#BeOpenDESIGN
The Anemoia Device is a prototype by MIT Media Lab researcher Cyrus Clarke that turns photographs into custom fragrances, treating memory as something that can be physically distilled. Using generative AI, the machine analyzes an image and, guided by three tactile dials for perspective, life stage, and emotional tone, blends a bespoke scent from a library of base aromas. Rooted in the idea of anemoia, a nostalgia for times never personally lived, the project is especially focused on archival and inherited images, producing fragrances that feel familiar yet imagined. By translating visual memories into scent and emphasizing personal narrative over literal accuracy, Clarke aims to make memory more tangible, sensory, and reflective, pushing back against its reduction to digital files and feeds.
More AI-powered devices on our blog.
The Anemoia Device is a prototype by MIT Media Lab researcher Cyrus Clarke that turns photographs into custom fragrances, treating memory as something that can be physically distilled. Using generative AI, the machine analyzes an image and, guided by three tactile dials for perspective, life stage, and emotional tone, blends a bespoke scent from a library of base aromas. Rooted in the idea of anemoia, a nostalgia for times never personally lived, the project is especially focused on archival and inherited images, producing fragrances that feel familiar yet imagined. By translating visual memories into scent and emphasizing personal narrative over literal accuracy, Clarke aims to make memory more tangible, sensory, and reflective, pushing back against its reduction to digital files and feeds.
More AI-powered devices on our blog.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Ermis Chair by Rotterdam studio The New Raw is a mono-material, 3D-printed seat made entirely from recycled polypropylene sourced from the studio’s own misprints and additive manufacturing waste. Created as a way to turn research byproducts into durable design, the chair is produced by shredding plastic offcuts into granules, melting them into filament, and printing the form layer by layer. Its distinctive blue-to-yellow gradient and tactile, striated surface emerge directly from this process, making the production method both structure and ornament.
Free from adhesives or additional finishes, the Ermis Chair is fully recyclable, embodying the studio’s vision of an “infinite loop” where waste becomes the raw material for future design.
More zero-waste projects on our blog.
Ermis Chair by Rotterdam studio The New Raw is a mono-material, 3D-printed seat made entirely from recycled polypropylene sourced from the studio’s own misprints and additive manufacturing waste. Created as a way to turn research byproducts into durable design, the chair is produced by shredding plastic offcuts into granules, melting them into filament, and printing the form layer by layer. Its distinctive blue-to-yellow gradient and tactile, striated surface emerge directly from this process, making the production method both structure and ornament.
Free from adhesives or additional finishes, the Ermis Chair is fully recyclable, embodying the studio’s vision of an “infinite loop” where waste becomes the raw material for future design.
More zero-waste projects on our blog.
#BeOpenART #BeOpenNEWS
BE OPEN Art is pleased to announce Aissa Joud as the February Regional Artist of the Month in the Northeastern Africa stage of its 2026 global art competition. Running from January through April, this stage recognizes outstanding emerging artists from across the region, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Egypt, and Madagascar.
Aissa Joud is a Moroccan artist from Ouarzazate, where he began his career selling works to tourists before pursuing formal arts education. Influenced by the cultural legacy of his hometown, his practice explores the intersection of history, environment, and contemporary life.
As one of four monthly awardees in this regional stage, Aissa Joud joins the competition for the title of Regional Winner. The selected winner will receive a €500 cash prize and increased international visibility through the BE OPEN Art platform.
BE OPEN Art is pleased to announce Aissa Joud as the February Regional Artist of the Month in the Northeastern Africa stage of its 2026 global art competition. Running from January through April, this stage recognizes outstanding emerging artists from across the region, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Egypt, and Madagascar.
Aissa Joud is a Moroccan artist from Ouarzazate, where he began his career selling works to tourists before pursuing formal arts education. Influenced by the cultural legacy of his hometown, his practice explores the intersection of history, environment, and contemporary life.
As one of four monthly awardees in this regional stage, Aissa Joud joins the competition for the title of Regional Winner. The selected winner will receive a €500 cash prize and increased international visibility through the BE OPEN Art platform.
#BeOpenDESIGN
At CES 2026, China-based technology brand iKKo unveiled the card-sized MindOne, a compact smartphone designed around productivity, featuring a magnetically attaching snap-in case with a full QWERTY keyboard that transforms it into a handheld, laptop-like device for tactile typing. Measuring just 86 × 72 mm and 8.9 mm thick, the phone pairs its raised-key keyboard and built-in 500 mAh backup battery with a durable sapphire glass–protected AMOLED display, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and Android 15 running iKKO AI OS with NovaLink-powered tools like real-time translation and voice summaries. The Pro model includes global vSIM connectivity usable in over 140 countries, while a 50MP Sony flip camera with optical image stabilization and an F1.88 aperture rotates for front or rear shooting, positioning the MindOne as a pocket-sized productivity device that blends retro tactile input with modern AI and imaging features.
At CES 2026, China-based technology brand iKKo unveiled the card-sized MindOne, a compact smartphone designed around productivity, featuring a magnetically attaching snap-in case with a full QWERTY keyboard that transforms it into a handheld, laptop-like device for tactile typing. Measuring just 86 × 72 mm and 8.9 mm thick, the phone pairs its raised-key keyboard and built-in 500 mAh backup battery with a durable sapphire glass–protected AMOLED display, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and Android 15 running iKKO AI OS with NovaLink-powered tools like real-time translation and voice summaries. The Pro model includes global vSIM connectivity usable in over 140 countries, while a 50MP Sony flip camera with optical image stabilization and an F1.88 aperture rotates for front or rear shooting, positioning the MindOne as a pocket-sized productivity device that blends retro tactile input with modern AI and imaging features.
#BeOpenDESIGN
US-based startup Blackdot has created an AI-powered tattoo device designed to make tattooing faster, safer, and significantly less painful while supporting, not replacing, human artists. Tattoo designs are created by artists, then applied by the machine under operator supervision using sensors and imaging technology to precisely control needle depth and reduce discomfort. The device is currently operating in select studios across the country, with the company continuing to expand its reach and refine the technology.
US-based startup Blackdot has created an AI-powered tattoo device designed to make tattooing faster, safer, and significantly less painful while supporting, not replacing, human artists. Tattoo designs are created by artists, then applied by the machine under operator supervision using sensors and imaging technology to precisely control needle depth and reduce discomfort. The device is currently operating in select studios across the country, with the company continuing to expand its reach and refine the technology.
#BeOpenNEWS
Applications are now open for UNEP’s flagship youth initiative - the Young Champions of the Earth prize. This programme recognizes outstanding young leaders (ages 18–30) who are implementing bold, innovative solutions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
As an UNEP-accredited organisation, BE OPEN encourages the participants of the sustainability-focused competitions to submit their projects. The Young Champions will receive global recognition, seed funding, training, mentorship and access to influential change-makers.
Applications close on 31st March 2026
Since 2017, UNEP has honored 33 trailblazing Young Champions activists, entrepreneurs, and innovators for their groundbreaking ideas to protect the environment.
Applications are now open for UNEP’s flagship youth initiative - the Young Champions of the Earth prize. This programme recognizes outstanding young leaders (ages 18–30) who are implementing bold, innovative solutions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
As an UNEP-accredited organisation, BE OPEN encourages the participants of the sustainability-focused competitions to submit their projects. The Young Champions will receive global recognition, seed funding, training, mentorship and access to influential change-makers.
Applications close on 31st March 2026
Since 2017, UNEP has honored 33 trailblazing Young Champions activists, entrepreneurs, and innovators for their groundbreaking ideas to protect the environment.
#BeOpenDESIGN
The OPT100 NeoFilm 100 by Opt! reimagines the classic 35mm film roll as a tiny, functional digital camera, blending retro design with modern tech. Small enough to fit in a pocket or hang as an accessory, it shoots high-resolution photos and Full HD video, stores files on a microSD card, and features a central lens, mini flash, side shutter button, and a silicone-style barrel case reminiscent of traditional film canisters offering a playful, nostalgic way to capture images in a compact, rechargeable device.
The OPT100 NeoFilm 100 by Opt! reimagines the classic 35mm film roll as a tiny, functional digital camera, blending retro design with modern tech. Small enough to fit in a pocket or hang as an accessory, it shoots high-resolution photos and Full HD video, stores files on a microSD card, and features a central lens, mini flash, side shutter button, and a silicone-style barrel case reminiscent of traditional film canisters offering a playful, nostalgic way to capture images in a compact, rechargeable device.
#BeOpenARCH
Átomos is a compact architectural installation by Portuguese studio Rebelo de Andrade, based in Lisbon, set among the vineyards of Setúbal. Composed of three copper-toned spherical cabins elevated between the trees, the 60-square-meter project blends into the agricultural landscape with a metallic skin inlaid with recycled glass. Each sphere houses a distinct space for gathering, working, or resting, creating an intimate retreat that connects closely to the surrounding vines and terrain.
Átomos is a compact architectural installation by Portuguese studio Rebelo de Andrade, based in Lisbon, set among the vineyards of Setúbal. Composed of three copper-toned spherical cabins elevated between the trees, the 60-square-meter project blends into the agricultural landscape with a metallic skin inlaid with recycled glass. Each sphere houses a distinct space for gathering, working, or resting, creating an intimate retreat that connects closely to the surrounding vines and terrain.
#BeOpenNEWS #BeOpenART
BE OPEN Art is pleased to announce Moe Leady as the Artist of the Month for February 2026, recognizing her vibrant exploration of color. Based in Kansas City, USA, Leady works across watercolor, oil paint, and colored pencil, centering her practice on two ever-evolving subjects: color and people, which she brings together in expressive and thoughtfully composed works.
Each month, BE OPEN Art presents 20 artists and invites the public to vote for their favourite. At the end of 2026, one of the monthly winners will be named Artist of the Year and awarded a €1,000 cash prize along with promotional support.
BE OPEN Art is pleased to announce Moe Leady as the Artist of the Month for February 2026, recognizing her vibrant exploration of color. Based in Kansas City, USA, Leady works across watercolor, oil paint, and colored pencil, centering her practice on two ever-evolving subjects: color and people, which she brings together in expressive and thoughtfully composed works.
Each month, BE OPEN Art presents 20 artists and invites the public to vote for their favourite. At the end of 2026, one of the monthly winners will be named Artist of the Year and awarded a €1,000 cash prize along with promotional support.
#BeOpenDESIGN
The Marketday Cart by Australian designer Michelle Hildebrand is defined by a series of highly functional features that rethink how groceries are transported. Its structure centers on three shallow, stackable baskets that are fully insulated and zippered, allowing users to separate items by weight or type while keeping food cool and secure. The baskets detach individually, enabling flexible configurations for small or large shopping trips. A lightweight, foldable aluminum frame supports easy storage, while an extra long handle improves pulling comfort. Oversized wheels are designed to handle curbs, stairs, and uneven pavement, making it suitable for urban environments. Most notably, a built in gimbal system keeps the baskets level as the cart tilts, preventing contents from shifting or spilling and maintaining stability throughout the journey.
More innovative shopping carts on our blog.
The Marketday Cart by Australian designer Michelle Hildebrand is defined by a series of highly functional features that rethink how groceries are transported. Its structure centers on three shallow, stackable baskets that are fully insulated and zippered, allowing users to separate items by weight or type while keeping food cool and secure. The baskets detach individually, enabling flexible configurations for small or large shopping trips. A lightweight, foldable aluminum frame supports easy storage, while an extra long handle improves pulling comfort. Oversized wheels are designed to handle curbs, stairs, and uneven pavement, making it suitable for urban environments. Most notably, a built in gimbal system keeps the baskets level as the cart tilts, preventing contents from shifting or spilling and maintaining stability throughout the journey.
More innovative shopping carts on our blog.
#BeOpenDESIGN
Swedish designer Simon Skinner presents Buké, a series of sculptural lamps assembled from second-hand bowls, ashtrays, vases, and figurines. Sourced from flea markets and charity shops, the found glass objects are stacked and reconfigured in a process Skinner likens to flower arranging, balancing contrast, harmony, and proportion. Each lamp is sandblasted to unify the disparate elements and soften signs of wear, allowing familiar domestic objects to take on new form and meaning.
Swedish designer Simon Skinner presents Buké, a series of sculptural lamps assembled from second-hand bowls, ashtrays, vases, and figurines. Sourced from flea markets and charity shops, the found glass objects are stacked and reconfigured in a process Skinner likens to flower arranging, balancing contrast, harmony, and proportion. Each lamp is sandblasted to unify the disparate elements and soften signs of wear, allowing familiar domestic objects to take on new form and meaning.
#BeOpenDESIGN
The Nik Bentel x Lidl Trolley Bag transforms one of retail’s most utilitarian objects into a fashion week conversation piece. Fabricated from industrial stainless steel, the wearable mini shopping cart preserves Lidl’s signature grid structure and yellow blue handle, and even includes a functioning trolley coin fob compatible with real store carts. Equal parts sculpture, satire, and accessory, the bag debuted around London Fashion Week through a playful pop up activation and online ballot.
More unusual bags on our blog.
The Nik Bentel x Lidl Trolley Bag transforms one of retail’s most utilitarian objects into a fashion week conversation piece. Fabricated from industrial stainless steel, the wearable mini shopping cart preserves Lidl’s signature grid structure and yellow blue handle, and even includes a functioning trolley coin fob compatible with real store carts. Equal parts sculpture, satire, and accessory, the bag debuted around London Fashion Week through a playful pop up activation and online ballot.
More unusual bags on our blog.