Hasta La Ideas

News: Thomas Heatherwick has denied any knowledge of a design presented to the London Olympic committee in 2007 by an American firm, which bears a strong resemblance to his cauldron used at the climax of last summer’s Olympic opening ceremony.

Images of a proposal for a pavilion shown to LOCOG in 2007 by New York design studio Atopia were published by The Guardian newspaper this morning and show a cluster of petals atop long slender poles that looks strikingly like the design by Heatherwick Studio, which consisted of 204 copper petals that came together to create a single flame.

Heatherwick, who was awarded a CBE on the Queen’s 2013 Birthday Honours list last week for services to the design industry, says the idea that his studio’s design was influenced by Atopia’s project or by LOCOG is false. “This claim is spurious nonsense. The ludicrous accusation that LOCOG briefed us to work with, develop or implement a pre-existing idea and that we acted in accordance with this briefing is completely and entirely untrue.”

The designer added: “Before this week, I – and the entire team I was working with – knew absolutely nothing about this proposal, or the ideas it is claimed it contained. None of us saw or were shown the illustrations published in The Guardian on 19 June 2013 until two days ago.”

“Danny [Boyle, artistic director of the opening ceremony] and I evolved the idea for the cauldron over many months, in iterative rounds of discussions and I am appalled at the suggestion that either of us would let ourselves be influenced by any previous work. We were most definitely not steered by LOCOG towards this or any other idea. Any suggestion to the contrary is an affront to our creative integrity.”

Danny Boyle has also dismissed the claims, stating: “As Artistic Director of the London 2012 Olympic Ceremony, I asked Thomas Heatherwick to take on the design of the Olympic Cauldron because of the integrity and originality of his ideas.”

“I also absolutely and categorically reject any suggestion, whatever its motive, that Thomas or I were influenced by anything other than our obligation to create a ceremonial work of art that celebrated British originality, creativity and engineering,” Boyle added. “This is total nonsense and must not be allowed to spoil our appreciation of Thomas’s magnificent work.”

Speaking to Oliver Wainwright in The Guardian, Jane Harrison, the co-director at New York design studio Atopia said that Heatherwick’s cauldron “looked identical to something we had proposed to the London Olympic committee back in 2007, after which we hadn’t heard anything.”

Harrison added that Atopia’s proposal also featured a similar narrative to the construction of the cauldron at the opening ceremony, which was assembled from petals brought to the stadium by each of the competing nations.

“We devised a structure of petals on tall stems, which would travel from all of the participating countries, then be brought into the stadium by children. The petals would be assembled during the opening ceremony to form a flower-like canopy, and distributed back to the different nations after the Games,” she explained.

Atopia has only recently been allowed to raise its concerns after a gagging order preventing architects, engineers and builders from promoting their involvement in the Games was lifted.

Heatherwick received acclaim from the public for the design of the cauldron, although its positioning inside the Olympic Stadium and out of sight for many visitors to the Olympic park sparked controversy.

See all stories about Thomas Heatherwick »

Below are the complete quotes from Thomas Heatherwick, filmmaker Danny Boyle and former head of ceremonies for London 2012, Martin Green:

Thomas Heatherwick, Heatherwick Studio

“This claim is spurious nonsense. The ludicrous accusation that LOCOG briefed us to work with, develop or implement a pre-existing idea and that we acted in accordance with this briefing is completely and entirely untrue.

Before this week, I – and the entire team I was working with – knew absolutely nothing about this proposal, or the ideas it is claimed it contained. None of us saw or were shown the illustrations published in The Guardian on 19 June 2013 until two days ago.

Danny and I evolved the idea for the cauldron over many months, in iterative rounds of discussions and I am appalled at the suggestion that either of us would let ourselves be influenced by any previous work. We were most definitely not steered by LOCOG towards this or any other idea. Any suggestion to the contrary is an affront to our creative integrity.”

Danny Boyle

“As Artistic Director of the London 2012 Olympic Ceremony, I asked Thomas Heatherwick to take on the design of the Olympic Cauldron because of the integrity and originality of his ideas.

Before Tuesday, neither of us had seen, heard of or knew about the existence of the illustrations published in The Guardian on 19 June 2013.

Thomas and I evolved the idea for the cauldron over many months of discussions. I categorically deny that LOCOG briefed us to work with, develop or implement any pre-existing idea that had been presented to them.

I also absolutely and categorically reject any suggestion, whatever its motive, that Thomas or I were influenced by anything other than our obligation to create a ceremonial work of art that celebrated British originality, creativity and engineering.

This is total nonsense and must not be allowed to spoil our appreciation of Thomas’s magnificent work.”

Martin Green, former Head of Ceremonies, London 2012

“Neither these nor any other images or presentations played any part in the briefing I gave to Danny Boyle and Thomas Heatherwick at the beginning of the process to create the Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron. The design for the cauldron came about solely from the creative conversations between Danny, Thomas and myself.”

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Love the idea of owning the iBackpack, a simple communicating tool for cyclists. The backpack features a transparent window through which your tablet (aka iPad) can be seen. It syncs in with your Smartphone via Bluetooth and using a special app, you can let the world know if you are going to be taking a right or a left turn. The Smartphone doubles up as a rearview mirror and relays info like break signal or emoticons and messages to the tablet.

Here is how it works:

Rear Mirror: Scenes behind users are displayed on their smart phone by using camera on tablet PC in the backpack.

Turn Signal: Using swipe and gyro sensor in smart phone on bicycle handle bar.

Break Signal: When riding speed rapidly slows down, speed sensor in Smartphone will recognize it and relay it.

Message: Users can display messages on their tablet PC by selecting saved messages on smart phone.

Designer: Soohun Jung

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Yanko Design
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(iMessaging With iBackpack was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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With the imminent launch of their new factory and global headquarters—the first move for the brand in 80 years—Filson invited us in for a first look at their new space. We got a unique peek…

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Technology startup Edison Junior Design Laboratory has created a doorbell that allows users to see who’s at their door remotely on their smartphone or tablet.

The doorbell incorporates a camera that transmits live video and audio through an app, making it possible to communicate directly with whoever is outside.

“The biggest difference with DoorBot from any other doorbell system is that you will be able to see and talk to anyone who is at your front door from anywhere in the world,” August Cziment, director of operations at Edison Junior Design Laboratory in Santa Monica, California, told Dezeen.

By notifying users when the doorbell rings and immediately streaming live video, they have the option of whether to respond or to ignore the visitor.

DoorBot can also combine with an automatic door lock called Lockitron to enable the door to be unlocked remotely if someone trusted needs access.

Cziment says DoorBot is designed “to be bulletproof against hacking, but even if something crazy happened and it was hacked, the reality is the only thing a hacker could see is the area in front of your house.”

The project was launched on crowd funding website Christie Street and has surpassed its funding target of $250,000, raising $395,660 so far. The first units will be distributed in late July.

San Francisco designer Yves Behar has also recently designed a door lock operated by a smartphone app that unlocks the door when the phone is nearby, or grants access remotely through the app.

See all stories about technology »

Here’s a detailed description of the project:

DoorBot

Your home is your most valuable asset, and now with DoorBot, you’re more connected to it than ever. DoorBot is a simple, yet powerful wireless doorbell that streams live video and audio of your front door directly to your smartphone or tablet. Simply install DoorBot, download the free app and you’re ready to go. Now, anytime you have a visitor you’ll not only be able to see them, but you’ll be able to talk with them as well. DoorBot is the perfect device because of the peace of mind you get while away from home, and the convenience you get while in it. DoorBot brings your front door to you – wherever you may be.

“Recent research shows that 91% of people keep their phone within 3 feet, 24 hours a Day,” (Morgan Stanley) making it the perfect device for monitoring your front door.

DoorBot is perfect for when you’re away…

Communicate with delivery people as though you were right there. Let them know it’s okay to leave the package at the front door. Or, tell the food delivery person to hold tight – you’ll be home in a minute.

Never miss another visitor. Whether it’s a neighbor stopping by to drop something off, or a friend who happened be in the area –– you’ll always know. Give the illusion you’re home; you might decide it’s best that an unknown visitor doesn’t realize that your home is vacant. Never again worry about who may, or may not be there. Leave your home with the peace of mind that your doorstep is right by your side.

And DoorBot is equally amazing for when you are home…

Never interrupt what you’re doing to find out who is at the door. Whether you’re lounging around or in the middle of something important, you don’t have to worry about dropping everything to answer the door.

See someone you don’t want to talk to? You don’t have to answer. With DoorBot you can check out the video stream before answering – if it’s someone you don’t want to deal with, simply ignore the notification. They’ll never even realize you were home. Lounging by the pool? Working in the garage? Playing with the kids in the backyard? DoorBot brings your front door to you –– wherever you may be.

Beautiful design. Easy to use.

DoorBot’s perforated brushed aluminum faceplate looks great on any front door. And it’s not just good looking; the internal and external components are carefully designed to endure the elements. DoorBot’s powerful camera captures amazing video in the daylight, and at nighttime. The adjustable camera lens allows you to position your DoorBot to your exact preference, so it always captures exactly what you need it to. DoorBot’s highly efficient Wi-Fi technology allows the device to run for a full year under normal use before needing to replace its 4 AA batteries.

Installing DoorBot couldn’t be easier. You can choose between mounting it using nothing more than 4 screws, or with our included bracket. Regardless, installation can be completed in a matter of minutes. Once the device is mounted simply download the free app, sync it to the DoorBot and you’re ready to go! You’ll never miss a visitor again. Think of it like having an extra set of eyes and ears.

Additional Features

Theft Prevention – We are looking at ways to improve the mounting bracket to prevent thieves from being able to take the device, or batteries. In addition, we’re guaranteeing that if your DoorBot is stolen, we’ll replace it – free of charge.

Legacy Doorbell Compatibility – We’ve gotten a lot of feedback around integrating DoorBot with your current doorbell. Well, we have worked with the engineers and we will be able to ding your doorbell if you currently have one in place. Now when a visitor rings the DoorBot not only will your smartphone and tablet be notified, but your home’s doorbell will chime as well. Also we are looking into being able to alternatively power DoorBot off of the doorbell wires, but as of right now we can not guarantee that.

DoorBot + Lockitron: The Perfect Marriage

Not only see who is at the door, but also let them in. Lockitron is an amazing wireless automatic door lock. Like Doorbot it is super easy to install. The team at Lockitron built their lock with an open design and because of that, we are going to add the Lockitron controls to the DoorBot app. Just enter your Lockitron credentials and you will see the door lock controls on the screen. So buy the Doorbot/Lockitron bundle and you will be able to see who’s at your front door and decide whether or not you want to grant them access – from anywhere, all from the palm of your hand.

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Edison Junior Design Laboratory appeared first on Dezeen.

Clothes printed with artist Richard Woods’ woodgrain graphics featured in this week’s Spring Summer 2014 show by London fashion studio Sibling.

Woods‘ signature timber-like designs patterned Sibling‘s garments and were echoed on the wall at the start of the catwalk.

The collection also included knitted sportswear, comprising panels of circular links and diamond lattices used to make shorts, three-quarter-length trousers and deep V-necks.

Thick black seams, collars, cuffs and hems created outlines around sections coloured in saturated shades of pink, purple, blue and green, taken from the 1961 movie West Side Story.

The use of line was meant to reference the title sequence of West Side Story, designed by American graphic designer Saul Bass who was recently honoured with an animated Google doodle. “Bass is the king of creating narrative through the sparse use of lines,” said Sibling.

One fine-knit pink jumper, with black bands across the shoulders and around the tops of dropped sleeves, billowed around the hips and wrists.

Blue leopard print was used for a bomber jacket and shorts in one outfit, then for an unbuttoned sleeveless jacket and cropped trousers in the next.

Various shades of denim were worn over shirts and shorts, which were printed with female figures or fists grasping jagged arrows.

Towards the end of the show, blue tracksuits emblazoned with stars depicted an “S” on the back of a hooded top and the front of a sleeveless sweatshirt.

Unusually, the designers encouraged models to smile as they paraded the attire during London Collections: Men, the city’s menswear-only fashion event, earlier this week.

Sibling’s mens collection last season included oversized knitted accessories and their Autumn Winter 2013 womenswear show featured colourful crocheted flowers.

Earlier this year, Richard Woods collaborated with designer Sebastian Wrong to create a collection of chairs that wouldn’t seem out of place in a cartoon.

See more fashion collections by Sibling »
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Sibling provided us with the following information:

East Side Story – Sibling Spring Summer 2014

West Side Story becomes East Side Story for Sibling this season bringing the tale of angry American youth closer to home.

“Finger clicks, high kicks, yet never feminizing men,” were just some of the messages taken on board from the musical by Sibling, AKA Joe Bates, Cozette McCreery and Sid Bryan. Saul Bass’ iconic film titles also inspired the graphic use of line in the collection.

“One of the key words for us this season is ‘graphic’,” explain Sibling. “The nature of knit, its texture, softness and drape – we wanted to bring hard lines into it. Saul Bass is the king of creating narrative through the sparse use of lines. Then there is the idea of the youthful male, the idea of young men setting themselves into tribes and having dress codes as tribes. Whether that is a motorcycle gang, a street gang – their dress is their literal badge of honour.”

There is a collaboration with the artist Richard Woods that also emphasises the use of graphics in the collection, with his signature woodprint.

A nod to American sportswear is given a British domestic spin – or rather knit. And for the first time Sibling unveil their denim pieces made on the model of traditional American military apparel.

The global message of American youth culture also finds it’s expression in the influence of Bruce Davidson’s photographs on the collection. In particular the blown-up embroidered motifs from denim gang jackets, WW2 airplane nose art and the scrawled graffiti prints that are peppered throughout.

At times utilizing the stiff plastic strings that go to make Scoobie friendship bracelets, new, lightweight woven knits incorporate their structural form. This is also a nod to the Ndebele tribe’s distinct colourful and graphic style of decoration.

And much of the colouring of the collection has a debt to them as well as to the cinematographer Daniel L Fapp’s colour saturation of West Side Story: Shark Blue, lilac, lime, Jet Blue and mint green.

This Spring-Summer collection marks the fifth anniversary of Sibling’s men’s knitwear line.

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by Sibling appeared first on Dezeen.