The latest object to shoot high-def video from the edge of space is…an arm chair. To promote its REGZA SV LCD TVs (LED backlight, local dimming), Toshiba trekked into the Black Rock Desert with a helium balloon. Watch the result:

This is the first part of the ad. The second half for their Satellite T Series ULV laptops will come out next year.

Toshiba UK

Leica has introduced a “very special limited edition” version of its classic 35mm rangefinder system camera the M7 with the launch of the new Leica M7 Edition “Hermes”.

The second Hermes partnership that Leica has entered into, the special M7 comes in silver chrome with a choice of two calfskin leather finishes – orange and “etoupe”.

Just 100 of each colour will be made available, and each individual camera will have a special sequential serial number between 001/200 and 200/200.

The Leica M7 Edition “Hermes” set includes a Leica SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. wide-angle lens, a matching classic round lens hood, a LEICAVIT M rapid winder and a real leather carrying strap matched to the colour of the camera, all delivered in a linen-covered, silk-lined box.

Looks-wise there’s a few changes from the standard M7. The top plate is engraved with the Leica name in classic script, the red Leica logo has been nixed to stop a colour clash and the normally red “AUTO” and settings on the shutter speed dial have been replaced by the shade of the camera’s leather.

The Lecia M7 Edition “Hermes” will be available in the UK from December from authorised Leica dealers and the Leica Store Mayfair for an eye-watering £8550

The line of boule clocks is inspired by a clock exhibited in the Hermès Museum located above the boutique at 24, Rue du faubourg Saint-Honoré, in Paris. Hung from a stirrup, this clock sits enthroned on the former desk of Emile-Maurice Hermès (1871-1951), who patiently built up an exceptional collection of objects relating to the equestrian world.

It can be yours from Hermés Paris for just $560,000. *speechless…

Technical characteristics

Functions
Hours, minutes

Movement
Mechanical, hand-wound
Exclusive Calibre H1951
60 mm in diameter
6.7 mm thick
18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)
200-hour power reserve, five series-coupled barrels
231 parts including 25 jewels
Hand-bevelled bridges and mechanisms
Bridges adorned with circular “côtes”, rhodium- and black gold-plated

Glass
Two half-spheres in BK 7 magnifying-effect optical crystal

Dial
In 750 white gold shaped to form a spiral
Openworked hands
Hand-engraved numerals

Clock
Exterior parts in 750 white gold
88 mm in diameter
Total weight: 1063 grams

Google’s philosophy that work and play are not mutually exclusive is definitely shown off in form of game rooms and themed.

the klein bottle house by mcbride charles ryan, have won the award for world’s best home
at this year’s world architecture festival awards. located in australia’s mornington peninsula,
the holiday home features a living room perched on a canopy of trees, and celebrates
the country’s traditional beach houses, while still functioning as a practical and useful
home.

Assuming that we’ll have electrified highways by the year 2030, Nissan has popped up an on-grid vehicle dubbed “V2G” (Vehicle–to-Grid) that will offer safe, sustainable as well as brisk commutation. The compliant vehicle is not only safe and swift, but it also features dynamic styling and quality production at a very low price. One can’t ask for more than that. The electric vehicle allowing endless opportunities for modification can also be transformed from a low-cost to a luxury vehicle for the rich and trendy.

The Frame Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
With the walls constructed of dark, solar protected glass, the abundant plant life of this Villamoda Galleries design is clearly visible at the right angles and the neatly kept vertical gardens appear as if they’re part of the hotel’s very structure and are a stunning blend of nature and architecture.

The main unit is the subwoofer and the control station. The smaller units are speakers and connect to the controller through bluetooth technology, they work as single cheek units and can be connected to store as one small butt. To activate the unit, one must tap the unit.

Tap the main unit to turn the speakers on. Once tapped, the unit shows that it’s received the command with a small red light (kind of like what happens when a cheek is smacked). This light goes away after three seconds. Rubbing the unit on either cheek in a circular motion turns the sound up (rotating right), and turns the sound down (rotating left.)

Designers: Younes Daneshvar and Javad Yazdani
Rendered by: Mohsen Tafazzoli

Fireplaces have ruled the roost when it comes to heating solutions to warm up your home. But the Nobo Firepit series electric radiators sees the radiator in entirely different light with captivating designs that are sure to overshadow your designer fireplace and become the focal point of your living space. Much said, the Firepit series radiator featured above is a modern iteration of the firepit. Within the sleek shape of the radiator lies a projector displaying a cyclic fire flame video which gives the visual along with the sensual impression of a natural fire. Another “wow” factor is its iPod-wheel-like flush control panel to control both temperature and lighting. An LED light shines through wood grain pattern of glass logos from which heat dissipates, which arouses the natural fire feel in a different form. This campfire-shaped radiator is a perfect addition to a living room with a central radiator and coffee table merged into one with an additional ambient light combination. The Nobo radiator is priced at $2,800.

The innovative collection also includes Nobo fireplace radiator, inspired by 19th century Victorian fireplaces, with a modern twist for those who are traditional at heart. This Victorian fireplace version is priced at $2,150.

Showcased at Dutch Design Week 2009, the “ID Mouse” from the house of Intelligent-design is a Bluetooth mouse for all who demand perfection at their fingertips. Finished in hand-formed grade 1 titanium and high-quality plastic (resin), the wireless mouse integrates a 3-button neodymium scroll wheel for smooth and brisk scrolling on the web. Compatible with Window XP/Vista/7 and Mac OS X, the sleek mouse runs on two AAA batteries and allows laser tracking. Ideal for both left and right handed users, the ID Mouse can be obtained in white and black color for about $1,200.

San Fransisco designers Studio O+A have completed the headquarters for social networking website Facebook in Palo Alto, California.

Located in a former laboratory constructed in the 1960’s, the building houses over 700 employees.

The designers re-used many of the former lab benches and equipment for the new offices.

The design uses colour-coding to differentiate between teams within the open-plan space.

Some walls are left unfinished so that employees can add writing and artwork to them.

The Facebook website itself was used to consult employees about the new design and to keep them up to date about it’s development.

Here’s some more information from Studio O+A:

–

Facebook Headquarters
Palo Alto, California

Employees of Facebook recently moved to a new headquarters that facilitates interaction and connection, reflecting the company’s mission as a social networking website provider.

Formerly a laboratory facility for high-tech manufacturer Agilent Technologies, the 150,000-square-foot structure at Palo Alto’s Stanford Research Park brings together more than 700 employees originally scattered throughout 10 locations in and around downtown Palo Alto.

The design of the space relied heavily on input from the users, appropriate for a flatly structured company that weights every employee’s opinion equally. O+A designers interviewed employees about what they wanted from their new headquarters.

The Facebook platform was used to conduct company-wide polls about design decisions, post construction photos and updates, and keep everyone informed of the thought process behind the project.

An advisory board of employees from every department collaborated with the design team on the design process, from space planning to finishes to final move coordination.

Because the new facility houses employees coming from various locations, the company wanted to maintain each division’s distinct identity. The design takes its inspiration from the patchwork nature of Facebook users and employees, bringing together seemingly disparate elements to form a cohesive pattern and using color and interior spacing to create neighborhoods within the open plan space.

The company’s executives sit in central areas, accessible to all employees. Large lounges and open spaces provide venues for the community to come together.

A kitchen and café continue Facebook’s tradition of providing gourmet meals to staff at all hours, while drinks and snacks are available at micro-kitchens throughout the headquarters.

Reflecting employees’ desire for a green headquarters, the facility is the first commercial project completed under Palo Alto’s 2008 Green Building Ordinance, making extensive use of existing architectural features, recycling millwork from the original lab, and repurposing industrial components for post-industrial use.

Other sustainable features include high recycled-content carpet and energy-efficient lighting.

The design goal for the new facility was to maintain the history and raw aesthetic of the building and create a fun dynamic appropriate for the company’s youthful staff.

Many walls and spaces are left unfinished: employees are encouraged to write on the walls, add artwork, and move furniture as needed, allowing the building to evolve continuously.

A bright orange industrial crane, left over from the building’s previous user, was repurposed by San Francisco sculptor Oliver DiCicco to support a table surface from its heavyweight hoist, offering maximum maneuverability. Referencing the industrial aesthetic of the building, a felt canopy spreads up one wall and onto the ceiling, defining a central meeting area that can double as an impromptu auditorium.

Mounted on threaded rods of varying length to achieve an undulating effect, the canopy absorbs sound and is penetrated at intervals by overhead lighting. An outdoor basketball court and indoor ping-pong table offer opportunities for recreation. And it is not unusual to see employees zipping along the concrete floors on two-wheeled skateboards.

Click for larger image

Designers: Studio O+A

Studio O+A is a San Francisco interior design firm serving companies nationwide. Founded by Primo Orpilla and Verda Alexander during the dot-com boom of the early 1990s, the studio began with a mission to bring sophisticated SOMA design to Silicon Valley start-ups and the venture firms who supported them.

Click for larger image

That start-up mentality is still a key feature of the Studio O+A aesthetic, but through the years, the firm’s mission has broadened to include a range of services for a client base that includes such major American corporations as eBay, Levi Strauss, and Williams Sonoma. Earlier this year, Studio O+A was recognized by the International Interior Design Association with an award for its remodel of the San Jose hairstylist W’s Salon.

Somebody pass me a helmut and a time travel ship because if this is what Harley bikes look like in 10 years, I’m so there. Designer Miguel Cotto pays homage to the big road hogs by keeping the large 883cc engine, complete with high revs and roars. The similarities end there. The design is almost tron-like in execution. Check out the wheel hubs. They’re actually giant bearings. I do see glimpses of Harley DNA in the center chassis but seriously, can you image any road warriors riding this?

Designer: Miguel Cotto

No fireplace? No problem! The Cupola is a spherical, wall-mounted fireplace that’ll let you slap a hearth on just about any blank vertical surface in your home.

Burning bio-ethanol, the Cupola allows you to have a roaring fire without worrying about vents or chimneys. It’s made of lightweight aluminum, is available in black or white, and will set you back $2,735.

Drawing inspiration from the On/Off icon of electronic devices, designer Marco Lana has come up with an innovative lamp called “Turn On” that can be switched on and off simply by turning it from left to right and vice versa. Designed as a part of the furniture series “on-off,” the rechargeable lamp can be used both indoors as well as outdoors, without needing a socket. The lamp has two identical faces and comes without a back, so it could be placed in any corner of a room and viewed from different angles. Finished in opal plexiglass, the central part of the lamp illuminates by internal LED lights. The Turn On lamp provides a new way of using the light wherein the lamp itself becomes the switch to stimulate the user.

BMW has been rumored as of late to be pursuing everything from a so-called “0 Series” range of cars to a revival of its Isetta microcar brand, but the Bavarian automaker remains essentially mum on plans to diversify into the microcar market. Stoking the fires, however, is the new Simple concept, a leaning trike that is geared toward the “professional commuter” – that is, an urban dweller who travels alone.

From the start, the SIMPLE (which stands for: “Sustainable and Innovative Mobility Product for Low Energy consumption”) was designed to minimize resources both in use and in production. The leaning concept is tall as a 5 Series, yet shorter than a Mini Cooper, and it offers seating space similar to that of a 3 Series coupe.

That tidy footprint and a slick drag coefficient of just 0.18 means that the Simple figures to be around 450 kilograms (under 1,000 pounds), so it only needs a small internal-combustion engine and an electric motor to power it. BMW says the Simple is capable of hitting 100 km/h – 62 mph – in under ten seconds and it tops out at over 200 km/h (124 mph), yet it needs a miserly 2 liters of gas over 100 km (62 miles), or around 118 mpg.

This isn’t the first time BMW has investigated thrifty trikes – it actually began working on its CLEVER (“Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport”) concept back in 2002 in conjunction with the Berlin’s Technical University, a project that took the form of a compressed natural gas trike with a CVT.

While there are no plans for production of either the SIMPLE or the CLEVER, BMW’s expertise in motorcycles and its increasingly prominent Efficient Dynamics initiative doesn’t have us ruling out a similar vehicle sometime down the road. In the meantime, you’ll have to make the pilgrimage to the BMW Museum to check out BMW’s SIMPLE and CLEVER contraptions.

Designed by luxury fashion company Hermes and ship-builder Wally, the $142 million WHY 58×38 is more floating mansion than yacht. Those figures stand for its peculiar 58 by 38 meter dimensions, which is unlike any other vessel in the world. It features solar panels that will save 200 tons of diesel fuel per year, as well as 3,229 square feet of windows designed to bathe its interior with natural light.

According to Luca Bassini, founder of Wally, “I think the best part of this boat is the stern. It’s not like the usual stern of a boat, it’s more like the real beach of an island; a beach which is protected from the wind and the waves, where you can really relax.”

REBORN:

AMUROAD WORLD STYLE:

Pforzheim University graduate Anne Forschner had a good time coming up with her BMW Lovos concept, which can alternatively look either like a frightened porcupine or svelte salmon, depending on its needs at the time.

The exterior of the Lovos – which somewhat ironically stands for Lifestyle of Voluntary Simplicity – is theoretically constructed from just one fully exchangeable part that recurs 260 times. Each exterior piece is covered in solar photovoltaic cells and can hinge on a substructure underneath to follow the sun or act as individual airbrakes. We can only assume the concept would be powered by electricity, as it makes our hairs stand up on end.

BMW Designworks created a 7-piece selection of furniture for public transport spaces called “metro 40.”

The seven pieces are broken down into categories: connect, rest, ride, collect, hi glo, lo glo, and show. Together, they cover everything you’d generally need to do at a bus stop: sit down, get under cover, lock up a bike, throw things away, and see things.

The point of the pieces is to enhance “the overall perception of inner cities with high traffic density and to convey a personal atmosphere to these particular areas.”

Designed by London architect Julian Hakes, the Mojito shoe is made of carbon fiber—to give it strength and spring—and laminated with rubber on the bottom and leather—from furniture manufacturers in High Wycombe, England—on top. According to Hakes:

With a high heel providing the heel is supported, even by standing on a wooden block the foot naturally ’spans’ the gap naturally, with bones and tendons.

Designer: Tai Chiem

Bluetooth integration, plastic/glass backs and middles. LCD screen(s) on both the controller and the system itself.

“Imagine housing, recreational and cultural facilities connected to a continuous, lushly planted, green strip, floating above the water-an aerial garden, as the city’s newest park through which you could walk and wander and enjoy the most spectacular views of the bay,” reads an excerpt from the proposal by architects Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello.

energy aware clock by loove broms, karin ehrnberger, sara ilstedt hjelm, erika lundell, jin moen, 2006 – 2008

the energy aware clock is designed to make you aware of your energy consumption on a daily basis. the clock visualizes the daily energy rhythms of the household and reminds us of the ordinary kitchen clock in its form, place and use. the clock indicates electrical use of its environment in real time.

the device is hung on your wall like a normal clock, and can read the electricity being used in the space
where it is situated
image courtesy of interactive institute

power aware cord by anton gustafsson, magnus gyllenswärd, sara ilstedt hjelm, christina öhman
in collaboration with thinlight AB, 2004-2006

this power cord has been designed to visualize the energy of the current use of electricity of appliances connected with it through glowing pulses, flow and intensity of light.
it can be used as a tool for people to rediscover energy in their homes as well as having an ambient display of their consumption that they can see at any given time.

the power cord provides an ambient display of light

energy curtain by anders ernevi, margot jacobs, ramia mazé, carolin müller, johan redström, linda worbin, 2004-2006

the energy curtain reinterprets our familiar relation to curtains as a means of controlling light in a room. the curtain must be drawn shut in order to collect light, and the amount and duration in which it is drawn during the day determines how much light is collected for the night. it gives users the choice as to whether to open the curtain and enjoy the day light, or close it and save energy for later. even through the mundane act of opening or closing the curtain embodies the trade-off between consuming and conserving energy.

flower lamp by sofia lagerkvist, charlotte von der lancken, anna lindgren, katja sävström, göran nordahl
technical modifications by: anton gustafsson, fredrik kronqvist, 2004-2006

the shape of the flower lamp responds to the amount of electricity being used in the household. with a decrease in usage, the flower lamp slowly opens up and appears as if its ‘blooming’. on the contrary, if energy consumption increases, the lamp closes into a closed cylindrical form, which also effects the quality of light emitted. in order to make the flower lamp more beautiful, a collective change in behaviour is needed.

the flower lamp blooms when you decrease your household electrical use

Drive’s designers (a leading company in Marine and Automotive design) seem to have captured this fascination with their innovative “125m 7Cs superyacht” that is inspired from automotive design. This new yacht concept has an air of exclusivity to it with a unique stance. This overtly luxurious cruiser will boast some of the finest specs in this category including a sunken pool toward the front with a retractable cover for every season, a helipad and a rear “surrounded” jacuzzi providing shelter and privacy for the owner among other notable specs.

The interiors will feature a unique atrium space with a double curved staircase. An area at the stern was inspired by contemporary glass structures and demonstrates a play on “inside/outside” space. Drive envisages a unique hull with the reverse bow, and has tried to approximate a cruising speed of 20 + knots. This wonderful superyacht is still in concept stages till they find a partner to take it in to production.

The speculation about the concept’s powertrain has gone in several directions, almost all of which were correct. The new concept is a plug-in hybrid with a three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Conceived with the idea of melding the performance of a M3 with exceptionally low fuel consumption, BMW claims a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds while scoring 62.6 mpg (U.S.) on the E.U. combined test cycle.

There has been considerable speculation that future BMWs will go to smaller engines including a three-cylinder. The concept uses a 1.5-liter turbodiesel that is essentially half of the fabulous 3.0-liter found in the 335d. The triple is rated at a hefty 163 hp with peak torque of 214 lb-ft. The engine is paired with a six-speed DCT derived from the unit used in the M3 and Z4.

Adding fuel to recent reports that BMW would not continue developing the two-mode hybrid system that will debut soon in the X6, the concept uses a new strong hybrid system. The new system is a further development of the mild hybrid that is debuting in the ActiveHybrid 7. As in the 7, a more powerful 33-hp electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and transmission. A second 80-hp motor provides drive to the front axle. The total net output of the drive system is 356 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

Making use of electric motors requires some electrical energy system. Here BMW’s new concept has an arrangement similar to the Chevrolet Volt using a lithium-polymer battery pack running down the center tunnel of the car. Also similar to the Volt, the pack has a usable capacity of 8.6 kWh. However, the total capacity is just 10.8 kWh. BMW claims the pack used in the concept can use 80% of its capacity, considerably more than the 50% that the Volt uses. The upside is that the pack weighs just 187 pounds. When plugged into a standard European 220 V / 16 A outlet, the battery can be charged in just 2.5 hours.

Cover and all the photo-shoots of Namie in Oct 09 issue of ‘GINGER’

This Philips non-spherical-biosphere is a self-contained farm for that produces hundreds of calories of various food sources a day. Its five-level design breaks down like this:

Levels 1 and 2: Plants
Level 3: Algae
Level 4: Fish and Shrimp
Level 5: Organic Waste

From what we can tell, the system is designed to cascade nutrients from the top to the bottom (back to the top). Optical fibers capture and redirect light to the plants during the day, while methane capture from organic waste can power lights at night. The algae create oxygen for the fish.

Never in our life did we think we’d be lusting over a tea kettle, but we indeed feel some amorous tech lust for these beautifully designed and tech-laden electric kettle from Casa Bugatti…

The Vera Electric Kettle offers electronic control for all functions to achieve desired temperature (between 113 and 212°F) for your morning cuppa. From the handle side, the kettle looks a bit like an BSG Cylon, with a screen embedded in the handle which displays temperature control and a clock that shows current time and offers a self timer for planned coffee or tea breaks.

Not yet available, but coming out in the end of September for a price you’d associate with the brand, Bugatti: $300.

Le Petit Prince or Little Prince is a robotic greenhouse concept that is specially designed to help the future exploration and expanding population in the Mars. This intelligent robot can carry and take well care of a plant inside its glass container, which is functionally mounted on its four-legged pod.

The robot is designed to learn the optimal process of searching for nutrients in order to keep the plant in a good condition. Moreover, it can send reports of its movements and developments to its fellow greenhouse robots through wireless communication, making it possible to learn from each other.

Quirky and full of unexpected design choices, this Australian residence by Kavellaris Urban Design, asserts that holding onto old architectural aesthetics can be both silly and unsustainable. The Perforated House’s high-tech, translucent exterior is etched with ornamental details to pose commentary on contemporary homes that adhere strongly to traditional architectural typologies — the terrace home, in this particular case. Observing that the dated aesthetic has “a stronger link with romanticized nostalgia rather than good design,” the architects set out to re-work the traditional terrace home, creating this case study house with an ironic and more eco-friendly new aesthetic for building.

The architects mention on their website that the terrace house’s layout and front-facade focus fail to give attention to solar orientation or passive ventilation. So to begin their investigation, the architects relocated the public and private spaces of the home. With the bedrooms downstairs and the public living areas upstairs, the top floor can open up completely without compromising any privacy.

Upper-level bi-fold doors allow the home to transition from public to private, space to void — and then back. Transitioning between different facades, the architects said, “By day, the building is heavy and reflective but by night inverts to a soft, translucent, permeable light box.” To further transform the home, the architects incorporated movable walls throughout the interior of the home, allowing the residents to open or enclose spaces as they please.

As the architects were frustrated by the un-sustainability of the traditional terrace house, they were sure to take advantage of eco-friendly techniques. These include: exterior bi-fold doors that provide the benefits of cross ventilation, a tiny lot at 5.5 meters x 14.4 meters (or approximately 18 feet x 47 feet for us Americans) and the use of solar hot water.

And if you love it — you’ll be happy to know that the house is up for sale!

+ Kavellaris Urban Design

Rebuilding New Orleans is an ongoing effort and pitching into the concept-zone is the New Orleans Arcology Habitat or NOAH. Since the details on this structure are in-depth and plenty, lets plunge into them right away. NOAH proposes to be a habitat for 40,000 residents who can benefit from the planned residential units, school system, commercial, retail, hotels, casinos, parking, and public works facilities.

NOAH is based upon the following preliminary program outline.

1. Residential Units / Rental and Condominium; 20,000 units @ average 1100 Sq ft
2. Three Hotels; Average 200 rooms plus associated services
3. Time Share Units; 1500 units @ average 1100 sq ft
4. Three Casino Facilities
5. Commercial Space / Rental and Condominiums; 500,000 sq ft
6. Commercial Space / Retail; 500,000 sq ft
7. Parking Garage / within foundation; 8,000 cars
8. Cultural Facilities; 100,000 sq ft
9. Public Works; 50,000 sq ft / includes storage
10. District School System; 100,000 sq ft
11. District Administrative Office; 50,000 sq ft
12. District Health Care Facility; 20,000 sq ft

Estimated Total Square Footage : 30 million

Location/ Site Specific:

In reviewing all the options and possible sites for NOAH, the most logical location is on the Mississippi riverfront and adjacent to the Central Business District.

Design Challenge:

1. The first challenge is to overcome both the physical and psychological damages of recurring severe weather patterns. Though re-population has begun, the need to provide a stabilized and safe environment is paramount to a long term recovery and economic well being of New Orleans.
2. The second challenge is that New Orleans has too much water. The city has been built at and below sea levels which creates consistently high water table and makes it prone to flooding and storm surges.
3. The third challenge is that New Orleans is built on soil condition which consists of thousands of feet of soft soil, silt and clay. These conditions make building large scale concentrated structures difficult.
Believing that NOAH is a viable plan, our solution to overcome these challenges is to take advantage of these seemingly conflicting issues with the introduction of a floating urban platform.

Foundation Design / Basin

The NOAH foundation system is twofold. The first part of the system is to create a water filled “basin” within which the urban platform (NOAH) will float.

The second part of the system is to create a multi-cavity “hull” which will be the actual foundation for the superstructure.

Basin/Foundation:

The water basin will be a combination of carving into the existing land and extending out into the Mississippi River.
This man made basin is estimated to be 1,200 feet in diameter with a depth of 250 feet.
The walls and floor of the basin would be constructed of high strength concrete with applied lateral bracing and exterior attached tension rings.
Backup intact valves will allow basin and river water levels to remain constant.

The Foundation:

Noah, at its current height of 1,200 feet will rest up its triangulated foundation constituted
to be a buoyant multi-cavity “hull.” This “hull” will consist of high strength concrete cells, forming approximately a 40×40 matrix. This matrix not only gives buoyancy to the structure, it also becomes the framing matrix for the steel framed superstructure. It is estimated that the combined weight of NOAH will draft 180 feet within the water-filled basin, allowing a minimum 50 foot space between the floor of the basin and the floor of the buoyant foundation.

The hull will accept all land connectors as flexible conveyors to take into account any movement.
A triangulate shape has been chosen as the basis for NOAH. For two reasons:

First, the triangle is inherently the most rigid of all structural framing systems. The system is designed to dissipate gravity and severe wind loads through an all-steel applied (eko skeleton) exterior frame and conventional internal framing methodology.

Second, the triangle is an “open” frame configuration, dividing NOAH into three separate “towers” converging at the top. The intent of this open system is to allow all severe weather /winds to in effect “blow through” the structure in any direction with the minimum of massing interference.

Some Other Features:

1. Sky Gardens will be inserted into the three main towers every 30 floors. These sky gardens provide landscaped glass enclosed atria.
2. Vertical commuting within NOAH will be supported by a series of local and express custom canted elevators.
3. NOAH is geared to an all pedestrian environment. Accordingly, only select horizontally based areas will be fitted with moving walkways and/or electric train carriers.
NOAH is a three phase master plan with a proposed 10 year build out. This time frame can be reduced to an estimated 6 years should demand accelerate.

Eco-Highlights:
The structure is designed to expand the horizon of sustainability and will seek LEED certification.
It will eliminate the need for cars within the urban structure, and thus becomes a carbon neutral entity. Internal electric transport links, vertical and horizontal, create a pedestrian-friendly community,
Some of these elements are secured wind turbines, fresh water recovery and storage systems, passive glazing system, sky garden heating/cooling vents, grey water treatment, solar array banding panels, and river based water turbines.

The days of built-in fireplaces are over. Modern fireplaces offer homeowners plenty of choices to enjoy the warmth of fire without compromising on aesthetics. Atria, famous for its portable fireplaces, has introduced the latest “Mall Fire” which opens up to reveal a glittering treasure to heat up your patio and can be conveniently carried indoors. The fire trunk transforms into furniture when not in use. The bio-ethanol fireplace is a perfect solution to warm up any space, and amuses your guests with its astonishing yet simple design. The firebox also features a mirror inside so you can enjoy the dancing flames in the mirror. The portable fireplace will set you back $5,395.

Via: ProductPage

Designed by architects Jim Zack and Lise de Vito, partners in life and work, as their family home, it is striking on many levels, and although not even 2 years old, it has won prestigious architectural and building awards.

From the moment ground was broken for the home in 2007, it caught the attention of the design world.

The Chronicle reported on its use of panel construction, as the city’s first factory-made wood-panel home. This method, used by Forma Home Systems, saved the owners money and time – it took six weeks rather than the usual 14 to erect – and minimized the amount of on-site waste.

Perched atop a hill with panoramic views of the city, Laidley Street has more than its share of architecturally interesting homes. But with its boxy light gray facade, a huge square protruding bay window, and the punch of its vibrant, chartreuse front door, this one stands out.

Step inside and the first impression is of an abundance of light and the staggering views through expanses of glass on each story of the house. The core of the home features a three-story translucent staircase crafted from opaque acrylic and steel. A big skylight floods light down the well through to the basement level.

The open-plan kitchen and living area take up the lion’s share of second floor. The bay window that projects over the street doubles as a generous sitting cubby. The kitchen is a blend of stainless steel and custom-made wood cabinetry. Adjoining the kitchen is a flexible space that could easily become guest quarters, as it has a sliding partition and a full bathroom.

Throughout the house, ceilings are as tall as 13 feet – including on the lower levels, which accommodate a master suite, two other bedrooms and a laundry room.

Zack and de Vito, who set out to create a “really modern house,” point to the exposed steel beams as an example of how they like to spotlight a building’s anatomy. “We aimed to create something very open and simple where there was a visual connection between rooms and everything was rationally organized,” said de Vito, who masterminded much of the design work.

Both the home’s steep site and the decision to use a modular building system restricted what Zack and de Vito could do in terms of its architecture. But they found some creative solutions. The cut-out section at the back of the house, for instance, allows their next-door neighbor to have an unobstructed view and, they say, makes for a more interesting interior layout.

Along with its eco-sensitive construction, the home’s other sustainable features include a photovoltaic electrical system, solar-assist hot water panels for the radiant heating system and a flat garden landscaped with drought-tolerant plants.

Soon after it was completed, the home was featured on the 2008 San Francisco American Institute of Architects Home Tour. It also won a San Francisco AIA Design Award. The jury praised the couple’s house for its efficient use of a narrow lot, the “nice use of light,” and its many environmentally friendly features.

And Custom Home Magazine gave the home its 2009 Grand Award in the 3,000- to 5,000-square-foot category, citing its sophisticated design, cutting-edge construction techniques and sustainable approach.

The owners, who are selling out of financial necessity, have loved living in the home and are full of praise for the neighborhood, which borders Noe Valley and is sometimes referred to as Fairmont Heights.

Zack said it is both friendly and convenient. “It’s very peaceful and we know all our neighbors,” he said. “We’re three minutes from the freeway, 10 minutes from BART and five minutes from the J-Church line, and there are parks close by.”

In fact, having lived in the same area with their young family for many years, they have every intention of staying close by when they move.

It’s got a BMW stamp on it. It’s tiny and it’s got a front wheel motor combined with a sphere form rear wheel.

The target user for this vehicle is a “vibrant eco-minded young individual.” Speed on! It’s half the size of the “regular high end motorcycle,” and it’s full name is Halb Organismus.

Designer: Pierre Yohanes Lubis

In a contest Maserati held with Architectural Digest, the home of the trident went looking for the best homes for those cars — not the actual houses, but the garages that house their creations. Entries came in two categories, Existing and Concept, and were judged on “noted architectural element, uniqueness and individuality.”

The winning existing garage could barely be considered a garage — more like a living room where you park your car. The winning concept garage has three turntables that can place cars in three different positions depending on whether you’re coming, showing off, or going. You can read the press release after jump and check out the stunning high-res images of the winners’ designs below.

In a perfect world we’d all be getting back to our zero energy, prefabricated homes by foot, bike or public transport, but on a planet where cars won’t be disappearing anytime soon, it’s nice to know that some car companies are trying to reduce their carbon footprint when producing new vehicles. In 2003 BMW set out a design competition for a new building and distribution center located in Munich, Germany. The results were more than grand; not only is the new BMW Welt aesthetically pleasing with its sinuous curves and gleaming façade, but it was also consciously designed to save energy in its production of cars through efficient solar heating and natural ventilation systems.

The BMW Welt was designed by architects Coop Himmelb[l]au in five thematic blocks: Hall, Premiere, Forum, Tower, and Double Cone, where areas have been reserved for car production, exhibition space, restaurants, shops, and even a business center. Coop Himmelb[l]au, not unfamiliar with designing large and complex spaces, developed a totally integrated and ecologically friendly air system combining both low and high tech methods to create optimal air circulation.

The multifunctional Hall, which sits as the centre point of the complex, was designed as a solar-heated, naturally ventilated sub-climatic area, removing the normal requirements for building heating and ventilation. Instead, a natural air supply is generated by thermal currents, wind pressure and turbulences when air accumulates in the area of the façade and roof projection. Air intake and outflow take place through automatically controlled and strategically placed vents providing the Hall with all its air needs.

The system proves to be especially beneficial to the Premiere section where BMW Welt produces its cars, and which directly opens up to the Hall. Because of the intensive exhaust gases that are released during the delivery process, and the subsequent energy heavy regulation typically required for air cleanup, the system was further fine-tuned to adjust the volume of air intake and outflow and to extract the exhaust fumes directly and pump in fresh air. A considerable feat given that BMW assumes a turnover of about 40 cars per hour, for a total of 250 cars per day.

On top of all this, the Forum, Tower and Double Cone are definitively public spaces, and have specially incorporated air systems to meet the comfort needs of their occupants while utilizing natural ventilation when possible.

Today is my birthday, and it’s also my friend Dave & my dog’s birthday! so I wish HAPPY BIRTHDAY to every July.22 babies on this planet!!

And I want to say THANK YOU to all the people I know, and special thanks to people last night who got me cake and gifts, because you guys are the best!

anyway here’s some quick summary report for this blog:

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THANK Y’ALL FOR THE AWESOME YEAR!

The ink colors are based on a spectrum, which relate to a “color temperature scale”, each month having a color related to our perception of the weather on that month. The colors range from dark blue in December to three shades of green in spring or orange and red in the summer.

Spanish designer Oscar Diaz has designed a calendar that uses the capillary action of ink spreading across paper to display the date.

Each month, a bottle of coloured ink spreads across a sheet of paper embossed with numbers, colouring them in as it goes.

Ink Calendar will be exhibited at an exhibition called Sueños de un Grifo – Diseño con Alma de Agua that opens at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid today.

See also our story about the Dramprom light by Roger Arquer that appears in the same exhibition.

Here’s some info from Diaz:

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TITLE : INK CALENDAR
DESIGNER: Oscar Diaz ( http://www.oscar-diaz.net)
DIMENSIONS: 420 X 595 mm
MATERIALS: Paper and ink.

Project Description

Ink Calendar make use of the timed pace of the ink spreading on the paper to indicate time. The ink is absorbed slowly, and the numbers in the calendar are ‘printed ‘ daily. One a day, they are filled with ink until the end of the month. The calendar enhances the perception of time passing and not only signaling it.  The aim of the project is to address our senses, rather than the logical and conscious brain.

The S.X. concept by designer Iulian Bumbu of the Transportation Design Course in Milan, represents the next gen of luxury coupes from BMW.

The car looks like it could actually be possible, wearing design cues that echo the recently redone Z4. The renderings call to mind the recently scuttled Concept CS from BMW’s own pens, depicting a car that’s extra-wide, super-low, and ultra aggressive.

Architects: Stanley Saitowitz | Natoma Architects
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Project year: 2004-2005
Photographs: Natoma Architects

This project, on a twenty-five-by-eighty-foot lot next to 1022 Natoma Street, continues the investigation of San Francisco infill buildings. At the street level are parking and entrance lobby; above are four stacked units. One thickened party wall provides vertical access and a light court. The other acts as a service zone, condensing kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, and storage behind sliding glass doors.

Floating walls divide the free space in the center, which is finished with a variety of materials all in different shades of white. The front facade has a bay-window silhouette constructed of horizontal aluminum bar grating, which provides both shading for the southern exposure and a veil shielding the city beyond. The surfaces behind the bay are sheathed in perforated metal.

via archdaily

This house might look like it’s straight out of the future, but it’s actually based on the oldest house design in Japan: the pit dwelling.

Pit dwellings were built by placing a steep thatched roof over a hole dug in the ground. That’s just what architect Makoto Tanijiri did for a family in Saljo, Japan.

As you can see, what appears to be a solid pyramid sticking out of the ground from the street actually sits on a room with windows on all sides.

Three stories tall standing aside the Swarovski swan on gray, this lake of mirrors makes up the majority of the temporary Baselworld face of the luxury lead crystal glass company. Take a look at the video included in this post for mirrors in action.

“Lake of Shimmer” – Swarovski stand at Baselworld 2009
Concept Design: Tokujin Yoshioka
Construction: Expomobilia

Based on the mysterious movement clocks created by the famed Jean-Eugene Robert Houdin in the 19th century, Louis Vuitton’s new calibre LV115 is a near transparent wonder. This calibre is actually the first from Louis Vuitton to have been created, developed and assembled entirely in the brand’s workshops in Switzerland.

With an 8-day power reserve, there is nothing superfluous about this mechanical movement and its robustness stands in stark contrast to its ephemeral nature. As in the general principle of mysterious movements, the hour and minute hands actually sit on mobile sapphire discs that are totally transparent.

The small seconds display is at 9 o’clock in the visible section of the movement, dial-side. $250,000 price tag on this watch, Like the tourbillon from Louis Vuitton, each watch can be customized in whatever way the customer sees fit and it comes with a mini steamer trunk to keep it safe at no additional cost.

Urwerk, the same company that brought us the  UR-202 are back with a new watch appropriately titled “King Cobra.”

Inspired the obscure Patek Philippe Cobra prototype watch from 1958, the King Cobra accounts for time like a high performance sportscar barrels through a speedometer.

On the UR-CC1, there are two horizontal indications displayed by two cylinders: one for the (jumping) hours and a retrograde cylinder for the minutes. The seconds are displayed by a rotating disk on the dial.
The UR-CC1 is the result of more than three years of research, development, production and testing to ensure that the rotation and instant fly-back of the large hour and minute cylinders was achieved without compromising accurate timekeeping.

Aleksander Dultsev, a Russian industrial design artist, has created some stunning renderings of what he imagines the Sukhoi PAK-FA 5th generation fighter might look like.

Dultsev has created three such designs. One is clearly based on the Sukhoi Su-47 Berkut, while another appears to be based loosely on the hypothetical 1980s vintage Testors F-19 stealth aircraft model kit.