Pebble Beach Concours D’Élegance 2022: Eye-Catching Drop-Tops

Old, new and conceptual roadsters at the exhilarating automotive event

It’s impossible to spend a handful of days staring at automobiles—new, old, restored, conceptual—and not be impressed by them. But when the one-of-one, light blue and black 1932 Duesenberg J Figoni Sports Torpedo claimed best of show at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Élegance, a long weekend’s worth of car musings clicked: the roadster is roaring back. Perhaps it’s an appreciation of fresh air and the open road, the type of carefree existence long associated with drop-tops or the mere fact that a surprising number of new-to-market cars are all concept-to-production or straight-to-production vehicles, but roadsters unequivocally caught our attention this past weekend. Here are just some presented at this year’s Concours d’Élegance that piqued our interest.

<img data-attachment-id="293706" data-permalink="https://coolhunting.com/design/pebble-beach-concours-delegance-2022-eye-catching-drop-tops/attachment/pebble-beach-concours-delegance-4/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PEBBLE22to_012417-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1652&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1652" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"7.1","credit":"u00a9Rolex/Tom O'Neal","camera":"ILCE-1","caption":"Best in Show at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours du2019Elegance presented by David Stivers, CEO of Pebble Beach Company, Sandra Button, Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours du2019Elegance, and Derek HillrrG-06 1932 Duesenberg J Figoni Sports Torpedo Lee R. Anderson Sr., Naples, Florida","created_timestamp":"1661099986","copyright":"Protected by Copyright","focal_length":"35","iso":"800","shutter_speed":"0.0008","title":"Pebble Beach Concours du2019Elegance","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance" data-image-description="

Courtesy of Rolex

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Best in Show at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance presented by David Stivers, CEO of Pebble Beach Company, Sandra Button, Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and Derek Hill

G-06 1932 Duesenberg J Figoni Sports Torpedo Lee R. Anderson Sr., Naples, Florida

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Courtesy of Rolex

1932 Duesenberg J Figoni Sports Torpedo

A motor vehicle doesn’t survive 90 years without a few stories to tell. This familiar 420-cubic-inch straight eight, with its long hood and boat-tail rear, is the work of French coach-builder Figoni et Falaschi. Its first owner was Peruvian sugar heir (and Bugatti fan) Antonio Chopitea. Prior to Chopitea taking delivery, the Model J competed in the 1932 Paris-Nice Rally. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the vehicle made it to America, albeit with the body separated from the chassis. Three years ago they were finally reunited, with a restoration that lasted just as long. The nameplate is a familiar one on the lawn: Duesenberg has long been the most successful American marque at Pebble Beach, with six prior wins; this victory brings its total to seven.

<img data-attachment-id="293709" data-permalink="https://coolhunting.com/design/pebble-beach-concours-delegance-2022-eye-catching-drop-tops/attachment/v12_vantage_roadster_02/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/V12_Vantage_Roadster_02-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1707" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"5","credit":"Dominic Fraser","camera":"ILCE-7RM4","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1659078085","copyright":"IG-@_fraser73","focal_length":"85","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.01","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="V12_Vantage_Roadster_02" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="

Courtesy of Aston Martin

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Courtesy of Aston Martin

Aston Martin DBR22

Honed by the carmaker’s in-house bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin (which turns 10 this year), the DBR22 features a 5.2-liter V12-engine two-seater coach-built design concept, what the brand is calling “a true celebration of our extraordinary bloodline of open-cockpit sports racers.” A unique carbon fiber design fills the new front grille space in place of the usual veins seen on series production Aston Martins. Culled directly from the DBR1 and DB3S, it’s a classic example of refreshed heritage. Twin nacelles carve airflow behind the driver and passenger’s heads, showcasing a completely new body form.

<img data-attachment-id="293721" data-permalink="https://coolhunting.com/design/pebble-beach-concours-delegance-2022-eye-catching-drop-tops/attachment/1951-talbot-lago/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1951-Talbot-Lago.jpg?fit=2072%2C1378&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2072,1378" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="1951-Talbot-Lago" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="

Courtesy of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

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Courtesy of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

1951 Talbot-Lago Type 26

The Mullin Automotive Museum’s 1951 Talbot-Lago Type 26 Grand Sports Stabilimenti Farina Cabriolet was awarded the “Best in Class” prize and competed as a finalist for “Best in Show.” Another one-off, this Talbot-Lago is the only one to feature Italian-built coachwork. As the story goes, the car’s original owner demanded the wooden model used in manufacturing be destroyed so that nobody could have anything similar. When it finally arrived with its original owner in Portugal, it was chased down by another individual who fell in love with the car, successfully purchased it from the original owner and held the car for over 50 years.

<img data-attachment-id="293712" data-permalink="https://coolhunting.com/design/pebble-beach-concours-delegance-2022-eye-catching-drop-tops/attachment/656745_20220816_polestar_electric_roadster_concept/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/656745_20220816_Polestar_electric_roadster_concept-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1920&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1920" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="656745_20220816_Polestar_electric_roadster_concept" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="

Courtesy of Polestar

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Courtesy of Polestar

Polestar 6

Expected to launch in 2026, the bonded unibody Polestar 6 is already available for pre-order by way of the LA Concept edition. The first 500 production cars will include custom-designed 21-inch alloy wheels, the Sky exterior, special bodyside graphics and a distinctive, animal welfare-traced leather interior. While Polestar is deeply invested in making cars, the brand is equally interested in recycling them. An embarrassingly small share of the aluminum used in cars is recycled back to its original quality, while the rest is downcycled. Polestar O₂ (the company’s 2+2 electric roadster concept) tackles this issue with a simple solution: labeled aluminum grades which retain certain material properties despite several reuses.

<img data-attachment-id="293714" data-permalink="https://coolhunting.com/design/pebble-beach-concours-delegance-2022-eye-catching-drop-tops/attachment/small-19604-maseratimc20cielo-dynamic/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Small-19604-MaseratiMC20Cielo-dynamic.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=1" data-orig-size="1500,1000" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="Small-19604-MaseratiMC20Cielo-dynamic" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="

Courtesy of Maserati

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Courtesy of Maserati

Maserati MC20 Cielo Spyder

Maserati calls the MC20 Cielo Spyder their “super sports car.” It’s been 21 years since Maserati produced its own power. MC20’s 621hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 Nettuno engine is created and assembled in-house. A rear-wheel-drive supercar, it was designed, as executives note, to “enable convertible versions and for full electric power.” MC20 Cielo Spyder is the second iteration of the MC20’s monocoque chassis and features a two-piece electrochromic folding glass roof as well as a polycarbonate engine cover with cutouts in the shape of a trident.

Hero image courtesy of Aston Martin 

Forget Skyscrapers: Dubai Architecture Firm Proposes a Sky Circle

From Dubai-based architecture firm ZN | Era comes this interesting proposal: The Downtown Circle, a massive elevated circular structure that would surround the Burj Khalifa. (Think supersized version of Apple’s headquarters, in a configuration ill-suited for acrophobes.)

“As a response to the dilemma of how to build densely while retaining liveability, the Downtown Circle project establishes a sustainable and a self-sufficient vertical urbanism. As a singular mega building complex, it aims to create a hyper efficient urban center that gives back to the environment. The proposed 550 meter tall mega structure offers an alternative to the singular and unconnected high-rises found in most metropolitan areas.”

“The Skypark: Different natural scenarios and climates are recreated inside the continuous skypark, forecasting a lively journey to the visitors and residents. They can experience the canyons, sandy dunes and plants from various floras. Swamps, waterfalls and tropical vegetation or the digital caves, cascades, fruit-trees and flowers of various hues and species together enrich the green ecosystem.”

“A fleet of suspended peripheral pods transport passengers from one node to another in the Downtown Circle. These suspended vessels travel through a network of rail at the bottom tier to get to their destination.”

“The environmental performance of the external louver system is optimized by varying the density of the louvers from one area of the facade to another in response to solar orientation and the self-shadowing that results from the building geometry. This geometry and the architecture of the facade in combination with the play of shimmering light effects from the surrounding water contributes to the compelling atmospheric and iconic quality of the @downtowncircle. The elevated heliport located on the roof of the inner ring provides transportation to all inhabitants.”

For reasons unknown, the project is only listed on ZN | Era’s Instagram page and not on their website.

Iron & Wine feat. Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart: That’s How You Know (Lori McKenna Cover)

Iron & Wine (aka singer-songwriter Sam Beam) has collaborated with vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart of Chicago art-rock band Finom (formerly known as Ohmme) for an eerie, enveloping and textured cover of folk singer Lori McKenna’s “That’s How You Know.” The track will appear on a four-song Lori McKenna cover EP from Beam, Cunningham and Stewart, entitled LORI, out September 16. Nebila Oguz conceptualized, directed and animated the equally mesmerizing music video.

Leatherman's Batch #003: Swappable Blades, Made from Existing Parts

Leatherman’s new limited-run Batch #003 tool is an interesting departure for the brand. Created by their in-house skunkworks, known as the Garage division, the tool was designed by starting with existing parts from other Leatherman products. The result is a slim knife with swappable blades, and which includes the tools needed to swap the blades.

“Our goal is to make the best folding knife possible by using the greatest amount of found resources from the factory. The final product uses 26 parts and includes an innovative interchangeable blade system.”

“Make the knife suitable to your situation and get the most in versatility with the Batch #003: PARTS multipurpose tool. Switch out the work blade with a standard everyday carry (aka EDC) blade, so you can adapt to whatever you need in the moment. The selection of materials, intentional design, and evolved ergonomics give you comfort, confidence, and functionality throughout your day. The blade is simple and easy-to-launch and is operable from a slim, lightweight frame. The G10 handle scales feel and look good and are built to last, just like every product Leatherman creates.”

The Batch #003 runs $215.

Forthcoming "The History of Turntable Design" Book&nbsp;

Phaidon and Gideon Schwartz, founder of high-end audio equipment showroom Audioarts, published their Hi-Fi: The History of High-End Audio Design book in 2019. The massive tome contained no less than 300 images of hi-fi hardware from the 1950s to present day.

Now he’s back with a follow-up: Revolution, The History of Turntable Design. As the title suggests, this one zeros in on our record-spinning machines. (The narrower focus, however, doesn’t mean a reduction in coverage; this book, too, contains 300 images.)

“The design, history, and cultural impact of turntables and vinyl technology: the twin powerhouses of the ‘vinyl revival’ phenomenon.”

“Interest in turntables and records is enjoying a renaissance as analog natives and new converts find their enduring style and extraordinary sound inimitable. Revolution, a follow-up to Phaidon’s beloved Hi-Fi: The History of High-End Audio Design, explores the design and cultural impact of the turntable, the component at the center of the ‘vinyl revival’. An essential book for audiophiles, collectors, and design fans, Revolution showcases the fascinating history of turntables and vinyl technology from the 1950s to today’s cutting-edge designs.”

“Written by Schwartz, author of Hi-Fi: The History of High-End Audio Design, who is an audio design expert and passionate about analog music, this book includes 300 illustrations from the world of turntables, from affordable to high-end, and everything in between. An essential addition to the bookshelf for analog natives and those new to the vinyl revival as well as music and design lovers.”

Published by Phaidon, the $90 book is available for pre-order now and will ship in November.

Beautiful EDC Objects from Dango Products

American manufacturer Dango Products makes beautifully-machined objects that most of us would consider overkill. That’s why Dango’s products aren’t aimed at most of us: They’re targeted at the EDC market, for whom high quality of manufacture is paramount, made-in-the-USA is ideal and money is no object.

The company has even developed their own proprietary material, a leather substitute called DTEX:

“DTEX is our newly developed material that is non-leather but very durable. The textured surface is easy to clean, water resistant & scratch resistant. The feel is incredibly tactile and molds to your everyday use.”

That DTEX goes into items like their $149 EDC Tray:

Or their $99 Cash Tray:

And if you’re wondering what this massive pen-like object at left is…

…that’s the $40 Dango Permanent Marker, a standard Sharpie encased in a CNC-machined aluminum-and-steel cap and barrel.

The Sharpie is, of course, replaceable; there’s a hole in the bottom of the barrel so that you can pop the Sharpie out when it’s spent.

I’m not an EDC guy, but I love looking at Dango’s stuff.

Montblanc’s Director of New Technologies, Dr Felix Obschonka, On The New Summit 3 Smartwatch

Customizable dials, faster processing and a new sensor are the heart of a handmade titanium case

The name Montblanc conjures images of heirloom-quality writing implements, wristwatches for world explorers and bon vivants, as well as leather goods born from historic craftsmanship. As such, some consumers might be surprised to learn that the heritage brand—which owns a mechanical watch movement manufacture—also produces smartwatches. To understand why, one simply needs to look to Montblanc’s new Summit 3 smartwatch, which marries a unique analog feel (thanks to a handmade titanium case) with future-forward functionality (powered, in part, by the latest version of Wear OS by Google).

We’re now years from Montblanc’s fledgling first steps into technology like this. In 2016, the maison launched Augmented Paper, which paired an elegant Italian leather notebook with a modified StarWalker pen that transformed handwritten notes into digital copies. One year later, the luxury brand launched the first Summit smartwatch. And, in 2019, they entered the ultra-premium noise-cancelling headphone market. Throughout these explorations, Dr Felix Obschonka (Montblanc’s Director of New Technologies) was there to usher the historic brand into the future. Obschonka was also integral in the development of the Summit 3 and his insight has helped to reinforce our own learnings from hands-on time with the product.

Courtesy of Montblanc

“When we talk to watch enthusiasts and they hear that we are doing smartwatches, they sometimes ask us if we still believe in the future of mechanical watches. I think this is the wrong question,” Obschonka tells us. “We are about sharing compassion for watchmaking. So, if you want to wear a smartwatch and you love analog watches, you will want to have something that resembles the look, feel, tactility and quality of a mechanical timepiece. You will want something that looks beautiful. That’s what we are trying to achieve.” Obschonka has observed that most Summit customers already own mechanical watches but they’re interested in the convenience of a smartwatch—and they want to avoid the feeling that they’ve strapped a phone onto their wrist.

Courtesy of Montblanc

Obschonka joined Montblanc eight years ago from the tech world in order to bridge the brand’s DNA with burgeoning consumer needs. “Before Montblanc, my mentality was always, ‘It needs to be faster’ or ‘There needs to be a new feature.’ When I joined Montblanc, I recognized that a physical object has emotion. It’s something we can fall in love with. People appreciate beauty. I needed to learn what this means.” As a path forward, he looked to Montblanc’s legacy timepieces and began considering how they could translate into the digital world.

by David Graver

For Summit 1, Montblanc emulated their 1858 Collection and crafted smartwatch cases from stainless steel. For Summit 3, steel has been swapped out for lighter titanium. This material journey stemmed from a collaborative effort between Obschonka’s division and the watchmaking division. “When we first talked about materials, it was me going to the watch team and saying, ‘You’re the experts,’” he says. “I asked them to explain to me what is important to them and why. For me, it was important that the materials were not only beautiful and well-crafted but that they also served a function.”

by David Graver

This is because “material is always connected to function,” he continues. “In switching from steel to titanium, the lightweight nature equips people to be more active. People can also sleep with their watch on.” For a timepiece that tracks movement and heart rate, a material that encourages greater activity and overnight use is of the utmost benefit to the wearer. This conversation around and commitment to materiality extended from the watch to the very packaging (an embossed box) and the charging equipment.

by David Graver

For the watch design, Obschonka’s team took charge. The Summit 3 smartwatch has several face options—from digitized versions of traditional Montblanc dials to purely digital options, all of which can be selected through the accompanying app. It also has several function screens which can be swiped through on the face itself. “Montblanc’s strengths lie in watchmaking and the variety of watch designs that we have,” Obschonka says. “Customization became central to everything we’ve done for Summit 3. There’s the freedom to express your personality, and every two months a new watch face will be revealed in the app.”

“We wear watches because we love how they look,” he continues. “The first time I received the sample of the Summit 3 watch with the final case and technology, I flicked my wrist and the Geosphere face shined at me. I got goosebumps—I fell in love.” Our experience mirrored Obschonka’s. The dial for Montblanc’s iconic Geosphere mechanical watch epitomizes meticulous time-telling design, and the digital iteration of it for the Summit 3 truly impresses.

<img data-attachment-id="293619" data-permalink="https://coolhunting.com/tech/montblancs-director-of-new-technologies-dr-felix-obschonka-on-the-new-summit-3-smartwatch/attachment/montblanc-summit-3-new-face-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-new-face-2-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1920&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1920" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.8","credit":"","camera":"LEICA Q (Typ 116)","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1420082181","copyright":"","focal_length":"28","iso":"320","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="montblanc-summit-3-new-face-2" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="

by David Graver

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-new-face-2-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-new-face-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1″ loading=”lazy” class=”size-large wp-image-293619″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-new-face-2.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1″ alt=”” width=”1024″ height=”768″ data-recalc-dims=”1″ />

by David Graver

Freed from the restraints of a mechanical movement, Obschonka and his team had the opportunity to rethink how we envision time and what types of functionality people want on their wrist. They learned “most people are interested in tracking their health and wellbeing, as well as staying up to date and in touch. They also want to connect to what’s going on around them. These are the pillars we invested in.”

<img data-attachment-id="293620" data-permalink="https://coolhunting.com/tech/montblancs-director-of-new-technologies-dr-felix-obschonka-on-the-new-summit-3-smartwatch/attachment/montblanc-summit-3-new-dial-david-graver/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-new-dial-david-graver-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1920&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1920" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.8","credit":"","camera":"LEICA Q (Typ 116)","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1420082144","copyright":"","focal_length":"28","iso":"320","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="montblanc-summit-3-new-dial-david-graver" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="

by David Graver

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-new-dial-david-graver-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-new-dial-david-graver-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1″ loading=”lazy” class=”size-large wp-image-293620″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-new-dial-david-graver.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1″ alt=”” width=”1024″ height=”768″ data-recalc-dims=”1″ />

by David Graver

For quantifiable self- and fitness-tracking, they built a system to observe sleep, calories, blood oxygen and stress level metrics. “On the communication side, it was important for us that people receive their messages, emails and phone calls,” he says. “With Summit 3, you can answer these and communicate with others directly through the watch.” As for staying connected, the Summit 3 lets people “control Philips lights at home or pay at a store or use Google maps for directions.”

Anyone who dons a Summit 3 will note its intuitive operating system and the dedicated iPhone and Android apps. “We are not building a smartwatch for techies or early adopters,” Obschonka says. “We are building smartwatches for everyone. We want to include everyone. We made it very intuitive. A lot of gestures have been carried over from earlier generations as well as some from phones.” Swiping through, updating features (or dials) and more is really simple. And pressing the crown brings back the time—which one will never need to set.

<img data-attachment-id="293623" data-permalink="https://coolhunting.com/tech/montblancs-director-of-new-technologies-dr-felix-obschonka-on-the-new-summit-3-smartwatch/attachment/montblanc-summit-3-function/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-function-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1920&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1920" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.8","credit":"","camera":"LEICA Q (Typ 116)","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1420082818","copyright":"","focal_length":"28","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="montblanc-summit-3-function" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="

by David Graver

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-function-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-function-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1″ loading=”lazy” class=”size-large wp-image-293623″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-function.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1″ alt=”” width=”1024″ height=”768″ data-recalc-dims=”1″ />

by David Graver

Montblanc is the only luxury watch that’s built on a Google operating system that also happens to be iOS compatible. “We worked with Google and Qualcomm very closely,” Obschonka says. “We needed their support to make a device that people recognize has the latest technology that’s not just a beautiful dress watch. Google always stands by their partners to bring new devices to the market. They are as committed to what we are doing as we are.”

<img data-attachment-id="293625" data-permalink="https://coolhunting.com/tech/montblancs-director-of-new-technologies-dr-felix-obschonka-on-the-new-summit-3-smartwatch/attachment/montblanc-summit-3-back/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-back-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2560,1707" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.8","credit":"","camera":"LEICA Q (Typ 116)","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1420083201","copyright":"","focal_length":"28","iso":"250","shutter_speed":"0.016666666666667","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="montblanc-summit-3-back" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="

by David Graver

” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-back-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-back-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1″ loading=”lazy” class=”size-large wp-image-293625″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/coolhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/montblanc-summit-3-back.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1″ alt=”” width=”1024″ height=”683″ data-recalc-dims=”1″ />

by David Graver

Known for items that are intended to last for generations, Montblanc does admit that Summit watches will not “last an eternity. That’s a claim you cannot uphold,” according to Obschonka. “Still, we support our clients. We have clients using the Summit 1, which is now six years old. You can exchange the battery and the straps. If you want to continue to enjoy the watch, you can have it serviced. We still support the Summit 1 technology and continue to release new software for it.” An update is coming later this year, in fact.

Montblanc also looks after clients interested in moving forward. “There is technological progress happening, and we recognize people might want to upgrade from a Summit 2 to the Summit 3 because they want the faster processing and the new sensor,” Obschonka adds. “We have a trade-in program, where you trade your existing watch and get value toward buying a new watch. You can continue in the Summit ecosystem.”

Hero image by David Graver

This reconfigurable travel pod is your personal lounge, reading nook or even a gym

We are slowly inching towards a future where smart mobility dominated by social spaces will be the hot trend. Of course, autonomous driving is going to be the ruler all along, since you as a rider get some me time to unwind after a long day at work.

Just imagine sipping coffee with close buddies on a mobile café, reading your favorite novel while heading to your parent’s place, or even working out in a mobile gym to make the most of your spare time while in commute back from the office.

Designer: Jin Jin

The PIX Robobus moving pod for urban mobility is a prototype resulting from the deep desire to have moving zen-like interiors suited for the mood. All this while commuting with 4-5 other fellow passengers. The idea of the designers is to have a broad network of PIX Robobus fleet that makes connected city commuting feasible. This is why the ultra-agile four-wheeler is tailored for urban commuting – specifically for 3-5 kilometers of travel, making it the perfect shared mobility solution for sightseeing, industrial parks, university campuses or airports.

It’s not just about transporting people from point A to point B, but rather a moving environment for individuals to enjoy daily adventures of life. The Robobus doesn’t isolate the riders from the outside world – as in, they can enjoy the outside views. It’s more about “Intelligent Mobility”, according to the designers. There are two rows of seats on each side in one configuration with elements incorporated to bring an airy feel to the interiors.

The platform that the moving pod sits on is designed in a way to leave maximum space for riders to use and the in-wheel motors further assist in this build. These wheels can move individually for tight city commuting or parking in tight spots.  There’s a skateboard-like chassis that makes the wheelbase and wheeltrack reconfigurable. Thus, the pod can also be assembled together to have more platform space, for it to be used as a lounge area, gaming space, or a makeshift motel. That’s if someone wants to buy it for personal use. The possibilities are limitless.

PIX Robobus will have an estimated range of 70-100 km on a single charge and speeds anywhere between 15-30 km/h. So, we can expect a very deep-rooted network of Robobus pods in passenger transport configuration, dotting the metropolis of the future.

The post This reconfigurable travel pod is your personal lounge, reading nook or even a gym first appeared on Yanko Design.

Glazed Saucer for Hoff Pot

Available in rich green, warm rust or pale pink, these glazed saucers are an expressive way to catch excess water from potted plants. Crafted in Italy for Danish pottery brand Bergs Potter (which was founded in 1942), the saucers are made from premium terra cotta. They can be paired with Bergs Potter’s Hoff Pots or any planter that is less than 14cm in diameter.

This rustic home near Lake Tahoe was built to withstand wildfires

In recent years, Californian wildfires have become more frequent and dangerous, hence when it comes to building homes and cabins in the Californian forests, it’s imperative to construct structures that are as non-combustible as possible. Architects have to be more mindful, and aware while building these lodgings, especially when it comes to the ones in the Lake Tahoe region, where the Caldor Fire burned 221,000 acres, and destroyed over 1000 structures, last year itself! A house near Lake Tahoe, that was built consciously using non-combustible materials, in an attempt to withstand forest fires is the CAMPout House. It was built for the CEO of Five9, a publicly traded cloud-software company in San Francisco, and his family.

Designer: Faulkner Architects

Designed by Faulkner Architects, the 3800-square foot home is situated on a smooth slope in Tuckee, a quaint mountain town. The home has been placed cozily in the midst of a pine forest, not too far away from an 8000-foot extinct volcano. The house’s exterior was deeply influenced by its location, and the threat of a wildfire occurring.

“As climate change increases the magnitude of wildfire events, we must enhance the construction systems and materials to withstand these disasters,” said the architects.”The form can take on a protective posture. Materials can be non-combustible.”

The exterior has been constructed from concrete and 16-gauge weathering steel – which could help the home in surviving a wildfire. The structural frame was built using engineered wood and steel. Impressive windows were placed around the home, to provide surreal views of the surrounding forests, instead of the neighboring homes. The windows were provided with a perimeter seal to do so.

The home completely incorporates indoor-outdoor living, since the family loves the outdoors! A strong connection to the outdoors was thoroughly maintained. “The house was inspired by the lifestyle of the client, who cross-country skis from their backyard up the mountain and skis down,” said the studio. “The home is simultaneously a base camp for adventure and a serene escape from the urban sprawl.”

The home basically features irregular volumes centered around a courtyard with a fire pit, which provides privacy, and also allows a generous amount of light to enter the house, via glazed walls and sliding doors. The front section of the home is sheltered by a thin shed roof that lifts up, making way for more light to enter the living space. The southern section of the home which functions as a pavilion, hosts an open-concept kitchen, a living room, and a dining area. While the northern end houses the media room, guest room, and office. The master bedroom is located in the west.

The home is a rustic and charming entity, that provides a soothing connection to the outdoors, while also proving to be safe haven, quite literally.

The post This rustic home near Lake Tahoe was built to withstand wildfires first appeared on Yanko Design.