#BeOpenART
Botanical artist and "urban gardener" Christophe Guinet, better known as Monsieur Plant, delicately twists and contorts robust pieces of tree trunk, modeling them into five hyper-realistic sculptures recalling everyday symbols and objects for his Twist project.
More furniture and art created using tree trunks in our blog
Botanical artist and "urban gardener" Christophe Guinet, better known as Monsieur Plant, delicately twists and contorts robust pieces of tree trunk, modeling them into five hyper-realistic sculptures recalling everyday symbols and objects for his Twist project.
More furniture and art created using tree trunks in our blog
#BeOpenDESIGN
Designed and fabricated by Madrid-based studio Caliper for Manhattan clothing brand Hidden as part of store display, the Mac Pro Bench – just as its name suggests – is comprised of two recycled first-gen Mac Pro shells, deprived of any electronic components, with a folded aluminium bench top.
Designed and fabricated by Madrid-based studio Caliper for Manhattan clothing brand Hidden as part of store display, the Mac Pro Bench – just as its name suggests – is comprised of two recycled first-gen Mac Pro shells, deprived of any electronic components, with a folded aluminium bench top.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Hungarian designer Ben Koros has envisioned a conceptual timepiece that works like a digital hourglass and shows the passing of “subjective time”. Named Piece of Time, the piece of jewellery, which can be worn as a pendant necklace, bracelet, or basic clip, synchronises saved events and alarms from all the user’s calendar apps via a smartphone’s Bluetooth function, and counts down to the next important event based on the user’s preferences.
Hungarian designer Ben Koros has envisioned a conceptual timepiece that works like a digital hourglass and shows the passing of “subjective time”. Named Piece of Time, the piece of jewellery, which can be worn as a pendant necklace, bracelet, or basic clip, synchronises saved events and alarms from all the user’s calendar apps via a smartphone’s Bluetooth function, and counts down to the next important event based on the user’s preferences.
#BeOpenDESIGN
TRAGA, a new Milanese design brand, has debuted with a bifunctional glass. One side of this is perfect for Martini cocktails, but when flipped the glass can be used to serve shots. Each glass is crafted from borosilicate glass, known for its durability and resistance to hot and cold temperature. The colour palette includes four options: transparent, blue & pink, teal & blue and amber & lilac, all of which brings vibrancy to any table setting.
TRAGA, a new Milanese design brand, has debuted with a bifunctional glass. One side of this is perfect for Martini cocktails, but when flipped the glass can be used to serve shots. Each glass is crafted from borosilicate glass, known for its durability and resistance to hot and cold temperature. The colour palette includes four options: transparent, blue & pink, teal & blue and amber & lilac, all of which brings vibrancy to any table setting.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Swedish design studio Addi has created an alternative to conventional waiting-area furniture – a minimalist log-like perch for users to lean on while waiting around in anonymous spaces. Named Lumber, the piece can also act as a room divider when placed next to each other, a centerpiece in an artsy environment as well as a play area for young and old. The textile components are easily removable: thus facilitating cleaning and the option to replace if needed, thereby extending the product’s longevity.
Swedish design studio Addi has created an alternative to conventional waiting-area furniture – a minimalist log-like perch for users to lean on while waiting around in anonymous spaces. Named Lumber, the piece can also act as a room divider when placed next to each other, a centerpiece in an artsy environment as well as a play area for young and old. The textile components are easily removable: thus facilitating cleaning and the option to replace if needed, thereby extending the product’s longevity.
#BeOpenDESIGN
With the development of online shopping and deliveries, the growing amount of plastic packaging waste threatens to question all progress made with reducing the amount of plastic bags. To address this problem, the design team from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, China, experimented with better ways of recycling polymer mailer bags and transforming them into a new surface material through simple processing or pattern design. The regenerated material can be used to produce various products, such as fashionable bag designs. The material is highly flexible and wear-resistant, with a texture that resembles vegetable tanned leather.
More exciting sustainable bags in our blog
With the development of online shopping and deliveries, the growing amount of plastic packaging waste threatens to question all progress made with reducing the amount of plastic bags. To address this problem, the design team from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, China, experimented with better ways of recycling polymer mailer bags and transforming them into a new surface material through simple processing or pattern design. The regenerated material can be used to produce various products, such as fashionable bag designs. The material is highly flexible and wear-resistant, with a texture that resembles vegetable tanned leather.
More exciting sustainable bags in our blog
#BeOpenDESIGN
Uncovering beauty from the mundane, NYC based designer Nik Bentel has crafted a bag out of a single orange electric cord. He wrapped and glued the 25 metre lonbg cord to form a bucket-like shape, preserving the cord for its intended use without any cuts.
Aptly named Electric Cord Bag, the bag can be worn as a unique and distinctive accessory, or can even be plugged into a wall.
More bespoke bags in our blog.
Uncovering beauty from the mundane, NYC based designer Nik Bentel has crafted a bag out of a single orange electric cord. He wrapped and glued the 25 metre lonbg cord to form a bucket-like shape, preserving the cord for its intended use without any cuts.
Aptly named Electric Cord Bag, the bag can be worn as a unique and distinctive accessory, or can even be plugged into a wall.
More bespoke bags in our blog.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Developed by designer Saiyami Jhaveri, Ecobloom is a concept device that take the routine of maintenance needed for home gardening. Almost of parts of this process, such as watering, sunlight and protection from pests, are automated. Soil moisture sensors determine the right time to water the plants, while drippers dispense the right amount of water. The smart gardening pot also features artificial "grow lights" and a built-in insect repellent that keeps pests away without harming humans and pets.
Developed by designer Saiyami Jhaveri, Ecobloom is a concept device that take the routine of maintenance needed for home gardening. Almost of parts of this process, such as watering, sunlight and protection from pests, are automated. Soil moisture sensors determine the right time to water the plants, while drippers dispense the right amount of water. The smart gardening pot also features artificial "grow lights" and a built-in insect repellent that keeps pests away without harming humans and pets.
#BeOpenDESIGN
As part of his Diploma Project during his student tenure at the L’école cantonale d’art de Lausanne (ECAL) Swiss product designer Robin Luginbühl has conceptualized The Disassembly Lab, modular sneakers with 3D-knitted parts that are repairable, restorable, replaceable, and recyclable. The TPU soles and upper parts can be tied using an elastic thread, or glued together with recycled rubber. Since the sneakers are modular, the upper parts can also be manufactured with disposable or thrown-out materials, including excess fabric from the fashion industry.
As part of his Diploma Project during his student tenure at the L’école cantonale d’art de Lausanne (ECAL) Swiss product designer Robin Luginbühl has conceptualized The Disassembly Lab, modular sneakers with 3D-knitted parts that are repairable, restorable, replaceable, and recyclable. The TPU soles and upper parts can be tied using an elastic thread, or glued together with recycled rubber. Since the sneakers are modular, the upper parts can also be manufactured with disposable or thrown-out materials, including excess fabric from the fashion industry.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Skateboarder and designer Chris Luu has turned a city barrier into a purse. The Barrier Bag, playfully cast in resin, mirrors different barriers celebrating their distinctiveness, so no two bags are identical.
Skateboarder and designer Chris Luu has turned a city barrier into a purse. The Barrier Bag, playfully cast in resin, mirrors different barriers celebrating their distinctiveness, so no two bags are identical.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Designed by The Joy Of, a family venture by Ignas and Lina Survila, T-J-O Balance is an eye-catching handbag that features a case of Italian leather for elegance, a sturdy plastic shield for protection, and a carefully crafted handlebar made of birchwood for a touch of natural personalization. The experimental piece is nevertheless very practical, perfectly serving its direct purpose of carrying your everyday essentials.
Designed by The Joy Of, a family venture by Ignas and Lina Survila, T-J-O Balance is an eye-catching handbag that features a case of Italian leather for elegance, a sturdy plastic shield for protection, and a carefully crafted handlebar made of birchwood for a touch of natural personalization. The experimental piece is nevertheless very practical, perfectly serving its direct purpose of carrying your everyday essentials.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Beverage company Keurig has addressed the persisting problem of millions of coffee pods thrown in the waste on a daily basis. It has introduced a compostable and plastic-free alternative to the pod, named K-Round, that manages to produce a great brew without leaving a throwaway plastic and metal coffee pod. The K-Round comprises a compressed disc or puck of coffee grounds, bound together with plant-based materials like cellulose.
Beverage company Keurig has addressed the persisting problem of millions of coffee pods thrown in the waste on a daily basis. It has introduced a compostable and plastic-free alternative to the pod, named K-Round, that manages to produce a great brew without leaving a throwaway plastic and metal coffee pod. The K-Round comprises a compressed disc or puck of coffee grounds, bound together with plant-based materials like cellulose.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Emy Bensdorp produces bricks from soils, heavily contaminated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that are toxic and do not break down in the environment when they leak into our soils and groundwater. With her start-up Claybens, Bensdorp eliminate PFAS chemicals from contaminated clay soil by firing it into bricks. What is great about these chemicals is that they're actually great because they are water resistant, fireproof and last for a long time.
More sustainable bricks in our blog
Emy Bensdorp produces bricks from soils, heavily contaminated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that are toxic and do not break down in the environment when they leak into our soils and groundwater. With her start-up Claybens, Bensdorp eliminate PFAS chemicals from contaminated clay soil by firing it into bricks. What is great about these chemicals is that they're actually great because they are water resistant, fireproof and last for a long time.
More sustainable bricks in our blog
#BeOpenDESIGN
Japanese manufacturer Sumitomo Metal Mining Co has collaborated with consultant Droga5 Tokyo and fashion designer Kosuke Tsumura to create an extraordinary jacket as a way of demonstrating potential of its innovative heat-producing Solament material. Named the Down-Less Down Jacket, the coat has a typical puffer jacket silhouette, but instead of using feathers or a synthetic material for warmth, it uses infrared-retaining technology to warm the wearer, warming the body "instantly".
Japanese manufacturer Sumitomo Metal Mining Co has collaborated with consultant Droga5 Tokyo and fashion designer Kosuke Tsumura to create an extraordinary jacket as a way of demonstrating potential of its innovative heat-producing Solament material. Named the Down-Less Down Jacket, the coat has a typical puffer jacket silhouette, but instead of using feathers or a synthetic material for warmth, it uses infrared-retaining technology to warm the wearer, warming the body "instantly".
#BeOpenDESIGN
Aiming to address the problem of the enormous volume of waste generated by the country's ceramics manufacturers, Chinese materials company Yi Design has developed a porous brick that could be used to prevent flooding in urban areas. The Permeable YiBrick is made from to 97 per cent recycled ceramic waste, which is ground and bound together using a specially developed non-organic chemical binder. The brick can harvest rainwater, redirecting it from the sewage system to the water table by permeating through the ground, which makes it perfect to be used for outdoor use in paving areas and gardens or as a base of water fountains.
More innovative bricks made from waste in our blog
Aiming to address the problem of the enormous volume of waste generated by the country's ceramics manufacturers, Chinese materials company Yi Design has developed a porous brick that could be used to prevent flooding in urban areas. The Permeable YiBrick is made from to 97 per cent recycled ceramic waste, which is ground and bound together using a specially developed non-organic chemical binder. The brick can harvest rainwater, redirecting it from the sewage system to the water table by permeating through the ground, which makes it perfect to be used for outdoor use in paving areas and gardens or as a base of water fountains.
More innovative bricks made from waste in our blog
#BeOpenDESIGN
XFT Medical and IDC has unveiled an advanced solution engineered to aid patients recovering from strokes or hand disabilities. Named Hand Rehabilitation Glove, this innovative robotic glove employs flexible air-activated muscles to facilitate movement, effectively targeting limb motor function and preventing muscle disuse atrophy. With six distinct training modes, including power-assisted movement and resistance training, it offers a versatile approach to muscle strengthening, from full hand movement to single finger exercises.
XFT Medical and IDC has unveiled an advanced solution engineered to aid patients recovering from strokes or hand disabilities. Named Hand Rehabilitation Glove, this innovative robotic glove employs flexible air-activated muscles to facilitate movement, effectively targeting limb motor function and preventing muscle disuse atrophy. With six distinct training modes, including power-assisted movement and resistance training, it offers a versatile approach to muscle strengthening, from full hand movement to single finger exercises.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Power Hug is a concept designed by Taejeong Kim and Yeji Jeon as a comforting technology solution that offers enough warmth to bring a little comfort and ease the worries of the person. Constructed with a soft-sided finish, the robot can be used for stress relief in emergency shelters. It has a big power bank, a series of ports for accessing charging functions, as well as a built-in heater. via yankodesign
Power Hug is a concept designed by Taejeong Kim and Yeji Jeon as a comforting technology solution that offers enough warmth to bring a little comfort and ease the worries of the person. Constructed with a soft-sided finish, the robot can be used for stress relief in emergency shelters. It has a big power bank, a series of ports for accessing charging functions, as well as a built-in heater. via yankodesign
#BeOpenARCH
London-based Heatherwick Studio has unveiled a new building for design school and makers’ space for Universidad Ean in Colombia, with the front façade made up of colourful, crafted columns and open terraces. The design pays homage to the local craft traditions including Werregue basketry, a form of weaving unique to Colombia’s Wounaan indigenous community.
London-based Heatherwick Studio has unveiled a new building for design school and makers’ space for Universidad Ean in Colombia, with the front façade made up of colourful, crafted columns and open terraces. The design pays homage to the local craft traditions including Werregue basketry, a form of weaving unique to Colombia’s Wounaan indigenous community.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Seattle-based designer Jay Sae Jung Oh creates chairs made from discarded household objects as a commentary on waste culture. For the Salvage Chair, the designer has combined thrown-away instruments – including a drum, drumsticks, a French horn and an electric guitar – into an armchair-like arrangement, before hand-wrapping the entire form in ribbons of thin brown leather.
The designer sources various leftover or damaged objects from thrift store outlets, as well as from friends or neighbours. After meticulously designing the overall form, the collected pieces are assembled into a furniture-like structure and wrapped in leather cords in intricate patterns.
More chairs from recycled materials in our blog
Seattle-based designer Jay Sae Jung Oh creates chairs made from discarded household objects as a commentary on waste culture. For the Salvage Chair, the designer has combined thrown-away instruments – including a drum, drumsticks, a French horn and an electric guitar – into an armchair-like arrangement, before hand-wrapping the entire form in ribbons of thin brown leather.
The designer sources various leftover or damaged objects from thrift store outlets, as well as from friends or neighbours. After meticulously designing the overall form, the collected pieces are assembled into a furniture-like structure and wrapped in leather cords in intricate patterns.
More chairs from recycled materials in our blog
#BeOpenDESIGN
Japanese company Ena Metal Manufacturing Co., Ltd. makes “ease of eating” the focus of the design of its beautiful pet bowl. Named Swelltone, the bowl can tilt up to an angle of 20 degrees, which makes it easier for a pet to eat every bit of the food without spilling it. The bowl that holds food is manufactured using stainless steel by the same craftsmen who create precision parts for automobiles and aircraft, while its base is crafted out of fine Japanese cypress wood. When not in use, the sophisticated design can serve as a piece of minimalist decor offering a visual delight to humans and pets alike.
More design-minded pet bowls in our blog
Japanese company Ena Metal Manufacturing Co., Ltd. makes “ease of eating” the focus of the design of its beautiful pet bowl. Named Swelltone, the bowl can tilt up to an angle of 20 degrees, which makes it easier for a pet to eat every bit of the food without spilling it. The bowl that holds food is manufactured using stainless steel by the same craftsmen who create precision parts for automobiles and aircraft, while its base is crafted out of fine Japanese cypress wood. When not in use, the sophisticated design can serve as a piece of minimalist decor offering a visual delight to humans and pets alike.
More design-minded pet bowls in our blog