Tag Archives: sustainable design

Combining Nature And Technology For Sustainable Plant Care

Posted on by

In the realm of biomimicry, the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter stands out as a futuristic marvel inspired by the incredible abilities of the fog-basking beetle. It is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends the brilliance of biomimicry, advanced materials, and smart technology. Inspired by the fog-basking beetle native to the Namibian deserts, this hydroponic planter is not merely a vessel for plants but a pioneering solution that promises a greener, more sustainable future.

Designer: Rishikesh Sonawane

Biomimicry is a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies found in nature to solve human design challenges. The fog-basking beetle, a tiny inhabitant of the Namibian deserts, can thrive in arid conditions by extracting moisture from the surrounding fog. Its microstructural adaptations, enhancing surface area by up to 60%, allow it to condense and redirect moisture, providing a source of sustenance in environments where water sources are scarce. This ingenious adaptation has become the inspiration behind the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter.

This planter represents a harmonious convergence of biomimicry and modern design principles. Unlike traditional planters, it transcends mere functionality, aspiring to become a statement piece that marries aesthetics with technological innovation. The modular design, a hallmark of this project, not only facilitates ease of use but also underscores the commitment to adaptability and sustainable plant care.

The use of advanced materials fortifies the structural integrity of the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter. The air intake module is meticulously crafted from Plexiglas, a polymer renowned for its resistance to sunlight (also used in aquariums and airplane windows), preventing yellowing over time. The main body incorporates Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), a versatile clay composite with superior water retention properties, strength, and porosity. The aluminum 6063 base complements this ensemble, providing a stable foundation resistant to corrosion.

To achieve simplicity and practicality, the planter is ingeniously disassembled into four primary components. The drip tray, perforated ring, metal ring, and polymer cap collectively ensure easy maintenance and cleaning. The LECA planter’s internal structure, designed to mimic the fog-basking beetle’s shell, employs hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements strategically, optimizing moisture retention and distribution.

The planter introduces a groundbreaking approach to airflow dynamics by incorporating the Coanda Effect. As humid air courses through the planter, moisture is absorbed, contributing to increased turbine efficiency. This design concept draws inspiration from well-established technologies, such as Dyson fans and jet turbines, showcasing a commitment to energy efficiency.

Elevating plant care to new heights, the planter integrates intelligent features denoted as Smart+. A temperature and humidity sensor, intricately linked with the electronic components, dynamically adjusts the turbine speed, allowing users precise control over the plant’s microenvironment. The accompanying app, a technological companion, provides real-time data on humidity and temperature levels, offering insightful recommendations for optimal watering cycles based on the geographic location of the planter.

User interaction with the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter is facilitated through an intuitive and user-friendly app interface. The app acts as a conduit between the user and the planter’s internal environment, allowing the monitoring of moisture concentrations, receiving water cycle recommendations, and tracking humidity and temperature levels throughout the day. This digital integration transforms the planter from a mere vessel into a sophisticated and futuristic table accessory.

The Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter is not merely a horticultural innovation; it is a testament to the symbiosis of nature and technology in the pursuit of sustainable living. As we navigate the complexities of modern existence, this planter stands as a beacon of hope, offering a glimpse into a future where our interaction with nature is characterized by thoughtful design, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to environmental harmony. With each leaf it nurtures, it heralds a greener, more sustainable tomorrow, where biomimicry and technological ingenuity converge to create a better world—one plant at a time.

The post Combining Nature And Technology For Sustainable Plant Care first appeared on Yanko Design.

Modular electric minivan is inspired by puzzles for a more sustainable design

Posted on by

Although electric cars are becoming more common, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what they’re capable of. Removing the need for traditional fuel and relying on batteries opens up new possibilities, and not just in terms of power sources. It can offer a bit more flexibility when it comes to the form and function of the vehicle, like cars with completely digital interfaces or screens all around. There might even be room for a modular design, as this concept for a tiny Japanese electric van tries to show, allowing the manufacturer or even the owner to switch out certain parts both outside and inside to match their needs, just like pieces of a puzzle.

Designer: HW Electro

To be fair, a modular car might be a bit far down the road considering the industry is hyper-focused on standardizing electric vehicles and making self-driving features more acceptable to the masses. That’s not to say that the design is a distant possibility only, especially when the features are made to be more practical rather than fantastical. Switching out panels is probably more feasible than switching out whole car parts or components, which is the kind of modularity that the Puzzle concept embodies.

At first glance, the boxy shape of the Puzzle will already look strange to those not used to so-called “Kei cars,” but this kind of van design is popular in Japan for striking a balance between large interior capacity and small compact size. It’s a design that screams practical efficiency, and making it modular is taking it to the next level. But unlike what you might be imagining, the Puzzle’s pieces, pardon the pun, are limited to swapping out certain panels at the sides, corners, and even inside. It’s a bit of a generic system that opens up quite a number of possibilities but, more importantly, it also doesn’t tie them down to a specific design or part. It also makes replacing damaged panels easier and more economical, something that you can only dream of with regular cars.

The Puzzle van also has secrets to reveal inside its extremely spacious cabin. The interior door panel has slots that make it possible to add and remove different modules, such as containers, cup holders, and the like. Even the dashboard has this kind of design, yielding a clean yet flexible space for expanding the van’s capabilities, especially in the infotainment aspect. The cargo space, which is practically a cube, is also more space-efficient for storing boxes and all sorts of large objects, making the EV a potential delivery vehicle.

Thanks to the boxy form of this Kei car, it’s possible to put a solar panel on the roof to really maximize its battery mileage. Modular and sustainable, the Puzzle minivan concept offers an extremely simple yet effective solution to the future of electric vehicles, one that espouses the Japanese spirit of minimalism and practicality where form clearly follows function.

The post Modular electric minivan is inspired by puzzles for a more sustainable design first appeared on Yanko Design.

A Furniture Subscription Model That Leads To A Path Toward Convenience And Sustainability

Posted on by

In a world where the environmental impact of consumer choices is becoming increasingly critical, innovative solutions are emerging to address the challenges of over-consumption and waste. One such solution is the Koru WFH Furniture Subscription, a pioneering concept in the realm of home-office furniture that not only meets the needs of modern remote work but also champions the principles of a circular economy.

Designer: Studio Elk

As of 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency reported a staggering increase in the amount of furniture and furnishings being discarded, reaching a whopping 12 million tons. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives in the furniture industry. Koru is a visionary response to the environmental challenges posed by the disposal of office furniture.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a monumental shift in work culture, giving rise to the widespread adoption of remote work. In this context, Studio Elk seized the opportunity to introduce a circular economy concept for home-office furniture through its subscription service. By leasing modular furniture to businesses instead of selling it outright, the studio has developed a sustainable approach to furnishing home offices.

Koru furniture isn’t just functional; it’s a harmonious blend of professional utility and aesthetic sensitivity to the home environment. Employees subscribing to the services gain the flexibility to configure their home office setups according to their unique needs, spatial constraints, and personal style. This design characteristic ensures that the furniture seamlessly integrates into the home while meeting the demands of a professional workspace.

https://www.behance.net/gallery/184030027/Koru-WFH-Furniture-Subscription/modules/1042109815This subscription model empowers businesses to choose from a variety of flexible monthly plans that can adapt to the evolving size and requirements of their teams. The service encompasses installation, repair, upgrades, and efficient collection when the furniture is no longer needed. This holistic approach eliminates the time and cost burdens typically associated with managing, moving, and storing furniture assets.

The durability of the Koru furniture is a key factor in its sustainability. Crafted from hard-wearing materials and finishes, the furniture is designed for longevity. Moreover, its easy disassembly and reassembly enable a closed-loop system, promoting reuse and enhancing repairability.

Koru’s innovative subscription concept facilitates a continuous revenue stream throughout the entire lifespan of its products. Operating on a Product-as-a-Service model, the company aligns profitability with product longevity. The longer the furniture remains in use, the more sustainable and profitable the model becomes.

Koru’s subscription concept and circular supply chain model provide a blueprint for furniture brands seeking to diversify and future-proof their business. By integrating environmental responsibility with business goals, Koru offers a pathway for brands to thrive while minimizing their environmental footprint. In essence, the Koru WFH Furniture Subscription is not just a service; it’s a sustainable business model that envisions a greener and more responsible future for the furniture industry.

The post A Furniture Subscription Model That Leads To A Path Toward Convenience And Sustainability first appeared on Yanko Design.

Discover Your Poetic Journey Through Time With Calen-bar

Posted on by

In a world characterized by the ceaseless march of technology, the Calen-Bar emerges as a distinctive and poetic tribute to time, seamlessly blending aesthetics, mindfulness, and sustainability. This perpetual calendar transcends the conventional, inviting users into a realm where the manual meets the meaningful, where every little act becomes a marker of eternal days.

Designer: Yukimasa Hirota

Crafted with precision and an eye for detail, the Calen-Bar is more than a tool; it is an experience. The inclusion of a metal weight introduces a tactile elegance, grounding the calendar in substance and texture. As fingers delicately adjust the rubber band to align with the current date, a connection is forged with the tangible passage of time. This manual engagement elevates the daily routine of checking dates into a ritual of reflection, ensuring that each day is not just observed but remembered, retrospectively embraced, and seized.

Positioned thoughtfully at the right end of the material rotation, the day of the week becomes a subtle but integral part of Calen-Bar’s design. As the material gracefully turns, it serves as a visual reminder that time, like the calendar itself, is in perpetual motion. This dynamic element adds a layer of continuity, urging users to appreciate the cyclical nature of days and the interconnected dance of weeks and months.

In a society racing against the clock, the Calen-Bar offers a respite from the relentless pace of technology. It is not a mere tool for making remarks or planning; rather, it is a sanctuary of poetic and aesthetic value. By embracing the manual nature of this calendar, users are prompted to engage in the deliberate act of adjusting dates, fostering a connection with time that transcends the digital coldness of screens and alarms.

Beyond its aesthetic charm, the Calen-Bar boasts a commendable sustainable aspect in its design. In a world inundated with disposable calendars, this perpetual masterpiece breaks the cycle. By omitting the mention of the year, it becomes a timeless companion, allowing users to reuse it year after year. The absence of a predefined year, while potentially leaving room for miscalculations, is a deliberate compromise in the pursuit of sustainability. In an age where ecological considerations are paramount, the Calen-Bar offers a meaningful alternative, prompting users to embrace the beauty of imperfection and intentional living.

While the manual adjustment may invite occasional errors, the Calen-Bar gracefully acknowledges the digital age, leaving room for users to cross-verify dates with their devices. This harmonious integration of analog charm and digital precision ensures that the Calen-Bar is not just a relic of the past but a versatile companion for the present and future.

In essence, the Calen-Bar is a testament to the enduring allure of simplicity, mindfulness, and sustainability. As we navigate the fast-paced currents of modern life, this perpetual calendar stands as a reminder to savor the little moments, to mark the eternal days not just in our lives but in the products that accompany us on this journey. It is a celebration of time, a fusion of elegance and purpose that invites us to comprehend the lost moments, appreciate the present, and embrace the time that is yet to come.

The post Discover Your Poetic Journey Through Time With Calen-bar first appeared on Yanko Design.

Portable stool is made from electronic packaging waste

Posted on by

There are a lot of product developers and designers who love to experiment with ideas for things that we sometimes take for granted. Good thing there are people like them who like to think about ways to improve these functional products. There are also those who think more about the materials used to create such products, especially materials that will lessen our carbon footprint. Chairs and stools are some of those things we don’t really think about innovating but there are still some ways to come up with better designed ones.

Designer: Razeen Mohammed

The EDGAR Stool is a concept for a portable stool born from the idea of creating something functional but also using the least amount of resources in terms of the material used for it, the energy needed to create it, and even the cost that you have to spend. In fact, in terms of prototyping this concept, they only spent around $0.29 in making one of these stools.

The reason for such a low cost is that the stool is made from waste from the packaging of electronic appliances and adhesives. The former is one of the biggest waste issues that we have now as the production of electronic appliances seem to be increasing. Therefore the waste has also been considerable. They were able to conceptualize a two legged stool from these waste materials and it seems to be light enough that you can carry it around.

However, from the product renders and photos, I don’t know how stable it is or how it can hold up a fully grown person. It might be able to fit a child or a really thin and small person but those with considerable weight might think twice about sitting on it. It also doesn’t seem all that comfortable especially if you have a pretty round derriere. But props to the designer for coming up with something that can utilize packaging for electronic appliances.

The post Portable stool is made from electronic packaging waste first appeared on Yanko Design.

Portable stool is made from electronic packaging waste

Posted on by

There are a lot of product developers and designers who love to experiment with ideas for things that we sometimes take for granted. Good thing there are people like them who like to think about ways to improve these functional products. There are also those who think more about the materials used to create such products, especially materials that will lessen our carbon footprint. Chairs and stools are some of those things we don’t really think about innovating but there are still some ways to come up with better designed ones.

Designer: Razeen Mohammed

The EDGAR Stool is a concept for a portable stool born from the idea of creating something functional but also using the least amount of resources in terms of the material used for it, the energy needed to create it, and even the cost that you have to spend. In fact, in terms of prototyping this concept, they only spent around $0.29 in making one of these stools.

The reason for such a low cost is that the stool is made from waste from the packaging of electronic appliances and adhesives. The former is one of the biggest waste issues that we have now as the production of electronic appliances seem to be increasing. Therefore the waste has also been considerable. They were able to conceptualize a two legged stool from these waste materials and it seems to be light enough that you can carry it around.

However, from the product renders and photos, I don’t know how stable it is or how it can hold up a fully grown person. It might be able to fit a child or a really thin and small person but those with considerable weight might think twice about sitting on it. It also doesn’t seem all that comfortable especially if you have a pretty round derriere. But props to the designer for coming up with something that can utilize packaging for electronic appliances.

The post Portable stool is made from electronic packaging waste first appeared on Yanko Design.

Solar-powered coffee truck concept runs on green fuel to bring black fuel anywhere

Posted on by

They say money makes the world go round, but coffee is probably just as critical for some people. Connoisseurs will undoubtedly tell anyone willing to listen to brew their own cup, but not everyone has the luxury of doing that daily. If you don’t know of a local shop you can call your home away from home, you’d probably be at the mercy of the big, expensive chains that put more sugar than you’re going to be comfortable with. Establishing a fixed store in a nook or building isn’t going to be cheap for some businesses, and it also means not being able to reach customers where they are. Coffee trucks can solve the problem of portability, but this concept design takes that idea even further by having the whole operation run on solar power, potentially bringing that coffee experience anywhere, even away from the grid.

Designer: Kyrolos Maged

Although you can see them almost everywhere, big chain stores like Starbucks won’t always please everyone. Some simply don’t like their selection or the way they do business. Others simply prefer to patronize smaller businesses to help them grow and thrive. Either way, the majority of these stores force you to go to their location, which is not a problem unless there isn’t one nearby. It would definitely be great if the coffee could come to where the people are rather than the other way around, which is what coffee trucks are trying to do.

Although they are a viable business model, such mobile coffee dispensing stores have a few logistic issues to iron out, specifically one of power. Sure, you can run the machines on the same battery that drives the truck, but it also risks you running out of fuel when you need it the most. And with some vehicles turning to electric power, such a power source might no longer be feasible. This unnamed concept thus turns toward an ever-present source, at least during the time when people are most likely to chug their black or brown fuel.

The solar-powered coffee truck is exactly as it sounds, an operation that runs on solar energy rather than fuel or car batteries. There’s a single large solar panel on top of the truck, but it’s easy enough to extend the design to have multiple panels on the “wings” that fold out from the sides of the truck. This way, the energy needs of the coffee machines and the truck itself are kept separate and you don’t have to worry about one eating into the reserves of the other.

The design of the truck itself is pretty standard, with sliding tables to let customers put down their cups for a while or enjoy some sandwiches that the mobile cafe might offer. What’s interesting, however, is the idea that the coffee truck would offer all sorts of coffee, including those from capsule machines. It’s a good way to diversify and hit many types of customers while also ensuring the speed of service, though pure-blood coffee lovers might turn their noses up at such a thought.

The post Solar-powered coffee truck concept runs on green fuel to bring black fuel anywhere first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bladeless wind turbines could be the future for wind-energy, bringing them to homes

Posted on by

Imagine a wind turbine, but not as you know it. Instead of the familiar towering structures with rotating blades, picture a compact, hexagonal grid resembling a honeycomb, perched atop urban buildings or integrated into existing structures. This is the essence of Katrick’s design – a radical departure from traditional wind turbines, both in form and function. These turbines harness the power of wind through oscillating aerofoils, a far cry from the spinning blades we’re used to.

Designer: Katrick Technologies

As companies rush to figure out better and more effective solutions for harnessing sustainable energy (while the world grapples with the migration to these energies), the Glasgow-based startup, is making waves (or should I say, catching them?) with their innovative bladeless honeycomb wind turbines. Unlike the towering, rotary-blade turbines that dominate our landscapes, Katrick Technologies’ creation is a breath of fresh air in both design and functionality.

At the heart of this technology are the aerofoils, the unsung heroes of Katrick’s design. They work by capturing wind energy and converting it into mechanical oscillations. These oscillations are then transformed into electricity, providing a greener energy solution. This method not only captures lower levels of wind, making it more efficient in less windy conditions, but also makes the turbines more suited for urban environments, where space is at a premium and wind levels can be lower.

The design philosophy of Katrick Technologies is rooted in creating eco-friendly, innovative engineering solutions. While the firm is relatively new, it’s already carving a niche for itself in the renewable energy sector. Traditional wind turbines, with their considerable land and maintenance requirements, often pose logistical and financial challenges. In contrast, Katrick’s honeycomb turbines offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative, especially in urban landscapes where space is limited.

But it’s not all sunshine and breezes. Bladeless turbines, including Katrick’s design, have faced some skepticism. Critics, including those from the MIT Technology Review, have pointed out that despite their lower cost and environmental footprint, bladeless turbines might not be as efficient in energy generation as their traditional counterparts. However, Katrick’s innovative approach might just tip the scales. According to the company, just 1 kilometer of their roadside panels could charge a significant number of electric vehicles or power hundreds of homes annually.

Moreover, the design’s safety and environmental features can’t be overlooked. The slower-moving aerofoils in the honeycomb structure are likely less hazardous to birds than traditional turbines. Plus, their unobtrusive design, small footprint, and minimal environmental impact make them an attractive option for urban settings.

Katrick’s wind turbines being tested at Glasgow Airport.

The post Bladeless wind turbines could be the future for wind-energy, bringing them to homes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Colorful stool is made from 80% recycled plastic

Posted on by

When it comes to functional pieces of furniture, we probably go for items that are able to serve their function (and are most likely affordable) and are not really that concerned with the design or aesthetics. But the past years, a lot of people have also been concerned with how these items are made, specifically with the materials used to create them as we become more conscious about our personal carbon footprint and the things taht we consume.

Designer: Alexander Latersztain for Derlot

The original Stump stool from Derlot were already interesting enough with their “bold, minimalist and uncomplicated” take on this piece of furniture that lets us sit. Now the newest version is the Stump Recycled which carries the same basic structure of the stool but is now made from 80% recycled post-industrial plastic LDPE. And if you’re the type that would go for furniture that’s made sustainability then this should be right up your alley.

Because of the material it’s made from, you also get a different design. The patterns on the stools feature a terrazzo-like design which makes it more textured and colorful look. The original Stump stools had pretty solid colors but this time around you have the option to have a seat with a kaleidoscope-like finish. This is their “fresh interpretation” of how you can use recycled materials to enhance your design as well.

Derlot says that more than just a stool that you can sit on, this is a symbol of their commitment to pursue more sustainable design and production. I don’t know how long I can last sitting on this stool though as it’s small and doesn’t look that comfortable but sure, for sustainability, it’s a pretty interesting piece of furniture to have.

The post Colorful stool is made from 80% recycled plastic first appeared on Yanko Design.

Upcycled skateboard factory rejects transform into warm wall lighting

Posted on by

Recycling is a great way to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, but the process itself can sometimes have some negative impact. There’s still a lot of energy and water involved in converting materials into something usable again, and there’s also some loss when the original design gets destroyed in the process. Upcycling is a more efficient and time-saving alternative, but not everything can be upcycled and not everything that can be upcycled can be used in newer and better ways. Sometimes, it takes a bit more creative thinking to transform one thing into a completely different thing, like how factory seconds from skateboard manufacturers are turned into these understated yet elegant wall lamps.

Designers: Michael and Mariel Upton

Skateboards are objects that bring up images of speed, tricks, and devilish stunts. They’re hardly associated with warmth, subtlety, or even light. Of course, these associations aren’t inherent in the shape of the skateboard’s wooden deck, which makes them open for reuse and reinterpretation, as the case of this trio of wall lamps demonstrates, providing stylish lighting that hardly gives a clue to their origins.

Considering the long oval shapes of skateboard decks, not to mention their upward curved ends, you definitely wouldn’t be able to guess that these wall lights are exactly made from those wooden parts. That’s because these pieces of 7-ply maple wood are taken from factory rejects, decks that obviously didn’t make the cut. Since the shapes of these boards are too specific for general use, they often end up simply being discarded. They’re thankfully made from wood, so they’re biodegradable and have fewer harmful effects on the environment, but they’re still waste and, more importantly, wasted opportunity.

Upton thankfully has the wonderful idea of using those boards to provide ambient lighting as well as a piece of minimalist wall art. The discarded decks are cut to create a shorter and straighter oval shape and then paired with lighting hardware on the back. Each of the three variants, namely, Heru, Cuna, and Mara, get a square piece of original art that becomes the visual center of the entire fixture. With this, even if the light is off, the designs act as decorative pieces that enhance a room’s ambiance in a subtle way.

When the light is on, however, you get a warm ambient halo of light that sets a calming and relaxing mood in any space. The light is emitted from the back and is reflected on the mounting surface, making it look softer and avoiding painful glare when you look in its direction. The wall lamp projects a character of calm and warmth, definitely not something you’d expect from a speedster skateboard that it would have become in some other lifetime.

The post Upcycled skateboard factory rejects transform into warm wall lighting first appeared on Yanko Design.