Tatjana von Stein fills Mallorcan members' club interior with the colours of Palma

London-based design studio Tatjana von Stein has created a warm and colourful interior for private members’ club Làlia in Palma, Mallorca.

Set in a historic townhouse overlooking Placa de Santa Eulalia, Làlia was restored and renovated in collaboration with local practice Gras Reynès Arquitectos.

yellow coloured dining area
Tatjana von Stein has designed the Làlia members’ club in Palma

Across four levels, the members’ club features work and leisure spaces including a restaurant, bar, gym and private art and event spaces.

According to studio founder Tatjana von Stein, Mallorcan design was “a huge influence, but gently nodded to” in Làlia’s interior.

velvet corner seating
Làlia’s interior is filled with decorative vintage finds

A jewel-toned palette was implemented throughout to pay homage to the colours of the Palma region.

“The Thorvaldson museum in Copenhagen is a huge inspiration for colour-blocking rooms, which I then localised with the colours of Palma – the green, yellow, terracotta buildings throughout the town,” von Stein told Dezeen.

These local colours run through the pistachio green wall drapery in the dining areas and the banquette seating upholstered in red and terracotta velvet from artisanal workshop Textil Bujosa.

hallway with yellow curtain
Yellow upholstery was inspired by Mallorcan buildings

The dining tables crafted from pyrolave lava stone were also commissioned in Palma’s signature colours.

Contemporary elements were injected into the interior to add “a touch of indulgence and personality”, von Stein explained.

coloured marble table
Tatjana von Stein worked with local craftspeople for the project

“Overall our drive was to reinterpret local colours, textures and materials from a new point of view, specific to the location and the brand we were creating,” she added.

In the main lounge, vivid red-lacquered wood panelling is paired with a statement leopard print carpet alongside antique furniture and decorative vintage finds.

red lounge area
The main lounge area features a reclaimed marble fireplace

Other graphic elements were added to the interior via the yellow-striped walls and checkerboard fabric ceiling panels in the dining areas.

During the renovation process, Tatjana von Stein and Gras Reynès Arquitectos worked together to “bring to life existing features and repurpose what could be saved”.

Green painted doorway
Gras Reynès Arquitectos worked with von Stein to renovate the building

In the dining areas, reclaimed tiled flooring was reinstalled and a reclaimed marble fireplace was fitted in one of Làlia’s main lounge areas.

“We salvaged the old tiles of the building and designed fountains from them, as well as utilising them where possible as flooring,” said the studio.

blue tiled floor
Original floor tiling was restored and reinstated in the interior

The design studio also collaborated with several Mallorca-based artisans and craftspeople for the project.

“We worked with the local mountain stones, local textiles and fabricated nearly everything on the island to localise the project with a new design twist,” von Stein told Dezeen. “It was an incredible challenge to really work locally and sustainably.”

Làlia’s bathrooms feature local Binissalem stone carved into bespoke sinks by Palma-based stone masonry studio D’aigo.

wooden clad bathroom
The interior “gently nods” to traditional Mallorcan design

Furniture studio La Pecera Mallorca was responsible for the bar stools while local carpenters Ducoin crafted large wooden tables for Làlia’s workspaces.

Mallorcan artist and stonemason Diego Sanchez Barcelo also created a bespoke hand-carved bench for the garden area.

courtyard garden
Artist Diego Sanchez Barcelo created a bespoke bench for the garden

“The key was to create a flow of spaces which all have their own identities and purpose that makes you want to come back,” von Stain said.

Other projects featured on Dezeen by Tatjana von Stein, formerly known as Sella Concept, include the Locke hotel in Zurich, Switzerland and an office interior for tech company Sidewalk.

The photography is by Clemente Vergara.

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Competition: search for a role on Dezeen Jobs and win a limited-edition Louis Poulsen lamp

Louis Poulsen lamp on bedside table

To coincide with the 150th anniversary of Louis Poulsen, the Danish design brand has produced a 2024 version of its iconic AJ mini lamp and made eight available to Dezeen readers in September.

A limited run has been produced to mark this milestone in the brand’s history, with the lamps expected to become collectibles in the future. To win one, simply set up a free account on Dezeen Jobs to be automatically entered into the draw. (It takes just a few short steps).

The 2024 special edition of the AJ mini is distinguished by a matt white exterior, a brass stem and a pale pink cast inside the shade, creating a cosy downward facing glow.

Close up image of a Louis Poulsen mini lamp with pink interior
The 2024 limited edition lamp features a pale pink cast inside the shade

Originally designed by architect Arne Jacobsen in 1957 for the SAS Royal hotel in Copenhagen, the lamp has become one of Louis Poulsen’s most classic design objects.

“When our founder, Ludvig Poulsen, started his family business in 1874, I don’t think he’d dare to dream of where we would be 150 years later,” said Søren Mygind Eskildsen, CEO of Louis Poulsen.

Louis Poulsen lamp on bedside table
The lamp has been launch to mark the 150th anniversary of the Danish brand

Dezeen Jobs features the most exciting architecture and design job opportunities around the world. There are currently over 200 live job postings with new roles added every day. Among the companies with roles on Dezeen Jobs are Pininfarina, Yinka Ilori and Foster + Partners.

The competition closes on 30 September 2024. Terms and conditions apply.

The winner will be selected and be notified by email. Please note that winners outside the UK mainland may be responsible for customs fees.

Create a free jobseeker account on Dezeen Jobs today and you could also win an iconic Louis Poulsen lamp.

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Linn and artist Ran Ortner collaborate on speaker that recalls ocean waves

Promotion: New York-based artist Ran Ortner has created a bespoke speaker finish for Scottish audio brand Linn based on sonic and oceanic rhythms.

Called Triton, the black, satin-like finish produced by Linn is an ode to waves – both sound and ocean waves depicted in Ortner‘s vast, multi-layer oil paintings.

The slate-black colour is described by the artist as “a rich tritone” made up of elements of all the primary colours in a smooth, 8-layer lacquered coat with a subtle sheen that was designed to reflect the luminosity and shifting colours found in Ortner’s work.

Triton’s black satin-like finish is informed by the ocean waves depicted in Ortner’s mesmerising oil paintings

“Incorporating both its description as a tritone, and in homage to Ran’s deep connection with the oceanic, we have named his signature finish ‘Triton’, after the Greek demigod of the sea,” said Linn Products’ CEO Gilad Tiefenbrun. “It will be the first in our Signature Collection, joining the established Glasgow and Classic Collections in our range.”

Available as an optional finish for the brand’s 360 speakers and LP12 plinths, the bespoke finish was originally developed for the custom Linn Klimax audio system designed specifically for Ortner’s studio in Dumbo, New York.

The slate-grey finish is made up of elements of all the primary colours in a smooth, 8-layer lacquered coat

“In the pageantry and boundless exuberance of the oceanic, I see the dance of life,” explains Ortner, who said he bought his first Linn speaker as a younger man. “In the colour of waters, I see beautifully engaging, mercurial complexity. I see Tritones; rich, shifting greys composed of all three primary colours.”

“We were considering these ideas in the development of the finish for my Linn speakers,” he added.

“We wanted an alchemic, rich ground; a complexity – densely sensual – that moves. In one moment cool, in the next warm; a hovering liminal finish, unfastened,” Ortner continued. “Here in my Brooklyn studio, the stunning musicality of my Linn Klimax System is wonderfully supported by the speakers’ finish.”

Customers can specify the finish for the brand’s 360 speakers and LP12 plinths

Following the publication of a video and blog documenting the creation of Ortner’s bespoke audio system on Linn’s website, the finish garnered positive feedback, prompting Linn and Ortner to make the finish available to all of its customers.

Linn was founded by Glaswegian mechanical engineer Ivor Tiefenbrun in 1973. The company made its name with its first-ever product, the modular and upgradeable Sondek LP12, which is considered a classic turntable.

To find out more about the Triton finish by Ran Ortner for Linn visit the Linn website.

The photography is by Fyodor Shiryaev and Joe Rodger.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Linn. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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Studio Jean Verville Architectes adds "graphic dimension" to brutalist apartment

BRUJ Cabinet de Curiosites by Studio Jean Verville Architecte

Bright yellow accents stand out against concrete and metal surfaces within this “creative laboratory” that architect Jean Verville has created for himself inside a residential tower in Quebec City.

The Canadian architect, who is currently dividing his time between practice and teaching at the School of Architecture of Laval University in Quebec City, designed the 79-square-metre apartment as a space he can both work and reside in.

Bright yellow lamps extend over commercial restaurant furniture
A pair of bright yellow lamps extend over the commercial restaurant furniture in the live-work apartment’s kitchen

Verville, founder of Studio Jean Verville Architecte, describes the project as “an architectural experiment orchestrating a space with a graphic dimension”.

The 1970s tower in which the residence is located was designed by architect Marcel Bilodeau and faces the Plains of Abraham Park in front of the St Lawrence River.

Stainless steel furniture blends with raw concrete walls and ceilings
The stainless steel furniture blends with the raw concrete shell of the brutalist building

“Like an observation post offering breathtaking views of the Laurentian Mountains, the urban landscape, and the St Lawrence River, the interior comes alive with an immutable body-to-body relationship between transparency and reflection, while transforming realities through distancing and multiplication,” said the architect.

The residence was completely gutted to leave a raw concrete shell, with windows on the north and south sides ushering light into the deep space.

Glass partitions dividing concrete apartment
Verville inserted a series of glass and mirrored partitions to divide up the space, allowing for various layout options

Instead of solid walls, Verville installed a series of sliding partitions so he could open up or close off areas as desired.

These glass and mirror panes are mounted on metal tracks and bounce the natural light through the apartment, allowing the compact unit to feel larger than it is.

Concrete living room containing a rust-coloured sofa and a black-lacquered chair
An area furnished as a living room contains a rust-coloured sofa and a black-lacquered chair

“By addition or subtraction, this flexible system fragments the plan into six layout alternatives with undetermined functions, offering up to seven distinct sub-spaces,” said Verville. “Meanwhile, flexible blinds with a metallic finish allow the option of openwork borders, as well as total privacy.”

Beside the south-facing balcony is a kitchen, which features stainless-steel commercial restaurant furniture that blends with the grey concrete shell.

Glass partitions mounted on metal tracks to create rooms
The partitions are mounted on metal tracks and can be opened and closed as desired to alter the layout

A central island is fitted with two sinks, each with a large balanced-arm lamp in bright yellow mounted on the wall behind.

The lamps can be adjusted into position above any area of the kitchen counter to aid with food preparation.

Concrete bedroom solely furnished with a low bed
The concrete bedroom is solely furnished with a low bed

Rooms suggested by the partitions include a sleeping area furnished only with a simple low bed and a study where a simple metal desk faces a window.

The living area is populated by a rust-coloured sofa and a black lacquered chair arranged around a pair of mirrored coffee tables.

“The strategic positioning of domestic equipment maintains constant physical and visual permeability to neutralise the compactness of the unit,” Verville said.

Services, pipes and ductwork are all exposed throughout the apartment, demonstrating how it operates as a functional space.

Glass partitions with partial reflections of a man in a yellow tracksuit
Verville considers the space a “creative laboratory” in which he can experiment

Other eclectic items peppered through the residence give the feel of a creative laboratory, in which its occupant experiments with space and the act of living within it.

“Glass vials of all kinds, models and various explorations, utilitarian objects, and plants rub shoulders on the shelves, revisiting the spirit of the cabinet of curiosities in a playful presentation of everyday life,” said the architect.

Man in a yellow tracksuit holding on to yellow lamps
Verville frequently inserts himself into the photo sets of his projects

Verville is known for its minimalist material-focused projects, as well as for playfully inserting himself into the photographs of completed – as evidenced in this set.

He can also be seen wandering around in a cape through a Montreal apartment designed for a music composer, hanging out of a loft in a shed he converted into a workspace and balancing on the roof of an A-frame forest cabin.

The photography is by Maryse Béland, Maxime Brouillet and Antoine Michel.


Project credits:

Studio Jean Verville Architectes team: Jean Verville, architect – lead designer; Gabriel Ladouceur, studio coordinator, professional and scientific MA architecture candidate; Guillaume Turgeon Solis, technical specialist; France Goneau, artistic advisor; Tania Paula Garza Rico, architect
Special collaborations: Loïc Bard, art furniture; France Goneau, ceramic sculptures
Contractor: Nomad Construction

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Metal tubes poke through slabs of acrylic in furniture by Jeonghwa Seo

Cylinder table by Jeonghwa Seo

South Korean designer Jeonghwa Seo has used purpose-cast aluminium tubes to create a collection of tables and benches, with their structure obscured behind frosted acrylic.

Each of the eight furniture pieces in the Cylinder series is defined by the fusion of rounded acrylic slabs and hollow metal tubing, arranged horizontally and vertically to create the framework for each piece.

Metal and plastic item of furniture by Jeonghwa Seo on white backdrop
Jeonghwa Seo forged hollow aluminium tubes to create his Cylinder series

Due to their translucency, the acrylic plates obscure the tubes to the point that only their approximate outline is visible, creating what Seo describes as an “intriguing interplay between shape, material, softness and brutality”.

“[The Cylinder collection] was created by focusing on the overlapping effect seen under the acrylic plate,” he told Dezeen.

Metal and plastic item of furniture on white backdrop
The collection includes seven different tables with acrylic tops

The acrylic is tinted with hues including light green, lilac, amber and white to contrast with the silver-grey tone of the aluminium.

“[The subtle colours] show different overlapping effects while harmonising with the achromatic colour of aluminium,” Seo explained.

On the bench, the acrylic slabs serve as a seat while on the seven different tables, they provide a surface for storing and displaying items.

“All pieces were created with an emphasis on research into usable structures, even if they do not have the comfort and practicality of regular furniture,” the designer said.

Close-up of metal and plastic furniture by Jeonghwa Seo on white backdrop
The tubes can be faintly seen through the acrylic slabs

“They adapt to their surroundings, while simultaneously imposing upon them through the manipulation of light and shadow,” he added.

Both the plastic elements and metal components were made locally in Seoul-based factories.

The collection also includes a bench

Seo studied Metal Art and Design at Hongik University in Seoul and completed his graduate studies at the Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands before returning to South Korea for his PhD.

He specialises in the design of interior schemes, furniture, homeware and installations, with previous projects including custom furniture for a cafe and wine bar in Seoul and a series of desktop objects for organising and decorating workspaces.

The photography is by Unreal Studio.

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Chopstick-shaped tongs make cooking, serving, and eating a breeze

Anyone who has cooked food will have come across a situation where they need to pick up a piece to either turn it over to cook the other side or to take it out of the pan or pot. Large portions are no problem for turners and tongs, but more delicate pieces can end up being an exercise in patience and dexterity. Smaller tongs aren’t always the answer because of the standard design of these tools and their wide, often spoon-shaped, heads that don’t afford precision and dexterity of movement. Some situations call for a radical change in that design, which is what these chopsticks-like pair try to offer, taking a page from one of the most precise utensils ever invented.

Designer: Isao Sekikawa

Click Here to Buy Now: $17 $19 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 24 hours!

Some ingredients or pieces of food are so delicate that they need to be handled with a bit more care than what large cooking tools often provide. That’s true whether you’re trying to flip thin strips of meat on a frying pan, taking out cooked flakes of fish, putting in ingredients in a hot pot, or even just creating a complex arrangement of small fruits. Some of these you can’t even do by hand, while others are possible but not ideal for safety and hygiene. These specially designed tongs solve that problem in a rather fun-looking way that makes you feel you’re really in control.

Unlike your typical tongs, these Chopsticks Tongs don’t have large or wide tips, so picking up and holding small, delicate pieces isn’t a chore. And while they may look like chopsticks from one angle, they don’t require as much dexterity any more than normal tongs. They’re still made from a single piece of metal bent in the middle, so you won’t have to worry about juggling sticks and accidentally dropping them into a pot. Unlike conventional chopsticks, the tips are flat and ridged, preventing food from escaping its grasp. The tongs have a slender form and a minimalist aesthetic that not only saves space but even gives it an elegant design that looks stunning whether it’s in your hand or hanging in your kitchen.

Of course, normal chopsticks aren’t made for use in high heat, so these lifestyle tongs use SUS821L1 two-phase stainless steel that is known to be stronger than the SUS304 variant that’s commonly used. More importantly, the steel used for these tongs is made from recycled offcuts and scraps, giving it a more sustainable and environment-friendly characteristic. What’s interesting about these tongs is that their black color doesn’t come from paint or similar coating materials. Instead, it’s the product of a special metal processing that ensures the color won’t scratch or peel over time. That black oxide coating also ensures the safety of the food you’re cooking or the tableware you put in your mouth.

Durable, precise, and elegant, these Chopstick-shaped Tongs give you the perfect tool for managing small and delicate pieces of food. And while the 275mm (10.8in) Chopstick Tongs are great for keeping your hand at a safe distance, the shorter 175mm (6.9in) Lifestyle Tongs are better for smaller and more precise movements. You might even want to use it for actually eating your food without having to worry about how to use chopsticks properly. Whether you’re frying strips of meat, preparing a hotpot, or simply enjoying a healthy salad, these handsome Chopstick Tongs add a whole new flavor to your culinary experience.

Click Here to Buy Now: $17 $19 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 24 hours!

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Upgrade your Regular Bicycle into an E-Bike with LIVALL’s $279 PikaBoost 2 Accessory

In 2022, the folks at LIVALL unveiled the PikaBoost, a simple battery-powered motor that could attach to any bicycle, giving it an electric upgrade. Now, the PikaBoost 2 comes with the same pitch as its predecessor, but with a power upgrade, better range, an anti-theft design, and swappable batteries. All you really do is strap the PikaBoost 2 to the back of your bicycle, right above the rear wheel and you’re good to go. The process takes under a minute, but gives your bicycle quite the upgrade, with a motor-assisted drive that can be accessed across 4 riding modes. The best part? Unlike e-bikes that can cost upward of $800-1000, the PikaBoost 2 is a simple under-$300 accessory that pretty much attaches to any existing bicycle.

Designer: LIVALL

Click Here to Buy Now: $279 $369 (24% off). Hurry, only 31 left! Raised over $320,000 raised.

Do you remember when Elon Musk put jet thrusters on the Tesla Roadster to make it go even faster? The PikaBoost 2 is sort of the same thing, but scaled down to less mad-scientist and more practical-genius levels. In essence, it just adds a motor to your existing bicycle, so that you don’t have to rely entirely on pedal power. The PikaBoost 2 outputs an impressive 500W, which when coupled with its high RPM capacity, allows cyclists to conquer steep inclines effortlessly, reaching speeds of up to 32 km/h (19mph) without rider exertion. On flat land, the PikaBoost 2 is a nice way to turn your bicycle from an exercise machine to an effortless mode of transport, allowing you to travel farther and faster without splurging for a gas-powered motorbike or an e-bike.

The slick device retrofits onto almost any existing bicycle simply by attaching itself firmly to the frame right under the seat. Traditional e-bike conversion kits often require significant time and effort to install, with many models being incompatible with a range of bike sizes. In contrast, PikaBoost 2 can be installed or removed in under a minute, thanks to its simplified design that fits most bike models and tire sizes. The system includes a proprietary tool that secures the unit with four anti-theft screws, ensuring a secure fit that’s impossible to remove without the specific tools if you’re a thief… but very easy for you to detach and take home at the end of the day by using the proprietary screw. Additionally, its shock-absorbing spring design helps maintain stability, even on rough terrain, while preventing screw loosening.

PikaBoost 2’s adjustable design seamlessly integrates with wheel sizes from 14 to 29 inches, accommodating mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrids. LIVALL also provides its own tire designs for the PikaBoost, allowing you to adjust based on road or mountain driving. Once installed, the PikaBoost 2’s wheel rests on the top of your bicycle’s rear wheel, gripping it securely to ensure high traction so it can efficiently transfer kinetic power to your bike’s rear wheel. The V-shaped grooves on the PikaBoost 2 interlock with your bike’s treads, while also providing channels to direct water/mud when you’re riding in the rain or on wet/muddy roads.

One of the standout features of the PikaBoost 2 (and an upgrade from its predecessor) is its AAR2.0 technology, which offers personalized e-bike assistance. Unlike traditional systems that rely on torque sensors, AAR2.0 continuously learns and adapts to your riding style, providing precise power assistance that matches your needs. The regenerative braking system further extends your ride by capturing and converting kinetic energy back into electricity, adding sustainability to your journey. At 25 km/h, the RBS (regenerative braking system) can generate about 100 watts of power to recharge your battery.

Although it seems like the original PikaBoost had a bigger 234Wh battery, the one on the PikaBoost 2 is smaller but MUCH more efficient. Equipped with a 158Wh lithium-ion battery, the system offers a range of up to 70 kilometers or 43.4 miles (an upgrade over the 30 kilometers on the previous model). This size reduction comes with a good reason too, as the folks at LIVALL wanted the battery pack to be ‘airline-friendly’. For those seeking even greater endurance, an optional 220Wh battery extends the range to 96 kilometers or 59.6 miles. Both batteries support fast-charging technology, allowing for a full charge in just three hours. Beyond powering your ride, the battery can also function as a portable power station, with up to 100W of output power, making it versatile for charging everything from your phone to even your laptop.

Each PikaBoost 2 is paired with a remote controller that attaches to your handlebars, allowing you to switch between modes while riding. Notably, the 2nd gen device also gets a few nifty design and safety upgrades in the form of an LED taillight that automatically shines as you slow down or make turns (and also works as a charging status light), as well as fall or slip detection that automatically kills the motor to prevent accidents or injury. The PikaBoost 2 also comes with its own smartphone app, available for both Android and iOS devices. Aside from letting you perform actions like switching between modes, the app also lets you track your PikaBoost 2, as well as uses your location to automatically adjust its output based on riding regulations of the country you’re in (European users will see their speeds capped at 25 km/h to comply with the maximum speed limit). The entire device weighs 6.6lbs or 3 kilograms, and is IP66 water-resistant, making it fairly weatherproof. The PikaBoost 2 ships globally, along with the remote controller, the 158Wh battery, a mudguard, and the proprietary accessories for upgrading your bicycle. An upgrade gets you the 220Wh battery along with mountain and road bike tire attachments, and a fast-charging setup. Additionally, LIVALL also sells its own bicycle helmet with a built-in rear LED light that synchronizes with the PikaBoost 2 to shine automatically when you slow down, turn, or come to a stop.

Click Here to Buy Now: $279 $369 (24% off). Hurry, only 31 left! Raised over $320,000 rasied.

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Heatherwick Studio’s Hanwha Galleria Redefines Urban Shopping with its Glorious Waved Glass Facade

In the heart of Seoul, amid the vibrant chaos of the city’s dense urban landscape, an architectural marvel is poised to rise, a structure that promises to captivate every pedestrian and commuter who crosses its path. This is the Hanwha Galleria shopping center, a visionary project designed by Heatherwick Studio, known for pushing the boundaries of architectural design and redefining spaces in ways that engage both the eye and the soul.

Designer: Heatherwick Studio and Haeahn Architecture

Nestled at a major intersection near the Han River, this new shopping center is not just a place to shop; it’s a bold reimagining of what a department store can be in the 21st century. Gone are the days of insular, windowless retail boxes that isolate themselves from the life of the streets outside. Instead, the Hanwha Galleria opens itself up to the city, inviting everyone in, whether they’re there to browse luxury goods or simply to soak in the atmosphere.

The design features two near-identical, hourglass-shaped volumes formed from curved glass. These aren’t just any glass structures, they ripple and undulate as they rise, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that changes with the time of day and the angle of the sun. By day, the facades shimmer, reflecting the city’s energy and by night, they transform into canvases for projections, turning the buildings into glowing beacons that light up the Seoul skyline.

But these buildings are not merely beautiful to look at, they’re designed to be experienced. At ground level, the two volumes are separated by the busy intersection, but an updated subway station lies beneath, connecting them with a seamless flow. This underground passageway doesn’t just serve as a practical link between the buildings; it’s an extension of the city itself, drawing people in from all directions and inviting them to explore what lies above.

As you ascend from the subway into the buildings, you’re greeted by light-filled entrances and landscaped plazas. These spaces are designed to be more than just entryways, they’re vibrant public areas where people can gather, relax, and enjoy the greenery. The hourglass silhouettes of the buildings create recessed middle levels that are transformed into open-air gardens, cafes, restaurants, and shops. These spaces are not just solely for shopping, they’re places to linger, to meet friends, and to take a break from the hustle of the city.

Rising above, the rooftop gardens offer a different perspective, both literally and figuratively. Here, amidst lush greenery, you can take in sweeping views of the Han River and the city beyond. The buildings’ unique contours frame these vistas in ways that make you see the city anew, each angle offering a fresh perspective.

But the Hanwha Galleria is more than just a visual or social experience; it’s a statement about the future. The double-layered glass facade isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s an environmentally conscious design that enhances the buildings’ sustainability. It’s part of a broader vision to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also responsible, offering natural elements throughout the year with carefully selected native plants that thrive in all seasons.

Heatherwick Studio’s design is a response to Hanwha’s ambition to breathe new life into these structures, transforming them into something more than just a shopping destination. The goal is to create a silhouette that serves as a gateway to the city while providing Seoulites with new, garden-like spaces where they can meet, shop, and enjoy their urban environment.

This project is a bold reflection of South Korea’s rising status as a global cultural leader. It’s no coincidence that this design comes as Thomas Heatherwick is set to take on the role of General Director for the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism in 2025. The Hanwha Galleria is more than just a building, it’s a symbol of a city that is looking to the future, embracing change, and redefining what it means to live, work, and play in an urban environment.

The post Heatherwick Studio’s Hanwha Galleria Redefines Urban Shopping with its Glorious Waved Glass Facade first appeared on Yanko Design.

Zomato Food Delivery Riders Benefit from This Clever Folding Backrest Accessory

Zomato, one of India’s largest and most internationally recognized food delivery companies, owes much of its success to dedicated riders who navigate various terrains and weather conditions to ensure timely deliveries. These riders spend countless hours on their motorcycles, which have become indispensable companions in their daily lives. However, the motorcycles used are often purely utilitarian, lacking the comfort features that could make these long hours more bearable. Recognizing this gap, a group of designers embarked on a mission to redesign these motorcycles, focusing on enhancing the rider’s experience through basic yet impactful upgrades.

Designers: Pankhuri Wanjari and Rohan Passi

The initiative began with a thorough analysis of the pain points experienced by riders during extended periods on their bikes. The goal was to enhance the food delivery experience by identifying sources of discomfort and providing ergonomic solutions. This redesign was not just about minor tweaks but involved a comprehensive rethinking of the rider’s journey, addressing key areas that affect comfort and functionality.

Traditional motorcycle seats tend to become squeezed and ripped over time, causing discomfort. To address this, the new design incorporates improved cushioning to ensure long-lasting comfort. Riders often rely on the storage box for back support, leading to improper posture and discomfort. The redesigned motorcycle features a collapsible backrest that provides adequate support during breaks or long waits in traffic which aligns with the large Zomato delivery boxes. This addition provides much-needed support during traffic halts or short breaks. It can also collapse down to act as a seat for a second passenger if and when required.

Additionally, the absence of adequate storage for personal belongings has been addressed by creating designated storage areas, allowing riders to keep their essentials secure and accessible. Another key issue is the sudden break between the seat and the fuel tank, creating an uncomfortable riding position. The new design extends the seat cushioning towards the tank, ensuring a smoother transition and better support.

The redesign process also involved analyzing the comfort levels of riders of extreme heights and weights. For a rider who is taller than usual, the handlebar was found to be too low, causing the rider to lean forward and touch the handlebar with their legs while turning, and the footrest was positioned too upright. For a rider with an average height but a slightly healthier side of the scale, the handlebar and footrest positions were appropriate but the seat cushioning needed improvement.

By addressing these critical design gaps, the GlideRide project aims to make the lives of food delivery riders more comfortable and enjoyable. These basic upgrades are not just about improving physical comfort but are also a step towards acknowledging and valuing the hard work and dedication of these riders who play a pivotal role in delivering happiness to our doorsteps.

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Gerald Charles Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 watch is every fan’s dream buy

Italian motorcycle manufacturing company, Ducati, has an undwindling legacy, which is spearheaded by the iconic 916 motorcycle if it doesn’t sound like an exaggeration. The 1994 Ducati 916 celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and to make the moment special, the exceptionally talented watchmaker Gerald Charles has designed a special edition watch modeled after the most iconic motorcycle of our times.

Dubbed the Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 watch, this collaborative timepiece is a humble tribute to the artistic creativity of Gerald Charles Genta, designer and founder of eponymous Gerald Charles, and the pathbreaking design of the 916 defined ever so distinctively by its sleek lines and upswept exhaust.

Designer: Gerald Charles

The celebratory, anniversary watch is super limited to only 250 pieces. Commemorating the legendary 916 superbike, it showcases some resembling elements paired with complex movements and precision watchmaking. The timepiece, you’d agree, has a retro-futuristic feel to it; not that it sways too much from the design aesthetics Gerald Charles is known to maintain, yet there is an air of freshness to this timepiece that Ducati fans would instantly recognize and embrace.

Starting with the case, it is made from marbled-black forged carbon, a material used in Ducati bikes. Since it’s super lightweight and resistant to elements, it is the ideal material for watchmaking, rendering the bike up to 10m water resistance and 5G shock resistance. The 6.15 mm thick case is lined with a black ceramic bezel, within which is the eye-catching black dial accentuated by bright red numerals featured around a golden disk in the shape of a rim (reminiscent of the three-spoke bronze alloy of the Ducati 916) which form part of the Gerald Charles’ proprietary jump hour function, recognizable on the watch by the absence of the hour hand.

All 12 of the numerals are filled with red Super-LumiNova for better legibility at night, while the watch features sapphire crystal see-through caseback that displays the movement within. The caseback is an interesting place, it comes enriched by the iconic Ducati 916 logo and can be engraved with a serial number for exclusivity. The Gerald Charles Maestro 4.0 Ducati 30° Anniversario 916 is now retailing for $42,400.

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