Author Archives: Ida Torres

Passive and traditional Uzbek architecture to be used to create International Research Center

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When creating structures in areas that are naturally hot and may have extreme weather conditions, ventilation and cooling systems are major priorities for the architects. It doesn’t always require the latest technology but the really smart and inventive firms are able to incorporate important design principles as well as the local architectural styles.

Designer: Zaha Hadid Architects

Zara Hadid Architects is of course one of the leading and award-winning firms that can do just that. Their design for the Alisher Navoi International Research Center is able to use passive design principles so that the space will use minimum energy corporation but still give its staff and visitors optimal and comfortable conditions. The center will have the Navoi Museum of Literature, a 400-seat auditorium, a residential school for 200 students, and of course the International Research Centre.

The facades and interiors will use bricks that are crafted from Tashkent’s local kilns and using the curvilinear geometries from traditional Uzbek architecture. There will also be several courtyards to bring natural light and ventilation while creating spaces for both group gathering and private contemplation. The arches are designed as hollow structures with openings for cooling ventilation which create a pressure gradient to extract hot air upwards. During hot seasons, it will be supported by fans and misting to cool the air first.

The centre is designed to have interconnected spaces to create dialogue between literary education, research, and the performin arts. The 23,000 square meter is named after Alisher Navoi, a 15th century Uzbek poet, aithor, linguist, and statesman. So it’s but apt to create a space that uses as much traditional aspects as it can.

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Snoopy lamp gets a new navy blue color to add more whimsy to your space

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When the Snoopy lamp was first created by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni back in 1967, it was understandable that it would come in a black and white color. After all, it was inspired by the iconic cartoon dog character created by Charles M Schulz who had the same colors. But over the years, we’ve seen other colors added to the now also iconic lamp design and the latest one will appeal to lovers of the color blue.

Designer: Flos

The newest color added to the Snoopy lamp collection is blu navy, joining the aforementioned original black enamelled metal shade and later on the bold orange and verdant green colors. The silhouette still remains the same, a tribute to the shape of the head of the beloved Snoopy character. The cool navy blue color adds a spot of fun to the room, especially if that’s the aesthetic or theme you’re going for.

The basic design is still similar to the original, with the cylindrical Carrara marble base standing at an oblique angle. The thick glass disc diffuser and the lightweight enamelled aluminum shade are still there. There are still the three cooling holes at the top and an internal white finish that brings out the light distribution. What’s different now is that the original rotary dimmer has been turned into an integrated touch sensor, making it easier to turn it on and off and to adjust the light intensity from 0-100.

There are a lot of lamp designs that you can choose from out there to match the room’s look and feel. But if you’re still going for this classic Snoopy looking lamp to bring both function and whimsy to your space, then this navy blue option might just be the perfect addition.

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A Single Desk brings a minimalist aesthetic to your workspace

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Desks don’t always have to be fancy and maximalist. Sometimes, all we need it to do is to hold our stuff while working or studying and to have space to put all the things we need while we’re doing that. Some desks are also designed to help you focus on what you need to do. Some are also created to add a bit of color or joy to the room you’re in so you won’t get bored while you’re doing what needs to be done.

Designer: found / Founded with Tamken

A Single Desk is just what its name says it is. It is a desk that was developed by a design company with a furniture company. It was created to have an “interior point” in a room so that one person will be able to work or study properly without being distracted by other people who may also be in the room with them. It is uncomplicated and minimalist with a splash of color thrown into it so that it also looks good even if it may be that simple.

The focal point of this piece of furniture is the colorized iron screen sitting in front of the user. It can be used as a note board or to attach storage items that are magnetized. It also serves to obscure the view of the user or the people around them so that they will be able to focus. There’s also a thin drawer underneath to put other stuff you’d want to not place on top of the table as well as space on the tablet itself for your laptop, supplies, decorations, etc.

The sample shown of A Single Desk has a yellow color for the frame and iron screen but probably it will also come in other pastel or similar colors. It is also probably easy to assemble as it has a pretty simple design. It should be perfect for those going for a minimalist aesthetic and may have just a few items placed on their desk.

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World’s tiniest Rubik’s cube will challenge the best puzzle solvers

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As someone who has never been able to finish a Rubik’s Cube, I’m always fascinated by those who are able to do it in seconds. There are videos on YouTube and on Reels where you can observe them while they do it or they even give tips on how to become faster. This toy is celebrating its 50th anniversary and what better way than to make it even more difficult for people to do so by creating the world’s tiniest Rubik’s Cube.

Designer: Megahouse and Iriso Precision

The two companies have collaborated to create the smallest metal Rubik’s Cube and this has been verified by Guiness World Records. It is 1/1000th of the regular 3D puzzle, at least the 3×3 sized-one. It’s so small that you might need to use a tweezer or something small like that to finish the cube. Well, unless you have really tiny hands that you can do the turns and shifts of the colored cube. But to give you an idea how small it is, it is the same width as three rice grains.

Each of the squares of the main body is 0.16 cm with the length at 0.50 cm. These parts are made by cutting metal with the machine that can make ultra-fine trimming processes with the technique called “micro cutting”. They are cut and shaped by the machine but they are assembled by hand to be able to put them together precisely and still be used just like the regular Rubik’s Cube.

The middle part has the cross design of the original so the other parts can still be rotated. It even has the Rubik’s logo at the center which you cannot see with the naked eye. It has an aluminum base which is actually way bigger than the tiny cube. You place it in the middle like a trophy, just so you’ll be able to actually see it.

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Modular desk tray is a wooden, minimalist tool to declutter your desk

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I like collecting all kinds of stationery and office supplies stuff so I’m always on the look out for those that are cute and/or well-designed. I may not always have enough space on both my home and office work space but since I also get easily bored with my desk set up, I always like having something that I can easily replace or re-use. Modular designs are always interesting since you can change it if ever you want something new on your table.

Designer: Teixeria Design Studio

Track is a concept for a modular tray that fits into this category. If your mood or aesthetic is wood and minimalist, then this would be perfect. It is made out of solid wood and has different parts that you can move around and arrange depending on what you need and the amount of space that you have on your working area.

The tray has three different pocket lines that you can arrange and re-arrange and put certain stationery items like pins, pens, staple wires, cutters, and various other items that you can fit into these lines. There is also a “center opening” where you can place things like a thin smartphone, sticky notes, and other items that you can place upright vertically.

There seem to be three different ways you can re-arrange the different pieces. They are CNC milled and finished by hand. It’s pretty minimalist but the way you can re-arrange it is of course the appeal, aside from actually helping you declutter your desk.

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Wooden desk clock lets you tell time in an analog, elegant way

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Where I’m from, some private schools have reportedly started removing clocks from their classrooms and halls since kids don’t know anymore how to tell time the analog way. But for us who grew up actually knowing how to use these clocks to know what time it is, it’s still useful to have them around. In fact, they add a certain nostalgic aesthetic to our space.

Designer: Lautaro Lucero

A concept for an aesthetic Wooden Desk Clock was developed by the designer in collaboration with Shapr3D. It is a minimalist clock that you can place on your bedside table or your working desk so you can still use the old school method to know what time it is, instead of just looking at your phone or computer. It is crafted from different wood types that were CNC-machined: walnut, cherry, or maple wood.

The clock is made up of two parts: the clock head where you can tell the actual time in an analog way and a supportive frame. The latter serves as both the base and also functional handle where you can adjust the angle, at least vertically. The different wood types used give the clock a minimalist but elegant look because of the contrast of the different warm tones of the wood and the smooth, curved surfaces.

If ever you have kids around you, then it would still be nice if they could tell time using the short and long hand. This wooden desk clock would probably be even more of a challenge since there are no numbers so you need to be familiar with the general direction of the time.

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Roborock’s S8 MaxV Ultra goes to space and cleans 110,000 feet above ground

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If you’re a child of the 80s and the 90s, you probably remember this weird but cute little movie and book, The Brave Little Toaster. He eventually went to Mars for some reason on one of his adventures and some fun was had. Well now, we apparently have a Brave Little Vacuum as Roborock’s S8 MaxV Ultra became the first robot vacuum cleaner to go into space and perform some cleaning duties in extreme environments.

Designer: Roborock

The S8 MaxV Ultra is the brand’s most technologically advanced unit and it has proved itself by going into space and still perform as it should be, even within the harsh environment. It experienced temperatures below -60°C and both its battery and motor were still able to function well. It was even able to be integrated with the flight computer by modifying the control system, allowing it to connect with the ship’s computer and they were able to activate it during the flight.

As seen in the video they uploaded, the vacuum was still able to have all the parts, including the Flexi-Arm Design brushes moving even while in the aforementioned -60°C temperature and while suspended in the air, 110,000 feet above ground. But other than the control system, most of the overall mechanical systems were left unmodified, showing off the robo vacuum’s capabilities, including its ultra-reactive AI 2.0 obstacle recognition, built-in voice assistant, and Flexi-Arm Design.

But since not all of us will be going to space anyways, the S8 MaxV Ultra is still very useful for earth-bound people. It has features like the FlexiArm Design™ Side Brush and the Extra Edge Spinning Mop System that lets it have 100% corner coverage as it’s able to reach tight corners and crevices. It also has the VibraRise® 3.0 Mopping System that lets it do high-speed sonic mopping and the 20mm mop module lift that lets it automatically rise when cleaning carpets. So in the future, if you do go to space, you can take it along with you.

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Dolce & Gabbana adds some flair to limited-edition Stabilo Boss highlighters

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I am a stationery hoarder who has too many pens, notebooks, stickers, and other materials that I just buy and keep and yes, occasionally actually use. So when I see something that looks pretty and functional, my heart skips a beat and even though I have too many of whatever that is (trust me, I have a lot), I still have the urge to buy it. This latest unlikely collaboration between a fashion brand and a highlighter was created specifically for people like me.

Designer: Stabilo Boss and Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana has applied its colorful and fashionable aesthetics to the unlikeliest of items, the highlighters of Stabilo Boss. This limited edition collection will add more style to your school desk or office space and still be able to function as a stationery item to help you, well, highlight your books, notes, etc. If you’re familiar with the usual D&G designs, then the motifs used for the highlighters’ casing will look familiar.

The collection has four designs: the Blu Mediterraneo motif with its cloud blue colors; the Caretto Sicilliano pattern that has a powdery yellow hue; a bold leopard look in beige; and if you want something monochromatic, a black zebra print design. All four are packed in a premium box with a high-quality magnetic closure, which can also be used to spruce up your desk or to use as a case to hold other stuff later on.

For around $32, it’s pretty expensive if you think of it as just ordinary highlighters. But the fact that it’s Dolce & Gabbana branded and they do look very pretty, then serious stationery collectors wouldn’t mind.

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IKEA unveils Anchor and Unlock safety mechanism in two new collections

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Every once in a while, I’ll come across a horror story on my feed about accidents involving furniture toppling over and badly hurting someone. As a regularly clumsy person, it is not outside the realm of possibility that I may be a victim of this someday. The STURDY Act (Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth) is a welcome development for kids and grown-ups alike. IKEA has now become the first to apply this into their new furniture line.

Designer: IKEA

The Storklinta and Gullaberg collection from IKEA come with their patented Anchor and Unlock mechanism which took into consideration the aforementioned STURDY Act’s guidelines. This way, they have made sure that their furniture are safe especially for young kids but still have the design and style associated with the Swedish brand. When properly installed, this mechanism lets you use the items as they’re meant to be used without the risk of it tipping over, even when multiple drawers are opened.

The Gullaberg collection is classic IKEA with its framed sides, tapered legs, and white and gray finishes. There are several dressers, chests, wardrobes, nightstands, and combinations available in the collection. The Storklinta has a more sleek and contemporary design and also comes with chests, drawers, bedside tables, and wardrobe combinations with the PAX system. These furniture come with clean, integrated handles.

Both collections are already available in the IKEA US stores and online but there are still some items that have limited stocks. They will also be launching more safety-enhanced designs later this year. As always, these are items that are self-assembled so you still need to be able to follow instructions on these Anchor and Unlock mechanisms for the furniture to be truly safe.

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Coperni x Disney tie-up unveils water-printed Ariel Swipe Bag

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As someone who always carries a lot of stuff wherever I go, I am not that much a fan of small bags. But if ever there will come a day when I’ll be comfortable just bringing a phone, small wallet, and a lipstick with me, the Coperni Swipe bag is on my shortlist of bags I’d like to have. Their latest version was unveiled at the Spring/Summer 2025 show held at Disneyland Paris, and it is a watery creation.

Designer: Coperni

The Ariel Swipe bag is inspired by The Little Mermaid and the “stunt” here is that it was created underwater. Through gravity-free 3D printing by Rapid Liquid Print, the bag is created from platinum-cured, recyclable silicone and is printed inside a water-based gel. The process differs from other traditional 3D printing methods as they “draw” the objects that are suspended in the gel so these soft, stretchable designs are not weighed down by gravity.

A video shows the printing process with a thin and sharp needle pushing through the gel and starting to create the shape of the bag that is of course, colored blue. When it reaches the top, the two loose ends are joined together to create the handle. A hand then reaches out to pull the bag from the gel and thus, the Ariel Swipe bag is born an supposedly ready to use. They say there’s no extensive post-processing needed so it saves materials and time.

There is no news yet when the bag will be available in its brand store and retail stores. But it’s sure to be another Coperni x Disney best-seller, just like the Mickey Mouse swipe bag that they previously released. It will probbly be around that price as well which is of course pretty expensive.

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