Hasta La Ideas

In the privileged corners of the world, it’s easy to take for granted the amenities that define modern life—consistent electricity, reliable refrigeration, and an abundance of technological conveniences. However, a significant portion of the global population struggles to access what many consider basic necessities. This disparity underscores a broader issue: our comforts, powered by unsustainable practices, contribute to long-term environmental degradation. EasyFreeze finds a good balance between the two, embracing more sustainable alternatives, which is not just a nod to the past but a necessary step toward a viable future.

Designer: Amped Innovation

Imagine living in Lagos, Nigeria, where daily power outages can last for hours. In such conditions, a conventional refrigerator is nearly useless, and consequently, very few people own one. However, Amped Innovation, a forward-thinking startup, has developed a game-changing solution: the EasyFreeze, a solar-powered fridge designed to operate efficiently even with an unreliable grid or completely off-grid. This innovation is particularly transformative for regions rich in solar energy but poor in infrastructure.

The EasyFreeze is a meticulously designed fridge and freezer capable of refrigeration in under 20 minutes (reaching 8ºC) and freezing in less than an hour (0ºC). Unlike typical cold storage solutions, it maintains its temperature for up to 40 hours during power outages or on cloudy days, ensuring reliability in even the most challenging conditions.

A significant innovation within EasyFreeze is its use of an “ice battery” instead of traditional lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, while common, are expensive, prone to overheating, have a shorter lifespan, and pose safety risks. The ice battery system in EasyFreeze utilizes ice pouches embedded within the refrigerator walls to absorb and release heat. These pouches are cooled by solar panels during the day or by grid power when available, enabling the fridge to remain cold for extended periods without active power. This system not only enhances safety and durability but also significantly reduces costs.

Amped Innovation is rolling out the EasyFreeze across more than a dozen countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, focusing on communities that are hardest to reach. Small businesses, such as corner stores, benefit immensely from the ability to sell cold beverages and ice, while medical clinics and hospitals can safely store medicines and vaccines at precise temperatures. The fridge’s design prioritizes off-grid efficiency, with proprietary circuits, software, and mechanical designs to deliver city-like performance in rural settings.

One of the distinguishing features of the EasyFreeze is its durability. Unlike many other solar refrigerators that fail within a year of use, the EasyFreeze is built to last. The equipment is assembled locally to avoid steep import fees and reduce costs, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality. This holistic approach to product design and distribution makes EasyFreeze not only efficient but also economically viable.

The EasyFreeze uses R-600a refrigerant, which has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a very low global warming potential (GWP). It is at least 38% more energy-efficient than other market options, thanks to its powerful 225W compressor and thick, 75mm closed-cell polyurethane insulation. These features ensure the fastest cool-down times and the longest autonomy—maintaining efficient cold storage for up to 18 times longer than other freezers during power outages.

While the EasyFreeze is not inexpensive, retailers charge around $900, it remains within reach of middle-class families in countries like Nigeria. This price point reflects a commitment to quality and long-term affordability, prioritizing the total cost of ownership over the initial purchase price. Amped Innovation’s focus on high-quality materials and efficient design means EasyFreeze offers unmatched value, making it accessible to a broader audience.

The EasyFreeze’s utility extends beyond developing regions. Following the wildfires in Maui in 2023, the fridge garnered interest from residents in Hawaii. With electricity costs in Hawaii being exceptionally high, EasyFreeze offers a payback period of just two years, making it an economically attractive solution for both disaster resilience and everyday use.

As we acknowledge the privileges that many of us enjoy, it is crucial to recognize the pressing need for sustainable innovations that can bridge the gap for those less fortunate. The EasyFreeze exemplifies how thoughtful, eco-friendly design can transform lives, providing reliable refrigeration in areas with unreliable power. Amped Innovation’s focus on efficiency, durability, and affordability positions EasyFreeze to become a conventional choice for refrigeration in parts of Africa and Asia that receive ample sunlight. This remarkable appliance not only meets the immediate needs of its users but also paves the way for a more sustainable future.

The post Solar-Powered Fridge Doesn’t Require Electricity And Can Run For 40 Hours Without Power first appeared on Yanko Design.

Exhaustion is an epidemic. A staggering 62% of adults worldwide struggle with sleep deprivation, leading to a domino effect on health and productivity. Enter the Power Nap Chair, a revolutionary furniture design that tackles this challenge head-on.

Designed by Martin Tsankov, the idea of the Power Nap Chair came from his friend and business partner Milen Kisov, who discovered that power naps helped significantly boost his productivity at work. Scientifically proven to enhance cognitive function, memory, and cardiovascular health, short 15-30 minute naps are a game-changer. But finding a suitable space for napping at work has traditionally been a hurdle. Existing solutions like sleeping pods are bulky and expensive (not to mention that most offices don’t have them), and napping at your desk isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s also frowned upon… but the Power Nap chair offers a slick, cozy, and effective alternative.

Designers: Martin Tsankov & Milen Kisov

Sort of like a lounge chair meets a baby stroller, the Power Nap Chair comes with a relaxing design that you can lay down in, and a hood that cocoons you in your own personal private bubble. Simplicity reigns supreme – the chair is free of distracting technology, fostering complete disconnection. This makes it perfect for both open-plan offices and compact workspaces. Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the chair. Carefully chosen, fully recyclable materials are used throughout, minimizing environmental impact.

The Power Nap Chair is built with three core components: a metal frame, an upholstered wooden body, and a foldable hood. The frame is crafted from machine-bent and powder-coated carbon steel profiles, echoing the chair’s triangular design for a sturdy foundation. The body is constructed from 104 individual CNC-milled birch plywood triangles, meticulously hand-sanded, and finished with non-toxic linseed oil. Each triangle is then encased in flame-resistant, biodegradable memory foam before being upholstered in a comfortable woolen fabric. The hood, made from the same fabric, is specially designed to fold for easy storage while providing essential privacy for napping users.

“Our main challenge is reversing societal stigma around resting in the workplace by creating a product fit for a modern lifestyle where relaxation and productivity intersect,” says designer Martin Tsankov, who won an A’ Design Award this year for the Power Nap Chair. The chair looks inviting, comfortable, and has a unique low-poly aesthetic that your eyes are sure to fall in love with right before they shut for your quick nap. The chair holds a design patent, although it isn’t in production just yet. A final prototype was, however, exhibited at the Stockholm Furniture Fair in February 2024.

The post Want a quick power nap at work? This clever chair will help you catch a few winks first appeared on Yanko Design.

Julie Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8 Art Car

In the heart of Paris, at the iconic Centre Pompidou, the air buzzed with anticipation. Art lovers, racing enthusiasts, and curious onlookers gathered, all drawn by the promise of a unique revelation. This was no ordinary exhibit; it was the world premiere of Julie Mehretu’s BMW Art Car, the 20th in a storied lineage that melds the worlds of high art and high performance.

Designer: BMW + Julie Mehretu

Julie Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8 Art Car Art Car

Julie Mehretu, renowned for her expansive, intricate canvases, stood before the crowd, her excitement palpable. She had transformed the BMW M Hybrid V8, a machine of sheer power and precision, into a dynamic piece of art. This wasn’t just a car but a performative painting set to race in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

As the cover was pulled off the car, I can only imagine the gasps rippling through the audience. The vehicle’s surface was a riot of colors and forms, inspired by Mehretu’s monumental painting “Everywhen.” She had digitally altered photographs, layering dot grids, neon veils, and her signature black markings to create a three-dimensional masterpiece. This artwork was not confined to a gallery but was destined for the grueling, high-speed arena of Le Mans.

Mehretu’s painting “Everywhen”

In her studio, surrounded by sketches and digital models, Mehretu had envisioned the car as it would appear at breakneck speeds, the colors and shapes blurring into an exhilarating visual experience. “I imagined the car as if it had raced through my painting,” she explained. “I wanted it to seem like the car had absorbed the painting, transforming into something new and dynamic.”

This vision of speed and art was more than a personal achievement; it was a continuation of a legacy. The BMW Art Car series began in 1975 when French racing driver Hervé Poulain commissioned artist Alexander Calder to paint his car. Over the years, this intersection of art and motorsport has attracted legends like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons, each artist bringing their unique perspective to BMW’s high-performance vehicles.

Julie Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8 Art Car Art Car

Mehretu’s creation stood proudly among these iconic predecessors. Her Art Car showcased her artistic ingenuity and the technical brilliance of the BMW M Hybrid V8. Underneath the vibrant exterior lay a hybrid electric drivetrain capable of producing 640 horsepower and reaching speeds of 345 km/h. This blend of art and engineering made the BMW Art Car series so compelling.

In the weeks leading up to Le Mans, the car stopped at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este, where it was displayed alongside other historic BMW Art Cars. As Mehretu presented her creation, she spoke of the collaboration between artist and engineer, of turning a race car into a canvas that captured the essence of movement and energy.

Mehretu’s process of envisioning the Art Car involved imagining the physical and emotional experience of racing at high speeds. In her studio, she surrounded herself with sketches and digital models, immersing herself in motorsport and engineering. Her goal was to create a car that would not only perform on the track but also convey a sense of kinetic energy and fluidity through its design.

“I wanted the car to feel as if it had raced through my painting,” she said, highlighting her desire to merge art and performance. Mehretu’s artistic vision was to make the car appear as though it had absorbed the painting, transforming it into something new and dynamic. This transformation was visual and conceptual, as the car embodied the fusion of speed, art, and technology.

The car’s design elements—digitally altered photographs, layered dot grids, neon veils, and black markings—were meticulously chosen to create a sense of movement and energy. These elements, characteristic of Mehretu’s work, were applied to the three-dimensional surface of the car using 3D mapping technology. The result was a vehicle that seemed in perpetual motion, even stationary.

But the story didn’t end there. Mehretu’s involvement with BMW extended beyond the racetrack. She and the automaker had launched the PanAfrican Translocal Media Workshops, a series of events to nurture young artists across Africa. These workshops, set to tour cities like Dakar, Marrakech, and Cape Town, would culminate in a grand exhibition at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. The fusion of art, technology, and social responsibility would inspire a new generation of creators.

Leading up to Le Mans, Mehretu’s BMW Art Car made an appearance at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este. This prestigious event, held on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, brought together a collection of historic and contemporary BMW Art Cars. Here, the 20th Art Car stood alongside works by Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Jenny Holzer, and Jeff Koons. Each of these artists had left their mark on BMW’s vehicles, creating a lineage of art that celebrated innovation and creativity.

In a special presentation, Julie Mehretu discussed her creation with Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. Their conversation delved into the process of transforming a race car into a performative piece of art, highlighting the collaborative effort between artist and engineer. Mehretu reflected on her experience at Daytona, where she witnessed the BMW M Hybrid V8 in action, feeling the power and precision that would soon bring her art to life on the racetrack.

Julie Mehretu’s BMW Art Car symbolizes artistic and technological synergy. As it sped down the track at Le Mans, the vibrant colors and dynamic forms would blur into a visual spectacle, capturing the essence of art and speed. This Art Car exemplified the power of creative collaboration and the enduring legacy of the BMW Art Car series, a tradition that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the worlds of art and motorsport.

The post The Art of Speed: Julie Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8 Art Car first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dutch studio OMA has converted an early-1900s bakery and warehouse into an arts centre punctuated by 1,000 windows as part of the Little Village development.

Called the Lantern, the building contains 22,300 square feet (2,072 square metres) of space for two arts non-profits with retail and studio spaces as well as an expansive courtyard.

The project combines three buildings built between the 1920s and 1960s, with brick used for the older buildings and a Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) wall for the newest. Each of the structures were sandwiched together in a line with the northern building rising to two storeys, while the others were single storey.

“We are excited to start seeing the Lantern come to life,” said OMA partner Jason Long.

“In the renovation, we tried to work both with and against the former bakery’s solidity to make its transformation feel simultaneously familiar and mysterious,” he continued.

“The result is a building that welcomes and emits light and creativity.”

Part of the brick wall in the ceiling in the middle of the structure had fallen away, with metal rafters exposed; OMA decided to leave this aspect open, creating a semi-enclosed courtyard with terracotta bleacher steps and a white-painted lattice above that recalls the original rafters.

At the back of the courtyard, a structure with a standing seam metal sawtooth roof was added between the two-storey and CMU structure that serves as the primary entrance, connecting the two adjacent structures.

For the two-storey structure, the brick was renovated and boarded-up windows were repaired, expanded and made operable to optimise ventilation. Artist studios were installed on the second floor.

For the south building, OMA maintained the original CMU wall, but instead of creating standard windows, opted to paint the facade white and drill 1,353 holes into it.

The holes were then filled with glass blocks, which, at night are illuminated by internal lighting, giving the building the lantern-like effect for which was named.

Inside, much of the existing industrial finishes were maintained, with exposed bricks lining much of the artist spaces. I-beams were painted yellow in some places.

Plywood framing divides some of the more open spaces and forms some of the millwork, noticeably in the built-in shelving and the reception desk.

State-of-the-art HVAC systems were installed and left exposed to further the industrial aesthetic.

The Little Village is being developed by local arts group Library Street Collective. So far, it includes a church converted to an art gallery by Peterson Rich Office and recently SO-IL and Office of Strategy + Design announced the conversion of an industrial marina into more arts spaces.

“We are thrilled to see Lantern open its doors and join the Little Village programming,” said Library Street Collective co-founders Anthony and JJ Curis.

“Working with OMA and our partners, we’ve created a space that not only supports local businesses, artists, and non-profits, but also fosters inclusivity, education, and accessibility in the arts. We look forward to seeing Lantern’s impact on the neighborhood and beyond.”

The photography is by Jason Keen.

Project credits:

Architect: OMA New York; Jason Long, Chris Yoon, Samuel Biroscak, Yiyao Wang, Cameron Fullmer, Mariana Curti
Executive architect: Metro Cad Group
Structure: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates
MEP: EAM Engineers
General contractor: CIR Group

The post OMA converts derelict Detroit bakery into Lantern arts space appeared first on Dezeen.

This year in Paris, the Athletes’ Village will be supplied with mattresses by veteran supplier Airweave. The Japanese company configures their titular product in four different densities, and prior to the 2020 Olympics, their plan had been to allow each athlete to specify which they preferred; different body types competing in different events have different needs, by body region.

However, this plan proved too logistically difficult to execute. The company then came up with a clever workaround. They broke the mattresses up into three pieces, with each piece having a different density on each side. The athletes can thus configure the mattress to their liking, while a new topper holds everything together.

“Similar to the mattress used for Tokyo 2020, the Paris 2024 functional mattress consists of three blocks with varying firmness on each side. This function enables all the athletes in different body shapes and sizes to find the ideal configuration to ensure a comfortable sleep.”

Enhanced by the addition of a fitted mattress cover, the new design streamlines the process flipping and rotating the blocks while keeping them in place.”

And conveniently for transportation purposes, the mattress segments can be rolled up.

Airweave will be providing roughly 16,000 mattresses to the Athletes’ Village. Following the Olympics, the washable mattresses will be donated to a variety of organizations including the French military, the Paris Opera Ballet School and various corporate dormitories.