RootStudio designs sculptural Hotel Flavia in Oaxaca "without plans"

Hotel Flavia by RootStudio

Mexican architecture firm RootStudio has completed a concrete hotel in Oaxaca that was constructed in stages as a “habitable sculpture”.

Located on the outskirts of Oaxaca, Hotel Flavia was commissioned in stages based and grew on a steep site with dramatic views of the nearby mountain range.

Hotel Flavia concrete walls and garden
RootStudio designed a boutique hotel in Oaxaca

“A client asked us for a habitable object,” said RootStudio, led by João Boto Caiero and Fulvio Capurso.

“As we progressed with the project, it was done without plans because it was done on the ground.”

Hotel Flavia roots studio
It was made primarily out of concrete

“It was not a project made or developed on a computer program. The hotel was designed as its construction progressed,”

“As the dimension grew, the sculpture grew larger and in the end, it became a public place, a hotel and restaurant,” it added.

The building is organized around a central courtyard filled with endemic vegetation selected by landscape architect Luis Zárate.

Hotel Flavia interior with large windows
It is oriented around a large courtyard

This feature draws inspiration from Oaxaca’s courtyard houses and is intended as a focal point for the hotel’s communal areas.

Visitors enter from the top level and make their way down towards the hotel’s rooms and amenities.

Hotel Flavia, Oaxaca
The hotel’s windows frame views of the mountain range

“When you enter from the street it is a single floor and as you go down you have four levels,” said RootStudio.

“You live different experiences within the same building,” the studio added.

The building’s concrete exterior features selectively placed punched openings, which ensures that views are framed according to the interior layout.

“The project represents an experience by discovering each space that makes up the place,” said RootStudio.

Hotel Flavia interior
Veined-marble flooring was included in the design

The interiors were designed with rich, textured materials, including a veined marble floor running throughout the communal spaces, dark woodwork, and antique leather furniture.

The main communal space is conceived as a “living room”, which opens out onto the courtyard. In addition to this carefully landscaped space, visitors can also enjoy a rooftop deck and a pool that runs the length of the building.

Each of the rooms features a slightly different design. RootStudio collaborated with several artists for the interiors, including Sabino Guisu, Adán Paredes, and Luis Zarate.

“As the interior spaces progressed, different artists were invited to make a piece for each area of the hotel,” said RootStudio.

Hotel Flavia interior with skylight
The structure has four storeys

Other boutique hotel projects in Mexico include an all-concrete structure by architect Ludwig Godefroy that draws cues from Oaxacan temples and a pink courtyard building in San Miguel de Allende by Ian Pablo Amores.

The photography is by Lizzet Ortiz and Deslior.


Project credits:

Architecture studio: RootStudio
Principal architect: Joao Boto Caeiro
Collaborators: Artist Adan Paredes. Artist Luis Zárate. Artist Sabino Guisu
Landscape: Artist Luis Zárate González
Structural engineer: Ing. Josué Hernández Ruiz
Lighting: RootStudio
Construction: RootStudio

The post RootStudio designs sculptural Hotel Flavia in Oaxaca “without plans” appeared first on Dezeen.

This height-adjustable table with a conical base supports sitting + standing working positions

Since the transition from home offices to actual corporate offices has begun, it’s important to ensure that employees feel comfortable, productive, and motivated in their workplace. Adding the right furniture designs can either make or break the environment of an office – the perfect work desk or an ergonomically designed chair can amp up an employee’s productivity immeasurably! And one such furniture design I recently came across is the Follow Meeting Cone.

Designer: Mara

Designed by office furniture brand Mara, the Follow Meeting Cone is an intriguing table with a conical base and an adjustable tabletop that can be controlled and operated using a mechanical component. The Follow Meeting Cone utilizes the brand’s pioneered height-adjusting mechanism that can support both sitting and standing working positions effortlessly!

The table’s mechanical system allows the table to be raised or lowered, enabling you to position it at the angle you want to work in. The base and top are connected using a metal telescopic-element that is visible once the table has been raised.

The table’s interesting conical-shaped base serves as the star of the design and gives it a sculptural silhouette. It adds a fun element to the table, allowing it to stand apart from the other dull tables you usually find in offices. It comes in a range of different colored finishes, allowing you to pick a color that perfectly complements your office space. The cone is designed to be used in commercial workplaces, as well as home offices or residential spaces.

The post This height-adjustable table with a conical base supports sitting + standing working positions first appeared on Yanko Design.

Heat-Deformed PVC Tubing as Connector?

We’ve written about industrial designer and researcher Cui Zhihua before. Lately Cui’s Instagram has been populated with new experiments he’s been doing with what we think is PVC and a heat gun.

Here’s what he landed on–he appears to be working out a low-tech connector for dowels. The only text description is “Industrial craft – connectors.”

Cui was invited to present the work at this year’s Paris Design Week, but I can find no press covering these connectors (at least, searching in English I can’t).

I’m very curious to see where this could go. Cui, if you’re reading this: Please send us a description of this project and your goals!

Sophie Faith: Pinky Blues

London-based singer-songwriter Sophie Faith shares her five-track EP The Right Side of Wrong, and from it comes the smooth, jazzy “Pinky Blues.” Across a warm bass track, unhurried, blues-leaning percussion and intermittent guitar riffs, Faith’s soulful vocals and silky runs tackle self-preservation within relationships with palpable, candid emotion.

Monash University spotlights ten undergraduate design projects

Futuristic jellyfish-looking visualisation on black background

Dezeen School Shows: a device that is worn in the ears to help address symptoms of motion sickness and branding for an organisation geared towards helping female ex-convicts return back to society are included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at Monash University.

Also included is an electric vehicle and adaptable furniture for children that evolves through several stages over their lifespan.


Monash University

Institution: Monash University
School: Monash Design
Course: Bachelor of Design
Tutors: Dane Kerr, Kasia Ilczyszyn, Rick Milovanovic, Tristan Ceddia, Richard Morfuni, Giorgia Pisano, Mark Johnson, Moyshie Elias, Erin Ender, Jeff Janet and Gene Bawden

School Statement:

“The Department of Design at Monash Art, Design and Architecture provides a design education that creates and encourages a more equitable and sustainable world through the intersection of creativity, technology, design thinking, design production and interdisciplinary collaboration.

“As design practitioners, researchers, educators and students, we respond to emergent and persistent challenges through impactful project-based learning, action and innovation.

“The Department offers design education at undergraduate, Masters and PhD levels in the fields of Communication Design, Industrial Design, Spatial Design, Interaction Design, Multimedia Design and Co-Design.”


Papers and tote bag with red, pink and orange geometric prints

Flat Out (Rebrand) by Tiffany Nichols

“Flat Out is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support and advocacy for women leaving the prison system.

“This redesign creates a warm and inviting visual system that celebrates and humanises women who have faced incarceration, while actively avoiding stereotypical prison-related imagery.

“The stories of these women are inspiring and this design intends to emphasise the sense of community and agency of the organisation.”

Student: Tiffany Nichols
Tutors: Dane Kerr and Kasia Ilczyszyn
Email: tiffanyznichols[at]gmail.com


Three smartphones with colourful displays

Women with Disabilities Victoria – Mobile App by Mia Consi

“Through the app, individuals are encouraged to connect with each other via the messaging feature, which is accessible by members only.

“Other features include the weekly ‘newsletter’, delivered straight to members’ devices, a ‘save’ option so users can keep their most valued resources all in the one place, and a ‘search’ feature which enables users to search the entire WDV database.”

Student: Mia Consi
Tutors: Dane Kerr and Kasia Ilczyszyn
Email: miaconsi[at]icloud.com


Text on white and brown paper on concrete background

Misread — Type Specimen by Marissa Hor

“Misread is a family of two fonts, ‘Misread Regular’ and ‘Misread Wide’.

“It is a variable font that moves from regular to wide, with its middle ground being a chaotic distortion of shapes.

“The variability of the typeface is inspired by CAPTCHA, the security system puzzle that asks users to identify characters, words or images to ensure they are human.

“It questions the way we recognise letterforms and how much glyphs can be distorted before they become illegible.

“Misread plays on our ability to prove that we are human, and not robots, simply by recognising distorted characters online.”

Student: Marissa Hor
Tutors: Rick Milovanovic and Tristan Ceddia
Email: marissahdesigns[at]gmail.com


Orange earbud case on yellow backdrop

Allevia by Amelda Norsworthy

“Allevia was designed to treat motion sickness without the assistance of medication.

“At the core of its design was ensuring Allevia was portable, didn’t impede a user’s ability to connect with their surroundings by blocking the ears, and was comfortable for long term wear.

“Its ergonomic design, fitted with a flexible and adjustable ear hook, allows for a snug, tight fit that’s near unnoticeable.”

Student: Amelda Norsworthy
Tutor: Richard Morfuni
Email: ajnorsworthy.designs[at]gmail.com


Items of furniture that mimic dinosaurs

BUDD.D Children’s Furniture by Brandon James Yong-Ning Clutterbuck

“BUD.D children’s adaptable furniture evolves through several stages over its lifespan, each providing a new value to the user.

“It begins as an ottoman, then becomes a rideable toy, a large-scale plush character, and finally a decorative room piece.”

Student: Brandon James Yong-Ning Clutterbuck
Tutor: Giorgia Pisano
Email: b.clutterbuck[at]hotmail.com


Futuristic car and van in blue parking lot

ME-V (Monash Electric Vehicle) by Jason Daniel Chia

“ME-V has the efficiency of public transport but the comfort of a car.

“It reduces the number of single-driver cars on the road which is the greatest contributor to emissions in urban environments.”

Student: Jason Daniel Chia
Tutor: Mark Johnson


Futuristic jellyfish-looking visualisation on black background

Project Anarkhos by Katelyn Hao

“This project revolves around a severe climate that permeates a fictitious world.

“An inflatable ‘suit’ will encompass a group of individuals travelling in the harsh climate of this fabricated world.

“Inspired by the man-o-war jellyfish, the ‘suit’ acts as a modular structure and mobile home.”

Student: Katelyn Hao
Tutor: Moyshie Elias


Visualisation of futuristic interior with tree at centre

Future school: the main spirit hall by Natkanok Onratn

“School is not only a place to study, but it is a place where children are able to express, explore and experience through their senses.

“This future space is designed to expand kids’ imaginations away from the catastrophic reality we have built.

“It aims to connect students to nature and deconstruct what they will see in a future altered through climate change.”

Student: Natkanok Onratn
Tutor: Erin Ender
Email: ployonratn[at]gmail.com


Graphic on bright blue background with brightly coloured city illustration in corner

Modes – Bringing Humans Together by Anuj Uchil

“Covid-19 has disrupted the conventional interactions students have on-campus.

“Modes was developed to build a community experience for the students of the Master of Design program, many of whom were learning online.

“As part of the prototype community experience, I collaborated with the faculty and the student teams to organise a series of events catering to students.”

Student: Anuj Uchil
Tutor: Jeff Janet


Game with paper and cards in yellow and purple on pale blue background

Finding by Sydelle Saldanha

“Finding is a solo card game based on the themes of exploration and self-reflection.

“The focus of the game is to provide its players with a safe space for exploring their gender identity.

“Through the use of inclusive design and narrative-building, the game seeks to dissect assumptions about and better understand gender diverse identities.

“The game was developed following research, concept-building, design development and playtesting.”

Student:Sydelle Saldanha
Tutor: Jeff Janet
Email: studiosydelle[at]gmail.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Monash University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Monash University spotlights ten undergraduate design projects appeared first on Dezeen.

New Abarth EV Plays a Guitar Riff When You Accelerate

Abarth has launched their new, all-electric 500e EV in Europe. And instead of messing around with the spaceship sounds other EV makers have installed for safety, the 500e’s Sound Generator simply reproduces the sound of a gas engine. “The New Abarth 500e is the only small car,” the company writes, “which provides an immersive sound experience for those who want to drive electric without giving up on the famous and unmistakable Abarth roar, which has accompanied generations of passionate drivers and always been synonymous with power and performance.”

(You can hear the sound in the video below, but first read the next paragraph.)

That’s all fine and good, but weirdly, they’ve also programmed the Sound Generator to play a freaking guitar riff every time accelerate past a certain point. “The first time you exceed 20km/h, a ‘strumming guitar’ reflects the transgressive and unconventional soul which is inherent in the genre and in the Scorpion’s cars.”

Here’s what it sounds like (I’ve cued it up to the right spot, you’ll hear it twice within seconds):

I’m not sure if I’d want the words “tasty licks” to enter my head, unbidden, every time I get the car going, but it certainly is a novel feature.

Probably what they should’ve done is used a riff from a song by the Scorpions.

Perhaps in the future, savvy musicians (or let’s be real, their labels) will start licensing riffs to drivers or brands. A Mustang Mach-E will blow past you in the parking lot and you’ll think “Do I hear Jimmy Page?”

An iPhone Case Inspired by the Ferrari Modulo

Remember the Pininfarina-designed 1970 Ferrari Modulo concept car? (If you don’t, you should check it out; we wrote it up with tons of images of here.)

Well, a startup luxury brand called Inkar has partnered with Pininfarina to design a Modulo-inspired iPhone case.

Pininfarina designer Paolo Lugaro was tasked with adapting the car’s form into something that fits around an iPhone Pro 13 or 14:

This being a luxury brand, the copy is laden with the usual tripe:

“Each case is fully customizable and has a serial number engraved to record its rare existence. Materials are selected with highest quality, including the sustainable solution of using dead-stock leathers of renowned Pininfarina automobiles. For customization, there are 5 colors, 2 lens leathers, and 10 plates made of leathers, natural wood, carbon fiber, and aluminum, available for customers to select from.”

“The cases are carefully crafted one by one in Italy, at one of the finest factories that produces luxury goods using the latest technology.”

Oh boy.

Unsurprisingly, these will be limited edishhh, with just 99 made. They go up for sale on December 1st, with prices “starting from” $10,000. I’ll probably pick up a half-dozen or so for friends, family, neighbors.

GAGAG T-Shirt

From THEWWW, a project dedicated to exploring the Asian American experience, comes the GAGAG, a T-shirt that pays homage to John Woo’s 1992 film Hard Boiled, with 100% of the proceeds donated to Everytown.org, an organization fighting to end gun violence in the US. Depicting a scene from the film, distorted with overlaid dots, the shirt (available in black, red or green) features an apt quote from the movie: “Give a guy a gun, he thinks he’s Superman. Give him two and he thinks he’s God.”

Jurassic Flower Candle

Anybody who has visited NYC’s The Mark Hotel will recognize the lush fragrance Jurassic Flower—the hotel’s signature scent made by Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle and originally composed by renowned perfumer Carlos Benhaïm. The fragrance—now available as a candle, in a smooth, minimal ceramic vessel that’s meant to resemble magnolia petals—comprises magnolia, peach and apricot, and boasts floral and citrus notes. It provides up to 60 hours of burn time.

Mecha-Like Walking Excavators Go Where Other Machines Can't

New Atlas put together a brief history and demo video of walking “spider” excavators, which look more like anime mecha than real-life machines.

These incredible feats of engineering use wildly articulated legs and a combination of wheels and claw-like stabilizing feet.

The hydraulic arm can be fitted with a bucket or other attachments; this one here appears to have a jackhammer.

The operators of these machines definitely walk with a swagger and drink lots of Mountain Dew.

They’re manufactured by competing industrial groups Kaiser and Menzi Muck. Interestingly, the origin of the machines began with an act of IP theft, which you can read about at the NA piece.

Take a look at what they can do: