The latest edition of our weekly Dezeen Agenda newsletter features a collection of gaming furniture by IKEA. Subscribe to Dezeen Agenda now.

IKEA has debuted a series of gaming furniture which aims to challenge the stereotypical “cyberpunk-esque” aesthetic often associated with the genre.

The Brännboll collection, revealed at this year’s Milan design week, comprises 20 pieces of seating, storage and assorted accessories to enhance the immersive gaming experience at home, while seamlessly blending into the home environment when not in use.

This week’s newsletter also featured the news of a fire at Copenhagen’s old stock exchange which caused the spire to collapse, Mikhail Riches’ plans for the final phase of Park Hill regeneration and designer Maria Vittoria Paggini’s “porno-chic” home makeover for Milan design week.

Dezeen Agenda

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Home fitness brand Technogym has invited 40 international designers and artists to reimagine its exercise bench for its Milan design week exhibition, which is captured in this video produced by Dezeen.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Technogym asked 40 leading designers including Nendo, Patricia Urquiola and Rolf Sachs to reinterpret the brand’s weight storage bench.

Titled Design to Move, the exhibition takes place at Technogym’s three-storey flagship store in Milan.

Top image: Patricia Urquiola’s reinterpretation of the bench. The exhibition showcases Technogym’s product range.

Customised designs range from padded seating and colourful decals to sleek, metallic finishes. Swiss designer Sachs eschewed traditional weights all together and replaced them with whimsical elements such as a miniature statue of David, a stiletto shoe and an hourglass.

The special edition benches will be available for purchase after the show’s run, with some being auctioned in collaboration with auction house Sotheby’s. All sales proceeds from the items will be donated to UNICEF.

The show was conceived by Italian designer Giulio Cappellini and curated by Bruna Roccasalva, artistic director of Fondazione Furla to explore the connection between design, style and wellness.

Other designers invited to redesign the exercise bench include Italian architects Antonio Citterio, Piero Lissoni and Michele Bönan, as well as interior designer Kelly Hoppen and Italian designer Elena Salmistraro.

The exhibition will run until the end of Milan design week on 21 April.

Founded in 1983 by Nerio Alessandri, Technogym is a fitness, wellness, sports and health brand that specialises in smart fitness equipment.

Design to Move is open to the public at Technogym Milano, Via Durini, 1 from 16 to 21 April. See our Milan design week 2024 guide on Dezeen Events Guide for information about the many other exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the week.

Partnership content

This video was produced by Dezeen for Technogym as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen’s partnership content here.

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Dezeen School Shows: a project set in a speculative future in which humans and plants live in harmony is included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at DesignMorphine.

Also included is a narrative project that includes bionic beings based on moon jellyfish and another that suggests cocoon-like structures based on mushrooms that grow around users.

DesignMorphine, UACEG

Institution: DesignMorphine, UACEG
School: DesignMorphine, UACEG
Course: Master of Science in Computational Design
Tutors: Eva Khan, Tung Nguyen, Alejandro García Gadea, Oscar Oweson, Radul Shishkov and Ada Gulyamdzhis

School statement:

“Embark on a transformative journey into the future of design with DesignMorphine’s Master of Science in Computational and Advanced Design – a gateway to excellence in multidisciplinary innovation.

“Crafted by experts and accredited by the esteemed UACEG, this nine-month online program offers unparalleled accessibility and worldwide recognition.

“Partnered with industry giants like Microsoft, Logitech and Pininfarina, DesignMorphine ensures a curriculum that reflects the latest technological advancements and industry demands.

“Students are immersed in a collaborative environment preparing them to lead in all design sectors.

“Design Chapters and Technical Labs guide them from conceptualisation to realisation.

“By mastering skills from parametric design to virtual reality, students get prepared to tackle real-world challenges.

“DesignMorphine’s program also connects students to a global network of leaders, leading to employment opportunities in top companies such as Nike, Wilder World, DNEG, Ubisoft and MAD Architects.

“Join us at DesignMorphine and shape the future of design.

“Beyond an educational program, this is an opportunity to nurture your potential and be at the forefront of innovation.

“With a unique curriculum and esteemed partnerships, you’ll not only enhance your abilities but also position yourself as a leader in the dynamic landscape of design.

“Are you ready to design your future?”

Contradictory Symbiosis by Ryan Leung and Kongphob Amornpatarasin

“Contradictory Symbiosis is a captivating psychological thriller set in a dystopian world, where a cybernetic totalitarian regime cleverly deceives humanity with a facade of false reciprocity.

“The project dauntlessly challenges conventional notions of psychopolitics, offering a bold alternative model to the prevailing materialistic madness of disciplinary society.

“By delving into the intricate interplay between individual emotions and societal control, the narrative explores the potential trajectory towards an all-encompassing surveillance state.

“This compelling exploration serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the plausible future of human society.”

Students: Ryan Leung and Kongphob Amornpatarasin
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y22/23
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Eva Khan

An Genome by Oscar Oweson and Ekaterina Borisenko

“With the ever-growing threat of climatic catastrophe and the search for an alternative energy source, the project seeks to investigate a speculative future of symbiosis between humans and plants.

“A post-human cooperation between the two enables the revitalisation of previously deserted and ruined territories.

“The Symbiophytes (‘symbio’ and ‘phyte’ meaning ‘living together’ and ‘plant’) genome embeds and entwines itself with the human genome.

“As a result of such genetic coupling, the Symbiophytes use the human body as a vessel for its growth once the human passes on, creating new habitats for those still alive.

“The project principally explored the themes of cohabitation and mutual partnership with another species, and how this exchange would necessarily create new typologies of existence and community.”

Students: Oscar Oweson and Ekaterina Borisenko
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y22/23
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Eva Khan

Exuvius by Alab Adviento and Mohammad Qamar

“The progression and longevity of humanity are critically dependent on the well-being of the natural systems around us.

“Therefore, understanding the status of these natural systems and maintaining them accordingly is of the utmost importance.

“According to the Living Planet report 2018 published by WWF, the planet has experienced a 60 per cent fall in wildlife in just 40 years.

“These statistics indicate the staggering rate of depletion of numerous habitats and ecosystems that support and sustain wildlife and consequently the natural systems around us.

“The purpose of this project is to explore the concept of the Anthro-Cyborg Metamorphosis as a core design principle that creates growth catalysts targeting landscapes vulnerable to the nine highlighted planetary boundaries.

“The Anthro-Cyborg Metamorphosis encompasses a symbiotic relationship between nature and machines, creating a moulting cocoon that grows the user, the environment and the succeeding levels of design.”

Students: Alab Adviento and Mohammad Qamar
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y21/22
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Ada Gulyamdzhis

Amenta by Mansur Perez, Enayet Kabir

“Amenta, a tale of cyborg shamanism, explores the harmony between darkness and light, in a world that straddles the spiritual, the digital and the spectral.

“Much of the design direction of this project was established with an intention to create a hybridised visual language that reflects the cultural heritage of its two team members.

“In order to do so, an AI model was trained on images of Sanskrit and Mesoamerican symbols to output a fictional alphabet reminiscent of both sources.

“The core design technique used thereafter focused on using volumetric methods to extract three-dimensional intersections of various combinations of these symbols, to create complex forms that evoke ancient futures.”

Students: Mansur Perez and Enayet Kabir
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y23/24
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Oscar Oweson and Tung Nguyen

Luminal whispers, echoes from the Nexus by Juan Sebastian Cobo Guerrero

“The narrative unfolds on Planet 1133, saved from environmental decline by a species known as the Nokinahe.

“Led by Dr Elysia Nakato, they pioneered the Nexus, a vast repository of shared wisdom and interconnected consciousness.

“However, a tear in the Nexus caused fragments of their collective identity to spill into the physical world, resulting in surreal physical and mental distortions that rendered their original settlement, Oneira, uninhabitable.

“In response, they constructed Veritas, a new habitat overlaying the old city.

“The fusion of Veritas and Oneira’s legacy forms a seamless journey into the limitless possibilities that the future holds.”

Student: Juan Sebastian Cobo Guerrero
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y23/24
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Oscar Oweson and Eva Khan

Synaptic Conflux by Jacek Czudak, Janusz Polański, Salma Ghanim

“The Synaptic Conflux takes place in a fragmented world.

“Embarking on a visionary journey, we conceptualised the Corpuscle, the main habitat of the character, the fragmented oracle, to redefine architectural paradigms within the unique context of our species.

“Inspired by the hive mind and its hierarchical structure, our design integrates living quarters, energy chambers and communication nodes, embodying the essence of our interconnected society.

“At the heart of the Corpuscle lies a mechanical core, serving as the nerve centre, while healing chambers and farming labs prioritise community well-being and sustenance, emphasising the importance of energy in our context.

“The Corpuscle’s organic design symbolises harmonious coexistence within the cosmic chaos, representing collective resilience and adaptability.”

Students: Jacek Czudak, Janusz Polański and Salma Ghanim
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y23/24
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Oscar Oweson and Eva Khan

Symphony of Symbiosis by Cassio Yutani, Diego Nieto, Cesar Peña

“Embark on a captivating journey through the lush planet Radiance, where the Ethereons, a highly advanced species, navigate a world shaped by natural selection and biotechnology.

“Traverse their remarkable physical transformation, progressing from the humble Egg stage, through the adaptive Larvae and vigilant Nymph, culminating in the pinnacle of their evolution as Ethereons.

“Explore the intricate dynamics of their hive mind, their quest for the invaluable moonstone, and the rise of subsidiary species-turned-rebels.

“As their story unfolds, delve into the creation of Hiveholds and the formation of the sprawling Biocenosis, where unity and resilience thrive.

“Experience the pinnacle of their innovation with the Arthrorove and Hiveliner, vehicles crafted for exploration and survival within their interconnected network.

“This endeavour unveils a breathtaking fusion of evolution and biotechnology propelling the Ethereons toward cosmic supremacy.”

Students: Cassio Yutani, Diego Nieto and Cesar Peña
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y23/24
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Oscar Oweson and Tung Nguyen

Fléiada by Maria Soroko-Tsyupa, Karthikeyan Sivasankaran

“The project focuses on the symbiotic relationship between two rival insectoid species, X-Xaels and Y-Xaels, as they endeavor to rebuild their world on a devastated planet.

“Triggered by the imminent danger of a meteorite, the Xaels attempted a hasty escape, resulting in a perilous hyperspace jump that caused a gaping hole in the planet’s surface and destabilized gravity.

“Following their survival, the Xaels returned to their planet and embarked on the XAEL EXPERIMENT, a collaborative effort aimed at establishing a harmonious symbiosis.

“The experiment involved mutating both Xael species, resulting in the creation of the XY_XAEL mutation, a perfected fusion that allowed for the revival of their civilisation.

“Inspired by flowers, the Xaels designed corpuscles – livable and functional structures – for their living and working spaces.

“The corpuscles were strategically placed within clusters determined by the gradient of the stabilised gravity field generated by gravity beacons, facilitating efficient distribution.”

Students: Maria Soroko-Tsyupa and Karthikeyan Sivasankaran
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y22/23
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Eva Khan

Cnidotopia by Prasad Gopalakrishnan Kannan Sanjeev

“In the aftermath of a cataclysmic global event, humanity faces the daunting challenge of survival in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world.

“This project ventures into uncharted territory, proposing the creation of a submerged civilisation comprised of hybrid beings, skillfully blending human, cnidarian and cybernetic elements.

“Through a multidisciplinary approach, this study explores the genetic integration of Cnidarian DNA, human adaptability, and the potential of symbiotic relationships in a world on the brink of extinction.

“Mechanical engineer John Dabiri (Caltech) and bioengineering PhD candidate Nicole W Xu (Stanford) transformed moon jellyfish into controllable cyborgs for ocean exploration.

“The microelectronic ‘swim controller’ propels these bionic organisms at three times their natural speed, with future plans to include steering and sensing capabilities for data collection.

“Bionic jellyfish offer energy efficiency and endurance advantages over marine robots, paving the way for cost-effective ocean monitoring (Scientific American).”

Student: Prasad Gopalakrishnan Kannan Sanjeev
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y22/23
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Eva Khan

Varia by Laura Civetti

“The Varia project is engaging the potential solutions available to humanity in its efforts to confront and address Earth’s natural disasters.

“Through rigorous research and analysis, the project seeks to identify viable strategies that can effectively safeguard our planet and mitigate the devastating effects of these natural calamities.

“In envisioning a scenario where human beings encounter a new life form possessing the ability to rival Earth’s natural disasters, it underscores the necessity for inter-species collaboration and emphasizes the significance of human adaptability in ensuring our survival.

“Such a situation would demand collective efforts from various species to pool their knowledge and resources, emphasizing the imperative of unity and mutual support.

“Additionally, it would highlight the critical role of human adaptability and resilience in navigating unforeseen challenges and evolving circumstances, ultimately determining our ability to thrive in this dynamic and unpredictable environment.”

Student: Laura Civetti
Course: DesignMorphine Masters Y22/23
Tutors: Alejandro García Gadea, Radul Shishkov and Eva Khan

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and DesignMorphine. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Ten computational design projects by DesignMorphine appeared first on Dezeen.

Despite the name, the UK’s Grimsdyke Farm is actually a research facility and experimental fabrication workshop for artists, designers and architects. “Established in 2004 by [architect and RCA instructor] Guan Lee, it has been hosting workshops, seminars and residencies with the aim of exploring the essential connections between materials, processes of design, and place,” they write.

One participant in Grimsdyke Farm’s programmes is London-based designer and design researcher Marco Campardo. “Marco’s work starts with hands-on experimentation and research to question the nature of contemporary models of production,” his bio reads. “With a keen interest in materiality, his research seeks to subvert or adapt industrial manufacturing processes to propose an alternative to standardised, mass production. The final result of this process is aesthetically and conceptually refined objects, whose final form is determined by the very process of making.”

One such object is this Lee Bench, fabricated from a Walnut tree felled on the Grimsdyke property.

“Keeping the wooden planks in their original state, the edges have been [gouged] to highlight the qualities of walnut, while evoking sculptural detailing and high-end craftsmanship.”

“Inspired by the work of George Nakashima, the iconic American architect and woodworker, the collection features an interpretation of the butterfly joint. Popularised by Nakashima, the butterfly joint has become a decorative, as much as structural detail, in woodworking. Replaced here by a squiggly brass joint, called ‘Caterpillar joint’, this unexpected detail seeks to reinterpret classic woodworking techniques.”

The tree yielded more material than the bench needed, and the remaining wood was shaped into a buffet, a wall shelf and a mirror frame using the same techniques.

One of the advantages of people who can work remotely (digital marketers, writers, virtual assistants, etc) is that they can work from literally anywhere. As long as there’s internet and a power source for when their devices run out of juice eventually, these digital nomads have the freedom to set up shop wherever they are and to live in things like mobile homes. We’re seeing a lot of products and concepts targeting this segment and I for one am very interested to see these come to life.

Designer: Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)

The Mobile Catalyst, nicknamed MOCA, was developed by masteral students from IAAC. Not only is it a perfect space for those that want to work while staying anywhere with a view but it is also an experiment into sustainable and self-sufficient habitat with a digital twist. It is basically a 5.4 meter long, 2.4 meter wide, and 3.6 meter high minimalist space that gives you the basic necessities of living. Its interior is made from dowel-laminated timber produced at the IAAC itself but sustainably harvested of course.

The front part of this mobile home has the basic amenities you would need to live in it like a kitchen, toilet and shower, and electric and water systems. In the middle and the back part is the space that can be turned into an office, a meeting area, a library, a recreation room, or even a space for small events. If you need privacy or partitions and also protection from different weather conditions, there are glass doors and a water-resistant cotton fabric that slides or folds with a pulley. There are also two beds on its “mezzanine” floor and you can reach it through a movable ladder.

And of course since MOCA is designed to be sustainable, you have three light-flexible mono-crystalline solar panels on the roof and LED strips as an interior lining. The house can run on its own for around 24 hours before it needs recharging. Water is also self-sufficient as the system stores, filters, and returns the shower water into reusable water. The entire mobile home is built with digital nomads in mind so they can live, work, and play anywhere they want, as long as the trailer can move and fit in that area.

The post Digital nomads can live and work in self-sufficient mobile home first appeared on Yanko Design.