#BeOpenARCH
Conceived as a "walkable residence," Casa UC by Mexican architect Daniela Bucio Sistos features a tabachin tree growing through an oculus in a disc-shaped canopy over a courtyard at the heart of the residence. Symbolically, this vestibule is taken as the starting point for the radial floor that runs throughout the project. Arranged around it are enclosures made of red brick, pigmented concrete and glass. All in all, the house is comprised of four bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining area, a living room, and a library.
More projects integrating a tree in our blog
Conceived as a "walkable residence," Casa UC by Mexican architect Daniela Bucio Sistos features a tabachin tree growing through an oculus in a disc-shaped canopy over a courtyard at the heart of the residence. Symbolically, this vestibule is taken as the starting point for the radial floor that runs throughout the project. Arranged around it are enclosures made of red brick, pigmented concrete and glass. All in all, the house is comprised of four bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining area, a living room, and a library.
More projects integrating a tree in our blog
#BeOpenART
Swiss artist Pamela Rosenkranz has "grown" a synthetic artificial tree in hot neon pink on the intersection of 10th Avenue and 30th Street in New York City. Named Old Tree, the sculpture is the third High Line Plinth commission. Changing every 18 months, the Plinth is one of the only sites in New York City for artists to realize large-scale contemporary artworks. On the one hand, the sculpture symbolizes the historical archetypes of the Tree of Life, a natural product of nature that connects heaven and earth. On the other hand, with its form and colour it mirrors the branching systems of organs, blood vessels, and tissue of the human body.
Swiss artist Pamela Rosenkranz has "grown" a synthetic artificial tree in hot neon pink on the intersection of 10th Avenue and 30th Street in New York City. Named Old Tree, the sculpture is the third High Line Plinth commission. Changing every 18 months, the Plinth is one of the only sites in New York City for artists to realize large-scale contemporary artworks. On the one hand, the sculpture symbolizes the historical archetypes of the Tree of Life, a natural product of nature that connects heaven and earth. On the other hand, with its form and colour it mirrors the branching systems of organs, blood vessels, and tissue of the human body.
#BeOpenARCH
Bjarke Ingels Group has collaborated with Arup and Cistri to envision the world's first carbon-neagtive community in the town of Gelephu, Southern Bhutan. Spanning over 1000 km2, the masterplan of the project known as the Mindfulness City includes initiatives in green technology, education, and infrastructure, such as an international airport, railway connections, a hydroelectric dam, and public spaces. The project encompasses an interconnected network of ecosystems and vibrant neighborhoods that are set to enhance the country's natural wealth, while respecting Bhutanese spiritual heritage.
Bjarke Ingels Group has collaborated with Arup and Cistri to envision the world's first carbon-neagtive community in the town of Gelephu, Southern Bhutan. Spanning over 1000 km2, the masterplan of the project known as the Mindfulness City includes initiatives in green technology, education, and infrastructure, such as an international airport, railway connections, a hydroelectric dam, and public spaces. The project encompasses an interconnected network of ecosystems and vibrant neighborhoods that are set to enhance the country's natural wealth, while respecting Bhutanese spiritual heritage.
#BeOpenART #BeOpenNEWS
BE OPEN Art is happy to announce that Jayeola Joshua, Nigeria, is our last Artist of the Month in the Year 2023. Every month we give platform to emerging talents from all over the globe and invite art enthusiasts to choose the best artist among those exhibited in our online gallery. In December 2023, Joshua was granted the majority of votes by the visitors of art.beopenfuture.com
Jayeola Joshua (b. 2000) is a visual artist living and working in Lagos, Nigeria. He obtained his National Diploma (ND) from Polytechnic Ibadan in Fine Arts and graduated from Yaba College of Technology in Fine Arts with the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Painting in 2023. Congratulations to Joshua!
Soon, BE OPEN Art community members and curators will choose the Artist of the Year 2023.
We also take the opportunity to applaud all the featured artists and thank everyone who voted.
BE OPEN Art is happy to announce that Jayeola Joshua, Nigeria, is our last Artist of the Month in the Year 2023. Every month we give platform to emerging talents from all over the globe and invite art enthusiasts to choose the best artist among those exhibited in our online gallery. In December 2023, Joshua was granted the majority of votes by the visitors of art.beopenfuture.com
Jayeola Joshua (b. 2000) is a visual artist living and working in Lagos, Nigeria. He obtained his National Diploma (ND) from Polytechnic Ibadan in Fine Arts and graduated from Yaba College of Technology in Fine Arts with the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Painting in 2023. Congratulations to Joshua!
Soon, BE OPEN Art community members and curators will choose the Artist of the Year 2023.
We also take the opportunity to applaud all the featured artists and thank everyone who voted.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Chicago-based tech startup Ovie has developed LightTags, glowing light rings that signal if an expiry date is approaching through recognisable colour coding, which are easy to read once you open the fridge. Green indicates a recently tagged food, yellow a food that should be eaten as a priority, and red a food that is likely no longer safe to eat.
The LighTags can be used literally on any type of product using a universal connector that can stick to any existing packaging. The gadget can be easily removed, reset and re-stuck to another food container to track food again.
More smart alternatives to the standardised expiry date stickers in our blog
Chicago-based tech startup Ovie has developed LightTags, glowing light rings that signal if an expiry date is approaching through recognisable colour coding, which are easy to read once you open the fridge. Green indicates a recently tagged food, yellow a food that should be eaten as a priority, and red a food that is likely no longer safe to eat.
The LighTags can be used literally on any type of product using a universal connector that can stick to any existing packaging. The gadget can be easily removed, reset and re-stuck to another food container to track food again.
More smart alternatives to the standardised expiry date stickers in our blog
#BeOpenART
Swedish artist and craftsman Love Hultén has merged vintage aesthetics with modern technology to create the Tegel. This sound sculpture incorporates a miniature bonsai tree connected to probes and a small computer to create audio experiences. Using the plant as an adjustable resistor, the device detects minute fluctuations in electrical currents from the organic material. These signals are then translated into MIDI format, which is directed to a Korg NTS-1 synth for basic sound manipulation. The piece also features an analog VU-meter and a small MIDI keyboard for optional use.
More sound sculptures highlighting a fusion of nature and technology in our blog
Swedish artist and craftsman Love Hultén has merged vintage aesthetics with modern technology to create the Tegel. This sound sculpture incorporates a miniature bonsai tree connected to probes and a small computer to create audio experiences. Using the plant as an adjustable resistor, the device detects minute fluctuations in electrical currents from the organic material. These signals are then translated into MIDI format, which is directed to a Korg NTS-1 synth for basic sound manipulation. The piece also features an analog VU-meter and a small MIDI keyboard for optional use.
More sound sculptures highlighting a fusion of nature and technology in our blog
#BeOpenDESIGN
Argentinian artist based in Spain, Cynthia Nudel, proposes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ceramics, transforming eggshell waste and algae into a series of sculptural biodegradable designs. In a bid to minimize impact on the environment, the designer makes use of locally sourced organic waste, to craft Bioceramics, a series of sustainable vases and pots, where clay is substituted with powdered eggshells found in a local bakery combined with sodium alginate from brown algae.
Argentinian artist based in Spain, Cynthia Nudel, proposes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ceramics, transforming eggshell waste and algae into a series of sculptural biodegradable designs. In a bid to minimize impact on the environment, the designer makes use of locally sourced organic waste, to craft Bioceramics, a series of sustainable vases and pots, where clay is substituted with powdered eggshells found in a local bakery combined with sodium alginate from brown algae.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Instanbul-based OTTAN studio makes use of various organic waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, plant-based expired goods, nut shells, fallen leaves and cut grass to create boutique, high-quality handmade materials with different surface touch, technical performance and usage areas. The team applies these materials to create bespoke design objects, such as furniture, lighting, home decoration and wall panels. For example, this coffee table is made from a light-transmitting material upcycled from expired yellow lentils and beautifully coloured material made using cut grass.
Instanbul-based OTTAN studio makes use of various organic waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, plant-based expired goods, nut shells, fallen leaves and cut grass to create boutique, high-quality handmade materials with different surface touch, technical performance and usage areas. The team applies these materials to create bespoke design objects, such as furniture, lighting, home decoration and wall panels. For example, this coffee table is made from a light-transmitting material upcycled from expired yellow lentils and beautifully coloured material made using cut grass.
#BeOpenDESIGN
French design studio Atelier YokYok has installed a playful anamorphic bench in the city of Malicorne-sur-Sarthe that plays with perspective and creates an optical illusion making people seem bigger or smaller depending on where they sit. If viewed from the top of the rear, the bench looks like a giant chair with a miniature human sitting on it. However, when viewed form the side, it appears like a centipede-like street furniture with uneven irregularly shaped legs.
The seat of the bench was crafted using Malicorne concrete, which is composed of low-carbon cement, 100 percent natural pigments from Apt to evoke Malicorne’s clay, and pieces of Malicorne earthenware instead of gravel.
French design studio Atelier YokYok has installed a playful anamorphic bench in the city of Malicorne-sur-Sarthe that plays with perspective and creates an optical illusion making people seem bigger or smaller depending on where they sit. If viewed from the top of the rear, the bench looks like a giant chair with a miniature human sitting on it. However, when viewed form the side, it appears like a centipede-like street furniture with uneven irregularly shaped legs.
The seat of the bench was crafted using Malicorne concrete, which is composed of low-carbon cement, 100 percent natural pigments from Apt to evoke Malicorne’s clay, and pieces of Malicorne earthenware instead of gravel.
#BeOpenDESIGN
For his new Waste Screen Recycle project, designer Haneul Kim has collaborated with CGV, Korea’s biggest movie brand, to repurpose waste movie screens from theaters into portable lamps that utilize small perforations in the material to emit light. The designer has drawn inspiration from the iconic shogun lamp by Mario Botta, characterized by clean lines and geometric precision. According to Kim, discarded movie screens represent excellent materials capable of substituting cloth or leather, due to their exceptional functional and a visual resemblance to aluminum perforated plates commonly used in industrial projects.
For his new Waste Screen Recycle project, designer Haneul Kim has collaborated with CGV, Korea’s biggest movie brand, to repurpose waste movie screens from theaters into portable lamps that utilize small perforations in the material to emit light. The designer has drawn inspiration from the iconic shogun lamp by Mario Botta, characterized by clean lines and geometric precision. According to Kim, discarded movie screens represent excellent materials capable of substituting cloth or leather, due to their exceptional functional and a visual resemblance to aluminum perforated plates commonly used in industrial projects.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Commissioned to create outdoor lighting for the brand new Victoriapark in Eindhoven, Dutch duo VANTOT has introduced a design for a solar powered sustainable and interactive light-installation called Sunseeker. The smart solar harvesting modules are equipped with light sensors that inform each individual light fixture to spin on its axis or move along the light chain to find the sunniest spots, much like sunflowers spinning to catch sun rays. This allows the fixture to escape the shadows of the urban landscape and optimizes solar harvesting. Built with a modular design principle in mind, the lighting is environmentally and financially more friendly, as each of its parts can be replaced and mended separately.
Commissioned to create outdoor lighting for the brand new Victoriapark in Eindhoven, Dutch duo VANTOT has introduced a design for a solar powered sustainable and interactive light-installation called Sunseeker. The smart solar harvesting modules are equipped with light sensors that inform each individual light fixture to spin on its axis or move along the light chain to find the sunniest spots, much like sunflowers spinning to catch sun rays. This allows the fixture to escape the shadows of the urban landscape and optimizes solar harvesting. Built with a modular design principle in mind, the lighting is environmentally and financially more friendly, as each of its parts can be replaced and mended separately.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Brazilian practice Estúdio Campana founded by the brothers Humberto and the late Fernando Campana has collaborated with æquo, India’s first collectible design gallery, to craft the Atuxuá cabinet, which pays homage to India's history, rich craft heritage, techniques, and raw materials, such as natural fibre and brass wires. According to Humberto Campana, the intricacy of the Sabai grass and the metalwork represents a parallel between the spirituality, rituals, and religious syncretism we can find both in India and Brazil.
Brazilian practice Estúdio Campana founded by the brothers Humberto and the late Fernando Campana has collaborated with æquo, India’s first collectible design gallery, to craft the Atuxuá cabinet, which pays homage to India's history, rich craft heritage, techniques, and raw materials, such as natural fibre and brass wires. According to Humberto Campana, the intricacy of the Sabai grass and the metalwork represents a parallel between the spirituality, rituals, and religious syncretism we can find both in India and Brazil.
#BeOpenARCH
Originally conceived in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as a low-cost, rapid-deployment housing solution to rebuild Ukraine, ReHome concept by studio Cutwork proposes structures that would be equally relevant for addressing the growing global housing crisis in times of stability. The modular 27 sqm units can be stacked like Lego bricks to complete a full residential block up to 6 stories in significantly less time (up to 40%) than conventional construction methods. The system is expandable by removing non-load bearing walls to easily combine multiple modules and create larger units according to a wide-range of conditions and contexts.
More affordable housing with a great quality of living in our blog
Originally conceived in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as a low-cost, rapid-deployment housing solution to rebuild Ukraine, ReHome concept by studio Cutwork proposes structures that would be equally relevant for addressing the growing global housing crisis in times of stability. The modular 27 sqm units can be stacked like Lego bricks to complete a full residential block up to 6 stories in significantly less time (up to 40%) than conventional construction methods. The system is expandable by removing non-load bearing walls to easily combine multiple modules and create larger units according to a wide-range of conditions and contexts.
More affordable housing with a great quality of living in our blog
#BeOpenDESIGN
Co-Habitable Object by Chinese practice Atelier Alter Architects invites humans and animals to connect on a physical level and share meaningful moments together within the abstract and organic form. The collection is comprised of adaptable modules that can extend horizontally and vertically, offering versatile configurations — from urban furniture to traversable walls — that can be used by humans. In the meantime, through a series of internal ellipsoidal subtractions, the team created interconnected cave-like units specifically tailored to the nesting habits of small animals.
Co-Habitable Object by Chinese practice Atelier Alter Architects invites humans and animals to connect on a physical level and share meaningful moments together within the abstract and organic form. The collection is comprised of adaptable modules that can extend horizontally and vertically, offering versatile configurations — from urban furniture to traversable walls — that can be used by humans. In the meantime, through a series of internal ellipsoidal subtractions, the team created interconnected cave-like units specifically tailored to the nesting habits of small animals.
#BeOpenARCH
Seeking to revitalize struggling fishing industry in the historic Angsila fishing village in Chonburi, Thailand, the Angsila Oyster Scaffolding Pavilion by Bangkok-based Chat Architects invites eco-tourism enthusiasts taste oysters pulled from the ocean below. The design draws on bamboo scaffolding traditionally used for oyster cultivation: local fishermen manually drive each bamboo column into the ocean floor. Rejected car seatbelts, acquired at a discount due to discoloration from local auto plants, are used to tie all of the bamboo members together. The finishing touch is added by vivid red light-filtering agricultural tarp, which is used to shade visitors from the ocean sun while letting the breeze in.
Seeking to revitalize struggling fishing industry in the historic Angsila fishing village in Chonburi, Thailand, the Angsila Oyster Scaffolding Pavilion by Bangkok-based Chat Architects invites eco-tourism enthusiasts taste oysters pulled from the ocean below. The design draws on bamboo scaffolding traditionally used for oyster cultivation: local fishermen manually drive each bamboo column into the ocean floor. Rejected car seatbelts, acquired at a discount due to discoloration from local auto plants, are used to tie all of the bamboo members together. The finishing touch is added by vivid red light-filtering agricultural tarp, which is used to shade visitors from the ocean sun while letting the breeze in.