The hospitality brand Aman commissioned an architectural firm called Luxury Frontiers to design an eco-friendly and sophisticated mobile retail concept to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Designed as a part of the anniversary celebrations, the Aman cabana pop-up shop will be opening up at Amanpuri, in Phuket, Thailand. The resultant design is classic, elegant, and a subtle structure that can be assembled and disassembled at will.
The mobile pop-up shop is designed to be moved around in various Aman properties while capturing and representing the brand’s lovely and distinguished identity. Designed to look luxe, the cabana is pre-manufactured and can be easily and efficiently assembled and disassembled without 12 hours. No specialized equipment or niche skills are required to set up the store. This allows the store to be an easy project that can be shifted amongst different locations. As a trial, the store is first being set up in Amanpuri, and will then be moved to Amangiri in spring 2024, and Amanzoe in 2025. The roof design is interchangeable and will be swapped according to the varied geographical settings.
This exciting project enables Aman to display its product from a particular region in the same space, giving a unique experience that feels true to the brand. It will include items from Aman Essentials – luxurious skincare products, accessories, fragrances, and Italian leather bags. The cabana will offer the guests a one-of-a-kind experience that is special to the location they are visiting. It will give guests an opportunity to shop in the sun next to the water.
Besides being sophisticated and a true testament to Aman’s identity, the pop-up store is a modular project that is eco-friendly and non-invasive. It does not employ heavy construction, and in fact, minimizes the effects on its surroundings. This is a revolutionary and transformative solution targeted especially for accommodations such as resorts, camps, and lodges. The impact on the environment is reduced, while also paying attention to flexibility and modularity. Once the cabana is done being utilized as a store, it will be converted into a children’s play area or a dining pavilion.
If you’re a true blue audiophile, or you have a few true blue audiophiles in your life, then you know that all they need are a couple of awesome audio devices to set their mood. All they require is an arsenal of excellent audio devices to blast out some groovy music at their parties or to sing along to their favorite tunes alone in the comfort of their room. Whatever your musical need may be, it is integral to own clear, distortion-free, nifty, and interactive audio devices. And, we’ve curated a collection of unique and innovative audio designs to cater to people’s diverse range of diverse audio requirements. From JBL’s latest Live 3 collection to a Nothing-inspired resurrected iPod – there’s an ideal audio device in here for everyone!
1. Pony Project
Called the Pony Project, this portable CD player concept with a built-in speaker takes inspiration from two amazing brands – Sony and Teenage Engineering. The conceptual audio design has the design DNA and color theme of Teenage Engineering. It features a digital display that showcases the music it is currently playing, and library elements to look for different tricks. In fact, even the tactile input for the L-Shift, R-Shift, Mic, Start, and Select is inspired by the Teenage Engineering aesthetics.
Why is it noteworthy?
The top of the Pony Project is equipped with volume rockers, bass, and treble, as well as power and stop buttons. The audio player also features the ‘Pony’ branding which seems to be an interesting dupe of the Sony brand name. Teenage Engineering’s popular color theme was also borrowed for the design.
What we like
Gives a refreshing and fun makeover to DAPs
Merges Sony & TE design language
What we dislike
It is a conceptual design, so not sure how well it will translate into a real product
2. Wall Hanging CD Cover Player
Say hello to the Wall Hanging CD Cover Player – a minimal and good-looking CD player with a refreshing retro design that creates a unique and distinctive listening experience for you. It integrates the beauty of visual art to create a player that showcases the CD jacket of your favorite CDs by placing them inside the specially designed pocket.
What makes the Wall Hanging CD Cover Player so unique, is that showcasing this CD player equates to physically displaying digital album art. It also lets you show off the fact that you have your own physical original CD!
What we like
Features a portable and easy-to-carry design, while showcasing a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit
Equipped with a 1800mAh battery that can facilitate 7-8 hours of listening
What we dislike
The CD cover player only supports an analog style of audio listening, you cannot use it with any digital medium
3. Black Wheel
Named the Black Wheel, this innovative audio design is the latest version of the Wheel design by Miniot. It cleverly hides the electronic and mechanical components underneath the record, this places the different parts within a thin circular body, which is hidden the instant you put a record on it.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Black Wheel creates an illusion that becomes more visible as it stands upright. The audio design has a minimalist and appealing charm to it even when placed horizontally. It is equipped with a unique control system that can’t be seen but can be felt.
What we like
Equipped with a thin body, which doesn’t impact the audio quality at all
What we dislike
The Black Wheel features an old-fashioned charm which may not be liked by those with modern looks
4. TakeOut
Called TakeOut, this LG-inspired concept is a modular speaker system that allows you to build your own audio space. It features a 360-degree soundbar which brings the sound to you no matter where you are standing or sitting in the room. The soundbar blasts music in all directions.
Why is it noteworthy?
If you push one of the circles on the soundbar, a short cylindrical wireless speaker is released. This speaker works in cohesion with the soundbar, and you can take it anywhere in the house with you! It has a compact and portable design.
What we like
You can build a surround sound setup by placing the four “sub-speakers” around the room
What we dislike
Unsure if the individual speakers can be used separately from the soundbar, or if they’re completely dependent on them
5. Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers
Dubbed the Battery-Free Amplifying Speakers – this iPhone speaker is portable and battery-free. It is a refreshing new version of the typical no-power smartphone speaker. The speaker is built from metal, and this makes the product more functional and valuable, unlike conventional speaker designs on the market.
The speakers are made from Duralumin – an aluminum alloy that is utilized in aviation and aerospace industries, since it features vibration-resistant properties. You simply need to place the smartphone into the speaker and allow the sound to surround the room and you.
What we like
It doesn’t need any power and is electricity-free
Has a minimal and unique appeal that is interesting to look at
What we dislike
Won’t work well with bulky smartphone covers and cases
6. Streaming Audio Player
There’s something about retro design that never truly goes out of style. This DIY streaming audio player showcases a retrofuturistic design that makes it look like a mix of an analog radio, a tiny TV, and a miniature microwave! The unique-looking audio player tries to offer the kind of distilled listening experience you would get from an old-school radio.
Why is it noteworthy?
The DIY streaming audio player lies somewhere between a smart speaker and a smart display. It features a touchscreen display which adds something new and different to the experience. It does feature analog controls as well, including a volume dial, which isn’t really seen on smart speakers these days.
What we like
You can control the entire setup remotely from your phone or computer
Includes LED-lit buttons and analog dials which aren’t seen in smart speakers typically
What we dislike
The aesthetics are quite boxy and not very appealing, and the design may end up occupying precious real estate on your desk/table
7. CD Jacket Player
Dubbed the CD Jacket Player – this small and minimal CD player is really quite adorable looking. It combines functionality and visual appeal to form a one-of-a-kind audio product that offers users the freedom to enjoy their favorite CDs wherever they like. The form of the design is completely portable, enabling you to access your beloved tunes anywhere.
The CD Jacket Player resembles a minimal piece of art and looks like a picture frame or an oversized Polaroid photo since it has a cute boxy shape. Equipped with a transparent middle section, these components conceal the CD’s spinning body, which can be used to store the CD’s cover jacket.
What we like
Serves as a CD player and as a minimal decorative piece
Portable design that you can carry anywhere with you with ease
What we dislike
8. Live 3 Series
At CES this year JBL unveiled three distinct models – the Live Buds 3, Live Beam 3, and the Live Flex 3. Part of the Live 3 series, these wireless earbuds were created to cater to the preferences of different users, providing them with a seamless and personalized audio listening experience. The earbuds are housed in a sleek touchscreen charging case.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Live 3 series has an exciting feature – the inclusion of a 1.45-inch LED touch display on the charging case. This tech was first incorporated in JBL’s Tour Pro 2. This interesting touchscreen enables the users to manage calls, view texts, control music playback, and even check social media alerts on the case.
What we like
The series is excellent for users who prefer not to handle their phones, and access them using their earbuds
What we dislike
The touch control system is not customizable enough
9. Nothing Npod (1)
Dubbed the Nothing Npod (1), this resurrected iPod by Shreyansh Onial and Aditya Pandharpure is inspired by Apple’s beloved iPod Shuffle and Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic and glyph interaction. This unique design shows how Nothing could potentially jazz up the music industry through a mix of tech and nostalgia.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Npod (1) is equipped with a signature control panel on the front, accompanied by a matching circular glyph interface on the back. It serves as a fascinating fan-made reinterpretation of the iPod Shuffle. It also features a wireless charging coil on the back and a USB-C charger on the bottom.
What we like
The product perfectly combines the design language of Apple and Nothing, to form an innovative audio device
What we dislike
Doesnt feature a pocket clip that you could attach to your clothes for easy use and control
10. Sony Conceptual Earbuds
These conceptual Sony earbuds are truly quite interesting to look at! Created by Marc Senar, the audio accessory is targetted at the tech-savvy crowd who love to showcase their stylish earbuds. Equipped with an innovative display on the charging case, and one on the stem of an earbud, this audio design is quite unique. The other bud steam features a volume control knob.
Why is it noteworthy?
The display of the audio accessory allows the listener to know how charged the earbuds are. This charging case also displays the track being played, as well as the play seek bar, start/top button, and the track toggle buttons.
What we like
Features a fascinating and unique Cyberpunkish-vibe
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we don’t know how ergonomic and easy-to-use it will be when translated into an actual product
If you’re someone whose finally hopped onto the micro-living bandwagon, then you maybe struggling with space constraints. Once you move into a tiny home, and go compact, you’re often challenged with the lack of storage space, but the Bofin tiny home won’t elicit any such complaints from its residents! Designed by Modern Tiny Living, the Bofin tiny home features a clever and thoughtfully designed layout which includes a whole bunch of drawers, shelves, books, and cabinetry. The home also incorporates a light-filled elevated living room in a space of 24 feet.
The tiny home is named after an Irish island that the owner is truly fond of. The Bofin is short for a North American tiny home, but it isn’t the smallest. It is founded on a double axle trailer and features a finishing of engineered wood and a steel roof. The interior of the home is quite simple an subtle, marked with PVC paneling and wood. The layout of the home focuses on a raised living room, which builds plenty of space for storage. This also allows drawers to be integrated into the seating and includes storage-integrated steps into the interior. Bookshelves have also been fitted by the sides. The raised living room is spacious and can accommodate around six people. Generous glazing allows sunlight to stream freely through the day.
Close to the living area is the kitchen which includes a table area that can be used as a dining space, work area, as well as a breakfast bar. The kitchen is also equipped with an oven, a three-burner propane-powered stove, a microwave, a sink, a fridge/freezer, a washer/dryer, and loads of cabinetry. Little storage racks have been integrated into the ceiling, and they can be pulled down to store condiments, spices, and other small items.
The bathroom is located on the other end of the home, and you can enter it via a barn-style sliding door. The bathroom seems quite compact, and it contains a toilet, shower, and small sink. The Bofin accommodates only one bedroom which can be reached through a storage-integrated staircase. This room is much like most bedrooms found in typical tiny homes, accompanied by a low ceiling and a comfy double bed.
Summer is almost here, and if you’re someone who loves camping, you may be itching to dip your toes into it once again. I love dedicating my weekends to camping! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. Although camping does have a few downsides too – I mean, you have to get down and dirty, live life on the road, and tackle the moodiness of the elements. In such a scenario, having a set of trustworthy and handy camping products can make a world of difference! Having the right products by your side can make your life much easier during those crucial moments. And we’ve curated some fun and functional camping designs for you, that promise to make your outdoor adventures smoother and easier.
1. Compact Modular Grill Plate
Are you planning a camping trip this summer, but are worried about how you’re going to prepare delicious meals in the outdoors? Well, we may have a convenient and thoughtful solution for you. Called the Compact Modular Grill Plate, this kitchen utensil features a portable and lightweight form that is perfect for cooking up some yummy steak for you using heat uniformity, heat conduction, and plate thickness.
Featuring a three-layer architecture amped with two steel layers covering aluminum, the Compact Modular Grill Plate has a lower Stainless Steel SUS439, which lets the grill function on an induction stove, and an upper Stainless Steel SUS304 which has incredible corrosion resistance.
What we like
The plate is created by experts from Tsubamesanjo, Japan
Lightweight and compact in design, hence occupying less space, and requiring minimum effort to use it
What we dislike
The plate cannot hold large portions of food
2. Helinox Cots
Called the Helinox cots, these accessories are pretty innovative and ideal for your next camping trip. They make sleeping outdoors pretty comfortable, and you can sleep using compatible cots. They are made from your choice of mesh or fabric, and the accompanying tent attachment will convert your cot into a fully enclosed sleeping space for one person, and the cot will be elevated off the ground.
Why is it noteworthy?
When you fold the cot, you can easily carry it in your vehicle, and assemble it when needed. It comes along with a 22.5″ x 8″ x 8″ ultralight ripstop cinch bag which weighs only 3.5 lbs when packed.
What we like
Features four interior mesh pockets, two on the ceiling and two on the sides, to store your valuables
What we dislike
It is a bit big and bulky so it could be difficult to carry on a bicycle
3. Space Acacia
Meet the Space Acacia – an innovative and unique modern camping system designed to make your summer camping trips as comfy and convenient as possible. Equipped with a spacious weatherproof tent, an air floor, and a temperature-adjusting canopy, the Space Acacia is created to offer complete protection from the rain and cold.
Why is it noteworthy?
The tent is equipped with a whole load of interesting features, which ensure the occupant is comfortable and safe. It features an unconventional hexagonal shape, which creates more space to stay in but also offers better stability. The tent can tolerate level 8 winds. It is made using Oxford 300D materials which protects against downpours of up to 2,000mm.
What we like
You only need 20 minutes to set up the system
Equipped with PU2000 waterproof coating and a maximum capacity of 4,000lbs
What we dislike
Space Acacia is quite expensive compared to other tents available on the market
4. Retro Camping Lantern Concept
This retro lamp concept is designed to make your outdoor camping experience a little bit more fun, while also providing much-needed essential lights. It is inspired by ordinary objects that have been used for ages galore, some even going back centuries ago. It is a contemporary version of several antiquated lantern designs – those that use kerosene, as well as those that utilize candles. But instead, the lamp uses rechargeable lights, supposedly LEDs.
Why is it noteworthy?
The LEDs are placed in a circular tube hidden at the bottom and top portions of the lamp. The “cover” of the lamp is inspired by the wide-brimmed hats used by ancient swordsmen from East Asian countries, which also look pretty similar to traditional gas lanterns. A modular lighting design serves as the ‘candle’, and multiple ‘candles’ can be stacked on top of each other.
What we like
The lantern’s battery can be utilized to charge other devices
What we dislike
It is a concept, so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product
5. Slim Fold Dish Rack
Meet the Slim Fold Dish Rack – a portable and easy-to-carry dish rack that you can carry anywhere with you, even on your camping trips. The dish rack features a patent-pending spring mechanism which can be easily adjusted. You can deploy and set up the dish rack when the need arises. It has an easy-to-assemble and disassemble form.
The Slim Fold Dish Rack is minimal and sturdy, and it also provides abundant ventilation, with more than enough space to hold utensils, plates, as well as different types of cookware. It is a functional and efficient product not only for your kitchen but also for use outdoors on long trips.
What we like
Easy to set up, maintain, and utilize
Equipped with a convenient flexible collapsible form that makes it quite portable
What we dislike
Since the wires are quite slim, you can only use the rack to hold lightweight and compact utensils
6. 8-in-1 EDC Scissor
Coined the 8-in-1 EDC Scissor, this handy product is essential for your indoor and outdoor culinary adventures. The uniquely designed scissors can be pulled apart, forming a set of knives! Besides functioning as knives and scissors, the design also integrates a nutcracker, can opener, built-in bottle opener, as well as a fire starter. The versatile tool is an efficient and must-have accessory to handle challenging situations while camping.
The 8-in-1 EDC Scissors can be pulled apart to form two individual halves, and each half serves as a knife as well as a large collection of multitools. When you join the two halves together, they can be used as scissors, easily slicing through different materials including cured meats. The mid-section is serrated and can be used to crack nuts.
What we like
Can be used for indoor and outdoor cooking
Packs a bunch of cool features in one convenient and compact form
What we dislike
It is not the kind of multitool you can carry easily and efficiently in your pocket, needs to be well-packed
7. JETBeam E26 Flashlight
Designed by JETBeam, this small and unique EDC accessory looks like a tactical knife but is, in fact, a nifty, compact, and multi-functional flashlight that not only illuminates your path, but also allows you to verify bank notes, or offers your cats something to play around with. The JETBEAM E26 EDC Flashlight may have a tiny body but it manages to merge three different light sources within its form, providing you with all the light you could possibly need.
Why is it noteworthy?
The E26 flashlight is all you need to brave the night, whether you are outdoors or indoors. The star of the design is the Luminus SFT-40 LED which provides bright white light that can reach 2000 lumens of brightness, at a distance of 165 meters.
What we like
It recalls and remembers the level of brightness you last used, so you don’t need to adjust the brightness setting every time
What we dislike
The flashlight gets hot quite easily
8. Tomori Lantern Kit
Dubbed the Tomori Lantern Kit, this interesting little kit lets you build your own lantern. Once you’re done using the lighting design, you can easily put it away. The kit doesn’t really serve as a ready-made lantern, and once you collapse it, it takes on quite a compact form that doesn’t take up much space. You can also integrate a typical flashlight inside the lantern.
The lantern kit includes a foldable cardboard piece which functions as the base of the kit, as a flashlight holder, and as an overall stable structure for the lamp. The lantern kit is equipped with a LED flashlight, that you can use when it is not inside the lantern. The cardboard base can also hold any other cylindrical flashlight which is less than 30mm in diameter, and 160mm in length.
What we like
You can fold the whole kit into a flat A-4-sized package which is perfect for stashing and packing away
What we dislike
It cannot handle rainfall
9. Camfy
Called Camfy, this collection includes an innovative camping knife that is designed to be retracted back to its sheath once you’re done using it. It combines a small knife, and a saw, to create a cleverly-designed knife that prevents any accidental incidents that may occur when the knife is not kept back in the sheath. The collection also includes a scissor and tong unification, here a scissor is merged with a tong at the end of the blade.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Camfy knife features an interesting spring mechanism that can be triggered via a button. As you press the button, the knife springs back into the handle which also serves as a sheath. Besides the knife, the collection also includes a skewer holder to provide support during grilling.
What we like
Includes everything you need to create gourmet outdoor meals
What we dislike
The designs are conceptual, so we don’t know how functional they will be as tangible products
10. Sustainable Cutlery Set
Named the Sustainable Cutlery Set, this compact kit is a great fit for your outdoor camping trips. The cutlery is made from Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymers or GFRP. The set includes utensils that are light and durable, and they are packed in reusable and recyclable packaging.
The cutlery has mechanical strength, and they won’t easily break apart if you’re slicing through a well-done steak. The various elements can be split in half, making the utensils quite easy to carry around. You can easily screw and unscrew them.
What we like
The set is quite durable and is designed to last
Compact and portable form
What we dislike
The handles of the cutlery may be too thin for large hands
Designed by Argentinian architectural studio Berson-Sardin, the Case Libélula is located in the Delta Río Paraná. It is a stunning home occupying 95 sq m and is inspired by the lovely elegance of a dragonfly. The home is raised on stilt-like pilings, which look like the legs of a dragonfly! The home has been elevated to provide protection against frequent flooding. It was built using local traditional construction techniques, which have been used by the people of the area for ages galore. The dwelling was constructed using mainly wood while allowing it to merge with the surrounding landscape. The floorplan of the home is a contemporary take on the local architectural style, exhibiting a new geometric design.
Designer: Berson-Sardin
The home is formed like a massive shaded gallery featuring outward-opening glass facades which convert the indoor space into a cool, and well-regulated area. This design supports cross-ventilation and shading, ensuring that the interiors are always cool irrespective of the weather outside. The home doesn’t utilize synthetic paints and varnishes, in fact, the wooden elements are untreated, allowing them to age naturally. Some of the wooden elements have also been charred to ensure future maintenance isn’t required.
The Casa Libélula includes three interconnected volumes. The bigger volume contains the public spaces like the living room, kitchen, and dining room, while the smaller volumes include the private spaces such as the bedrooms. These different sections feature a cladding of charred wood planks, and they’re all connected via a glass-walled entrance hall. This unique design offers privacy, by projecting the bedrooms ahead, closing them off from the public eye.
The home also includes an ascending and descending platform system which forms an intriguing and dynamic architectural promenade. This promenade moves through the entire home. It starts at the dock and follows a diagonal route that interconnects the ends of the home. These interesting platforms provide different views of the house and the landscape. The three massive volumes team up with this system perfectly, serving as lookout points that can be used for meditation, stargazing, and watching sunsets.
We’ve recently been witnessing an entourage of car designs at Yanko Design – and they’re truly mindblowing. Each car design was cutthroat and innovative, bringing in something that we don’t usually see in the market. From killer speed to dashing good looks, to impenetrable safety standards, every automotive we featured at YD broke some design barrier for us, and hopefully, they did the same for you as well. Hence, we’ve curated a collection of car designs that we feel were the best of the lot. Each of these drool-worthy automobiles is mercilessly pushing the boundaries of the automotive industry. Automotive enthusiasts will be itching to get their hands on them, and take them for a spin on the streets!
1. Mercedes-Benz Harp
Meet the Mercedes-Benz Harp – an automotive whose core idea is combined with the shapes of musical instruments, hence the name! The conceptual Mercedes car draws inspiration from the W196R Formula-1 racing car which was developed for the 1954 and 1955 seasons. The front seam has a modern aesthetic, which is paired up with an asymmetric windshield panel to the rear. The contoured front and the sharp rear create an interesting contrast, which offers the HARP with an impressive persona, and the appearance of a god-like figure in a stunning costume!
2. Polestar 8
Dubbed the Polestar 8, this incredible SUV concept is designed by Turin-based Salvatore Ville. The car concept is designed to embrace minimalism in a beautiful yet interesting manner. Vurin gifted the automotive with a powerful and intimidating silhouette, instead of opting for clean surfaces only. The dominating automotive is what the Polestar 3 would look like on steroids! It is equipped with a wider and more brutish design, as well as clean form, but a roguish personality.
3. Scorpion
Meet the 2030 Scorpion concept which is designed to be a new pickup truck frame design with an expansive form. The innovative-looking automobile is shaped like a scorpion or a mountain bike helmet. The car features an optimized ratio of the overall lump, ensuring there is ample cargo space, without compromising the rear seating configuration. The vehicle has a high ride height which allows it to navigate challenging and difficult terrains with complete ease. In fact, the car looks inspired by the Rezvani Motors Vengeance bullet-proof vehicle.
4. Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8
Julie Mehretu is known for her expansive and intricate canvases, and she recently transformed the BMW M Hybrid V8 – an automobile of power and precision into a dynamic and intriguing piece of art. It was designed to be a performative painting which would race in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Mehretu had digitally altered photos, layered dot grids, neon veils, and her signature black markings to build a stunning and three-dimensional masterpiece.
5. Mercedes-Benz Dresscode
This is the Mercedes-Benz Dresscode – a car that is designed to be the epitome of iconic luxury. The automotive features the shapes of collars, and the stunning rich volumes of a formal dress. If you look closely at the mesmerizing hypercar, you will notice that it looks like a white shirt with a tie on top, and a black jacket placed over it. The white portions of the car function as the shirt with the edged surfaces, while the black body covering the car brings to mind the image of a jacket.
A picturesque dwelling called Antoine was built in 2014 by Bureau. The little home was designed to blend with the Swiss Alps, and now the firm has unveiled another literature-inspired tiny home called Thérèse. The lovely abode features a rocky exterior finish and is inspired by Charles-Ferdinand Ramirez’s novel Derborence. The story includes the protagonist Antoine, and his wife Thérèse.
Tucked away in a rural forested area, the micro-cabin is located in an artistic residence in the East of France. It was built using wood and then shrouded with a rock-like concrete finish. The interior of the home occupies 94.7 sq ft and has a finish of natural wood. The home doesn’t seem to be as claustrophobic as you would expect, in fact, it is filled with natural light as it streams in through massive porthole-like windows.
As you enter the unique dwelling, you are welcomed by a spacious floor space that accommodates a single room. The room includes a wood-burning stove which can be utilized for cooking. It also contains some storage space, a table, and bench seating. Additional bench seating is located closely as well. The interior style is minimal and subtle, with wooden furnishings and touches. It does have a calming appeal as you enter.
The rest of the interior also includes a tiny house-style mezzanine sleeping area which can be accessed via a ladder. But one of the evident drawbacks of the home is that it doesn’t include a bathroom, which is really quite inconvenient in my opinion. So if nature comes calling, visitors will have to use the forest for their needs. Although the cabin is quite quaint and adorable, it does seem quite sparse when it comes to amenities. There doesn’t seem to be much equipped with space, and the lack of a bathroom is a major drawback. However, if you’re planning for a quick stay, maybe for a day, then the Thérèse tiny home could be a good option, but for longer durations, the dwelling really does seem to leave you wanting.
About a year ago AI tech became mainstream, and since then its popularity has been growing amongst designers and creators. Tools like Midjourney are capable of astounding realism, capturing even the tiniest of details and creating designs that seem truly lifelike. AI doesn’t botch up and ruin designs or elements of the real world or even the human body. It’s reached a point where automotive enthusiasts, or people with even the slightest interest in cars are using it to create powerful and incredibly realistic automotive images which seem more like conceptual renders by experienced automotive designers. And, we’ve curated a few of our favorite AI-generated automotive designs for you – dive in!
1. Apple Car
Designed by Dall-E 2, this Apple Car was based on a text prompt from designer, educator, and YouTuber John Mauriello. This incredible car is pretty fascinating and designed to be a ‘minimalist Sportscar inspired by a Macbook and a Magic Mouse, built out of aluminum and glass’. The car is really quite stunning to look at, and it has a sleek and curvilinear quality to it! It is equipped with a machined aluminum body and zero breaks in the surface. Unlike most Apple Car concepts which are either too boring or simply too insane – this design is really quite perfect. It is sleek, luxurious, and aerodynamic – all the makings for an exceptional sportscar.
2. Bugatti Supercar
Cole Kessel explored Bugatti’s aesthetic and design language using Midjourney and Photoshop’s AI Tools. The end result showed us how spectacularly AI can handle design cues, while perfectly reinforcing Bugatti’s own design language. The experiment displays how all of the company’s cars have the same visual DNA. The cars look like they were designed by the French marque’s automotive design division, although it seems like the images were edited to put the actual Bugatti logos since AI does have the tendency to mess up logos.
3. Zaha Hadid-Inspired Car
Moss and Fog used the AI generator tool ‘Midjourney’ to bring together two very contrasting and different industries – automotive and architecture. They designed never-before-seen cars in the style of famous architects of the 20th century. And this magnificent car embodies the design language of renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The car displays the signature style of Hadid and includes a series of modular steel panels reimagined in the form of abstracted layers in a very precise and immaculate manner.
4. Canoo-Inspired Vehicles
Canoo is a renowned American automotive company that engineers electrical vehicles and is helping the automobile industry transition to the world of clean and sustainable energy. @mobilitylabs.ai reimagines a whole series of Canoo-inspired automobiles which seem perfect for the outdoor off-terrain life! The two-wheelers have an almost menacing all-black aesthetic to them, featuring thickly treaded wheels and a bulky body with angular edges. I could totally imagine these as tangible vehicle designs that could take on all kinds of challenging terrains!
5. Snowmobiles
Designed by @mobilitylabs.ai, these revved-up and powerful snowmobiles have been generated with AI – adding a thrilling and exciting twist to classic designs. The dominating and huge wheels look ready to tackle challenging snowy terrains and harsh weather conditions. The conventional old snowmobiles get the ultimate makeover, featuring heightened functionality, coolness, and persona.
My iPad has almost reached necessity status in my life, I’m pretty sure all of us tablet owners are super reliant on them (I mean, I am for sure)! I personally find tablets extremely handy, they’re the comfortable middle ground between a smartphone and a laptop, and they pretty much perform the same functions as these two. They’re super easy to carry around, and honestly, I could survive wholly and solely on my iPad if I really wanted to. I’m always on the lookout for innovative and fun accessories to amp up my tablet (besides the basic ones Apple offers). Luckily there’s a whole bunch of crafty designs out there that can function as the perfect sidekick to your precious tablet. Here’s a collection of super cool and functional product designs that promise to upgrade your iPad game to a whole other level!
1. HyperDrive
Dubbed HyperDrive, this is the world’s first-ever form-fitting USB-C hub with six different media ports and a media shortcut key. The HyperDrive is quite compact and fits perfectly into the palm of your hand. It features a 4K60Hz HDMI port, USB-C 5Gbps 60W Power Delivery port, MicroSD UHS-I port, SD UHS-I port, USB-A 5Gbps port, and a 3.5mm Audio Jack. It is also equipped with a built-in shortcut key which lets you “play, pause, fast-forward or rewind your favorite songs, videos, or podcasts without interrupting your workflow.”
2. Macintosh Studio
Designed by Scott Yu-Jan, this interesting DIY project is inspired by the Mac mini. It gives a home for an iPad mini and hides the Mac Studio in plain sight. Called the Macintosh Studio, the enclosure is placed on top of and hugs the Mac Studio, only the buttons are left unrestricted. The front of the device features a slot for the iPad mini to slide in and connect to the Mac Mini using a single UBC-C cable. This allows the iPad mini to be charged always, keeping it ready to go whenever you need, it while also allowing it to serve as a second screen for the Mac Studio.
3. Pro Stylus 2
Meet ZAGG’s Pro Stylus 2, which is designed to work with the iPad as well as the iPhone. The Pro Stylus 2 will feel super familiar and comfortable in your hand owing to its slim design. It features a precise fine tip that supports accurate drawing, as well as palm rejection to prevent your hand from accidentally touching or tapping the screen as you sketch or write. It is also equipped with tilt recognition to alter your stroke style when you change angles. Magnetic wireless charging allows you to snap the Pro Stylus 2 onto the side of your iPad Pro.
4. PenPad
The PenPad is designed to make the iPad’s famous sketching/painting app easier to use by removing the trouble of navigating the Procreate interface. The PenPad offers access to 22 different functions that you can use while sketching on Procreate – these range from increasing and decreasing brush size to even accessing the color wheel. It is a compact hardware accessory that allows you to paint with one hand while letting you press buttons to make the workflow faster and more efficient.
5. Apple Pencil Nibs
Yanko Design created nibs for the Apple Pencil! These fascinating interchangeable nibs include a fine-tip nib, a chisel nib, and a flexible brush-pen nib. Other different nibs could also hold the potential for 3D modeling features like the ability to sculpt on the iPad. These nibs would allow the iPad Pro to become the ultimate creator’s setup – for both 2D and 3D creation. It would serve as a ‘power-user’ tool enabling creators and designers to unlock new potentials.
Called the Nest House, this home is a wonderful specimen of how contemporary architecture can be interspersed with traditional design elements to build a unique and fascinating living space. Located on a 4.5 x 16-m urban plot in Vietnam, the home occupies 150-sq-m and was built for a young couple wanting to uplift their living conditions to offer support to their lives. The home is designed by the Vietnamese studio Ho Khue Architects and draws inspiration from a bird’s nest, hence the name.
Designer: Ho Khue Architects
The House is designed to build a space that supports creativity and growth for the residents – who are a journalist and a teacher. The home focuses on a ‘grove’, a space where the family can unwind and spend quality time together. The Nest House is essentially a minimalist three-story building placed on the rear section of the property. It is raised on diagonal x-shaped pillars and serves as a cozy home in the midst of lush green landscaping. The rest of the space is converted into a multi-story garden, hence the structure looks like a floating home nestled in greenery, building a healthy living space.
The core feature of the structure is a steel/concrete column system which is inspired by a tree’s natural framework, giving the impression of a nest with a grove. This space serves as the central area or heart of the home, and it includes the living room, retreat zones, and study. The home features a traditional roof structure comprising of two blocks positioned towards a central courtyard. This pays tribute to the garden located in the center of the property. The material palette used is inspired by the architectural design language of Hoi An – a pretty old town, where the owner spent quite some time.
The home features wooden door frames which represent Hoi An’s architectural style. The home also features a combination of traditional timber elements and modern materials, such as raw concrete for the stairs, floors, and columns. This helps in creating a comfortable space that is both contemporary and yet nostalgic, but always timeless.
