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Symbiotic Objects by Shanghai-based designer and Central Saint Martins alumni Xiang Guan is a project that aims to demonstrate a potential symbiosis between objects and their users. The series features a table, chair and lamp, each requiring a human to complete them. The chair and table when isolated will fall unless a human is present to “prop them up”, while the lamp will only turn on when worn as a hat.
Symbiotic Objects by Shanghai-based designer and Central Saint Martins alumni Xiang Guan is a project that aims to demonstrate a potential symbiosis between objects and their users. The series features a table, chair and lamp, each requiring a human to complete them. The chair and table when isolated will fall unless a human is present to “prop them up”, while the lamp will only turn on when worn as a hat.
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Shaped like a colossal keycap, Gboard Caps is an innovative keyboard that enables the user to input characters on smartphones or computers by tilting their head in different directions. The hat houses a gyroscope that deciphers the head’s movements into characters, which are then sent to the smartphone via Bluetooth. The device's six-axis inertial sensor detects the angle at which it is positioned, so the user can cycle through characters by swaying their head left or right. The selection is confirmed with a tap on the head with a satisfying click sound.
Shaped like a colossal keycap, Gboard Caps is an innovative keyboard that enables the user to input characters on smartphones or computers by tilting their head in different directions. The hat houses a gyroscope that deciphers the head’s movements into characters, which are then sent to the smartphone via Bluetooth. The device's six-axis inertial sensor detects the angle at which it is positioned, so the user can cycle through characters by swaying their head left or right. The selection is confirmed with a tap on the head with a satisfying click sound.
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As her graduate project at the London College of Fashion, designer Mijoda Dajomi has crafted a collection of hats that are designed to harvest up to 5 liters of rainwater. Named Daughters of Rain, the striking project serves as a speculative response to a future where freshwater becomes an increasingly scarce resource. The headwear gets its leather-like appearance from waxed cotton it is crafted from. The choice of materials ensures that the hat not only repels water but also effectively retains it without leaks.
More bespoke headwear in our blog.
As her graduate project at the London College of Fashion, designer Mijoda Dajomi has crafted a collection of hats that are designed to harvest up to 5 liters of rainwater. Named Daughters of Rain, the striking project serves as a speculative response to a future where freshwater becomes an increasingly scarce resource. The headwear gets its leather-like appearance from waxed cotton it is crafted from. The choice of materials ensures that the hat not only repels water but also effectively retains it without leaks.
More bespoke headwear in our blog.
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Designed by Buenos Aires based Atelier Matias Mosquera, the Shire is a one-of-a-kind self-sufficient home that beautifully merges into its surrounding landscape. As its name suggests, the structure was inspired Tolkien’s iconic books. The greenery on top of the home provides insulation from the heat and cold, while wooden slats offer shade from the sun as well. Besides, the house generates its own electricity, heating, water and, above all, food, which enables the client to create a new lifestyle.
Designed by Buenos Aires based Atelier Matias Mosquera, the Shire is a one-of-a-kind self-sufficient home that beautifully merges into its surrounding landscape. As its name suggests, the structure was inspired Tolkien’s iconic books. The greenery on top of the home provides insulation from the heat and cold, while wooden slats offer shade from the sun as well. Besides, the house generates its own electricity, heating, water and, above all, food, which enables the client to create a new lifestyle.
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Local architecture practice Earthscape Studio has placed The Infinite Rise holiday home on a rocky site near the village of Anaikatti in southern India. Looking to disrupt the site as little as possible, the architects dug into the land to create a partially sunken, semicircular home, wrapped by a gabion wall to help it blend in with the surrounding mountain ranges. Learn what other features were used in the project to help maintain cool temperature inside in the country's hot climate in our blog.
Local architecture practice Earthscape Studio has placed The Infinite Rise holiday home on a rocky site near the village of Anaikatti in southern India. Looking to disrupt the site as little as possible, the architects dug into the land to create a partially sunken, semicircular home, wrapped by a gabion wall to help it blend in with the surrounding mountain ranges. Learn what other features were used in the project to help maintain cool temperature inside in the country's hot climate in our blog.
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Architecture studio Archiopteryx has built a home with a rooftop splash pool and a curved ramp, which along with balconies containing pools and planters, was developed to collect rainwater. The water is collected in a tank at an upper level, which is connected to a rainwater manhole below ground with a bright red irrigation pipe that runs through the house, at points functioning as a staircase handrail. When required, stored water is diverted to the home's upper levels, creating a cycle of collect-irrigate-store-reuse.
Architecture studio Archiopteryx has built a home with a rooftop splash pool and a curved ramp, which along with balconies containing pools and planters, was developed to collect rainwater. The water is collected in a tank at an upper level, which is connected to a rainwater manhole below ground with a bright red irrigation pipe that runs through the house, at points functioning as a staircase handrail. When required, stored water is diverted to the home's upper levels, creating a cycle of collect-irrigate-store-reuse.
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Commissioned to make use of an overlooked site, studio Wallmakers created a snake-like house whose design and dimensions were derived entirely from the position of the three large Tamarind trees and the rock formation on the site. The subterranean home is comprised of spiraling elements that were partly constructed from 4,000 concrete-filled plastic bottles, which were collected by the studio within a two-kilometre radius of the site, placed around the trees on the site and covered with earth.
Commissioned to make use of an overlooked site, studio Wallmakers created a snake-like house whose design and dimensions were derived entirely from the position of the three large Tamarind trees and the rock formation on the site. The subterranean home is comprised of spiraling elements that were partly constructed from 4,000 concrete-filled plastic bottles, which were collected by the studio within a two-kilometre radius of the site, placed around the trees on the site and covered with earth.
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The UNECE ESD Forum and the MED9 Forum issued the Youth Statement, which captures the key contributions and perspectives of the young delegates, whose presence and active engagement were crucial during the special sessions. Their insights and energy provided a unique and vital perspective to the discussions, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in shaping a sustainable future. The outcomes of these forums will play a significant role in shaping the discussions at the Summit of the Future, ensuring that the voices and ideas shared will have a lasting impact.
The UNECE ESD Forum and the MED9 Forum issued the Youth Statement, which captures the key contributions and perspectives of the young delegates, whose presence and active engagement were crucial during the special sessions. Their insights and energy provided a unique and vital perspective to the discussions, highlighting the importance of youth involvement in shaping a sustainable future. The outcomes of these forums will play a significant role in shaping the discussions at the Summit of the Future, ensuring that the voices and ideas shared will have a lasting impact.
#BeOpenARCH
Architecture firms X Atelier and Atelier BAUM have teamed up to create Loop Pool Tejo, a public swimming pool in Lisbon that emerges as a sculptural element over the waters of the Tagus River. The circular pontoon functions as a circulation and rest area with an entry point into the river for activities such as rowing or stand-up paddle boarding. The highest point of this bench also serves as a jumping area for the pool, promoting a young and fun atmosphere. At the water level of the pool, there is a second ring that extends underneath this second bench, creating a shaded rest area that meets the needs of different audiences.
Architecture firms X Atelier and Atelier BAUM have teamed up to create Loop Pool Tejo, a public swimming pool in Lisbon that emerges as a sculptural element over the waters of the Tagus River. The circular pontoon functions as a circulation and rest area with an entry point into the river for activities such as rowing or stand-up paddle boarding. The highest point of this bench also serves as a jumping area for the pool, promoting a young and fun atmosphere. At the water level of the pool, there is a second ring that extends underneath this second bench, creating a shaded rest area that meets the needs of different audiences.
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Just as its name suggests, the "From a single-family house to a two-family house" renovation project by Austrian studio MWArchitekten comprises an extension to a two-family house. Situated in a low-density residential area, the project sought to reconcile the need for increased housing density with the desire for a private garden environment. Aiming to minimize alterations to the existing 1960s-era building, the team retained the original structure and enhanced the existing plaster facade with wooden elements, including scalloped shingles and vertical timber screens.
Just as its name suggests, the "From a single-family house to a two-family house" renovation project by Austrian studio MWArchitekten comprises an extension to a two-family house. Situated in a low-density residential area, the project sought to reconcile the need for increased housing density with the desire for a private garden environment. Aiming to minimize alterations to the existing 1960s-era building, the team retained the original structure and enhanced the existing plaster facade with wooden elements, including scalloped shingles and vertical timber screens.
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Named after the Portuguese word for “moon,” the LUA smart speaker concept developed by Indian industrial designer Arshad Asaaf has been inspired by the dark side of the moon. It is represented by the bottom half of the device, while the upper half, where the indicators and controls are located, embodies the “bright” side of this celestial body. The flat bottom of the otherwise spherical speaker doubles as a levitation platform. The idea is that the strong magnets in the base and in the bottom of the speaker activate to repel each other once the speaker is fully charged.
More lunar-themed designs in our blog.
Named after the Portuguese word for “moon,” the LUA smart speaker concept developed by Indian industrial designer Arshad Asaaf has been inspired by the dark side of the moon. It is represented by the bottom half of the device, while the upper half, where the indicators and controls are located, embodies the “bright” side of this celestial body. The flat bottom of the otherwise spherical speaker doubles as a levitation platform. The idea is that the strong magnets in the base and in the bottom of the speaker activate to repel each other once the speaker is fully charged.
More lunar-themed designs in our blog.
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Designed by Estonian designer ÖÖD, Golden House is probably the most exclusive compact home in the world, boasting a breathtaking mirrored gold glass exterior that leaves a lasting impression. This stunning limited-edition dwelling comprises a sleek rectangular shape adorned with a custom-made golden-shimmery glass finish.
More buildings wrapped in gold in our blog.
Designed by Estonian designer ÖÖD, Golden House is probably the most exclusive compact home in the world, boasting a breathtaking mirrored gold glass exterior that leaves a lasting impression. This stunning limited-edition dwelling comprises a sleek rectangular shape adorned with a custom-made golden-shimmery glass finish.
More buildings wrapped in gold in our blog.
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Collaborating with top-tier custom premium keyboard vendors, Awekeys startup is transforming ordinary mechanical keyboards into stunning works of art. Each key in this set is crafted from recycled metal, breathing new life into discarded materials while reducing the environmental impact of production. With cutting-edge CNC machining, these metal keycaps are not only durable and resistant to wear but also feature intricate designs and exquisite textures.
Collaborating with top-tier custom premium keyboard vendors, Awekeys startup is transforming ordinary mechanical keyboards into stunning works of art. Each key in this set is crafted from recycled metal, breathing new life into discarded materials while reducing the environmental impact of production. With cutting-edge CNC machining, these metal keycaps are not only durable and resistant to wear but also feature intricate designs and exquisite textures.
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Seoul-based product designer Jinkyo Han has conceptualized a pocket timepiece for the visually impaired. Instead of traditional numbers, the Blind Watch features braille markers for hours, allowing users to feel the time. Its thick overlapping hands, one for hours and one for minutes, provide a tactile experience. Additionally, the piece has two hooks at the top and bottom, enabling users to attach a thread and wear the watch as a necklace.
Seoul-based product designer Jinkyo Han has conceptualized a pocket timepiece for the visually impaired. Instead of traditional numbers, the Blind Watch features braille markers for hours, allowing users to feel the time. Its thick overlapping hands, one for hours and one for minutes, provide a tactile experience. Additionally, the piece has two hooks at the top and bottom, enabling users to attach a thread and wear the watch as a necklace.
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Nestled in Pilar, Buenos Aires, Olivos House by Argentinian studio Gonzalo Bardach seamlessly integrates landscape and architecture through a central patio covered with native vegetation that acts as the home's focal point. The exterior of the building is understated, cleverly concealing a vertical, curved structure that resembles terraced hills, which allows light to flood the interior and promotes cross ventilation. The use of raw concrete, wood, iron, and glass enhances the connection to nature while adding warmth to the living spaces.
Nestled in Pilar, Buenos Aires, Olivos House by Argentinian studio Gonzalo Bardach seamlessly integrates landscape and architecture through a central patio covered with native vegetation that acts as the home's focal point. The exterior of the building is understated, cleverly concealing a vertical, curved structure that resembles terraced hills, which allows light to flood the interior and promotes cross ventilation. The use of raw concrete, wood, iron, and glass enhances the connection to nature while adding warmth to the living spaces.
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Atelier Zeros’ design for the ZHANGYU Gallery at CITIC Pacific Plaza in Shanghai showcases the potential of computational design and prefabrication, enhancing visitor interaction with the artwork. The installation juxtaposes algorithm-driven elements with Zhang Yu's hand-drawn ink paintings, creating an immersive, dreamlike environment. The entrance, made of over 1,000 colorful galvanized steel pieces, resembles a burst of rice paper, echoing the dynamic strokes of Zhang Yu’s art. Prefabricated off-site for quick, weld-free assembly, the entrance seamlessly blends form and function.
Atelier Zeros’ design for the ZHANGYU Gallery at CITIC Pacific Plaza in Shanghai showcases the potential of computational design and prefabrication, enhancing visitor interaction with the artwork. The installation juxtaposes algorithm-driven elements with Zhang Yu's hand-drawn ink paintings, creating an immersive, dreamlike environment. The entrance, made of over 1,000 colorful galvanized steel pieces, resembles a burst of rice paper, echoing the dynamic strokes of Zhang Yu’s art. Prefabricated off-site for quick, weld-free assembly, the entrance seamlessly blends form and function.
#BeOpenARCH
Argentinian studio Bracamonte Hajnal Yerba Arquitectos has transformed a 1980s house known as Casa Wiz in Buenos Aires by adding a two-storey gabled greenhouse. The design team thoughtfully expanded the upper floor, mirroring the original roofline and introducing a garden terrace surrounded by a greenhouse form constructed of a lightweight metal frame. This frame is wrapped in a translucent mesh screen that supports climbing vines, fostering a dynamic, living façade and creating a serene retreat.
More rooftop greenhouses in our blog.
Argentinian studio Bracamonte Hajnal Yerba Arquitectos has transformed a 1980s house known as Casa Wiz in Buenos Aires by adding a two-storey gabled greenhouse. The design team thoughtfully expanded the upper floor, mirroring the original roofline and introducing a garden terrace surrounded by a greenhouse form constructed of a lightweight metal frame. This frame is wrapped in a translucent mesh screen that supports climbing vines, fostering a dynamic, living façade and creating a serene retreat.
More rooftop greenhouses in our blog.
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Studio Yellowdot, based between Hong Kong and Istanbul, collected approximately 60 eggshells over a month to create a diffuser from this waste for their pendant light series, Hatch, whose form is inspired by heat lamps used for incubating chicks.The eggshells, sourced from homes and local bakeries, are meticulously arranged and bonded with resin, creating a semi-translucent effect that scatters light beautifully. Suspended by three fine cables, the semi-translucent eggshells produce a captivating light-scattering effect when illuminated.
More innovative ways to repurpose eggshell waste in our blog.
Studio Yellowdot, based between Hong Kong and Istanbul, collected approximately 60 eggshells over a month to create a diffuser from this waste for their pendant light series, Hatch, whose form is inspired by heat lamps used for incubating chicks.The eggshells, sourced from homes and local bakeries, are meticulously arranged and bonded with resin, creating a semi-translucent effect that scatters light beautifully. Suspended by three fine cables, the semi-translucent eggshells produce a captivating light-scattering effect when illuminated.
More innovative ways to repurpose eggshell waste in our blog.
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BE OPEN Art is excited to announce that Wilson Ilama, a visual artist based in Costa Rica, has been chosen as the Regional Artist of the Month for September 2024, receiving the highest number of votes from visitors of the BE OPEN Art online gallery. The second stage of this program focuses on Central America, encompassing Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Wilson Ilama joins Raúl Cárcamo from El Salvador and Isabella González from Honduras as the three candidates for the Central America Artist of the Region. The regional winner will be announced soon, and one of the three monthly winners will receive a €500 award.
BE OPEN Art is excited to announce that Wilson Ilama, a visual artist based in Costa Rica, has been chosen as the Regional Artist of the Month for September 2024, receiving the highest number of votes from visitors of the BE OPEN Art online gallery. The second stage of this program focuses on Central America, encompassing Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Wilson Ilama joins Raúl Cárcamo from El Salvador and Isabella González from Honduras as the three candidates for the Central America Artist of the Region. The regional winner will be announced soon, and one of the three monthly winners will receive a €500 award.
#BeOpenNEWS
BE OPEN Art launches the last regional competition of 2024 to support emerging artists of Southern Africa. This stage will cover Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The stage will traditionally last three months, and the regional winner for Southern Africa will be announced and awarded 500 euro at the end of December 2024. In the meantime, artworks by 20 emerging artists from the listed countries will be posted at the online gallery every month, and a public vote will select the Regional Artist of the Month. At the end of the stage, one of the monthly winners will become the Artist of the Region, based on the amount of votes by the public and the BE OPEN art community members.
BE OPEN Art launches the last regional competition of 2024 to support emerging artists of Southern Africa. This stage will cover Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The stage will traditionally last three months, and the regional winner for Southern Africa will be announced and awarded 500 euro at the end of December 2024. In the meantime, artworks by 20 emerging artists from the listed countries will be posted at the online gallery every month, and a public vote will select the Regional Artist of the Month. At the end of the stage, one of the monthly winners will become the Artist of the Region, based on the amount of votes by the public and the BE OPEN art community members.