French fashion house Hermès has designed an installation that uses reclaimed bricks, slate, marble and terracotta to draw attention to the brand’s artisan roots at Milan design week.
Spread across the floor of the La Pelota venue in Milan, Hermès home artistic directors Charlotte Macaux Perelman and Alexis Fabry created a patterned surface made up of over twenty different organic materials.
Bricks and terracotta are among the materials used for the Hermès installation
The materials, which include stone, clay, earth, soil and volcanic rocks, were divided by a walking path and have been assembled in patterns that together nod to the fashion house’s famous silk scarves.
“It’s a question of how to create a graphism, a pattern, using lots of different materials,” Perelman told Dezeen.
The materials used for the installation were all sourced from within an hour’s distance from Milan and hand-laid, a process that took four weeks in total.
The floor was hand-laid over four weeks
Following Milan design week, the installation will be dismantled with the materials sent back to the local suppliers to be reused and recycled.
“These are all reclaimed materials that we recycled; I contacted many suppliers to get these materials which already existed,” Perelman said.
Slate and other types of stone form patterns on the floor
By converting existing organic materials into a decorative surface the designers wanted to reference the process of turning the raw materials that Hermès works with, such as raw leather and cashmere, into products.
“The quality and the value of the object is not just the quality of the original material but about what we do with that material, the hand that adds the workmanship to the material itself,” Fabry told Dezeen.
A path laid out across the surface allows visitors to see the different materials close-up, before going behind a screen to see a collection of Hermès home products.
Here, newly launched pieces are juxtaposed with existing products from the house’s archive.
An exhibition of Hermès home pieces is displayed behind a screen
The older pieces were chosen because of their connection with the new designs, and were hidden away to let visitors experience “the idea of slowness”.
“The intention was to show the connection with the earth, with the ground, and the connection with the legacy of Hermès,” Perelman explained.
“In the project, we also tried to put across the idea of slowness, of the path to get there, like a journey – not to show the objects therefore in the first part of the cinematography, but to allow for the passage of the path to get there to give people the time to discover these objects.”
The designers wanted to create “empty space” at Milan design week
Perelman and Fabry added that the overall idea behind the installation, which is a contrast to the brand’s previous more sculptural ones, was to empty, rather than fill the space.
“One of our initial intentions is that instead of filling space, we wanted to empty space,” Fabry said.
“One of the shortcomings of this period in time is that there is an over-abundance, an intention of adding and adding, whereas we instead want to empty.”
New designs are displayed next to archive pieces with which they have a connection
The installation was also designed by the two directors as a way of focusing on time and the brand’s relationship with it.
“We felt it was important to think of time because we have a specific relationship with time within Hermès – it’s a very long term time because we want our objects to last for a long time,” Perelman said.
“Speaking of time as a course that we have to follow, we tried to understand what this course was and we decided to work on the actual ground, the earth itself, because it’s the root of all human beings,” she added.
The photography is courtesy of Hermès.
Hermès installation and collection are on show from 16 to 21 April 2024 at La Pelota, Via Palermo 10, as part of Milan design week. See our dedicated Milan guide on Dezeen Events Guide for information about exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the week.
British designer Jasper Morrison has joined Dezeen Awards 2024 as a judge. Here he selects five projects that best reflect his work.
Morrison is known for his furniture, lighting, tableware and everyday product designs, describing his work as “at its best, super normal”.
In 1986 he founded the London-based Office for Design. He went on to open the Jasper Morrison Shop and design for electronics brand Samsung, Swiss furniture brand Vitra, lighting design brand Flos, American furniture company Emeco and homeware companies Muji and Alessi, among others.
“I just finished a bakery in Mallorca and a public toilet in Japan” Morrison told Dezeen. “I’m working on a revised edition of A Book of Things, the monograph on my work published by Lars Müller Publishers, and as usual several chair projects!”
Morrison’s Zampa chairs for Mattiazzi. Photo by Miro Zagnoli
This week furniture maker Nikari has unveiled an armchair while Maruni debuts a sofa, both by Morrison for furniture fair Salone del Mobile during Milan design week. The designer has also curated an exhibition for US brand Emeco for this year’s Triennale Milano exhibition, commemorating their 80th anniversary.
Additionally, the Triennale Milano will host a display of walking sticks by 20 designers curated by designer Keiji Takeuchi, alongside a showcase of photographs from the book A Way of Life, a result of a trip undertaken to Ballenberg by Morrison and architects David Saik, Tsuyoshi Tane and Federica Zanco.
The entry deadline for Dezeen Awards 2024 is 30 May. Submit your projects by then to avoid late entry fees.
Read on to find Morrison’s views on the five projects that best reflect his work.
Photo by Jasper Morrison Studio
1144 Handle for FSB, 1991
“I owe a lot to Jürgen Braun of FSB for offering me my first commercially produced industrial project. Up until then, I’d been making pieces largely made of existing components.
“Following the readymades and the adaptation of basic, recognisable object types to make new objects, I had come to believe that it was not the designer’s job to invent the form, just to apply it in the right places at the right time and for good enough reasons.
“I had a catalogue from a company in the East End of London called W H Clark, which supplied equipment for trade vehicles. Looking through it one day I found the direction for the door handle in the form of a coach handle.
“I followed up this discovery by using the form of a light bulb for the doorknob and a wing nut for the door lock.
“This process of not trying to invent anything while being open to outside influence was similar to the idea of adapting objects for new purposes, but more sophisticated.”
Photo by Jasper Morrison Studio
Glo-ball lighting for Flos, 1998
“I had been trying to design a light for Flos for almost five years before together with Piero Gandini, we hit upon the idea for Glo-ball.
“I wasn’t 100 per cent convinced about it but Piero was so sure that he dropped an earlier project we had been working on. It turned out to be a big success, maybe just because it’s a new take on the classic hanging glass globe.
“Though it is a simple concept it has a lot of character. It has remained in production for more than 25 years and continues to be in demand. I’m proud of that.”
“The Evo-C chair began with a question from an engineer at Vitra – could we produce a one-piece moulded cantilever chair with two front legs? I responded with a sketch and it took five years to realise.
“This shows the power of dialogue more than anything, as I would never have made the sketch without the question. It’s the first plastic cantilever chair Vitra has made since the Panton Chair in 1960.
“We made several hundred iterations of a 3D computer drawing. The changes were partly aesthetic but mostly they involved adjusting the sections and material thickness to have the right combination of strength and flexibility.
“The achievement is nine parts engineering to one part design. I think the final result has an amazing ability to fit into different kinds of spaces.”
“The Zampa Chair came out of the Zampa Stool, which was inspired by old country stools, handmade with curved stick legs and roughly connected to circular solid wood seats.
“While designing the Zampa stools I never imagined we would add a chair to the family. If Mattiazzi had asked me to design a chair first I very much doubt it would be as good as this one. It shows how unpredictable the design process is.
“Seen as a family it looks perfectly natural that there’s a chair, and I think the chair brings a lot of extra character to the stools which on their own might have seemed a bit minimal.
“Their charm and character are irresistible though they couldn’t be more direct and every day in a practical sense.”
“A table clock with a black, white, blue or green face. The face is detachable and can be hung on the wall.
“I’m not sure why, but I have designed many objects with a flat bowl shape. It all started with the lid of a series of storage tins designed for Alessi and led to another family of trays and serving bowls, a desktop storage system for Vitra, and then the wall clock.
“I liked the memory it evoked of plates and dishes which people used to hang on their walls instead of using them.
“The dial of the clock was designed to imitate a sports hall or swimming pool clock, which was probably a mistake, although I still like it. I think we’d have sold many more if it looked more like a normal clock!”
Dezeen Awards 2024 in partnership with Bentley
Dezeen Awards is the ultimate accolade for architects and designers across the globe. The seventh edition of the annual awards programme is in partnership with Bentley as part of a wider collaboration to inspire, support and champion design excellence and showcase innovation that creates a better and more sustainable world. This ambition complements Bentley’s architecture and design business initiatives, including the Bentley Home range of furnishings and real estate projects around the world.
The Dezeen team are reporting live from Milan Design Week (15-19 April). Read on for all the coverage from the second day (Tuesday 16 April) – and follow the live feed for today’s activity!
5:00pmSalone del Mobile – the world’s largest furniture fair – always has a number of fun and attention-grabbing stands, reports Dezeen deputy editor Cajsa Carlson.
Among the favourites this year? Italian furniture brand Kartell, whose Urban Horizons stand featured striking cityscapes and drew a large crowd.
Kartell created cityscapes for Salone del Mobile
The colourful cutouts formed the background for products (such as designer Fabio Novembre‘s new Pumo lamp) and gave the fairground a cinematic feel.
And with that, this live feed wraps for day two at Milan design week and we’ll see you tomorrow – if not before, out and about at the events taking place across Milan tonight!
Fabio Novembre’s new Pumo lamp was presented in front of Kartell’s cityscapes
4:30pm Fun textiles projects from students of CSM‘s Material Futures course are on show at Base Milano, Dezeen design editor Jennifer Hahn reports.
Jehnna Yang is showing alpine gear for wildlife photographers that was designed to blend into its surroundings and – unlike traditional outdoor gear – is made completely without plastic.
Jehnna Yang has designed alpine gear for wildlife photographers
Instead, the kit is infused with flavonoid compounds derived from alpine flora, which help to waterproof and shield from UV.
Nearby, Ilaria Quintè is showing textiles infused with pigments from microalgae, which according to the designer have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of dermatitis without the need for steroid creams.
Ilaria Quintè is showing textiles infused with pigments from mico-algae
4:00pm Architect Francis Kéré has created a circular pavilion made from pine logs, which is being exhibited in collaboration with kitchen brand Next125 at Superstudio Events.
Kéré described his design as “archaic” when speaking with Dezeen’s Starr Charles.
The pavilion is made from pine logs
The pavilion explores the concept of kitchens and is centred with a sleek kitchen island from Next125’s range that acts as a communal space for gathering and sharing.
Kéré himself was present at the pavilion today (picture above). Images by Starr Charles
3:45pm At the Palazzo Clerici, German automobile manufacturer Porsche presents the fifth version of The Art of Dreams.
Design collective Numen/For Use created a huge black and white netted installation. The interactive artwork fills the courtyard and was animated by dancers, with choreography by Imre and Marne van Opstal, at the launch event on 16 April.
Numen/For Use designed the netted artwork for Porsche
A limited edition furniture collection by Vitra for Porsche features Eames shell chairs in black and white houndstooth, which is also on display – Rupert Bickersteth
3:15pmSabine Marcelis and Paul Cournet have worked with French studio hall.haus to create a lounge for the Saudi Arabian city of AlUla during Milan design week called Design Space AlUla.
Speaking to Dezeen US editor Ben Dreith, Marcelis said “we’ve really tried to transform this space into something that does justice to the projects, but also really gives you a feeling of what AlUla is like”.
A giant ceiling light dominates the Design Space AlUla
“It feels like you’re coming in through the rocks and then arriving in this oasis.”
The installation features a massive sofa with a table in the middle and a huge overhead light, as well as a dune-like entry way.
The entrance to Design Space AlUla is informed by the dunes of Saudi Arabia. Images by Ben Dreith
The downwards-facing light above the central space aims to mimic the light in AlUla.
Marcelis said the goal was to completely transform the chapel that the installation is held in.
2:45pm Dezeen deputy editor Cajsa Carlson has taken a journey into filmmaker David Lynch‘s world at furniture trade show Salone del Mobile. The director has designed two “Thinking Rooms” for the fair, both identical to each other.
David Lynch has designed gigantic chairs with large antennas
Each of the rooms features a gigantic chair designed by Lynch in a setting that he created from the ground up – including dreamlike video windows and strange antennas that come out from the top of the chair.
The chairs sit in two identical rooms designed for meditation
Curator Antonio Monda said his reason for working with Lynch was that he knew of the filmmaker’s interest in furniture design.
“I remembered going to see Lynch about his Lifetime Achievement Award when I was running the Rome Film Festival, and I found him in his workshop, planing a piece of furniture,” he said.
The rooms feature dreamlike vide windows
The busy installation saw plenty of people queuing to get their own time inside the room, which is meant to be used for meditation and contemplation.
The film director has created the “Thinking Rooms” installation for Salone del Mobile
2:30pm Dezeen editorial director Max Fraser visited the Solgami meets Seagram installation in Zona Tortona, where architect and designer Ben Berwick is demonstrating his Solgami Ambient Light System.
The system is a site-specific, modular window treatment that enhances and directs natural light and reduces thermal dynamics in the built environment.
Lights mimic the sun at the installation to demonstrate the Solgami Ambient Light System
“Buildings account for 39 percent of global emissions, 28 percent of which arise from energy related to heating and cooling,” said Berwick.
“80 percent of buildings that will be in use in 2050 have already been built today. It is imperative that we improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings. The biggest factor in doing this is minimising heat transfer through glazed facades and windows. The lack of, or oversupply of, light is the biggest factor influencing this heat transfer.”
Fitted to existing buildings, the 20mm-thick screen is designed to stabilise internal temperatures, providing greater amounts of visible light where it is needed and reducing infrared and ultraviolet radiation.
Berwick is presenting the prototype of his Solgami Ambient Light System at Milan design week. Images courtesy of Solgami
In his installation, Berwick highlights the famous Seagram building, which was designed by Mies van der Rohe in the oil-rich 1950s without consideration for the energy required to heat and cool the interior.
Berwick is calling for a rapid retrofit programme to our older buildings to reduce their current energy burden.
1:30pm The Dezeen Studio team are also in Milan and have produced this video from the opening of a retrospective exhibition about Italian designer Alessandro Mendini.
The exhibition – titled Io Sono Un Drago (I am a dragon) – is on show at cultural institution Triennale Milano, hosted with the Fondation Cartier, from today (16 April) until 13 October.
12:45pmGoogle has returned to Milan design week with a kaleidoscopic installation by research studio Chromasonic, designed to simulate the experience of having synesthesia.
Semi-transparent screens change colour at the Google Chromasonic installation
Dezeen design editor Jennifer Hahn has visited the installation, which stretches across 600 square metres inside a redeveloped industrial building near Porta Venezia, taking visitors on a “sensorial journey” through a maze of semi-transparent screens.
11:45amMoooi returns to its regular Milan location at Salone dei Tessuti with its Living Room concept, envisaged by the brand’s creative director Marcel Wanders.
“The design industry has been obsessed with adding more and more stimuli to our spaces”
The space is a curated sensory environment with a strong emphasis on the interplay between light, sound and smell as much as physical products.
Moooi’s Living Room concept is on show at Salone dei Tessuti in Milan
“The design industry has been obsessed with adding more and more stimuli to our spaces,” says Moooi’s Arjen Stege.
“This year we’re exploring a more dynamic shift to the mood and feel of a room throughout the day, adding stimulation when you need energising but also reducing it when you need rest.”
Yves Behar has unveiled his new Peaks sofa. Images by Max Fraser
A 40-minute light and sound loop evolves in the space alongside displays of new products from the brand, including the new Peaks sofa by Yves Behar.
On Thursday 18 April, Dezeen’s Max Fraser will moderate a panel of expert speakers including Yves Behar, Lidewij Edelkoort and Marcel Wanders as they discuss lighting and the senses in design.
11:00am Minimalist lighting collections by Formafantasma and Nendo contrast with the decadent room in which they are displayed at Milan’s Instituto dei Ciechi.
Glass company WonderGlass has transformed the space for their Contrasto installation displaying the two new collections.
Nendo lighting is on display at Milan’s Instituto dei Ciechi
Formafantasma paired Murano glass flowers with steel and cast glass, while Nendo aimed to capture “the gentle glow of twilight” with its curved bronzed glass lamps – Jane Englefield
Formafantasma lighting design was made with Murano glass
10:30amLamps that look like pillows, soft furnishings modelled on stacked mattresses and rugs emblazoned with abstract interpretations of private body parts feature in Faye Toogood‘s Rude Arts Club.
The installation brings together new products created by the British designer for CC-Tapis and Tacchini that explore womanhood and female sexuality.
The rugs in the collection feature abstracted private body parts
“I’m a couple of years off being 50 and I spent the last 20-30 years in design not really drawing attention to being female,” Toogood told Dezeen design editor Jennifer Hahn.
“This is my take on embracing all that comes with being a woman.”
Images by Jennifer Hahn
10:00am You can now read Starr Charles‘ conversation with Japanese designer Hideki Yoshimoto from the Lexus launch she attended yesterday (see 2:30pm entry).
Yoshimoto has unveiled an immersive art installation, in collaboration with car brand for their LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) concept car.
Speaking to Charles at the installation, the designer said “I wanted to create something which gives you an impression of kind of future-looking exploration or toward the future of different dimensions of this industry”.
9:00am As the Dezeen team head out across the city for day two, catch up on everything that took place yesterday on day one of Milan design week.
At the Palazzo San Fedele, Bottega Veneta have installed more than 150 stools from the set design of their Autumn Winter 2024 fashion show earlier this year.
Bottega Veneta’s installation features dozens of stacked stools, modelled on the original by Le Corbusier
The stools, which are a special edition of the Le Corbusier LC14 Tabouret Cabanon, have been produced with Italian manufacturer Cassina and in close collaboration with Fondation Le Corbusier.
The original wooden whisky box that Le Corbusier painted and used as a stool is also on display. Images by Rupert Bickersteth
For the Milan design week installation, 60 of the wooden stools stools have been upholstered with Bottega Veneta’s woven “intrecciato” leatherwork technique in bright colours – Rupert Bickersteth
See Dezeen Events Guide for all the latest information you need to know to attend the event, as well as a list of other architecture and design events taking place around the world.
Design studio Niceworkshop has created furniture for recycling brand Format made from aluminium formwork used for pouring the concrete on large-scale buildings, which is on show at Milan design week.
Showcased at the Capsule showcase at Corso Como 10, the collection includes chairs, benches and tables made from slabs of aluminium fastened together by industrial bolts.
Niceworkshop worked with Format, the design and recycling arm of Korean construction company Sungji Alfex, to reuse the large metal panels used in the pouring of concrete in the construction of large buildings.
“My family has been making formwork in Korea for more than 50 years,” Format co-founder Phillip Lee told Dezeen.
“And instead of throwing it away, I thought we should recreate it into something else.”
The collection included reused and recycled materials. Photo by Ben Dreith
Because the company doesn’t have a design background, Format looked to Hyunseog Oh of Niceworkshop to take the industrial materials and create collectible design objects.
The installation included two collections with similar forms. Called Aged Form Line, the first collection was made with formwork directly reused from construction and “captures the enduring texture of concrete on the surface event after the repair process”.
These pieces have a darker hue with slight imperfections on the surfaces of the furniture.
The other series is called New Form Line and features furniture created with aluminium that has been recycled. These have a much more lustrous hue and smoother surfaces.
Niceworkshop showed chairs, benches and tables created with both materials. The design of both pieces is almost identical, with the rivet holes from the original formwork used as the points of connection between the different pieces of furniture.
The New Form Line pieces were presented as a group, set up as they might look in a space, while the Aged Form Line was presented on aluminium plinths, separately.
The New Form Line pieces were presented as a group. Photo by Ben Dreith
In the centre of the space, an example of how the material looks as it is used in the construction process, rebar and all, was shown to let visitors understand better where the material comes from.
“Our use of the materials was inspired by the circulation of the process of aluminium,” said Oh, noting how similar the final product looks to the actual formwork.
The collection is the first collaboration between Format and Niceworkshop and is the debut collection of Niceworkshop during Milan design week.
The photography is courtesy of T-Space at 10 Corso Como unless otherwise stated.
The Aluminum Formwork Series is on show at Corso Como 10 from 15 to 21 April during See our Milan design week 2024 guide on Dezeen Events Guide for information about the many other exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the week.
Dezeen Showroom: Los Angeles-based designer Laura Niubó has created a colourful geometric rug as part of a collection of abstract textile artworks depicting the reproductive organs of flowers.
Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen’s huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.
Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.
Bringing the iPhone 15/14 Pro or 15/14 Pro Max into your daily routine is significantly enhanced with the addition of the BANG!CASE, which combines durable protection with intuitive functionality. For iPhone 14 Pro/Max users, they can experience an upgrade to the iPhone 15 Action Button. At its core, the case boasts a resilient TPU shell complemented by reinforced glass, striking the perfect balance between durability and elegance. The design elements of the BANG!CASE combines form and function without detracting from the iPhone’s sleek aesthetic while providing protection that doesn’t compromise on style.
BANG!CASE has a transparent strengthened glass back, ensuring strength while also allowing you to see through it, revealing the workings of the BANG!Button.
The standout feature of this case is undoubtedly the BANG!Button. This ingenious addition changes the way you interact with your iPhone, allowing the creation of shortcuts to frequently used apps or actions. This means less time navigating through menus and more time enjoying a streamlined, efficient user experience.
One-click screenshot, no more unnecessary actions!
One-touch photo sharing to Instagram, share the fun one step faster!
The BANG!CASE transforms your iPhone experience with its unique Playbook portal. This software is packed with shortcuts created by the BANG!CASE team and users from around the world. It lets you easily share to social media, turn voice notes into text, find your way home, or locate your car in a packed lot, all without a hassle. These complex operations and many more features can all be accomplished with just a single button. You can also assign three different functions to a short press, double tap, and long press to meet various needs in daily use.
Turn on notifications with one click and never miss anything important again!
The case’s design is a thoughtful combination of aesthetics and functionality. Its clear back has multi-layered graphics that not only enhance the visual appeal but also intuitively guide users to the BANG!Button. Set against a vibrant orange background, the iconic [!] symbol is unmistakable, ensuring quick and easy access to the button’s functionalities.
Memory capsule: Press the BANG!Button to start recording audio, transcribe the recording into text, and save it in your memory capsule, ensuring your inspiration doesn’t get lost.
In terms of power, the BANG!CASE is equipped to keep up with your active lifestyle. It has a 200mAh battery, supported by a magnetic charger that ensures your BANG!Button is always charged and within reach. Despite its powerful features, the case remains remarkably lightweight, adding minimal bulk to your device.
Digging deeper into the technical specs, the BANG!CASE supports a charging power of 5V 0.2A, ensuring efficient energy replenishment. The included magnetic charging cable facilitates a hassle-free charging experience, fully charging the case in under three hours. Once charged, the battery life is impressive, lasting more than 30 days, ensuring that your case is always ready for you to click away at the BANG!Button.
The case’s magnetic attachment feature adds an additional layer of functionality. It uses N52 neodymium magnets, which provide a magnetic force surpassing even that of the iPhone’s own Magsafe technology, offering a secure, reliable connection. Pairing the case with your iPhone is seamless, achieved through a simple long press on the BANG!Button, connecting via Bluetooth for instant interaction.
All in all, the BANG!CASE for iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max features a smart BANG!Button for quick shortcuts, a long-lasting battery, magnetic charging, and strong magnets for easy attachment. Ideal for everyday use.
Saturday, April 13, marked the grand opening of “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania” at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. This collaborative effort between The Westmoreland Museum of American Art and Fallingwater, guided by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, showcases a detailed exploration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural vision through both his realized and unrealized projects.
Designer: Frank Lloyd Wright
Photo Credit: THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM
The exhibition, curated by Scott W. Perkins and Jeremiah William McCarthy, who are recognized for their expertise in American art preservation and curation, provides an intricate look at Wright’s proposals from the 1930s through the 1950s, considering their potential impacts across various landscapes. Noteworthy are the animated reconstructions of five projects that were conceived but never executed. These include innovative designs such as the transformation of the Point in 1947, a futuristic self-service garage at Kaufmann’s Department Store in 1949, and the Point View Residences planned in 1952 for the Edgar J. Kaufmann Charitable Trust.
Photo Credit: THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM
Enhanced by state-of-the-art three-dimensional rendering technologies that parallel those used in contemporary cinema, these animations by Skyline Ink Animators + Illustrators bring Wright’s unrealized ideas to life. The experience is augmented in a dedicated viewing theater, complete with a specially composed musical score by Daniel May and Marty Ashby, which accentuates Wright’s meticulous attention to material detail, textures, and the interplay of light and shadow.
Photo Credit: THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM
Aileen Fuchs, the president and executive director of the National Building Museum, expressed her enthusiasm for the exhibition, noting its fit with the museum’s dedication to showcasing innovative and inspiring works. The exhibit highlights Wright’s architectural genius and encourages visitors to explore the ‘what might have been’ of his unrealized projects.
Photo Credit: THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM
The exhibition also underscores Wright’s significant influence in Pittsburgh, a connection initiated by Edgar J. Kaufmann, Sr., who introduced Wright to the city in 1934 and advocated for his involvement in various civic projects. This partnership often aligned with the goals of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, which aimed to tackle urban challenges and enhance the city’s cultural landscape.
Photo Credit: THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM
“Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania” will continue to engage visitors until March 17, 2025. It enjoys the support of The Heinz Endowments, The Hillman Exhibition Fund of The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, and donors like Wendy and David Barensfeld. Contributions from The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, The Museum of Modern Art, and the Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library at Columbia University further enrich the exhibition.
This display commemorates Wright’s architectural legacy and functions as an educational platform. It merges historical context with contemporary technological displays to invite visitors to appreciate the blend of artistic expression and architectural innovation.
The Humane AI Pin garnered a lot of attention for how cool it was when it debuted. An AI lapel pin that you can talk to, and that projects information on your palm as well as takes pictures. Sounds incredible, but the rationale changes when you’re forced to buy one. You forget how cool it is and start thinking of whether the product makes sense – and therein lies the entire problem. Marques Brownlee made a video not too long ago, mentioning that the Humane AI Pin (in its current iteration) was the worst product he’d ever reviewed. The pin was slow, bulky, had battery woes, and was inconsistently bad at its AI features… but most importantly, it was a solution looking for a problem. The pin tried to become the smartphone’s replacement without really considering whether the smartphone actually needed replacing. That’s where the Limitless AI Pin is proving to be very different. Call it a coincidence that the product was announced merely a day after the Humane AI Pin received negative coverage, but the Limitless AI Pendant is vastly different (and at least from the demo video above), vastly better at what it does. Building on the Limitless app’s ability to enrich meetings and video chats with AI, the Limitless AI Pendant acts as your meeting assistant, helping you prep, transcribe, and annotate all your meetings.
Designer: Limitless
Right off the bat, the Limitless AI Pendant looks and feels better than the Humane AI Pin. Humane’s pin was large, bulky, and had one too many unnecessary details like a camera and a projector. Limitless’ AI Pendant ditches everything unnecessary by sticking to just having a microphone, and adopting a one-piece clip-style design that attaches to your collar, pocket, or even a neck lanyard without causing your shirt to sag. The lack of a projector means you can place the pendant anywhere without worrying about how it’ll project information on your hand, which gives it a major 1-up over Humane’s pin, which awkwardly sat exactly where your seatbelt would go, causing quite the hindrance.
On the usability front, the Limitless AI Pendant actually focuses on a very well-defined problem statement. Instead of being an arbitrary AI agent that can do anything for you, its sole focus is to work toward helping you navigate meetings with AI-enhanced preparedness. There’s no feature that seems unnecessary, nothing that’ll completely drain your battery even when you’re not using it.
Using AI, the Limitless pendant transcribes conversations (meetings specifically), allowing you to revisit important points later. It even intelligently analyzes discussions and suggests actionable items for your to-do list, saving you valuable time and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. While other AI wearables feel gimmicky, the Limitless Pendant offers a practical solution. By eliminating the need for note-taking and manual to-do list creation, it frees up mental space and allows you to fully engage in meetings.
The compatibility with existing software like Zoom, Google Meet, and Slack is another game-changer. No need for additional downloads or IT department approvals – the Limitless Pendant integrates effortlessly into your workflow. Your data is anonymized and securely stored in the cloud. Additionally, the Pendant only records conversations with consent, ensuring everyone involved feels comfortable.
Where the Limitless AI Pendant actually turns out to be useful is in doing a great job of replacing your need to have a phone with you. Simply tap the button and the AI Pendant gets recording and transcribing. It’s simple, idiot-proof, and does its job perfectly without much room for error. This is made easy considering that it has a very well-defined job, unlike the Humane AI Pin, which was said to be able to pretty much do anything.
The Limitless AI Pendant starts at an attractive price of $99 during pre-order. While a subscription unlocks its full potential, a free tier grants 10 hours of AI features monthly, alongside unlimited audio storage. For those needing more, the $19 per month Pro plan offers unlimited AI features and audio storage, ensuring your creative flow never runs dry. Plus, the Limitless Pendant comes in a variety of colors, from classic black to bold forest green and playful hot pink, to seamlessly match your personal style.
The NAB Show 2024 showcased a captivating array of accessories designed to enhance the toolkit of both professional videographers and passionate content creators. As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, the need for innovative, versatile tools becomes ever more crucial. This year’s event did not disappoint, offering up gadgets that promise to refine the creative process and broaden the horizons of what can be achieved with video production. Here are the top four standout accessories from the show that are essential for anyone looking to elevate their content creation game.
Atomos Ninja Phone
The Atomos Ninja Phone is an innovative accessory designed to transform the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max into a professional monitor and recorder, significantly enhancing the video recording capabilities of the device. By supporting Apple ProRes and H.265 formats, it utilizes the iPhone’s excellent display as a dual-purpose screen and storage solution for capturing high-quality video. This integration makes the Ninja Phone a cost-effective option for mirrorless cameras needing a portable, high-resolution recording solution. However, its limitation to a maximum output of 1080p at 60fps might be restrictive for users requiring higher video resolutions. Essentially, the Ninja Phone acts as a bridge, leveraging the iPhone’s advanced display technology and adding professional recording features typically found in more sophisticated recording equipment.
Designer: Atomos
One of the key features of the Ninja Phone is its seamless integration with the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max. The device is specifically designed to utilize the iPhone’s HDR OLED display as a monitor. This proves advantageous because the iPhone’s screen offers a peak brightness of 1600 nits and a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1. These features deliver vibrant and precise visuals, which are invaluable for accurate monitoring during shooting.
Moreover, it facilitates recording in Apple ProRes and 10-bit H.265 directly to the iPhone’s internal storage. Professionals widely prefer these formats due to their high quality and flexibility in post-production. This feature allows for superior color grading and editing capabilities, in contrast to the more compressed standard video formats typically generated by mirrorless cameras.
Additionally, the Ninja Phone includes a video co-processor unit that clips onto the iPhone inside a custom case. This unit effectively manages data transfer between the camera and the iPhone, ensuring efficient recording of video feeds without overloading the phone’s primary processor.
There are several connectivity options, including USB-C and HDMI. These connections are secure, featuring locking mechanisms to maintain stable links between the camera, Ninja Phone, and iPhone. Furthermore, it is powered by a single Sony NP battery, offering a convenient and widely available power solution, making battery swaps as needed during extended shoots effortless.
Another key feature includes streaming video feeds directly to Atomos’ Cloud Service using 5G or Wi-Fi, providing a robust live broadcasting or remote monitoring solution. When combined with the Atomos app, users can access professional monitoring tools like focus peaking, zebra stripes, and false color, greatly enhancing the iPhone’s usability as a professional video monitor.
SmallRig X Caleb Pike VB212 Mini V Mount Battery
The SmallRig X Caleb Pike VB212 Mini V Mount Battery is a compact powerhouse, ideal for filmmakers and content creators who are constantly on the move. It is equipped with high-capacity LG battery cells, delivering 14.76V 14.4Ah 212.544Wh and supporting rapid 140W charging, which allows it to reach full capacity in just 2.5 hours. This minimizes downtime and maximizes energy management efficiency.
Designer: SmallRig
Designed for versatility, the VB212 can power a range of devices simultaneously—from cameras and lights to smartphones like the iPhone. It includes multiple output options: two USB-C ports, a USB-A port for quick device charging, and two D-Tap ports along with specific DC outputs for high-demand equipment.
The battery’s robust design features an intelligent Battery Management System that safeguards against overcurrent, short circuits, overheating, and overvoltage, ensuring the safety and longevity of both the battery and connected devices. Constructed from durable aluminum alloy and coated with silicone, TPU, and PC V0 materials, the VB212 is built to withstand challenging environments, making it suitable for outdoor and demanding settings.
Additionally, its portability and compact frame make it a perfect complement to the iPhone’s mobility, allowing for extended shooting sessions without frequent recharges. This is further supported by the inclusion of USB-C and USB-A ports, which also charge essential mobile videography accessories. A clear TFT display monitors battery status and usage, while silicone covers protect delicate interfaces from dust and damage.
Rode Magnetic Mount
Rode’s Magnetic Mount, compatible with MagSafe-enabled devices, is a robust solution designed for mobile videography. This magnetic mounting system, crafted from high-grade aluminum, offers both durability and lightweight portability, making it ideal for dynamic or harsh shooting environments.
Designer: Rode
The mount’s strong magnet ensures that attached devices, like microphones and lights, remain stable even during active use. Its modular design includes short and long cold shoe arms and a long arm with a 1/4-inch thread, allowing for versatile setups in a variety of configurations to meet diverse filming requirements.
The Magnetic Mount’s compactness enhances its portability, fitting easily into a backpack, kit bag, or pocket. This feature is particularly beneficial for mobile videographers and photographers who require flexibility in their equipment.
For iPhone users, the Magnetic Mount is transformative, providing a stable platform for external accessories. The integration of MagSafe technology secures the attachment, crucial for producing smooth, stable footage. The mount’s design facilitates easy switching between portrait and landscape modes, adding to its functionality and versatility.
I personally like the idea that Rode has taken measures to ensure the Magnetic Mount securely latches on to the iPhone; there’s nothing worse than an expensive iPhone 15 Pro Max flying off during a shoot. The versatility and durability also enhance iPhone users’ capabilities to produce high-quality video content. The magnetic mount aligns well with the iPhone’s advanced features, supporting professional-grade content creation across various settings.
OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite
The OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite represents a big improvement in webcam technology. Designed to improve video communication and live streaming quality without a high price tag, this compact device combines high-performance features and a user-friendly interface, making professional video capabilities available to a wider audience.
Designer: OBSBOT
At the core of the Tiny 2 Lite’s appeal is its UHD 4K resolution, which remains competitive with other high-end devices while surpassing the video quality typically available from standard webcams and built-in smartphone cameras. This enhancement ensures that every frame is captured with clarity and detail, making it a valuable accessory for everything from professional webinars to intimate chats with loved ones.
Additionally, it comes with dual omnidirectional microphones, which are important for good audio quality and help with maintaining clear and synchronized communication during video calls or while streaming content. This feature is particularly valuable in environments where audio clarity can be affected by background noise or distance from the device.
What sets the Tiny 2 Lite apart are its AI-driven functionalities, such as Auto Tracking with Auto Zoom and Gesture Control 2.0. Auto Tracking keeps the subject in the center of the frame, automatically adjusting the zoom to accommodate movement, which is incredibly useful during presentations or performances. Gesture Control allows users to manipulate camera settings with simple hand motions, enabling a more interactive and engaging user experience without physically interacting with the device.
There are also a variety of preset modes that can be easily switched between, allowing users to tailor the camera setup to their specific needs, whether for a static interview or an animated teaching session. This adaptability is complemented by advanced focusing technology that ensures the video remains sharp and subjects stay in focus, even with significant movement.
This portable webcam is an excellent enhancement for iPhone users, leveraging the phone’s capabilities to produce higher-quality video outputs for streaming and calls. Its compact design and straightforward setup mean it can be easily integrated into various environments, aligning with the iPhone’s portability and emphasis on high usability. Whether used in a home office, during travel, or in a professional studio, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite can be a valuable accessory for creating video content and delivering professional results in a multitude of settings.
There you have it: the accessories featured at NAB Show 2024 offer practical solutions tailored to the varied demands of modern content creators. From transforming an iPhone into a professional recording device to providing reliable power in remote locations, securing equipment on the move, or enhancing home studio setups for clearer streaming, these tools significantly enhance video production capabilities. They streamline the creation process and ensure that every detail is captured clearly, supporting creators in producing high-quality content effectively.
Desk trays are an indispensable part of any organization system, and their designs vary wildly to meet different needs and aesthetic tastes. While wooden desk accessories are not uncommon, the most standard materials used for these products are often virgin plastics that, given the volume of their use, spell trouble for the planet. Fortunately, a few designs nowadays do try to utilize recycled or even upcycled materials to ease the burden on the environment, but good design doesn’t have to stop there. This concept, for example, seems to check all the right boxes by offering not only a sustainable solution with a beautiful minimalist design but also one that lets you combine pieces as you see fit or use them solo in different places as needed.
Designers: Hoyeon Shin, Seokhyoun Han, Joae Kim, Yeongha Kim, Zoae Kim for Haus Bari
Truth be told, this design is actually four separate products sharing a similar DNA. One design, however, can’t meet all the needs of all users, so rather than make a monolithic product that wastes space and materials, this series of trays simply offers four unique designs that can be used for a variety of purposes, including in places that don’t involve work tables and stationery.
All four pieces share the same thin square platform, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. One “block”, for example, has a fixed cylinder that can be used for holding writing instruments, tools, or maybe even flowers. Another has a circular indentation that invites you to place a mug or glass on it, though it can also fit small items such as an AirPods charging case. The tray with a wavy surface can be a bed for pens and pencils without having them jumbled up together. The fourth member has a simple flat surface, but flip it over and you will behold the Bari branding underneath. It can also function as another coaster thanks to that circular groove again.
The trays use diatomaceous earth, a sustainable material that is gaining popularity among product designers. It also gives the tray a textured appearance that resembles rough, unpolished stone, making the minimalist products look a little more visually interesting. It also makes it possible to place wet or damp objects on top of the tray, such as sponges or even soap, thanks to the material’s moisture resistance and self-drying properties.
Although each of these trays functions as an independent unit, you can also combine them as a single organization system where you have free reign over how they are arranged. You can have them for a line, put them in a grid, or spread them out all over the desk. Of course, you’re not limited to just one of each piece, either, and can form an army of trays and containers ready to keep your mess at bay. It’s an admittedly simple solution to desk and life organization, but one that offers beauty and flexibility in a package that tries to reduce its negative impact on the environment.
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