#BeOpenDESIGN
Located in Richmond, USA, Plenty Richmond Farm is recognized as the world’s first vertical farm utilizing AI to cultivate strawberries indoors on a large scale. Within the facility, 30-foot-tall towers can produce over four million pounds of strawberries annually, all within a space of less than 40,000 square feet. Unlike traditional outdoor farming, which is subject to unpredictable weather and soil conditions, Plenty’s vertical farm offers a controlled environment. Here, AI-driven software manages the temperature to create optimal growing conditions and uses artificial lighting that simulates sunlight to regulate the amount of light the strawberries receive.
Located in Richmond, USA, Plenty Richmond Farm is recognized as the world’s first vertical farm utilizing AI to cultivate strawberries indoors on a large scale. Within the facility, 30-foot-tall towers can produce over four million pounds of strawberries annually, all within a space of less than 40,000 square feet. Unlike traditional outdoor farming, which is subject to unpredictable weather and soil conditions, Plenty’s vertical farm offers a controlled environment. Here, AI-driven software manages the temperature to create optimal growing conditions and uses artificial lighting that simulates sunlight to regulate the amount of light the strawberries receive.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Portuguese designer Luís César N. Giestas offers a series of YouTube videos that demonstrate how to create shoes using everyday household items and biodegradable ingredients, which are literally baked in an oven. The result, the Baking Vegan Slippers, provides a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to traditional shoes made from plastics and fossil fuels. The shoe's upper is crafted from alginate, a thickener derived from algae, while the sole combines ground cork bound with agar, an algae-based gelatin substitute. To add color, saffron or black tea is used. Design-wise, there are various options available for customizing the shoe tops.
Portuguese designer Luís César N. Giestas offers a series of YouTube videos that demonstrate how to create shoes using everyday household items and biodegradable ingredients, which are literally baked in an oven. The result, the Baking Vegan Slippers, provides a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to traditional shoes made from plastics and fossil fuels. The shoe's upper is crafted from alginate, a thickener derived from algae, while the sole combines ground cork bound with agar, an algae-based gelatin substitute. To add color, saffron or black tea is used. Design-wise, there are various options available for customizing the shoe tops.
#BeOpenDESIGN
The Carpentopod by engineer Giliam de Carpentier is an innovative walking wooden table that can deliver snacks and drinks at the user's command via a fusion of craftsmanship, technology, and creativity. Using advanced computer software, de Carpentier generated thousands of linkage variations for the table's crawling legs, employing a machine learning approach to optimize their design based on criteria like stability and smooth movement, ensuring the table glides horizontally without jiggling, reducing the risk of spills. Control is intuitive, with a custom wand-like remote reminiscent of a Wii-mote, making it easy for users to command their Carpentopod from a distance. This unique creation not only serves a functional purpose but also stands as a testament to innovative design in the intersection of art and technology.
The Carpentopod by engineer Giliam de Carpentier is an innovative walking wooden table that can deliver snacks and drinks at the user's command via a fusion of craftsmanship, technology, and creativity. Using advanced computer software, de Carpentier generated thousands of linkage variations for the table's crawling legs, employing a machine learning approach to optimize their design based on criteria like stability and smooth movement, ensuring the table glides horizontally without jiggling, reducing the risk of spills. Control is intuitive, with a custom wand-like remote reminiscent of a Wii-mote, making it easy for users to command their Carpentopod from a distance. This unique creation not only serves a functional purpose but also stands as a testament to innovative design in the intersection of art and technology.
#BeOpenNEWS
BE OPEN Art is thrilled to announce that Akindele John has been voted Artist of the Month by the visitors of art.beopenfuture.com for September 2024. Each month, we invite art enthusiasts from around the globe to select the best artist from those featured in our online gallery. This September, Akindele John's paintings, which pay tribute to his African-Nigerian identity and express gratitude for Black feminine representation in African society, resonated deeply with voters, earning him the majority of votes.
We also want to extend our appreciation to all the featured artists and thank everyone who participated in the voting process.
BE OPEN Art is thrilled to announce that Akindele John has been voted Artist of the Month by the visitors of art.beopenfuture.com for September 2024. Each month, we invite art enthusiasts from around the globe to select the best artist from those featured in our online gallery. This September, Akindele John's paintings, which pay tribute to his African-Nigerian identity and express gratitude for Black feminine representation in African society, resonated deeply with voters, earning him the majority of votes.
We also want to extend our appreciation to all the featured artists and thank everyone who participated in the voting process.
#BeOpenDESIGN
When heading out on a hike, three essentials are a water bottle, a light source, and a compass. Indian industrial designer Anantvijay has ingeniously combined all three into a single item. Constructed from lightweight polyethylene terephthalate, the Beacon Bottle for Hikers serves as both a hydration vessel and a reliable light source. It features a compass integrated into the polypropylene cap, minimizing the number of items one need to carry, and the handle is designed for easy transport and can be attached to a backpack.
More multifunctional bottles for hiking adventures in our blog.
When heading out on a hike, three essentials are a water bottle, a light source, and a compass. Indian industrial designer Anantvijay has ingeniously combined all three into a single item. Constructed from lightweight polyethylene terephthalate, the Beacon Bottle for Hikers serves as both a hydration vessel and a reliable light source. It features a compass integrated into the polypropylene cap, minimizing the number of items one need to carry, and the handle is designed for easy transport and can be attached to a backpack.
More multifunctional bottles for hiking adventures in our blog.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a groundbreaking biofilm that generates electricity from sweat, utilizing bacteria that convert evaporative energy into power. This innovative technology adheres to the skin like a Band-Aid and offers an eco-friendly solution for powering small devices without the need for bulky batteries. By eliminating toxic waste and minimizing processing requirements, this biofilm represents a significant advancement in sustainable energy. Currently, it can power small devices like medical sensors, with plans for larger versions to harness more evaporation energy.
More innovative portable power devices in our blog.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a groundbreaking biofilm that generates electricity from sweat, utilizing bacteria that convert evaporative energy into power. This innovative technology adheres to the skin like a Band-Aid and offers an eco-friendly solution for powering small devices without the need for bulky batteries. By eliminating toxic waste and minimizing processing requirements, this biofilm represents a significant advancement in sustainable energy. Currently, it can power small devices like medical sensors, with plans for larger versions to harness more evaporation energy.
More innovative portable power devices in our blog.
#BeOpenARCH
The Mineless Heritage Restoration Project by Taiwanese studio Divooe Zein Architects revitalizes abandoned industrial structures from the Chungyi Coal Mine, located outside Taipei. After mining activities ceased in 2000, these buildings fell into disrepair, becoming overgrown by the surrounding forest. Divooe Zein transformed them into a secluded retreat featuring a tea room, small theatre, and meditation spaces, all designed to foster human connection while retaining the original rough finishes. Using materials like black iron with an oil-shell-like sheen and recycled wood, the restoration beautifully blends new elements with the site’s industrial past. The aging textures of these materials harmonize with the architectural style, ensuring that the history of the location is preserved and celebrated.
The Mineless Heritage Restoration Project by Taiwanese studio Divooe Zein Architects revitalizes abandoned industrial structures from the Chungyi Coal Mine, located outside Taipei. After mining activities ceased in 2000, these buildings fell into disrepair, becoming overgrown by the surrounding forest. Divooe Zein transformed them into a secluded retreat featuring a tea room, small theatre, and meditation spaces, all designed to foster human connection while retaining the original rough finishes. Using materials like black iron with an oil-shell-like sheen and recycled wood, the restoration beautifully blends new elements with the site’s industrial past. The aging textures of these materials harmonize with the architectural style, ensuring that the history of the location is preserved and celebrated.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Architecture and interior design studio AW2 has designed four wooden cabins for the wilderness hotel company Coucoo Cabanes, enhancing the existing 25 cabins spread across a 150-hectare site in Chassey-lès-Montbozon, Franche-Comté, France. These new cabins are thoughtfully positioned to respect the area's biodiversity, rising gently from the trees along the edge of the nature reserve. Each unit features a three-level design within a protective envelope, allowing the exterior structure to unfold and reveal interior spaces that are both sheltered and open to the surrounding landscape.
Architecture and interior design studio AW2 has designed four wooden cabins for the wilderness hotel company Coucoo Cabanes, enhancing the existing 25 cabins spread across a 150-hectare site in Chassey-lès-Montbozon, Franche-Comté, France. These new cabins are thoughtfully positioned to respect the area's biodiversity, rising gently from the trees along the edge of the nature reserve. Each unit features a three-level design within a protective envelope, allowing the exterior structure to unfold and reveal interior spaces that are both sheltered and open to the surrounding landscape.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Developed by Jade Jinwon Heo, Timer Cap helps examinees make the most of their precious exam minutes by reducing the need to constantly check the time. Many people lose track of time while focusing on their tasks, often leading to incomplete answers or rushed solutions as the exam nears its end. Timer Cap aids in effective time management, allowing users to engage fully with the exam. The device features a spring that resets when the user pulls it upward manually. Additionally, the timer changes color every twenty minutes, providing a clear visual cue of the remaining time. When time is up, it signals the user with a distinct “clang.”
Developed by Jade Jinwon Heo, Timer Cap helps examinees make the most of their precious exam minutes by reducing the need to constantly check the time. Many people lose track of time while focusing on their tasks, often leading to incomplete answers or rushed solutions as the exam nears its end. Timer Cap aids in effective time management, allowing users to engage fully with the exam. The device features a spring that resets when the user pulls it upward manually. Additionally, the timer changes color every twenty minutes, providing a clear visual cue of the remaining time. When time is up, it signals the user with a distinct “clang.”
#BeOpenARCH
Situated on one of Vancouver's main avenues, the Fifteen Fifteen tower, designed by the renowned international firm Büro Ole Scheeren, rises as a striking three-dimensional sculpture that disrupts the city's skyline. A system of vertically shifted apartment modules allows for dynamic yet efficient residential layouts, while the horizontal rotation of these modules extends living spaces outward, introducing the concept of horizontal living in a slender high-rise. This design creates multiple terraces that foster both physical and emotional connections between indoor and outdoor environments. The cantilevered sections will be enveloped in floor-to-ceiling glass, providing residents with the feeling of floating above the city and landscape.
More on jenga-inspired architecture in our blog.
Situated on one of Vancouver's main avenues, the Fifteen Fifteen tower, designed by the renowned international firm Büro Ole Scheeren, rises as a striking three-dimensional sculpture that disrupts the city's skyline. A system of vertically shifted apartment modules allows for dynamic yet efficient residential layouts, while the horizontal rotation of these modules extends living spaces outward, introducing the concept of horizontal living in a slender high-rise. This design creates multiple terraces that foster both physical and emotional connections between indoor and outdoor environments. The cantilevered sections will be enveloped in floor-to-ceiling glass, providing residents with the feeling of floating above the city and landscape.
More on jenga-inspired architecture in our blog.
#BeOpenNEWS
Throughout 2024, BE OPEN community continues selecting artists to feature them in the BE OPEN Art gallery and offer greater visibility. The third stage of the Regional Art competition covered the countries of Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Based on the amount of votes, Isabella González (Honduras) became the Artist of the Region for Central America. BE OPEN will now award Isabella with a €500 grant.
Founder of BE OPEN Elena Baturina selected her own favourite among the Central American artists: Aziel Barrientos from Honduras.
On the 1st of October, the focus of the competition moved to Southern Africa. Every vote counts!
Throughout 2024, BE OPEN community continues selecting artists to feature them in the BE OPEN Art gallery and offer greater visibility. The third stage of the Regional Art competition covered the countries of Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Based on the amount of votes, Isabella González (Honduras) became the Artist of the Region for Central America. BE OPEN will now award Isabella with a €500 grant.
Founder of BE OPEN Elena Baturina selected her own favourite among the Central American artists: Aziel Barrientos from Honduras.
On the 1st of October, the focus of the competition moved to Southern Africa. Every vote counts!
#BeOpenDESIGN
The Ventete aH-1 Cycle Helmet addresses the shortcomings of traditional helmets with a sleek, design-oriented approach that prioritizes portability, comfort, and safety. Its standout feature is the innovative pneumatic design. Instead of bulky, rigid foam, the aH-1 employs an inflatable air chamber system that collapses to just 3.5 cm when deflated. This compact design makes it easy to store in a bag or large pocket, solving a common issue for cyclists looking for convenient storage off the bike. When it’s time to ride, a USB-C pump inflates the helmet in under 30 seconds, ensuring a quick and hassle-free transition from storage to protection.
The Ventete aH-1 Cycle Helmet addresses the shortcomings of traditional helmets with a sleek, design-oriented approach that prioritizes portability, comfort, and safety. Its standout feature is the innovative pneumatic design. Instead of bulky, rigid foam, the aH-1 employs an inflatable air chamber system that collapses to just 3.5 cm when deflated. This compact design makes it easy to store in a bag or large pocket, solving a common issue for cyclists looking for convenient storage off the bike. When it’s time to ride, a USB-C pump inflates the helmet in under 30 seconds, ensuring a quick and hassle-free transition from storage to protection.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Inspired by the Persian tradition of etiquette and generosity, Taarof is an elegant modular cocktail table created by New York designer Kouros Maghsoudi. Customizable leg inserts include a fruit basket that can also serve as a snack holder, a pewter ashtray, and a double-walled ice bucket to keep drinks chilled. This design seamlessly blends simplicity with functionality, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the table.
Inspired by the Persian tradition of etiquette and generosity, Taarof is an elegant modular cocktail table created by New York designer Kouros Maghsoudi. Customizable leg inserts include a fruit basket that can also serve as a snack holder, a pewter ashtray, and a double-walled ice bucket to keep drinks chilled. This design seamlessly blends simplicity with functionality, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the table.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Developed by Parsons School of Design graduates and industrial designers Chelsea Briganti and Leigh Ann Tucker, Loliware edible cups are made from seaweed and organic sweeteners and are available in delightful flavors like Madagascar vanilla and matcha green tea. With a focus on sustainability, the cups are completely free from plastic, gluten, gelatin, toxins, industrial chemicals, and GMOs, ensuring they are safe for consumers and the environment. Each cup is designed to decompose quickly—either by being eaten or composted, easily disintegrating when coming in contact with hot water. The product is perfect for special occasions and events, which can range from a picnic to an outdoor wedding.
More edible tableware in our blog.
Developed by Parsons School of Design graduates and industrial designers Chelsea Briganti and Leigh Ann Tucker, Loliware edible cups are made from seaweed and organic sweeteners and are available in delightful flavors like Madagascar vanilla and matcha green tea. With a focus on sustainability, the cups are completely free from plastic, gluten, gelatin, toxins, industrial chemicals, and GMOs, ensuring they are safe for consumers and the environment. Each cup is designed to decompose quickly—either by being eaten or composted, easily disintegrating when coming in contact with hot water. The product is perfect for special occasions and events, which can range from a picnic to an outdoor wedding.
More edible tableware in our blog.
#BeOpenARCH
Envisioned as a couple’s idyllic escape, these charming twin houses by international architecture and design office WY Design reimagine the vernacular of Hungarian villages. The design features segmented courtyards that ensure every room is filled with natural light and framed by serene views. Inspired by traditional barns, broad overhangs add a sculptural touch and provide shaded extensions into the landscape. With brick parapets and concealed rainwater systems, these homes embody simplicity and approachability, inviting tranquility into everyday life.
Envisioned as a couple’s idyllic escape, these charming twin houses by international architecture and design office WY Design reimagine the vernacular of Hungarian villages. The design features segmented courtyards that ensure every room is filled with natural light and framed by serene views. Inspired by traditional barns, broad overhangs add a sculptural touch and provide shaded extensions into the landscape. With brick parapets and concealed rainwater systems, these homes embody simplicity and approachability, inviting tranquility into everyday life.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Berlin-based designer Shigeki Yamamoto crafts eclectic coffee tables from materials found at flea markets, roadside discoveries, and gifted items. His collection, aptly titled "Play Memory Structures," encourages viewers to project their own memories and interpretations onto the pieces, imbuing the furniture with new significance as seen through the eyes of each observer.
Berlin-based designer Shigeki Yamamoto crafts eclectic coffee tables from materials found at flea markets, roadside discoveries, and gifted items. His collection, aptly titled "Play Memory Structures," encourages viewers to project their own memories and interpretations onto the pieces, imbuing the furniture with new significance as seen through the eyes of each observer.
#BeOpenARCH
Designed by the architecture firm Snøhetta, the new Barroude refuge aims to offer a secure retreat for hikers while honoring the beauty of its natural surroundings. Located on the site of the previous refuge in France’s Pyrenees National Park, the building features a large green roof that mirrors the contours of the landscape and a protective shell made from recycled aluminum, shielding outdoor areas from prevailing winds. With its bioclimatic design, the compact structure minimizes exposure to the elements, seamlessly integrating into the Barroude cirque. Its dual orientation promotes natural ventilation, and the site was thoughtfully selected to utilize the existing topography, allowing for the creation of two levels without extensive earthworks.
Designed by the architecture firm Snøhetta, the new Barroude refuge aims to offer a secure retreat for hikers while honoring the beauty of its natural surroundings. Located on the site of the previous refuge in France’s Pyrenees National Park, the building features a large green roof that mirrors the contours of the landscape and a protective shell made from recycled aluminum, shielding outdoor areas from prevailing winds. With its bioclimatic design, the compact structure minimizes exposure to the elements, seamlessly integrating into the Barroude cirque. Its dual orientation promotes natural ventilation, and the site was thoughtfully selected to utilize the existing topography, allowing for the creation of two levels without extensive earthworks.
#BeOpenNEWS
Exciting news for young creatives! The DESIGNING FUTURES 2050 international design competition is now open for submissions! Organized by BE OPEN and partners, this competition invites students and recent graduates from around the world to showcase their innovative solutions for a sustainable future. The competition aims to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the urgency of action; encourage young talents to engage with and update the SDG agenda based on today’s realities, and reward creativity that contributes to a prosperous, sustainable future.
Participants can choose from three categories:
Battling the Problems of Today
Creating the Visions of Tomorrow
Adjusting the Sustainable Development Goals
First Prize: €5,000
Second Prize: €3,000
Third Prize: €2,000
plus special prizes
Submissions close on January 31st, 2025! Join us in shaping a sustainable future—your creativity can make a difference!
Exciting news for young creatives! The DESIGNING FUTURES 2050 international design competition is now open for submissions! Organized by BE OPEN and partners, this competition invites students and recent graduates from around the world to showcase their innovative solutions for a sustainable future. The competition aims to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the urgency of action; encourage young talents to engage with and update the SDG agenda based on today’s realities, and reward creativity that contributes to a prosperous, sustainable future.
Participants can choose from three categories:
Battling the Problems of Today
Creating the Visions of Tomorrow
Adjusting the Sustainable Development Goals
First Prize: €5,000
Second Prize: €3,000
Third Prize: €2,000
plus special prizes
Submissions close on January 31st, 2025! Join us in shaping a sustainable future—your creativity can make a difference!