Every great render can be separated into two parts – a foreground, and a background. The foreground is often the subject of your render. It’s the model you spent days making, detailing, and adding materials, layers, and textures to. The background is the environment in which your model sits. It includes the scenario, lights, and other elements that surround your model. The tragedy, however, is that 99% of your energy goes into building the foreground, but when it comes to your background, it becomes all too easy to just drag and drop an HDRI environment from your rendering software.

Making your own custom environments for 3D rendering can often be a long, laborious task, which is why most people just use template environments. Traditionally, HDRI (High Dynamic Range Images) 360° environments are captured using 360° cameras, or by taking multiple photos of an environment and stitching them together in a software. However, you can now get an AI to make you a 360° environment with just one sentence. Developed by game dev studio Blockade Labs, Skybox is a free-to-use website that makes AI-generated environments with a simple text prompt. All you do is describe the environment you want, choose from a list of visual styles, and hit Generate. In seconds, the AI creates an environment that you can preview directly on the website. You can then download the environment and easily use it in your rendering software like KeyShot 11, vastly enhancing your workflow; or even in any AR/VR experience you may be building. For now, the service is entirely free, and Blockade Labs gives you the right to ownership of all the images you create (although they get perpetual access to it), allowing you to freely use the environments or commercialize them by selling them online too.

Free KeyShot 11 Trial: Download Now | Free KeyShot Report: Download Now

How to use Skybox AI

If you’ve ever used Google, you know everything there is to know about using Skybox. The website’s UI has just a single text box that you type your environment description prompt into and a Generate button that gets the AI working on your prompt. A drop-down menu lets you select from a variety of styles, like digital painting, realistic, sci-fi, interior, manga, watercolor, and many more, giving you control over your final output. However, most of these themes are targeted toward game developers and artists, so it’s best to stick to themes like Realistic, Interior, or Advanced (No Style) for the most photorealistic results.

When typing your prompt, more is always better. Skybox runs on a modified version of Stable Diffusion, so it’s best to be as expressive and detailed as possible with your description so that the AI doesn’t surprise you with something you didn’t ask for. Skybox lets you input prompts in two ways. A ‘Create New’ feature lets you generate something entirely new, and if you like what you’ve made but you just want to fine-tune it or change the image style, a ‘Remix This’ feature proves to be handy.

How to write your prompt

Prompt writing is an acquired skill, and if you haven’t ever used any AI tools, stick around. If you’re familiar with Midjourney or Stable Diffusion or any Text-to-image program, you can skip this part.

When writing a prompt, you need to express clearly to the AI what you’ve got in your mind. If you’re looking for a realistic road scene, specify whether it’s an urban or a highway setup, describe the scene, the time of day, and any details like the style of road you’re looking for. Throw in a few adjectives if you want. Here are a few examples, along with their results. (You can right-click and download the hi-res images)

Prompt – Cobbled Stone Pathway in an Old Italian Village. Vibrant modern buildings
Style – Realistic

Prompt – Cyberpunk TRON world with TRON motorcycles and illuminated grid floor
Style – SciFi

Prompt – Office meeting room table. Empty conference room.
Style – Realistic

Prompt – Empty warehouse. Large space with skylights and volumetric light rays.
Style – Advanced (No Style)

Additional Skybox AI Features

With subsequent updates, the Skybox AI has gotten some very nifty new features that give you further control over your HDRI creation. A toolbar on the side of the interface now lets you use a brush tool to create preliminary shapes, guiding the AI to make exactly what you have in mind, rather than give you something totally uncontrolled and haphazard. This helps you create a 360° HDRI that exactly fits your needs. A brush and eraser tool help you create an overall skeleton that the AI will then use as its input. You can draw your own buildings, roads, lampposts, tables, etc. to get exactly the right kind of HDRI. Viewing options also let you choose to view your HDRI in a spherical or cube grid, and with or without a ground plane, to give you a better sense of how your HDRI will look in rendering software like KeyShot. Finally, while downloading your HDRI, you can now even download a Depth Map of it to use in other 3D rendering software for a more immersive environment that reacts well to camera movements and creates that parallax effect that makes your renders look absolutely real!

How to import the environment in KeyShot

Once you’ve generated your environment, browse around within Skybox’s interface using the cursor to make sure it has no warped edges, imperfections, or random errors. You can download the image using the download button, and save it to your desktop.

To use the environment in KeyShot, open the software and first set your scene by adding a model to it (or hit Ctrl + 8 to generate a sphere). Once the model’s in place, head to the Project tab on the right side (hit Space if you can’t see it) and click on the Environment button. Click the ‘Create Blank Environment Map’ button to create a new map. Head to the HDRI Editor and select ‘Image’ from the list of options. Select the image you generated and KeyShot automatically turns it into an environment. You may need to play around with the scale, brightness, or contrast in the Settings tab. When you’re happy with how the environment looks, rename your New Environment by right-clicking on it. Then, head back to the HDRI Editor and press the Save To Library button.

Where to find the options on the KeyShot 11 interface

A Better, Faster Workflow with KeyShot

Earlier this year, KeyShot surveyed thousands of industrial designers and leaders to understand which rendering software they preferred, and the reasons behind it. 88% of them mentioned that KeyShot “provides the best 3D rendering quality output” in comparison to other software, that either take time and expertise to master, or just don’t have the same quality standard as KeyShot.

“KeyShot allows you to maximize your artistry and accuracy, providing expansive materials and color libraries along with in-depth tools that allow you to tweak the smallest details,” the report says. The software gives you instant yet advanced control over all your parameters like lighting, environment, material, and even color, thanks to partnerships with companies like Pantone to make their libraries a part of the KeyShot rendering software. Click on the report below to learn more.

Free KeyShot 11 Trial: Download Now | Free KeyShot Report: Download Now

The post How to make your own KeyShot environments with this simple, free AI-powered website first appeared on Yanko Design.

As a child, I loved sitting and spending hours excruciatingly and lovingly building little LEGO block structures. But, watching my sister bump into them, causing them to fall apart completely was truly heartbreaking. We all have heartwarming memories associated with LEGO blocks from our childhood, as well as the not-so-heartwarming ones of stepping on them with our feet and feeling an insane amount of pain shoot up our legs. Despite these wonderful childhood memories, LEGO is no more considered child’s play! Master builders, artists, and LEGO enthusiasts all over the world are creating impressive LEGO builds that’ll blow your minds away. They are a result of their hours of dedication, attention to detail, hard work, and creativity. And we’ve put together some mindblowing LEGO builds that recently took our breath away…for you!

1. LEGO “The Moon: Earth’s Companion”

Called the LEGO Art space poster “The Moon: Earth’s Companion”, this fan-made creation was built using 2360 bricks, and it celebrates the beauty, mystery, and brilliance of the moon. The build features a brick-built Moon that was created with immense precision and attention to detail, which was further heightened by realistic craters and terrains.

2. LEGO Harry Potter “Dobby the House-Elf”

The LEGO Harry Potter “Dobby the House-Elf” build is meant for kids above the age of 8 years and uses a mere 403 bricks (making it one of the easier builds in the LEGOverse). The house elf has been amped with a few distinct and special details. It has moving limbs, a rotating head, adjustable ears, and repositionable fingers that allow Dobby to look around, snap and point fingers, or even grip items!

3. LEGO Ferrari Monza SP1

LEGO has created a full-scale version of the Monza SP1, which was released in 2018 by Ferrari. This is the work of LEGOLAND Denmark, and it is a part of the new interactive exhibit at LEGO’s Billund Resort. The Ferrari Monza SP1 is nonfunctional but is fully operational in a digital avatar version, where a 3D scan of a fully-assembled LEGO model is tested.

4. The LEGO Icons Chevrolet Camaro Z28

The LEGO Icons Chevrolet Camaro Z28 lets you rebuild an iconic piece of American history! Building this classic vehicle is truly fun, and the finished piece even lets you lift up the hood and have a peek inside. You can pick from the hardtop coupe or convertible options, curating the look that perfectly matches your automotive tastes. The detailed V8 engine and working steering team up with the opening side doors, hood, and trunk beautifully, creating a realistic LEGO build that works!

5. LEGO The Fairground Collection set 10303 Loop Coaster

The Fairground Collection set 10303 Loop Coaster is a part of the Creator Expert series, and is the first official gravity-powered LEGO rollercoaster that has been released. It consists of 3756 LEGO pieces and takes surreal minifigs on a two-full loop ride before coming to a halt. Using kinetic energy to complete the ride in one motion is an incredible feat in itself since the size of the 36-inch-tall LEGO set is still compact by any standards.

The post Top 5 LEGO creations for LEGO lovers to build at home first appeared on Yanko Design.

We often underestimate the importance of a great chair. When in reality, we really shouldn’t. We spend the majority of our day sitting on chairs, whether we’re working in our home office, enjoying a meal, or simply sitting and reading a book for leisure! Hence, this piece of furniture needs to be not only comfortable but ergonomic and aesthetic as well.  And a well-designed unique chair I recently laid eyes upon is the Aran Lounge Chair.

Designer: Morgan

British brand Morgan designed the Aran lounge chair by utilizing 3D knitting instead of conventional upholstery. By using 3D knitting to create the striking and stunning Aran chair, Morgan was able to provide the chair with contrasting and different densities of the weave. The British brand developed the Aran lounge chair with the textile brand Camira, resulting in a knitted sleeve that is held in tension by a timber frame.

“The Aran lounge chair is a testament to the beauty and versatility of knit material, and we are confident it will make a striking addition to any space,” said Morgan design director Erin Johnson. The unique chair was designed with the intention to eliminate waste since the sleeve has been knitted to fit, which creates a visually light chair that provides flexible support. The chair is inspired by the rich knitting traditions of the Aran island, off the coast of Ireland. It celebrates the craft by embracing and showcasing the textures that different and varied densities of knitting can create.

The knitted lounge chair is built using a combination of renewable and recyclable materials. 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester was used for the textile, while beech, ash, oak, or walnut timber was used for the frame – thereby creating a chair that is pretty sustainable and a boon to the environment. In a world, where sustainable furniture is growing day by day, the Aran lounge chair with its unique knitting technique and recyclable materials, is an added bonus to the realm of eco-friendly furniture. Not to mention, its aesthetics are simple, elegant, and sophisticated, and would elevate any living space it is placed into.

The post This elegant lounge chair was built using 3D knitting instead of conventional upholstery first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dezeen School Shows: a thatched building designed to reconnect users to the heritage of candlemaking is included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at Kingston University.

Also included are a boat building workshop in Scotland that uses local materials in its construction and the adaptive reuse of a pair of Roman ruins in Dover that transforms them into a museum.

Kingston University

Institution: Kingston University
School: Kingston School of Art
Course: Architecture and Landscape
Tutors: Laura Evans, Alexander Gore, David Owen, Tim Gough, Konstantina Tsapakidou, Nana Biamah-Ofosu, Michael Badu, Douglas Murphy, Will Guthrie, Maija Viksne, Andrew Budd, Jane Houghton, Aoife Donnelly, Astrid Smitham, Nicholas Lobo Brennan, Tom Coward, Cathy Hawley, Bruno Silvestre, Takeshi Hayatsu, Salah Krichen and Fanna Merton

School statement:

“The Department of Architecture and Landscape at Kingston has established a clear position within the UK context of architecture and landscape education.

“Our concern with continuity in architectural culture, and in making work which is sensitive to situation and context, places us in a national community of European schools in places as diverse as Ireland, Switzerland, Scandinavia and Iberia.

“The graduating practitioner from Kingston is a generalist capable of thinking and making with the technical and critical skills required to be both nimble and empowered to act in today’s diverse architectural and landscape culture.

“Our situation as part of the School of Art and Architecture is key to our identity.

“The large workshops and the ethos of thinking through making speak of the inherent dynamic of how we see architectural and landscape knowledge generated in the productive tension between tectonics and representation.

“This is a fundamental and essential part of how the department seeks to enable its students; firstly through a direct and immediate connection with how things are made and the nature of the spaces that result; and secondly with how it is represented critically.

“These are equally valued as a way of interrogating, contextualising and developing a critical position, one that is unique in the UK context.

“Our reputation is reflected by our continued presence in the Domus listing of the top 50 Architecture Schools in Europe, and our students and staff continue to win prestigious industry awards, including regular successes in the RIBA President’s Medals.”

Canbrew Community by Ethan Fraser

“Canbury Place car park is a remnant of a demolished Victorian estate and is now a prime site, close to the railway station with permission for over 445 residential units with very little private or public amenity space.

“This counter proposal provides a microcosm of society with a mixture of housing, industry and commerce.

“Brewing has been historically vital to the development of towns and cities and the micro-brewery taproom provides a place for people to gather in a social environment.

“Architecturally, the proposal seeks to mechanically modernise the traditional, local forms of Victorian and Edwardian maisonette housing.

“Passivhaus design principles provide comfortable environments for the residents.”

Student: Ethan Fraser
Course: BA (Hons) Architecture
Tutors: David Owen, Tim Gough and Konstantina Tsapakidou
Email: k1911337[at]kingston.ac.uk

A Place of One’s Own by Sena Özkan

“Situated a few minutes from Waterloo station in a vibrant and central area in Lambeth, the project is a housing collective of 13 apartments for young people at the beginning of their independent adult lives.

“The building design is sensitive to climate change, incorporating Passivhaus principles, a sustainable timber structure and carefully detailed shutters and windows to provide natural ventilation and prevent overheating.

“The proposal is organised around a planted courtyard and roof space that incorporate natural elements of ecology and regenerative energy.”

Student: Sena Özkan
Course: BA (Hons) Architecture
Tutors: Nana Biamah-Ofosu and Michael Badu
Email: k2268678[at]kingston.ac.uk

Makola Cultural Centre by Lena Lali

“The Makola Cultural Centre is an art and cultural hub located in the Jamestown neighbourhood in Accra, Ghana. This community-focused project creates important social spaces for the local community whilst also promoting local arts in the region.

“The programme of the centre consists of a gallery, shop, auditorium, café/restaurant, as well as studios and a learning centre for the use of local artists and craftspeople.

“Incorporating passively ventilated spaces, open planted courtyards and rainwater collection strategies, the project prioritises human comfort throughout the year.

“The building takes advantage of its location directly adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, with a series of prominent windcatchers and indoor water channels used to cool the space at the heart of the plan.

“Consideration has been given to local construction technologies; the primary structure is formed of adobe brick and glue-laminated teak, and the building is supported on stone foundations, minimising the use of concrete.”

Student: Lena Lali
Course: BA (Hons) Architecture
Tutors: Laura Evans and Douglas Murphy
Email: k2014260[at]kingston.ac.uk

Community Centre and Boat Building Workshop by Peter Goding

“The Scottish town of Culross, once a vital trading port with consequent economic success in the 17th century, is now a place of relative poverty.

“The introduction of a community hub with a secondary use as a boat-building workshop will promote social interaction in the local community.

“The building sits comfortably within its surroundings. The two gable ends reflect the town’s vernacular architecture, with stone from the surrounding hills used for the base, floor and foundations.

“Atop this solid base sits a slender timber structure with an interior characterised by pale and unique patterning made from Douglas Fir timber – a connection is made to Culross Palace, whose barrel-vaulted ceilings are said to be made from upturned boats.

“The landscaping provides a rich ecological habitat for the flora and fauna of the area. Introducing reeds in the mudflats helps to clean the waste water and provides a new habitat for the local wildlife.”

Student: Peter Goding
Course: BA (Hons) Architecture
Tutors: Will Guthrie and Maija Viksne
Email: k2050573[at]kingston.ac.uk

Conduit: A Proposal to Revitalise Connection by Katherine Higgins

“The Roman Painted House and Roman Baths (c. AD 200), now sited within earshot of Dover’s busy York Street bypass, appears isolated from the 21st century life of the town. In Roman Britain, both buildings would have welcomed visitors to Portus Dubris in Dover.

“The two-storey Painted House was a mansio (a Roman stopping place or hotel for officials), which was then a building of some significance.

“Today, these highly important archaeological remains are protected and preserved in what is read as a single storey museum building that passers-by hardly notice and visitors to Dover frequently miss.

“The proposal is for a new destination museum that will act as a conduit to connect Dover’s cultural heritage with the local, national and international audience it deserves.

“Careful consideration of route and form, and the sensitive framing of views, will re-establish the museum’s presence within the community and support the much-needed revitalisation of Dover’s urban fabric.”

Student: Katherine Higgins
Course: BA (Hons) Architecture
Tutors: Andrew Budd and Jane Houghton
Email: k2050800[at]kingston.ac.uk

Now and in 100 Years by Jacob Lee

“This project seeks to redefine how we approach land development through a lens of ecology and radical reuse, by reimagining the development of a site in Dagenham, East London, which will soon become home to the City of London’s three relocated wholesale markets: Spitalfields, Smithfield and Billingsgate.

“A new ecological corridor will expand neighbouring Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) and connect cut off residential neighbourhoods to the River Thames, whilst also addressing the growing impermeability of cities, and the resulting risks of pluvial flooding.

“Existing foundations and ground slab of a now demolished gas power-station are reused to define the limits to the new market footprint, whilst the rest of the site is returned to its historic wetlands condition, to provide local flood mitigation.

“The new building itself will be constructed by disassembling and moving the existing New Spitalfields market and other decommissioned industrial buildings, to be reassembled on site as a new public architecture that can host markets from 4am to 8am weekdays and be used as a significant new community and events space for the locality and London as whole.”

Student: Jacob Lee
Course: Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch
Tutors: Astrid Smitham and Nicholas Lobo Brennan
Email: K1720081[at]kingston.ac.uk

Modern Nature: Landscapes of Longing by Isobelle Pitceathly

“This project is situated within the abandoned Occidental oil industry site at Canvey Wick. It is a flood-prone estuary island location, which is ecologically precious and could be described as a brownfield rainforest.

“The heavy stone building grows from the ground, alters the river edge and reaches up to form roofs of dissolving tectonic folded planes. It defends against the elements – the rising water levels, the hot sun and the exposure of the marine environment.

“Monumental in nature, it hosts research laboratories, an archive, education setting and auditorium, houses resident researchers, set amongst a series of filtration beds.

“The proposal resonates with the existing sense of abandonment and safeguards the ecology of the site. In time, it too will return to the site and to ruin.”

Student: Isobelle Pitceathly
Course: Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch
Tutors: Aoife Donnelly and Bruno Silvestre
Email: K1531369[at]kingston.ac.uk

Dreams, Myths and Fairytales by Reuben Truman

“The thesis looks at understanding the natural cycles of a city and discovering the forgotten spirits that once ruled the land we walk upon today.

“The scheme looks at reusing forgotten fragments found in the town centre as a way to celebrate the seasons (and in turn our changing landscape) whilst also looking to encourage the discovery of play and the act of storytelling.

“The final proposal imagines underused car parks found in Kingston as urban forests.”

Student: Reuben Truman
Course: Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch
Tutors: Takeshi Hayatsu, Salah Krichen and Fanna Merton
Email: K1606799[at]kingston.ac.uk

Dreams, Myths and Fairytales by Farah Anwar

“The project focuses on how Kingston’s public realm changes from day to night and how we have allowed the night to steal our public spaces.

“Upon discovering the long-forgotten candle-making industry of the town, the thesis discovers a ley line between the site of the old candle factory.

“The factory sat along the Hogsmill River to the old candle shop that once sat on the Market Place, which became ‘the Path of the Lamplighter. This is a tale of a lamplighter that would bring light back to the town after the night had stolen it away.

“This story formed the building blocks of the proposal – a scheme that aims to create a public space that celebrates the heritage of the town and connects to its current culture by hosting both day and nighttime events; candle-making workshops, community events, gigs and club nights.

“The traditional thatched exterior juxtaposed with the contemporary interior perfectly encapsulates the character of the historic town in modern-day Kingston.”

Student: Farah Anwar
Course: Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch
Tutors: Takeshi Hayatsu, Salah Krichen and Francesca Merton
Email: K2135541[at]kingston.ac.uk

Care and Repair, after the Factory by Isabella Laffeaty

“The monolithic new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital has just landed in an area of industrial decline in Smethwick, Birmingham.

“The Tube Works is a proposed community facility and dance studio within retained warehouses, situated provocatively at its feet and at the centre of the Grove Lane area regeneration plans.

“The project strips back the cluster of large sheds and warehouses – scheduled for demolition – to their masonry and truss bones and then delicately inserts new structures.

“Carefully choreographed hemp lined studios and new lean-to roofs form welcoming spaces for care and gathering around a sheltered walled courtyard carved from former warehouse interiors.

“The project promotes the NHS health and wellbeing agenda to create a space of respite and escape from the hospital, whilst actively connecting the old with the new.”

Student: Isabella Laffeaty
Course: Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch
Tutors: Tom Coward and Cathy Hawley
Email: k2126186[at]kingston.ac.uk

Partnership content

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

The post Ten architecture projects by Kingston University students appeared first on Dezeen.

Like any other season, summer can mean different things to different people. While images of beaches and pool parties immediately come to mind, some see the hottest season of the year as a time to enjoy the wide outdoors, take a well-deserved break from the stress of school and work, or even use the downtime to catch up with life goals and plan the months ahead. Whatever your plans might be for summer, you will want to have the perfect companion that will be by your side, rain or shine or even more shine, helping you make the best out of your time without getting in the way. What you need is a dose of elegant and minimalist Japanese designs, and these five top-notch products will help you enjoy summer to the fullest, whether outdoors, indoors, or everywhere in between.

1. CD Jacket Player

No one will blame you if you want to spend your summer just chilling out. Some people find relaxation in movie marathons, while others find solace in their favorite tunes, especially older music that may bring up fond memories of summers past. What better way to enjoy that kind of music anytime, anywhere than with a special kind of CD player that mixes old technology with new designs, bringing together past and present in sweet harmony.

The CD Jacket Player is more than just a portable device that plays audio discs like any other CD player. As if its clean, minimalist design doesn’t already make it stand out from the crowd, its special feature adds a distinct flavor to the listening experience. Slide in the CD’s jacket cover, and you’ve got a physical facsimile of how modern digital music apps display album art, creating a unique audiovisual experience that combines the best of analog and digital worlds. Enjoy audio CDs the way they were meant to be with a CD Jacket Player that enthrones both the music as well as the art that gives it visual expression.

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2. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil

The pen might be mightier than the sword, but the pencil is definitely easier to yield. It takes no training to use a pencil to write on paper while still providing a variety of marks, depending on how you hold it. Pencils are also more forgiving, allowing you to take back what you wrote and start anew. The only problem is that pencils require more maintenance with sharpening and are gone for good once they’ve been reduced to useless wooden stubs.

Fortunately, the Everlasting All-Metal Pencil is exactly what its name claims it to be. The innovative use of materials allows it to deliver the same exact same experience and line quality as regular pencils, minus the need to sharpen anything. Its unique design not only provides an ergonomic grip, it almost makes the pen eye-catching, leaving a mark not just on paper but also on people’s minds. Put your thoughts on paper for posterity and experience the joys of writing that go on and on with a pencil that lasts just as long.

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3. Magnetic Clipboard

Just because school is out or you’re spending days away from work doesn’t mean your brain stops working completely. In fact, you might even get your best and most creative ideas while you’re on your summer break, whether you’re lounging in your room or putting your feet up by the campfire. In times like those, you probably wish you had some sheets of paper at hand, and this Magnetic Clipboard makes sure there will always be some within reach when inspiration strikes.

The simple yet talented board is designed to hold as many as 30 sheets of A4-sized loose paper, giving you the complete freedom to add, remove, and move pages around as no regular notebook could. A magnet and lever system makes it super-easy to clip those sheets of paper, so you don’t waste time fiddling with the tool instead of scribbling down your thoughts. Don’t let your inspiration dry up this summer, and have the confidence to write down ideas and dreams as they come, knowing that the Magnetic Clipboard and your paper are an arm’s reach away.

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4. Anywhere-Use Lamp

Summer always conjures up images of the bright and sometimes scorching sun, but the Day Star won’t be much help during the night or inside darkened enclosed spaces. Whether you’re camping, spending the night at the beach, or simply reading before bedtime, you’ll definitely need some light source to enjoy your time. You could have a lamp for each of those uses and cases, or you can have a single lamp that you can easily use anywhere you need a light, whether it’s to see in the dark or to set the mood.

The modular design of the Anywhere-Use Lamp makes it trivial to disassemble the device and stow it in your bag for a quick getaway. Powered by regular AA batteries, you won’t need to worry about running out of charge in the middle of a campsite with no power socket in sight for miles around. Simply pop in replacement (and perhaps rechargeable) batteries, and you’re good to go. The lamp’s soft and warm light provides enough illumination for whatever you need to do in a low-lit environment, whether it’s reading or even eating. Like a mushroom that can pop up anywhere, this Anywhere-Use Lamp makes even the darkness of summer nights fun and engaging.

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5. Portable Fire Pit Stand

Some people love the vastness of the seas and the sound of crashing waves on the shores, while others prefer the feeling of the wind on their faces and the smell of trees and grass. Summer is also the perfect time to experience the latter, turning outdoor activities into adventures and opportunities to bond with family and friends. Of course, no outdoor stay is complete without an outdoor meal, and this distinctive fire pit stand gives you both a functional place for fire as well as an interesting conversation starter.

The Portable Fire Pit Stand’s industrial aesthetic gives this outdoor companion a unique vibe that doesn’t get in the way of its functionality. Easy to assemble for quick fires and easy to disassemble for a thorough cleaning, this fire pit stand removes any excuse or hindrance to carrying this tool anywhere you go. Whether cooking for yourself or cooking for friends and family, the Portable Fire Pit Stand will rekindle your love for the outdoors, for nature, and for the people that make your summer days extra special and memorable.

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The post Top 5 Japanese Designs Gift Guide to Make Summer More Fun and Productive first appeared on Yanko Design.