All Design
The Tower Studio, Fogo Island
Fogo Island is the largest of the offshore islands of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Island is quite small, home to only 3,000 people, but two community groups, The Shorefast Foundation and the Fogo Island Arts Corporation, are committed to rejuvenating the history and culture of the island through arts. The joining foundations have commissioned Norwegian architect Todd Saunders to create six structures on the island, which will act as artists’ studios.
Three of these studios have already been completed, and now a fourth, titled the Tower Studio. The all black structure, which can only be reached by foot, tilts forward and backwards as it twists up towards the clouds. A large triangular skylight allows for an abundant amount of natural light to pour into the double-height artist’s studio on the second and third floors. The studio provides captivating views of the lake – mixed with the natural silence, the tower is sure to be inspirational place for an artist at work.
(Photography: Bent René Synnevåg)
Summer’s Best Swimsuits Are Here
Summer time is almost here, which means its time to transition out of your windbreaker and into your bikini. This mix of techno tropical blends, sexy cutouts, and flirty frills are sure to make you stand out on the sand. Get a glimpse of our favorite new swimsuits of the season – that weren’t in Sports Illustrated!
Agent Provocateur Mazzy Swimsuit $220.00
Baku Australia Santorini Bikini $55.00
Norma Kamali Striped Top $195.00 + Flip Bikini Set $310.00
Baku Australia Pebble Beach Bikini $127.00
Zeugari Halter Wrap Bikini $88.00
Mara Hoffman Printed Ruffle Busti $300.00
We Are Handsome The Adventure Zip suit $315.00
Mara Hoffman Striped Set $300.00
Rirratti Riflessi Couture Bikini ($TBA)
Zimmermann Savannah Belted Drape Piece $330.00
Lee + Lani The Rio Collection $250.00-$310.00
Zeugari Cotton Candy Monokini $60.00
Baku Australia Ginga Bikini $150.00
O’Neill Bikini Set $90.00
Herve Leger Swimwear $350.00 – $500.00
Mara Hoffman Beaded Bandeau $320.00
Jaguar XKX Goes Electric
The Jaguar XKX concept car by Bahrain-based design studio Skyrill and Albanian designer Marin Myftiu, is a totally new take on the classic Jag we all have grown to appreciate over the years. Ali Almossawi, co-founder of Skyrill, explained that “the concept tries to revive the glorious design lines of the brand, combining fresh solutions, a unique, new aerodynamics, tailored around the electrical elements of the power system as well as cutting-edge energy feedback.”
Aesthetically speaking, the designers wanted to avoid the “heaviness associated with many of today’s muscle cars, including actual Jaguar models.” Instead, the team decided to recreate a thin, elegant profile, while still showing off all the extra power and technological improvements. The XKX’s profile is an organic flow of lines that look almost like the company’s “pouncing cat” logo on wheels.
Over on the technological side, the electronic vehicle has carefully designed aerodynamics, where air is deflected away from the engine and around the car itself, said to be 60 per cent more power efficient. Also, the entire car body is covered by a layer of piezoelectric cells. when stimulated by
the pressure of air flowing over them during vehicle movement, the units produced electricity that is fed into the vehicle’s battery. Genius!
Designer Note: The Mirrors are another characteristic feature of the Jaguar XKX are the totally disappearing side mirrors. At about 1cm thickness, the mirrors perfectly fit the shallow hatch made in the door piece when the car is stopped and they unfold again in working position when it’s turned on. This adds to both the aesthetics, and protects the side mirrors from any damages when parked.
Designer Note: Given a much smaller and cooler power plant than conventional, the aerodynamics was conceived in a new innovative way. The side deflector intakes of the front were made broader, so a much larger amount of air does not get stuck by the engine, instead, it flows behind the front wheels, getting out behind them and sliding along the doors and then taking another shortcut through the rear wheels and out from the big rear openings, greatly reducing the total flowing path and subsequently drag.
Designer Note: Almost 60% of the energy used by a typical car at highway speeds is spent to counter air friction. Obviously, that is A LOT of energy spent for a function that is indispensable, but not the primary (to push the vehicle forward). The body of the XKX is covered by a layer housing microscopic ripples of piezoelectric cells, which, stimulated by the pressure of the air flowing over them (the actual air friction experienced by the car) produce electricity that is fed back to the vehicle’s battery, increasing both efficiency and performance.
The Mustache Scarf
Canadian based fashion designer Gillian Hyde says “You’d better have a sense of humor to wear this scarf this autumn and winter!” In regards to her funny new Mustache Scarf. Each scarf is hand made, Hyde cuts the brown leather mustache and then sews it on a classy and distinguished brown tweed (much like a professor’s jacket) then she lines it with a soft brown flannel. The designer noted that her creation is “perfect for men who have mustache envy and for women who want to gender-bend!”
SushiCafé Avenida, Lisbon
Over in Lisbon, cool new restaurants seem to be sprouting up in the dozens! Most recently is SushiCafé Avenida, designed by Miguel Saraiva & Associados. The architects explained that “the restaurant transmits a modern and distinguishing concept” with it’s pure white color palette, undulating walls, and innovative lighting strategy. The entrance of the space appears to be small from the street, in order to give people passing a glimpse of the stunning sushi bar. After the sushi bar, the restaurant opens up into a large lounge and dining area where an elevated DJ booth is built into the curved wall, designed to be unobtrusive and discreet. In coordination with the beats that the DJ is throwing down, the walls are back lit with innovative LED technology which allows colorful light to pump through the restaurant along with the tunes!
(Photography: FG+SG fotografia de arquitectura | architectural photography)
Wax Revolution Salon, Mexico
In the upscale neighborhood of Polanco in Mexico City, Wax Revolution has unveiled their second location. With the goal of setting a new standard on what they regard as “artistry in hair removal,” they wanted to ensure that the design of their space would be as unique as their service. The site of the salon is in a semi basement of what used to be part of the parking of a refurbished building from the 50s. ROW Studio spearheaded the project, their “first challenge was to give notoriety to an otherwise invisible space.” The solution turned out to be a “faceted structure made from a sequence of black steel frames descending from the street to the salon in a similar fashion to a subway entrance thus making the site evident to the enormous traffic of people strolling and driving by.”
The lobby of the salon is outfitted with a bright blue wall and a high gloss multifaceted black desk. Once you make your way past the chalk board wall where the salon’s latest specials are detailed, you enter in the main salon area where “each cabin is assigned and identified by a color which can be located by following the corresponding lines on the epoxy resin floor. The lights are fixed to the wall as a continuous strip with 45° and 90° angles as a way to liberate height from the low ceiling of the space.” Shortly after, a small open blue cabin located at the end of the corridor is used as a brow bar with an adjustable barber’s chair. The design of Wax Revolution is a delightfully vibrant space, adding a fun and playful twist to what was a dusty old parking garage.
(Photography: Sofocles Hernandez Copyright ROW Studio)
A Sweet Roundup of Artistic Treats
WARNING: This article may cause you to frantically jet down to your local bakery. You might want to start tying up your shoe laces – just say’n. The succulent little treats you are about to feast your eyes on have been created by some of the worlds best pastry chefs, along with some of the worlds best soccer moms. Either way, this roundup of artistic treats is sure to make you leave some room for dessert tonight.
Matchstick Cookies By I Feel Cook
Rainbow Colored Lemon
San Diego-based food blog Kirbie’s Cravings has concocted Pizza Cupcakes
Lily Vanilli, A London based baker, created The Bleeding Heart Cake
Lucía Rallo and Aranxa Esteve of m-inspira made some Helvetica looking Jello typography
Cookie Monster Cupcakes
A brilliant hamburger cake by Lyndsay Sung over at her Vancouver based bakery Coco Cake Cupcake
Josie Tavares is a Wife, mother, software engineer, and self taught pastry queen. She whipped up these Blueberry & Coconut French Macarons for her family’s Superbowl party this year, and showcased them on her blog Daydreamer Desserts.
This rainbow colored pancake series is the masterpiece of Lisa Edsalv
Spanish food blogger Sandee, from La Receta De la Felicidad, has created these fun Egg Shell Brownies.
Städel Museum Extension, Germany
Frankfurt’s Städel Museum, hosted a design competition back in 2008 in efforts to bring in a fresh architectural team to design a new wing for the museum. Fast forward to today, Schneider+Schumacher Architekten, the winners of the competition, have completed their vision. The 33,000 square foot addition was designed with the purpose of housing the museums contemporary art collection. Because of the modern intention of the space, the Frankfurt based firm wanted to create a contemporary structure to suit the art. Schneider + Schumacher constructed a super cool subterranean space with a grand central staircase and 195 circular skylights, which creates an awesome white patterned effect on the museum lawn.
The space was designed with the utmost flexibility for change within the museum. White is the dominant color of the interlocking galleries, which allows for exhibitions to transition easily. Interior partitions create a flexible route through the museum, and are conveniently adjustable depending on the needs of the current art show. The impressive rolling lawn is designed to create an exciting lighting effect at night time too, as the circular skylights glow from the light in the new structure below.
(Photography: Norbert Miguletz)
Hostel La Bueno Vida, Mexico
The Holiday Inn just got owned. Just sayin’. I mean, how can the mediocre, vanilla chain possibly compete with a bubblegum pink faceted façade like the one that graces Mexico City’s Hostel La Buena Vida?! They can’t. It’s just too much awesomeness per square foot. The name of the suhweet residential development says it all. We’ll provide the translation for all of you Español-challenged amigos: Hostel La Buena Vida = The Good Life Hostel. And good it is. In a ‘hood with a homogenous architectural style, the hostel definitely stands out like a sore thumb (painted neon pink). ARCO Architectura Contemporanea’s team used repeating geometric shapes in the façade, paying homage to the Mexican-candy-wrapper-esque vibe, then complimented the bold choice with a serene ipe wood lattice and set it off with a neon sign. Any contemporary urban traveler would be lucky to relax in this lounge-tastic Mexican City gem.
Electro-Phosphorescent Goodies
Great Shark Rock Climber Bag
For rock climbers, chalking is the only way to stop those sweaty hands from getting slippery on the rocks. All Beta, an online shop which specializes in the creation of gadgets and accessories for climbers, thought the standard chalk bag was in need of a fun re-design! The Great Shark Rock Climbers Bag, became the quirky solution. The outside of the shark shaped bag is made with canvas and twill, while the inside of the bag is lined with a fleece to act as a soft contrast to the feeling of those hard rocks.
Graffiti Cafe StudioMODE
Edging its way onto Black Sea Coast, Varna is often refereed to as the summer capital of Bulgaria. This summer, the seaside town has a remarkable new eatery designed by Studio Mode. A floor above the Graffiti Cafe is the Gallery of Modern Art, therefore, Mode knew they needed to cater the design to an new age artistic crowd, along with the restaurants existing acoustical and ventilation challenges.
Columns became over exaggerated as Mode dressed them with and array of thin unfinished wood panels which reach up to the ceiling to create a connecting pattern. The wood panels, are a clever solution to the problematic ceiling ventilation issues and will aid in the acoustics. 3 dimensional white plastic panels come together to create a decorative wall behind the bar, while softly lit white drapery covers the two opposite walls. The monochromatic color pallet brings sophistication to the sculptural architectural elements of the magical new Graffiti Cafe.
(Photography: 3inSpirit)
Stella Jean SS 2012 Collection
Many designers find themselves intuitively influenced by their roots. So what happens when you have a Roman designer with strong Caribbean origins? The mixture of these two massively different cultures manifested into a brilliant fashion collection for Stella Jean. A bold mixture of strong hues, pattern, and texture is the essence of the collection. Color filled floor length gowns are the dominant elements amongst the pieces, but vibrant suit jackets, tiny tailored shorts, and floral patterned head dresses make the rest of the collection shine. Stella Jean’s pieces are the perfect solution to a romantic vacation – suitable for a sunset date by the sea or a stylish walk in a rustic old town.
The Plaza Condesa, Mexico
The architects over at Esrawe gave Mexico City’s Plaza Condesa a new face lift – no, seriously. The team of talented visionaries stepped in to add three new levels onto the facade of the performance theater, which now provide a ticket sales, reception to elevators, and souvenir shop.
The renovation stirred up some strong feelings about how exactly it would authentically pay homage to the buildings 1950′s roots. Esrawe wanted to Take inspiration from the time period that gave rise to the building, (the transition from modernism to post-modernism), it reclaims the value of functionality and applies it to the present time.
The existing structure consists of 6 levels, a mezzanine and basement. Presently the ground floor has a lobby area, bar, coat room, kitchen, storage rooms, restrooms, and a stage with its backstage dressing rooms and bathrooms. The other levels house offices, more storage rooms and restrooms, and multiple halls.
Esrawe construct the three levels above the lobby which lead into the performance hall, along with a little sprucing of the performance theater itself. Vertical wood panels dress the walls of the lobby and flow to the walls of the floors above, only stopping at window displays which pay homage to Mexican music and culture in the 1950′s.
The gray ceiling and theater facade divide the wood and have disc looking rings of light which are scattered on the wall and up to the ceiling, creating a very theatrical lighting effect.
Inside the theater – Esrawe designed an over sized angular custom pattern and turned it into a wall paneling system which acts as the dominant decor feature in the space. The vibrant and dynamic new venue is sure to attract the worlds biggest acts!
(Photography: Guido Torres)
Invader Aiko Ring
Frank Tjepkema, principal of Amsterdam based design studio Tjep, has found that his interests in design reach beyond interiors and architecture, but also into jewelry design! His latest creation is a bold silver ring titled Invader Aiko, for its pixelated resemblance to the old arcade game Space Invaders. “The invaders ring is computer engineered with high precision and than casted in silver using traditional techniques.” Therefore, Every Invaders ring is made to fit it’s conquest (you), exactly!
Kaffee Headquarters, Germany
One of Germany’s most beloved coffee brewing companies, Kaffee, has just moved into their curvy new 106,000 square foot headquarters. 3Deluxe, the visionaries behind the architecture and design of the project, wanted to combine the effect of a striking sculptural architecture with the functionality of commercial workplace needs for 300 employees. The result of this idea manifested into a 4-story, asymmetrical, form-flowing layered structure.
Every morning, employees are greeted with a drive through coffee shop, giving the people of the company a moment to experience the products of their company on a daily basis.
Asymmetrically curved facade bands connect all the buildings and flow together, you would never guess there is actually an orthogonal grid of the underlying concrete frame.
The interiors follow in suit with the exteriors; form flowing. The walls undulate to become seating and desks, the floors pop up to create benches, and the walls break open to create shelves and lighting.
Ultimately, the team at Kaffee wanted the expressive architecture of the new headquarters to be established as a fundamental part of the company’s branding, because competence and innovative spirit is their mantra.
Very French Gangsters
Admit it. You always feel sorry for the token nerdy kid with glasses. Be it Ralphie from the Christmas Story or Steve Urkel from Family Matters, the poor chump is always taken down a few notches in all of his horn-rimmed awkwardness. Well, rejoice near-sighted youngsters of the word, for alas, we’ve found spectacle salvation! Feast your eyes on Very French Gangsters – a brand of prescription glasses and sunglasses for tykes 3-10 years old. Founders Karoline BOTHOREL-Bolzinger and Anne Masanet meld comfort and style to create uniquely awesome specs that leave kids looking stoked. I mean, their “Very Boss” shades say it all – “Knack that commands respect.” Now that’s a cool 6 year old if I’ve even seen one. Just check out the mug shots of these kids sporting specs. How stoked do they look? These glasses are most definitely boss. We only wish they made them for, ya know, normal, adult-sized faces. *Sigh.
(Photography: Very French Gangsters)
Palencia Civic Center, Spain
This just might be the coolest renovation we have seen in some time. Exit Architects have just transformed a 19th century prison into a super sleek civic center in Palencia, Spain.
The architecture & design team at EXIT has gained a quality reputation for creating stellar projects for health care institutions, cultural & educational centers, and museums; in a way where they introduce bold architectural elements into the interiors. In the Civic Center for Palencia, The impressive architectural addition to the old masonry building consists of zinc metal panels and U-glass, which is just a peek as to what has evolved on the inside.
The interiors, once dark, have been given light by the inclusion of several skylights which were added when parts of the old clay roof were removed. The octagon shaped great wall is the main public space, which has an inviting atrium with enclosed glass cylinders reaching from the floor to the ceiling, each are filled with rocks and a single tree.
The bold architectural is complemented with a clever mixture of natural and artificial lighting. Fluorescent tube lighting is used to create dynamic streaks in the atrium ceiling, massive skylights, and lines of lights make the walls sparkle in the theater. It must be the true marriage of thought evoking architecture, design, lighting, and function, that make this project quite a success!
(Photography: Fernando Guerra)
Clinica T Dental Office, Portugal
You’re heading to the dentist, your nerves kick in bringing you to full sweats in an instant. You barely muster up the gumption to crack open the door when you are greeted with a sweet surprise….your dental office looks like Tenjune! The glittery and glossy black tiles and moody up lighting are reminiscent of the nightclub you were in last night – immediately, your sweats are gone, and you are preparing yourself for a new dental experience. This was the idea behind Luis Pedra Silva‘s most recent project, Clinica T, a new dental office in Lisbon, Portugal. The space is separated into two sides – the waiting area, and the medical area. The waiting area has dark stone flooring, small glossy black tiles, and modern furniture. While the medical area is stark white with glass partitions and white lights. We love seeing the medical industry taking design more serious. Hats off to the design team at Luis Pedra Silva for re imagining design in this health care environment.
Peugeot’s XRC concept car
There’s a reason that little tykes are obsessed with drag racing remote controlled cars over curbs, into mud puddles and generally wreaking havoc on the neighborhood. They’re fast. They’re versatile. They’re indestructible. Peugeot’s XRC concept car is like one such coveted remote-controlled cars, only blown up life-sized and built to be rallied.
The fundamentals are similar, but the Peugeot XRC packs a punch. This baby is one of a kind, forged to surf deserts and tackle tough terrain. Dreamed up by CGI specialist Tiago Aiello, the vehicle mimics a typical RC car and yet the unique design takes on a life of its own, an almost arachnid-like quality. One thing’s for certain, if the concept car takes life there will masses of middle-aged men across America reliving their youth like nobody’s business. (Let’s just hope that they stop at the car, and don’t revert back to footie pajamas.)
Konzepp Store, Hong Kong
(Photography: Geoff Tsui)
La Sardina Camera & Flash
Today, the photography gurus at Lomography have released their latest camera, La Sardinia Splendour. The cool piece is a throw back to cameras that date back to the early 19th century. La Sardinia Splendour has a hammered metal finish with a matching retro-style Fritz the Blitz Flash, and the compact camera allows you to shoot wide-angle images without disrupting the harmony of your surroundings!
(Photography: Lomography)
Anjelique Restaurant, Istanbul
Autoban’s latest project comes by way of Istanbul. Award-winning restaurant slash bar slash club, Anjelique recently underwent a pretty hefty architectural facelift. The new identity spreads over two floors and addresses both winter and summer seasons. Most prominent perhaps is the lattice of cutout curvilinear lines, sure to create some pretty epic shadows. The space is awash in muted, earthy tones, and floor to ceiling columns tease the eye upwards. Inside, biomorphic banquettes curve in undulating ribbons, while the outdoor patio blazes with open fire pits. The entire space oozes with a relaxed sense of luxury and refinement. We have three words for you Anjelique: “Stay classy Istanbul.”
(Photography: Autoban)
Attrap’Rêves Bubble Hotel, France
Maybe you have, or maybe you haven’t seen this little family of bubble rooms – but now, after the recent opening of two hotels in France, you can make one of these translucent huts yours for the night! Attrap’Rêves in Bouches-du-Rhone (near Marseille) and Sky River outside of Loir-et-Cher are the two hotels that let you sleep under the stars. The concept came from French designer Pierre Stéphane, who wanted to create a Eco-friendly space, in that once the bubble is folded up, nature remains the intact.
The bubbles are small and cozy, about 13 feet in diameter. Some are fully transparent, while others allow a little more privacy and are half opaque. Now, let’s be straight with one another, if you are looking to be pampered at the Ritz, these bubbles might not be for you. But if you want to live an unforgettable adventurous experience, immersed in nature, get to France! Who knows, you might wake up from that alarming dream with a bear staring you straight in the face….lets just all cross our fingers that this plastic bubble withstands bear claws.
