We’re long past the days when speakers, especially those at home, would simply be literal black boxes that belted out sound in whatever direction they were pointed at. While those still exist, many of the audio equipment marketed for home use have taken on more interesting designs that marry aesthetics and function without sacrificing either. Bang & Olufsen might be one of the most popular brands in this growing market of art-inspired speakers, but it is hardly the only one with curious and eye-catching designs. This loudspeaker set, for example, is just as much a work of art as it is a piece of high-end audio equipment, promising to elevate the listening experience to a whole new level that involves not just the ears but also the eyes.
In an iconic form, the speaker has always been represented by one of its oldest designs, a conical structure that curves from one end to another, creating what is commonly known as a horn shape. The Jetstream loudspeaker takes that shape and transforms it into an art piece by using transparent acrylic for the horn and blowing it up to human-sized proportions. The result is a distinctive, one-of-a-kind speaker that makes the drive unit look like it’s floating in mid-air. Viewed from the side, the speaker also looks like the sonic boom traces left by a high-speed jet, which given the background of the designer, seems almost fitting.
The horn shape chosen for the Jetstream might look ornamental, but it is actually based on a solid foundation of physics. Just like with horn speakers of old, the shape helps to propagate sound waves more freely and evenly, and given its size, it also multiplies that effect to reach all corners of a room. The loudspeaker system promises clear and dynamic sound, regardless of what you’re listening to, whether it’s classical masterpieces or modern movie sound effects.
Although the horn loudspeaker is definitely the center of attraction, it isn’t the only member of the Ferguson Hill Jetstream loudspeaker system. There’s also the bass speaker which takes the form of a transparent sphere with a large drive unit, held up by three metal cone feet. This gives the speaker a certain retro-futuristic aesthetic that perfectly complements the gigantic horn loudspeaker.
Although it functions primarily as a sound system, the Jetstream is also a statement piece that transforms any space into a unique audiovisual experience. It’s the kind of fusion of art and technology that truly redefines what it means to be a home speaker these days, offering value that goes beyond blasting sound but also touches the emotions and mind by appealing to more than one of our five senses. That said, it’s also a design that, at least in this case, carries a rather hefty price tag, though that could soon change as more audio equipment manufacturers embrace a more design-conscious approach to making speakers.
Computer keyboards are often regarded as purely utilitarian products. Aside from the RGB lighting that gaming-focused keyboards have, the majority of the designs tend to lean towards black or white color schemes, with a few colorful exceptions here and there. These input devices are rarely considered works of art, or even anything related to art. Of course, there is a very small number that doesn’t fit inside this box, putting as much attention to aesthetics as is paid to performance and ergonomics. This rather peculiar keyboard design, for example, splatters a variety of colors on the case, recreating an artistic style used by Italian artisans to create their rather unique and artistic ceramic.
Some people might have preconceived notions of what ceramic products look like, either completely brown like clay jars or pure white with elaborate patterns painted on their glossy surfaces. Italy, however, has another and rather unique variation to that design, employing a technique called “schizatto,” which literally means splatter, to glaze and decorate their ceramics. The end result is, as the name suggests, a splattering of paint drops with random shapes and volume, giving the design a unique and whimsical character.
That’s the kind of unconventional appearance that the Mason60 keyboard cases deliver, adding not just visual interest but also an element of fun to your computer use. Each keyboard case is individually hand-crafted using this artistic technique, making every single one an exclusive limited edition product of sorts. And since no two splatters will ever be the same, each case carries its own personality, reflecting not just physics but the artist’s “brush” during the time of its creation as well.
The Mason60 Schizzato series doesn’t stop at just mimicking the appearance of those artisan ceramics. Made from gypsum resin composite, the cases give keyboards a heft that’s not unlike those very same ceramic products. The material is also polished to give it a glossy finish that one might even mistake for real marble. In other words, the Mason60 will really make your keyboard look and feel like an authentic Italian ceramic product, or at least something that definitely looks artistic from any angle.
It’s too easy to take for granted how a simple change to the keyboard’s appearance could affect your use of the computer. Yes, it won’t directly affect your typing experience, at least depending on the kind of keys and switches you will be pairing with these cases, but it will affect your mental state at the very least. If you spend a lot of time in front of the computer, having something beautiful and interesting always in your sight could definitely help perk up your mood and stimulate your brain. Plus, it never hurts to have something so novel and unique as a conversation starter and maybe even a source of envy among your friends.
The accessory market for phones and computers is a wide and varied one, with designs that are all over the place and cover almost the entire range of the spectrum. Some try to offer everything, almost including the kitchen sink, resulting in a cornucopia of features and attachments, while others aim for the bare basics to keep things simple yet elegant. Minimalism continues to dominate the design world, and it has also started to grip the tech industry, particularly when it comes to gadgets and accessories. Minimalist design, though sometimes plain-looking, doesn’t exactly mean “boring,” especially when they take inspiration from some of mankind’s creative achievements to give these products an interesting visual and functional spin.
Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand
Some say good things come in threes, and iPhone owners tend to own an Apple Watch and AirPods to complete a functional set. Keeping all three charged has become somewhat of a logistics problem, though thankfully it’s less of a mess now that none of them require charging cables all the time. Apple’s MagSafe technology has opened up a new world of designs, free from the tangles of wires, and it has given birth to a variety of charging docks and stations, including some pretty minimalist ones.
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro really takes minimalism almost to an extreme, being nothing more than a metal post that branches in two, standing on a plain round disc. While there are quite a number of 3-in-1 MagSafe chargers that support a similar combination, Belkin’s design emphasizes keeping a tidy appearance, whether there are devices charging on it or not. The base holds the AirPods case, keeping your desk or shelf clean, while both the iPhone and Apple Watch are held up high for easier visibility.
The charger’s clean and minimalist appearance takes its cue from modern architecture, with well-defined lines and shapes and a simple yet functional design. It distills the whole structure down to its essentials, providing support and a place for your gadgets to call home, without overpowering Apple’s already elegant and stylish aesthetic.
MagSafe Origami Grip Stand
The ancient Japanese art of paper folding has inspired many designs across history, from simple children’s toys to mind-blowing structures even to complex robots. The main pull of origami has always been its ability to change shape from a flat sheet of material like paper to something three-dimensional any moving parts or without removing or adding any part at all. Because of that, something that takes up space can be made to collapse down to almost nothing, like this grip and stand that adds almost no thickness to your iPhone.
Thanks to its creative origami-inspired design, the MagSafe attachment transforms from a flat pad into a triangular shape that can do more than just prop up your phone on a table. It gives your fingers something stable to latch onto, making it perfect for taking selfies with confidence. It can even stick to metal posts, walls, and surfaces thanks to that strong magnetic power.
The best thing about its design is that it doesn’t get in the way when you don’t need it. It simply collapses back down to a flat shape that’s no thicker than the iPhone’s own camera bump. Nothing to snag when you slip it into your pocket and nothing to make it wiggle when placed on a table. It’s beautiful, functional, and as simple as it needs to be, nothing more.
Twelve South BookArc Flex Vertical MacBook Stand
A laptop stand is, more often than not, a horizontal plane meant to hold your laptop while it lies down. Of course, that’s the most common way to use a laptop, but it’s definitely not the only way, especially when you’re using it as a makeshift desktop computer. With the lid always closed and the laptop simply connected to a monitor and other peripherals, having a laptop lying flat or even on a horizontal stand is already a poor use of precious desk space. That’s where a vertical laptop stand comes in hand, and Twelve South just launched what is probably the most minimalist design in that category.
It might look like two simple metal arcs, but that ultra-minimalist design is what makes the BookArc Flex a work of genius. Designed to hold your closed MacBook vertically, it can save you precious desk space when all you really want to do is connect the MacBook to an external screen and some peripherals while it’s running. It keeps all the mess away without sacrificing any functionality, and you can still easily plug in other USB devices because the MacBook is still within reach.
The design is both simple yet elegant, perfectly complementing Apple’s design language with its bent all-metal rods in matte black, matte white, or premium chrome finishes. It is inspired by modern architecture, particularly the Noisette Creek Pedestrian Bridge in Charleston, South Carolina, in more ways than one. While it does owe its form to that bridge, it also takes a few lessons from a bridge’s structure and use of physics, particularly in how the stand uses the MacBook’s own weight to pull in the arcs and secure the laptop. That means that this simple design is also future-proof, supporting any MacBook or even any laptop that’s only an inch thick, making it a beautiful example of how good, simple design can be universal and timeless as well.
Street art is a form of visual art that is found in public buildings, streets, bridges, trains, and other spaces, particularly for public visibility and to reach a broader audience. Street art not only forms a powerful tool to convey messages to society but also enhances the beauty of public spaces. Street art is found all around the world and street artists are known to transform the streets with their creativity and imagination. The traditional form of street art included graffiti artists who worked with spray paint. Some of the other media include stencil art, mosaic tiling, LED art, and outdoor sculptures while the recent forms of street art include video projections of large city buildings.
The origin of street art can be found in ancient civilizations where graffiti was used to mark territories, express cultural identities, and served as historic records. The modern street art movement started in the 1960s in cities like New York and Philadelphia and 1970s artists in cities like Paris and London. In the 1980s and 1990s street art evolved, and artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Banksy rose to prominence. Today street art is touching new heights with the integration of new technology and adapting to the changing socio-political context.
Here are the top ten types of street art that one will often come across on urban streets. Each art comes with its distinct characteristics and techniques.
1. Graffiti Artwork
Designer: Banksy (via Banksy Archive)
Graffiti artwork is one of the most iconic forms of street art that has been around for ages. In this form of art images or text is painted on the building using spray paint, large bubble lettering, and decorative scripts to convey messages, evoke emotions and enhance the beauty of public walls. The term “graffiti” refers to inscriptions, figure drawings, and markings that have been found on the walls of ancient sepulchers or ruins just like those in the Catacombs of Rome or at Pompeii. Graffiti formed a part of the hip-hop culture in the 1970s, it is a form of self-expression and rebellion, allowing youth from disadvantaged communities to gain recognition for their creative ideas in public spaces.
2. 3D Wall Graffiti
Designer: Joe Fafard
3D wall graffiti is also known as anamorphic art which can create an optical illusion of objects popping out from the wall and the artwork coming to life. It makes two-dimensional paintings appear like three-dimensional paintings when viewed from a specific angle. This skill is honed through artists by employing perspective, shading, and anamorphic methods through dedicated time and practice as it appeals to both young and old when exhibited in public spaces. Chalk or paint is used to create these incredible pieces of art.
3. Stencil Graffiti
Designer: selfie_stencils
Stencil Graffiti employs stencils to create images on public spaces like walls, and buildings. The artists use pre-cut templates to reproduce the same image multiple times and then use spray paint to make a clear representation of the design. This ensures faster execution and replication and is effective in communicating ideas to a broader audience in multiple locations.
4. Street Poster Art
Street poster art involves the pasting of posters in public spaces like walls, poles, or any other visible surface to stimulate public thought. The posters may display controversial or abstract visuals to give political statements or social messages to bring forth public awareness about their causes.
Note: Wheatpasting art is the technique of applying posters in public using a mixture of wheat flour or natural adhesives to water to create a paste. These posters are weather resistant in comparison to other simple paper posters.
5. Video Projection
Designer: Eye Studio
Also known as projection mapping street art, it combines the use of video projections to project images, animations, or videos on buildings or other urban surfaces to create an immersive visual experience. The biggest difference between street art is that is static and uses paint for the surface, video projection is dynamic, and special software is used to map the content on the surface, including captivating animations and colorful visuals. It is temporary and used for special events and festivals.
6. Guerrilla Art
Designer: S.c. MeRo
Guerrilla art is also known as street intervention, where impromptu and temporary installations are created in public without seeking permission. It blurs the line between art and activism, raises awareness of social issues, urges the public to question their surroundings, and transforms the urban city into an ever-changing canvas for artistic expression. Some of the innovative methods of incorporating this art include wheat pasting, sculptures, and yarn bombing that aims to disrupt the urban environment.
7. Flash Mobbing
Among the various forms of street art, the flash mob is most enjoyable as it usually involves dancing in a public space. A flash mob involves a spontaneous assembly of individuals in a public space where they perform and then disperse swiftly. The main aim of flash mobbing is to deliver entertainment, satire, or artistic expression. They usually perform in crowded places like malls, parks, and public squares to spread a message. Street plays are also a form of art where a large group wears simple costumes and use banners and posters to attract attention.
Street Installations are 3D structures made by artists that are displayed on the streets. They can be categorized as sculptures with or without historic significance and interactive or temporary art installations. These three-dimensional artworks are usually connected with political, religious, and historic belongings and are made in materials like stone, wood, metal, recycled materials, and fiber to name a few. Unlike conventional street art, street installations occupy physical space. It brings art to the public and blurs the boundaries between artwork and the urban environment. This is a beautiful form of street art as it evokes emotions and reactions from people who pass by. In addition, the installations can be interactive and invite viewers to engage with the art in unique ways. Kinetic sculptures, artworks incorporating movement often powered by natural elements or mechanical means, can be considered a form of street art. Installed in public spaces like streets, parks, and plazas, they offer engaging and interactive art experiences for passersby.
Also known as Earth Art, it aims to bridge the gap between art and nature. Environmental art is an artistic expression where artists create site-specific artworks with natural materials found in the landscape like sand, rock, water, plants, and wood. These artworks are temporary and they emerged in the 1960s and early 1970s in response to the concern about environmental issues and indicate that it is our responsibility to protect it.
This is a large-scale artwork that is painted onto the walls or public surfaces of urban cities. It’s a great way to beautify public spaces with vibrant colors and themes that cover entire walls, including realistic portraits, landscapes, or abstract designs. The different techniques used in mural art may include spray paint, rollers, brushes, or any other technique. The best part about mural art is that it reflects the local culture, tells stories, and attracts both locals and tourists who appreciate its beauty in public spaces. The impressive artworks effortlessly transform the urban landscapes into iconic landmarks of the city.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co3zKdVsRmA/
Hence, every form of street art leaves a unique impression on urban landscapes and plays a vital role in the dynamic and continuously evolving global street art movement.
There are some things that you use every day that serve a certain function and you don’t really care about what it looks like or how it’s made, as long as it does what it’s supposed to do. One of these things is the water faucet which you most likely use more than once a day (unless you’re stuck in bed and can’t get up). What if this simple piece of your life “exists beyond conventional expectations” and still does its job?
Designer: Samuel Ross for Kohler
The Formation 01 Faucet is a creation from Samuel Ross’ design studio SR_A for luxury bathroom and kitchen manufacturer Kohler. It doesn’t really look like your ordinary or even high end faucets look like. Rather, it was designed as a functional piece of sculpture that is still able to give you the water that you need when you want to use a faucet. The way it was designed is to give you a continuous sheet of water, whether you’re using it for cleaning or cooling down.
The faucet is made from an advanced composite material called Neolast, which is the proprietary material from Kohler. They were able to form it into that kind of shape since the material is able to offer “boundless form, unexpected texture, and rich, saturated colors”. It sports the color orange since it is the designer’s signature shade. Underneath the fauce is an embossed cast iron escutcheon plate to celebrate the collaboration between the brand and the designer.
The Formation 01 Faucet does look extraordinary and innovative, from the color to the seemingly-abstract shape. But what I really enjoy, at least from the product renders, is how the water comes out in a sheet, which looks and hopefully feels pretty cool (maybe literally even).
According to Einstein’s theories, understanding one’s position in the universe requires acknowledging not only the three spatial dimensions—length, width, and height—but also the fourth dimension: time. Time, in this context, isn’t merely a linear progression but an intricate dance with the cosmos. It’s an element that influences our perception of reality and, in the words of Albert Einstein, demands consideration in both space and time.
In the pursuit of transcending the mundane ticking of standard clocks, The Moving Mechanics Company introduces a new marvel to its collection of time machines. November 2023 marks the unveiling of the Time Machine SOLARIS, a creation that transcends the boundaries of conventional time-telling and introduces a poetic element to the passage of hours.
The brainchild of Florian Schlumpf, The Moving Mechanics Company weaves a whimsical and mechanical language into its kinetic masterpieces. Schlumpf, drawing inspiration from sculpture, mechanical engineering, and his passion for cycling, first captured the world’s attention in 2014 with the release of the TM1 at BaselWorld. Since then, the company’s creations have continued to provoke contemplation on humanity’s intricate relationship with time.
Named after the Latin word for sun, the TM Solaris pays homage to the powerful celestial body that guides our days. This timepiece stands out with its elaborate layers of golden wheels and orbiting components, resembling the structure of a planetary system. Crafted from aluminum and adorned with an anodized black and gold finish, the SOLARIS adds a touch of opulence and visual intricacy to any interior space.
At the core of the TM Solaris’s mesmerizing display are 36 wheels that work together to create a symphony of motion. These wheels, meticulously engineered, bring to life an intricate system of patterned gear teeth and spokes, propelling the timepiece over its midnight foundation. Three distinct metal rings elegantly denote the progression of seconds, minutes, and hours, turning time into a visual and auditory experience.
The TM Solaris stands as a sophisticated timekeeping work of art, measuring 700 x 700 x 110 mm. This timepiece, weighing 9kg, can either stand independently or be wall-mounted, offering versatility in its display. The clockwork operates on a 12V synchronous micromotor, driving the 36 wheels that power the intricate movements. The material composition of black and gold anodized aluminum further enhances the aesthetic appeal of this captivating time machine.
As The Moving Mechanics Company continues to redefine the boundaries of time-telling, the TM Solaris stands as a testament to the marriage of art and engineering, inviting observers to transcend the conventional and contemplate the fourth dimension in all its poetic glory.
