Hasta La Ideas

With 100 designers from the Middle East and North African, Design Doha is showcasing emerging regional designers, says Rana Beiruti, who is curator of the biennial’s Arab Design Now exhibition.

Launched by art and culture institution Qatar Museums, the first edition of Design Doha will open in the Qatari capital this Saturday.

Central to the biennial is its main exhibition, Arab Design Now, which was curated by Jordan-based Beiruti, who previously co-founded and directed Amman Design Week.

The contemporary exhibition will feature a diverse offering of work from 74 participants – individual designers and collectives – including collectible design and installations that reflect on the current design scene in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region.

Qatar is having a “big boom”

Beiruti said that following the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, the country has been experiencing a “big boom”.

“I think it’s [Qatar’s] moment now to create the infrastructure and the spaces for younger designers, particularly emerging designers, to learn, grow and start producing work,” said Beiruti.

“The biennial serves that purpose as a learning experience. Biennials are an important platform where designers and artists can create outside of certain constraints or certain financial constraints,” she continued.

“I think Doha is hoping to position itself as a regional home for design – not just for local designers.”

While this will be the first edition of Design Doha, Qatar and the surrounding MENA region has a long and rich history of design and architecture, emphasised the curator.

“There’s this big question all the time about what is the identity of Arab design and I think that it’s not disconnected from the global condition of design, the global design world,” said Beiruti.

“It’s not something separate from it or different from it. It’s very much connected to what’s happening on the global stage.”

Beiruti described Arab Design Now as a “museum-grade” selection of design, which explores what it means to create in the MENA region today – the guiding force behind the exhibition.

“I don’t know how you make a divide between design and craft”

The curator said that the show will look at the different aesthetic approaches and ways that people think about design from across the region, but also “map the commonalities” that exist between countries.

In particular, Beiruti explained that the exhibition will feature a series of overarching themes – specifically craftsmanship.

“Personally, I don’t know how you make a divide between design and craft,” she said. “I find they’re so intertwined.”

“I feel like there’s little design I’m interested in that isn’t basically contemporary craft,” added the curator.

Beiruti also cited “a love for the land and respect for materials” as a focus of the exhibition participants.

Among the vast array of work, the curator said to expect pieces from Samer Selbak, a Palestinian artist who works with sponge as a material, as well as Jordanian-Palestinian architect Abeer Seikaly, who has designed a chandelier using weaving techniques that she learned from working with Bedouin tribes in Jordan.

“What’s interesting is that even if practices and technologies have evolved, there’s a certain set of values that I feel like people still carry and they’re values that are common in our culture,” said Beiruti, reflecting on the work that will be on display.

“Values of the collective, of collaboration, of co-creation”

“And so a lot of the works are done in collaboration with craftspeople. And those people are equally recognised in the production of the piece,” she continued.

“So I would definitely say that craft is very central in this exhibition. There’s a lot of upcycling as well – people who are using old discarded marble slabs and stone [to create work].”

“The designers have gone all out”

After the official Design Doha event draws to a close on 28 February, various exhibitions will be on display in the city until early August, including Arab Design Now.

“The designers have really gone all out, and there are pieces that are really monumental, so I think having them on display for only four or five days is possibly not enough to create the right level of engagement,” acknowledged Beiruti.

Considering the potential outcome of Design Doha, the curator said that she hopes it will positively influence designers – especially a younger generation – and visitors alike.

“If it inspires other designers in a specific way, or gets people to think about how they are producing and how they are consuming differently, then I feel like it will be very successful.”

The photography is courtesy of Design Doha.

Design Doha takes place from 24 to 5 August 2024 in Doha, Qatar. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

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Swedish designers Gustav Winsth and Alexander Lervik have unveiled a chair that was designed in virtual reality and brought to life by skilled metalworkers who normally work on motorcycles.

The Reality chair formed part of the Stockholm Furniture Fair exhibition Älvsjö Gård, a showcase of collectable and limited-edition furniture pieces.

Winsth and Lervik developed the design through a series of virtual design sessions. Instead of meeting in person, they would put on virtual reality (VR) goggles and come together via the digital platform Gravity Sketch.

This led them to create a completely freeform design, featuring bulging volumes that are reminiscent of inflatables.

“Drawing in the VR world is like working with clay,” Winsth told Dezeen. “It’s such a great tool for creating these kinds of surfaces.”

Rather than allowing the design to be shaped by physical constraints, Lervik and Winsth waited until later in the process to think about how the chair might be manufactured.

Keen to produce the design in metal, the only solution was to work with skilled sheet-metal specialists who typically use their skills to shape motorcycle gas tanks.

The bulbous shapes were created through a process of manual pressure turning.

Winsth sees the project as an example of how futuristic technology can create new possibilities for traditional craft techniques.

“To create these really soft shapes, you can’t go to a large-scale manufacturer,” he stated. “You have to go back in time and find a real craftsman, someone who can make something out of nothing.”

The result is a chair made entirely out of polished aluminium, with the only visible weld lines located where the smoothly curved seat meets the legs and the backrest.

The Reality chair is the first collaboration between Lervik, who is well-established on the Scandinavian design scene, and Winsth, who is one of Sweden’s most promising young talents.

Lervik initiated the partnership after being impressed by how Winsth was already using VR in his design practice. A recent example is the Tension Trolley, launched by Swedish brand Lammhults, which was designed in the same way.

“I’m fascinated by new technology,” Lervik said.

The collaboration involved the pair both bringing sketches into the virtual space. Winsth would use hand-held controllers to translate the designs into full-size 3D visualisations they could critique and refine.

“Drawing furniture in the air, with me in my studio and Gustav in his, and then seeing the finished result next to other armchairs – it’s like magic,” said Lervik.

“When I take off my headset, it’s almost like I forget it’s not physically there.”

The Reality chair was on show at Älvsjö Gård in two versions.

One had a polished silver finish while the other featured a red colour gradation that was achieved with the help of a specialist airbrush painting studio.

The chairs were displayed alongside VR binoculars, allowing visitors to step into the virtual studio and understand more about the design process.

 

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A post shared by Alexander Lervik Studio & Gallerie (@alexanderlervikstudiogallerie)

Winsth used hand-held controllers to translate sketches into 3D visualisations

Älvsjö Gård was one of several curated exhibitions at this year’s Stockholm Furniture Fair, which offered a positive response to the challenges facing the traditional trade fair format.

Other designers presenting their work at Älvsjö Gård included Carsten in der Elst, who attracted attention with his Greywacke Offcut Collection furniture made from sandstone offcuts and his playful Pasta Chair.

The photography is by Martin Brusewitz.

Älvsjö Gård was on show at the Stockholm Furniture Fair, which was open to the public from 7 to 11 February 2024. See Dezeen Events Guide for more architecture and design events around the world.

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It’s always exciting when a top brand like BLUETTI launches a new product, and this time, they’re bringing something unique to the great outdoors with their latest product offering, SwapSolar. Hot on the heels of their AC500’s smashing success on Indiegogo, which brought in an impressive $12 million, they’re not resting on their laurels. The SwapSolar is the world’s first LFP-powered MultiCooler portable refrigerator using an AC180T hot-swappable battery power station. Together, these two products are designed to cater to most outdoor adventures, from powering your devices to ensuring your food and beverages stay chilled, all with ease and efficiency.

Designers: BLUETTI

Click Here to Buy Now: $799 $1328 (40% off). Hurry, only a few left! Raised over $90,000.

LFP, an acronym for Lithium Iron Phosphate, denotes a specific type of lithium-ion battery renowned for its long lifespan, safety, and excellent performance at high temperatures. The energy produced from these batteries is referred to as LFP power. The AC180T outdoor power supply system guarantees you don’t have to sacrifice power, even off-grid. Its innovative hot-swappable battery design allows for uninterrupted usage. BLUETTI’s spokesperson, James Ray, confidently asserts, “We want users to savor the joy of outdoor life. SwapSolar is your ticket to 3-6 days of happy camping trip. Power up and keep your food fresh at once, it’s time to go wild with BLUETTI!”

This user-friendly design offers an easy-to-swap-out battery system that features two B70 batteries with a significant 1,433.6Wh capacity utilizing the secure LFP battery technology. These batteries are built to last, offering over 3,000 life cycles and 5,000+ swap times, enhancing their longevity and reliability. For added convenience, BLUETTI makes these batteries available for separate purchase, allowing users to tailor their power solutions with extra packs to accommodate their unique requirements. This capability is beneficial for prolonged outings or unexpected emergencies, where swapping batteries can instantly restore full power, ensuring you remain powered up in any situation.

To recharge quickly, connect the device to a wall outlet that has two charging rates. If you’re charging a single B70 battery, it will achieve an 80% charge in just 1 hour and a full charge in 1.5 hours at 850W. Alternatively, if you’re charging two B70 batteries, they will reach an 80% charge in just 45 minutes and a full charge in 70 minutes at 1,440W.

There are four different ways to power this device, depending on your situation. You can use a standard wall outlet or a vehicle power source, either at home or while traveling, even while making ice. If you’re looking for continuous operation, consider the solar panel setup. And, of course, you can always use the batteries when there are no outlets available.

The MultiCooler stands out from the crowd; it’s not just your average fridge. Think of it as the “cooler” choice among the competitors, featuring a versatile 3-in-1 design that includes cooling, freezing, and even ice-making features. As for temperature settings, the temperature ranges from a frosty -4°F to a warm 68°F (-20°C to +20°C), ensuring everything from ice cream to fresh produce stays at the perfect temperature. Its high-efficiency yet powerful compressor can quickly bring the temperature down from 86°F to 32°F (30°C to 0°C) within a mere 15 minutes, making it incredibly effective for rapid cooling. The integrated ice maker can also churn out clear, crisp ice cubes in just a few minutes, making it a go-to feature for chilling your favorite beverages and crafting the perfect cocktails.

With a capacity of 42 qt (40L), it can hold about 60 cans of soda, according to BLUETTI, making it perfect for any gathering or solo adventure. However, let’s have fun and do more real-world math since not everyone drinks only soda. When considering how to fit a mix of beer bottles, bottles of water, and soda cans into a 42-quart refrigerator, it’s essential to consider these items’ varying sizes and shapes. We can infer some approximations for the other things based on the capacity to hold 60 soda cans. Soda cans are about 12 ounces and have a fairly standard size, which allows for a certain level of efficiency in packing. Beer bottles, although also often holding 12 ounces, might pack less efficiently due to their different shape. For simplicity, we might estimate that you could fit around 55 beer bottles in the same space, assuming a slight decrease in packing efficiency. On the other hand, bottles of water commonly found in 16.9-ounce (500 ml) sizes are usually taller and narrower than soda cans and beer bottles. This difference in shape could mean that around 45 bottles of water might fit into the refrigerator.

Given these considerations, here are a couple of combinations for chilling these items in the MultiCooler. One possible arrangement is 30 soda cans, 20 beer bottles, and 15 water bottles. This mix balances the different shapes and sizes to optimize the available space. Another combination is ten soda cans, 25 beer bottles, and 20 bottles of water, allowing for more liquid in water and beer at the expense of soda can quantity. You might be wondering, “Where does the ice go?” The simple answer is that it’s a portable refrigerator, so no ice is needed to keep your drinks chilled.

Weighing in at just 52.9 lbs (25kg), the MultiCooler features ergonomic side grooves for simple lifting. When it’s packed to the brim, roll it along using its convenient wheels and telescopic handle, making transportation a breeze. It’s also built to handle the bumps and dips of uneven terrain with its 45° tilt protection. An optional sliding mount is available for those needing extra stability in their vehicle. It won’t disrupt your peace and quiet, running softly at 30dB for cooling and 45dB during ice production.

The MultiCooler boasts a sleek LCD touchscreen complemented by tactile buttons for straightforward operation. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to oversee and adjust settings like temperature, ECO mode, and Self-Clean mode through the BLUETTI app, all from the palm of your hand.

The SwapSolar system is designed to enhance outdoor experiences by providing a reliable and sustainable power source, ensuring convenience and peace of mind for families in nature. It is easy to use and portable, making it ideal for remote locations and enabling device charging and running essential appliances. Apart from its practical benefits, SwapSolar also serves as an educational tool, promoting the importance of renewable energy and environmental stewardship. With SwapSolar, families can enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors with the assurance of safety, self-sufficiency, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Click Here to Buy Now: $799 $1328 (40% off). Hurry, only a few left! Raised over $90,000.

The post This Game-Changing Swappable Battery Portable Fridge Powers Up Your Adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.

Gawthorne’s Hut in New South Wales, Australia

Living in a tiny home is often romanticized as a minimalist and eco-friendly lifestyle, offering freedom from the burdens of excessive possessions and the financial strain of traditional homeownership. However, as someone who has journeyed down the tiny home path, I’ve come to realize there are many layers to this lifestyle choice that aren’t immediately apparent. Here’s an intimate look at ten things they don’t tell you about tiny homes, drawn from personal experiences and those of fellow tiny home dwellers.

Zen House in Hainburg an der Donau, Austria

1. Space Management Challenges

One of the first realities to hit was the constant battle with space. Every inch matters in a tiny home, requiring a level of organization and decluttering discipline I was unprepared for. Unlike traditional homes where you can have ‘junk drawers’ or closets filled with forgotten items, tiny living forces you to evaluate every possession for its utility and necessity. I’ve spent countless hours finding multifunctional furniture and devising storage solutions that keep my space functional yet not claustrophobic. It’s a never-ending puzzle that demands creativity and patience.

Elsa Prefab Home by Olive Nest

2. Zoning and Legal Hurdles

When I first entertained the idea of tiny home living, I was blissfully unaware of the zoning and legal hurdles that lay ahead. Finding a spot to park or build your tiny home can be a bureaucratic nightmare. Many regions have strict zoning laws that don’t accommodate tiny houses, especially if you’re looking to live off-grid or in a non-traditional community. Navigating these regulations required a lot of research, calls to local authorities, and sometimes, compromises on location and lifestyle that I hadn’t anticipated.

IMAGO-iter by BESS

3. Utility Connections Can Be Complicated

The vision of a quaint tiny home tucked away in nature often overlooks the practicalities of connecting to water, electricity, and sewage. In my case, securing a reliable power source was a challenge, leading me to explore solar panels and composting toilets as alternatives. These solutions, while sustainable, come with their own set of challenges and maintenance requirements. It’s a trade-off between the idyllic off-grid life and the convenience of modern utilities.

La Casa Nueva by Jag Studio

4. Weather Vulnerabilities

Tiny homes, particularly those on wheels, can be surprisingly vulnerable to extreme weather. I’ve weathered storms that left me questioning the stability of my tiny abode, as high winds rattled the windows and rain tested the waterproofing. It’s a stark reminder that what you gain in quaintness and mobility, you may sacrifice in security and protection against the elements. Ensuring your tiny home is built to withstand local weather conditions is crucial but can be an oversight during the planning phase.

Seroro by Smaller Architects

5. Limited Privacy

Living in such close quarters has tested my relationships in ways I didn’t expect. The lack of privacy means that every phone call, argument, and moment of frustration is shared space. It’s taught me the value of communication and setting boundaries, but it’s also a reminder that tiny living isn’t just a physical downsizing but an emotional adjustment to constant proximity with your housemates.

The DW by Modern Shed

6. Resale Value Uncertainties

The financial aspect of tiny home living can be misleading. While the initial investment is often lower than buying a traditional home, the resale market for tiny homes is still evolving. Unlike traditional homes, which typically appreciate over time, tiny homes can depreciate, much like vehicles. This realization made me reconsider tiny living as a long-term investment and more of a lifestyle choice with financial implications worth weighing.

Ohariu by First Light Studio & Build Tiny

7. Insurance and Financing Hurdles

Securing financing and insurance for a tiny home has been one of the more frustrating aspects of the process. Many financial institutions and insurance companies don’t know how to categorize tiny homes, leading to higher interest rates or insurance premiums, if you can find coverage at all. It’s a landscape that’s slowly changing as tiny homes gain popularity, but it’s a consideration that can significantly impact your budget and peace of mind.

Lola by Mariah Hoffman

8. Customization Costs

The allure of customizing a tiny home to perfectly suit your needs is strong, but so is the price tag that often comes with it. Specialized compact appliances, custom-built furniture, and the need to maximize every square inch can add up. My tiny home, which started as a budget-friendly project, quickly escalated in cost as I sought to make the space livable and reflective of my personality. It’s a cautionary tale of how ‘small’ doesn’t always mean ‘cheap.’

Kvivik Igloo by Ole Vanggaard and Kári Thomsen

9. Isolation

One of the more subtle aspects of tiny home living that caught me off guard was the sense of isolation. This wasn’t just about physical space but also the emotional distance it can create. Living in a tiny home often means positioning yourself away from conventional neighborhoods and, by extension, the daily interactions that come with community living. I found myself missing the casual conversations with neighbors, the spontaneous visits from friends, and the sense of being part of a larger community. This isolation isn’t always a downside, as it offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, it also requires a concerted effort to maintain social connections and seek out community engagement. The tiny home lifestyle has pushed me to be more intentional about my social life, planning gatherings in communal spaces and participating in local events whenever possible. It’s a reminder that while our homes might be small, our need for connection and community is as vast as ever.

Mina by Baluchon

10. Lifestyle Limitations

Finally, the most profound realization has been acknowledging the lifestyle limitations that come with tiny home living. Hosting dinner parties, indulging in large-scale hobbies, or simply having a separate workspace within your home requires creativity and compromise. It’s a lifestyle that demands minimalism not just in your possessions but in your expectations and social habits.

Natura by The Tiny Housing Co.

Tiny home living is not just a choice of housing but a commitment to a lifestyle that challenges conventional norms and personal comfort zones. It’s a journey filled with surprises, some delightful and others daunting. Yet, for all its challenges, tiny-living has taught me the value of simplicity, the beauty of sustainability, and the importance of community. It’s not a lifestyle for everyone, but for those willing to navigate its complexities, it offers a unique path to redefining what ‘home’ means.

Reflecting on my tiny home adventure, it’s clear that the journey is as much about internal discovery as it is about external simplification. It’s a lifestyle choice that demands resilience, flexibility, and frankly, even a sense of humor. After all, when you’re living in a space no bigger than some people’s closets, you learn not to take life too seriously. Whether you’re contemplating a tiny home or simply curious about the lifestyle, remember that the biggest challenges often come in the smallest packages… but also, the smallest homes sometimes have the biggest hearts.

Nido by Robin Falck

The post Ten Things They Don’t Tell You About Tiny Homes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Any more advanced and the FBI would probably put you on a watch-list for purchasing it…

If the idea of recreating scenes from Top Gun in your flight simulator program excite you, you’re aware that a keyboard or gaming controller probably won’t cut it. Meet the VelocityOne Flightdeck from Turtle Beach, a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) controller that gives you the most lifelike flight control experience money can buy. Aside from simulating G-force during flight, this bad-boy is capable of putting you front and center of the action. Maybe pair it with a VR headset and you’re golden!

Designer: Turtle Beach

Designed as a comprehensive control system, the VelocityOne Flightdeck ushers in the future of flight and space combat simulation on Windows 10 and 11 PCs. While it’s unfortunate that it doesn’t extend to Xbox consoles like its predecessor, the VelocityOne Flight, PC gamers will rejoice at the prospect of diving into their favorite flight simulation titles with this true-to-life setup.

Featuring 15 axes and a staggering 139 programmable functions, the VelocityOne Flightdeck offers a level of customization that caters to the diverse needs of virtual pilots. Whether you’re soaring through the skies in X-Plane, navigating the intricacies of Microsoft Flight Simulator, or exploring the vastness of space in Elite Dangerous, this HOTAS setup has you covered.

Central to the Flightdeck’s appeal is the innovative Flight Touch Display, a first-of-its-kind feature that combines real-time simulation status with advanced customization capabilities. This allows users to configure up to 39 extra button functions, enhancing the HOTAS experience across major combat simulation titles. The device boasts 139 programmable functions, offering an unmatched level of customization.

The VelocityOne Flightdeck is engineered for precision and durability. It utilizes non-contact Hall effect sensors for the main movement controls on both the stick and throttle, ensuring long-lasting accuracy and performance. This technological choice is crucial for maintaining consistent, precise control over time, setting the Flightdeck apart from competitors.

Beyond its core functionalities, the Flightdeck enhances user experience through additional features like adjustable RGB lighting and Turtle Beach’s signature audio advantages. Users can connect any 3.5mm headset to the system, enjoying functionalities such as Superhuman Hearing®, audio EQ modes, mic monitoring, and game and chat volume balance. The adjustable RGB lighting allows users to customize the ambiance of their gaming setup, further immersing themselves in the virtual skies.

The Flight Hangar companion app is a significant value add, enabling deep customization and performance tuning. Available for Windows PCs, it allows pilots to create and transfer comprehensive configuration profiles directly to the Flightdeck. This feature ensures that the system not only meets the immediate needs of users but is also future-proofed through easy firmware updates.

The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightdeck commands a premium price tag of $399.99. While this may seem steep, the investment is justified by the device’s unparalleled performance and feature set. Pre-orders are currently open, with the HOTAS setup set to hit store shelves on February 23, 2024. The VelocityOne Flightdeck is also part of a broader ecosystem that includes headsets, controllers, and other gaming peripherals, all designed to enhance the gaming experience.

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