Can you guess how this bowl, by Niigata-based woodworker Takurou Seino, was made?
Same way this one was.
The technique seems obvious in hindsight, but Seino used a miter saw and patience:
Here he shows you his set-up:
Surely a safety troll will chime in, but I should point out: This isn’t dangerous–as long as you don’t rotate the workpiece while the blade is in the cut. And at the end, when he freely spins the workpiece, there’s too little material for the blade to bite into and throw the workpiece, and there’s also too little material to put any meaningful amount of stress on the bearings.
Back story: Seino had been a hobbyist woodworker for 16 years, when he was laid off from his job during the pandemic. That year, 2020, he figured he’d launch an Instagram and YouTube channel dedicated to his hobby.
Two years later, Seino had racked up 70,000 followers, enough to create a sustainable business. Today, in addition to producing content for the channels, Seino sells his handmade furniture, tabletop items and shop jigs here.
Getting laid off sucks, but wound up being a great opportunity for Seino to make a living out of his hobby!
Here’s a great example of adapting furniture design to local manufacturing techniques. Let’s say you’ve got no access to foam and upholstery materials, but live in a bamboo-rich region populated by artisans who know how to work with it. Taiwan-based industrial designer Brian Chang designed this Mua-Lau Chair to suit:
Chang figured out how to beef up the capabilities of the light, springy material:
“The traditional bamboo weaving technique used in MUA-LAU CHAIR provides new possibilities for traditional craftsmanship to be applied in modern furniture design. However, the traditional technique alone is not strong enough to support the weight of a human body, so we had to make various material design adjustments such as thickness, length, and diameter to ensure sufficient strength.”
“In order to enhance the seating experience and accommodate the weight of a person, we incorporated a design inspired by the independent tube structure of a spring bed, using a double-layered bamboo tube design to create a new elastic cushion structure. This allows the seat to maintain the elasticity of bamboo while supporting a person’s weight, resulting in a unique and comfortable seating experience for MUA-LAU CHAIR.”
“By combining traditional crafts with modern industry, the chair combines the warmth of handcrafted works with the precision of mechanical manufacturing to express a modern Eastern style.”
Handheld gaming devices are becoming more popular these days, though due to their portable and handheld nature, most of them cater to only one style of playing. These devices pretty much have game controllers split into two halves that flank a big display. Not all games are best played that way, though, but it’s almost impossible to support all kinds of input methods in a single device. That’s what made the modular design of the Nintendo Switch quite popular, but it still revolved around the same controller design. This concept for a modular gaming handheld tries to push the envelope a bit further, allowing different input methods and playing styles by simply swapping out buttons, joysticks, and knobs.
Designer: Bukvity Lorisz
There once were only two ways to play video games, one with a keyboard and mouse and another with gamepads. With the arrival of smartphones, a third, gesture-based style was added to the mix. It’s almost impossible for a single device to support all those, at least not without attaching external peripherals, but some designs try their best to do so. GPD and AYA, for example, have a few designs that add a mini keyboard to the device, but that’s more for sending brief messages rather than playing with a keyboard and mouse.
The LUMI DREAMSTATION-02 concept puts a different spin on the idea of a flexible gaming device that can embrace different playing styles instead of sticking to a single one. Yes, it doesn’t have a QWERTY keyboard, but it’s not impossible to add something like it after the fact. That’s because the biggest pull of this design is a flexible modular system that lets you mix and match different controls as the need arises.
The LUMI DS-02 is admittedly a weird-looking device compared to any gaming handheld. It has a large square screen, which means it won’t match any existing game aspect ratio, and right below it sits the controller section with two square areas for the modular controls. One side looks like a D-Pad with four separate buttons arranged in a cross while the other side has buttons and knobs. It’s not hard to imagine that many games aren’t going to be easily controlled with a knob or dial, but you can swap those out with a joystick, a regular D-Pad, another set of buttons, and more. The idea is that you can change the controls to suit the game, not the other way around.
The controller section itself can be detached and the screen propped up on a table, similar to the design of Nintendo Switch. This opens the console to even more use cases, like two players using the same console with different controllers. As interesting as this design might seem, it will still depend on how comfortable those controls will be and how easy it will be to swap them around. Regardless, it’s definitely a notable idea, one that tries to be more inclusive, especially if you can substitute more accessible controls for those with physical disabilities.
Retailer Out of Darts says it “Fires short darts and full-length darts up to 120 FPS!”
Created by toy designer Shanye, it is a redesign (apparently unsanctioned) of Nerf’s Pocketstrike, a coveted, discontinued model from 2016. Below is a shot of Shanye’s first 3D-printed effort next to Nerf’s original product.
Produced by Chinese manufacturer Phantom Tech, the finished product is injection-molded in ABS. The see-through version swaps out ABS for a polycarbonate body.
There is some confusion between manufacturer and the retailers linked below as to what the object’s name is: It’s alternately referred to as the Leaf, the Hamster and the Little Hamster.
I honestly don’t approve of the word ‘health freak’ because it seems like a negative term used for those who genuinely and wholeheartedly want to focus on their holistic health and dedicate time and energy to bettering it. Of course, there are always a few people who take dedication to a whole other unhealthy level, but I do believe most of us have good intentions and balanced mindsets when it comes to taking care of our diet and health. I prefer the term ‘health nerd’ for this crowd, and if you’re a health nerd who has decided to not only consume but cook your healthy everyday meals, then you’ve reached the right spot. In an attempt to support your cooking plan and help you eat better, we’ve curated a collection of kitchen appliances that make healthy cooking easy and simple.
1. The Cheat Sheets
These oven-safe, non-stick silicone dividers are called the Cheat Sheets, and they are created to transform and elevate oven cooking. They convert a single baking tray into a multi-compartment cooking surface, which lets you prepare multiple dishes in one go while retaining their distinctive flavor.
Why is it noteworthy?
The innovative Cheat Sheets divide a single sheet pan into a multi-portion culinary canvas, which can hold six small or three large portions. The Cheat Sheets are a great option for preparing family meals or for your weekly meal planning. In fact, if you have multiple Cheat Sheets, you can prepare healthy baked meals with real efficiency and control.
What we like
Lets you cook multiple dishes in one tray simultaneously
It can prepare various portion sizes, which is great for family or individual meals
What we dislike
The sheets are made from silicone which can easily get covered with dust and grease, creating a sticky surface if not used regularly
2. Cookmate
This innovative and handy kitchen appliance is called the Cookmate, and it is designed to be all-in-one. You can use the Cookmate for prep, cooking, and serving. It has a modular design with stackable pieces that let it function as a crock pot, pan, or steam – supporting various healthy cooking techniques.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Cookmate is an induction cooktop that focuses on every aspect of the cooking process. It sees the cooking process as something that progresses from ingredient to table. This allows Cookmate to be universally applicable, allowing you to save energy, effort, and space with other vessels.
What we like
Equipped with an integrated weighing scale
It can be split into 6 parts
What we dislike
It is a concept, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
3. Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker
If you’re trying to eat healthy, then one of the best and easiest dishes you can prepare is a salad! And if you’re ready to chop up a delicious salad, then you may want to consider this shaker and pourer by OXO. It is a smart modern solution that helps you churn up some yummy dressing without making a major mess in your kitchen.
What we like
The shaker features a wide top that you can unscrew to add and mix up ingredients like vinegar, oil, onions, garlic, and mayonnaise to prepare a delicious dressing. The cup has measurements in milliliters and ounces to support easy and efficient measuring.
What we like
It is a leakproof design, ensuring there are no spills
Besides dressing, you can use it to prepare and serve sauces and marinades
What we dislike
The shaker seems to be a bit fragile and easily breakable, so needs to be handled with care
4. Plate Grater
This extraordinary little grate perfectly merges a plate’s functionality with a grater’s practicality. It is shaped like a round little plate and is designed to be set on the table, rather than being used up in the air. The Plate Grater is excellent for grating fresh garnishing for your meals, or some wasabi for your sushi.
The grater/plate design is known for its dual functionality, as it serves as both an effective grater and a stylish plate. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but is also excellent for grating fresh ingredients at the table, adding a refined gourmet touch to your food.
What we like
You can grate fresh garnishing onto your meals
Adds a gourmet touch to your meals
What we dislike
Users may not be accustomed to its dual purpose, so it may require a period of adjustment
5. 4T7 Smart Chopping Board
Called the 4T7 Smart Chopping Board, this innovative kitchen appliance is designed to simplify every stage of meal prep and help beyond it as well. It is made up of different parts, which come together to form a creative and united product that can help you in your quest for healthy eating.
Why is it noteworthy?
The chopping board is equipped with 4 distinct parts, one of which is a built-in weight scale. The 4T7 also has an accompanying smartphone app that counts calories as you weigh your ingredients. Once the prep work has been completed, the digital display can also function as a kitchen timer.
What we like
The board’s different components are designed to be functional and independent elements as well
Works great for fruits, veggies, and meats
What we dislike
Count calories precisely, which can get users unhealthily addicted to counting calories at all times
6. Playful Palm Grater
Dubbed the Playful Palm Grater, this playful and amusing little product is created to add some functional fun to your kitchen and dining experience. It will fit snugly into the palm of your hand, grating some fresh garnishings into your food, and adding a gourmet touch to your everyday meals.
The Playful Palm Grater is a charming little product that resembles a curled piece of paper. It is made from a single aluminum alloy plate and is available in vibrant color options, so you can pick the one that best suits your kitchen/dining space.
What we like
Has a unique and minimal form that offers a firm grip
Transforms the simple act of grating into something convenient, fun, and playful
What we dislike
It has a pretty small size, so you can’t use it to grate large amounts of food
7. Electric Chopsticks
These electric chopsticks are an interesting project by Kirin Holdings and the Miyashita Laboratory (Meiji University Dr. Homei Miyashita Laboratory of the Department of Frontier Media Science, School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences). It includes a chopstick device that is equipped with an electrical stimulation waveform that can customize and adjust the taste of low-sodium food.
Why is it noteworthy?
These innovative chopsticks are designed to make low-sodium food tasty, you can enjoy food with low-sodium content, allowing you to take better care of your health. These chopsticks are an excellent option for those who need to go on a low-sodium diet.
What we like
Adds a sense of saltiness to low-sodium food
Uses a weak electrical current to transmit sodium ions from the food to your mouth
What we dislike
It’s still in the prototype stage, not an actual product yet, so we don’t know how it will turn out to be
8. Joseph Joseph Salad Bowl & Servers Set
We’ve found another great tool, if you’re trodding down the path of healthy eating, and want to prepare some quick and tasty salads. Joseph Joseph and Element Studio teamed up to create this minimal and smart salad bowl and servers set. It is a space-saving design, that seamlessly merges both products into one nifty product, creating a clever combination of functionality and form.
Why is it noteworthy?
The bowl and servers set are excellent for preparing some salad, while also occupying minimal space on your dining table or kitchen drawers. They offer an exciting take on an ordinary salad bowl, and a rather mundane servers set. They make preparing and serving salads an interesting and fun experience.
What we like
Ingeniously merges two products into one
Space-saving design that will occupy minimum space in your kitchen and dinner table
What we dislike
There seem to be no diverse options in colors and sizes, limited choice
9. Fresh Fridge
Meet the Fresh Fridge by Tati Feruccio. It is designed to help you eat more mindfully, and ditch the latest trendy diets, for something that is sustainable and manageable. The smart refrigerator analyzes the user’s eating and health habits to portion and plan out healthy meals from them throughout the day. It features a digital interface, right above the fridge.
Why is it noteworthy?
The innovative digital interface displays cooking recipes and interesting facts. It is like a personal cooking show for the multiple meals throughout the day! There is also a space for meal preparation that makes following recipes from the screen super easy and simple.
What we like
Supports and encourages mindful eating over following trendy and unsustainable fad diets
Features an integrated digital interface
What we dislike
We don’t know how precisely the fridge will analyze portions, and how well would they work for users
10. STEAMIE
Named STEAMIE, this kitchen appliance reintroduces steam into mainstream cooking! It can cook food without diluting or compromising on the flavor, providing you with healthy food, that is not only rich in nutrients but also pretty delicious. It is a tabletop appliance that will present you with food that is nutritious and delicious.
Why is it noteworthy?
STEAMIE is equipped with a built-in scale that lets you measure your food before you cook it. It also features a bamboo-wood lid that functions as a cutting board for food prep. You can watch your food being prepared via the frosted-acrylic food bowl, while an intuitive display lets you input and check prep times.
What we like
Utilizes a unique turbo convection method to rapidly steam-cook the food
What we dislike
Bulky and heavy form that will occupy substantial space on your kitchen counter or dining table
It isn’t merely that built environment of The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai floats above a 400-year-old tangle of low-lying mangroves; it’s that the entire resort has been designed to maximize waterfront vistas and verdant vantage points through sweeping perspectives, infinite lines and soft geometries. As an editorial team, we’ve had the pleasure of attending opening festivities for EDITION Hotels around the world—from Times Square to Tokyo, Reykjavik, Sanya, Bodrum, Miami and more. Though the sophisticated aesthetic elements of the EDITION brand (like the neutral palette and the signature Le Labo fragrance) manifest in Kanai, there’s something uniquely spectacular about this property, the brand’s first in Latin America and the Caribbean.
sOne of the first observations guests will make as they approach the Riviera Maya EDITION is that it’s enveloped by a 620-acre nature reserve. Unlike urban EDITIONS, which converse with cityscapes, this sleek, contemporary property has been designed to embrace the natural world. “That’s our approach,” hotelier and EDITION co-founder Ian Schrager tells us. “It’s about immersion into a very special place. It doesn’t matter where it is—what city or what location. It’s always the same goal. It’s about translating our concept to the surroundings and acting as a vehicle to help people enjoy a particular area.”
The otherworldly architecture of the resort, led by Edmonds International, sits low enough to feel at home among the mangroves. The interiors, by Ian Schrager Company in collaboration with acclaimed architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, go so far as to blur the boundary between inside and outside.
“Our idea was to make something very simple and very elegant, and not overload a person with too many ideas,” Schrager says. “This is much harder to do than throwing a million ideas out there.” The design teams wanted to underscore the value of the specific location and highlight the innate splendors of this region in Mexico. They also, according to Schrager, wanted to introduce a theatricality to the space—and this is felt.
“It looks like a lawn of green as far as you can see because it’s all mangroves growing out of water,” architect Greg Keffer, a partner and studio leader at Rockwell Group, shares with COOL HUNTING. Keffer led Rockwell through this design collaboration, as well as the studio’s contributions to the New York EDITION. “The entire building is actually floating above the mangroves. It posed a development challenge because mangroves are protected in Mexico. Any mangrove you take out you have to restore and maintain somewhere else. It was complex to balance the ecosystem.” Such care was taken that to map out the footprint of the resort, people were given hatchets affixed with a GPS system so that nothing was affected in error.
Countering the lush green growth of the jungle are layers of water, all of which reference a central design concept. “At Rockwell, we do narrative-driven design—we need to build a story first,” he says. “Here, it was about bringing the outside in, and looking to the phenomenon of cenotes—natural caves in the region with fresh water. From there, we begin to ask ‘how does that look’ and ‘how does that inform the guest experience?’ 90% of what you see here is custom-designed in support of this concept.”
When you first ascend the entrance staircase at the resort, you are greeted by a decorative pool. Beyond it, is the lagoon-like central pool with floating cabanas and lounge chairs, and in the distance—beyond the mangrove forest and palm trees—is the Caribbean and two miles of white-sand beaches, where are groomed daily. “We envisioned a series of water elements that cascade out toward the ocean,” Keffer says. The design team also suspended an immense topiary from the lobby ceiling, and positioned roughly 4,500 clay pots of various sizes, all filled with real plants.
Every facade is designed to grow over with vines. Further, each building in the compound swoops down toward one central point—mimicking natural cenote formations. Where they all converge is a woven outdoor yoga platform, and an oculus water feature that doubles as a skylight for the relaxation room in the spa below. A smattering of free-standing outdoor massage rooms also sit at this level. In fact, the entire spa feels secluded, peaceful and rejuvenate.
“Most of the property is fairly neutral in color, except for the Lobby Bar, an EDITION signature, which incorporates custom 50-foot-tall red velvet drapes,” Keffer says. “In the lobby, we brought things down with the hanging topiary, but in here we emphasize an expression of scale. The backbar features a towering display of artifacts and custom plaster cast artwork based on Mayan iconography. At night it comes to life with color. It’s up-lit. It glows.”
Colorful exclamation points—at the Pool Bar and the SO’Ol Beach Club restaurant—lend vibrancy to the property. The beach club, and its luxuriant pier—which extends into the ocean and features lounge chairs, as well as nets that offer seating directly over the water—might be the most transportive attribute of the entire destination. Not only is it visually refreshing, the beach club and pier provide an impressive menu of seafood and cocktails.
“It’s a really fresh concept,” Chef Tomás Bermudez, who helms one of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, shares with us. “When the owners and the EDITION team approached me about this, they said they wanted it to be the best anyone could find in Rivieria Maya. We have the best produce you can find in Mexico. We also have the best seafood.” Ultimately, he says, “If you come to a hotel on the beach, where do you want to stay? You want to stay on the beach. We have a great restaurant, with a stunning pier, right on the beach.”
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai is the brand’s 18th property globally—and the attributes we’ve already addressed do not come close to touching upon its grandeur. For instance, another World’s 50-ranked Mexican chef, Francisco Ruano, helms the other restaurants, including a fine dining establishment. An indoor-outdoor Sky Rooftop Villa sets a penthouse record as it sprawls for more than 27,000 square feet with 360-degree views. A series of hydrotherapy pools enhance the state-of-the-art spa. All 182 guest rooms include terraces, and some have private plunge pools. All of these luxuriant features coalesce to define the experience of The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai, which—when you are there—feels like a world of its own.
Prolific Italian car designer Marcello Gandini, credited with creating the first-ever supercar, has passed away at age 85.
Gandini designed a series of legendary sports cars including the Lancia Stratos, Ferrari GT4 and Lamborghini Countach, during his 14-year tenure at car design company Bertone.
The cars all had a distinctive wedge shape that would become the designer’s signature.
His work for Lamborghini is most well-known, with his design for the 1966 Miura widely credited with inventing the sportscar segment.
Gandini was also responsible for creating some of the most seminal mass-market vehicles of the past 50 years, including the Citroën BX, Renault 5 Turbo and VW Polo.
The car designer never stopped working and passed away on Wednesday in Turin – Italy’s automotive capital and Gandini’s birthplace.
Tributes to Gandini have been given by many of Italy’s most prominent car companies, with Lamborghini honouring the “indelible mark” he left on both car design and Ferrari design director Flavio Manzoni mourning the loss of a “great master”.
“Gandini was not just a designer,” Bertone wrote on Instagram. “He was a visionary, whose skill and creativity redefined the aesthetic standards of sports and luxury cars, influencing generations of designers and enthusiasts.”
“His creations, true works of art on four wheels, have left an indelible mark in history and will continue to inspire and fascinate,” he continued. “His unique vision and incomparable talent will forever remain milestones in the industry.”
“The 20th-century equivalent of a renaissance artist”
Gandini, the son of an orchestra conductor, was born in Turin in 1938. Although his father encouraged him to become a pianist, Gandini started his career as an interior designer before pivoting to cars.
“Only when he got on board the Lamborghini Miura did he understand that I knew how to make other notes play: those of the engines,” Gandini said in a speech at the Polytechnic of Turin shortly before his death.
Gandini joined Bertone in 1965 at age 27 and would remain at the company as chief designer until 1980.
During that time, he worked on a huge variety of designs for different automakers, among them some of the most popular sports cars of the time.
In a tribute on Instagram, car columnist Simon Kidston describes Gandini as “the 20th-century equivalent of a renaissance artist with enough iconic sports car masterpieces to his credit to fill a course on design”.
Hugh Pearman paid tribute to his Citroën BX on Instagram
But Gandini is equally remembered for his mass-produced cars such as the Citroën BX, which architecture writer Hugh Pearman describes as “a mass-market triumph”.
“I loved my BX, had it for years,” he wrote on social media.
After leaving Bertone, he worked as an independent designer for companies including Toyota, Nissan and Toyota.
More recently, the designer dedicated his time to research and innovation, filing and selling a number of patents that aimed at making car manufacturing more efficient.
A video showing construction on The Line was released at MIPIM
The video shows the extensive work taking place, including clearing the site and preparing for foundations and piling operations for the city, which is planned to stretch 170 kilometres across Saudi Arabia.
It appears that the work is taking place on the first phase of the development, where The Line meets the Red Sea and includes the Hidden Marina.
According to a recently released video by Neom, which describes the works as “the world’s biggest earthworks operation”, this first phase will be completed by 2030.
One of the world’s largest and most controversial building projects, The Line city is planned to consist of a pair of parallel skyscrapers that will each be 500 metres high.
According to the documentary, the city will be divided into 140 modules that will each be 800 metres long and designed by different architects.
Although it is not known which architecture studios have designed the modules currently under construction, studios including Morphosis, Cook Haffner Architecture Platform and Pei Cobb Freed & Partners have been connected to the project.
Architecture practice Studio Guma has overhauled an old farmhouse in Normandy, retaining its stone and timber structure to “evoke the rural history” of the site.
Located in the village of Hécourt, the farmhouse and two outbuildings have been adapted to create a “family sanctuary” suitable for gatherings.
“The main ambition of the landowner was to create a place that could be shared by his relatives, or people who wanted to take a break from the city,” explained Studio Guma.
“[It is] a place that could become a family sanctuary where individuals could reconnect with nature. A space for gathering with loved ones, preserving an ambience of calm and privacy. An architectural experience that could merge modernity within a rural canvas,” it continued.
Studio Guma has preserved the farmhouse’s existing structure and complemented it with subtle contrasts in concrete and steel.
The original divisions between the buildings have also been retained and used to help organise the home’s reinvigorated spaces.
At the northern end of the site, the kitchen has been introduced into the former cart shed, taking advantage of the space’s high ceilings. It opens out onto a paved patio through large sliding glass doors.
A new concrete floor is stepped at one edge to create bench-like seating, while a kitchen counter and island have been cast in pale pink concrete in a nod to the rough stonework of the existing walls.
“The kitchen-dining area, located in the former cart shed, serves as the central living space where various flows intersect, offering views of both interior and exterior spaces,” explained Studio Guma.
“In summer, this area merges with the outdoors, becoming a crossroads of external and internal activity. In winter, the space is heated by the morning sun and provides a comfortable nest open to the surrounding nature.”
The former stable now contains the living room, which features a fireplace on the ground floor. A mezzanine reading area above has been created by removing a section of an existing first floor.
“The [stable] typology, less open to the exterior, gave us the possibility to provide a more intimate experience,” described the studio.
Where new openings have been introduced, they are framed by concrete sills, pale steel lintels and aluminium frames that complement the existing stonework, while pared-back interior finishes allow the exposed timber structure to come to the fore.
“We chose concrete, steel, and lacquered aluminium as the main materials of our intervention,” explained Studio Guma. “Their textures subtly contrast with the mineral essence of the original structure, while their tones seek to harmonise with the existing colour palette.”
At the opposite end of the building, a games room occupies a portion of the farmhouse that is yet to be refurbished, with plans to develop it in the future.
Dezeen Showroom: design studio Formway has created a multi-purpose dining table collection for fellow New Zealand brand Noho, designed to be the centrepiece around which various activities can take place.
From evening meals to extravagant dinner parties, the tables in the Dine range are intended to create space for family and friends to gather, socialise and connect in the dining room.
The tables have FSC-certified wood tabletops with a frame and legs crafted from recycled aluminium, mainly sourced from domestic waste such as alloy wheels and transmission cables.
“Dine’s material selection allows the range to age gracefully, offering a rich, natural texture and creating a warm and inviting centre to the home,” said Noho.
Dine comes in two sizes that seat four-to-six people and six-to-eight people.
Its aluminium frame is available in white or black, and the tabletop comes in Mist white or Ironsand black laminate and dark or naturally finished ash.
Material: aluminium, laminate, ash Colours/finishes: white or black
Dezeen Showroom
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