Hasta La Ideas

In this next movie in our series filmed with Marc Newson in his London studio he tells us about the watches he’s designed, including the first ones that he built himself in the late 1980s.

Flicking through a proof of his new book for publishers Taschen, Newson shows a 1:1 image of a model from 1986 that’s as big as his fist, saying “I pre-dated the trend for large watches by about a decade.”

Newson also talks about jewellery he’s designed, the huge glass Atmos clocks powered by tiny changes in temperature (above) and the hourglass full of ball-bearings that was his last product for the Ikepod watch brand he founded (below).

See all our stories about Marc Newson here, including more movies in this series.

Called Marc Newson – Works, the book comes out in September.

If you’re fond of designer watches, check out our curated collection on www.dezeenwatchstore.com.

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by about a decade,” says Marc Newson appeared first on Dezeen.

Industrial designer Marc Newson has famously tried his hand at designing pretty much everything. In the second of five movies Dezeen filmed to coincide with the publication of a major book on his work by Taschen, Newson talks us though a range of his projects that takes in mobile phones, knives, beds, clothes, packaging and a surf board so slick it was sold as a sculpture.

In particular he talks about the Talby Mobile Phone that was the best-selling phone in Japan when it launched in 2003 and a custom-made hollow nickel surf board (above) that he created for American surfer Garrett McNamara in 2007, which was exhibited at the Gagosian Gallery and sold at auction as a sculpture for over $200,000.

As he flicks through his new book entitled Marc Newson – Works, Newson shows how it presents his meticulous documentation of the process behind products, including his camera for Pentax (above).

Marc Newson – Works is published by Taschen and comes out in September.

See all our stories about Marc Newson »

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nearly everything appeared first on Dezeen.

Milan 2012: Australian designer Marc Newson presented this child’s rocking horse for Italian brand Magis at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan last week.

Called Rocky, the toy is moulded from plastic in one colour with a rope slotted through the mouth as reigns.

Watch our recent interview with Marc Newson on Dezeen Screen.

The Salone Internazionale del Mobile took place from 17 to 22 April. See all our stories about Milan 2012 here.

Here’s a tiny bit of text from Magis:

The second of Marc Newson’s designs for Children, Rocky is a modern take on a traditional object, a pop version taking its character loosely from medieval jousting horses.

The parallelogram motion mimics the movement of a traditional rocking horse. It is made from rotationally moulded polyethylene chosen for both its durability and recyclability.

Australian designer Marc Newson has launched a camera for Japanese brand Pentax.

The K01 boasts the thinnest interchangeable lens in the world and is compatible with all 214 types of lens in the Pentax range.

It has a three-inch digital screen, ridged rubber body and comes in black and yellow, black and silver or black and black.

“I don’t recall seeing that many cameras on the market that have been designed by professional designers,” says Newson. “Most of them are designed by engineers.”

We’ll be publishing our interview with Newson in the coming days. Meanwhile see all our stories about his work here.

Check out more stories about cameras on Dezeen here.

Here are some more details from Pentax:

PENTAX K-01

An interchangeable-lens digital camera designed in collaboration with designer Marc Newson

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY LTD. is delighted to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-01 interchangeable-lens digital camera in conjunction with the world’s thinnest interchangeable lens* – the smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS unifocal. This latest addition to the popular Pentax K series and the new lens were both designed in partnership with world renowned designer, Marc Newson.

The PENTAX K-01 features 16.28 megapixels, high-speed burst shooting, an extra-wide sensitivity range with a top sensitivity of ISO 25600** and Full HD video recording.

The camera also features the reliable and ever-popular PENTAX K lens mount, so users can make effective use of their entire range of PENTAX lenses, including those produced for film-format SLR cameras.***

The PENTAX K-01 is a creative and bold step in camera design and has been developed with Newson’s three design themes in mind — TIMELESS, TRUSTY and TOUCHABLE, whilst still maintaining the full array of advanced functions and user-friendly features that you would expect from a digital interchangeable lens camera.

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY has a strong history of innovation – it was the first to develop colour digital SLRs and front customizable compacts, as well as pioneering concept models created in collaboration with various designers and artists.

Newson’s K-01 is a modern digital camera with a contemporary yet timeless design. The body consists of clean and simple lines creating an elegant graphical composition whilst preserving all the functions of a professional camera. Original-design push buttons and control levers are efficiently laid out across the body, while bright colours are used on two key buttons for instant recognition: red for the video recording button, and green for the functional green button. The combination of machined aluminium and natural rubber provide the user with a tactile and durable piece of technology. The mode dial and the power switch are made of a high-quality aluminium alloy, while the memory card slot and connectors on the comfortable, easy-to-hold grip are covered with protective rubber.

Newson’s original design concept is evident in all elements of the K-01, including the product logo, the camera strap and even on the start-up screen when the K-01 is turned on.

The optical viewfinder and quick-return mirror were eliminated during the design process to allow more freedom in the design of the camera body. The result is a camera that shows Marc Newson’s originality in every detail.

Speaking of his design inspiration, Marc says: “I wanted to create something that represented quality and expertise in photography. Some of my favourite photographic devices have been Pentax products. I wanted to return to the high quality roots of the brand and create something which was really unique and iconic.”

The K-01 is the perfect choice for anyone looking for their first easy-to-operate digital interchangeable lens camera or those photographers who demand a camera with originality and style. The K-01 makes a wonderful second camera for current PENTAX SLR users requiring a stylish back-up for their photographic system.

The PENTAX K-01 comes in the following colour combinations:
Black with black grip
Black with yellow grip
Silver with black grip

The PENTAX K-01 will be available from end March 2012.

Major features

Exceptional image quality

The PENTAX K-01 comes equipped with a newly developed CMOS image sensor measuring 23.7 mm by 15.7 mm. With 16.28 megapixels, this sensor ensures a high-speed readout of image data signals. It also offers an extra-wide sensitivity range — from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, or to ISO 25600 when expanded using a custom function — while minimising digital noise at all sensitivity levels.

High-quality video recording

The PENTAX K-01 comes equipped with a Full HD video-recording function to capture high-quality movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels). The H.264 format offers great images whilst recording at a choice of frame rate (30, 25 or 24 frames per second). It also comes with two new features to facilitate video recording: a video recording button for instant pushbutton start, and a stereo microphone for more realistic sound.

Personal touches can be added to recorded clips using various Custom Functions. Alternatively, the subject can be recorded in a series of video clips using the interval movie shooting mode. The PENTAX K-01 also comes with an HDMI terminal, which allows the user to simultaneously output both Full HD movie clips and stereo sound. It also has an external microphone input terminal. In addition, the K-01 features the new “PRIME M” imaging engine to ensure first-rate movie recording performance.

New-generation HDR mode

The HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, which produces one extra-wide-gradation composite photo from three images taken at different exposure levels, has been upgraded to create a greater range of visual effects. This upgraded HDR mode can be instantly selected with a turn of the mode dial. The user can take advantage of newly added features to select one of three exposure increments as well as the level of effects, while an automatic position adjustment function assures precise alignment of three images even when they are taken handheld.

A selection of image processing tools for personalised effects

The PENTAX K-01’s Custom Image function allows the user to select the most appropriate imaging characteristics for a particular subject or scene from 11 preset custom image functions. These functions include: Bleach Bypass to create a dramatic visual effect used in motion pictures and Cross Process to produce an image with unusual colours.

The K-01 also features 19 distinctive digital filters — including Miniature, which makes a real life scene appear as an image full of miniature models. Users can be as creative and imaginative as they like by applying multiple digital filters to a single image.

Smooth, quiet, high-speed burst shooting

The PENTAX K-01’s high-speed burst shooting mode allows users to capture fast-moving subjects in a series of images, as it captures up to five images per second. With its mirrorless construction, the K-01 also offers exceptionally silent mechanical operation.

Large, wide-angle 3-inch LCD monitor with approx. 921,000 dots

The PENTAX K-01 features a large, easy-to-view, high-resolution 3-inch colour LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots. Its wide-view design guarantees a clear view of the monitor from approximately 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, making it particularly useful in low and high-angle shooting.

PENTAX-original SR mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

The PENTAX K-01 incorporates the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively reduces annoying camera shake by approximately four shutter steps. Usable with all compatible lenses, including those produced for film-format SLR cameras. This mechanism produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions that are prone to camera shake, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark without flash illumination, or capturing landscapes in the twilight.

Effortless, user-friendly Auto Picture and Scene modes

The PENTAX K-01 features the PENTAX-original, user-friendly Auto Picture mode, which selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene from Portrait, Landscape, Macro and other distinctive shooting modes, while optimising all camera settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness. The K-01 also offers 19 different Scene modes, which simplifies the photographing of difficult subjects or demanding scenes — such as Night Scene, Portrait, Pet and Backlight Silhouette mode — simply by choosing the corresponding icon on the camera’s LCD monitor.

Other features

TTL image-sensor metering, with a choice of multi-segment, centre-weighted and spot modes
Contrast-detection autofocus system, with 81 selectable focus points
DR (Dust Removal) mechanism to shake off dust adhering to the surface of the CMOS image sensor
CTE (Colour Temperature Enhancement) white-balance control mode to emphasize the predominant colour of a particular scene, such as a sunset
A choice of four image ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1) to accommodate different subjects and photographic situations
Multi-exposure mode (up to nine exposures on a single image), with an auto exposure compensation function
Interval shooting mode, useful in time lapse recording of landscapes and flowers/plants from an exact same location and angle
Compatibility with the new-standard SDXC and UHS Speed Class 1 memory cards
SILKY Developer Studio 3.0 for PENTAX RAW-data development software (developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) included. In-camera RAW-data development also available

Major Features of the smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS lens

Exterior design by Marc Newson
Marc Newson designed the exterior of this lens, as well as the K-01 body.

Easy-to-use, super-thin lens for everyday use
This unifocal standard lens offers a focal length equivalent to 61mm in the 35mm format, and measures a mere 9.2 mm in length, making it the world’s thinnest interchangeable lens. Thanks to its super-thin design, it is highly portable and easy to store and carry. Its optics were designed based on those of the acclaimed smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited lens. Its maximum aperture of F2.8 produces sharp, bright images in a wide range of photographic situations, including snapshots, scenic photos, portraits, and even low light indoor shooting.

SP coating to block dirt and dust
The front surface of this lens is treated with an SP (Super Protect) coating, which applies an exclusive fluorine compound to the lens surface through a vapour deposition process. This SP coating not only repels dust, water and grease, but also makes it easy to wipe off oily stains such as fingerprints and cosmetics.

*The world’s thinnest lens for interchangeable-lens digital cameras, as of February 1, 2012 (based on PENTAX’s research).

**When expanded.

*** K-, K_A– K_AF, K_AF2, and K_AF3– mount lenses can be used with the PENTAX K-01, while screw-mount lenses, 645-system lenses and 67-system lenses can be used with an adapter. Some functions may not be available on certain lenses.

Dezeen Wire: Australian industrial designer Marc Newson has been announced as the recipient of the Lucky Strike Designer Award 2011, which includes a prize of €50,000.

Marc Newson: portrait by Romeo Balancout

A statement from the expert jury explaining the decision said that Newson “managed to unite efficient lifestyle product design and pioneering concept ideas, as well as prototypes which have been recognised worldwide as a total work of art, in his creative works.”

The annual award is sponsored by the Raymond Loewy Foundation and is presented “in recognition of the life work of outstanding, internationally successful designers.”

Newson will receive the award this evening at the stilwerk design centre in Hamburg.

Previous recipients include Paola Antonelli (2010), Dieter Rams (2007), John Maeda (2005), Philippe Starck (2004), Ingo Maurer (2000) and Richard Sapper (1992).

The following information is from the Raymond Loewy Foundation:

Lucky Strike Designer Award 2011 for Marc Newson – Cosmopolite of design

The Lucky Strike Designer Award, one of the most important designer awards worldwide, offering a prize of 50,000 euros, goes this year to Australian Marc Newson, one of the most influential designers of his generation.

With Marc Newson, the Raymond Loewy Foundation – established in 1991 by British American Tobacco in Hamburg – is honouring “the very successful and globally active all-round designer for industrial products and goods for everyday life”, states the jury for the Foundation. Marc Newson will be presented with the Lucky Strike Designer Award on 27 October at stilwerk in Hamburg.

Born in 1963 in Sydney, Australia, Newson spent his childhood travelling in Europe and Asia, before studying jewellery and sculpture at Sydney College of the Arts (SCA).  He started experimenting with furniture design as a student and, after graduating in 1984, was awarded a grant from the Australian Crafts Council, following which he organised an exhibition – featuring his legendary Lockheed Lounge – at the Roslyn Oxley Gallery in Sydney. The futuristic lounge chair, an icon of contemporary design, acquired additional fame in Madonna’s music video “Rain”.

After working and living in Tokyo and Paris, Newson moved on to London in 1997, where he founded Marc Newson Ltd. He designed industrially manufactured glass items for littala, kitchen and bath accessories for Alessi as well as furniture, lighting and household objects for Magis, B&B Italia, Idée and Dupont Corian. In addition, he designed vehicles, such as the MN01 motorbike for the Danish manufacturer Biomega and the 021C concept car for Ford, as well as the interior outfitting of a Falcon 900B private jet. Newson also designed the uniforms for the Australian Olympic Games team in 2004 in Athens, Greece, the Zvezdochka shoe for Nike and fashion collection for G-Star as well as the Scope luggage series for Samsonite. In 2006, Newson took over the position of Creative Director at Qantas Airways and continued to work on the development of the interior design for the A380 as well as the airport lounges in Sydney and Melbourne.

Newson’s work has not only been honoured with numerous awards – including six Good Design Awards from Chicago Atheneum – it has also been displayed in various exhibitions. His pieces are present in most major permanent museum collections – for example at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the London Design Museum, the Musée d’Art Moderne – Centre Georges Pompidou as well as at the Vitra Design Museum. Marc Newson is an exceptional professor for design at Sydney College of the Arts and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In the United Kingdom, he has been appointed “Royal Designer for Industry”.

With Marc Newson as winner of the Lucky Strike Designer Award 2011, the jury is following the tradition of the Raymond Loewy Foundation of highlighting the broad spectrum of design – the creation of things, both in terms of their content and formally – in its entirety and of bringing public awareness to it.

The design centre stilwerk in Hamburg is the exclusive partner of the Lucky Strike Designer and the Lucky Strike Junior Designer Awards 2011. As a platform for interior furnishings, design and lifestyle – with 28 premium shops at a single source – and since its opening in 1996, stilwerk has made a name for itself that goes beyond Hamburg’s borders. Today, stilwerk manages further branches in Berlin, Dusseldorf and Vienna.

Raymond Loewy Foundation: background

The Raymond Loewy Foundation makes a substantial contribution to the promotion of good design, and to highlighting the great importance of design for the development of the economy and of society in general. The Foundation was set up in Hamburg in 1991, and supports pioneering and professional design in the spirit of the great American designer Raymond Loewy (1893-1986).

Previous winners of the Lucky Strike Designer Award include Stefan Sagmeister (2009), Ken Adam (2008), Dieter Rams (2007), Ferran Adrià (2006), Philippe Starck (2004), Michael Ballhaus (2001), Donna Karan (1999), Peter Lindbergh (1996) and Karl Lagerfeld (1993).

Raymond Loewy Foundation: the committee

Prof. Werner Aisslinger (studio aisslinger)

Michael Ballhaus (Director of Photography; winner of the 2001 Lucky Strike Designer Award)

Prof. Wolfgang Laubersheimer (Cologne International School of Design, Department of Production Technologies)

Jürgen Plüss (Brand Consultant, Gütersloh)

Raymond Loewy Foundation: the jury

Head of the jury:

Prof. Johann H. Tomforde (Competence & Design-Center for Mobility-Innovations, Böblingen)

Members of the jury:

Prof. Werner Aisslinger (studio aisslinger)

Nils Jockel (Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg)

Prof. Wolfgang Laubersheimer (Cologne International School of Design, Department of Production Technologies)

Jürgen Plüss (Brand Consultant, Gütersloh)

Prof. Joachim Sauter (Universität der Künste Berlin – Digital Media Design; ART+COM, Berlin)

Dr. Angela Schönberger (formerly Director of Kunstgewerbemuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin)

Jury Statement:

The jury of the Raymond Loewy Foundation has chosen to honour the Lucky Strike Designer Award 2011 to Marc Newson, a very successful and globally active all-round designer for industrial products and goods for everyday life.

The cosmopolite Marc Newson has managed to unite efficient lifestyle product design and pioneering concept ideas, as well as prototypes which have been recognised worldwide as a total work of art, in his creative works.

Marc Newson has set an innovative course in furniture and home interior design using combinations of materials which are characterised by their purist elegance and practical textures. In the realm of transportation design, Marc Newson has created a buzz with the compact car concept 021C for Ford in the USA, private jet interiors, carbon racing bikes, the ASTRIUM space shuttle for EADS, with the yacht brand RIVA, and Airbus A 380 interiors for Qantas Airways, where he has worked as Creative Director for many years. Also in the area of interior design for restaurants and hotels, in product design for objects of everyday use, and in sportswear design, Marc Newson has provided new impulses again and again with a “design DNA” that has become his trademark.

The 47-year-old Australian has become one of the most highly remunerated creative designers – due to his unique design and communication style as well as the branding of his design.

The designer Marc Newson encourages many young talents to break free from monotonous product design with their own strategies and concepts.

His exemplary achievements – also serving as a model for a new generation of cosmopolitan- and multi-cultural-minded designers – were decisive factors for the jury to honour Marc Newson with the Lucky Strike Designer Award 2011.

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