Hasta La Ideas

A pinecone-shaped wildfire detector built out of wax and charcoal has won the UK James Dyson Award, recognising the best inventions by student and graduate designers.

Pyri was inspired by nature in its shape, materiality and also how it works. Its name references the botanical phenomenon known as “pyriscence”, wherein plants in wildfire-prone areas have adapted to release their seeds in high heat.

The shape of the device is based on pinecones from these kinds of trees, which drop their seeds only when their resin outer casing melts.

Similarly, the presence of fire liquefies Pyri’s wax shell, releasing a saltwater solution whose electrolytes activate the electronics contained within. This causes a radio frequency signal to be sent, alerting local communities to the danger.

The device constitutes an application of organic electronics – a field of materials science that uses carbon-based compounds instead of rare or precious metals to make electronics that are potentially biodegradable and avoid the need for mining.

Pyri is the product of four students from the Innovation Design Engineering graduate course at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London: Richard Alexandre, Karina Gunadi, Blake Goodwyn and Tanghao Yu.

Alexandre is a Brazilian national, who was driven to create Pyri after witnessing the destruction caused by unprecedented wildfires in the country’s vast wetlands, the Pantanal, in 2020.

He said that Pyri was unique among wildfire alert solutions in not only using bio-inspired and bio-derived technology but also targeting remote communities without a lot of resources for forest protection.

“There genuinely are no similar ideas or concepts on the market to Pyri,” Alexandre told Dezeen.

“Unlike traditional methods, which rely heavily on sensors, cameras and satellites – often limited by coverage, accuracy and high costs – Pyri offers an effective, affordable solution suitable for extensive deployment, even in remote locations,” he added.

Pyri is low-cost, easy to install and requires zero maintenance, the designer said. It can even be deployed by helicopter drop to cover vast hectares of land within one day.

While Pyri’s final material composition is still under development, the key materials are wax and charcoal. The wax provides a trigger that removes the need for a traditional sensor, while carbon-rich charcoal serves as an electrical conductor.

“These materials were chosen for their abundance, effectiveness and non-toxicity to the environment compared to conventional materials like plastic and toxic metals like lithium and cobalt in batteries,” said Alexandre.

Once Pyri’s wax casing melts, it activates the power source, which triggers a radio frequency signal to be sent out via a simple signalling circuit and antenna made from a charcoal composite.

This can be picked up and triangulated from communication towers or receivers as far as tens of kilometres away.

Small amounts of metal are employed only where absolutely essential, using only types that are abundant and non-toxic such as aluminium.

If Pyri is never burned up, the device just sits in the environment as a foreign but non-toxic object, Alexandre said.

The design team has applied for a patent and tested each of the technologies individually but has yet to integrate all the components into one working prototype. Their next step will be to create this prototype and test it in a controlled fire environment.

Their win in the UK’s national leg of the James Dyson Awards gives them £5,000 to put towards further development. The team is also in the running for the £30,000 grand prize in the international competition, where they are up against the winners from 29 other countries.

Last year’s overall winner was the Golden Capsule – a non-powered, hands-free intravenous device designed for disaster zones by students from South Korea’s Hongik University.

Extreme wildfires such as those that hit the Pantanal are predicted to increase in frequency by 50 per cent by the end of the century, bringing with them huge volumes of carbon emissions.

Another wildfire detection system, ForestGuard, won the James Dyson Award in Turkey in 2023.

The post Pyri wildfire detection device melts in response to fire appeared first on Dezeen.

At IFA 2024, Hisense captivated audiences by unveiling their ConnectLife ecosystem—an interconnected smart home platform that integrates appliances, entertainment systems, and climate control into one seamless experience. Leif Lindner, CEO of IFA Management GmbH, separately discussed Hisense’s role in reshaping modern living, highlighting how ConnectLife is pivotal in transforming homes into intelligent spaces that adapt to the user’s habits and preferences. The subsequent product demonstration by Aljosa Cizl, product manager for ConnectLife, gave a practical, hands-on view of how these connected systems operate together to make life easier and more intuitive.

Designer: Hisense

During the walkthrough, Aljosa Cizl, product manager for ConnectLife, showcased how the platform simplifies household management. From a single app, users can control every smart device in the home, from air conditioners and refrigerators to ovens and washing machines. The ConnectLife Hub ensures that all appliances work in harmony, learning from user behavior to optimize energy efficiency and daily routines. Cizl emphasized that ConnectLife is more than just remote control—it’s about making homes respond to daily life without the user needing to intervene at every step.

ConnectLife: The Backbone of a Smart Home

At its core, the ConnectLife platform acts as the brain of the modern home, offering real-time updates, automated suggestions, and remote management of appliances. Whether adjusting climate settings before you arrive home or setting a meal plan that syncs across your kitchen devices, ConnectLife brings everything together in a user-friendly interface that can be accessed through the ConnectLife app.

Hisense Showcases Innovative Scenario-Driven Tech Solutions at IFA 2024 to Transform Everyday Living Experiences

Aljosa Cizl demonstrated how refrigerators, ovens, air conditioners, and other appliances integrate into a smart ecosystem that simplifies the user’s life. For example, the Hisense PureFlat Smart Series Refrigerator can track food inventory, provide meal suggestions based on available ingredients, and sync with the oven to automatically prepare a recipe, all while you’re busy with other tasks. The ConnectLife Hub handles these interactions smoothly and learns your preferences over time, ensuring the home adjusts to your needs automatically.

PureFlat Smart Series Refrigerator: The Heart of the Kitchen

The Hisense PureFlat Smart Series Refrigerator is central to this smart kitchen. Equipped with a 21-inch TFT touchscreen, it acts as the nerve center of the ConnectLife kitchen, keeping track of groceries and suggesting meals through its AI Recipe feature. The system manages ingredients, reducing waste by notifying you of expiration dates and making meal suggestions based on what’s available.

This refrigerator features the My Fresh Choice compartment, offering flexible cooling and freezing options depending on user needs. During the demo, Aljosa Cizl highlighted how the fridge can send recipe instructions directly to the Hi9 Series Oven, ensuring that the entire cooking process—from food storage to preparation—is integrated and automated. The fridge also has an AI Eco Mode that optimizes energy consumption, further demonstrating Hisense’s focus on sustainability.

Hi9 Series Oven: Intelligent Cooking for Any Household

The Hi9 Series Oven is a cornerstone of Hisense’s Smart Kitchen concept. During the demonstration, Aljosa Cizl showed how AI-powered InCamera Technology allows the oven to recognize the type of food inside and adjust the cooking settings for perfect results. Whether baking, roasting, or air frying, the oven offers over 140 pre-programmed recipes accessible through the TFT screen, providing a hands-free cooking experience.

Safety and maintenance are key with features like Auto Door Opening and Auto Lock, while cleaning becomes effortless thanks to Pyrolytic Self Clean and Steam Clean Pro technologies. The oven’s integration with ConnectLife allows you to preheat or adjust the oven remotely, making it easy to manage meals, even when on the go.

Series 7i Washing Machines: Optimizing Laundry Through AI

Hisense’s Series 7i Washing Machines continue the trend of AI-powered efficiency. These machines come with AI Super Wash, which adjusts the washing cycle based on fabric type, load size, and dirt level. The iPlay Intelligent Display simplifies user interaction, while the iJet three-channel spray system ensures that clothes are thoroughly cleaned with minimal water use.

For drying, the Series 7i Tumble Dryer uses AI Super Dry and a 3D Humidity Sensor to monitor moisture levels and prevent over-drying, preserving fabric quality. The iFit design allows these machines to fit easily into compact spaces, while ConnectLife lets users manage the entire laundry process remotely, receiving notifications when cycles are complete.

Energy Pro X Air Conditioners: Comfort and Air Quality Combined

Hisense Energy Pro X Air Conditioners regulate temperature and improve air quality through HI-NANO technology, which eliminates bacteria and allergens. With AI Smart Airflow, the system adjusts the direction of air based on where you are in the room, ensuring comfort while reducing energy use.

The TMS Control System takes climate control a step further by managing both temperature and humidity, providing a comfortable environment year-round. These air conditioners integrate fully with ConnectLife, allowing users to adjust settings from their phones, ensuring that their home is always ready for their return.

CanvasTV: Merging Art and Entertainment

Hisense’s CanvasTV was a highlight at IFA 2024, earning Yanko Design’s Best of IFA 2024 Award. The CanvasTV transforms the living room into a personal gallery with its Art Mode, which displays artwork or personal photos when the TV is not in use. With its sleek UltraSlim Wall Mount, the CanvasTV blends effortlessly into the home’s decor, offering entertainment and aesthetic value.

The Hi-Matte Display ensures stunning visuals in any lighting condition, eliminating glare while providing crisp, vibrant colors through Quantum Dot technology. The RGB light sensor adjusts brightness and color temperature automatically, making the viewing experience seamless at any time of day. Gamers will appreciate the 144Hz Game Mode PRO, which provides ultra-smooth gameplay, supported by AMD FreeSync Premium and Auto Low Latency Mode. More than just a TV, the CanvasTV acts as a central hub for smart home control through ConnectLife, giving users access to all their connected devices with the touch of a button.

ULED U7 and the Black Myth: Wukong Partnership

Hisense made waves at IFA 2024 with their ULED U7 series, designed specifically for gamers. The ULED U7 was showcased in partnership with the highly anticipated game Black Myth: Wukong, emphasizing Hisense’s dedication to delivering an immersive gaming experience. This TV has a 144Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium, ensuring smooth, responsive gameplay with minimal motion blur, making it ideal for fast-paced action games.

One of the standout features of this collaboration is the exclusive Black Myth: Wukong picture mode, which is calibrated to enhance the game’s visuals. The mode optimizes HDR and color calibration, delivering vibrant colors and rich detail, even in darker scenes. This partnership marks a significant step forward for the gaming and TV industries, demonstrating how high-performance technology can elevate the gaming experience.

ULED X Mini LED 110UX: Cinematic Home Entertainment at Its Finest

Hisense’s flagship ULED X Mini LED 110UX delivers a true cinematic experience with over 40,000 local dimming zones and 10,000 nits of peak brightness. These features allow for deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and an incredible level of detail, making this TV perfect for movie lovers and sports fans alike. The ULED X is also certified by Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced, ensuring viewers experience films the way directors intended.

As part of the ConnectLife ecosystem, the ULED X allows users to control their home appliances directly from the TV. Whether adjusting the room temperature or checking on dinner in the oven, the ULED X goes beyond entertainment, acting as a central hub for smart home management. With Quantum Dot technology delivering vibrant colors and HDR10+ support for incredible contrast, this TV redefines what home entertainment can be.

A Glimpse Into the Future

Hisense’s showcase at IFA 2024 demonstrated their commitment to creating smart homes that are not just technologically advanced but also deeply intuitive. Through the ConnectLife platform, users can now easily manage everything from cooking to entertainment, knowing that their appliances will work in harmony. Whether through the CanvasTV, ULED U7, or PureFlat Refrigerator, Hisense pushes the boundaries of what connected living can achieve. As AI and IoT continue to evolve, Hisense’s ConnectLife platform sets a promising precedent for the future of smart living, bringing homes one step closer to being fully integrated, intelligent ecosystems.

The post Hisense at IFA 2024: A Glimpse into the Future of Smart Living with CanvasTV, ULED X, and the Power of ConnectLife first appeared on Yanko Design.

The latest edition of our Dezeen Debate newsletter features Goettsch Partners’ design of the Paramount skyscraper in Nashville. Subscribe to Dezeen Debate now.

Architecture studio Goettsch Partners has revealed the design for a skyscraper which, if completed, will be the tallest building in Nashville.

Commenters were unsure about the design; one noted that it “looks very dated,” with another agreeing, describing it as “nostalgia for the 1980s”.

Other stories in this week’s newsletter that fired up the comments section included Diébédo Francis Kéré’s design for an art museum in Las Vegas, a housing complex in Leuven, Belgium, by David Chipperfield and a bench with seats that move on steel bearing balls created by Garza Studio.

Dezeen Debate

Dezeen Debate is sent every Tuesday and features a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Debate or subscribe here.

You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Agenda is sent every Tuesday containing a selection of the most important news highlights from the week, Dezeen Daily is our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours and Dezeen In Depth is sent on the last Friday of every month and delves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design.

The post Dezeen Debate features Nashville skyscraper described as “nostalgia for the 1980s” appeared first on Dezeen.

Apple’s latest iPhones are here: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. With each release, many iPhone owners face the question of whether it’s worth upgrading. These new models bring changes in design, performance, and features, but the decision to upgrade depends on what you’re looking for in a smartphone. Let’s break down what each model offers and whether it’s a meaningful upgrade for you.

Designer: Apple

iPhone 16: The Standard Upgrade

The iPhone 16 sticks to Apple’s familiar formula but includes significant updates. The design remains the same as the iPhone 15, with a 6.1-inch display, Dynamic Island, and a range of new color options, including ultramarine and teal. The Ceramic Shield is now tougher, making it more durable than before, which is great for those who want a more resilient phone.

Apple iPhone 16

One of the most noticeable additions is the Camera Control button, which gives you easier access to the camera’s functions. This feature lets you tweak settings like zoom and exposure with a simple touch. The 48MP main camera remains, but the Ultra Wide lens is now more powerful, offering improved macro shots and better low-light performance.

Apple iPhone 16

For those who use their iPhone for everyday tasks—like texting, taking photos, and browsing—the iPhone 16 offers solid improvements but nothing groundbreaking. The A18 chip provides faster performance and efficiency, giving you slightly better battery life than older models. Still, if you’re coming from an iPhone 14 or 15, the jump in features might not be enough to justify the upgrade unless you care about the latest camera and design tweaks.

iPhone 16 Pro: Bigger Display, More Power

The iPhone 16 Pro is a more compelling option if you’re looking for more advanced features. This model sees an increase in display size, now 6.3 inches, and offers a design that pushes the boundaries of screen space with its thinner borders. The titanium frame makes the phone lighter and more durable, while the larger screen and Always-On Display ensure a better viewing experience.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

One key difference with the Pro model is the performance. Powered by the new A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro brings faster processing and improved efficiency. Whether you’re a power user who switches between apps or someone who enjoys gaming on their phone, the performance boost will be noticeable. This chip also enables high-end camera features, like the ability to shoot 4K video at 120 frames per second.

The camera system is a major selling point for photographers and content creators. The 48MP main sensor works with a new 48MP Ultra-Wide lens and a 5x optical zoom Telephoto lens, offering far more versatility in your photos. The Pro models also come with enhanced software, allowing users to adjust video playback speed after recording and capturing spatial photos and videos compatible with Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

The iPhone 16 Pro’s battery life is another highlight. Apple claims it will last much longer, which can make a difference for those who spend a lot of time on their phones during the day. If battery life, performance, and a more advanced camera are what you’re after, the iPhone 16 Pro could be worth the upgrade. But if you’re coming from the iPhone 15 Pro, these enhancements might not feel dramatic enough to switch immediately.

iPhone 16 Pro Max: The Full Experience

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the largest and most expensive option in the lineup, with a 6.9-inch display. Like the iPhone 16 Pro, it features the new A18 Pro chip, which improves performance and power efficiency. The Pro Max also benefits from a bigger battery, offering the best battery life of any iPhone. This could be a crucial feature for those who need their phone to last throughout the day without recharging.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max

The camera system is identical to the iPhone 16 Pro, with a 48MP main lens, 48MP Ultra Wide lens, and 5x optical zoom Telephoto lens. The Camera Control button gives you quick access to settings, while the new spatial video and photo features allow for immersive, 3D-like content creation. If you’re already a fan of Apple’s Pro Max series, the iPhone 16 Pro Max builds on what you love with a bigger screen, longer battery life, and even more camera options.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Control

However, if you don’t regularly use your phone for photography, gaming, or other heavy-duty tasks, the Pro Max’s price tag may not be justified. It’s designed for users who want the biggest and best of everything, but the size and cost might be overkill for casual users.

Should You Upgrade?

Whether you should upgrade to the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max depends on your current use and what you value most in a smartphone.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

• If you’re using an iPhone 13 or older, upgrading to any model in the iPhone 16 series will give you substantial benefits. You’ll notice a significant improvement in speed, camera quality, and battery life. The design changes and software features like Camera Control will also enhance your daily use.
• The decision is more complex if you’re using an iPhone 14 or 15. The iPhone 16 brings useful upgrades, but they might not feel revolutionary. If you prioritize camera performance or want the latest AI-driven features like Visual Intelligence, the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro might be worth it. However, if you’re content with your current phone, you could comfortably wait another year for more significant changes.
• For Pro and Pro Max users: If you’ve already invested in a recent Pro model, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will feel familiar. The enhancements are valuable, especially for users who depend on their phones for photography, video, and gaming. But unless you need the latest camera features or the longest battery life, it may not be worth the immediate switch.

The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer a range of upgrades, but whether they’re worth the investment depends on your personal needs. If you’re using an older iPhone, these models will deliver significant improvements across the board. For those with newer models, the decision comes down to how much you value incremental updates in performance, battery life, and camera functionality. Ultimately, all three models are powerful devices, but the leap forward might not be enough to compel everyone to upgrade immediately.

The post iPhone 16: Is it Worth the Upgrade? Here’s What You Need to Know first appeared on Yanko Design.

A cluster of buildings interconnected by sweeping, tentacle-like canopies form The Spine Resort, a rural resort that Hong Kong studio AIM Architecture has completed in Sichuan.

Located next to a lake an hour’s drive south of Chengdu, the resort was designed to resemble organically growing ecosystems, with covered walkways connecting each building.

AIM Architecture‘s use of interconnected structures was informed by local villages, which are known for their informal arrangements of separated buildings arranged around gardens, fields, and forested areas.

“The architectural design concept originated from traditional Sichuan dwellings with contemporary design language merged on top,” the studio told Dezeen. “We strived to integrate the architecture with the local culture throughout the design.”

Nestled amongst smaller, curved gardens as well as a network of weaving roads and pavements, the buildings are small-scale timber structures with organic forms placed to offer privacy and frame views of the popular Qiujiayan Lake.

Between the buildings, small gardens, pools, and walkways were created.

“The design deliberately avoids huge building volumes and arranges small-scale buildings in organic forms, ensuring that living spaces and public spaces are connected in interesting ways,” said the studio.

“The shape is determined by two main features: the creation of intimate landscapes around the hotel buildings and the buildings’ orientation to the Qiujiayan Lake, one of the main attractions in the area.”

Beyond an organically shaped entrance courtyard, which can be accessed by curving driveways on either side or stepped landscaping that approaches the resort from the front, the main lobby sits at the heart of the plan.

“Located in the middle of the site, the entrance lobby with the unique double-curved roof is a main feature of the resort,” said the studio.

Topped with a sweeping roof, the lobby reaches its tallest at its front, where the structure sweeps upwards at its centre to form a dramatic glazed facade.

This glazed portion illuminates a large interior hall, which features glossy marble floors and walls and a blue, hanging installation designed to resemble a school of fish.

A wavy canopy sits in front of the lobby to create a covered entrance space, forming part of a network of covered walkways that branch from the centre of the resort and weave around the entire site.

Further back in the lobby, the roof curves down to create a lower structure that frames panoramic views of the lake on the other side.

The paved walkways that surround the site are covered by an undulating, pitched canopy made from wood, supported by exposed beams and brown columns.

Set at different heights and angles, the curving canopies widen and dip at points, coming close to the ground to create an intimate space.

Branching from the walkway at various points across the 55,000-square-metre resort, a number of accommodation structures surrounded by gardens hold 350 guest rooms.

Closer to the buildings, the roofs over the walkways heighten, opening up to create bright, partially sheltered courtyards before sweeping up to reach the flatter roofs of the rectilinear accommodation buildings.

“The western roofs of each building gradually descend with elaborately designed curves, transforming into connecting corridors,” said the studio.

“The elevation of each building also varies based on the terrain, corresponding to nature and enriching the design of the walkway and the roof.”

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Lined with grey aluminium composite panels, the roofs top the four-storey, neutrally toned structures, which feature a double-height top level.

Horizontally louvred fins emerge from the facades of the accommodation blocks, widening towards the top of each building to meet the large eaves.

Each flat features a concrete balcony that overlooks the various gardens around the resort, while the ground-floor units open onto small gardens separated by neutrally toned walls.

Other facilities included in the resort include several sports facilities, swimming pools, and spas.

“The lakeside of the building complex is connected by podiums at the bottom, which are arranged along the contour lines of the site and respond to the slope of the site with elevation differences,” said the studio.

“Public areas such as sports facilities, swimming pools, and spas are located within.”

Other resort buildings recently featured on Dezeen include an intimate concrete music hall with curving facades and a contemporary, fog-emitting tearoom informed by clouds.

The photography is by Dirk Weiblen.

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