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'After Hours' at Bankside
Wednesday, 19th June 2013 at 9:43am
The Jerwood Space on Bankside has been hosting an exhibition which has a focus on work by graphic designers working without a brief or client, called After Dark.Curated by Nick Eagleton, of The Partners, there is delibertly no common thread or theme throughout the exhibition, being instead a celebration of the variety of work that has been produced – driftwood sculptures, clocks, chess boards, flags, films, prints, wardrobes and remote control drawing machines – the only real connection being that it is all closer to design rather than art.
The interesting aspect you can take from the showcase is that without a brief from a client the designers seem to have come up with their own.
The Exhibition runs until 23rd June 2013.Tagged Design, exhibition, After dark, creative, designers, the partners, Jerwood Space
Solid Poetry brings designs to concrete
Tuesday, 18th June 2013 at 10:37pm
Whilst it is an important material for construction, concrete isn't normally very exciting. That has all changed thanks to designers Frederick Molenschot and Susanne Happle, and their new venture Solid Poetry.
Based in the Netherlands, they have come up with a concrete that when dry looks normal and plain, but when wet decorative designs appear.
The main benefits for this sort of idea would be bathrooms or wet rooms but could also be a nice way to brighten up the world on wet, rainy days.
To showcase the product they have produced several videos which are shown below.
£1bn business district for East London
Tuesday, 18th June 2013 at 1:09pm
Plans are in motion to regenerate London Docklands, more precisely the area around Royal Albert Dock.The plans, which will see architects Farrells work with developers Stanhope and commercial developer ABP China (Holding), will create 3.2 million square feet of retail and leisure space and 2.5 million square feet of office space.
It already has interest in the first phase from Chinese companies, including some banks, with the first occupiers to move in from 2017.
The project will see a £1 billion investment into the 35 acre area currently owned by the Greater London Authority.
Tagged Docklands, London, Farrells, Stanhope, ABP China, investment, architecture, design, development
100 Year Anniversary of the invention of Formica® laminate
Thursday, 13th June 2013 at 10:35am
At the Think Tank, we’re very proud to have worked with Formica Group over the past 10 years.
This year is a BIG milestone for Formica Group - it’s the 100th Year Anniversary of the invention of Formica® laminate.
We are starting to celebrate the 100 Years Anniversary in Europe and visitors to the Design District in Holland last week got a sneak preview of the new Formica® laminate Anniversary Collection, designed by Abbott Miller of Pentagram in New York.
Formica Group has also produced this short video where designers and architects around the world wish Formica® laminate a “Happy Birthday”…
Win a blocky stool from sixinch
Wednesday, 12th June 2013 at 10:32am
We felt this competition was too good to keep to ourselves; sixinch are offering the chance of winning one of five of its blocky stool.The stool, which was designed by Pieter Jamart from their design team, comes in a choice of seven colours and is made from rotation moulded Pu.
To enter all you need to do is email them your name at pr@sixinch.eu before 30th June. Winners will be chosen at random and contacted by email.Tagged Design, sixinch, competition, stool, Pu, win
London preview of Close, Closer
Tuesday, 11th June 2013 at 7:47pm
On Thursday 13th June Building Design magazine is hosting a preview talk for the 2013 Lisbon Architecture Triennale, which is entitled Close, Closer.
The chief curator, Beatrice Galilee, will be joined by two of her co-curators Mariana Pestana and Liam Young to discuss the curatorial approach, challenges and ideas behind this year’s show, and it will be chaired by Jeremy Till, head of Central Saint Martin's and pro-vice chancellor of the University of the Arts London.
The talk will take place at the London offices of KPF at 7pm and places are free but limited.
To book your space email bdrsvp@ubm.com or visit here for more information.
Celebrate under-valued architecture in London
Tuesday, 11th June 2013 at 4:40pm
The Design Museum is holding a free exhibition called Lesser Known Architecture, which is a tie-in to the month long London Festival of Architecture.
The exhibition is a series of single colour offset prints of sites around London that display great architectural design, but tend to go unnoticed by the general public.
The ten sites were nominated by leading architecture critics and the prints will be displayed in the Museum Café and Tank from 4th June until 22nd July 2013.
The nominations include Crystal Palace Subway, Cabmen’s Shelters and Occidental Oil Refinery Jetty.
The installation was curated by Elias Redstone and designed by Ben Mclaughlin. All the photographs for the prints were taken by Theo Simpson.
Serpentine pavilion opens for the summer
Tuesday, 11th June 2013 at 9:36am
The 2013 Serpentine Gallery pavilion in Kensington Gardens opened last week. Designed by Sou Fujimoto the pavilion, which is said to resemble a cloud, will be open until 20th October 2013.A geometric structure constructed using from metal beams, it strikes a delicate balance between man and nature, utilising natural daylight and creating a closed off space, which still allows visitors to experience the nature around them.
Read more about the design in out previous blog post.Tagged Serpentine gallery, pavilion, design, architecture, Sou Fujimoto, London
Riverside Museum wins award for engagement
Friday, 7th June 2013 at 1:49pm
The Riverside Museum in Glasgow has won the prestigious European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA). Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the museum which opened in June 2011, has received the award for it’s ability to “demonstrate brilliantly how a specialist transport collection can renew its relevance through active engagement with the wider social and universal issues.”
The museum, which has received over 2 million visitors in less than 2 years, was chosen out of 40 museums from 21 European Countries and fulfilled the EMYA's criteria of public quality at the highest level.
The Riverside Museum showcases Glasgow’s transport, shipbuilding and engineering heritage.Tagged Awards, design, architecture, Zaha Hadid, Riverside Museum, EMYA, European Museum of the Year, Glasgow
Foster + Partners design two new London skyscrapers
Friday, 31st May 2013 at 1:27pm
British architecture firm Foster + Partners has unveiled plans for two residential skyscrapers as part of the 250 City Road project, led by property developers Berkeley Group.The skyscrapers will form part of a cluster of residential towers proposed for the City Road area in Islington, a redevelopment of a 1.9 hectare site currently occupied by a cluster of commercial buildings.
Other companies involved in the project include landscape architects Gillespies, Dutch firm UNStudio and US architects SOM.
Elsewhere in London, Foster + Partners recently received planning permission for three residential towers on the south side of the river Thames near Lambeth Bridge.
More about the 250 City Road project can be found here.Tagged Design, architecture, London, Skyscrapers, Foster + Partners, Berkeley Group, 250 City Road, Islington
Watch the top of One World Trade Center spire be installed
Tuesday, 28th May 2013 at 1:01pm
After some delay the final piece was put in place on the One World Trade Center tower.
The spire for the building was installed, making it the tallest building in the western hemisphere and will stand as a focal point in a group of buildings designed to replace the Twin Towers that were destroyed in the September 11th attacks.
To commemorate the topping off, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey released a video of the spire's installation. Filmed using a GoPro camera which was attached to the spire itself, it gives a stunning glimpse at the height of the tower.
Watch it below, but be warned it can cause vertigo!
Clerkenwell Design Week reviewed
Thursday, 23rd May 2013 at 9:16am
It's been a hub of activity near the office this week as Clerkenwell Design Week kicked off in great style. So far we’ve managed to take a look at what’s on display in the Farmiloe Building, which provides a fantastic backdrop for the exhibitors to showcase their designs, with four floors of the building filled. The vast colours and textures on display from international interior design and architecture suppliers provide a stunning contrast to the exposed brickwork and floorboards of the elegant Victorian former glassworks. A few stands caught our eye including James Burleigh’s classic furniture with a modern twist and splashes of colour.
Duffy London made us smile with playful yet beautiful designs such as the UP dining table and the swinging chairs.
The trail of showrooms and fringe events creates a really fun atmosphere and luckily the weather has stayed dry encouraging visitors to spill onto the streets with chatter and inspiration. A scenic walk up to the House of Detention was peppered with installations in gardens and pop up shops. The House of Detention was really exciting as it was underground, there was an acoustic performance and all the stands were in the cells of the Victorian Prison – a huge contrast for those who had just been to ExCel May Design Series! Particular favourites were Foundation Rugs graffiti style soft decorations; Mirror Glow’s beautiful pieces which really lended themselves to the surroundings and Merve Kahraman’s genius and luxurious furniture.
Clerkenwell Design Week has established itself as the UK’s leading independent design festival. The event finishes on Thursday 23rd May so there is still time to see what’s happening at any of the 60 showrooms taking part.Tagged Clerkenwell Design week, design, architecture, James Burliegh, Merve Kahraman, Foundation Rugs, Mirror Glow
Australia's emergency 'Softstop' sign system
Wednesday, 22nd May 2013 at 1:19pm
Getting people to notice road signs can be difficult, especially on busy commuter route.In Australia the government is trying to tackle this head on, as they have experienced problems from people ignoring warning signs when entering a tunnel in which there was a fire.
As a possible solution, the 'softstop' sign was created. A sign made from water and light it was brought to fruition by an R&D programme that used technology from Laservision, a creative technology firm that designs architectural lighting, permanent attractions and special events primarily for the entertainment industry, along with pump manufacturer Grundfos.
The combination of the two allows for a sign that appears directly in front of the car, making it difficult not to spot.
Watch it in action below.
Tagged Innovation, technology, design, Laservision, Grundfos, road safety, safestop
Pop-up garden along the Thames
Wednesday, 22nd May 2013 at 11:20am
The Design Museum has opened a pop-up garden in 'The Tank' outside the museum along the Thames. The garden is a joint venture with Swiss design company Vitra.The garden, with its overgrow grass, features designs from some of the biggest names such as Charles and Ray Eames, Jasper Morrison, Jay Osgerby and Verner Panton. It also provides a space for visitors to sit and enjoy the area and sights.
All the pieces featured are also on sale at the museum shop or online here.Tagged Design, furniture, pop up, Thames, Design Museum, Vitra
Mirare Maze Folly at Clerkenwell Design Week
Wednesday, 22nd May 2013 at 9:56am
This week is Clerkenwell Design Week, running from 21st to 23rd May. We have been sent this wonderful piece of work that is featured in the event, designed by Mobile Studio.
Called Mirare Maze Folly, the piece reinvents the classic garden maze, with walls that are made entirely of clear acrylic and uses plays on light and reflection.
The maze is a new addition to Mobile Studio's family of modular systems offering infinite size and configuration, retaining the idea of permeability and sitting almost like a ghost folly within the design festival.
Find out more about the maze and the design week here.Tagged Clerkenwell Design Week, Design, innovation, Mobile Studio
The best in Neon
Thursday, 16th May 2013 at 9:33am
London-based light artist Chris Bracey is currently displaying his works in his first solo exhibition at Scream Gallery in London titled 'I've looked up to heaven and been down to hell'.
The artist, who learnt his trade from his father, has manipulated his lights into incredible designs using themes which mix religious iconography, retro fairground bulbs and neon advertising styles.
Bracey has also provided dramatic installations for films such as Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Batman films.
Many of Bracey’s works are self-produced neons, referencing popular culture – “Shine A Light in the Darkness of Your Soul” was written by Martin Gore from Depeche Mode and “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” is from a song by The Smiths.
His work also draws upon iconic imagery such as tattoo designs and the sights of Las Vegas and Soho, London.
The exhibition is on display until the 1st June 2013.
The Chalk Room
Tuesday, 7th May 2013 at 11:52am
Design studio JamesPlumb has followed up their refit of East London based store Hostem's shop floor with a new showroom in the basement of the same building.
A dimly lit room, decorated with some unique furniture, The Chalk Room is currently dedicated to Hostem's bespoke service, made-to-measure clothing and accessories, but shoppers can also order furniture from JamesPlumb including a chandelier made from clusters of antique lampshades and a chest of drawers built from stacks of suitcases.
To create the downstairs room the studio opened up the space, painted it dark and dimmed the lighting, creating calmness by making the corners and edges of the walls disappear.
Some of the unique furniture they have provided for the space includes a Chesterfield sofa that has a table coming out of the centre and a wardrobe that appears to be falling over.
Find out more about their work with Hostem at dezeen.
Photographs by Thomas Giddings.
Man-Made Tornado in a Museum
Wednesday, 1st May 2013 at 12:02pm
The Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart has a bit of an unusual attraction.The building has the world's most powerful man-made tornado, and whilst this does attract visitors, this is not the reason for its existence.
Created from 144 jets spewing 28 tons of smoke in a 112-foot-high column, the idea of a tornado in a showroom containing over 150 luxury vehicles may seem like an odd one, but it is actually a clever fire-safety mechanism.
The building is made from a steel structure based on a double-helix, featuring a massive central atrium viewable from the floors that spiral around it. All rooms are open, all walls are curved and each of the 1800 triangular window panes on the exterior walls is unique. This however means that there are no fire zones within the building so by creating this tornado they are able to expel smoke emissions from within the building. It is said to take about 7 minutes for the jets that line the interior walls to get the smoke to whirl into a tornado and escape through vents in the roof.
Watch a video of the tornado in action below.
Tagged Tornado, man-made, Mercedes-Benz, Museum, classic cars, architecture, design, innovation
Clerkenwell Design Week
Sunday, 28th April 2013 at 10:59am
May will see the return of the Clerkenwell Design Week. The event is a showcase of architecture and design works from across the globe, with a focus on British designs.
Held in a variety of locations in the historic Central London area, it will see show regulars returning as well as some new faces such as Arper, Plumen and Foscarini.
Brands returning to the festival include Vitra, Knoll, Boss Design, Domus Tiles, Deadgood, Dare Studio, Jennifer Newman, Muuto, Magis, Zanotta, Johnson Tiles, and Dezeen.
The event takes place across 50 furniture showrooms and several special locations. The Farmiloe Building, a former Victorian merchants warehouse, will play host to high-profile international brands; The House of Detention, a subterranean Victorian prison, will form the festival’s hotspot for new designers, and the 12th century crypt and charming garden of the Priory of the Order of St John, will act as the hub for interior decoration trends.
Taking place on the 21st to 23rd May 2013, it is the fourth time the event has taken over the area, being spread out over several different sites, and will offer talks, debates and parties throughout its course.
To register for the event click here.
Regent Street windows
Friday, 26th April 2013 at 12:53pm
Have you popped down to Regent Street recently? Well if you can handle the crowds you should, as this year's RIBA Window Project is currently in place.The project includes six architecture studios working with shops along the famous road, creating unique displays in six of the most iconic stores.
Supported by RIBA and the Regent Street Association, the project is in its fourth year and runs until 6th May 2013.
Topshop has a rotating wheel of mannequins designed by George King and Mark Nixon from Neon, which will allow for different outfits to be displayed throughout the day.
The installation at Karen Millen is made of sports fabric and cable ties, and spans the 30-metre length of the window. It is the creation of Mamou-Mani.
John Tollitt and his team at Gensler drew on the emotional response one may feel driving one of their cars for their display for the flagship store of Ferrari.
The atrium of Espirit's store was transformed by naganJohnson into a beach scene, complete with a wave of chestnut paling fencing.
Carl Turner Architects referenced American artist Gordon Matta Clark's images of cut-out buildings at Jack Spade's Brewer Street store, just off Regent Street, creating fantasy New York streetscapes on the facade, in the windows and on blackboard illustrations.
Finally, interlocking panels to form freestanding screens at Moss Bros, creating a three-dimensional herringbone effect was the idea of AY Architects.
Find out more information and see more images here.
Photographs are by Agnese Sanvito.Tagged Regent Street, design, architecture, window displays, Topshop, Karen Millen, Ferrari, Jack Spade, Espirit, Moss Bros, Neon, RIBA, Mamou-Mani, Gensler, naganJohnson, Carl Turner architects, Gordon Matta Clark, AY Architects
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