Author Archives: Srishti Mitra

10 Best Plant-Friendly Designs For Gardening & Plant Enthusiasts

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Gardening is an extremely therapeutic activity, and though I may not engage in it all the time, the few times that I have, I found it delightful and soothing. Growing, tending to, and being surrounded by plants is intensely satisfying. All your worries slowly fade away, and you are simply enthralled by nature. Indoor gardening has become one of the major trends these days! Plants can truly transform a living space with their gentle presence. They add a touch of green and nature and create a serene and zen atmosphere. But tending to them is not always the easiest task! You must pay special attention to your beloved plants and give them the best care to ensure they grow well. And, we’ve curated a whole collection of product designs to help you with that! From a wearable that lets your plants communicate with you to LG’s latest indoor gardening appliance – these products are all, you need to create a nurturing environment for your plants and ensure they grow beautifully!

1. LG tiiun

Called the LG tiiun, this unique home appliance allows you to grow your own herbs and veggies. It is an indoor gardening appliance that is sized like a dorm refrigerator and is 3 feet tall. It is equipped with two shelves, which can store up to 6 all-in-one seed packages, and various seed kits. It keeps your veggies super fresh!

Why is it noteworthy?

The LG tiiun is designed to be an all-in-one self-sufficient garden. It creates the perfect microclimate and conditions for your plants to grow successfully. It even replicates light cycles, allowing you to keep the tiiun anywhere in a room without having to stress about whether it has access to sunlight.

What we like

  • You can grow veggies and herbs in the comfort of your home
  • Simple and fun experience even if you haven’t gardened before

What we dislike

  • The form is a bit too bulky for homes with space constraints

2. Grovemade Hardwood Planters

Designed by Grovemade, these cups, planters, and dishes are created the old-school way and have been carved from solid maple or walnut. The planters are pretty functional, adding a touch of green to your work desk, while also being quite aesthetically pleasing. The planters score high on looks and utility.

Why is it noteworthy?

The various pieces are hand-sanded and finished with a clear vegetable-based oil that highlights the natural warmth, elegance, and beauty of the wood. The collection includes cups, dishes, and planters in a variety of different woods

What we like

  • The planters are available in a wide range of metal and material options

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics are a bit mundane and boring

3. Green Hideaway Chair

Named the Green Hideaway Chair, this DIY living plant chair is designed by Stockholm-based studio Front/ in collaboration with European DIY chain HORNBACH and its creative agency HeimatTBWA. This lovely chair lets you connect with nature, adding some green to your home, without actually leaving your house.

Why is it noteworthy?

DIYers of all skill levels can build this simple chair, as it is accompanied by illustrated, step-by-step instructions, a template, and a whole list of tools and materials needed. Everything is simply spelled out for you.

What we like

  • Makes nature accessible to you in your own home

What we dislike

  • A bulky and space-consuming design, so you need to make sure you have sufficient space to add it to your home

4. ACQUAIR

Meet the ACQUAIR design – a smart humidifier and air purifier which merges technology and nature in an aesthetic and good-looking design. ACQUAIR is essentially two products in one – it is a smart humidifier and a pot for a single-stem plant. Both the parts share the same water tank that nourishes the plant, and sprays moisturized mist.

Why is it noteworthy?

The spray is determined through sensors, and by adjusting the mist depending on the temperature and the amount of humidity. Human intervention isn’t needed except to refill the tank every once in a while.

What we like

  • The humidifier also has aesthetic value, it serves as a simple yet elegant pot

What we dislike

  • The concept isn’t detailed enough to show us how the device’s features keep the plants alive beyond just water

5. Ocean Sun Plant Light

Called the Ocean Sun Plant Light, this design is more than just your ordinary USB-powered work light. As the name suggests, it is equipped with a calibrated set of LEDs that radiate a light similar to the light from the sun. It is created for indoor plants which don’t get a lot of natural light.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Ocean Sun Plant Light offers your plants the right spectrum of light to facilitate photosynthesis and foster growth. But unlike the sun, it features a compact size, and can fit into the palm of your hand! It has a sleek and small form with a precisely machined aluminum outer shell.

What we like

  • Features high-end flicker-free LEDs
  • Compact, easy-to-carry form

What we dislike

  • We are unsure how well plants would grow in this light

6. Planpet

Meet Planpet – a smart plant pot concept that builds a personal connection between humans and plants. The design offers the plant a face and changes the way we see it. It features a glass cube on one end, with an actual hole for the plant. The cube isn’t some excessive feature, but it is a holographic display.

Why is it noteworthy?

The holographic display features a miniature 3D representation of the plant, and it actually has an expressive face. The user can pick a virtual character, which perfectly resembles the type of plant being put in the pot. The virtual plant can also change facial expressions based on real-time soil, and environment analysis.

What we like

  • The plant reacts when you give it light or water, or if you forget to look after it

What we dislike

  • It’s a conceptual design, so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product

7. Paradise

Named Paradise, this automated plant cultivator and compost bin is designed to reduce domestic waste. It is equipped with integrated technology, prompting users when the plants need to be looked after. It looks like a rolling cart and includes modular pieces that work well together to offer optimal conditions for growing plants.

Why is it noteworthy?

Paradise was designed by Robin Akira, and it is intended to be a household plant cultivator with integrated compost bins and an odor-sealing lid to reduce the domestic waste produced in our homes.

What we like

  • Integrates greenery into our interior spaces
  • An odor-sealing lid

What we dislike

  • Could be messy to have such a product in our indoor living space

8. Kosumi’s Wall Organizer and Mess-Free Planter

Kosumi’s Wall Organizer and Mess-Free Planter can be assembled like LEGO building blocks. It features base grids that can be attached to the walls with 3M strips, which need hardware or tools in the process. You form the basic grid on the chosen vertical surface, and then you can stock it with over 20 different modules.

Why is it noteworthy?

The multi-functional and organizational WFH design helps you create your own wall organizer and planter, allowing you to build a magnetic and modular garden that can be mounted on any vertical surface.

What we like

  • Impressive storage space
  • Entirely recyclable

What we dislike

  • We’re not too sure how long the plants would last in such an ecosystem

9. Jungle

Named Jungle, this intriguing planter is designed by Poland-based KABO and PYDO design studio. You can hang the planter from the ceiling, allowing it to function as a semi-flush mount light fixture. This good-looking indoor garden is inspired by the form of biophilic design.

Why is it noteworthy?

Jungle is made up of a few parts, and its true beauty lies in its simplicity. Jungle features a bulbous, capsule-shaped centerpiece, and it is designed to be a half-planter and half-light fixture. It is capsule-shaped and radiates a warm golden light which is diffused with an opaque body.

What we like

  • It features a simple form which allows the beauty of the plants to shine through
  • Radiates a soft and soothing light

What we dislike

  • You need to stand on a stool or small ladder to water the plants

10. BioCollar

Called the BioCollar, this wearable is designed by students at the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design. It helps build empathy between the wearer and the connected plant. Once the wearable is connected to a piece of hardware that goes into the planter, it helps you understand the plant’s needs better through some real-time feedback.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is designed to be a component of a larger system called the BioPermit – which is a service that utilizes the collar to test if prospective plant buyers are good caregivers. It is a speculative system, and it is designed to convert plant needs into real-time haptic feedback.

What we like

  • Lets the plant easily communicate its needs to you

What we dislike

  • The wearable doesn’t look very comfy to wear

The post 10 Best Plant-Friendly Designs For Gardening & Plant Enthusiasts first appeared on Yanko Design.

Baluchon’s Cottage-Style Tiny Home Is Designed To Be A Full-Time Residence In A Small Body

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Baluchon designed a full-time towable home for one person and named it the Hytta. The Hytta tiny home is equipped with a traditional cottage-like exterior and a pretty comfy interior layout that can also accommodate a guest once in a while. Based on a double-axle trailer, the Hytta features a length of 20 feet, which is pretty common for a European tiny home. The home has a cedar finish and is accentuated by an aluminum roof.

Designer: Baluchon

As you enter the home you are welcomed by an entrance with shoe storage, as well as a massive open living area. The home needed to support remote working, and hence a compact office is placed into the side. The office includes a desk and a chair, as well as a sofa bed which can accommodate any visitors. The kitchen is the usual French-style kitchen you see in tiny homes, and it is quite basic and simple. It contains a two-burner propane-powered stove, a sink, a fridge, a microwave, and some cabinetry. The kitchen also includes a wood-burning stove for warmth, as well as a small dining table.

The opposite end of the home includes the bathroom. The bathroom is pretty small, but it is equipped with a shower, toilet, as well as a washing machine. It also has some storage. The Hytta tiny home includes two loft areas – one is above the entrance, and is quite small, serving well for storage. The other is the main bedroom and can be accessed via storage-integrated stairs. The bedroom is like most rooms found in tiny homes with a double bed, low ceiling, and some storage space.

The lovely little abode was recently delivered to its home, and is being utilized as a full-time home. We are unsure of the costing, but Baluchon tiny homes are usually priced at around US$92,000.

The post Baluchon’s Cottage-Style Tiny Home Is Designed To Be A Full-Time Residence In A Small Body first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Car-Based LEGO Builds For Automotive Lovers

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Building LEGOs was something I loved as a child. I could spend hours putting together intricate and mesmerizing LEGO builds, that did have the potential to fall apart in mere seconds. However, LEGO is no longer simply considered child’s play. Masterbuilders and creators spend days and weeks building precise and astounding LEGO creations that will truly blow your mind away. And, this collection of LEGO designs is dedicated to cars! We’ve put together a collection of exquisite and finely detailed LEGO builds inspired by cars. These creations will have motorcar aficionados drooling at the mouth!

 1. LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 Performance Set

Meet the LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 Performance Set – one of the latest additions to LEGO Technic’s collection of motorsports replicas. The build is a 1/8 scale model that you can build piece by piece using 1642 individual LEGO bricks. The LEGO model is 13 cm tall, 63 cm long, and 26 cm wide. It features a stark black color, leaving the carbon parts unpainted, which cuts down on some weight.

2. LEGO McLaren P1 Hybrid Super Car

 

LEGO Technic just built a 1:8 scale model of the McLaren P1 hybrid supercar, amped with loads of details inside out. It features a 3893-piece format, and it has a price tag of $449. The detailed 3.8-liter V-8 piston engine is paired with a seven-speed transmission with 2 shifter paddles, adjustable rear spoiler, functional suspension, and working dihedral doors. The LEGO build was created in association with McLaren Automotive to mimic even the smallest of details to perfection.

3. LEGO Batmobile

Designed by TaeYang Lee, this LEGO Batmobile draws inspiration from the movie’s fascinating rollercoaster plot. He used Mecabricks, a LEGO modeling tool to build this amazing build. The creation is much like the on-screen Batmobile, and it is based in a dark and gloomy world, with a sinister environment. The Batmobile has a matte black color, with toughened wheel rims, and a reinforced bumper build for the kill.

4. LEGO Bentley Blower

The Bentley Blower is one of the icons of pre-war racing elegance and power, and LEGO is paying tribute to its 100th anniversary and infamous design. The LEGO Ideas Bentley Blower is designed by LEGO builder ‘N.ik.Le.go.’, and it perfectly captures the old-world charm of its powerful predecessor in a scaled-down and compact form. This LEGO MOC is made using 707 bricks, and is pretty uncomplicated compared to the other LEGO builds.

5. LEGO Peugeot 9X8

LEGO builder Brick-A-Brac celebrates Peugeot’s 9X8 and built his own LEGO build of the 9X8 supercar. Made using 1320 parts, the car measures 20 inches long. It is equipped with an extraordinary amount of detail and has all the branded graphics on its body. It has a sleek design, commendable size, and loads of attention to detail, making it a must-have gem for LEGO + car enthusiasts to have!

6. LEGO McLaren F1 Car

Meet the LEGO replica of the 2021 season Formula-1 car. It is really quite jaw-dropping and is nine times the size of the collectible LEGO version which was quite a hit. The 1:1 LEGO variant is at another level altogether and requires a lot of time and effort to be built. It took 1893 man-hours to put the 288,135 LEGO bricks together, creating a 5.7-meter-long, 2.4 meter-wide structure.

7. LEGO FedEx Iconic Truck

This LEGO FedEx iconic truck was made using LEGO bricks to celebrate FedEx’s 50th anniversary. The company has a workforce of around 500,000 employees, as well as a fleet of 700+ aircraft, and 200,000 vehicles. This incredible LEGO build pays tribute to the company. It is white in color with a FedEx logo on the front and the side. It also has a diamond-shaped DOT hazardous chemical flip sign on the front.

8. LEGO McLaren F1 MP4 Ayrton Senna

The LEGO form of the McLaren F1 MP4 Ayrton Senna was added to the LEGO Speed Champions and Technic lineup. It serves as a stunning tribute to Ayrton Senna – an undisputed legend of motor racing. The set includes 693 pieces and has a Senna Minifigure on the podium, with the winner’s trophy, and a plate engraved with the photo and quote. McLaren is next to him in power mode.

9. LEGO Back To The Future Time Machine

Meet the LEGO Back to the Future Time Machine! This one is better than ever and more detailed. It includes a Flux Capacitor light brick, gull-wing doors, and printed dashboard dates. You can add the different equipment from the different parts of the movie – including the lightning rod from the first film, and the hood-mounted circuit from Part III.

10. 10321 Corvette LEGO Icons Set

This adorable little 10321 Corvette LEGO Icons set pays tribute to the first-ever Vette which rolled out on June 30, 1953. It has a beautiful build accentuated with a bright red exterior, which perfectly displays the original key details of the real version. These little details include the hard or open-top configuration, opening hood, and the truck that accommodates the V8 engine replica with a spinning radiator fan.

The post Top 10 Car-Based LEGO Builds For Automotive Lovers first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Tiny Home Is Portugal Features A Cork & Timber Clad Exterior & A Compact Interior

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Portugal’s MadeiGuincho revealed the Terra m3_Tiny House, their third and final model in the Terra Series. The Terra m3 followed after the Terra m1 and the Terra m2. The lovely tiny home features a cork-clad exterior, and a compact interior layout, which the studio is known for. The home serves as a vacation house for two people. Tucked away in the same Alentejo region of Portugal as the Terra m1 and Terra m2 models, the home is based on a double-axle trailer, featuring a length of 5 meters.

Designer: MadeiGuincho

Inspired by the landscape of the massive reservoir and the cork forests of Portugal, the home is quite unique to look at. It is equipped with an outdoor deck which can be used to expand the living space. The interior decor has a wood finish, with the main entrance opening into the kitchen. The kitchen is pretty basic with a sink and cabinetry. It also includes a wood-burning stove. The living room is elevated and can be accessed via a removable ladder. It is placed above storage, and includes seating as well as the same ladder that can be moved and used to enter the small rooftop terrace.

The bedroom is placed above the kitchen, and it can be accessed via a wooden ladder as well. The bedroom is like most rooms found in tiny homes – it features a low ceiling and a double bed. The bathroom is on the ground floor, and it includes a sink, shower, and toilet. The exterior door allows you to enter the terrace outside. There is another door in the kitchen that also connects to the terrace, and it does seem like an unusual and maybe excessive addition. But the three doors are great for ensuring the home always has a nice cool breeze blowing in, especially during the hot temperatures.

The Terra m3 is a beautiful and cozy home in a series of three wonderful homes. The tiny homes serve as splendid little vacation homes in Portugal.

The post This Tiny Home Is Portugal Features A Cork & Timber Clad Exterior & A Compact Interior first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best Stationery Products To Assist You In Your Art & Design Projects

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What sets an exceptional desk apart is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that really lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and nifty stationery designs that you must own! From an everlasting all-metal pencil to minimal Japanese drawing pads – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs.

1. Pen Fan

Named the Pen Fan, this innovative stationery product is an intriguing cross between a Pantone shade card, and a stationery set. The Pen Fan features 8 different flat-head sketch pens and is packed in a compact, portable set that is easy to carry anywhere and everywhere.

Why is it noteworthy?

The various flat pens are interconnected, creating a cute little Japanese-fan-style layout that proudly showcases all 8 colors, letting you pick and choose from them. The pens are detachable, and you can easily snap on and off the pens, to create a palette that caters to you.

What we like

  • It is a portable set that you can carry anywhere with you
  • You don’t lose your pens very easily

What we dislike

  • There are only 8 color options, which can be a bit limiting

2. Royi Stationery

Called Royi Stationery, these stationery designs are unlike anything we’ve seen before. The designs all have stories to tell, and they aren’t just regular old staplers and hard disks, they’re see-through, showcasing what is inside them. The stationery set is based on the tale of the naked king, whose obsession with vanity, leads to his downfall.

Why is it noteworthy?

Royi Stationery intends to capture this thoughtful ideology in its designs. The collection includes an everyday stapler with an intriguing twist. It is see-through, allowing a glimpse into its inner workings. You can see the staple punching through the papers, which is quite cool.

What we like

  • The stationery designs are a reminder to be honest and open
  • Adds a thoughtful and intriguing twist to regular stationery products

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product

3. MagBoard Clipboard

Named the MagBoard Clipboard – this innovative stationery design is flexible and functional. It is a unique notepad/clipboard hybrid. The Clipboard makes use of a magnet and lever mechanism that holds your sheets safely in one spot. The notepad is excellent for writing down your thoughts and ideas.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45

Why is it noteworthy?

The MagBoard Clipboard is a one-of-a-kind accessory that revamps the ordinary notepad. It enables users to tailor and elevate their note-taking experience, without the usual hassles of a typical notebook.

What we like

  • Has a lightweight and compact form that makes it easy to carry around
  • The papers are held safely and securely by magnets and levers

What we dislike

  • Best used with specific sizes, which may not suit everyone’s needs

4. Aestus

Aestus is a limited edition signature pen that features a really unique form. The pen looks like a compact little lightsaber at first glance, but plenty of fountain pens look like they’re straight from Star Wars. The pen is built from high-grade stainless steel and features two geometric shapes that convert the hexagon profile into a circle.

Why is it noteworthy?

The pen is quite sophisticated and features a ceramic docking unit where the pen can be stored when not being used. A layer of cork is placed in the upper part and the base. The pen’s design and the docking unit offer a luxurious and regal vibe.

What we like

  • Gives a luxurious vibe to a stationery design

What we dislike

  • Isn’t yet available for commercial purposes
  • Will probably be pretty expensive

5. Gravity Pen

Named the Gravity Pen, this innovative pen is designed to be the ultimate sidekick to carry with you. It places the center of gravity closer to your fingers, forming a harmonious and seamless writing experience, making the pen quite easy to hold, and make strokes with. The pen has a pretty big grip, larger than the barrel.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45

Why is it noteworthy?

The grip has a faceted form, making the pen easy to hold, while providing a more stable grip. The Gravity Pen has a super ergonomic design since it was designed using the smart application of physics and minimalist design principles. It is a no-fuss and no-nonsense stationery design!

What we like

  • Features an ergonomic form making it quite easy to hold
  • Lightweight and durable body that is easy to carry around

What we dislike

  • There isn’t a variety of color options to choose from, limited choice of product

6. The OZ Stationery Collection

The OZ Stationery Collection is a creative effort to rejuvenate an overlooked market. The unique collection was designed after studying the stationery market to find a distinctive niche in an industry that is already quite populated and saturated. The OZ Stationery is designed to cater to the creative demographic.

Why is it noteworthy?

The intention behind the OZ Stationery is to form a collection of personal stationery products that are a representation of popular art movements and their philosophies. The audience is creatives who can relate to certain artistic feelings, movements, and artists. The products are intended to be a form of self-expression.

What we like

  • The stationery collection serves as a unique gifting option

What we dislike

  • The collection is conceptual so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product

7. Serenity Pen Stand

Called the Serenity Pen Stand, this unique pen stand is an excellent object to hold your pen. Pens can be pretty easy to lose, and if you’re constantly trying to keep track of your pen, then you need to get your hands on the Serenity Pen Stand. It features a compact and minimal form with a metallic touch.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39

Why is it noteworthy?

The Serenity pen stand ensures you always have easy access to your pen, safeguarding it, and ensuring you never lose it. Made using aluminum and copper, it forms a well-balanced cylinder, that adds a pop of subtle color and character to your study desk.

What we like

  • Has a heavy copper bottom which provides it with a stable form
  • Sleek and minimal design

What we dislike

  • Pretty small in size, so can be misplaced easily

8. Bloomstick

Named the Bloomstick, this pretty-looking conceptual pen design allows you to write down your dreams as it is important to note them down and make them come true. The pen lets your dreams “bloom like flowers” when you write them on paper using it. The tagline of the pen is “Click to bloom your dream”.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Bloomstick is equipped with a silicone-covered platform which you can press, and it opens into a pretty flower-like shape, which you can use as a blooming instrument. It is available in different colors such as blue, pink, and green, but when closed it looks like a typical pen which you can still use.

What we like

  • Gives a playful and interesting twist to your everyday pen

What we dislike

  • The pen seems to be more aesthetic than functional

9. Japanese Paper Memo Block

Dubbed the Japanese Paper Memo Block, this minimal little notepad is designed to capture your every day exciting thoughts, making sure you never really miss out on them. Since we tend to have a fear of missing out on our thoughts, it is important to note them down in the nick of time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $20.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The Memo Block lets you focus on what is important, allowing you to note down your significant thoughts, before you get distracted, and lose track of them. The pad is pretty small, and you can easily place it wherever you like.

What we like

  • Features a pure black/white surface which lets you pull out new thoughts from your mind
  • The pad is made using high-quality Japanese paper

What we dislike

  • Looks like an ordinary memo pad with no real specialty

10. Funno

Named Funno, this unique pencil sharpener is unlike your typical pencil sharpener. It has the shape of a small cylinder, which makes it one-of-a-kind, unlike the conventional pencil sharpeners you tend to see in the market. If you’re looking to add something interesting and innovative to your stationery collection, then you need to get Funno.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Funno pencil sharpener has a lustrous sheen which makes it look like a luxurious desk decoration instead of a simple stationery design that cuts through hard, getting muddied and dirtied by black graphite.

What we like

  • Funno has a German-made Möebius+Ruppert inside to deal with dull pencils easily

What we dislike

  • Some people may prefer a typical and traditional sharpener. The design may be too radical for some

The post 10 Best Stationery Products To Assist You In Your Art & Design Projects first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Air Station POD-01 Inflates In 5 Minutes & Accommodates 4 People For Camping Adventures

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Designed by the French company Exod, the Air Station POD-01 is designed to be a portable and inflatable housing solution. The home is inspired by the technology used for the powerful kite-surfing wings. The capsule can be inflated within five minutes, and it can accommodate up to four people. Tents are pretty quick to set up now, but they almost always include poles and elastic, and having to deal with the two. Exod is offering an easier solution that utilizes air to support the structures.

Designer: Exod

Currently, the company is taking pre-orders for the Air Station POD-01, which is essentially a bigger version of an inflatable hammock, and a one-person inflatable it had previously designed. The Air Station POD-01 is designed to serve as a comfortable and spacious shelter for your camping trips.

Much like its predecessors, the POD uses a frame system which is based on inflatable tubes. Exod said that the tubes “become incredibly hard and rigid at just 0.5 bar (7 PSI) of pressure.” The pressure is created through a hand pump, which will inflate the entire home within five minutes. The structure can be deflated and set aside within five minutes as well. When inflated, the POD occupies 4.2 square meters of floor space and has walls with a height of 5 feet. The walls feature big screened openings and windows which offer views of the surroundings. Storage modules can be attached to the air beams, to ensure the floor isn’t populated.

When the POD is deflated and folded down, it can be packed into a carry bag measuring 10 x 14 x 25 in. The bag is a bit heavy weighing around 18.7 lb, so this product is surely targeted towards car campers. Currently, the POD is at a discount if pre-ordered, and it is available in a black or white version. The first 10 units cost US$1,843, and the next 20 units will be sold for US$1,951. The final batch will be sold for US$2,060, after which the normal retail price will be US$2,710.

The post The Air Station POD-01 Inflates In 5 Minutes & Accommodates 4 People For Camping Adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Innovative Smartwatches That Are Excellent Alternatives To The Apple Watch

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An exceptional smartwatch can really transform your everyday life. Since we can honestly use them for everything – sometimes for everything except telling the time! They go beyond simply telling the time, these multifunctional timepieces can now keep a check on our health, update us on the weather, function as an alarm clock, give reminders, cater to the blind, and even function as a case for your AirPods?! Designers are coming up with smartwatches that not only provide perfect form and functionality but also manage to look super smart when we wear them. The options are endless, so to help you pick a smartwatch that works best for you, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and cutting-edge smartwatches that will cater to everyone’s unique time-telling needs and requirements, and also totally deserve to be on your wrists.

1. MSI Gaming Watch

Meet the MSI Gaming Watch – it works as a watch and a gaming PC! It is a conceptual design that pays tribute to the detailed and stunning innards of the most advanced gaming rigs. The watch features fans, graphic cards, and a motherboard – all scaled down to a compact and nifty size. If you look properly at the fans, you’ll notice tiny hands telling you the time. The innovative MSI Gaming Watch isn’t simply all show and no tell, it truly has a lot to offer. It is designed in the MSI dragon red theme.

2. Ksana

Ksana is a unique smartwatch with an electric display that is completely visible but can be shrunk down into a smaller circle that covers the middle section of the watch. The smartwatch uses E Ink display technology instead of the typical LCD or OLED screens on smartwatches. This makes the smartwatch more battery efficient, and it also displays essential information, without any of the unnecessary distractions created by animated graphics or colors.

3. Watch Pro 2

CMF by Nothing announced the Watch Pro 2 with a radical design change. The sophomore watch features a circular screen instead of the rectangular display seen last year. The choice is an interesting one since CMF will have to redo its complete UI and OS to complement the new display shape. However, the watch will now feature detachable bezels which gives the redesign a reason. The detachable bezels may play a role in the watch’s OS as well.

4. WearPods Smartwatch

WatchOut has designed its own version of a smartwatch with concealed earbuds on the sides. Dubbed the WearPods Smartwatch, this watch is designed for Gen-Z who want to try out new ideas and gadgets to cater to an upbeat lifestyle. The smartwatch charges the earbuds inside, and they’re quite compact which ensures the form factor of the squarish watch is also pretty compact. It features a 48.5 mm dial with symmetrical chopped edges.

5. Rabbit R1 AI Watch

Called the R1, a walkie-talkie-like device was displayed at CES 2024. It was designed by Rabbit in collaboration with Teenage Engineering. The AI-assisted smartphone inspired designer Alisher Ashimov to convert the design into a nifty AI watch. The watch was created to eliminate the need to carry an additional device in your pocket. It serves as a wearable with enhanced portability.

6. Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro

Called the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro, this smartwatch is really quite attractive, and a great choice for those who want a sports watch that can keep pace with their lifestyles. It features a dual display technology, amped with a regular AMOLED screen underneath a low-power display. You can switch to the duller screen on top, if you need to save battery, without cutting down on the tracking features. It also has a color-changing ability which can be used to represent your heart rate.

7. Polar Vantage V3

 

Designed by Polar, the latest Vantage V3 smartwatch is a classier and more sophisticated successor to its 2020 Vantage. V2. The novel smartwatch is created for athletes and amped with interesting features such as the Polar Elixir biosensing tech, and a large aluminum bezel that offers support for the 22mm wristbands. The Elixir biosensing suite features an improved OHR tracking sensor, skin temperature sensor, wrist-ECG, and an oxygen saturation monitor.

8. VOIXATCH

Named the VOIXATCH – meet the first smartwatch with its own built-in Bluetooth headset. The VOIXATCH is forming a universe where watches and earphones coexist in a close-knit ecosystem. Here one product serves and functions as your phone, eliminating the need to pull out your smartphone. It is equipped with LTE and GPS, its own SIM card slot, Google voice assistant, a battery life of 48 hours, a heartbeat sensor, and a gyroscope.

9. Withings Smartwatch

Called the Withings Smartwatch, this stunning watch features a luxurious sapphire-glass casing. The cover features an anti-reflection coating, and the rotating bezel is in stainless steel. Much like a real diver’s watch, the Withings smartwatch has a bezel with laser-engraved markings that display the standard codes of diving practice. The watch also has Lumoniva hollow watch hands, indicators, and indices.

10. The Nubia

Called the Nubia, this innovative smartwatch features an impressive 4-inch display that can be smoothly wrapped around the upper portion of your wrist. In comparison to other smartwatches, the Nubia has a relatively big display, and it has been created to present information in a manner that is easy to access and utilize, irrespective of the angle of the smartwatch.

The post Top 10 Innovative Smartwatches That Are Excellent Alternatives To The Apple Watch first appeared on Yanko Design.

Clad In Cork, This Tiny Home Features An Impressive Unusual Layout That Maximizes Space

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Dubbed the Terra m2_Tiny House on Wheels, this tiny home by Portuguese woodworking specialist MadeiGuincho is a follow-up to the noteworthy Terra m1. This exceptional tiny home follows suit to its predecessor and features a rather unique and unusual interior layout that spans over three stories. The impressive layout maximizes the space available, and features a quaint little rooftop terrace area, which makes for a cozy little spot to lounge about in after a long day working from home or completing some errands.

Designer: MadeiGuincho 

The Terra m2 is the second of the three homes created by MadeiGuincho for Portugal’s Alentejo area. The home is designed for couples and individuals who intend to use it for short vacations. It is founded on a double-axle trailer and features a length of 16.4 ft. The home has a finish of wood and cork, and it is manufactured sustainably and provides good insulation. The interior has been spread over three floors, and as you enter the home, you are welcomed by a compact and simple kitchen with a sink, cabinetry, and appliances that have been kept away.

Stairs offer access to the living area which has been equipped with seating. In the kitchen, other steps lead downstairs to the bedroom which includes a double bed, and some storage. Much like the other MadeiGuincho models, the interior is quite rustic and attractive. The finish showcases the natural beauty of the wood. The home is equipped with generous glazing, which allows natural lighting to stream in through the day.

The level which accommodates the kitchen also accommodates the bathroom. The bathroom includes a toilet and shower, and it is connected to a second door that leads to a deck. The deck expands the living space. The Terra m2_Tiny House on Wheels also includes storage-integrated stairs in the living room, which offer access to a skylight and a rooftop terrace area that provides lovely views of the local area.

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Dubai’s 40-Mile Green Spine Will Include One Million Trees

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The architectural firm URB is following the proposals for the Dubai Mangroves and Dubai Reefs projects to convert Dubai’s landscape into a lush green paradise. Called the Green Spine, it will serve as a highway in the region with park areas, farms, trams, and more than a million trees planted. The Green Spine will cover almost 64 km, and it will be focused around the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, one of the most important highways in the area.

Designer: Urb

The Green Spine will be connected to a massive solar panel array which will offer electricity to power an electric tram system. There will be enough power remaining to provide electricity to nearly 130,000 homes. Bioswales will also be integrated to capture and manage rainwater, as well as greywater. The aforementioned million trees will be placed in parks, urban farms that produce veggies and fruits, as well as gardens.

The Green Spine will also be incorporated with outdoor fitness areas, playgrounds, and dedicated sports facilities. Cycling will also be encouraged since footpaths and High Line-style elevated park areas will also be constructed. The space will also include retail areas and food stores.

“By integrating a comprehensive network of green pathways, pedestrian routes, and cycling tracks, the Green Spine enhances urban connectivity, making it feasible for residents to reach essential services and leisure areas quickly and conveniently,” explains Urb. “This initiative not only promotes a healthier, more active lifestyle but also significantly reduces the need for vehicular travel, thus lowering urban traffic and its associated environmental impacts. The Green Spine’s role in this broader urban planning framework showcases its commitment to creating a more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly city.”

The Green Spine is a multi-year project, and it will be constructed as a component of a much larger Dubai 2040 plan to heighten the city’s sustainability, as well as the quality of life. But, for the moment we aren’t aware when it will be completed.

The post Dubai’s 40-Mile Green Spine Will Include One Million Trees first appeared on Yanko Design.

Revolutionary Cross-Sea Tunnel & Bridge System In China Has Broken 10 World Records

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Last month China opened the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link – a newly built cross-sea tunnel and bridge system in the Guangdong Province, South China. The impressive architectural wonder broke 10 world records, although pretty specific ones! The Pearl River estuary is where the Pearl River joins the South China Sea, and this is one of the most densely populated places in the world. It includes Hong Kong, Macao, and nine other cities in Guangdong, and they are all separated by large water bodies, which is quite difficult to get around. And the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has been built to tackle this issue!

The link measures almost 15 miles and is designed to connect the two cities it is named after. Both cities are situated on opposite banks of the Pearl River Estuary. The link isn’t one whole bridge though, it includes an underwater tunnel in the middle, as well as bridges connecting every island to the city. It features eight lanes allowing speeds up to 100 km/h, and it reduces a two-hour drive to only thirty minutes. The link took seven years to construct, and now it finally opened to traffic on June 30.

The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has set 10 new world records according to the China Global Television Network (CGTN) –

  1. Largest span for a fully offshore steel box girder suspension bridge (1,666 m/5,466 ft)
  2. Highest bridge deck (91 m/299 ft)
  3. Highest navigation clearance for a sea bridge
  4. Largest offshore suspension bridge anchor (344,000 m3 /12 million cubic ft of concrete)
  5. Highest wind resistance test speed for a suspension bridge (83.7 m/273.6 ft per second)
  6. Largest steel bridge deck with hot-mix epoxy asphalt paving (378,800 m2 /4 million sq ft)
  7. Longest two-way, eight-lane immersed tube tunnel (5,035 m/16,519 ft)
  8. Widest underwater steel shell-concrete immersed tube tunnel (up to 55.6 m/182.4 ft)
  9. Largest single-volume cast for a steel-shell immersed tube using self-compacting concrete (29,000 m3 /1 million cubic ft per tube section)
  10. Widest repeatedly foldable M-shaped water stop used in the final joint of an immersed tube tunnel (3 m/9.8 ft)

The tunnel section also has innovative safety features such as novel firefighting and smoke exhaust systems. Fourteen robots patrol the tunnel throughout and monitor the pipes and cables to ensure everything is working well. The team of robots also keeps a lookout for car accidents, and if one does occur, they direct traffic using built-in loudspeakers, while also filming the scene, and transmitting it to a remote control center.

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