Hasta La Ideas

Portuguese studio Bak Gordon Arquitectos has designed two concrete structures separated by a courtyard for a house on a narrow plot in Lisbon.

Wedged between two buildings, Bak Gordon Arquitectos designed the street-facing facade of the home to integrate with the neighbouring architecture, aiming to use similar facade proportions.

The facade on the upper levels is covered in green handmade tiles that match the colour of doors and window shutters on the surrounding buildings.

The ground floor has a wooden grid garage door and front door slightly set back from the street.

“The main facade is integrated into a row of small buildings, with similar proportions, settled in a slopping street,” Bak Gordon Arquitectos architect Nuno Tavares da Costa told Dezeen.

“Despite some minor variations, most of the buildings keep the Portuguese ‘traditional’ plastered or tiled facade with openings,” Da Costa added. “The tiles attenuate the concrete presence and act on continuity with the surroundings.”

The narrow site, measuring seven by 26 metres, originally had a building at the street front and a separate workshop at the rear of the plot, which determined the layout of Bak Gordon Arquitectos’s design.

On the street side of the site, the studio designed a three-storey building with a basement containing the home’s social spaces – the kitchen, dining room, living room and office.

A courtyard with a loggia decorated in green handmade tiles was added on the basement level, which leads to a two-storey building at the end of the plot where two bedroom suites are situated.

“The small functional patio allows for natural light and cross ventilation as well as a permanent natural garden presence,” said Da Costa.

The two concrete structures are connected by a corridor over the courtyard loggia, which leads from the street-level floor of the front building to the upper level of the rear building.

Residents can walk over the roof of this corridor, accessed from the open-plan kitchen-dining room on the first floor, to reach a roof terrace over the rear building.

On the top floor of the taller building, the living room features a flower box set behind the building’s facade with three windows surrounding it, and a staircase leads to the rooftop with views of the Tagus River.

A concrete spiral staircase leads from the ground floor to an office in the basement, which has access to the courtyard through the loggia.

The board-formed concrete structure was left exposed in the ceilings throughout the home and on the courtyard-facing facades.

“In a kind of promenade, the house reveals itself in multiple directions, whether horizontally between the more private bedroom and office spaces or vertically through the social spaces, until reaching the roof and enjoying the magnificent panoramic views over the Tagus River,” said Bak Gordon Arquitectos.

“The combination of exposed concrete in the facades and ceilings, as well as the green handmade tiles, the anodized aluminium frames or the thermo modified wood in the main facade, give the building an important personality and contribute to the atmosphere of the place,” it added.

Other projects by the Lisbon-based studio include a home covered with pigmented lime mortar in Portugal’s Alentejo region and a concrete garden annexe that was added to a house in Porto.

The photography is by Francisco Nogueira.

The post Bak Gordon inserts green-tiled concrete house on sloping street in Lisbon appeared first on Dezeen.

Predictions about the potential impacts of generative AI may be overblown due to “many serious, unsolved problems” with the technology according to Gary Marcus, one of the field’s leading voices.

In a recent blog post, scientist and entrepreneur Marcus said generative artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT “probably isn’t going to have the impact people seem to be expecting”.

The New York University professor and Center for the Advancement of Trustworthy AI co-founder warned that governments could be making a mistake by gambling on “the premise that generative AI will be world-changing”.

Issues with no imminent solution

Generative AI refers to systems that can create different types of content, including text, images and code, by extrapolating from patterns learned from being trained on vast swathes of data.

Interest in the technology has rocketed over the past year following rapid advances in the capabilities of models including ChatGPT and image generator Midjourney.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development recently said that major economies are on the brink of an “AI revolution which could fundamentally change the workplace”.

Investment bank Goldman Sachs predicted that adoption of generative AI could increase annual global GDP by seven per cent but also replace 300 million jobs, with architecture and engineering among the most-exposed industries.

But Marcus warned that “the whole generative AI field, at least at current valuations, could come to a fairly swift end”, used only to produce code and marketing copy.

He argued that generative AI faces major, potentially insurmountable technological issues that could end up limiting its usefulness.

“We have not one, but many, serious, unsolved problems at the core of generative AI — ranging from their tendency to confabulate (hallucinate) false information, to their inability to reliably interface with external tools like Wolfram Alpha, to the instability from month to month (which makes them poor candidates for engineering use in larger systems),” he wrote.

“And, reality check, we have no concrete reason, other than sheer technoptimism, for thinking that solutions to any of these problems is imminent.”

These shortcomings not only mean that the generative AI economy “could see a massive, gut-wrenching correction”, but also “that we are building our entire global and national policy on the premise that generative AI will be world-changing in ways that may in hindsight turn out to have been unrealistic”, Marcus added.

Governments taking risks over AI “mirage”

He suggested that the US is risking heightening tensions with China and failing to introduce important AI regulation on privacy, bias, data transparency and misinformation in a bid to encourage rapid development “over a mirage”.

“If hallucinations aren’t fixable, generative AI probably isn’t going to make a trillion dollars a year,” he said.

“And if it probably isn’t going to make a trillion dollars a year, it probably isn’t going to have the impact people seem to be expecting,” he continued.

“And if it isn’t going to have that impact, maybe we should not be building our world around the premise that it is.”

Dezeen’s AItopia series has explored the potential impact of AI on architecture and design, including whether it could take architects’ jobs and the most significant AI models for the creative industries.

The photo is by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Web Summit via Sportsfile.

AItopia

This article is part of Dezeen’s AItopia series, which explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on design, architecture and humanity, both now and in the future.

The post Generative AI boom “could come to a fairly swift end” appeared first on Dezeen.

The Act of Quad founders Priyanka Itadkar and Falguni Bhatia have built their own interior design studio, The Light Box, by transforming a 58-year-old former library in Mumbai, India.

Itadkar and Bhatia have reimagined the shed, which was originally built as a micro-library in 1965 but had been abandoned for over 30 years.

The humble structure was dismantled and partially rebuilt, creating a small studio with an all-white exterior and a see-through facade.

The Light Box, as it is now known, gives The Act of Quad its first dedicated studio since Itadkar and Bhatia founded the office in 2019.

The pair describe it as “our space for creative incubation, a space that responds to and reflects the nature of the work we do and a space to dream”.

“The studio space becomes a sensorial oasis in a saturated, digitised environment,” they said.

The Act of Quad founders came across the property while working on another renovation project nearby.

The owner asked whether they could convert it into a commercial storage unit. But when the duo discovered the building’s back story, they suggested that they take it on themselves.

“We were so awestruck by the history,” they said.

The renovation involved stripping the building back to its bare structure and replacing some of the original wall sections.

The roof was then reinstalled in a higher position, to increase ceiling height, and extended outwards to cover the entire building footprint.

The original layout was maintained, including the position of the doorways.

The only real change was the addition of a WC.

The Light Box gives The Act of Quad a studio space that can double as a meeting room, plus a semi-private courtyard that serves as a break-out space.

It is this second space that features see-through walls, thanks to a perforated metal screen.

Itadkar and Bhatia chose to paint the entire building white, both inside and out, and filled it with white furniture. The only splash of colour comes from the blue vinyl floor.

“The stark white scheme was intended as a blank canvas, to visualise materials and projects,” said the pair.

“The light, instead of being drawn in great waves, is artfully framed and focused, and the striking contrast of the blue floor becomes the most colourful element one could imagine.”

One of the studio walls has been turned into a display space. An assortment of objects and artworks are either wall-hung or displayed on the shelves and window sills.

Other playful details include asymmetric cupboards and an assortment of square and rectangular windows, which feature in addition to a skylight.

“The direct light is an inherent part of the studio, functioning as an additional element that varies from being fragile, changing, mobile, unstable, dominating or vanishing with a desire to connect with the natural environment,” added Itadkar and Bhatia.

The design is completed with a landscape scheme featuring white pebbles and plants in terracotta pots.

Other projects by The Act of Quad include an apartment with cobalt blue accents and a multi-generational home filled with spherical shapes.

The photography is by Ishita Sitwala/The Fishy Project.

The post The Act of Quad converts Mumbai shed into studio with see-through facade appeared first on Dezeen.

In a world bustling with group activities and shared experiences, the ThermoBag emerges as a groundbreaking solution to a common problem: the struggle to carry and store a variety of beverages during indoor and outdoor gatherings. This innovative and ergonomic thermos design redefines the way we enjoy our favorite drinks during group outings, eliminating the need for multiple containers and extra bags.

Designer: Simge Vatansever

Research reveals a common dilemma faced by individuals participating in indoor and outdoor group activities. Traditional high-liter jug thermoses, while efficient for storing larger quantities, fail to accommodate the diverse beverage preferences of each group member. Imagine a scenario: a group of friends enjoying a picnic in the park, or colleagues collaborating on a project in the office. Each individual might have a different beverage preference – tea, coffee, or perhaps something cold to beat the heat. Conventional thermoses fall short of accommodating these diverse tastes. People are forced to compromise on their choice of beverage, which can lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of enjoyment during the activity.

Moreover, the existing thermos designs necessitate carrying multiple glasses and even an extra bag to store both the thermos and the glasses, adding unnecessary workload to the participants. The need for a solution that addresses these issues led to the conception of ThermoBag.

ThermoBag is not just another thermos; it’s a game-changer. At its core, ThermoBag embodies the principles of ergonomic design, multi-functionality, and customization. This innovative product bridges the gap between individual preferences and group activities by allowing each participant to carry their preferred beverage with ease. Whether it’s a cup of steaming hot coffee or a refreshing cold drink, ThermoBag has got you covered.

ThermoBag’s design is a marvel in itself, tailored to offer a seamless experience during group activities. The product consists of two individual thermoses, each with a generous 790 mL capacity, and an intermediate structure connecting them. This design caters to both small groups of 1-2 people (using one bottle) and larger groups of 2-4 people (utilizing both bottles). No more worrying about carrying extra glasses or bags – ThermoBag ensures that everything you need is conveniently stored in one place.

However, in case of groups larger than 5 people may have to carry an odd number of bottles, in which case it may get heavy and may have to carry an additional bottle, a modular twist to the design would definitely make it a complete package for activities of all kinds as well as for all permutations of the number of people it can serve.

ThermoBag’s attention to detail is evident in its thoughtful features:

Stainless Steel Insulation: The thermoses and lids are constructed from stainless steel, maintaining optimal heat retention for your beverages.

Glass Storage: A cylindrical tempered glass compartment beneath each thermos can store two 150 mL glasses. This transparent arrangement showcases the glasses and enhances the product’s appeal.

Secure Glass Slots: Rubber cup slots on the bottom lid keep the glasses steady during transportation, minimizing the risk of damage.

Double Locking System: The inner lid boasts a double locking mechanism to prevent heat escape, allowing the thermos to be used without fully removing the lid. This design innovation minimizes heat loss and ensures user convenience.

Effortless Usage: ThermoBag’s usage is straightforward – pour your desired beverage into the thermos, twist and lock the lid, place the thermos into its slot, and adjust the fabric handle. (The fabric handle at the center of the structure adds portability, one can just hang it on their arm even while carrying more things and making it an effortless experience.) The first lock position on the lid allows easy pouring, while the second lock position permits complete lid removal.

The ThermoBag offers both mental and physical comfort to users. Group members no longer need to compromise on their beverage preferences, enhancing the overall group experience. Moreover, the product’s thoughtful design reduces the physical workload associated with carrying multiple containers and glasses.

Ease of Use in Six Simple Steps

The ThermoBag’s advantages extend to both outdoor and indoor activities.

Outdoor Adventures: ThermoBag becomes an essential companion during outdoor gatherings. Whether it’s a picnic, a day at the beach, or a hike, participants can now enjoy their chosen beverages without compromise.

Indoor Collaborations: In office settings or indoor group activities, ThermoBag shines as a versatile solution. Working together with colleagues or spending quality time with friends becomes more enjoyable with customized beverage options right at your side.

The ThermoBag revolutionizes the way we approach group activities by addressing a common inconvenience with ingenuity and style. Its ergonomic and multifunctional design offers a solution that caters to individual preferences, eliminates the need for additional containers, and enhances the overall group experience. With its thoughtful features, durable construction, and commitment to user comfort, the ThermoBag stands as a testament to an innovative design that simplifies and elevates our shared moments. Don’t let futile compromises on beverage preference snatch the charm of your quality time!

The post Multifunctional ThermoBag: The Beverage Container that Fulfils Everyone’s Thirst At Once first appeared on Yanko Design.

What really makes a desk stand out to me is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that really lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and nifty stationery designs that you must own! From an everlasting all-metal pencil to minimal Japanese drawing pads – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs.

1. The Everlasting Metal Pencil

The Everlasting Metal Pencil is almost like a Wacom stylus that has a tip that never needs to be replaced or sharpened. It’s an innovative pencil that enables you to focus completely on your creative process, and on the lead less.

Why is it noteworthy?

The octagonal shaft is made of aluminum and houses a special alloy core. Knowing that, you might think that all it will do is leave heavy grooves on your paper, but your mind might be blown away when it draws like a real pencil without seeing the tip wear down even after dozens of marks.

What we like

• It has a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so it wears down slowly, and may actually outlive you

What we dislike

• It doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does. That might be disappointing for those who use smudging techniques

2. The Horizon Key®

The Horizon Helvetica® is an artist-oriented piece of EDC designed to replace conventional stationery kits. And this year it has a new companion – the Horizon Key®.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Horizon Key® is a keychain-friendly multitool that not only looks, but also functions as a scale, a hex wrench, a bottle opener, a basic protractor, a flat-head screwdriver, a mini-saw, and a wire ripper.

What we like

• It lets you sketch, ideate, plan, and measure anywhere
• Portable and easy-to-carry design

What we dislike

• The tool only comes in metal as an option.

3. ONEBOX

This woodworking wonder is called the ONEBOX, and it combines multiple different tools into an intriguing interlocking Jenga-like structure, using the same traditional mortise and tenon jointing technique seen for centuries in large-scale buildings in ancient times.

Why is it noteworthy?

When assembled, the ONEBOX looks just like any ordinary wooden box. Pull the pieces apart and you discover that each piece is, in fact, a stationery tool or fidget toy.

What we like

• It is meticulously crafted from solid wood, with flawless mortise and tenon joints and built-in magnets

What we dislike

• The aesthetics are a bit unassuming and boring

4. Japanese Drawing Pad

This simple yet beautiful Japanese drawing pad is what you need to get those brilliant ideas flowing from your brain. The black canvas invites your mind to pour out ideas, while the physicality and texture of the paper serve as an anchor for your brain.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is perfect for sketching art, creating designs, and any other creative pursuit, accepting your ideas and your mistakes with the serenity and openness of a blank page.

What we like

• Utilizes high-quality Japanese paper that is preferred by stationery connoisseurs

What we dislike

• It does seem like an ordinary notepad from the looks of it

5. The Gravity Pen

The Gravity Pen is pretty intriguing since it puts the center of gravity closer to where your fingers are, making it easier to make agile strokes. The pen does that by having a grip that’s larger than the barrel, expanding the area of the grip for a more comfy hold.

Why is it noteworthy?

The faceted form of that grip also makes it easier to grip the pen, allowing for a more stable grip as well. It’s the ultimate ergonomic pen design, thanks to a smart application of physics and minimalist design principles.

What we like

• Extremely ergonomic to hold and use
• Durable and lightweight

What we dislike

• Not available in different color options

6. The Note

Called the Note, this small desk whiteboard lets you take notes with the utmost efficiency. Except it’s no ordinary note taker, it has a few tricks up its sleeve and adds some fun and spice to your work.

Why is it noteworthy?

The “whiteboard” twists or rather flips over, giving you twice the space to write your notes down. One side can have a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other can be plain, or they can have the same design on both sides. As with any vertical slate, you can also place sticky notes on it, in case scribbling notes down on paper is quicker for you.

What we like

• Features a multi-purpose vertical screen that allows you to view the time, calendar, and appointments synced with your phone

What we dislike

• The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that some people may need for their work

7. The Oakywood Wooden Cubic Pot

Designed to be a stylish and elegant addition to your workdesk, the Oakywood Wooden Cubic Pot can easily and efficiently store your stationery, or be used to pot some greenery. It features a cup holder to pot a mini-plant!

Why is it noteworthy?

The unique dual-purpose design of the pot makes it a functional and excellent addition to your desk space. It features a stainless-steel insert to protect the wood from moisture and dirt. The surface of the pot has been coated with eco-wax oil, making it smooth to the touch.

What we like

• Sustainable + fashionable design
• Minimal product with maximum functionality

What we dislike

• The aesthetics are a bit simple and unassuming

8. The Scissors with Base

The Scissors with Base is a pretty unique design since it features wide flat blades that mimic industrial tools and a black Japanese steel body that is super durable. The scissors perfectly combine minimalistic good looks with excellent functionality.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Scissors with Base are not a brutish tool that needs to be stowed away. Their simple design sets them apart from other desk items. The extruded part of one of the finger rings, or the “tang,” becomes a visual anchor that guides the gaze toward the scissors’ center, drawing attention to their sturdy blades.

What we like

• Doubles up as a box cutter
• Minimal + clean aesthetics

What we dislike

• The scissor is showcased in only one colour, making it difficult to match all desk setups

9. The Forest Tidy

The Forest Tidy is a set of neat and sturdy containers and stands carved from rosewood, that brings a whole new level of organization to your desk while tying into the wooden nature of the furniture around you.

Why is it noteworthy?

By splitting your workspace belongings into different categories, the Forest Tidy organizational kit gives you space for stationery, tech, EDC, cables, and even a dedicated stand for your monitor along with a stowaway space for your keyboard and mouse.

What we like

• The containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, tailor-made to your tabletop belongings
• There’s a dedicated phone stand that lets you dock your phone either in portrait or landscape

What we dislike

• Unfortunately, the phone stand doesn’t come with a channel for a cable pass-through, which means it won’t function as a charging stand

10. The Levitating Pen 3.0

The Levitating Pen 3.0 is exactly what it sounds like! The pen looks like it is suspended in its holder at a 23.5-degree angle, and is intended to be a luxurious and grand writing instrument with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge that makes the pen sturdy and easy to hold.

Why is it noteworthy?

When done writing, you close the pen’s magnetic cap with a satisfying click and position the pen in its holder that has been magnetized to keep the pen floating in that position. To add to the fun, a simple twist leaves the pen spinning in its place for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with the pen on a whole new level!

What we like

• Relatively easy to hold and write with
• Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster

What we dislike

• We wonder how ergonomic or comfortable the pen would be to use for longer durations of time

The post Top 10 Back-To-Design-School Stationery Supplies For Design Students first appeared on Yanko Design.