillyoudie collaboration T-shirt ($35) go to the Detroit-based organization’s free workshop programming. Embroidered by Brooklyn’s The Griggs Brothas and dyed by Nadir Pearson, there are various colorways of the shirt, but all help to support their mission for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Positivity Pack

A collaborative effort between Sojen, Luna, DeskPlants and Sound, the Positivity Pack ($129) features many essentials for winding down—and all of the profits from the sale of kits go to Citymeals on Wheels. The pack includes a bottle of Sojen’s Refocus CBD tincture, Luna’s 15-pound weighted blanket, a Zebra Haworthia from DeskPlants, and an eight-pack of sparkling tea from Sound.

Images courtesy of respective brands, hero image courtesy of Vanessa Lilak for Miss Grass

Apr 20

The Lowdown

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The post The Lowdown appeared first on Creative Review.

Apr 20

A solar-powered floating Airbnb that lets you be a sustainable traveler!

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Unprecedented circumstances where we are all cooped up in our houses during summer just means one thing – bookmarking Airbnb houses and organizing your Pinterest board by what vacation would you like to take in all four seasons. Why a different board for a different season? Because summer is likely to be canceled and we must be prepared with holiday homes, like the Lilypad, that can provide an exclusive experience at any time of the year. I am sure you have seen this before – traveling is canceled (for now) but dreaming isn’t, so with all this extra time I encourage you to join me in daydreaming of a recovery weekend in floating Australian Airbnb.

The Lilypad is a luxury villa designed by Chuck Anderson and is anchored just north of Sydney’s Palm Beach. Anderson is a boat enthusiast so it is no surprise that he created a floating house! This beautiful Airbnb is also eco-conscious, it is completely solar-powered and is slowly helping us pivot towards sustainable travel. The exterior of the house is made from timber and includes an open living area, a wine cellar, a sleeping loft and, of course, a bathroom (for all that wine that we will consume post quarantine on our holiday!). To feel fancy, you have an al fresco dining (means you can eat your food while enjoying the breeze and sun when going outside is cool again) and sunbathing area on the lower level which also boasts of an expansive terrace.

“Lilypad Palm Beach was born by breaking the mold of traditional boating design to create the most unique sustainable escape with uncompromised luxuries,” says Anderson. The white interiors are a soothing contrast to the blue waters and make the natural light that comes in glow more. It’ll also be fun to have a paddleboard race on the waterfront as this Airbnb comes equipped with paddleboards, fishing equipment, and a tender to take to the beach nearby. To add a cherry on top of this dream vacation, the property also comes with a 24-hour concierge who can arrange for on-site massages. Go on, check out, I am going to stay here in my daydream for now.

Designer: Lilypad by Chuck Anderson

Apr 20

This Week on Fubiz Prints : Illustrator Andrea Minini

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Cette semaine, sur Fubiz Prints nous vous invitons à découvrir un nouveau talent dont nous vous proposons de vous procurer les oeuvres jusqu’au 27 avril 12h (heure française). Nous vous présentons donc l’illustrateur italien Andrea Minini.

En utilisant la technique du moiré, il compose des illustrations où les lignes et les courbes dessinent les silhouettes des animaux qui peuplent notre nature.
Il vous propose ainsi une sélection de créations dont chacune est proposée au prix unique de 39€.

Nous vous offrons donc l’opportunité d’acquérir une impression numérotée et donc unique d’une de ses illustrations à l’univers hypnotique, durant une semaine, au format de 48 x 68 cm imprimée sur un Papier d’art de qualité MOHAWK (175gsm Superfine Eggshell). Vous avez jusqu’au lundi 27 avril 12h (heure française) pour commander votre oeuvre favorite. Ne ratez pas cette occasion unique !

Apr 20

Santoku Knife

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With a 7.125-inch blade, Made In’s new multi-purpose Santoku knives complement standard chef knives. Their unique blade shape, length and edge allow for precision cutting and chopping. As with all of Made In’s premium kitchen knives, the made-in-France Santoku is fully forged and full tang (meaning that it’s crafted from one solid piece of stainless steel). A proprietary NITRO+ hardening treatment guarantees lasting sharpness.

Apr 20

Raissa Pardini’s designs give a bold, typographic face to music

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Raissa Pardini always knew what she wanted to be when she was little – but perhaps more importantly, she always knew what she didn’t want to be. “I wanted to produce art but I didn’t want to be an artist, and that’s when I realised that design could give me all the art I needed in my life without [becoming] an artist.”

The Italian-born, Glasgow-based visual designer has a clear penchant for vibrant colours, bold type and challenging forms, which she channels into gig, tour and event designs for a range of bands and labels, and commissions for brands such as Dr. Martens, Sony, Vevo and Vans.

These projects have become her playground for bending conventions and pushing the envelope as much as she can within the confines of the brief. “I like playing with rules. I love having to deal with letters, spacing, colours, messages, briefs. It’s challenging to me,” she says. While “an artist creates their own rules”, she feels she’s better at breaking pre-existing ones.

One of the greatest visual rule breakers is incidentally one of her key inspirations: Keith Haring. While still living in Italy, Pardini studied art history, a subject “taken very seriously there”. Florence was just an hour train journey from her hometown, and centuries of art history met her at every turn. “I’d have a wander in the Uffizi to see Botticelli, walk around the corner and admire the Giotto Chapel, a Donatello statue, a Michelangelo Sacristy. Lots of history, lots of rules.” For her, it was the likes of Keith Haring who broke those rules.

Pisa is home to one of Haring’s murals, Tuttomondo, which he was commissioned to paint on the back of the Sant’Antonio Abate church only a year before he died – one of his last public artworks. It holds special significance for Pardini, who was born just a couple of months before he completed the work, as it encapsulates what graphic design means to her: “the bridge between developing a strong message and shaping it into a visual content”.

For Pardini’s own line of work, she enjoys playing with this dynamic. “Pushing my creativity to the limit of legibility but at the same time don’t over kill it as the message needs to be delivered – that’s my favourite challenge,” she says. Pardini has applied this approach to a range of designs for music gigs, tours and other events, working across posters and music videos for bands such as Snapped Ankles, Pond, Houseplants, Awesome Tapes from Africa, and hit band Idles. “Those are all graphical compositions made out of only letters and colours,” she says. “I want to push the typography until letters becoming the real artwork feature.”

Typography is such a clear focal point across many of Pardini’s designs, where letters are often obscured and toyed with. So where did this interest come from? “I love writing by hand. I’ve always learnt something I wrote by hand,” she says. “Seeing the letters all together in one place, it was always fascinating me. I spent days asking myself the importance of alphabets, in order to understand and speak to each other.”

Pardini sees how “creatives relate to their past somehow”, and her longstanding fascination with letters have had a strong influence on her preferred visual aesthetic – she has even earned a Masters in Arabian calligraphy.

“The more I studied letters, the more I became passionate about them until the point that I wanted to reconstruct them and use them as artworks rather than ‘letters’ only. I’m not an illustrator but I can make compositions with letters and that’s how I express myself.” For her, it would be something of a dream come true to think that she contributed to the evolution of how letters are used and perceived.

Working predominantly in tandem with the music industry can pose challenges. “The music industry can be tricky, and working with other artists (and their managers) can be really awkward at times. I feel lucky to be approached to work with someone because of my own style, and bands usually trust me to deliver the best piece of work I think would suit them. But it isn’t always like that and it can get frustrating,” she says.

“Deadlines are tight and the design is always the last thing to be called out; budgets can be tight too if there isn’t a visual understanding for the artwork. The music industry is like a very good looking cake and everyone wants a piece of that, but at the same time, it can be a great community of dedicated people that end up being your friends for life.”

Pardini has given a number of talks on the connection between the music industry and visual communication. “It is a topic that isn’t covered enough and I wanted to reach all young artists out there on my pages. Music will always need a ‘face’ for its sound. It always going to need something that makes that noise more tangible and live visually.”

She highlights that this applies far beyond print now, with “so many accounts, sites, profiles, platforms that need digital content right now”. This digital presence means they’re readily available to a great number of people, which Pardini believes makes it all the more important to get the messaging on point. “What if those messages we sent [out] are wrong? A design becomes powerful only when it delivers the right message. We developed that through a very close process with musicians and labels, making sure the design represents their music in the best possible way. And that comes with trust towards the designer too, giving the designer confidence in the work and the effort they will put into their work.”

raissapardini.com; @raissa_pardini

The post Raissa Pardini’s designs give a bold, typographic face to music appeared first on Creative Review.

Apr 20

Lavandaria Morinha laundrette in Portugal takes subtle cues from old washhouses

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Lavandaria Morinha laundrette designed by Stu.dere

Design studio Stu.dere looked into traditional washing methods to create the interior of this laundrette in northern Portugal, which features marble and green-tile surfaces.

Located in the municipality of Amarante, Lavandaria Morinha is a laundrette that includes a service area for garment alterations, repairs, dry cleaning and ironing.