Archinect - News

3D printing expert lists the reasons why he thinks the technology is overhyped

2013-06-04T20:17:00-04:00

This is the future! And it is, in some respects — it’s going to open so many things up in the world. But that doesn’t mean to say that you will do it yourself or that it will decentralize manufacturing, like the hype seems to suggest. So, no revolution? The main issue lies with raised expectations, build quality, price and usability. So here we go, my list of reasons 3D printing isn’t all you think it’s cracked up to be.

Bluetooth is coming to your deadbolt

2013-05-30T19:20:00-04:00

The August Smart Lock is the secure, simple, and social way to manage your home’s lock. Now you can control who can enter and who can’t—without the need for keys or codes. And you can do it all from your smartphone or computer.

Key-less entry has been available for cars for ages. It's about time buildings adopt this new technology. Fortunately, this new product is designed by master product designer Yves Behar, of Fuseproject.

Toyo Ito’s Flatware for Alessi

2013-01-23T20:05:00-05:00

Mr. Ito, the Japanese architect whose team won a Golden Lion Award at the 2012 Venice Architecture Biennale for its concepts for new housing after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, recently designed flatware called Mu. Introduced in Paris by the Italian company Alessi, the pattern complements Ku, the delicate porcelain service Mr. Ito created for Alessi in 2006.

Michael Graves' product design for Acme Studio

2012-12-13T12:21:00-05:00

Architect and Product Designer Michael Graves talks about his long standing partnership with Acme Studios. This short promo video, filmed and produced in his Princeton studio, highlights popular Acme products by Graves that are currently available.

SafetyNet Wins First Prize at 2012 James Dyson Awards

2012-11-08T16:57:00-05:00

One winner and two runners-up have today been announced at this year's edition of the James Dyson Awards, an international student design award running in 18 countries. The first prize went to the entry 'SafetyNet - Escape Rings' from the UK. The two runners-up were the design concepts 'The BETH Project' from the United States and 'Revival Vest' from New Zealand.

Ten Top Images on Archinect's "Student Work" Pinterest Board

2012-08-24T14:02:00-04:00

In case you haven't checked out Archinect's Pinterest boards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding student projects on various Archinect People profiles.

Today's top images (in no particular order) are from the board Student Work.

↑ Savannah Extended Hotel by Hoa Vu in collaboration with Alex Benoit

↑ Icebergs trading post in a melting Greenland by Alexandre Braleret

↑ The Thunderbox by Justin Darrow with Rhys Williams and Kyle Noren

↑ 20k [Leagues] Under the Sea by Kyle Reckling

↑ Fashion Schau by Adam Welker

↑ Apoidea Lamp Design and Prototype by Kimberly Hylton

↑ Museum of Vanishing Commodities by Brittney Dillon

↑ School project by Matthieu Provoost

↑ The Bank Of Providence by Mehruss Jon Ahi

(Cover pic: Luthier House by Emma Campbell)

Click here to see more "Ten Top Images on Archinect's Pinterest Boards" features.

Frank Gehry's Tiffany Chess Set Is a Miniature Architectural Marvel

2012-05-02T15:42:00-04:00

... instead of drawing his inspiration from buildings in his portfolio, Gehry designed the various pieces of this chess set based on their role in the game. So the soft curves of the queen contrast the sharp angles of the king, while the pawns have all been equipped with cannons atop them. Unfortunately the set, which is made from fine bone-china, is only available from Tiffany & Co. as a special order for a staggering $25,000. A check-mate to the bank account for most of us.

Designer Phillippe Starck Says He's Working On 'Revolutionary' Product With Apple

2012-04-13T13:47:00-04:00

The French designer Phillippe Starck said in a radio interview with France Info that he is working with Apple on a “revolutionary” new product that will be unveiled within the next 8 months. He gave no hint at what the product might be. He said he met regularly with former Apple CEO Steve Jobs before his death last October.

Tentsile, the Architect's Tent

2012-04-03T17:44:00-04:00

tentsile combines the comfort and versatility of a hammock with the usable space and security of a tent. The ultra portable structure uniquely employs tension forces to provide separation from wildlife, including insects, snakes and other predators but also from sand storms, earth tremors, cold or wet ground, debris or contamination.

When architects rethink the tent, you know it better be rad. In this case, Tentsile is the offspring of London-based Greendream Architecture.

Quote from the firm's website: "With over 10 years of experience of projects in conventional as well as treehouse architecture, our team provides a friendly and professional service for all of your architectural ambitions."

Nice to see architects with the inner child still alive.

All images via tentsile.com.

Eva Zeisel, Ceramic Artist and Designer, Dies at 105

2012-01-03T16:46:31-05:00

Eva Zeisel, a ceramic artist whose elegant, eccentric designs for dinnerware in the 1940s and ’50s helped to revolutionize the way Americans set their tables, died on Friday in New City, N.Y. She was 105.

Architects: make buildings, not products

2011-12-08T13:50:09-05:00

Architects, your lesson is simple: you have nothing to lose. But don’t expect to gain much on the royalty end unless you’re a one-in-a-million talent or a household name. In any case, get as big an up-front payment as you can for your ideas.

AirDrop Irrigation Wins First Prize at 2011 James Dyson Awards

2011-11-11T14:55:57-05:00

One winning project and two runners-up have recently been announced at the 2011 edition of the James Dyson Awards, an international student design award running in 18 countries. The first prize went to the entry 'AirDrop Irrigation' from Australia. Two top awards went to the design concepts 'Blindspot' from Singapore and 'KwickScreen' from the UK.

The Power, or Folly, of a Product’s Name

2011-11-01T08:06:41-04:00

Bad news: a skyscraping apartment block is being built near my home. Worse news: judging by the computer rendering on the developers’ hoarding, it will be indistinguishable from thousands of instantly forgettable new buildings all over the world. Even worse news: its name is Avant-garde Tower.

'Frog's Tongue' Room Divider Wins Award

2011-09-06T13:55:31-04:00

Michael Korn, a student at the Royal College of Art, has won the UK James Dyson Award, which he hopes will increase global sales of his creation. Mr Korn's design, the KwickScreen, lets healthcare professionals give privacy to patients with a lightweight, portable screen.

In CUBE We Trust

2011-09-01T17:16:51-04:00

A year ago three students ... sought to test the design viability of a shiny black cube. They asked product, graphic and architectural designers to critically assess the cube to ascertain how serious or not the "critics" would be when faced with whether to explain or explain-away the object. The sessions with Stefan Sagmeister, Dieter Rams, Marco Piva, Massimo losa Ghini, Michael Erlhoff, Ruedi Baur and me were video taped and presented at a Parsons School of Design exhibition.

Who is Dieter Rams?

2011-05-09T17:51:01-04:00

Dieter Rams is a German industrial designer who trained and worked as an architect for a few years until he joined the electronic devices manufacturer Braun. Within a few years he became their chief of design, a position he held for almost 35 years. During his tenure, he and his team designed many iconic devices ranging from record players to furniture to storage systems.

My favorite product designer of all time.