For growing kids having a brand new pair of shoes can be a nightmare in just a year as their feet grow. Sure, they can get a new pair even though the last one is fairly good to use, but there are environmental impacts to this if that concerns you. A pair can generate up to 30 pounds of CO2 emissions which is something you’d want to avoid at all cost.
The 4Steps 3D-Printed sneakers concept by Michele Di Carlo wants to get over the issue of growing kids and piles of shoes that end up in landfills every year. In works ever since 2017, the project wants to help address the problem of eco-sustainability in the footwear industry. The use of a 3D printer to make a pair further lessens the environmental impact.
The target audience for this resizable pair of sneakers weighing 123 grams is kids aged between 6 and 14 who can use the same shoe for almost five years (that’s if they use them with care) before needing a new one. Each separate part of the shoe can be replaced for easy recycling and repair if needed. The use of molded parts having a honeycomb structure adds to the lightweight aesthetics of the pair. Michele has created a prototype of the sneakers using Filafex filament, a type of thermoplastic polyurethane known for its softness and durability.
The level of customization is not just restricted to size, the kids can choose to replace the style of uppers and sides, and also change the color or personalize them with logos or characters. Changing the size or replacing new customizable sections is as easy as taking them apart and assembling the pair again. The adjustable sneakers come with retractable heels to fit the new shoe size and all the pieces can be stringed back easily under the supervision of an adult.
4Steps sneakers are held together with the elastic strings and the adjustments can be made by unclipping and then clipping these strings back. For the summertime, the shoes have a breathable mesh while for the winter season, a layer of insulation can be put. For now, the cool sneakers are in the concept and prototyping phase, and we hope to see them as a real product soon.
A conversation with a master designer in his NYC studio
Cool Hunting Video
4 April 2024
Gaetano Pesce, one of the most renowned modern designers, passed away on 3 April 2024 in New York. We last spoke with him at his recent pop up in Miami’s Design District during art week, where he showed old work reimagined alongside new work, including a collection in development with designer Max Gunawan. We shot this video in Pesce’s Manhattan studio in 2012, where we spoke about his work, the evolution of design, and his then new collection, “Pieces for the Body”, a series of unique, handmade jewels. The 100 pieces were made of colored urethane resin to decorate the female body.
New York firm RKTB Architects has completed One Sullivan Place, a mixed-income apartment building that rises 12 storeys and cantilevers in two directions over the rooftop of an adjacent structure.
The building is located in the Crown Heights neighbourhood, near Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
One Sullivan Place was designed by RKTB Architects
Totalling 60,000 square feet (5,574 square metres), One Sullivan Place contains 52 rental apartments, 16 of which are classified as affordable housing.
Of those 16, three are designated for senior residents. The remaining units are market-rate.
It is a mixed-income apartment building that rises 12 storeys and cantilevers in two directions
With a ground level that is roughly rectangular in plan, the 12-storey building rises from a corner parcel that was vacant. The parcel faces Sullivan Place and Washington Avenue.
The developer of One Sullivan Place owns that corner parcel, along with an adjacent building that wraps around it.
The neighbouring building has six levels and holds apartments. Appearing as two distinct buildings, the structure has a front facade along Sullivan Place and a front facade along Washington Avenue.
The cantilevering volumes are supported by two-storey steel trusses
For the empty parcel, the team sought to “maximise the buildable floor area for the small corner site by capitalizing on the air rights of the neighbouring building”.
This meant designing a building that extended into the empty spaces above the adjacent building.
Extensive views were important to “help fetch competitive market rental rates”
“Our team aimed to reconcile the small site size with the considerable amount of developable floor area available to capitalize on,” said RKTB Architects managing principal Peter Bafitis.
“The team ultimately arrived at the cantilever strategy that would theoretically allow them to build literally over and above the neighbouring building, but the narrow building frontage posed a significant challenge.”
Windows reveal the city below
The architects worked closely with engineers to devise a building with “dramatically cantilevered upper stories that spread out beyond the narrow site and over the rooftops of the neighbouring building”.
Found on both the north and east sides of One Sullivan Place, the cantilevering volumes are supported by two-storey steel trusses that are 30 feet (nine metre) in length.
The interior design is neutral
“Occupying the ninth and tenth floors, the truss functions as a tabletop to support the eleventh and twelfth floors above,” said Nelson Vega, an associate principal with RKTB.
The building’s facades are clad in red brick and metal panels. The upper four levels are wrapped in exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS), often referred to as synthetic stucco.
Large stretches of glass animate the facade and provide occupants with extensive city views.
The views were important to “help fetch competitive market rental rates – an essential component for making it possible to include affordable and senior rental units”, the team said.
Large stretches of glass animate the facade
The team added that One Sullivan Place was one of only a handful projects that were developed under a now-defunct city programme called Privately Financed Affordable Senior Housing (PFASH).
The programme – discontinued in 2021 – facilitated the inclusion of affordable residences for seniors in housing projects by increasing zoning allowances.
Izat Arundell has completed a home in Scotland‘s Outer Hebrides that was finished with blocks of local stone. The house, known as Caochan na Creige – meaning ‘little quiet one by the rock’ – was designed to seamlessly blend in with its dramatic surroundings.
Readers were enamoured with the project, with one praising the “stonework on the exterior and the simplicity of the interior”, while another labelled it a “wonderful little retreat from the world”.
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Looks like automobiles are yesterday’s news because Lexus is making waves (literally) in the world of luxury yachts with its newly unveiled luxury yacht – the LY 680. This new vessel builds upon the success of its predecessor, the LY 650, offering even more space and innovative features for those seeking the ultimate in on-water relaxation and entertainment.
The LY 680 embodies Lexus’s “Crafted” design philosophy, seamlessly blending exquisite aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Built by the Horizon Group, a leader in crafting exceptional yachts, the LY 680 promises to be a luxurious sanctuary at sea. Think unparalleled comfort, signature Lexus performance, and a design language that echoes the brand’s renowned attention to detail.
One of the most striking enhancements is the expanded flybridge. Stretching over a meter and a half longer than the previous model, this space now boasts a spacious lounge sofa – perfect for lounging under the sun with a cool drink. But that’s not all. Imagine whipping up delicious meals for your guests on the integrated barbecue grill, all while taking in the breathtaking ocean views. For those who crave adventure on the water, the swimming platform has also been significantly extended by 700 millimeters. This translates to more space for launching water toys like jet skis or paddleboards, or simply relaxing closer to the water’s edge.
Twin Volvo Penta IPS engines, available in two configurations, ensure the yacht handles beautifully. Expect stable maneuvering, a smooth ride, and remarkably quiet operation – all contributing to a truly luxurious experience at sea. No matter the conditions, the LY 680 promises to deliver a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Clocking in at over 20 meters in length and nearly 6 meters wide, the LY 680 offers ample space for up to 15 passengers. Three luxurious cabins provide comfortable sleeping arrangements for six guests, making this yacht ideal for extended getaways with family and friends, or spontaneous weekend escapes. Imagine waking up to the gentle rocking of the waves and the sound of the ocean breeze – pure bliss.
Lexus has partnered with the Horizon Group, renowned for their advanced yacht-building expertise, to create the LY 680. This luxurious yacht, available for order in Japan through Toyota Marine starting March 21, 2024, promises to be a haven at sea. Deliveries are expected by spring 2026.
London design practice EcoLogicStudio has created a collection of everyday objects using algae, including a desktop air purifier that outputs material used to create furniture and accessories, to be shown at Milan Design Week.
The PhotoSynthetica collection is anchored by the AIReactor, a desktop “photobioreactor” that uses algae to purify the air. The particles extracted from the air are then used to create biopolymers integrated into 3D-printed objects, such as the stool and ring that complete the collection.
EcoLogicStudio has created a collection of everyday objects that employ algae
The collection grows upon the research project EcoLogicStudio’s PhotoSynthetica launched in 2018, which includes a massive tree sculpture created using biomass, or waste material, harvested from microalgae.
“There are several motives behind the creation of this collection,” the studio told Dezeen.”First and foremost to support the scaling up of the PhotoSynthetica technology, thus allowing its deployment in urban areas with high levels of air pollution, offering immediate benefits to densely populated areas where air quality is a significant concern.”
The collection is anchored by an air purifier that uses algae to filter airborne pollutants
“By harnessing the natural air-purifying properties of algae, the technology effectively removes pollutants such as carbon dioxide and particulate matter from the atmosphere, thereby reducing air pollution levels.”
The AIRreactor, standing at 3 feet (1 metre) tall, was created using a birch plywood frame that can be recycled or composted, according to the team. It supports a glass “photobioreactor” at its centre, which contains 10 litres of a bright green liquid containing micro-algae cultures.
The algae undergoes photosynthesis to filter out carbon dioxide and pollutants to create oxygen
Air is introduced to the liquid by a “reactor” at the bottom, which constantly stirs the mixture to emulate natural marine waves and currents.
The algae then filter carbon dioxide and pollutants from the air and convert it into biomass and oxygen through photosynthesis, the waste of which was collected to create the accompanying stool and ring.
The biomass from the process was used to create a 3D-printed stool and ring
“In addition to capturing pollutants, the microalgae cultivated in AIReactor can be harvested and utilized to produce biopolymers for 3D printing products,” said the studio.
“After harvesting, the algae biomass can be dried and then undergo further processing to produce biopolymers, which are natural polymers derived from renewable plant-based sources.”
It was converted into biopolymer which makes up 30% of both objects
The stool, which features a ribbed, amorphous body, was created in collaboration with the Synthetic Landscape Lab at Innsbruck University, and is composed of up to 30 per cent of the biopolymer created from the AIRreactor, according to the studio.
A PLA/PHB compostable polymer was used for the remaining material composition.
Its material makeup allows the objects to be flexible and “creates the possibility for near infinite customisation of the product”.
The Bio-digital ring is similarly made up of 30 per cent of algal biomass, with a base of polylactic acid. It is composed of layers of 3D-printed polymers to create a topographical, bumpy mass.
The stool was designed to be mass produced, while being customisable
“In the uniqueness of this object we can recognize one of the most significant aspects of contemporary technological evolution: its inevitable convergence with the world of living nature,” said EcoLogicStudio founder Claudia Pasquero.
All three objects were created to illustrate the circularity possible when using biobased objects and materials, as well as to introduce a “mass customization” of design technology into everyday objects.
The collection illustrates the possibility of circularity of biomaterials
“We want to accelerate the mass customization of the design technology to suit different environments, including residential areas, commercial districts, industrial zones, and public spaces” said the studio.
“Catering to diverse needs and requirements, thus introducing circular economies of biomaterials.”
Toronto-based studio Diamond Schmitt Architects has been selected to expand the New Brunswick Museum in Saint John, Canada, which is one of the country’s oldest museums.
The 134,000-square-foot expansion designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects in collaboration with international firm EXP will unite the current disparate collections of the museum, currently spread in different facilities throughout Saint John, into a new facility flanking the neoclassical building.
Diamond Schmitt Architects and EXP have designed a museum expansion in Saint John, New Brunswick
The museum’s current primary location is within a neoclassical building on a slip of land north of the city that opened in 1934 – with roots in a collection operating in different parts of the city since the early 19th century, giving it the title of Canada’s “oldest continuing museum”.
Diamond Schmitt Architect and EXP’s design will envelope the 1934 structure on two sides, maintaining the historic facade on the eastern, street-facing aspect of the building.
It will be placed alongside a 1930s neoclassical structure
To its north and west, a structure with a white, monolithic facade broken up by vertical panes of glass will be erected, complimenting the historic structure and completely obscuring it on the water-facing, western side.
According to the studio, the configuration was meant to mediate the urban environment with the waterfront.
“Taking inspiration from the museum’s original site – one of the great vantage points in Saint John – our design embraces the rich history of New Brunswick’s heritage and natural landscape,” said Diamond Schmitt Architects principal Donald Schmitt.
The new build will face the river
A double-height entryway – called the great room by the studio – will be clad in glass, fronted by metal louvres
It will create a buffer zone and serve as a “crossroads” between the northern expansion and the historical structure, the facade of which will be a wall within the new atrium space.
This entry pavilion will connect to the new wings and create a pathway from the parking lot to the terrace on the western side.
It will have a mezzanine walkway that connects the second storeys of the north and west additions with semi-circular cut-outs.
It will have galleries, research labs and gathering spaces
Renderings of the space show massive wooden columns and wooden rafters, and the studio said that the museum is “considering the use of mass timber” in the construction.
Skylights and the sections of vertical glass along the new facade will let in plenty of natural light to the new facilities, most of which is gallery space, but also includes amphitheatres, gathering spaces and research facilities.
The historic wing and its basement will hold a library and serve as storage for the museum’s collection and as an administrative place. A rooftop viewing area will be placed on top of the “great room”.
“When completed, the museum’s research work and exhibitions will be brought together within one sustainable, decarbonized facility that fully supports the museum’s mission of preserving, researching, interpreting, and exhibiting the natural and cultural heritage of the Province of New Brunswick,” said Diamond Schmitt Architects.
Wood details will be used on the interior
The studio is currently pursuing a “zero-carbon certification” and aims to “decarbonize” the building through insulation, electric boilers and air source heat pumps.
We see a lot of Airpod dupes out there in the market that are not as expensive and therefore may also not last as long as the originals. I’ve heard of some people who keep getting these non-authentic earbuds that look the same as Apple’s original because either they stop working properly or they keep losing them. And with the way that a lot of these earbuds are made, it’s not surprising that people keep losing them. What if there are AirPods though that are meant to be lost….into your mouth?
The Brooklyn-based art collective called MSCHF, known for their unserious and sometimes prank-ish products, have come up with their own take on the AirPods. But instead of giving you music, this may very well give you a toothache. That’s because their Candy AirPods are just exactly what the name says. They are edible earbuds that don’t have any other function except to be consumed. Well, unless, you want to keep them around for a long time even though they can’t let you listen to your favorite songs or podcasts.
The AirPods-looking candy come in a box just like the actual AirPods. They really do look like the earbuds as they are “ergonomically fitted to your ears” even though they’re not meant to be actually be put into your ears. The edible earbuds are made from isomalt, water, food coloring, and natural and artificial flavors and only contain 10 calories per container. If you have any allergies, you shouldn’t worry as they are GMO-free, fat-free, and allergen-free. They’re even manufactured in a nut-free facility so you can be sure you won’t get an allergy attack if you eat them.
Right now, it looks like they’re already sold out on the MSCHF website and we don’t know if they will still be restocking. But in case they will, it will cost you $50 which is a pretty steep price for two pieces of candy. They also can’t ship outside of Continental America since it’s not meant to travel far.
Located in the Saint-Denis district, the Aquatics Centre is the only permanent building constructed for the major sports event, which begins on 26 July 2024.
The Aquatics Centre for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has reached completion
VenhoevenCS and Ateliers 2/3/4 designed the Aquatics Centre to host diving and synchronised swimming competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It will also be used for the qualifying rounds for water polo and is set to be open for Paralympians to use as a training facility.
It has a structure made predominantly from timber. Photo by Simon Guesdon
The building has been developed to be multifunctional, ensuring it can be used as a neighbourhood sports venue after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
It is surrounded by green public space and linked to the Stade de France – the stadium that will be used for the games’ opening and closing ceremonies and athletics events – via a newly constructed bridge.
Green public space surrounds the building
“By gathering people around sports and leisure, the new Aquatics Centre creates a neighbourhood that builds bridges between cultures and districts whilst making use of the facilities and surrounding public spaces,” said the studios.
“There is also the literal connection, with a new pedestrian bridge that crosses the highway and connects the public spaces around Stade de France with the Aquatic Centre and the new heart of the future eco neighbourhood of La Plaine Saulnier.”
A curved roof sits above the pool
The Aquatics Centre’s structure is constructed predominantly from wood, left visible in areas including an 80-metre-long roof that swoops over the pool.
“By using wood for this monumental structure, the design doubles the required minimum percentage of bio-sourced materials,” said VenhoevenCS and Ateliers 2/3/4.
The timber structure is left exposed
The curves of the roof create space for spectator stands on three sides of the pool, which will accommodate up to 5,000 people during the games. Each seat is made entirely from recycled plastic collected from the neighbourhood.
The pool itself is “modular and multifunctional” ensuring it can be adapted to host the different events during the games.
Another feature of the Aquatics Centre is a solar array on the roof, which the studios claim is “one of the biggest solar farms in France”.
It is expected to generate 20 per cent of all required electricity for the building. This forms part of a wider strategy for “90 per cent of the needed energy [to] be provided with renewable or recovered energy”, the team said.
It accommodates 5,000 spectators
The landscape design includes 100 trees and shrubs, intended to help improve air quality in the area while encouraging more biodiversity at the site.
“It is a modern and innovative sports complex surrounded by abundant vegetation that will make a major contribution to creating a liveable and healthy city district for the people of Saint-Denis,” said VenhoevenCS and Ateliers 2/3/4.
The seats are made from recycled plastic
“As designers, our aim was to create more with less – less volume, less materials, less energy, more connection, more inspiration to exercise, more nature, more flexibility, more beauty,” said project architect Cécilia Gross.
“The result is a driving force in the urban regeneration of Saint-Denis and Greater Paris, an architecture that is as sober as it is striking, but above all a place where everyone feels welcome.”
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from 26 Jul to 11 Aug. The Paralympics will take place after from the 28 Aug to 8 Sept. Ahead of the events, French jeweller Chaumet recently unveiled the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic medals, which will be inset with real pieces of the Eiffel Tower.
I live in a rural American county where police are few, but the speed limit is enforced by deer. The sheer amount of dead roadside deer keeps body shops in business and the local vulture population fed, but it’s still sad to see.
In Australia, it’s kangaroos that are getting hit by vehicles. Volkswagen estimates vehicle-roo collisions at “tens of thousands” annually.
They’re thus developing, together with the University of Melbourne, this RooBadge. It’s a hi-tech badge for their Anorak model, that emits “audio deterrents” to drive kangaroos off:
“Unlike standard speakers that scatter sound, RooBadge utilises directional speakers to emit a focussed beam of sound far ahead of the vehicle, where it’s most effective,” VW writes.
“The RooBadge utilises a unique approach to audio-based deterrents by mixing meaningful sounds to kangaroos (like bird alarm calls, predatory sounds, and kangaroo foot thumps) with synthetic sounds.”
“With multiple species of kangaroo found across Australia, all of which react differently to different sounds, producing a single sound to deter them all is nearly impossible. So, in a world-first innovation, RooBadge uses machine learning to compare its GPS coordinates against kangaroo distribution data to optimise its sound, deterring the kangaroo species that inhabit that location.”
The RooBadge isn’t always on; instead it’s geo-activated, meaning it uses GPS and telemetry. When the vehicle is traveling above a certain speed outside of a town, it kicks on. (Strangely, VW doesn’t mention whether the sounds are emitted at a frequency that humans can hear; I’d think that would be a major determinant for potential buyers.)
They’re also developing a more universal design (though still VW-branded).
And there is some hope that, if the RooBadge proves to actually be effective, we’ll see something similar in the ‘States. “Animal collisions are a global problem, with deer being the most significant issue across Europe and North America,” says the company. “So, we’re working with partners overseas to adapt RooBadge to deter deer and other problem animals worldwide.”
Video below, but be warned: It contains a lot of graphic dashcam footage of vehicle-kangaroo collisions.
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