Author Archives: Tanvi Joshi

LEGO’s new Trolley and Backpack may not be Modular, but they’re Perfect for Travel!

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LEGO enthusiasts and travelers can now experience the joy of their favorite bricks on the go with LEGO’s latest innovation – the LEGO® Brick-Inspired Trolley and Backpack Set. This remarkable set is available at Costco and combines playful design with top-tier functionality, not to mention the fact that it looks so unique there’s no way anyone’s going to accidentally mistake it for their own on the airport luggage belt!

Designer: LEGO

Much like the iconic LEGO bricks that have been loved for generations, this set is built with durability in mind. The carry-on trolley is made from polypropylene, a high-quality material known for its strength and resilience, while the matching backpack is crafted from robust polyester. Together, they offer reinforced corners and secure closures that keep belongings safe, even during the most adventurous of journeys.

From the moment you see this set, it’s clear that LEGO’s signature creativity is at work. The trolley and backpack are available in bright, vibrant colors – red, blue, and yellow – evoking the playful essence of LEGO bricks. The design is not only visually exciting but also highly functional. The expandable trolley provides additional space for those last-minute outfits, and the backpack, with its handy trolley strap, can easily be attached for smooth rolling through airports or schools.

Inside the trolley, you’ll find sleek grey interiors that are not only modern but also practical. A zipped partition ensures that your belongings remain organized and intact, while an additional netted pocket over the partition allows for quick access to frequently needed items like travel documents or snacks.

The backpack truly sets itself apart with its unique design, featuring two zipped pockets on the front that resemble the ‘studs’ of a LEGO brick, adding a playful touch to the overall aesthetic. Keeping the brightness alive, the interior boasts vibrant yellow hues and includes two compartments specifically designed for laptops, iPads, and books. Whether for school or work, this backpack ensures your essentials are safely stored and easy to access.

Though initially designed with children in mind, this set is sure to awaken the inner child in any young adult who loves LEGO. The fun design is coupled with practical features such as water resistance and a TSA-approved lock for added security. Whether for a family vacation, school trip, or simply a fun weekend getaway, this set is perfect for every occasion.

For a great price of $149, this LEGO-inspired trolley and backpack set can be purchased at Costco as well as Home Depot. It’s the perfect investment for anyone seeking a mix of style, durability, and playful charm in their travel gear. With a set like this, every trip becomes an adventure, whether you’re young in age or just young at heart.

The post LEGO’s new Trolley and Backpack may not be Modular, but they’re Perfect for Travel! first appeared on Yanko Design.

Award-Winning Sports Complex boasts a Badminton Racquet-inspired Grid Roof with Solar Panels

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In a stunning fusion of sport, sustainability, and striking design, MVRDV and Huayi Design have won the competition to create The Sweet Spot, a world-class sports complex in Shenzhen’s Pingshan district. Far from your average facility, this vibrant complex will house China’s National Badminton Training Centre, a public fitness hub, and a variety of commercial spaces. With an iconic rooftop shaped like the head of a badminton racket, The Sweet Spot is more than a nod to badminton, it’s a full-blown celebration of the sport and an architectural marvel in its own right.

Designer: MVRDV and Huayi Design

The Sweet Spot makes a bold statement before you even set foot inside. Towering over the complex is a 240-meter-long roof that mirrors the head of a badminton racket, complete with a grid-like structure resembling racket strings. This isn’t just for show: the roof is equipped with solar panels, generating clean energy for the complex. It’s a masterstroke of design that combines sustainability with visual impact, a perfect reflection of MVRDV’s commitment to eco-friendly architecture.

Jacob van Rijs, founding partner at MVRDV, puts it best: “The Sweet Spot isn’t just about creating a space for sport, it’s about celebrating badminton in a way that’s fun, accessible, and environmentally conscious. We’re thrilled to have hit the winning shot with this design!”

At the heart of the complex is a dynamic space where athletes and the public seamlessly coexist. The main building, which houses a professional arena and training courts, is linked by a T-shaped promenade that invites everyone to explore the facilities. This promenade leads to a central plaza, aptly named the sweet spot, designed to reflect the perfect hitting point on a badminton racket. It’s a playful yet fitting metaphor for the spirit of the project.

For athletes, privacy is a priority. Beneath the public promenade lies a lower ground level that connects the training spaces and arena, allowing athletes to move discreetly without mingling with the public. It’s a clever solution that balances public engagement with the specialized needs of professional sportspeople.

But the badminton-themed surprises don’t stop there. To the south of the arena, a striking 23-story tower tapers like a shuttlecock, housing hotel rooms on the lower levels and short-stay apartments for athletes above. This iconic tower is more than just an architectural statement, it’s designed with athletes’ privacy and convenience in mind, offering direct access to the private lower ground floor.

On the other side of the complex, two smaller commercial buildings echo the racket shape of the main arena, tying the whole design together with visual harmony. These buildings will serve visitors, creating a lively and cohesive atmosphere.

The sweet spot isn’t just a haven for professional athletes, it’s a gift to the people of Shenzhen. The park surrounding the complex features courts for badminton, basketball, and football, open to everyone from casual players to serious competitors. The west side boasts a massive stepped tribune where spectators can watch matches or just take in the surroundings, making the park as much a social hub as a sports venue.

A separate National Fitness Centre offers even more opportunities for exercise, housing additional badminton and tennis courts as well as a swimming center. With so many options, it’s clear that this complex isn’t just about elite athletes, it’s designed to foster a love for sport across the entire community.

One of the most exciting aspects of The Sweet Spot is how it extends beyond its original scope. MVRDV saw potential in the space beneath the nearby Pingyan Expressway flyover, transforming what could have been a forgotten stretch of land into a vibrant green corridor. Complete with a skate park, basketball courts, a running track, and a playground, this extension seamlessly connects The Sweet Spot to the larger Pingshan community, making the complex an even more integral part of the city.

Finally, The Sweet Spot relies on clean energy to operate, pointing at a strong sustainability bid. The solar-powered roof generates much of the energy needed to run the complex, and the design as a whole prioritizes energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. By integrating photovoltaic panels into the design of the badminton-racket-shaped roof, MVRDV has ensured that this isn’t just a sports complex of the present, it’s one being built for the future.

MVRDV and Huayi Design’s The Sweet Spot is an experience. With its playful badminton theme, athlete-first design, community-centered amenities, and a strong commitment to sustainability, this complex redefines what a sports facility can be. It’s a bold, energetic, and forward-thinking project that will leave a lasting impact on Shenzhen and beyond.

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This Outdoor JBL Speaker is designed to Blend In as well as Stand Out

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This JBL speaker design stands out in the world of outdoor sound systems with its weather-resistant Garden Series, a line of speakers designed to deliver outstanding audio fidelity while blending seamlessly into various outdoor commercial environments. The series consists of the GSF ground-stake full-range speakers and GSB in-ground subwoofers, both tailored to provide expansive coverage in settings like shopping malls, theme parks, sports venues, and hospitality establishments.

Designers: Hoyean Kim and Huemen Design

One of the standout features of the JBL Garden Series is its blend of aesthetic appeal and practical durability. Available in subtle hunter-green and tan finishes, these speakers are crafted to harmonize with outdoor landscapes, making them both functional and discreet. Whether nestled in the greenery of a mall garden or set up in a bustling theme park, these speakers offer a stylish solution that withstands the elements while delivering premium sound.

The GSF cabinet’s design takes inspiration from nature, featuring a unique, leaf-like silhouette. This eye-catching design isn’t just for show, it serves a practical purpose, too. The grille extends over the speaker like a protective roof, shielding the system from rain, while an integrated drain hole ensures that water is efficiently channeled away. The result is a system built to thrive in unpredictable outdoor weather conditions without compromising on performance.

Incorporating branding into the speaker design without disrupting the overall aesthetic is a challenge the designers have expertly tackled with the Garden Series. The prominent JBL logo is subtly embedded at the top of the GSB subwoofer and on the back of the GSF cabinet, blending seamlessly into the speakers’ earthy design while still showcasing the brand’s heritage in audio excellence. This integration allows the speakers to maintain a clean look while also adding a touch of sophistication.

As with any JBL product, performance is at the heart of the Garden Series. The GSF full-range speakers are designed with a tweeter placed directly above an advanced waveguide, which is integrated into the front of the coaxial driver structure. This ensures superior sound distribution. Available in two sizes – 3-inch and 6-inch, these speakers offer flexibility for different sound needs, allowing users to tailor their setup to the specific acoustics of their space.

The GSB subwoofer is designed for flexibility in installation, offering both above-ground and buried options to optimize the sound environment. Its vertical form factor is particularly effective in enhancing the transmission of low-frequency sounds, creating a rich, immersive audio experience in any outdoor environment.

The GSF full-range speakers in the JBL Garden Series are designed with versatility in mind. With multiple mounting options, these speakers can be easily installed using a ground stake or mounted on horizontal or vertical surfaces using an L-bracket. This flexibility, combined with the speakers’ low-profile design, ensures they blend into their surroundings, whether they’re placed along pathways or mounted discreetly against a wall. Additionally, the adjustable hinge, equipped with a refined metal gear wheel-shaped groove, allows users to precisely aim the speaker for optimal sound coverage, ensuring no corner of the space is left silent.

The JBL Garden Series represents a perfect balance of form and function, offering a weather-resistant, high-fidelity audio solution for commercial outdoor spaces. With its distinctive design, integrated branding, and flexible installation options, this speaker system is an ideal choice for businesses looking to elevate their outdoor sound experience without sacrificing style. Whether you’re looking to enhance the ambiance of a shopping center, theme park, or sports venue, the JBL Garden Series is the ultimate solution for durable, stylish, and high-quality outdoor audio.

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Your Chance To Make Your Own Version Of Tokyo’s iconic Nakagin Capsule Tower With This Wooden Block Set

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In a unique fusion of play and architectural homage, industrial designer Oscar Diaz has created a wooden block set inspired by Tokyo’s iconic Nakagin Capsule Tower. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, the Capsule Tower was a landmark in modular architecture, embodying Kurokawa’s vision of adaptability and renewal. Though the building was disassembled in 2022, Diaz brings its spirit back to life with this playful and artistic reinterpretation.

Designer: OSCAR DIAZ

The set comprises 20 stackable wooden blocks and a hexagonal wooden base, encouraging endless combinations that mirror the modular nature of the original structure. Crafted from smooth beech wood and colored with water-based pigments, each block invites users to reimagine the avant-garde design of Kurokawa’s tower. As players stack the blocks, they engage in a delicate balancing act—a direct reflection of the tower’s structural equilibrium.

One of the set’s standout features is the inclusion of two red blocks, symbolizing key elements of the original building’s design. These red blocks must be placed last, adding an extra layer of challenge as they test the stability of the entire structure. The goal is not simply to build, but to maintain balance, simulating the precision and care that went into constructing the actual tower.

Each wooden block represents one of the tower’s capsules, complete with a round window that makes them instantly recognizable. Diaz’s design captures the spirit of Kurokawa’s philosophy, that there is no right or wrong way to stack the blocks, echoing the Japanese concept of renewal and impermanence that informed the Capsule Tower’s original design. The blocks can be configured in countless ways, and the resulting creation serves as a tactile, visual memento of this pioneering work of architecture.

The Nakagin Capsule Tower block set also offers hands-on learning for architects and interior designers to understand the principles of modular architecture. It provides an engaging, physical way to explore design concepts while offering a fun activity for others. Beyond its educational and playful value, the set is also a great piece of art to keep in your home. Its minimal, natural aesthetics seamlessly complement most, if not all, interior themes, allowing you to display your own version of the iconic tower.

Accompanied by a cotton bag for easy storage, the set is both a practical and playful tribute to the Nakagin Capsule Tower. For architecture enthusiasts and casual players alike, Oscar Diaz’s creation offers a hands-on way to explore the principles of modular design and keep alive the legacy of one of Tokyo’s most innovative buildings.

The post Your Chance To Make Your Own Version Of Tokyo’s iconic Nakagin Capsule Tower With This Wooden Block Set first appeared on Yanko Design.

Discover The Fun Of Hands On Learning With Mola Structural Kits For Architects And Engineers

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As the tech industry advances and it is appreciated, there is still something special about getting your hands dirty and working with physical materials. The Mola 4 Structural Kit, designed by Brazilian architect Márcio Sequeira de Oliveira, offers exactly that—a hands-on approach to learning that brings creativity, design, and structural engineering to life. By combining principles of structural mechanics with elements inspired by origami and folding techniques, this innovative kit provides aspiring architects, designers, and engineers with an interactive way to explore the relationship between form and function in a very real, tangible way.

Designer: Márcio Sequeira de Oliveira (Mola)

For many students today, the overwhelming presence of technology can feel both empowering and confining. While sophisticated software unlocks endless possibilities, it can also constrain creativity by trapping ideas within the confines of a screen. The Mola 4 Kit fills this gap beautifully. It offers a tactile, hands-on experience, allowing users to experiment with structural forms and principles in the physical world. By literally building with your hands, you learn the why behind structural integrity—why certain forms stand tall while others collapse—a foundational skill for anyone passionate about architecture or engineering.

The Mola 4 Kit contains 145 meticulously designed modular parts and a detailed instruction manual to guide users. The components—springs, magnets, and pre-marked sheets—can be customized with materials such as cardboard, EVA, acrylic, or even 3D-printed elements. This versatile system allows users to build intricate, small-scale models of famous architectural marvels, such as Pier Luigi Nervi’s Palazzetto Dello Sport, Félix Candela’s Los Manantiales Restaurant, Álvaro Siza Vieira’s Expo’98 Portuguese National Pavilion, and London’s Millennium Dome. The kit essentially merges LEGO’s playful versatility with Apple’s sleek, user-friendly design, making it engaging and accessible to anyone, regardless of prior technical knowledge.

What truly sets the Mola 4 Kit apart is its capacity for creative exploration. It enables users to design, construct, and customize hundreds of unique architectural forms using modular parts, effectively opening up a world of architectural possibilities. Whether you’re a student or a seasoned professional, the kit transforms abstract theory into hands-on learning, letting users experiment with real-world concepts of structure and stability in a fun, dynamic way.

But don’t be fooled by its playful appearance—Mola 4 is a serious learning tool. It provides a gateway to the complex world of structural engineering, helping to demystify structural behavior and deepen the user’s understanding of both basic and advanced theoretical concepts. This tangible approach is essential for bridging the gap between civil engineering and architectural studies, bringing theory to life in a way that no textbook or software can replicate.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Mola 4 Kit is its ability to offer a three-dimensional learning experience that digital technology simply cannot match. Engaging with physical components activates both the mind and senses, creating “intuitively playful moments of delight” that digital interfaces often lack. The kit encourages users to step away from their screens and into a world of hands-on experimentation that is as informative as it is enjoyable.

The post Discover The Fun Of Hands On Learning With Mola Structural Kits For Architects And Engineers first appeared on Yanko Design.

An Hourglass Shaped Observation Tower In Sweden Satisfies The Birdwatcher In You

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White Arkitekter, the renowned Swedish architecture studio, has recently unveiled its latest creation, the Observation Tower Kärven, in the scenic Getterön nature reserve on Sweden’s west coast. This 12-metre-tall structure, which emerged as the winning entry in an architectural competition organized by the Varberg Municipality, stands as an iconic testament to innovative design and sustainability.

Designer: White Arkitekter

The Kärven tower, which rises like an intricate lattice from the landscape, was described by White Arkitekter as having a “visually striking simplicity, reminiscent of a bundle of twisted straws.” The tower’s construction, composed of 140 timber beams and metal rings, creates a dynamic hyperboloid shape, a complex structure that fuses nature-inspired elegance with structural ingenuity.

This lattice of timber beams, skillfully arranged in a three-dimensional puzzle, gives the tower its distinctive hourglass silhouette. From a distance, the structure appears curved, but closer inspection reveals that the form is actually composed of straight beams, cleverly assembled to create the illusion of curvature.

The Kärven project required seamless collaboration between architects and structural engineers. Lead architect Lukas Nordström emphasized that “the concept required an understanding from both architect and structural engineer of each other’s disciplines.” This interplay of architecture and construction is evident throughout the tower, where the boundaries between design and engineering blur, reflecting the harmony achieved between aesthetics and functionality.

Nestled within the Getterön nature reserve, known for its rich birdlife and picturesque wetlands, the Kärven Observation Tower offers visitors uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. Rising from a metal-framed opening at ground level, visitors enter a sheltered space before ascending the tower’s metal spiral staircase. This staircase spirals upward to the open-air observation deck, where visitors are treated to panoramic views of the reserve and beyond.

The deck itself is an architectural marvel, framed by the rising timber beams that also serve as a balustrade, wrapping visitors in the same web-like structure that defines the tower. A geometric bench surrounds the staircase, inviting visitors to pause and reflect while they take in the stunning vistas.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Kärven tower’s construction was its efficiency. Each of the 140 timber beams was installed on-site in just two minutes, with the entire assembly of beams taking a little over a week. This hybrid structure of timber and metal, combined with the use of parametric modeling and calculation software, allowed for precise planning and execution.

The design process made use of Grasshopper, a parametric design software, which enabled the team to map out the mathematical relationships needed for the intricate structure. This technology was crucial in realizing the tower’s complex geometry while also allowing for sustainable and local construction practices. The assembly, carried out by local contractors using standard timber dimensions, required no special tools, underscoring the tower’s emphasis on simplicity and sustainability.

The Kärven Tower was designed to fulfill the Varberg Municipality’s vision of a landmark that would attract visitors and enhance the area’s natural beauty. White Arkitekter has succeeded in creating a structure that not only serves as a viewing platform but also as a symbol of architectural and environmental harmony. With its three-dimensional woven structure, the Kärven tower not only engages the eye but also enriches the experience of the landscape it inhabits.

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Eco-Friendly Cat Shelter Makes Traveling With Your Pets Easy And Comfortable

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The pet industry is evolving as pets become cherished members of families, leading to a rise in services like pet passports and travel arrangements. Today, many pet owners want to offer their pets the same comfort and care they enjoy, even on flights. The Batsy Cat Shelter and Transportation Unit is a cutting-edge solution that addresses the challenge of feline comfort during travel. As pet ownership surges and the “pet parenting” trend grows, Batsy meets the demand for innovation, sustainability, and animal welfare. It offers a product that aligns perfectly with the modern consumer’s desire to provide the very best for their pets, ensuring they travel in comfort and style.

Designer: Burcu Nehir Tüm

The pet industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the online pet market nearly quadrupling since 2013. This expansion was further fueled by the pandemic, which saw a spike in pet adoption rates as people sought companionship during lockdowns. The result is a booming market where pet owners are more willing than ever to invest in high-quality products that enhance the well-being of their furry friends.

Traveling with cats has always been a challenging experience. Studies show that 70% of cat owners find it difficult to transport their cats, especially when going on trips or visiting the vet. Cats, being inherently stress-prone animals, often associate carriers with negative experiences, such as vet visits, which leads to resistance and anxiety.

This cat shelter addresses these mobility challenges by transforming the traditional carrier into a safe and familiar space for cats. The product is designed to serve as both a cozy shelter at home and a convenient carrying case when needed. By making the carrier a regular part of the cat’s environment, Batsy helps reduce the stress associated with travel, making it easier for owners to transport their pets.

Batsy is a multifunctional unit designed with both the cat and the owner in mind. At home, it serves as a warm, secure space where cats can relax, complete with a built-in heater that meets their desire for warmth even when their owner is away. The heater, combined with pheromone pads that emit calming scents, helps strengthen the cat’s bond with the product, making it a familiar and comforting presence.

When it’s time to travel, Batsy easily transforms into a carrying case. The design allows for quick adjustments, such as moving the hangers to the desired length and covering the top of the bed, ensuring a seamless transition from home to transport. This adaptability makes it an ideal solution for emergency scenarios, vet visits, or any other situation where mobility is required.

In line with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products, Batsy is designed with sustainability in mind. The product’s modular design allows for parts to be repaired or replaced over time, extending its lifespan and reducing waste. Additionally, the four main bodies of the product are symmetrical and can be produced using just two molds, minimizing the environmental impact of manufacturing.

Batsy also offers customization options, allowing users to add different functions, such as pheromone pads or playground creation parts, and choose from various colors. This versatility ensures that the shelter can meet cat owners’ diverse needs and preferences while maintaining its commitment to sustainability.

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Meticulously-textured Moon Lamp Brings The Charm Of The Lunar Rock Into Your Home

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We may not consciously notice but a lot of our time slips away as we mindlessly scroll through our phones, and the Phase lamp from a London-based studio Relative Distance offers a refreshing antidote to the distractions of modern life. Designed to mirror the moon’s real-time orbit around Earth, this ethereal piece of functional art creates a profound connection with our celestial neighbor.

Designer:  Relative Distance

Phase is no ordinary lamp. It’s the result of four years of meticulous design and engineering, capturing the moon’s timeless essence. From the moment the light crosses the glass, it reveals intricate details of the lunar landscape, offering a delicate and almost hypnotic experience. The lamp’s co-founder Roland Ellis notes that Phase allows us to “have a relationship with something that is a monumental part of our existence,” evoking a sense of calm and a deeper awareness of time and space.

The journey of creating Phase began with a stunning image released by NASA in 2014, which mosaics 15,000 wide-angle photographs of the moon’s surface. This image is meticulously applied to smoked glass, framed by a case made from a mineral composite, reminiscent of materials that could one day be used to build on the moon itself. The slim form and minimalist design of the lamp reflect Relative Distance’s philosophy of maximizing impact through a simple, almost magical object.

Phase’s interface is as simple as it is functional. Users can set the date, time, and brightness with just three buttons. It offers three different modes: a full synchronization with the lunar cycle, a fully illuminated moon, or a short animation showcasing the moon’s phases. There’s no need for apps or Wi-Fi, reinforcing the idea of disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with nature’s rhythms.

One of the most captivating aspects of the lamp is its attention to detail. The lamp’s caseback is crafted in two tones, Ilmenite and Feldspar, inspired by the minerals found on the moon’s surface. These materials, combined with the innovative lighting and diffusion technology, make Phase an object of both scientific and artistic significance.

What sets Phase apart from typical lighting is its ability to capture the true essence of moonlight. The quality of the light is soft and diffuse, creating a natural, calming glow that stands in stark contrast to the harshness of phone and computer screens. The highly controlled optics and fading technology evoke the subtle gradients of the moon’s light, drawing the viewer into an intimate experience with this celestial body.

The experience of living with Phase is unlike any other. It prompts us to slow down, become more aware of our surroundings, and reflect on the passage of time. The lamp’s slender form and immersive lighting create an almost surreal suspension of disbelief, allowing us to experience the moon as if it were within reach.

Set to debut at the London Design Festival on September 14th, Phase stands as an icon of contemporary design, innovation, and space exploration. Each lamp is handmade to order in Relative Distance’s London studio, with diameters available in 60cm and 120cm, making it a stunning centerpiece in any space.

The post Meticulously-textured Moon Lamp Brings The Charm Of The Lunar Rock Into Your Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Heatherwick Studio’s Hanwha Galleria Redefines Urban Shopping with its Glorious Waved Glass Facade

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In the heart of Seoul, amid the vibrant chaos of the city’s dense urban landscape, an architectural marvel is poised to rise, a structure that promises to captivate every pedestrian and commuter who crosses its path. This is the Hanwha Galleria shopping center, a visionary project designed by Heatherwick Studio, known for pushing the boundaries of architectural design and redefining spaces in ways that engage both the eye and the soul.

Designer: Heatherwick Studio and Haeahn Architecture

Nestled at a major intersection near the Han River, this new shopping center is not just a place to shop; it’s a bold reimagining of what a department store can be in the 21st century. Gone are the days of insular, windowless retail boxes that isolate themselves from the life of the streets outside. Instead, the Hanwha Galleria opens itself up to the city, inviting everyone in, whether they’re there to browse luxury goods or simply to soak in the atmosphere.

The design features two near-identical, hourglass-shaped volumes formed from curved glass. These aren’t just any glass structures, they ripple and undulate as they rise, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that changes with the time of day and the angle of the sun. By day, the facades shimmer, reflecting the city’s energy and by night, they transform into canvases for projections, turning the buildings into glowing beacons that light up the Seoul skyline.

But these buildings are not merely beautiful to look at, they’re designed to be experienced. At ground level, the two volumes are separated by the busy intersection, but an updated subway station lies beneath, connecting them with a seamless flow. This underground passageway doesn’t just serve as a practical link between the buildings; it’s an extension of the city itself, drawing people in from all directions and inviting them to explore what lies above.

As you ascend from the subway into the buildings, you’re greeted by light-filled entrances and landscaped plazas. These spaces are designed to be more than just entryways, they’re vibrant public areas where people can gather, relax, and enjoy the greenery. The hourglass silhouettes of the buildings create recessed middle levels that are transformed into open-air gardens, cafes, restaurants, and shops. These spaces are not just solely for shopping, they’re places to linger, to meet friends, and to take a break from the hustle of the city.

Rising above, the rooftop gardens offer a different perspective, both literally and figuratively. Here, amidst lush greenery, you can take in sweeping views of the Han River and the city beyond. The buildings’ unique contours frame these vistas in ways that make you see the city anew, each angle offering a fresh perspective.

But the Hanwha Galleria is more than just a visual or social experience; it’s a statement about the future. The double-layered glass facade isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s an environmentally conscious design that enhances the buildings’ sustainability. It’s part of a broader vision to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also responsible, offering natural elements throughout the year with carefully selected native plants that thrive in all seasons.

Heatherwick Studio’s design is a response to Hanwha’s ambition to breathe new life into these structures, transforming them into something more than just a shopping destination. The goal is to create a silhouette that serves as a gateway to the city while providing Seoulites with new, garden-like spaces where they can meet, shop, and enjoy their urban environment.

This project is a bold reflection of South Korea’s rising status as a global cultural leader. It’s no coincidence that this design comes as Thomas Heatherwick is set to take on the role of General Director for the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism in 2025. The Hanwha Galleria is more than just a building, it’s a symbol of a city that is looking to the future, embracing change, and redefining what it means to live, work, and play in an urban environment.

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Zomato Food Delivery Riders Benefit from This Clever Folding Backrest Accessory

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Zomato, one of India’s largest and most internationally recognized food delivery companies, owes much of its success to dedicated riders who navigate various terrains and weather conditions to ensure timely deliveries. These riders spend countless hours on their motorcycles, which have become indispensable companions in their daily lives. However, the motorcycles used are often purely utilitarian, lacking the comfort features that could make these long hours more bearable. Recognizing this gap, a group of designers embarked on a mission to redesign these motorcycles, focusing on enhancing the rider’s experience through basic yet impactful upgrades.

Designers: Pankhuri Wanjari and Rohan Passi

The initiative began with a thorough analysis of the pain points experienced by riders during extended periods on their bikes. The goal was to enhance the food delivery experience by identifying sources of discomfort and providing ergonomic solutions. This redesign was not just about minor tweaks but involved a comprehensive rethinking of the rider’s journey, addressing key areas that affect comfort and functionality.

Traditional motorcycle seats tend to become squeezed and ripped over time, causing discomfort. To address this, the new design incorporates improved cushioning to ensure long-lasting comfort. Riders often rely on the storage box for back support, leading to improper posture and discomfort. The redesigned motorcycle features a collapsible backrest that provides adequate support during breaks or long waits in traffic which aligns with the large Zomato delivery boxes. This addition provides much-needed support during traffic halts or short breaks. It can also collapse down to act as a seat for a second passenger if and when required.

Additionally, the absence of adequate storage for personal belongings has been addressed by creating designated storage areas, allowing riders to keep their essentials secure and accessible. Another key issue is the sudden break between the seat and the fuel tank, creating an uncomfortable riding position. The new design extends the seat cushioning towards the tank, ensuring a smoother transition and better support.

The redesign process also involved analyzing the comfort levels of riders of extreme heights and weights. For a rider who is taller than usual, the handlebar was found to be too low, causing the rider to lean forward and touch the handlebar with their legs while turning, and the footrest was positioned too upright. For a rider with an average height but a slightly healthier side of the scale, the handlebar and footrest positions were appropriate but the seat cushioning needed improvement.

By addressing these critical design gaps, the GlideRide project aims to make the lives of food delivery riders more comfortable and enjoyable. These basic upgrades are not just about improving physical comfort but are also a step towards acknowledging and valuing the hard work and dedication of these riders who play a pivotal role in delivering happiness to our doorsteps.

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