Archive for the ‘Form & Function’ Category

Musical Architecture

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

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Check out this extraordinary design for a temporary performance space for the Munich Opera Festival 2010. Vienna-based architecture firm COOP HIMMELBAU presented the design  to be installed in the city’s Marstallplatz called the “Pavillion 21 MINI Opera Space.”

According to Artinfo, the approximately 6,000-square-foot pavilion is anchored by a sloping, trapezoidal component, but characterized by an outcropping of pyramidal structures that have been “generated parametrically through the overlay of sound frequencies from Jimi Hendrix’s song ‘Purple Haze’ and Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni.”

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Private Stay at Fallingwater

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

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Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic fusion of art and nature, Fallingwater, has been a popular attraction ever since the home was first opened to the public. But now true lovers of architecture can have a much more intimate experience with the modernist masterpiece…for a price. With the new Insight Onsite program, eight guests can spend one full day and two evenings (though they sleep in a different house nearby) lounging around the famous space for $1,195. According to the New York Daily News, Fallingwaters, which was built in the 1930s at the height of the Great Depression, cost $155,000 or $2.3 million when adjusted for inflation. This exclusive innovative program will allow Wright followers to soak in the beauty of his genius while contributing to the preservation of his work.

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[via: Design Crave]

Rare Golden Spider Silk Cloth

Friday, September 25th, 2009

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Inspired by turn-of-the-century French missionary Jacob Paul Camboué, who worked with spiders in Madagascar during the 1880s and 1890s, scientists have created a rare textile made from the silk of more than a million wild golden orb spiders throughout Madagascar! Spider silk, which is stronger and much more flexible than steel or Kevlar, is the subject of intrigue and study by researchers throughout the world.

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Inside Out

Friday, September 18th, 2009

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Fall is nearly here and with it comes a longing to soak in the fresh, crisp air and beautiful golden hues of turning leaves. It’s a beautiful time of the year and from Japan to Madrid, people are finding creative ways to bring the relaxing virtues of nature from the outside in or bringing the inside out.

The minimalist design of the Selgas Cano Architecture Office (pictured above) in Madrid attempts to make the office cubicle one with nature. The space is nestled within a forest with its construction partially underground and appears to offer every employee an office with a view!

The Yamakoya–which means wooden log cabin in Japanese (pictured below)–was created by Ben Nagaoka to coax students back into the library by bringing “the majestic nature of mountain scenery indoors.”

You may not have one of these innovative architectural designs to hang out in, but you can still take a little time to enjoy the great outdoors.

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Java Art

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

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Check out what a little bit of caffeine and creativity can produce. Cheeming Boey produced this beautiful, intricate artwork with just a pen and a styrofoam cup! The economy may be in a tight spot, but you don’t need a fancy canvas or all the expensive supplies to bring a little artistic beauty into your life. Necessity is the mother of invention and when people need to express themselves, they will find interesting ways to do it! This a good reminder that inspiration comes in all forms. Be inspired today!

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Pop! Goes the Cubist Car

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

Check out this uber-creative mailer for the Nissan Cube. We certainly got a kick out of it!

Tracery Interiors Featured in 2009 Southern Living Idea House

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

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Tracery Interiors, based in Rosemary Beach, will be featured in the 2009 Southern Living Tarpon Run Idea House in Cinnamon Shore, Texas. The issue featuring Tarpon Run hits the stands July 31! One Thursday, July 30 (tomorrow) from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. If  you want to celebrate with them, Tracery will be hosting a release party at their Tracery Shop at 72 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, Florida 32461. Call 850.231.6755 for more information.

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The Cassette Is Not Dead

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

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Ooomydesign has crafted a tribute to the cassette tape, that iconic symbol of the 80s which seems to have gone the way of the dinosaurs. They created a lamp/box by means of tying the tapes firmly together and letting the light stream through them.

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[via: notcot.org]

Dolphin Submarines!

Friday, July 10th, 2009

Ever wanted to swim with the dolphins? Well, now you can swim just like them. Innespace Productions has created an amazing series of unique dolphin-inspired submarines that can jump, dive and roll like real dolphins! Encapsulated in a safe, dry sealed cockpit, you can fly at surface speeds of 40 mph and underwater speeds of 20 mph.

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What is more fun than a mustache? Nothing.

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

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Pop’s ‘Staches are what these quirky, comical creations are called. These might even be better than a milk mustache.  After all, they’re portable, detachable and not quite as messy. Plus, they instantly provide the desired laugh or frightened sideways stare from whoever might be watching you drink your “pop.” 

 

Just when you thought you had it all…

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

Heinz Snap Pots launches the world?s smallest microwave ? the Be

We’ve found the perfect birthday present for your favorite geek, a USB-powered microwave made specifically for  individually-sized baked beans cups or ”Snap Pots” by Heinz. With this handy meal-maker your beloved cyber-addict can be sustained by the power of the pinto without interrupting their cosmic battle on World of Warcraft.  

Designs by Corque

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

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This environmentally friendly company, Corque, creates intriguing designs that make you look twice. Exhibit A: the lounge chair made of cork pictured above! Check out some of their other creative projects by clicking here.