We are used to thinking of a brick wall as of something solid and impenetrable, but also humble and dull. But this prosaic and rough material that is historically used in places hidden from the view can become a prominent design element, soft, fluid and transparent, letting the light and air in. The very idea of a brick façade has acquired a new life in architecture of today.
With pollution awareness constantly increasing, more often than not city dwellers choose to ditch petrol fueled vehicles, preferring more sustainable transportation instead. Many solutions have been developed to address the so-called last-mile problem but it looks like the reign of traditional bicycles is being challenged by electric scooters and bikes in the first place. Futuristic looking or minimalistic, they can efficiently transport urban residents from point A to point B, whether to commute to work, run errands around town, or simply for the joy of the ride – and look cool!
Societies across the world from ancient to modern times have used insects as an art subject. Their shapes and colours have always been inspiration to artists in all fields, whether jewellery or ceramics, body painting or textiles, paintings or sculptures. In certain cultures insects were even turned into sacred symbols. Nowadays, artists and designers concentrate on symbolic nature of insects and the abstract aspects they represent in a poetic way.
Dictionaries define a vase as ‘a container used to put flowers in or for decoration’. Creative approach and the extraordinary choice of production techniques, however, may result in vases becoming artworks themselves. Without compromising its original function of holding a bouquet, a designer vase is a vessel of the creative mind of the artist.
3D-printing is used for a lot of different things from prototype design to traditional manufacturing. Architects and designers with open mind suggest that entire building could be fabricated with the help of 3D-printing, as the technology allows for working with a variety of raw materials from concrete to wood or even mud. 3D-printing can produce a wider variety of shapes than traditional building methods as well as be a cost-efficient solution for third-world countries and low-income areas.
A large number of objects forming city infrastructure such as barriers, bollards, lamp posts or low walls can take on new functions when designers and architects of the city environment tackle the problem of making the cityscape more comfortable for its dwellers. Habitual pieces of city furniture become carriers of a surprising diversion of use and these transformations bring new dimension to urban realm.
Good city infrastructure ensures that its citizens have a comfortable and appealing environment to live in. Creatively designed public seating not only serves its utilitarian function but also becomes a small detail that makes a huge difference of how city dwellers experience city streets and spaces. City benches in modern cities stand out as landmarks and even raise social problems without compromising comfort for those who needs a moment of rest.
Traditional markets in farthest nooks of the world are something more than a way of shopping fresh food. It is often a place for communication and a main focus of rural daily life, an integral part of community life and the centre of tradition, offering the kind of atmospheric experience that big malls often lack. No wonder, they require from architects thorough investigation of market-goers and sellers’ needs before designing a market building.
Play is a powerful tool which triggers children’s imagination and develops their physical and cognitive strengths. It is through play that they engage and interact with the world around them, so designers seek to help them with this. They develop unconventional playgrounds that tell stories, pay homage to influential artists of the past or attempt to make science fun.
Carpets have gone far beyond their utilitarian function. Today a good carpet is an investment, a work of art as well as a way of self-expression. When choosing a rug, you not only have to consider how it will reflect your room and its decor, you can also make a statement. We have chosen some unconventional designs for you to see: good design turns everyday objects into masterpieces, even if it is a rug beneath your feet.
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