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Aino + Alvar Aalto new book

Aino + Alvar Aalto: A Life Together is an invitation for readers to delve into the exceptional partnership and creative odyssey of two remarkable individuals who have left an enduring mark on the realm of design. This publication serves as a tribute to commemorate not only their remarkable accomplishments but also the profound love that ignited their artistic endeavors, granting us invaluable insights into their remarkable contributions to the world of art and design.

Within the pages of this book, Aino + Alvar Aalto’s influential design projects are brought to life through an array of sketches, photographs, and illustrations. Moreover, it is a heartfelt exploration of their life journey, from their formative years to the untimely loss of Aino in 1949. The book unfolds a captivating visual narrative that includes treasured photo albums showcasing their travels, encompassing everything from family vacations and cross-country road trips to international sojourns during the tumultuous era of World War II. Additionally, the book delves into the treasure trove of archival letters exchanged between Aino and Alvar, as well as their correspondence with family, friends, and colleagues. These epistolary gems offer a profound understanding of their personalities, thought processes, and motivations, all expertly framed within the historical context meticulously provided by Aalto-Alanen in his accessible narrative.

As Aalto-Alanen eloquently states in the foreword, “Through these letters, we are granted a rare opportunity to eavesdrop on the authentic voices of Alvar and Aino themselves. They allow us to witness, in their own words, the contours of everyday life experienced by this extraordinary couple during their shared years, and to comprehend the intricacies of their musings.”

www.phaidon.com/store

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Breadway Bakery Ukraine

The Breadway bakery and café located in the center of Odessa, Ukraine is a mix of a café which serves breakfasts and lunches as well as a takeaway spot where is possible to buy bakery products to go.

The architects of the projects Lera Brumina and Artem Trigubchak were tasked with creating an inviting, memorable space. It was decided to use a palette of contrasting bright colors and textures. Lera worked on the concept of the interior and its technical part and Artem worked on the realization of the interior.

Space is divided into three parts according to their function. A deep-blue take-away zone, a waiting zone which is located in the center of space in a pink box designed specially for this task, and light-grey zone, where you can stay for a croissant with a cup of cappuccino.

The 85 square meter bakery features high ceilings and large windows. To emphasize the amount of light it was used glossy tiles by Ceramica Bardelli, and to emphasize the height of ceilings, were designed custom-made chandeliers. Built-in furniture, tables, and sofas were also designed specially for this project.

www.lerabrumina.com

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Island Driverless Tram

Island by Ponti Design Studio is a double-decker driverless tram designed for the city of Hong Kong in the post-Covid era.

This highly innovative design concept incorporates industrial design, transportation design, public design, urban mobility and sustainability. The project includes exterior, interior and tram stop design. With the Coronavirus pandemic, people are shunning public transport and relying much more on private transport.

We wanted to reimagine public transport in the post-Covid era from a prevention perspective. Especially in the densely populated city of Hong Kong, where social distancing is hard to achieve. The idea of designing a tram is no coincidence: trams are one of the city’s landmarks and the tramways celebrate their 115th anniversary this year. The concept of social distancing, which limits people’s freedom to move and interact became the design challenge and focal point for the new concept.

The name Island references the innovative design of the interiors, where large circular benches facilitate social distancing and passengers sit facing outwards in a radial pattern. The exterior design is inspired by the Hong Kong urban landscape, which features vast surfaces of glass and rounded-corner buildings. Natural light floods the interiors during the day through the curved windows and a domed top, which also provide awe-inspiring views at night. The driverless technology optimizes the interior space of the tram, making it easier to manage travel times and increase onboard safety. The tram has a retractable connector for rapid charging at tram stops. Large vertical LEDs enhance visibility in all weather conditions. The interior design contrasts with the exterior. Minimalist design, charcoal black walls, soft circular seating, wooden floors and trims with natural finish all create a neutral and friendly environment.

This chromatic diversity, in addition to the dark color palette, frames and accentuates the beauty of the Hong Kong urban landscape. The simple tram stop structure has sleek, essential lines. Being open on both sides, it facilitates a linear, orderly flow of people and a healthier environment. The graphics guide passengers through the boarding and payment process, made by Octopus Card, before boarding. This streamlines the boarding procedure and optimizes the available space inside.

Island explores a wide spectrum of design aspects, from the product to the urban landscape. It represents the forward-thinking spirit of Hong Kong, and introduces a new concept of public transport that overcomes the practice of social distancing. We shouldn’t be dividing and separating but instead rethinking public spaces with a seamless, integrated and effective design approach.

www.andreaponti.com

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Skelton Cutlery by Nendo

Designed by Japanese studio Nendo, Skelton is a cutlery set created for “the cutlery project”, a collection for the Belgian furniture and home accessories brand Valerie Objects.

The cutlery has been reduced to the absolute minimum, limiting the amount of material used whilst still retaining its functionality, left remaining is the outline of the cutlery like the image of a skeleton reflected in an X-ray.
It can be hooked and stored in various places in the kitchen and the teaspoon can be hooked onto the rim of the cup.There are four items, a spoon, fork, knife, and teaspoon, the set also has a dedicated stand and wall hook to display the set.

The cutlery is PVD coated in four different colours, silver, black, copper and gold to provide an anti-scratch and dirt-repellent surface.

www.nendo.jp

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Shield Lamps by Kutarq Studio

Shield is a new series of lamps by Kutarq Studio created for Millelumen Germany. Inspired by the shields of the Maasai from Tanzania, consistent reduction, clear geometry and clean shapes are the design principles behind the Shield luminaires. The lamp consists of two main parts: an opalescent diffuser (which is exchangeable and can be set up fast and easy), and a white-painted aluminum structural chassis. The shades are not opaque, but semi-translucent, creating an attractive aura and a pleasant atmosphere as a harmonious light falls upon the wall or ceiling. They are made in three different forms: round, oval and eye-shaped. The Shield series are available as a wall, ceiling, pendant or floor lamp, and are all dimmable.

Kutarq Studio

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