Hasta La Ideas

Lenovo has announced their T1 glasses, which aren’t a VR or AR device, but are meant to serve as a “virtual monitor” that you wear on your face. The company says the Micro OLED displays inside the glasses provide a 1920 x 1080 resolution for each eye.

“Compatible with many of today’s modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops with full-function USB-C, the Lenovo Glasses T1 offers superb image quality, high-efficiency optics for extended battery life, and is lightweight so users can explore and enjoy content well beyond the limited screen size of mobile devices.”

The frames can accommodate prescription lenses within them, i.e. between your eyes and the screen. It’s too bad the technology isn’t such that the screens themselves could be adjusted for your vision, obviating the need to buy another set of lenses.

I’m trying to think of how I could use these in my daily life, and I’m drawing a blank. Then again, I’m not the target market. Lenovo says these are aimed at gamers who want to play on-the-go as well as those “working on private business-critical documents on a PC in public spaces.” Those same workers could, I suppose, while the day away on Reddit without their boss knowing.

Lenovo says the T1 glasses are going on sale in China this year, and will be in “select markets” in 2023.

This unusual-looking device is the Artec Leo, a handheld 3D scanner billed as the world’s first wireless and AI-driven unit.

“Artec Leo is the only wireless and fully standalone professional 3D scanner designed to make scanning as easy and effortless as possible,” writes manufacturer Artec3D. “With the new NVIDIA Jetson TX2 processor onboard, 5″ HD built-in display and battery, it’s the ultimate all-in-one 3D scanning solution for fast, accurate, and high-quality data capture.”

Promising point-and-shoot ease of use, the Leo’s touchscreen lets you see a real-time visualization of what you’re scanning, without the need to tether to a laptop. Users can see exactly what they’re capturing, as well as the quality of the capture.

Applications are manifold. Reverse engineering, quality inspection, digitizing priceless objects, scanning people for videogames, creating accurate product models for e-retailers and creating custom prosthetics are all cited by the company.

It does indeed look easy to use:

In the case study below, a UK company is even using the Leo to create custom aerodynamic skinsuits for cyclists, by scanning the cyclists in their riding positions:

The Artec Leo will set you back $29,800.

This post is presented by the K-Show, the world’s No.1 trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry. Visionary developments and groundbreaking innovations will again lead the industry into new dimensions at K 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Since 2020 Thomas Franken has been project director K- Global Portfolio Plastics & Rubber (Messe Du¨sseldorf GmbH), responsible for K- The World ‘s No.1 Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber and it ‘s international shows. Thomas was deputy project director from 2015 – 2020.

Chris Lefteri: 70 years ago when the K Fair first opened its doors, the expectations of plastics were high for very different reasons than they are today. As you have been building to the 2022 show what have you been hearing from your exhibitors and partners about the current expectations and perception of plastics?

Thomas Franken: At the premiere of K in Düsseldorf in 1952, the plastics and rubber industry itself was just getting started. And so, at that time, things that were supposed to make everyday life more beautiful and more comfortable were the center of attraction, like colorful plastic tableware, PVC raincoats and gauzy nylon stockings. The fair was open to the general public at that time. As early as 1963, K became a special-interest trade fair for professionals. This was because the plastics industry was rapidly specializing and, in addition to standard polymers, more and more high-tech plastics for special solutions were presented in Düsseldorf, attracting attention in electronics, medicine, automotive engineering and aerospace. For a long time, the industry concentrated on permanently increasing the performance of machines and a continuous increase in production for more and more areas of application.

This millennium, Plastics have an image problem, mainly due to plastic waste that pollutes the oceans, for example. But an important and highly exciting change is taking place in the industry, which became particularly clear at K 2019. The industry is now not only taking responsibility, but taking the lead on issues as important as climate protection for example. At last K the industry underscored the need for a functioning circular economy along the entire resource chain and already presented concrete solutions. After all, plastic continues to be an innovative, indispensable and forward-looking material. It offers low-emission and energy-saving efficient processes and technologies. Without it, resource conservation and sustainability would be impossible. Climate protection, circular economy and digitalization are therefore the three hot topics at K 2022 and will be omnipresent in the solutions of the exhibiting companies.

CL: As this is your first K Show running the event what are you ambitions?

TF: K 2022 is my first K as project director. But I’ve been part of the K team already from 2015 on, so K is not new territory for me and I know the industry and the exhibitors quite well.

K Düsseldorf is the sector’s uncontested No. 1 trade fair worldwide for many reasons. Nowhere else is international participation as high and this diversity ensures that the complete global ranges of products, solutions and trends are presented – even in special segments. Furthermore, K still has the greatest number of world premieres and the highest degree of innovation. As the leading event for the global industry, K serves as a platform which also leads in terms of hot topics for the industry, is future-oriented and offers intensive exchange between business, science, research and the most relevant international associations – a fact also reflected by the K 2022 specials. K is the place where the visions for the future are jointly formed by the sector.

My ambition is to further expand and strengthen the position of K as the most relevant meeting place for the entire industry worldwide, where the industry can demonstrate its innovative power and set the course for the next generations.

CL: K is one of the best global resources for designers –as well as many other industries– with a huge amount of information. What is the best way for visitors to navigate and find what they need across the 17 halls?

TF: The three major product areas are clearly grouped in the exhibition halls and can be directly identified on the hall plans by color coding. Machinery and equipment occupy halls 1, 3-4, 8b as well as 9-17. Raw materials and auxiliaries can be found in halls 5, 6, 7, 7a, 8a, 8b. Semi-finished products, technical components and reinforced plastic products are located in hall 5, 6, 7, 7a, 8a, 8b. Furthermore, in Hall 9 the main focus is on recycling technologies.

The visitors should use the exhibitor database on www.k-online.com, which is the heart of trade fair preparation. There, you will find not only the interactive hall plan that shows you where exactly an exhibitor is located in the hall, but also a wide range of information about the individual exhibitors. They store product news, contact persons as well as company and press news in their exhibitor entry. In addition, these will be indexed by the KI group editorial team according to target products and application markets.

The Matchmaking-Tool allows trade visitors and all exhibitors to search for the right contacts at K-online. You just need to submit your interests and search parameters. Thanks to fast matching of shared interests, recommendations and personalized proposals will be delivered immediately. This lets exhibitors and visitors already make contact beforehand or conveniently agree on appointments during K itself.

CL: If you were to imagine in, let’s say nine years time, what the plastics industry might be presenting at the K, what would you imagine that to be, if you were to look into the future?

TF: The industry is facing challenges right now. The public sees plastics as a main reason for many environmental issues the world is dealing with. But it is mostly a problem of waste management. Plastics is a material of great value that can be produced and re-used in a sustainable manner and therefore I think that there is still an enormous potential if it comes to circular economy and recycling of plastics.

In a few years, the machines will probably be further developed and will be able to sort waste and the plastics it contains even better and thus lead it back into more and more closed cycles. The use of recyclates will also increase in the future. Currently, recyclates are mostly only used in packaging for detergents and cleaning agents and not yet for food. A lot will certainly happen here in the next few years and the quality of recyclates will become continuously better. Another example is the topic of mobility or e-mobility, keyword: lightweight construction. Plastics help to make cars lighter and more economical. There is potential for plastic as a material in powertrains, interiors and exteriors as well as car bodies. Here, plastics can make a significant contribution to energy savings as construction and functional material.

That’s why I am positive that in the upcoming years solutions will be presented at K that will help us to actively counter the great challenges of our time and of the future. These include, for example, population growth and demographic change, globalization, climate change, energy supply, medical progress and technological change. Plastics can contribute to a positive development in all these fields.

CL: Are there any new highlights that you designers would want to know about in 2022?

TF: A new official format of K 2022 is the Circular Economy Forum by VDMA. 13 Companies will display in additional tents in the outside area between hall 10 and 16 what is already possible when it comes to use plastics in closed cycles.

Part of the Circular Economy process is also the topic of Design for Recycling. it is alarming to see that many plastic products still cannot be recycled meaningfully. Material mixtures, a variety of plastic materials and additives used prevent re-use in a circular fashion. The solution for this problem is known but is still not receiving sufficient attention: Design for recycling. K 2022 will help give this topic a big push forward.

CL: Lastly what’s your favorite part of K?

TF: K still fascinates me as a whole. Halls with producers show the most diverse applications from racing cars and wind turbines to sneakers and toothbrushes. And the machine builders are no less exciting. Machines, some as big as a house, some so small that they fit on a small table fascinate me. And they are becoming faster and faster, more and more modern and well designed. So they are also real eye-catchers visually. That’s why it’s hard for me to say what my favorite is. But my favorite moment is definitely the first day of the trade show. The gates open, visitors and exhibitors from all over the world come together again to see each other live. I’m really looking forward to October 19!

This post is presented by the K-Show, the world’s No.1 trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry. Visionary developments and groundbreaking innovations will again lead the industry into new dimensions at K 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany, October 19-26, 2022.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Bloomingdale’s, Polo Ralph Lauren has released a covetable limited edition automatic wristwatch. Crafted in Switzerland, the stainless steel timepiece incorporates a sapphire crystal exhibition case back, as well as a commemorative crest. The watch face features a charming 3D-printed rendition of the Polo Bear, clad in a cricket sweater, herringbone blazer and duffel coat. Each comes with a black and white tie silk fabric strap, designed specifically for this collection. Only 20 watches have been produced—and they’re available exclusively at the department store’s iconic 59th Street location in Manhattan.

There’s something about Japanese architecture that instantly soothes your soul, and envelops you in a warm and fuzzy feeling. Maybe it’s the unique minimalism, the timeless elegance, the artful usage of wood, or simply the zen-like essence of the structures. Whatever it may be, whenever I come across a Japanese-inspired building, I instantly feel like making it my home, or else I feel like Marie Kondo-ing my own home and giving it a makeover, hoping to integrate some of the clean and clear Japanese design philosophy I just encountered. In this spirit of admiration for Japanese architecture, we’ve curated a collection of simple, tasteful, and heartwarming designs that’ll add a bit of Japanese zen to your otherwise hectic workday! From a minimal Japanese home with an indoor garden to a Japanese-inspired office pod – these intricate structures promise to be the epitome of Japanese warmth and minimalism.

1. The Melt House

Designed by Satoshi Saito of SAI Architectural Design Office, the Melt House was the result of a young family asking him to build a home where they could “feel green”. Saito wanted to build, “A home that feels green is not just a home where you can see the green from anywhere, but a home where the residents actively use the external space and grow together with the green.”

Why is it noteworthy?

With a frontage of 5.6m and a depth of 23.7m, the Melt House is nestled on a narrow site at the foot of a mountain in a residential area in Osaka. The main attraction of this home is its centerpiece – which is basically a dry garden that acts as a multifunctional room right in the middle of the house.

What we like

• Has a beautiful indoor-outdoor connection
• Plenty of natural light and ventilation in the home

What we dislike

• No complaints!

2. House in Front of a School

Architectural firm KKAA YTAA recently completed the ‘House in Front of a School’ or ‘House in Gakuenmae’ in Nara, Japan. The beautiful dwelling features a central courtyard, which is the star attraction of the home! What makes the interesting courtyard even more interesting, though, is the timber bridge that runs through it, connecting the two split portions of the home.

Why is it noteworthy?

One portion of the home is elevated on timber stilts and features an open-plan concept with a living area and a kitchen. The stilts were added in an attempt to protect the home from floods. The area beneath the raised section functions as a handy garage. The timber bridge connects the elevated wing to the other half of the home. The bridge has been amped with adjustable walls, which can transform the bridge into an enclosed walkway or a deck when required.

What we like

• Stunning central courtyard

What we dislike

• No complaints!

3. The Zen Pod

Rather than building permanent walls and rooms, office pods have become a more economical alternative, offering an enclosed sanctuary even for just a few minutes or hours. This minimalist work pod promises the same but adds a touch of a Japanese-inspired aesthetic to bring a visual and aural retreat right in the midst of a chaotic office.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Zen Pod is designed to blend with its surroundings, but its beauty makes it stand out easily as well. Inspired by Japanese design, the small boxed room exudes serenity and quiet, both with its uniform lines and conventional shape as well as through its material construction. The slatted oak wall fitted into the glass barrier creates an enclosure that is private but not isolating.

What we like

• The pod doesn’t just embrace a person inside a beautifully minimal space, it also protects them from outside noise and distraction

What we dislike

• No complaints!

4. The Woodlands Hideout

The Woodlands Hideout is a small, nature-inspired cabin in the woods designed as a solo retreat to a larger residence some 200 feet away from the tiny home.

Why is it noteworthy?

Inspired by the Japanese concept of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, Castillero says he’s been “dreaming and scheming” up plans to build what he calls the Woodlands Hideout. Amounting to a small, 190-square-foot cabin, the Woodlands Hideout operates as a solo retreat for guests to sleep under Oregon’s towering pines.

What we like

• Designed to immerse guests in nature

What we dislike

• No complaints!

5. 2nd Home

2nd Home is a series of tiny homes planned and built by Japanese startup SANU with minimal building material to immerse travelers in the wonder of nature for a quick respite from the hustle of city living.

Why is it noteworthy?

Out of 517 people living in Tokyo’s metropolitan district, 77% have gone on record to say they’d like to spend more time in nature; getting there is half the journey, we just need a place to stay. Adding to the plethora of tiny homes to have come out in response to pandemic wanderlust, Japanese startup SANU has produced a series of tiny rentable homes called 2nd Home scattered across Japan that cost a monthly fee of ¥50,000 ($441 USD) for interested members.

What we like

• Lightweight replicable design
• Easily dismantled as well, allowing the building materials to be reused for future projects

What we dislike

• No complaints!

6. Minima

Minima is a 215-square-foot (20-square-meter) prefab module designed to be a flexible structure to serve as a standalone tiny home or as an additional unit in the backyard that can be used as a home office or spacious guest house. It is constructed with CLT (cross-laminated timber) which is a sustainable material and cuts down on the carbon emissions that concrete produces.

Why is it noteworthy?

The boxy exterior is clad with a skin of cypress battens and a steel roof which maintains its minimal look. The unit has a streamlined, modern profile that still feels warm and human-centric. The facade opens up with hardwood-framed glass doors that can slide over to reveal its Scandinavian and Japandi-inspired interior.

What we like

• Prefab home made sustainably from cross-laminated timber

What we dislike

• No complaints!

7. The Nook

The Nook is a tiny cabin located in the woods of North Carolina’s Appalachia designed with Scandinavian, Japanese, and Appalachian handcrafted elements to weave local craftwork together with a personal history.

Why is it noteworthy?

Brimming with artisanal goods and artwork of local craftsmen and artists, The Nook was designed to bring the handcrafted touch of the old world into the modern era. Described as a “collection of stories,” Belleme designed The Nook to link his personal history to the surrounding forest and the architecture of the cabin.

What we like

• Built from local trees

What we dislike

• No complaints!

8. Four Leaves Villa

Four Leaves Villa designed by Kentaro Ishida Architects Studio (KIAS) is a form of organic architecture with a gently twisted, multi-tiered roof that mimics the sloping curve of fallen leaves and a central garden courtyard, the home’s concealed centerpiece.

Why is it noteworthy?

150 kilometers from the buzzing city streets of Tokyo, Japan, a forested plot of land in Karuizawa, Nagano prefecture of Japan, is home to a weekend retreat designed to mirror the fallen leaves that surround it. Dubbed Four Leaves Villa, the privately-owned residence is a form of organic architecture with a split-level roof designed by Kentaro Ishida Architects Studio (KIAS) that mimics the undulating, overlapping pattern of fallen leaves.

What we like

• A multi-tiered sloping roof that mimics the gentle curve of fallen leaves

What we dislike

• No complaints!

9. Goan

Japanese architect and architectural historian Terunobu Fujimori is known for his quirky teahouses and fondness for unusual city structures. His latest tea house transports an elf’s cottage from the pages of a fairytale to the concrete of Tokyo.

Why is it noteworthy?

Poking out from the corner of one facade, visitors can crawl through a circular hole, traditionally known as a ‘Nijiriguchi,’ to gain entry to the tea room’s interior. Moving inside, visitors pass through the grassy exterior and are welcomed by an entirely unstained wooden first floor. Functioning as a reinterpretation of ‘Nijiriguchi,’ a small wooden staircase and ladder connect the bottom floor with the upper tea room.

What we like

• Topped with a yakisugi-treated timber loft

What we dislike

• No complaints!

10. The Cardboard Sleep Capsule

The Cardboard Sleep Capsule was designed for those experiencing displacement from natural disasters like earthquakes or medical emergencies, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Atelier OPA constructed the Cardboard Sleep Capsule to unfold into two floors, containing two sleeping areas, a set of stairs, and a separate working space equipped with a desk and chair.

Why is it noteworthy?

The capsule shelter comes prefabricated with a foldable design, comprising a compact shipping size when folded, shrinking down to ¼ the size of its unfolded dimensions. Carrying such a small folded size, the Cardboard Sleep Capsule has been received positively by international governments, who have thought of storing the cardboard castles away before use in public gymnasiums and emergency arenas.

What we like

• A hotel-inspired shelter

What we dislike

• No complaints!

The post Top 10 Japanese designs for lovers of minimal architecture first appeared on Yanko Design.