Hasta La Ideas

Prince William has announced the five winning projects of this year’s Earthshot Prize, founded by the royal together with British wildlife presenter David Attenborough to find solutions to “repair our planet”.

The Earthshot Prize winners each received a £1 million grant to scale their projects, with each tackling a different topic from regenerating nature and fighting climate change to eliminating pollution – whether at sea, on land or in the air – based loosely on the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

Among this year’s winning projects is Notpla – a plastic packaging alternative that is made from seaweed, making it not just biodegradable but also edible – and an affordable flat-pack greenhouse by Indian start-up Kheyti.

This so-called “greenhouse-in-a-box” can help small-scale farmers, whose harvests have been affected by climate change, to produce seven-times higher yields using 98 per cent less water, the company claims. At the same time, the modular structure is 90 per cent cheaper than a standard greenhouse, combining a simple shading cloth with a drip irrigation system and netting on all sides to ward off pests.

Omani company 44.01 took home another of the competition’s top prizes for its development of a carbon storage system that takes excess carbon dioxide from the air and reportedly sequesters it “forever” by turning it into rocks.

This involves sourcing the atmospheric CO2 from direct air capture (DAC) companies such as Climeworks, dissolving it in water and injecting it into formations of a rock called peridotite, which is abundant in Oman.

Over the span of a year, the peridotite mineralises this carbon dioxide and turns it into solid rock in a natural process known as mineral carbonation, which normally takes thousands or even millions of years.

44.01 is among a growing cohort of companies developing technologies to accelerate this process, which is being billed as a solution for carbon storage that is stable and permanent, and thus does not require long-term monitoring.

“We have found a natural process that removes carbon and we’ve accelerated it,” explained founder Talal Hasan. “We believe this process is replicable globally and can play a key role in helping our planet to heal.”

Also among this year’s Earthshot Prize-winning projects is a stove developed by a women-run company in Kenya that runs on processed biomass instead of straight charcoal.

As a result, Mukuru Clean Stoves produce 70 per cent less air pollution than the traditional charcoal cookstoves currently used by around 700 million people across Africa.

The Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network received this year’s final accolade for its work in protecting Australia’s Great Barrier Reef by making use of “60,000 years of Indigenous knowledge” combined with modern, digital technologies such as drones.

The winning projects for the Earthshot Prize, which says it was “designed to find and grow the solutions that will repair our planet” were announced during a high-profile ceremony in Boston’s MGM Music Hall. This was broadcast by the BBC and presented by the Prince and Princess of Wales alongside celebrities including singer Ellie Goulding and footballer David Beckham.

“I believe that the Earthshot solutions you have seen this evening prove we can overcome our planet’s greatest challenges,” Prince William said. “And by supporting and scaling them we can change our future.”

“Alongside tonight’s winners and finalists, and those to be discovered over the years to come, it’s my hope the Earthshot legacy will continue to grow, helping our communities and our planet to thrive.”

The ceremony received criticism from some viewers, as celebrity presenters and performers were flown into Boston to attend the event while the awards’ actual recipients accepted their awards virtually to save travel emissions.

Similarly, Beckham was called a “hypocrite” for his involvement in the event due to his ambassadorship of the Qatar World Cup, which has recently come under fire for its “disingenuous” carbon neutrality claims as the event looks to be on track to emit more CO2 than any other sporting event in recent history.

The Earthshot Prize was awarded for the first time ever last year, with winners including a restorative ecosystem scheme in Costa Rica and a tool that creates fuel from waste. The prize is set to run annually for the next eight years, during what has been dubbed the “decisive decade” for climate change action.

The post Seaweed packaging and greenhouse-in-a-box among 2022 Earthshot Prize winners appeared first on Dezeen.

Swiss studio Christ & Gantenbein has completed its upgrade of UK House on Oxford Street, adding a baroque-influenced lobby informed by the building’s history.

The renovation of the Grade II-listed building aims to respond to the need for communicative corporate architecture. Designed to be a welcoming “place of arrival”, the new lobby combines the baroque themes from the existing building with modern elements.

“We conceived this lobby as a location full of hospitality, with a unique mix of baroque and techno-futuristic elements,” said Christ & Gantenbein‘s founding partner Emanuel Christ.

“The result is a creative spatial identity and generous sequence of rooms that offer high-quality experiences for the tenants and visitors alike.”

Christ & Gantenbein‘s renovation expands upon the building’s conversion into an office block during the 1970s.  The structure still features two of its original baroque facades, which partially inspired the design of the new lobby.

“We worked with this history to generate our vision of corporate architecture in the 21st century: bold, futuristic, open, communicative, yet steeped with history,” said the studio.

Large windows framed by bronzed metal at the front of the building draw upon the surrounding retail facades of Oxford Street. The lobby is accessed through a pair of revolving glass doors with frames of chromed stainless steel, which offer views of the mirrored columns inside.

Inside the lobby Christ & Gantenbein placed a front desk and a coffee point, along with an ancillary space that can be used for meetings. A work by artist Wolfgang Tilmans features on the right wall of the space.

A marbled floor made from black and white stone spans the space, forming a checkered pattern which references the history of the building.

A metal grill ceiling divided into a more subtle grid mirrors the checkered pattern of the floor, spanned by linear lighting elements that illuminate the lobby.

With “apse-like” endings that project slightly into the lobby, the walls mimic the original baroque forms of the building. The walls are covered in neutral ceramic tiles which act as a subtle backdrop to the space.

Mirrored columns reflect the patterns from the floor through the lobby, while polished chrome elements, including the elevator doors, feature throughout the space.

Beyond the lobby, the addition of new staircases and elevators has connected the entry hall to a basement space featuring a separate lobby for cyclists and a multi-level bike storage space. Black and white patterns on the epoxy floor mark the route to the bike store, transitioning into a circular pattern to mark the entry to the changing space.

Other facilities on the level include showers and lockers, along with hyper-modern elements designed by the studio which have been arranged throughout the functional space.

Founded by Emanuel Christ and Christoph Gantenbein in 1998, architecture studio Christ & Gantenbein was named Architect of the Year in Dezeen Awards 2018.

Other projects recently completed by the studio include a multifunctional workspace in Germany and a museum for chocolate brand Lindt.

The photography is by Thomas Adank.

The post Christ & Gantenbein adds “techno-futuristic” lobby to Oxford Street office appeared first on Dezeen.

Just because life can be complicated doesn’t mean your tools have to be. Sure we all want products with plenty of features, but many of those only give rise to more problems and add stress to our already burdened minds. That also presumes that simple things can’t be powerful when reality can sometimes be the exact opposite. These products, for example, embody the Japanese philosophy of minimalism to deliver the exact features that you need for a task without getting in the way. As it turns out, they also make for the perfect gift ideas for anyone who is in need of simple, beautiful, and meaningful solutions to life’s complexities, whether for others or even for yourself.

1. Levitating Pen 3.0

Nothing grabs the attention and sparks the imagination better than something that seems to defy the very laws of physics and reality, like this gravity-defying pen. Designed like a space rocket suspended in mid-air, this levitating pen uses not magic but the science of magnets to keep the pen afloat in the middle of a stand that is reminiscent of a space station. And, of course, it’s also a finely crafted writing tool that feels great in your hand and lets the ink flow effortlessly on paper. Let your creativity fly and launch your productivity to the next level with this mind-blowing piece of science on your desk.

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2. Frame CD Player

Ever wished your old audio CD collection could have a little pizzazz when you play them? Why not make their album art pop up like on today’s music apps? This beautiful minimalist CD player also doubles as a photo frame so that you can insert a CD’s jacket cover while you play your favorite tunes. As a portable wireless player, you can bring it with you anywhere or even hang it on a wall to have an eye-catching decor whether you’re playing something or not. Give your beloved CDs a modern touch and enjoy both the audio as well as the visual experience as they were meant to be: together.

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3. Bookish Bookmark

Keeping a book open on the page you’re reading should be a simple thing, but the laws of physics and the very design of books seem to thwart our intentions. Rather than resorting to awkward or even potentially damaging solutions, why not give this unique bookmark a go instead. Shaped like a book, this book on a book bookmark helps keep any book open, whatever the size, without forcing it flat and damaging the binding. And because of its transparent acrylic material, you can keep on reading even while your hands are busy with something else. Perfect for reading cookbooks in the kitchen or having a sip of coffee while continuing to read that page-turning novel.

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4. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter

Some letters bring excitement, while others bring dread. Either way, opening these sealed envelopes often involves some stressful nudging or wasteful cutting. This simple yet innovative letter cutter, however, involves nothing more than sliding one edge of the envelope across the gap. This creates a precise incision that yields the letter’s contents and doesn’t leave any strips of paper you’d have to chase after. Easily opened to replace dull blades, this fine metal block also serves as a distinguished paperweight on your desk. Opening letters has never been easier.

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5. Rockstar Guitar Scissors

Inspiration strikes when you least expect it, so you might as well coax it your way with a tool that is designed to make you feel like an art virtuoso. Summon the muse of papercraft with scissors designed like the iconic Stratocaster electric guitar and shred through paper, vinyl, or tape like a rockstar. Made by craftsmen well versed in the art of making swords and cutlery, these shears aren’t just for show, but they do make for a head-turning desk decor when standing off to the side, ready for the next time your creativity needs a little push with the rhythmic melody of these snipping blades in action.

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6. Playful Palm Grater

Nobody said graters need to be uninspired sheets of metal that look so far removed from the pretty dish they’re garnishing. Thankfully, this palm-sized grater throws convention out the window to turn grating cheese, ginger, or what have you into a more gratifying experience. It easily fits on your palm for a more stable hold without dirtying your hand, and its unique paper-like form makes it a welcome presence on any dining table. No more waiting for a chef or host to add the garnish you want in the amount that you want, especially not with a cute kitchen tool that makes grating feel almost like a game.

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7. Key Holder Wakka

Never forget where your keys are ever again with a key holder that rewards you in a subtle yet addictive way every time you return it to its base. Whenever the key ring makes contact or leaves its wooden base, you get a crisp and satisfying tapping sound that will make you want to hear it again and again, encouraging you to return your keys where they belong. A strong neodymium magnet makes sure those keys don’t fall off and disappear on you. It also makes for an attractive wall decor thanks to its combination of fine wood and sharp metal materials. Create a calming and habit-forming ritual that will give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always where they should be with this elegant acoustic key holder.

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8. Japanese Drawing Pad

Even in the age of computers and smartphones, nothing still beats the immediacy and simplicity of putting pen to paper. The act of writing by hand can be a calming exercise, but choosing the right paper or notebook can be stress-inducing. So why not just settle for a good ol’ pad of paper, especially one made from high-quality Japanese paper. Whether you’re scribbling notes or sketching ideas, this plain offers endless possibilities without the constraints of lines, grids, or other markings that dictate where you need to write. Let your mind wander to discover new ideas and your next big thing with this clean and durable Japanese paper pad.

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9. Door Chime Tori

Start your workday on a happy note and greet your guests with a smile with this charming door chime. Shaped like a cute little bird with tails that sing with the wind, the Tori door chime creates a lively atmosphere whether you’re leaving or going inside. The bird’s die-cast zinc body brings a durable yet handsome decoration for your door, while the aluminum tail “feathers” produce tranquil notes like a bird singing for joy. What better way to step out into the world for work or come back home after a hard day’s work than with a sweet, gentle tune to warm the heart.

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10. Portrait Paper Holder

Just like beautiful butterflies, our thoughts and ideas can be ephemeral and short-lived, not unless you write them down as soon as they come. Scrambling for pen and paper, however, thwarts those efforts, so this minimalist paper holder keeps both within easy reach. Designed to hold hundreds of sheets of A4 paper for easy free-form note-taking, this desk tool makes it easy to grab a piece, write on it, and maybe put it back for reviewing later. Its size and adjustable angle also make it ideal for holding reading materials so that you can read them at a glance. Its simple form also doesn’t get in the way of putting your thoughts on paper, removing any hurdle that would keep you from leading a productive and efficient life.

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The post Top 10 Japanese Designs Gift Guide that delivers maximum impact with their sleek minimalistic design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Many of us today use our smartphones not only to take pictures but also to record videos. Some even use their mobile devices to play games that require them to point their phones’ cameras at certain things or people. In fact, some think that this kind of augmented reality or AR experience could become more commonplace in the future. Holding our phones in our hands for these seems like the most natural way to use them, but they might not be the most efficient nor the safest. Monopods, a.k.a. the notorious selfie sticks, at one point became so popular exactly because of that, while phone gimbals also started popping to give budding filmmakers a hand. AR gamers, however, don’t neatly fit these groups, so this concept of a gun-shaped phone controller tries to envision what their future could look like, presuming this type of gaming actually takes off.

Designer: Gihawoo Design (UGLY.DUCKLING)

Tech companies, especially one particular social network giant, would have us believe in a future where augmented reality is the way we experience the world around us. Without comfortable and “normal” AR glasses, however, that future might still be a long time coming. In the meantime, there are already ways to experience a bit of that augmented reality, particularly through our smartphones. Games like Pokemon GO and navigation apps are just the tip of the iceberg, and there might still be a few other AR applications and experiences coming in the near future.

Holding a phone while using such AR apps might not be the most ideal. Sure, it’s fine for a casual game like Pokemon GO, but anything more intensive might require a more stable grip, not to mention more flexible controls. Telegun is a concept that delivers exactly that in a form that may make more sense considering its primary gaming application. It’s pretty much like a phone gimbal in the shape of a toy gun. Compared to a wand that you have to hold upright, pointing with this accessory feels almost like second nature, especially if you’re playing an AR game that involves shooting virtual objects overlaid on top of the real world.

Telegun’s use, however, extends beyond AR gaming, and it can also serve as a normal phone holder for shooting videos. A phone can be mounted either horizontally or vertically, and the joints make it easy to keep the phone stable at an angle rather than relying on your shaking arm. It also has its own built-in camera, so you can record videos even without a phone, though it might look more awkward that way, not to mention concerning for bystanders.

This phone controller is definitely a unique way to mount a phone, whether for gaming or recording videos. Its minimalist gun-shaped design almost makes it look like a prop from a sci-fi show. It’s arguable whether basing it off a gun is a smart or safe choice, but compared to a typical phone gimbal or monopod, it’s definitely a more ergonomic and convenient form.

The post This futuristic-looking phone controller puts a literal spin on shooting videos first appeared on Yanko Design.

Priced at $89, it’s a whole lot cheaper than Apple’s watch, and works seamlessly with any smartphone while sliding right into your wallet when not in use.

Meet the KardiaMobile Card, the world’s slimmest EKG reader. Designed to be so thin that it fits right inside your wallet or card holder, this device is literally the shape and thickness of a credit card, but at the same time, it FDA-Cleared to detect AFib as well as recognize six of the most common arrhythmias. “Arrhythmias don’t wait for the doctor’s office”, the folks at AliveCor quite rightfully point out. The KardiaMobile Card sits right in your wallet or on the MagSafe card holder on the back of your phone, and can easily be used simply by resting your thumbs on its sensor panels for just 30 seconds while the card broadcasts EKG data to your phone via Bluetooth.

Designer: AliveCor

AliveCor’s come a long way with its range of portable personal EKG devices. While the previous versions of the KardiaMobile were just as portable and efficient, they don’t match up to how slim the KardiaMobile Card is, and the fact that it fits right in your wallet.

The KardiaMobile Card is a 1-lead EKG reader that can detect AFib, Bradycardia, Tachycardia, and Normal Sinus Rhythm – along with other arrhythmias when you’re subscribed to the KardiaCare membership. The device is the shape, size, and weight of a credit card, and comes with one solitary power button that lets you turn the card on or off, with an LED light glowing to let you know its status. Electrodes on the left and right side of the card register either your thumbs or index fingers while the KardiaMobile app reads your heartbeat, and in a matter of just 30 seconds, you have your EKG reading – about the same time it takes on an Apple Watch.

Where the KardiaMobile Card really shines is in its ecosystem-agnostic approach. It works equally well with Android and iOS devices, giving you a medical-grade EKG without needing to go to the doctor’s office and without any of those wires, suction electrodes, and gels. The card itself has a 2-year battery and can be used multiple times in the day to give you a comprehensive EKG map of your heart. The KardiaMobile Card is FDA-approved and eligible to be used under your FSA/HSA.

The post This credit card-shaped device can accurately capture an EKG better than most smartwatches first appeared on Yanko Design.