Reduce and heal chronic joint pain with the world’s first wearable ‘pain-killer’

Ever wondered how a pain-killer knows where the pain is? The truth is, it doesn’t. A pain-killer simply latches onto pain receptors all across your body, preventing them from reaching your brain. A pain-killer doesn’t know where the pain is – it just treats a symptom, but doesn’t really cure you. The Kineon MOVE+ actually decreases the pain by going to its source and healing it. Designed to be a health-wearable that actually improves your health, the MOVE+ is a portable light-therapy device that straps to your body and can reduce inflammation, heal tissues, relieve chronic pain, and accelerate recovery simply by using the power of red light. “While exercise is good for our health, it can be hard on our bodies,” say the folks at Kineon. The MOVE+ acts as a safe and effective recovery device, providing a healthier alternative to painkillers, icing, and muscle-relief sprays that rely on chemicals or surface-level treatment by being non-invasive and by actually curing the cause of the pain instead of numbing it.

Designer: Kineon Design Labs

Click Here to Buy Now: $402 $499 (20% off with coupon code “Yanko Design”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours.

The benefits of light therapy (or phototherapy) have been known for over a century now, with the use of infrared lamps to help the body circulate oxygen-rich blood to boost healing. The only persisting problem with this approach has been the fact that it isn’t the most accessible. Infrared lamps and other equipment are highly specialized and can mostly be found in hospitals or elite performance clinics. The equipment isn’t portable either, making light therapy less convenient than, say, popping a pill because of joint pain, or spraying muscle spray on your joints after a tough workout. The beauty of the MOVE+ is that it’s incredibly portable, with a surprisingly sleek design that can be carried around discreetly, and can easily be strapped to or draped upon any part of your body to help treat pain.

Portable Design – Find fast relief whenever and wherever you feel pain and inflammation.

Dual Light Technology – Deeper penetration and faster results to joints, muscles, and other tissue through our exclusive dual-light technology.

Sniper Like Accuracy – Design allows for pin-point accuracy on problem areas for fast and effective relief.

The MOVE+ device uses two forms of light therapy (LED + Laser) to target surface-level aches and even deep-seated chronic pain. The visible red light discharged by the LEDs covers a vast surface of your skin, prompting collagen production, enhancing blood circulation, and diminishing inflammation. Conversely, the Laser light operates differently by permeating up to 6mm beneath the skin’s surface to focus on deep-rooted chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis or cartilage damage, with precise accuracy to hasten the regeneration of damaged cells. The wearable includes three modules that can be connected together and strapped around your knees, shoulder, elbows, neck, thigh, stomach, or any other part of your body experiencing pain. The devices can be used independently too, or draped over parts of your body that aren’t strap-friendly.

Sitting at the bleeding edge of modern science and technology, the MOVE+ remains incredibly easy to use and convenient to carry around. What’s more, the Move+ is completely safe to use as a personal therapy/recovery wearable without needing to consult a medical professional. Just put it on and use it at the recommended dosage cycle for your condition or injury. Say goodbye to ice bags, heat packs, burning balms, and those painkiller pills!

Click Here to Buy Now: $402 $499 (20% off with coupon code “Yanko Design”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours.

The post Reduce and heal chronic joint pain with the world’s first wearable ‘pain-killer’ first appeared on Yanko Design.

These AI-generated self-contained living pods under city bridges bring an affordable solution to society problems

Homelessness is an ever-prevailing issue that only seems to be growing as time passes. Architect Shail Patel decided to create and harness a rather innovative and unique solution to address the complex social issue that is space shortage in an increasingly expensive world. He utilized the artificial intelligence design tool Midjourney to create a series of modular pods that are designed to help those in a tough situation find a space for the night or even become a permanent place they can count on.

Designer: Shail Patel

Shail’s plan is to bring to life and utilize urban spaces, particularly the areas under bridges, that are otherwise ignored and have been forgotten. He aims to make use of modular design to build a safe, clean, and respectful living space for the homeless population. He wants to transform these ignored urban spaces into decent and dignified homes for them. The plan is to build pods that function as self-contained living spaces which will provide citizens with a private and comfortable home throughout the year.

The pods will feature heating and cooling systems, ventilation, and natural light. In fact, they will even be built using eco-friendly materials. The pods have been imparted with a modular form to ensure easy construction and assembly. This allows the project to be quickly expanded as and when needed, providing homes to the needy in a swift and efficient manner. As mentioned earlier, the pods are built using sustainable materials, which gives them a lot of longevity, and they’re also supposed to be quite durable. They will be equipped with energy-efficient features such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels. Patel’s careful consideration and design of the bridge pods will definitely ensure that they have a small carbon footprint.

Given that this sector is highly unorganized, we hope that training and teaching is the method used to regulate this environment for the prolonged success of this project.

Since these pods are going to be placed in empty lots under bridges, which may not always be the safest, measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the residents. The sites will be equipped with state-of-the-art security systems. Staff such as social workers and healthcare professionals who can provide counseling, job training, and healthcare for rehabilitation will be assigned to the pod sites. Patel hopes that these pods will be introduced to cities and communities all over the world, providing an ingenious and innovative solution to the current cycle of poverty and space constraints in a rapidly changing world.

The post These AI-generated self-contained living pods under city bridges bring an affordable solution to society problems first appeared on Yanko Design.

This shape-shifting electric bike for short riders gets translucent body frame to expose the innards

To what extent can a bike design be evolved when already thousands of iterations dot the roads, and the hyper-realistic concept design world? It can be more aerodynamic optimized for wind tunnel tests, have a better visual balance, or maybe have sharper aesthetics for dominant road presence. Perhaps a shape-shifting aesthetic is something that has not been seen much in design evolution.

This is where the ATHENAS superbike draws inspiration from but for a niche set of users. Passionate bikers who at times cannot drive the best machines out there because of their short height. As crazy as that might sound, this electric motorcycle concept imagines such a set of wheels.

Designer: Zhengxuan Xie

ATHENA electric bike proposed for the year highlights the power of one’s inside values rather than the outside personality – thereby eliminating the jinx of superbike designs that are targeted at average height users. The mood board by Zhengxuan revolves around the “Power Inside” and transparency in thoughts. Hence, the translucent design of the electric bike, that in a way reminds me of the newly launched Nothing Ear (2).

For a neutral user, the translucent material signifies the strength of the outer contour when viewed from a distance, and when the bike approaches proximity the visible mechanical parts reflect the power of inside intelligence. The highlight feature of the ATHENA is its shape-shifting ability to raise or lower the whole saddle section. Now only this, the whole module can be swapped with another one depending on the driving position and personal preference.

A cool inclusion comes in the form of a graphic animation on the tank section for Start/Stop action or the representation of low-speed or high-speed in blue or red hues. For nerds, the bike’s specifications are impressive since it’s loaded with a 17.7kWh battery of 51mAh capacity. The 348-volt electric motor feeds the rear wheels for 850nm of peak torque.

It goes without saying the bike’s visual appeal is luring and makes me wonder if a future Tesla superbike could adopt such a form factor.

The post This shape-shifting electric bike for short riders gets translucent body frame to expose the innards first appeared on Yanko Design.

Odd planter concept lets you enjoy observing your plants grow in a fun way

Different people tried to cope with the pandemic quarantine in different and sometimes creative ways. While some were content to catch up with their TV shows and games, others took up new hobbies to while away the time. One of the more popular ones seems to have been growing plants indoors, which is not totally new but also not something adopted by the masses. Even here, there’s a variety of goals and purposes to indoor gardening, though a majority seems to have been focused on the more aesthetic benefits of having lush, green living things inside the home. Ironically, these people seldom go out of their way to grow those plants in equally aesthetic pots, something that this design concept tries to solve right from the start.

Designer: Adrian Min

You can’t just use any container to serve as a plant pot, of course, regardless of how pretty that container might be. There are a few factors to consider to allow a plant to thrive and survive, which is often what informs the design of a planter. These more functional planters, however, aren’t what you’d always call presentable, definitely nothing you’d proudly display on your table or shelf. That doesn’t have to be that way, though, and this “Odd Pot” concept marries form and function in a way that looks not only appealing but also playful.

It’s definitely an odd one for a pot, though mostly because of its unconventional shape. It comes as a tall bowl that stands on three short tapered legs. Instead of a typical brown clay, the pot seems to be made from some terrazzo material, probably ceramic. A removable disc knob juts out from the pot’s back and is the primary mechanism for its highlight feature.

This feature comes in the form of a half capsule that adds something interesting to the presentation while also giving the viewer a different way to look at the plant in the pot. This “cover” is made from glass but has different textures as well as transparencies. One is completely smooth and transparent, while another is smooth yet frosted. Perhaps the curious one is the ribbed clear glass that adds an interesting play of light with its reflections and refraction.

While the Odd Pot retains pretty much the exact same function of a regular planter, its form takes the presentation to the next level. With its stumps for legs and an “arm” that extends from its body, it almost looks like an anthropomorphic version of a planter. It might even remind some of the “sus” characters from a popular game from the past year or two. Granted, the pot’s design isn’t going to be conducive to all kinds of plants, particularly the ones that grow tall or wide. But for most succulents, it will do just fine and will even add a bit of character to your plant decoration.

The post Odd planter concept lets you enjoy observing your plants grow in a fun way first appeared on Yanko Design.

8 Ways to a healthier and toxic-free home

As we spend plenty of time indoors, there has been a significant shift in how we live. Therefore, it is essential to transform our homes into healthy, toxin-free, and safe havens. Unfortunately, different types of toxins present in the indoor air tend to harm and have adverse effects on the health and well-being of its occupants in the long run. Here are some tips to combat pollutants and reduce our exposure to them. Although it is impossible to create a chemical-free home overnight, with little effort, we can have a more sustainable lifestyle, eliminate chemicals from our day-to-day life and strive towards creating a healthier lifestyle.

1. Avoid Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs

Volatile organic compounds are gases that can escape from certain materials and finish into the surrounding air and may adversely affect our health.

  • VOCs are commonly found in products that we use on a day-to-day basis. They are present in paint, air fresheners, floor cleaners, wood preservatives, carpets, adhesives, wall coverings, and so on.
  • It is highly recommended to read the label before purchasing new things and opt for products with low VOCs.
  • Go for zero VOC wall paints, as most paints, stains, thinners, and pressed wood furniture emit dangerous toxins benzene, toluene, xylene, and methylene chloride. These toxins form a major class of indoor air pollutants, as they tend to emit toxic gasses for months or years, causing irritation and health problems.
  • Invest in wooden furniture or glass and metal pieces that emit low VOCs. Plywood, pressed wood, particle board, and medium-density fiberboard used in most furniture today are generally treated with formaldehyde. It is a suspected carcinogen that emits toxic fumes for as long as five years.
  • Avoid using non-stick Teflon cookware as it comprises Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs). When those pans get scratched, the chipping of the coating can get released into our food. In addition, Teflon tends to off-gas at a high cooking temperature and releases dangerous fumes when overheated. Use safe options like stainless steel, iron, glass, and ceramic baking dishes.
  • Say no to plastic shower curtains, as they release a lot of VOCs. We can replace this with a PVC-free or vinyl-free shower curtain. It is better to install a glass shower panel and use silicone mats instead of vinyl bath mats.

Click Here to Buy Now: Iron Frying Plate ($69)

2. Reduce Plastic

Plastic is dangerous as it is non-biodegradable, does not break down, and harms the planet. In addition, plastic packaging is unstable, and plastic can easily migrate into food or drink.

  • Replace plastic containers with glass jar containers as they are easy to clean, and it is easy to see the contents inside. Glass can be used for heating food inside the microwave. Keep in mind that even BPA-free plastic can leach harmful chemicals into the food and contaminate it when heated.
  • Another practical kitchen alternative is to replace plastic wrap with beeswax wrap.
  • Consider bulk buying in refillable containers and reusable bags for grocery shopping.
  • Swap single-use plastic utensils with steel cutlery and replace plastic spatulas with wooden options.

Click Here to Buy Now: Sustainable Cutlery Set ($49)

3. Bring in Maximum Light and Ventilation

Good airflow and ventilation are one of the simplest ways to create a healthy home.

  • Regularly open the doors and windows daily to eliminate indoor air pollutants and bring in the natural freshness of the outdoors.
  • It is a great way to eliminate odors, water vapor, and pollution and replace it with fresh air.
  • Install exhaust fans in the bathroom, kitchen, and storerooms, as they help eliminate trapped smoke and moldy air.

Designer: Ignacio Rojas Hirigoyen Architects and The Andes House

4. Invest in HEPA Filters

Ensure that all the home appliances like vacuum cleaners and air purifiers have HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air).

  • A vacuum cleaner is efficient in trapping air pollutants, allergens, and dust particles and purifying the air from harmful particles. Note that dust comprises dust mites, and chemicals tend to latch on the dust.

Tip: Have a shoe-free home and place a doormat at the home’s entrance so it can form the first line of defense. The dirt from shoes is full of dust and bacteria, so one must always take off shoes at the door and use different footwear indoors.

  • Air purifiers effectively eliminate dust, mold, formaldehyde, pet dander, and pollen.

Click Here to Buy Now: BRIIV Air Filter ($339.66)

5. Go for Environmentally Friendly Products

Reduce the use of chemicals in your home by going for eco-friendly products that are good for our health and the environment.

  • Replace chemical products with organic ones as they allow us to breathe easier. Some household remedies include using white vinegar to remove mold, applying toothpaste for cleaning silverware, and making your cleaner with vinegar and baking soda.
  • Baking Soda is an excellent natural deodorizer that can eliminate clinging odors from carpets. To neutralize and deodorize your carpet or upholstered furniture, sprinkle some baking soda, let it sit for some time, and then vacuum it up.

Click Here to Buy Now: Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set ($99)

6. Choose Organic Products

Switch from synthetic products to natural materials and fibers.

  • Materials like bamboo and natural linoleum made from linseed oil are a perfect alternative for flooring. Natural fiber carpeting such as wool, sisal, cotton, or jute that are made with solvent-free adhesives provides a healthier flooring alternative.
  • Invest in an organic mattress and pillow so one does not inhale or absorb harmful chemicals, as our head and body are in direct contact with this material. One can also go for an organic mattress topper as a barrier between conventional and bedsheets. Conventional mattresses are primarily made of polyurethane foam, dyes, flame retardants, and adhesives that may contribute to releasing VOC chemicals into the air. So opt for natural latex- or coir-based mattresses that are manufactured using a chemical-free process. Avoid a synthetic pillow and opt for an organic raw infill material like natural latex, organic cotton, or kapok.
  • Processed food can contain chemicals and pesticides, so replace them with whole organic foods. Most of the contents of canned food are full of chemical additives used to increase the shelf life.
  • Go for safe personal skincare and beauty products manufactured with safe ingredients that are not harmful to the body. Only use deodorants free of chemicals like parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and aluminum.
  • Conventional wax candles are made with synthetic fragrance and paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum jelly with the natural smell of beeswax with essential oils. Alternatively, go for an essential oil diffuser for your home.

Click Here to Buy Now: Shrooly ($299)

7. Control Dampness

Check the growth of mold and mildew by controlling dampness, as it is a health hazard that can cause various respiratory infections or allergies.

  • Good ventilation can control and decrease the moisture levels within the home.
  • Fix leaky pipes or cracks that may allow water penetration from outdoors to indoors.

Designer: Jiaming Liu

8. Introduce Indoor Plants

Create a beautiful connection with plants to enliven the space; it is a natural way of bringing in more oxygen indoors.

  • Houseplants have excellent air purifying properties and can purify indoor air from pollutants and other toxins like mold spores, bacteria and other microorganisms, and VOCs.
  • Some of the air purifying plants by NASA include Boston fern and spider plants, which can also boost the well-being of your home.
  • Choose low-maintenance indoor plants that require less watering.

Click Here to Buy Now: LetPot LPH-Max ($229)

Go ahead and enjoy a chemical-free home sans toxins and harmful elements that may harm your loved ones.

The post 8 Ways to a healthier and toxic-free home first appeared on Yanko Design.

KKDW Studios creates offices for Yoga With Adriene founder in Austin

Lounge space at Find What Feels Good HQ

Austin-based KKDW Studios has designed the headquarters for a yoga subscription app called Find What Feels Good, including a space for filming instructional videos.

KKDW Studios founder Kelly DeWitt collaborated with yoga teacher Adriene Mishler – who became well-known through her Yoga With Adriene instructional videos – to create a base for Find What Feels Good, the platform she co-founded that offers video tutorials for at-home workouts.

Modular offices with timber frames and glass walls
KKDW Studios used a modular system to build offices within the space for Find What Feels Good

Located in East Austin, the 5,000-square-foot (465-square-metre) space was previously an empty shell with blue walls and a high-gloss, yellow-tinged concrete floor.

DeWitt’s team described an intention to create “a space to evolve in and experiment with, a place to be inspired and inspired others.”

Open workspace featuring large wood tables
Communal workstations are positioned in front of private offices

“The space should feel welcoming with a warm, homey ambiance that makes you want to take a deep exhale,” the team added.

To add this warmth, the majority of the interventions were made with wood, which forms wall panelling, louvred partitions, frames for glass walls, and furniture. The concrete floors were refinished in matte grey.

Bright kitchen with a moveable island
A bright kitchen includes an island mounted on castors, which can be moved when needed

Designed for a quickly growing team and to be multi-functional, all the elements of the interiors are either bolted together or mounted on wheels, so they can be easily moved if needed.

The linear space is divided up along its fenestrated facade. At one end is a cosy lounge area for receiving visitors or communal work, while a bright, fully equipped kitchen is located at the other.

Beige sofa in front of glass-walled offices
Warm-toned materials were chosen for the space

In between, the modular timber-framed glazed walls form a row of private offices, while an open workspace with large tables is positioned in front.

Facing the windows is an uninterrupted wall that stretches 80 feet (24 metres), which is used by Mishler and her team as a backdrop for filming yoga videos for their app and Youtube channel.

Air ducts and other visual obstacles had to be moved to ensure that the shot is unobstructed, while the vertical slat in the lounge partition pivot to ensure the lighting is just right.

“Natural light can be inspiring, but when filming, sometimes what they need is control – this allows them the best of both worlds,” said KKDW Studios.

Welcome lounge in a corner of the office
Slats in a partition can be adjusted to control light levels when filming in the space

Cushions for sofas and armchairs are wrapped in tufted, textured beige fabric in a variety of tones that are echoed in the rugs.

From the exposed, angled ceiling hang a series of spherical pendant lamps, as well as power outlets on retractable cords for use at the workstations.

Find What Feels Good founder Adriene Mishler holds a yoga pose next to her dog
An uninterrupted wall provides a backdrop for Adriene Mishler’s instructional yoga videos

“All furniture is completely custom, designed after getting to know Adriene and her team, their needs, workflow, etc,” said KKDW Studios, which also acted as general contractor for the project.

Yoga – a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices – continues to grow in popularity around the world, and demand for at-home workouts like those facilitated by Find What Feels Good skyrocketed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Here are 10 homes with dedicated spaces for practising yoga and meditation.

The photography is by Andrea Calo.

The post KKDW Studios creates offices for Yoga With Adriene founder in Austin appeared first on Dezeen.

Link About It: This Week’s Picks

An orchid discovery in plain sight, upcycling 4,000 plastic bottles into a home, a collision of art and electronics and more

New But Ancient Orchid Species Discovered in Japan

Japan’s most recognizable orchid, the Spiranthes australis, has been cherished for centuries (it even features in The Man’yōshū, the oldest collection of Japanese waka poetry, dating back to 759AD) and it’s just been discovered to have an almost identical twin: the Spiranthes hachijoensis. The flower was actually hiding in plain sight—in private gardens, balconies, parks and more—and the common belief was “that all the Spiranthes on the Japanese mainland were a single species, when in fact there are two.” The flower’s delicate petals have been described as appearing like spun glass, and it was those petals that led to the discovery. Kobe University’s professor Kenji Suetsugu found that “some apparently common or garden Spiranthes had hairless stems while most were notably furrier.” Suetsugu looked further into it, and through “DNA analysis, morphology, field observations and reproductive biology” found that the common Spiranthes is actually two species. He says, “This discovery of new species concealed in common locales underscores the necessity of persistent exploration, even in seemingly unremarkable settings. It also highlights the ongoing need for taxonomic and genetic research to accurately assess species diversity.” Read more at The Guardian.

Image courtesy of Masayuki Ishibashi/Kobe University

Sculptor Shunsuke Kawasaki’s Art Speakers

Osaka-born artist Shunsuke Kawasaki’s upcoming show The Shape of Frequency at Somewhere Tokyo (on 14-30 April) will showcase his industrial, metal sculptures and functional speakers. Using aluminum, plastic, acrylic and wood, Kawasaki creates these striking pieces—some of which are retro-tinged, while others look like futuristic robots or have been inspired by ninja throwing stars—in editions of five. Bluetooth compatible and wired, these creations are beguiling works of art that also happen to be practical. See more at designboom.

Image courtesy of Shunsuke Kawasaki and Somewhere Tokyo

Scientists Reveal How The Brain Changes During DMT Trips

The hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine—better known as DMT—is used commonly to initiate vivid visions, remarkable feelings, near-death experiences and even to contact interdimensional beings. The psychedelic compound is found in various plants including Psychotria viridis, which is used to brew ayahuasca—a spiritual medicine utilized by Indigenous people in the Amazon basin. Only recently have scientists scanned and studied brain activity during a DMT trip. For their research, scientists used “brain-imaging (fMRI) and EEG to study the effects of the drug on 20 individuals” and found “increased connectivity across the brain, and more communication between different areas and systems.” Essentially, these feelings of functioning on a higher level make sense. Chris Timmerman, of the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London tells VICE’s Motherboard, “We found that DMT generated a prominent alteration of the brain’s evolved areas and networks, which have been linked to human brain expansion in evolution, language, and semantics… These findings were related also to EEG effects which directly assess electrical activity induced by the brain, thus confirming them further.” Read more about the study at VICE.

Image courtesy of Milad Fakurian/Unsplash

The Twisting Chuzhi House, Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles and Mud

In rural South India, the Chuzhi house from Wallmakers (an architectural firm founded by Vinu Daniel) twists and turns between rocky outcrops and trees, intricately maneuvering through its challenging terrain. The residence’s structure takes after a snake coiling under a rock and not only works with the landscape in a visual sense but is respectful of it. Made up of almost 4,000 plastic bottles that littered the nearby areas, the home deftly employs recycled waste while also using the traditional cob-style building technique that mixes clay and straw to produce a durable substance. “The idea was to make a subterranean home that would originate from the rock bed, forming multiple whirls around the tree and adjoining to create a secure private space below for the residents and a space around the trees above that ensures that the thick vegetation and ecosystem continues to thrive undisturbed,” the firm says in a statement. Learn more about the project and view the serene home at New Atlas.

Image courtesy of Syam Sreesylam

Pentagon Says Extraterrestrials May Have Already Visited Earth

According to a draft document (which is under review) released by the Pentagon, intelligent extraterrestrial beings might have already visited Earth and even be monitoring life here via research devices—or probes. Written by Sean Kirkpatrick (director of the Pentagon’s All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office) and Avi Loeb (chairman of Harvard’s astronomy department and founder of the Galileo Project), the research paper says, “Since most stars formed more than a billion years before the Sun, it is possible that other technological civilizations predated ours by the amount of time needed for their devices to reach Earth.” It goes on to explain how a mothership may send probes down to a planet as it passes by, like sprinkling seeds, even if there hasn’t been an official alien landing. Read more about the document at Dazed.

Image courtesy Albert Antony/Unsplash

Link About It is our filtered look at the web, shared daily in Link and on social media, and rounded up every Saturday morning. Hero image courtesy of Shunsuke Kawasaki

Top 10 product designs all hardcore coffee lovers need in their kitchen

As much as I hate to admit it, I absolutely cannot start my day without a freshly brewed cup of coffee! It’s the boost of energy, dose of motivation, and rush of serotonin that I need every morning. And, I’m pretty sure that’s the case for most of us. However, brewing coffee is an intimate and intricate process by itself, and a few handy products are always needed to peacefully create and enjoy our much-needed cup of coffee. So, we’ve curated a collection of product designs including unique coffee machines, pour-over brewers, sustainable to-go cups, and more to make your morning coffee routine just a little bit more enjoyable. From reusable coffee cups made from recycled coffee waste to an old-school espresso machine – these products are a must-have for all coffee lovers.

1. The Kreis Cup

Meet the Kreis Cup, a sustainable, durable coffee cup designed to enhance your coffee-drinking experience! The Kreis Cup is a reusable cup made from used coffee grounds and plant-based materials, free of petroleum-based plastics, and available in a cup and travel-mug styles.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is heat resistant and designed to keep your coffee hot longer. That being said, the Kreis Cup is still ultimately biodegradable, unlike the plastic-based to-go mugs you get at your local cafe or the breakable ceramic mugs you use at home. Once it reaches the end of its lifespan, the Kreis Cup disintegrates quickly into the soil, leaving absolutely nothing behind.

What we like

  • Made from spent coffee grounds that have been dried, treated, and then suspended in a natural, plant-based polymer
  • It has the faint, unmistakable scent of coffee

What we dislike

  • There is currently no scope for personalization

2. Breeze

Breeze, designed for the South Korean coffee brand Dongsuh, drastically changes the appearance of a capsule coffee machine. This comparatively newer breed of coffee makers often have more stylish and less industrial designs, but they still can’t get rid of that shiny metallic luster common to kitchen appliances and tools. In contrast, Breeze applies a refreshing and softer color palette, favoring pastel variants of white, charcoal, and pink to convey a gentler personality.

Why is it noteworthy?

A ridged surface wraps around the base, contrasting with the smoother texture of the head. Another point of contrast is the tall water tank at the back, a transparent container that projects an image of clarity that, when taken together with the more subdued hues of the machine, seems to send a message of calm.

What we like

  • The design includes a more tactile interface to operate the machine, using clearly marked LED-backlit buttons at the top of the head

What we dislike

  • It’s a capsule-based coffee machine but there is no knowledge shared on how to make the process reduce wastage or make it more sustainable

3. The CJ

Espresso machine manufacturer Moak commissioned the Italian industrial designer to create a machine that are modernist and minimalist and is actually brutalist in its final render.

Why is it noteworthy?

 The CJ (Coffee Jockey) is made up of various geometric shapes that are put together into something simple and beautiful that produces something beautiful as well for caffeine-addicted users. The soft, pastel color shown in the renders adds to the simple but classy look of the espresso machine.

What we like

  • You can actually put two coffee cups in front and get two sizable espresso shots out of one process

What we dislike

  • The design is for Moak, and promises a new coffee blend and capsule system that is not shown yet, so we cannot speak on its functionality

4. The Polaroid Express

Who knew Polaroid and espresso were unlikely companions? This concept rather cleverly combines the two into the ‘ultimate coffee machine for amateurs’. If Polaroid brought great retro photography (and photo development) to the masses, the Polaroid Express does the same for instant coffee.

Why is it noteworthy?

The coffee machine looks like a massive camera, with the signature friendly rectangular form and the clever use of colors to create that friendly appeal associated with the instant camera company. Designed to be portable (it IS a concept, after all), the apparatus has a rather simple form factor and feels intuitive to operate.

What we like

  • The Polaroid Express’ simple design models itself on the cameras
  • The rainbow color scheme brings a certain joy to the coffee-making experience

What we dislike

  • More suited for amateur coffee makers/drinkers

5. CoffeeB

Swedish coffee brand CoffeeB has come up with a coffee machine that uses eco-friendly single-serve Coffee Balls. So basically it’s similar to the coffee pod machines except this one doesn’t have any plastic pods or capsules so you don’t contribute to the world’s plastic waste.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Coffee Balls can last up to three months at room temperature or if you store them in your ref. And after you use them, they can be turned into compost or natural fertilizer for your home plants and gardens. In case you don’t know how to use them post-coffee, the machine comes with instructions and guides on how to properly recycle them.

What we like

  • Made from partially-recycled materials
  • The coffee grounds used are certified organic and Fair Trade

What we dislike

  • No specifications were mentioned on whether the packaging could affect the flavor of the coffee

6. The Retro Modern Espresso Machine

The product concept for the Retro Modern espresso machine brings back vibes of authentic American diners, old-school muscle cars, and scooters, retro radios and toasters, and all the pastel goodness from the 60s and 70s. In fact, these are what inspired the designer to create something like this that brings together the retro design with the modern machine that supplies liquids to all the caffeine-deprived people who go to coffee shops.

Why is it noteworthy?

The pastel green and cream colors of the renders will look right at home at restaurants, coffee bars, or even kitchens that have a softer aesthetic. It’s very attractive for both coffee lovers and those that love old-school designs with a modern twist.

What we like

  • Perfect for those who love old-school designs
  • Minimal + soft

What we dislike

  • Given its aesthetics, the design should have more colour options to match our kitchen setup
  • The added functionalities or any other “bonus” application of this coffee maker is unknown

7. The SüpKüp

The SüpKüp is a travel mug that is not really a mug in itself but serves more as an alternative to the disposable paper coffee sleeves. It is able to hold the paper cups (medium and large at least) that most coffee shops provide, including the still pretty popular Starbucks.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is made from durable polycarbonate and has a pretty elegant and minimalist design that can still display whatever cup is snugly placed inside. This holder doesn’t need any liquid transfer or constant cleaning that’s why it’s more convenient.

What we like

  • Your hot drink can remain hot for longer, 50% longer, than when you just hold your paper cup
  • Has a double helix screw ejector that lets you eject the cup when you’ve finished just by twisting the rotating base

What we dislike

  • It helps retain your coffee drinkability rather than an alternative to disposable cups, leaving more scope for future improvements which we hope to see soon

8. The Apple Drip

The Apple Drip officially becomes the first Apple concept we’ve seen that’s designed for the kitchen. Truth be told, Apple’s brand of minimalism fits pretty much anywhere, after all, a HomePod looks pretty darn good in a kitchen, right?

Why is it noteworthy?

The Apple Drip has a style that’s comparable to the Ember Mug (fun fact, Ember’s lead designer Robert Brunner worked extensively at Apple) with a slick, black design that looks equal parts mysterious and approachable. Uncomplicated, yet professional. The black cylinder comes with a touchscreen interface on its upper rim, with just three buttons – a power button, a temperature button, and a coffee dispensing button. Designed to work (one assumes) with an app or even with Siri, the Drip dispenses coffee into a sleek-looking mug that sits in its designated place on a larger rectangular platform.

What we like

  • Turns an ill-received desktop computer into a tabletop brewer
  • Features a dispenser nozzle that slides out to dispense coffee

What we dislike

  • The single-body design may be difficult to clean

9. The Origin Coffee Machine

Whenever I take my first sip of coffee in the morning, I am always thankful to whoever it was that first developed coffee and the farmers who harvested this particular blend I’m drinking. While some of the world’s best coffee is generally known to come from Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam (my country, the Philippines, will hopefully someday be included in that list), one of the unsung heroes of the industry is Ethiopia where coffee beans have been thriving since the 7th century. This concept design for a coffee maker pays tribute to the East African country.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Origin coffee maker concept wants to bring “meaningful coffee” to your cup by reminding you of its origins. The shape of the coffee maker is inspired by the map of Ethiopia, although of course it’s not in the exact shape but is modeled after the basic outline. This way, the designer is able to “honor” the origin of coffee, although historians can’t really say that the locals who grew the beans cultivated or consumed these precious beans there.

What we like

  • There are just a few buttons you need to press including the on/off and open/close buttons
  • You have the option to make an espresso or an americano and there’s also a button or level for the water and the beans

What we dislike

  • The industrial aesthetics make it a tough fit in modern kitchens

10. The Platypus Coffee Machine

Platypus Streamline Style Coffee Machine Images

Platypus Streamline Style Coffee Machine

This coffee machine concept will probably remind you of Perry the Platypus. Perry who? He’s the fictional platypus from the animated series ‘Phineas and Ferb.’ The younger generation may be quick to identify the character but don’t fret if you don’t recognize him; perhaps after having a cup of coffee, you will remember.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Platypus Coffee Machine is yet another quirky-designed kitchen appliance that can make you start the day right. Our life cannot be perfect, but coffee can be, and the Platypus will do it right for you. The streamlined style of the coffee maker starts with solid lines that make it stand out from the other coffee machines available in the market.

What we like

  • The choice of sapphire (although it looks teal to me) as color makes it another fun device that can make your kitchen countertop or coffee area cheerful
  •  Easy to maintain with the catch pan to store used grounds

What we dislike

  • The quirky aesthetics may not be for everyone

The post Top 10 product designs all hardcore coffee lovers need in their kitchen first appeared on Yanko Design.

"Playful and accessible spaces" wrap courtyard at Wayair School by Jeju Studio

Exterior of Wayair School in Tanzania by Jeju Studio

Classrooms and social spaces are arranged around a tree-filled courtyard at this school, created by Polish practice Jeju Studio for a refugee community in Tanzania.

Located in Ulyankulu, a former refugee settlement in the west of the country, Wayair School provides teaching spaces for both primary- and preschool-aged children.

Low-lying brick building in Tanzania
Jeju Studio has created a school in Tanzania

Jeju Studio was commissioned to design the building by the Polish charity Wayair Foundation, which works on educational projects in Tanzania.

Alongside classrooms, it comprises an array of social spaces and a theatre, aiming to provide education and meeting spaces for the wider community too.

Brick walls of Wayair School in Tanzania by Jeju Studio
The Wayair School is organised around a courtyard

“We tried to create a multiplicity of diverse, playful and accessible spaces – closed, open, roofed, shaded, small and big – in order to facilitate education but also provide common meeting spaces for both students and the local community,” studio co-founder Iwo Borkowicz told Dezeen.

“The school responds to the most dire needs of the area, offering a space for education and social life, water harvesting, passive cooling and a renewed relation with nature.”

Brick building with raised roof
It is crafted from local bricks

Wayair School’s facilities are arranged across several connected buildings that surround a central courtyard, with external spaces for socialising created in the gaps between buildings.

Wrapped around a group of existing mango trees, the building’s form was designed to mimic the social spaces in a Ulyankulu market.

Person outside of Wayair School in Tanzania by Jeju Studio
The bricks are made in different shades of red

“Looking at Ulyankulu’s architectural typologies, what caught our interest was the market, an open lot enclosed by rows of huts, canopied by a group of big trees where hundreds of people from the area meet every Saturday to trade,” said Borkowicz.

“Wrapping the school around a group of big mango trees creates the central courtyard that mirrors that public space and hopefully will be used for common gatherings as well.”

Brick elevation with elevated roof
Wayair School’s roofs are elevated to allow natural ventilation

Patios shaded by the overhang of the roof extend from each of the classrooms and can be used to accommodate outdoor seating or play equipment.

Surrounded by playful wall openings, the patios also encourage creative play by allowing children to climb and crawl around them.

View of child and teacher at Wayair School in Tanzania by Jeju Studio
There are openings in walls around patios

Drawing upon local architecture, the building is made from locally crafted bricks, which are created from different types of clay. They are arranged to form a gradient-like pattern, alternating between a darker and lighter red colour.

“We hired two local brickmaking teams to produce the brick for us,” said Borkowicz. “One worked onsite where dark red clay was found and another was sent to a nearby valley where light-coloured bricks were made.”

Inside, the classrooms feature furniture by Icelandic designer Bjorn Steinar, including desks with removable tops and chairs with backs that can be unrolled into portable mats. The furniture was created using common local materials, such as wood and woven mats, to allow for easy replication if required in the future.

Additional elements including hand-made wooden doors and palm-leaf chairs were made by local craftsmen.

Interior of brick-lined classroom
The classrooms feature furniture by Icelandic designer Bjorn Steinar

To avoid overheating, the studio incorporated various temperature-control measures, including a pitched roof with a gap for ventilation and thick concrete floors that help keep the classrooms cool during the day.

“Temperature control was one of the biggest driving factors of this design,” said the studio. “Typical Ulyankulu schools are overcrowded and overheated with kids using classrooms in shifts, with up to 200 kids per class at primary level.”

Interior of Wayair School classroom in Tanzania by Jeju Studio
Chairs with backs that can be unrolled into portable mats

The studio also designed the building to harvest as much rainwater as possible, using a system with a capacity to store over 70,000 litres collected during the short but intense rainy season.

According to the studio, this is enough to last nine months of the dry season, with pupils washing their hands, teeth, and faces and filling up their bottles each day.

Children in classroom in Tanzania
Wayair School is designed for primary and preschool-aged children

Other schools recently featured on Dezeen include a preschool comprising brightly coloured steel buildings and a school in Denmark made from natural materials.

Elsewhere in Tanzania, Swedish studios Asante Architecture & Design and Lönnqvist & Vanamo Architects worked with local workers to create a self-sufficient orphanage in Kingori.

The photography is by Iwo Borkowicz.

The post “Playful and accessible spaces” wrap courtyard at Wayair School by Jeju Studio appeared first on Dezeen.

Eight bedrooms featuring regal four-poster beds

Four-poster bed in house designed by Bernardo Bader

There’s no symbol of luxury more universal than the four-poster bed. In this lookbook, we select eight bedrooms elevated by their presence.

Beds with vertical columns in each corner supporting an upper panel date back to the medieval period.

Originally built with wraparound curtains to keep out the cold and provide privacy, they have historically been associated with highly ornate designs for nobility.

Today the four-poster bed remains an unmistakable statement piece of furniture, and the list below sees the concept applied to a variety of bedroom settings, from the traditional to the contemporary.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring bedrooms with wood panelling, lounges with suspended fireplaces and homes with vaulted ceilings.


House at the Schopfacker by Bernardo Bader
Photo by Adolf Bereuter

House on the Schopfacker, Switzerland, by Bernardo Bader Architects

Austrian studio Bernardo Bader Architects created this reinterpretation of the traditional Alpine chalet in the Swiss village of Trogen for an art and antique furniture collector.

In the bedroom, a grand carved four-poster bed contrasts with contemporary chrome-edged furniture, as well as the concrete ceiling and the pale larch walls and floor.

Find out more about House on the Schopfacker ›


The Ned Hotel by Soho House&Co and Sydell Group
Photo courtesy of Soho House

The Ned, UK, by Soho House and Sydell Group

The Ned is an upscale hotel formed out of a historic London bank originally designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens.

Soho House worked with New York-based Sydell Group to give the bedrooms a 1920s feel, with large, mahogany four-poster beds bearing richly patterned curtains and set among other lavish details like walnut panelling and restored chandeliers.

Find out more about The Ned ›


Hotel Peter & Paul by StudioWTA and ASH NYC
Photo courtesy of StudioWTA and ASH NYC

Hotel Peter and Paul, USA, by StudioWTA and ASH NYC

Crucifixes top the black four-poster beds inside the rooms of this New Orleans hotel as a nod to the building’s past as a church, rectory and convent.

New York Design firm ASH NYC continued the religious iconography with paintings of saints on the walls, while traditional furniture and furnishings give the space a sense of timelessness.

Find out more about Hotel Peter and Paul ›


Villa Pelícanos by Main Office
Photo by Rafael Gamo

Villa Pelícanos, Mexico, by Main Office

This thatch-roof seaside villa overlooking the Pacific Ocean features a rustic four-poster bed hung with gauzy white curtains.

Part of a 1980s holiday village renovated by architecture studio Main Office, the interior marries Mexican materials with South African elements – parota wood furniture sitting among a bright, blank backdrop delivered by the white walls and smooth concrete floor.

Find out more about Villa Pelícanos ›


The Tri-Pod bedroom for a throuple by Scott Whitby Studio
Photo by Nicholas Worley

The Tri-Pod, UK, by Scott Whitby Studio

Designed for a polyamorous throuple, this bespoke boudoir by London-based Scott Whitby Studio has enough space for three people to sleep together comfortably.

The architects chose to reimagine the traditional four-poster as a divider of space as well as a piece of furniture. Above the closable walnut sleeping space is a mezzanine for reading and relaxation.

Find out more about The Tri-Pod ›


The Sackett Street townhouse's main bedroom's hand-crafted bed
Photo by Travis Williams/Travis Mark

Sackett Street townhouse, USA, by The Brooklyn Home Company

The wooden four-poster bed in the main bedroom of this Brooklyn townhouse was designed and hand-crafted by Fitzhugh Karol, a sculptor-in-residence at The Brooklyn Home Company.

It sits in the middle of a bright and airy bedroom with white oak floors, white-painted walls and an adjacent private terrace.

Find out more about this Sackett Street townhouse ›


Henry Howard Hotel by Hunter Mabry Design
Photo courtesy of Hunter Mabry Design

Henry Howard Hotel, USA, by Hunter Mabry Design

Another New Orleans hotel renovation, this time with a sleek black metal four-poster bed that adds a gently modern touch to the rooms.

New York studio Hunter Mabry Design juxtaposed the contemporary bed with antique furnishings and vintage brass instruments that reference the city’s jazz heritage.

Find out more about Henry Howard Hotel ›


Xiang Jiang House by Claesson Koivisto Rune
Photo courtesy of Claesson Koivisto Rune

Xiang Jiang House, China, by Claesson Koivisto Rune

Swedish studio Claesson Koivisto Rune included a modern take on the traditional four-poster bed in this Beijing house that was designed to have a Scandinavian feel.

An oversized plinth provides room for a bedside table lamp, enhancing the sense of tranquility and cosiness in the bedroom among the extra-wide floorboards and pale-wood wall panelling.

Find out more about Xiang Jiang House ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring bedrooms with wood panelling, lounges with suspended fireplaces and homes with vaulted ceilings.

The post Eight bedrooms featuring regal four-poster beds appeared first on Dezeen.