Apr 18

Thoughtfully designed boutique hotel in China is inspired by the river located next to it

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Nestled away in the rural Wuijang District of Suzhou, China is the beautifully designed Boatyard Hotel, which artfully merges with its surroundings. The boutique hotel is tucked away in the village of Shanwan, next to a river that defines the region, making it quite a scenic and idyllic location. The hotel is defined by natural design codes and has an overall serene and minimal architecture that perfectly complements its serene surrounding landscape.

Designer: WJ Studio

Founded by Hu Zhile, the WJ Studio was the creator and mastermind behind the design. The design neatly focuses on water and a generous abundance of natural light. It accentuates and elevates the natural elements of the site, building upon them to create a soothing and relaxing property. The structure features high and low arched roofs which instantly bring to mind the image of ships docked on the water. This gives the impression that the hotel is quite fluid and free-flowing, and this is heightened by its black roof.

There is a dark-colored trestle bridge that functions as a tiny floating island, allowing guests to fully enjoy the views, and immerse themselves in the riverside property. The bridge dutifully absorbs the fluid movement of the water. A bench has been added, inviting guests to sit on it, and observe the waterfront. The bench has been imprinted with a recessed water pattern.

The interiors of the hotel are marked by large floor-to-ceiling windows, and a sunken pool, whose water level fluctuates with the weather. The interiors and exteriors are subtly blurred together with the help of a meticulously planned path, allowing guests to weave in and out. The rooms on the second floor are marked by high vaulted ceilings, through which light trickles in, creating a space that is subtly light up. WJ Studio’s design philosophy attempts to integrate the entire design process – from planning to interiors and even operation, hence integrating a space thoroughly, in all contexts, and thereby creating an aesthetic that is holistic and wholesome. This allows a seamless and thoughtful connection between the visitors and nature, enabling the two to have a serene connection.

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Apr 18

Actually functional tiny washing machine made from Coca Cola feels like a perfect DIY summer project

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This fully-operational washing machine is so tiny that it can’t even accommodate a single sock. However, just because it’s possible to create such a machine doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good idea… but that’s seldom how the internet operates, right?! Meet this tiny little contraption, put together by YouTuber Inventus, using a couple of Coke cans, an empty pill bottle, a flexible straw, popsicle sticks, and a USB-powered mini DC motor. It’s portable (although that’s hardly a feature), and even manages to dry the scrunchies after washing them. Don’t expect different modes for your denims and delicates… they don’t belong here.

Designer: Inventus

Building absurd miniatures from Coke cans seems to be one of Inventus’ more incredible talents. Using the sheet metal of the can to his advantage, Inventus’ YouTube channel features objects like clocks, bicycles, mini vacuum cleaners, and even a functional sewing machine. Obviously, the Coke can isn’t the only thing he uses, but it forms a dominant part of the overall aesthetic. In the case of this washing machine, there’s a DC motor under the hood, and the rotating drum of this top-loader is, in fact, a perforated plastic bottle once used to store medication.

The entire machine holds about a cup of water, and features a drum small enough for scrunchies, ribbons, and maybe shoelaces.

A tiny capful of detergent probably feels like overkill, but anything to get that froth going, right?!

Watching Inventus build the machine out feels like pure eye-therapy. It’s fun as he figures out all the moving (and non-moving) parts, and puts together, using craft tools, what feels like a pretty reliably functional appliance. This would score top marks in a class science project.

The build starts with the drum, which Inventus makes using a half-cut Coke can and a perforated plastic pill bottle. The can remains stationary, while the perforated bottle rotates inside it, creating the vortex forces that help agitate the water and wash the clothes. A mini DC motor sits underneath the drum, powering it at pretty impressive RPM speeds.

The machine’s built to be a top-load style contraption given how much simpler it is. The lid on top rests loosely over the drum, preventing water from splashing out, while the rest of the machine is pretty reliably water-proof, so there’s really no leakage anywhere. Water is poured into the machine using a cup (there’s no fancy tap-connected inlet here), but a pretty elaborate drainpipe lets you drain water out from the machine once a cycle is over.

The top of the soda can gets turned into a lid for the washing machine

Sure, Inventus’ washing machine doesn’t have separate cycles for different clothes, or isn’t even big enough FOR clothes, but it’s a fun build that was enjoyable to watch from start to finish. Personally, I’d upgrade this by adding a Raspberry Pi to this and configure the drum to move in clockwise and counter-clockwise patterns to wash the clothes more effectively. I’d also probably add an LCD display with a timer or a piezo unit to play one of Schubert’s melodies once the cycle is complete. I’d also make it big enough to wash something more than just scrunchies and shoelaces.

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Apr 17

16 ways to design an eco-friendly home and lifestyle

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Designer: Marielle and Tobias of Familie Buitenhuys

In recent years, factors like global warming, pollution, and depletion of natural resources have had a negative impact on our planet. Hence, it is important to adopt a sustainable lifestyle and create an eco-friendly home sensitive to the environment. Adopt these simple changes that can help revive the ecosystem and reduce the home’s carbon footprint. An eco-friendly house is highly functional and comfortable to use. Additionally, there is a major switch from waste-producing to environmentally friendly products.

1. Bring in Natural Light and Cross-Ventilate

An eco-friendly home should be strategically oriented in a direction to take maximum advantage of the sun and the wind. For instance, there should be adequate window openings that allow good cross ventilation and replace the indoor hot air with a cool breeze. Avoid west-facing homes, as they tend to absorb too much heat.

Designer: Gruen Architecture

2. Passive Cooling

Passive cooling is the technique of naturally cooling the house for a comfortable indoor environment. During the construction of a new house, some features like external shading of the buildings with roof overhangs and shady plants prevent indoor heat gain. Additional cooling can be achieved with insulated cavity walls or reflective building materials, while water features like a pool, fountain, or waterfall can cool the outdoor air by evaporating water. Consider a light-colored or white roof, also known as cool roof, as it keeps the roof and interiors cool by reflecting the sun’s rays. Plant a green roof in urban areas to keep the roof cool and reduce the heat-island effect.

Designer: David Hertz Architects

3. Prevent Indoor Heat Loss

Air can make entry through cracks between the doors and windows and the walls and through the air ducts. Therefore, it is essential to weatherproof the house with caulking, sealing, and weather stripping to prevent leakage, if any. Introduce double-glazed windows in low-E glass as it limits heat transfer through insulated frames. Also, install curtains and blinds as thick curtains keep the room darker and cooler as it is a great way to cut down heat transfer between the indoors and the outdoors.

Designer: Jerricho Joya

4. Use Solar Panels

The sun is the mega powerhouse of green energy that harnesses the natural power of the sun to create electricity. Install solar panels on the rooftop or outdoors where there is plenty of sunshine as they absorb light from the sun and convert it into electricity. The installation of solar panels is costly, but it can help in saving electricity costs in the long run.

Designer: Salmela Architect

5. Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is a method of saving and storing rainwater and using it for irrigation, cleaning, or gardening. An outdoor rainwater harvesting pit allows the rainwater to replenish the groundwater. One can install rainwater barrels to collect water from the rooftop and go for permeable pavers in the driveway so that the rainwater percolates into the underground water table. For example, in larger homes, one can convert lawns into catchment areas to store the rainwater through slopes and gutters.

6. Go for Organic Materials

Be mindful while purchasing new home furnishing or fabrics for your home. Consider bed linen, carpets, towels, etc., made of natural plant or animal fibers like cotton, linen, and wool instead of synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester.

Designer: L & M Home

7. Create your Compost

Composting is a natural way of recycling where organic kitchen waste like vegetable and fruit peels, eggshells, food leftovers, and paper decompose and transform into chemical-free natural fertilizers for the garden. The best part about this valuable mineral-rich fertilizer is that it not only reduces landfill waste but also improves the soil quality by restoring nutrients, air, and moisture and reduces the emission of methane gas. Therefore, investing in a composter as per the available space is advisable.

Designer: Ben Cullis Watson

8. Reduce, Reuse & Recycle

Reducing, reusing, and recycling form the foundation of an eco-friendly home. Make it a point to reduce the purchase of new products, especially if they are not environmentally friendly, reuse and repurpose old things, and go for recycled materials like aluminum, glass, and reclaimed wood for the interiors. Consider natural materials like bamboo, cork, and linoleum and sustainably certified materials like recycled rubber roofing, carpets from recycled plastic bottles, and composite decking from wood waste, to name a few. Avoid paper kitchen rolls and use cloth-based mops that are reusable after cleaning and sun-drying.

Designer: SA Lab

9. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Investing in energy-efficient appliances that save cost and energy and do not compromise on it might be a costly investment compared to traditional appliances. Still, it will recover the cost over a lifetime. Check for an ENERGY STAR label on the appliance to choose energy star appliances for the home. It saves costs and energy and keeps the performance intact. Energy-efficient appliances include energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Look for appliances with 4 to 5 stars; the higher the rating, the less energy it will consume. Unplug all your electronic gadgets; do not keep them on standby mode. This will prevent the gadgets from consuming power when not in use. Instead of clothes dryers, consider air-drying the clothes to improve energy costs and savings drastically.

10. Switch to LED lights

Replace traditional incandescent lights with LED lights or light-emitting diodes that provide good illumination. The biggest advantage of LED lights is that they use less energy, emit less heat, have a large lifespan, and do not have to be replaced frequently.

Designer: Regalsolace Interiors

11. Invest in a Smart Thermostat

As heating systems consume a lot of energy, installing a smart programmable thermostat is advisable to monitor the temperature, control the heating and cooling and minimize energy waste. The HVAC system will work only when the thermostat reaches a specific temperature and can be easily controlled via a smartphone.

Designer: eCozy

12. Low-flow Water Fixture

Introduce efficient low-flow water fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen to control water usage. Install a dual flush for the W.C. to ensure restricted water use, as it is a great way to conserve water and reduce the house’s water consumption. If there is any leakage in the external and internal pipelines, it should be rectified immediately.

13. Introduce Houseplants

Houseplants have air-purifying properties and are one of the easiest ways to improve indoor air and eliminate toxins and other indoor air pollutants. Plants not only replace carbon dioxide with oxygen through the process of photosynthesis but also absorb indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde that are emitted as VOCs from various household products and chemical cleaners.

Designer: Habitat Horticulture

14. Go for Non-toxic Cleaning Products

Replace hazardous cleaning products that emit harmful VOCs with natural cleaning products composed of essential oils and not comprised of chemicals like ammonia or chlorine. Additionally, toxic chemicals can enter the earth’s ecosystem and harm the environment. Steam cleaners are a great way to disinfect and clean bacteria. Some of the best products that can be used for cleaning include baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and lime juice are cost-effective ingredients that are perfect for preparing cleaning fluids for the home.

15. Use Organic Paints

Choose organic paints and water-based paints for your walls that do not emit toxic gasses indoors. These paints are odorless, lead- and chemical-free paints with low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Designer: ECOS Paints

16. Reusable Bags

As plastic pollution is a significant concern, one of our daily habits is eliminating plastic bags as it hurts the environment. Opt for reusable bags to reduce the consumption of plastic.

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Apr 17

Worrell Yeung renovates New York farm with collection of "cousin" wood-clad buildings

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Two black timber barn-style buildings by Worrell Yeung

Brooklyn-based studio Worrell Yeung has updated a historic property in New York with a series of gabled buildings clad in various timber finishes and details.

The studio run recently renovated and expanded the North Salem Farm house and studio on 8.7 acres in Westchester County, New York.

Two black timber barn-style buildings by Worrell Yeung
The buildings were clad in timber

The project totals 6,585 square feet (610 square metres) and “continues the studio’s interest in expressing architectural volume through a simplification of the elements,” Worrell Yeung said.

The main house was originally a dairy barn. The studio gutted and expanded the 4,650-square-foot (430-square metre) rectangular home into an L-shaped plan with overlapping roofs. Worrell Yeung also added a free-standing garage and studio; and a single-slope spa shed, each with its own material treatment.

Black timber barn-style buildings by Worrell Yeung
The home was informed by vernacular agricultural buildings

Clad in a dark metal roof and custom dark green stained cypress in a varied batten pattern, the main house references and updates agrarian vernacular.

The home’s multi-layered gabled forms engage the site, interact with each other and frame interior spaces, studio co-founder Jejon Yeung said.

One side is marked by a dormer while the other features large windows that orient interior spaces toward the adjacent pond.

Timber-clad outbuilding by Worrell Yeung
The studio also added a spa shed

Inside, the vaulted communal space is open from one end to the other. The studio collaborated with Silman Structural to size up the exposed rafters, blending them with the wooden trusses and accenting the steel tie rods.

“Exposed Douglas Fir ceiling rafters continue our interest in detailing complex and sophisticated systems that require ingenuity and collaboration but look quite simple,” co-founder Max Worrell said.

The living area features a black wood bookcase wall and soapstone fireplace that contrast the kitchen’s zinc island and Douglas Fir millwork.

The other spaces are a mix of wood treatments and tones, including dark red-stained; wire-brushed cypress walls in the powder room, terracotta and blue encaustic tile floors in the bathrooms; and slate-coloured ceramic tile and bold black wood screens.

Open-plan living space with exposed pitched timber roof and rafters
The timber roof rafters were left exposed

The house has five bedrooms – three on the main level and two compact dormer rooms upstairs – that look out on the surrounding landscape through minimal black-framed windows.

Downstairs, the original 1800s stone foundation serves as the wall texture for the communal basement.

Open-plan living space with an exposed pitched timber roof and black timber-panelled gable end
Different wood treatments were used throughout the house

A photography studio and garage sit parallel to the main house and connect with a sheltered central entry.

“The studio portion of the structure is lined with Douglas Fir plywood and magnetic pinup walls and contains an open pantry, integrated workstation, sleeping loft, and bathroom,” the architecture studio said.

East of the main house, connected by a crushed gravel pathway, sits a white half-gable spa shed. A weathered grey cypress rain-screen covers the small form that holds a hot tub and sauna.

Lounge room and bar in a home with a timber ceiling and stone wall
The home’s stone foundation was left exposed for the basement walls

“As the program on the site grew, we continued to play with the archetypal gabled form,” Worrell said. “The garage/studio has similar detailing and finishes on the exterior to the main house, but we wanted to diversify and complement the material palette for the third structure.”

“We didn’t want a monotonous experience of moving from one dark-clad building to the next,” Yeung said. “As a whole, we read the collection of buildings as siblings that are closely related—like cousins.”

Similarly, Worrell Yeung designed a black-clad contemporary barn in the Hudson River Valley. The studio also recently completed a lake house with cascading cantilevers in Connecticut.

The photography is by Naho Kubota.

Project credits:
Architect: Worrell Yeung (Jejon Yeung, Max Worrell, Yunchao Le, Cohen Hudson, Bryan Cordova)
Interiors/FFE: Worrell Yeung
Landscape architecture: RAFT
Meadow consultant: Larry Weaner Landscape Associates
Structural engineer: Silman
Civil engineer: Insite Engineers P.C.
MEP engineer: Altieri Sebor Wieber LLC
Builder: L&L Builders, Belmont Land Design

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Apr 17

Smart shelving system provides versatile storage and partitions in modern offices

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One problem that never seems to leave us, especially if you live in a major city – is the lack of space! If you’re an independent millennial who recently moved out of their family home and into their own, then a significant issue you may be dealing with almost every day…is space constraints in your home. And this problem also tends to follow us to our offices – whether commercial or home. Commercial offices are teeming to the brim with hordes of employees, and the furniture they need – desks, chairs, office pods, conference tables, etc. And smart storage solutions for offices are often harder to come by, as compared to those for our homes. One such well-designed storage solution for commercial offices is the Combus Shelving System by Narbutas.

Designer: Narbutas

Designed by office furniture brand Narbutas, the Combus Shelving System is a super smart furniture design that not only provides versatile storage but also offers a way to partition spaces in the office. The Combus system is a pretty crafty one – it features a range of varied shelving types and heights, that can be customized in different finishes, and integrated with accessories such as planter boxes, metal bookends, and felt storage baskets to give each piece a unique and individual look.

The Combus system is available in the traditional “I” shape for shelving, but also in innovative configurations such as “L” and “T” shapes. This makes dividing the office space quite fun and interesting, irrespective if you’re creating private work areas, lounges, or meeting spots for collaborations. The closed shelving options which are higher can be used to provide privacy around areas where employees work and have meetings, while the shorter shelves can be used to partition spaces without completely segregating employees, and their opportunities to converse and connect.

The Combus system is also excellent for meetings since you can attach screens for presentations to its structure, using a metal duct that hides the cable away to provide a clean, decluttered, and wire-free look. Combus was created using recycled materials and can be easily and efficiently disassembled for reuse and adaptation, as and when needed.

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Apr 17

Ten design projects by students at Toronto Metropolitan University

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Image of two lamps on perspex boxes that have glitterball-like bases

Dezeen School Shows: lamps designed to reflect plant Earth melting and an adaptively reused fortress are included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Also featured is a project that explores interiors for people who are blind and a scheme that adds green spaces to redundant gaps between skyscrapers.

Toronto Metropolitan University

Institution: Toronto Metropolitan University
School: School of Interior Design
Course: Bachelor of Interior Design

School statement:

“All of the following projects were submitted by fourth year students who picked a project they most loved throughout their four years at SID to showcase.

“In IRN 401, a second-year studio, students build on the concept of environments for the human body, integrating foundations of structures, site, material awareness and human behaviour theory to comprehensive design problems.

“Students investigate concepts and develop design solutions with a focus on the public realm of interiors.

“Third-year studio IRN 601 addresses the design of the contemporary workplace.

“Space planning, fitment detailing, technological integration, furniture, materials and finishes, colour, lighting, building codes and universal design are considered, as are health and safety standards and regulations.

“In IRN 701 and IRN 801, students engage and align with faculty research, analysis and synthesis to generate creative and experimental design solutions.

“Students choose from a number of projects offered to explore and research emerging and contemporary issues in design.”

Visualisation showing immersive interior with child playing

Para-Foster by Jinyu Ma

“The Peach Blossom Land was a fable written by Tao Yuanming in 421 CE about a chance discovery of an ethereal utopia where the people lead an ideal existence in harmony with nature for centuries, unaware of the outside world.

“The phrase can be used to describe an idealistic place of beauty and repose.

“Para-Foster tries to create a Xanadu – meaning an idyllic or scenic place – for residents and visitors, facilitating unique exploratative experiences within the space.”

Student: Jinyu Ma
Course: IRN 801
Tutors: Dyonne Fashina and Ian Rolston
Email: jinyu.ma[at]torontomu.ca

Visualisation showing layout of spaces from above surrounded by blue

Seeing and Non-Seeing by Shuning Xie

“Blindness is a 2008 English language thriller film adapted from José Saramago’s book of the same name.

“One scene in the film shows a man who was originally blind comparing his behaviour to that of other people who are suddenly blind.

“This perspective not only emphasises the difference in lifestyle between long-term blind people and suddenly blind people, but also suggests the root cause of the difference in understanding and perceiving things between seeing and non-seeing.

“Therefore, I used this idea as an entry point for research and creative practice in this study.

“Using an interior from the movie as an entry point, and taking cues from the Chinese children’s book Seven Blind Mice, the interior is deconstructed through the sense of touch, the way non-seeing people perceive the world, to create a liminal space.”

Student: Shuning Xie
Course: IRN 701
Tutor: Lorella Di Cintio
Email: shuning.xie[at]torontomu.ca

Visualisation showing view from street at structure between skyscrapers

Nature in the Sky by Douglas Chun

“There is a severe lack of urban green space in large cities like Toronto.

“What if we created an intervention, stretched between two or more structures, that becomes an elevated, horizontal green space?

“The intervention for this site uses two web-like forms that span the space between skyscrapers, repurposing this empty vertical space into a new horizontal space.

“The two-story green space will include a walking and running track, a cafe and other amenities, allowing the public to relax and get a breath of fresh air in the city.”

Student: Douglas Chun
Course: IRN 701
Tutor: Andrew Furman
Email: douglas.chun[at]torontomu.ca

Drawing on left and visualisation on right showing structure on beach

Beach Hut (with a Radiant View) by Maegan Rose Mehler

“Beach Hut (with a Radiant View) is an intervention designed around an existing site: the lifeguard towers at Woodbine Beach.

“At the heart of this design is an ode to the seasons, the sky, the water and the types of ways that experiencing these natural phenomena positively impacts our lives.

“Beach Hut is intended to offer shelter from the elements, a place to sit, eat or lay in order to comfortably watch (and listen) to the waves, the passing of time, sunrise, sunset, or maybe even a fresh snowfall.

“No matter when you visit, or how long you stay, with a group of friends, family, or by yourself, Beach Hut is a place that aims to frame the very special views and moments that can be experienced at this site.”

Student: Maegan Rose Mehler
Course: IRN 701
Tutor: Stephanie Davidson
Email: maegan.rose.mehler[at]torontomu.ca

Visualisation showing interior of office space

Creative Collaboration by Rabia Rashid and Hourieh Riahifard

“Creative Collaboration is an interior design proposal for Creative Matters, a company that designs custom-made carpets and rugs.

“Creative Matters expressed the need for open workspaces, hidden storage and display components. Our design encourages a collaborative and innovative design process through moveable components.

“These components transform workspaces, creating zones ranging from intimate meeting rooms to large collaborative spaces.

“Adjustable displays allow the client to receive a unique experience and access hundreds of carpet samples that are curated specifically for them.

“This design features numerous different workspaces, hidden integrated storage, and moveable partitions that can expand and collapse as needed.

“Our design highlights the client’s loom-based technique used to make rugs, to tie the space together through the partitions and the three-level feature wall that enforces vertical circulation.”

Students: Rabia Rashid and Hourieh Riahifard
Course: IRN 601
Tutor: Safoura Zahedi
Email: rabia.rashid[at]torontomu.ca and hriahifard[at]torontomu.ca

Visualisation showing interior with vaults to resemble whale ribcage

Unity House by Simcha Shore

“Unity House is more than just a place to stay – it is a celebration of indigenous cultures in Canada.

“Run by members of the community, the hostel brings the traditions and heritage of indigenous peoples to the forefront, bridging the gap between western and indigenous ways of knowing.

“The lounge on the ground floor is designed like the ribcage of a whale, inspired by the traditional winter structures of the northern territories.

“At its heart lies a communal area and hearth, enveloped in an intimate setting that invites people to share stories, ideas and creative expression through dance and song.”

Student: Simcha Shore
Course: IRN 401
Tutor: Barbara Vogel
Email: simcha.shore[at]torontomu.ca

Visualisation showing an artist's studio with a window in the back showing the artist in an alleyway

Assemblage Artist’s Studio by Michelle Ng

“A design representation of Louise Nevelson’s studio aims to showcase her unique approach to assemblage art, while also providing an inspiring and functional workspace.

“Rhino was used to create a three-dimensional rendering of the studio, which features her work in progress assemblages, a large work table for her to create new pieces and plenty of storage space for her materials and tools.

“The space also incorporates natural light and minimalist design elements to allow her art to take centre stage.

“Additionally, small details were included such as personal touches that reflect Nevelson’s love for cats and smoking, as well as the figure of Nevelson herself in the distance collecting materials for her next project.

“By reimagining her studio in this way, we take a closer glimpse into her life as an artist.”

Student: Michelle Ng
Course: IRN 601
Tutor: Jonathan Anderson
Email: m1ng[at]torontomu.ca

Elevations of various rooms of a hotel interior with midnight blue and gold accents

A Place To Stay – La Notte by Idana Scaccia

“Designing luxurious spaces gives the guest a different feeling of home. La Notte is where ultimate comfort meets ultimate luxury.

“The hotel is furnished with rich and dark colours, soft lighting and unique furniture. The public spaces are designed with the intent of a collaborative environment, and the private areas of the hotel are designed for comfort and relaxation.

“As the hotel is equipped with technology, each guest has the option for an analog experience with the library in the reception lounge.

“The restaurant is designed for fine dining and intimate experiences with a live pianist and luxury materials culminating in a historical and regal atmosphere.”

Student: Idana Scaccia
Course: IRN 401
Tutor: Brigitte Luzar
Email: idana.scaccia[at]torontomu.ca

Visualisation showing aerial view of an old castle with a contemporary walkway in front of it

Legacy of the Past by Amy Zhang and Katie Zhang

“A once abandoned Fortezza is brought back to life by using it to house the new academy of arts, bringing in students and visitors year-round.

“The space connects the private and public zones to support the local arts and culture of Cortona.

“The existing circulatory paths bridged through contemporary interventions connect the main public areas of the Fortezza.”

Students: Amy Zhang and Katie Zhang
Course: IRN 701
Tutor: Barbara Vogel
Email: ai.zhang[at]torontomu.ca and katie.zhang[at]torontomu.ca

Image of two lamps on perspex boxes that have glitterball-like bases

Our World Melting Under The Waste We Generate by Noelle Daniel

“Drawing inspiration from Edward Burtynsky’s work, which documents the collective effect of humanity’s interference on the planet, his photos and films present a mesmerising yet unsettling view of the industrial systems imposed onto nature.

“As a species, our consumerism has considerable consequences on the environment, even with the promise of ‘green’ technology to reduce waste.

“Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the most concerning waste streams, containing dangerous toxins and necessitating safe and profitable material recovery and recycling.

“These lamps are designed to reflect the melting of our planet due to the excessive waste that we produce, while also commenting on how our society is privileged enough to easily discard items instead of finding a solution to repair or recycle them.

“By scavenging for CDs, the e-waste of our music libraries, I created an organic structure and decorated it with a reflective mosaic, symbolising how our wasteful actions are reflected in the earth.

“As fragile things heat up, they melt – and this structure is also a nod to global warming.”

Student: Noelle Daniel
Course: IRN 701
Tutor: Filiz Klassen
Email: noelle.daniel[at]torontomu.ca

Partnership content

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

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Apr 17

Four monumental installations and artworks at Coachella 2023

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White Coachella Installation

Giant robots informed by South Asian temples and a “cyber-physical” sculpture are among the installations at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California.

For the second year since the Covid-19 pandemic, the yearly festival returned to the Coachella Valley outside of Los Angeles, featuring newly commissioned large-scale artworks alongside works from past years.

Coachella art director Paul Clemente, who has been working with the festival since 2003, told Dezeen that the festival had now evolved from renting works from other events like Burning Man to putting together custom works on site, a practice that began in 2016.

“That eliminates a lot of the logistical problems of getting large pieces from A to B and, building everything on site,” he told Dezeen. “We don’t have to take anything out on public roads or, or anything like that.”

“It makes everything much easier here,” he continued, adding that the team begins working with artists years before their work is showcased.

“We know what works and what doesn’t.”

Clemente also said that the production capacity Coachella’s seasoned staff have developed allows for some artists to create some of the “largest work that they have ever participated in”.

“We know what works and what doesn’t work and can guide them on the final design,” he said.

Clemente noted that while a singular theme wasn’t chosen in favour of selection on a person-by-person basis, a strong multi-media element is present in the works. The effects of each radically changed with the lighting that is projected on each at nighttime.

Here are the four new installations presented at Coachella 2023.

Holoflux Coachella Sculpture
Installation view of Holoflux by Güvenç Özel. The photo is by Lance Gerber, courtesy of Coachella.

Holoflux by Güvenç Özel

LA-based designer Güvenç Özel created a 60-foot-tall (18 metre) architectural sculpture with a steel structure wrapped in iridescent fabric. During the day, Holoflux blows slightly with the wind and reflects the light.

For the night, Özel set up a series of 3D-mapped projects that covers the fabric with digital art, some of which was generated from cameras that face outwards from the projectors, modulating images of the surroundings.

“[It shows] how architecture can be integrated into the digital ecosystem,” Özel told Dezeen. “I call myself a cyber-physical architect because what I do is about that integration of the digital and the physical.”

Clemente noted that the project, which includes two smaller digitally fabricated foam attachments, was one of the “hardest” pieces the Coachella build crew has ever had to construct.

Robotic statues at Coachella
Installation view of Messengers by Kumkum Fernando. The photo is by Lance Gerber, courtesy of Coachella.

The Messengers by Kumkum Fernando

Sri Lankan artist Kumkum Fernando created three massive statuesque figures for the event, the tallest of which stands 80 feet tall (24 metres).

Fernando created the figures to have robotic silhouettes and covered them with colourful motifs found on Hindu and Buddhist temples in South Asia. The artist keeps a library of patterns that he uses for his large-scale works.

“One day, I was arranging objects, and they appeared to form a figure,” Fernando said. “Then I thought I should make figures with these patterns.”

Each statue includes a plinth that allows people to gather and look up at the statues, which stand prominently between two of the festival’s main stages. The figures are illuminated by a soft violet light during the night.

Purple molecular ball statue Coachella
Installation view of Molecular Cloud by Vincent Leroy. The photo is by Lance Gerber, courtesy of Coachella.

Molecular Cloud by Vincent Leroy

French artist Vincent Leroy created a series of glossy pink orbs that sit in clusters on steel poles on a slight hillock overlooking the festival’s main stage.

The clusters move slowly on axles creating different configurations that reflect the movement of molecules and demonstrate a “permanently changing viewpoint”, according to the artist.

During the day, the orbs appear bright against the greenery and white structures and tents of the festival, while at night pixelated light is projected onto them, increasing the sense of movement in the work.

Flower sculptures with Coachella in the background
Installation view of Eden by Maggie West. The photo is by Lance Gerber, courtesy of Coachella.

Eden by Maggie West 

LA-based artist Maggie West created a series of floral silhouettes that range from six to 56 feet tall (two to 17 metres) that the team claimed is “one of the world’s largest 3D photography installations”.

The flowers consist of vinyl wrapped around steel-and-wood structures. Each of the floral designs is a cut-out of West’s photography of a variety of plants, overlaid with both warm and cool colour palettes that create a magenta hue created by taking the photographs under coloured lights.

“By photographing familiar objects with multicolored lights, my work helps viewers take a closer look at some of the nature they might take for granted,” she said. “Like the texture of the snake plants and the stamens in the centre of lilies.”

At night, the massive flowers are complemented by rich blue and purple projections.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is taking place from 14-16 April and 21-23 April in California. For more events, exhibitions and talks on architecture and design visit Dezeen’s Events Guide. 

The post Four monumental installations and artworks at Coachella 2023 appeared first on Dezeen.

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Apr 17

An Underappreciated Design Classic: The JG Folding Stool

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In Denmark, “Folding stools were initially introduced as an intellectual challenge,” writes architectural technology company Bimbear, “which demonstrated the ingenuity of Danish designers and manufacturers to experiment with comfortable, convenient forms of seating. Several folding stools have become famous, as the genre lends itself to a vast array of spaces and settings.”

The one we’ll look at today is the JG Folding Stool, created in 1970 by Danish furniture designer Jørgen Gammelgaard. Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Gammelgaard came of age a bit later than Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, but still left his mark.

“The JG Folding Stool is one of Jørgen Gammelgaard’s most recognised pieces. Appreciated for its unique visual expression, cleverly conceived folding mechanism, high quality craftsmanship and multi-functional approach.”

“Intrinsic to the JG Folding Stool is the simplicity and economy of materials. Every line has a purpose and every detail is essential. It’s a masterpiece in engineering and a practical design that’s appealing from any angle – even folded flat.”

“Launched in 1970, the JG Folding Stool earned designer Jørgen Gammelgaard the prestigious Danish Furniture Prize the following year. Since then, the JG Folding Stool has achieved iconic status. The sleek, stainless steel legs expand to create a frame comprised of diagonal lines supporting a simple seat in Aniline leather or canvas. When in a folding position, all the elements easily collapse together.”

“As a design typology, folding stools are part of a Danish design tradition spearheaded by Kaare Klint, an influential architect, furniture designer and professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. Kaare Klint inspired designers, such as Jørgen Gammelgaard and Børge Mogensen, to take an analytical approach to material properties and proportions so as to adapt simple, functionalist designs to modern-day needs.”

The JG Folding Stool is still in production today, by Scandinavian furniture brand Fredericia. The legs are stainless steel and both canvas and leather are offered.

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Apr 17

Sustainable glass desk creates a stunning visual metaphor for water pollution

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We are all probably aware of how polluted our waters have become, but that fact doesn’t always sink in until we’re faced with images or videos of disgusting examples. While unsettling imagery relies on the shock factor to give us a wake-up call, it starts to lose its effectiveness once the images are gone. We could always have these visuals within view, but always seeing these unpleasant things can also have negative effects on our psyches. If one needs a constant reminder of the sad state of our planet’s waters, it might be better if it came in a way that’s less unnerving but just as attention-grabbing. That’s what this elegant desk is attempting to accomplish, and it uses our tendency to keep messy desks to get that message across.

Designer: Nicola Morelli

Although they don’t need to be immaculately clean, we do need a certain amount of free space on our desks in order to be productive. Clutter blocks the flow of our work, and the mess only piles up over time unless they’re cleaned up. As it turns out, this is the exact same situation with the pollution in our rivers, seas, and oceans, and the in.water concept design ties to associate these two different but related ideas in a subtle yet captivating way.

On its own, the desk is already striking in its minimalist beauty. The piece of furniture is flat-packed and easily assembled, composed of nothing more than two pairs of aluminum legs and a plexiglass tabletop. The table has a translucent gradient that goes from blue to frost white, creating an interesting visual even when it’s devoid of anything on top.

That choice of color is, of course, intentional, and it is meant to convey the image of a clear body of water partially reflecting the blue sky. Once you start piling things on top of it, however, that pristine beauty is immediately shattered. You can no longer enjoy the clarity of the table’s surface, and the translucency of the material only serves to highlight the role of these objects as “clutter.” For even better emphasis, you could try slipping pieces of paper between the top and the metal legs, indicating “trash” that is so deep that they’re not easily removed.

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The in.water concept, however, isn’t just a visual metaphor of sustainability that loses its message at the factory. It can be made from 100% recycled plexiglass and aluminum, and its flat-pack design produces less carbon footprint during transportation. With its simple beauty and meaningful design cues, this table design concept sends a more impactful message of how water pollution can be reflected in our daily lives.

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The post Sustainable glass desk creates a stunning visual metaphor for water pollution first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Apr 17

A Flax-Based Hard Shell Rolling Carry-On

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For those seeking less plastic in their luggage: This carry-on, from Denmark-based sustainable travel goods brand Kin, features a flax-based hard shell. Designed by veteran industrial designer Boris Berlin, the suitcase is water- (and heat-) resistant, despite its fabric-like looks.

The interior is also lined with a flax-based material, in this case linen.

One thing that might give you pause is the word “most” in the description:

“The Kin Carry-on is a hardcase suitcase designed to fit into the overhead bin of most major airlines and is also well-suited for train and car trips. The suitcase is made out of a sustainable natural fiber shell.”

“Its closure is made with a highly durable zipper with a leather trim and it features 360 degree spinner wheels made in Japan.”

“It is the first and most sustainable luggage available in an industry that continues to use environmentally harmful plastics.”

It also comes in a darker tone:

Here’s Berlin himself describing the project and materials choice:

The more-attractive (to my eye) beige model is currently sold out, though the darker one is in stock. Both run $452.

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