Hasta La Ideas

This week on Dezeen, aerial images showed construction progressing on projects involved in the Saudi mega-development Neom, including The Line megacity, Oxagon port and Sindalah island resort.

In a bid to prove the controversial project was moving forward, The Line’s chief operating officer Giles Pendleton shared the images in a LinkedIn post titled “Neom is real”.

The aerial shots revealed excavations for The Line, which will comprise two 170-kilometre-long skyscrapers set 200 metres apart, as well as preparation works on the Oxagon development and hotels being constructed at Sindalah.

In other Neom news, the development also revealed the designs for its beach-side members’ club Xaynor, courtesy of Mexican studio Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos.

We reported live from Sweden this week to share exclusive previews of products, installations and events taking place at Stockholm Design Week.

The first day of our Dezeen Live blog from the event included new lighting and furniture collections from Färg & Blanche, day two saw a spotting of actor Will Ferrell and our day three coverage included an installation of Masonite hardboard furniture by design studio Folkform.

Also this week, French jeweller Chaumet unveiled the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic medals, which feature rear faces embedded with a piece of the Eiffel Tower.

The fragments were removed from the iconic monument during various renovation works during the 20th century and preserved. For the medals, the hexagonal pieces have been stamped with the emblem of the Paris 2024 games.

In other sporting news, the NFL Super Bowl will take place this weekend at the 62,000-seat Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, which opened in 2020.

Designed by Manica Architecture, the stadium’s cylindrical shape and black metal exterior were informed by the sleekness and power of sports cars.

After launching in China last year, the five-door electric SUV coupé Polestar 4 has now gone on sale in Europe and Australia, making it the world’s first mass-market car without a rear window.

Created by Swedish automaker Polestar, the car has a roof-mounted rear camera that gives a more reliable picture than rear-view mirrors in standard coupés.

Following the news that Californian architecture studio AO and developer Matteson Capital plan to build the US’s tallest building in Oklahoma City, architecture critic Ryan Scavnicky argued that the project sends the wrong message.

“Legends Tower is a very 20th-century way to say that you are squarely entering the 21st century of cultural and economic change,” he wrote in an opinion piece for Dezeen.

Popular projects this week included a Los Angeles house clad in white aluminium screens, a home in Japan with a blackened wood and corten steel exterior and a minimalist Tokyo apartment with interiors lined in local wood.

Our latest lookbooks featured brightly coloured home renovations and playful houses with indoor slides.

This week on Dezeen

This week on Dezeen is our regular roundup of the week’s top news stories. Subscribe to our newsletters to be sure you don’t miss anything.

The post This week photos revealed The Line megacity progressing in Saudi Arabia appeared first on Dezeen.

Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and if you’re someone who believes in making your own gifts for your partner, then it’s your lucky day! We’ve put together a dedicated list of craft supplies that will make gift making the easiest bit of Valentine’s Day. These handy tools and supplies will help you work effortlessly, creating the perfect little present for your partner. They’ll make the technical process of arts and crafts into a fun, efficient, and smooth experience. From lovely dual-tipped pens that create pretty patterns to sleek scissors made with lustrous Japanese steel – these are the ultimate craft supplies you need to make the ultimate V-Day gift.

1. Scissors W/ Base

Called the Scissors w/ Base, these innovative scissors feature a magnetic base making the design a unique and cutting-edge one, letting you completely reshape and rejuvenate your workspace organization.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

The scissors’ magnet base is a complete game-changer, giving them a permanent VIP spot on your desk. They are made with lustrous Japanese steel and are an excellent tool to assemble a DIY gift for your partner on Valentine’s Day. Besides being handy tools, they’re also pretty cool desk decor.

What we like

• The magnetic base provides your scissors with a dedicated spot
• It features a built-in box cutter, which is a unique forward-thinking detail we love

What we dislike

• They’re quite aesthetically pleasing and unique, but cannot replace the heavy-duty scissors you need for tougher tasks

2. Levitating Pen 3.0

Called the Levitating Pen, this good-looking writing accessory is a sleek pen with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge which makes it easy and sturdy to hold, creating a smooth writing experience. Aesthetically, it brings to mind a spacecraft or something we would find in the Marvel universe, floating around in the galaxy, similar to how the pen floats at a 60-degree angle when resting in it’s specially designed stand.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129

Why is it noteworthy?

The Levitating Pen can be positioned in its holder which is magnetized and can be kept floating in that position. You need to give the pen a simple twist, which makes it spin for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with it.

What we like

• The pen is easy and sturdy to hold
• The act of spinning the pen can be a fun stress-buster

What we dislike

• The pen can easily roll off when placed on a curved surface

3. CraftMaster EDC Utility Knife

Given the number of ASMR videos we have seen on Instagram that shows a person cutting everything from soap to foam, we know the value a good cutter has in our everyday life. Especially when creating crafts, a good cutter is a solid friend that will help you navigate those tight curves – which is exactly what this CraftMaster EDC Utility Knife does! It also comes with a scale on the side to make it easy to measure as you go when you lose your 10th ruler again.

Click Here to Buy Now: $79

Why is it noteworthy?

The metal exterior is hefty, giving a solid holding grip that makes it easy to hold. The scale sports both metric and imperial markings so you can follow those DIY instructions with ease.

What we like

• Merges a scale with the cutter, becoming an all-in-one package
• It is only 8mm thick, balancing the healthy grip with a slim design for easy travel

What we dislike

• While excellent for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail

4. ClampTape

Dubbed the ClampTape, this innovative and amusing tape dispenser by Peleg Dispenser ensures you always have some tape handy. It features a clothespin-inspire design that clamps onto the tabletop surface, providing you with an instant tape dispenser.

Why is it noteworthy?

The ClampTape is another ingenious design by Peleg Design, which combines emotional design with problem-solving abilities. It is cute and convenient, and is made from bent sheet metal, with a rubber/polymer sleeve wrapped around the clamping jaws, so it doesn’t cause any damage to your table.

What we like

• The ClampTape comes with its own roll of tape
• Gives a fun twist to an ordinary stationery item

What we dislike

• The clamp may not open wide enough to hold onto all table or horizontal surfaces.

5. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil

Called the Everlasting All-Metal Pencil, this Wacom stylus has a tip that never needs to be sharpened or replaced. It is a unique pencil that let’s you focus entirely on your creative process, allowing you to build a beautiful DIY Valentine’s Day gift, instead of being bothered by the lead.

Click Here to Buy Now: $20

Why is it noteworthy?

The pencil has an octagonal shaft which is made using aluminum, and it features a special alloy core. It does not leave heavy grooves on the paper, and instead it draws like a pencil, without the tip wearing down after dozens of marks.

What we like

• Has a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so the pencil wears down very slowly and with time

What we dislike

• Isn’t the best option for those who use smudging techniques, as it doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does

6. Japanese Memo Block

Called the Japanese Memo Block, this little stationery item is designed to function as a temporary shelter for your itinerant thoughts. It’s great to pen down your intimate and affectionate thoughts or to write an adorable love letter for your partner on Valentine’s Day.

Click Here to Buy Now: $20

Why is it noteworthy?

A blank sheet of paper is often the most freeing and welcoming item, as you are able to record your fleeting thoughts, flashes of inspiration, or even the sudden tasks that have been handed to you. The Japanese Memo Block has no marking, grids, or lines, it is white or in color, letting you focus on your thoughts and tasks.

What we like

• The pure white/black surface allows the mind to focus on important thoughts and put them down on paper
• Made using high-quality Japanese paper which is revered by many stationery connoisseurs

What we dislike

• At first glance, it seems like an ordinary notepad and seems to have no special USP

7. Colored Curve Pens

Called the Colored Curve Pens, these unique dual-tipped pens by Aechy are a far cry from your typical dual-tipped pens. One end of the pen lets you lay down pretty patterns such as waves, heart roses, flowers, dashes and dots.

Why is it noteworthy?

It basically functions as a stamp-like roller that can you use for journalling, doodling, drawing, scraping, or to make a lovely Valentine’s Day gift or card for your better half. The dual-tip markers are available in eight different colors and five-mark line types.

What we like

• Helps the artistically challenged with drawing and doodling
• 40% more ink than the brand’s regular pens

What we dislike

• You can’t choose a specific color for a specific pattern so you’ll have to use the options that they have available

8. Japanese Drawing Pad

Japanese paper is a material that has always been loved by designers and artists for its quality. And if you want to get your hands on some of this beautiful paper, then you need to try the Japanese Drawing Pad. You can use it to create a lovely DIY gift this Valentine’s Day for your partner!

Click Here to Buy Now: $26

Why is it noteworthy?

It is a premium-quality pad that lets you jot down your thoughts and passions without the stress of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers. It creates a smooth, engaging, and relaxing writing experience.

What we like

• It is microperforated, making the paper easy to tear
• Available in various sizes and colors, so you can pick the kind that meets your stationery and drawing needs

What we dislike

• At first glance, it seems like an ordinary pad with nothing special to offer, as its high quality can only be experienced, not seen

9. Ruler_C

Called the Ruler_C, this conceptual design minimizes how much contact the ruler makes with the paper or surface beneath, resulting in an unusual form that makes it quite pleasant to look at as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Ruler_C’s body curves up on one side, instead of being flat, creating one long edge, while the short edges are in contact with the drawing surface. This reduces the amount of damage the ruler causes, while also elevating the tool’s usability.

What we like

• This gives the ruler an interesting shape that immediately calls attention without being loud and obnoxious

What we dislike

• It’s a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it would translate into a real product

10. Gravity Pen

Called the Gravity Pen, this all-black pen puts the center of gravity closer to your fingers, making it quite an easy pen to hold, and make agile strokes with. It allows you to have a larger grip than the barrel, giving more area for a super 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

• Ergonomic design which makes the pen quite easy to hold and use
• Durable and lightweight body

What we dislike

• Not available in different color options, hence there is a limited choice while purchasing it

The post Top 10 Craft Supplies For DIYers To Make The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift For Their Partners first appeared on Yanko Design.

Renowned architectural firm MAD Architects recently unveiled an impressive new train station in Southeast China. The entire project revolved around rebuilding a 100-year-old train station, and completely recreating it brick-by-brick, and it now functions as a massive modern transport hub that is partially sunken underground.

Designer: MAD Architects

Dubbed the Jiaxing Train Station or the Train Station in the Forest, the original station was constructed in 1907, and then later destroyed and rebuilt in 1937. In 1995 it went through another redesign, and in 2019 it was deemed far too small for modern requirements, and MAD was commissioned to give it a total makeover. The station was a key transport link in the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921, and MAD drew inspiration from this. What’s interesting is that they recreated the original train station, after inferring with experts, and taking loads of old photos and documents into consideration, they successfully created a replica. 21,000 bricks made from mud, and pulled from a nearby lake were used to build the structure, and most of it is underground.

“MAD envisioned a new station that would be both more humane and efficient than its predecessor,” explained the Chinese studio. “The overall design of the interior maintains a dialogue with the recreated 1907 station through a glass facade that clearly expresses the height difference of the two structures from the entrance.

The building’s entry, and exit platforms, major transport and commercial functions, as well as waiting halls, are now underground, which goes against the traditional design concept. The railway station now accommodates three platforms, and six lines, with two arrival and departure lines on each of the upstream and downstream main lines. By 2025, the station will be able to accommodate 5.28 million people/year, with an hourly capacity of 2500 people.

Since the structure is sunken, MAD was able to play around with the landscape, and they planted almost 1500 new trees, while rearranging the site to mimic rolling green hills. It is also connected to a park and a central lawn which will serve as an outdoor venue for concerts and art festivals. Sustainability was also incorporated into the train station, as solar panels were installed, which reduced the draw on the power grid. Generous glazing was used to maximize natural light.

The post MAD Architects Unveils A Partially Sunken Train Station In Southeast China first appeared on Yanko Design.

US studio CLB Architects has created a retreat in rural Wyoming that has three wood-clad structures, with a creek running underneath the primary residence.

Located on a 35-acre (14-hectare) property near the town of Wilson, the home was envisioned as a series of “tectonic structures” set within a diverse ecosystem.

The ShineMaker home looks toward the Tetons, a mountain range that rises sharply from the Jackson Hole valley. The property features a pine forest and stands of aspens, which transition to a rolling meadow.

Composed of three distinct buildings – a main house, guesthouse and writer’s studio – the project was designed for a California-based couple who manage an independent record label.

Both homeowners are also authors, and they desired a second home in rural Wyoming where they could write while immersed in nature.

Each building responds to its immediate setting.

The main house was “conceived as a geologic remnant in the landscape, located on the edge between field and forest”. The other two buildings are tucked within the woods and feel more intimate.

Stretching horizontally from east to west, the main house is rectangular in plan yet more sculptural in form.

Local firm CLB Architects carved away portions of the 6,000-square-foot (557-square-metre) building to form recesses and openings. The roof is undulating, and the facades are clad in burnt wood.

“The main house appears to grab surrounding trees as anchors, sinking in the centre, and pulling upward toward the sky at the corners,” the team said.

“Working in concert with the landscape, this dynamic quality further through the building’s charred Shou Sugi Ban exterior, tugged and carved to create overhangs and openings.”

Just west of the home’s centre point, the building extends over a lowland creek. The floor plan was cut away here to form a courtyard-like opening, enabling water to flow unencumbered.

The ground floor includes public spaces, the primary bedroom suite, a garage and a gym, along with “an expansive mudroom for the client’s Irish wolfhounds”.

Upstairs, on the west side of the plan, there is a partial floor with a lounge and two additional bedroom suites.

Throughout the home, large stretches of glass offer sweeping views of the majestic terrain.

“Each window frames a view of the prairie and Teton Range beyond,” the team said.

The interior was designed by San Francisco-based HSH Interiors, who drew upon the client’s love of “comfort, layers and textures”.

Rooms feature a blend of earthy and industrial materials. Bleached cedar, travertine, onyx and limestone are intermixed with concrete, steel and bronze.

Special features include a concrete fireplace surrounded by a tattoo-inspired basrelief and hand-painted wallpaper murals.

“The client’s bohemian lifestyle and love of music, literature and the great outdoors were the inspiration behind the interior design,” the team said.

“The earth-toned palette – with pops of mustard, blush and deep burgundy – is punctuated by collectible pieces, vintage finds and contemporary art.”

The property’s other two buildings are similar.

Totalling 1,577 square feet (147 square metres), the guest house has a rectilinear form and carved-away entrance. Inside, the team placed three bedrooms and a communal area.

The writer’s studio rises two levels and contains 580 square feet (54 square metres).

“A two-storey sentinel surrounded by fledgling aspens, the structure includes a first-floor living space and a second-floor studio, where the occupant can be immersed in contemplation among the tree canopies,” the team said.

A fourth structure is planned for the site and will have a spiritual function.

Based in Jackson, Wyoming, CLB Architects has designed numerous projects in the area.

Others include the sensitive update of a wood- and steel-clad house it created in 2003, and a house with three courtyards that represents a blend of Japanese and mid-century Californian architecture.

The photography is by Matthew Millman

Project credits:

Architecture: CLB Architects
CLB Architects team: Eric Logan (principal/partner), Andy Ankeny (principal/partner), Sam Ankeny (principal), Leo Naegele (project manager)
Interior designer: HSH Interiors
HSH Interiors team: Holly Hollenbeck
Contractor: KWC, Inc
Landscape: Hershberger Design
Lighting: Lux Populi
Civil engineer: Nelson Engineering
Structural engineer: KL&A
Mechanical engineer: Energy 1
Electrical engineer: Energy 1
Styling: SPI (Stephen Pappas)

The post CLB Architects creates trio of “tectonic structures” for Wyoming residence appeared first on Dezeen.

Here’s what we looked at this week:

Remedial design: A quick DIY fix for slippery glass bottles and vessels.

The Super Bowl is to have unspecified anti-drone countermeasures in place. (Probably not these.)

Hell in a handbasket: Burgers where the cheese comes in syringes.

Digital creative Kyle Branchesi imagines what the UK would look like, if designed to prioritize cars.

Great Industrial Design student work: Stephanie Lewis designed this specialty Pull Drill based on researching construction workers’ needs.

With their Oshel concept, industrial designers Masaru Kiyota and Sawyer Hagen developed a smarter design approach to the lockable bike helmet.

Helicopter police chase footage gains a new element with infrared. From just this image, they can see where a suspect is hiding.

These eye-catching revamped 1938 Art Deco faucet designs are by architect Fabrizio Batoni.

Engineer Omid Sadeghpour designed and built this DartSolar, an on-vehicle solar charging system for EVs.

These Pop taps, designed by architect Fabrizio Batoni for Zazzeri, harken back to early design shapes.

The Stack chair, by industrial design studio Martini & Dall’Agnol, is a fastener-free, easy-to-assemble stacking polypropylene chair.

This Freely door handle, by industrial designer Giulio Iacchetti, is a good example of making something more useful by removing material.

The crowdfunded Tangara is an easy-to-repair, open-source knockoff of the original iPod.

Some clever tiny house design features, by industrial designer Laëtitia Dupé.

Invented in Belgium, the BLSTR sander is a compressor-free sandblaster.

These SAI 39 benches, by industrial designer Robin Bourgeois, are made from industrial waste.

Here’s multiple versions of a 19th-century multi-tool design, along with some debate over the functions of the tools.

Furniture designer Jair Straschnow’s handsome Bended Table and Stool.

Industrial design case study: The Kickback Kooler, by product design & development firm The Metcalfe Group.