Oct
31

By

Lexus’ Bizarre One-Person Autonomous Luxury Taxi Concept

Category: Core77

Toyota is a gigantic company that serves all markets. As a reminder of that, this three-wheeled LS Micro concept by Toyota’s Lexus arm is the polar opposite, in terms of both style and function, of their IMV Origin vehicle.

The LS Micro was just unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, so at press time there was no explanatory press materials. The brief description of the concept is that it provides “autonomous chaffeur capability” to the luxury market, and that “its role is to deliver unparalleled luxury and presence, specifically handling the last mile of travel in urban areas.”

So it’s basically a single-seat people mover. And unlike autonomous taxis designed to move groups, like Amazon’s Zoox, there is no generous glazing designed to give passengers an unobstructed view of the surroundings. Instead, this being luxury-targeted, the passenger is visually shielded from the outside world, ensconced in a sort of throne with blinders.

As with most of their concepts, Lexus loses me with their design language; not being the target market, I can’t quite grasp the pastiche of angles and arbitrary forms that make up the exterior and interior.

If there’s any one design motif here, it seems to be “repeating series of parallel lines.”

From a marketing perspective, I imagine they would launch this like that Raya dating app: An exclusive version of Uber that you have to be invited to join, keeping the riffraff out.

Oct
31

By

Core77 Weekly Roundup (10-27-25 to 10-31-25)

Category: Core77

Here’s what we looked at this week:

Personomic’s 3D-printed bike saddles: A perfect match for your specific butt.

Specialty tool design: A rocket-launched rope thrower for emergency rescue.

Kohler’s new in-toilet camera for analyzing gut health.

Anduril’s AI-powered EagleEye, a new military helmet, confers video-game-like abilities.

The Mind line: Nike’s bizarre, experimental mind-body-connection-promoting footwear.

Automated drone docks for disaster relief and catching criminals.

Robotics firm Dephy’s bionic footwear is being adapted into Nike powered sneakers.

Toyo Kitchen Style’s revolutionary, gigantic kitchen sink design.

Remember the Reebok Pump? Nike’s doing that with a jacket.

Well, it’s happened. 1X is now taking pre-orders for NEO, their humanoid servant robot.

The RETRADISC, a Gen-Z-targeting transparent Bluetooth CD player, has landed in the MoMA Design Store.

A clever DIY jig for repeatable lathe work.

Toyota’s brilliant plan to sell unfinished cars. Could this model also be applied to the housing crisis?

Lexus’ bizarre one-person autonomous luxury taxi concept.

Oct
31

By

7 Best Adventure Rigs Of October 2025 Conquering Fall’s Toughest Trails

Category: YankoDesign

The call of the wild grows stronger as autumn paints landscapes in brilliant hues, beckoning outdoor enthusiasts to venture beyond familiar territories. This fall presents exceptional opportunities for adventure seekers to explore remote destinations with cutting-edge recreational vehicles designed to handle diverse terrains and weather conditions. From massive fifth wheels that accommodate entire groups to nimble pop-up trailers perfect for solo expeditions, today’s adventure-ready automotives blend rugged capability with modern comfort.

The evolution of outdoor recreation vehicles has reached new heights, offering solutions for every type of adventurer. Whether you’re planning extended expeditions through challenging backcountry or seeking comfortable basecamp setups for weekend getaways, these seven exceptional designs represent the pinnacle of adventure-ready engineering. Each vehicle addresses specific outdoor needs while maintaining the reliability and durability required for serious exploration.

1. Axiom RV Vendetta

The toy hauler market traditionally caters to rugged couples seeking remote adventures, but the Vendetta breaks convention by targeting larger groups without sacrificing luxury. Axiom RV founders, three industry veterans, designed this mammoth 47-foot fifth wheeler to accommodate football teams planning group camping experiences. The Vendetta transforms group outdoor adventures from cramped compromises into spacious celebrations of wilderness exploration.

Built on a triple-axel trailer foundation, this 22,000-pound behemoth redefines extravagant camping with residential-style amenities that sleep twelve people comfortably. The substantial real estate ensures groups never feel cramped during extended outdoor stays. While ground clearance limits serious off-road capability, the Vendetta excels as a luxurious base camp for adventure groups who prioritize comfort over navigating extreme terrain.

What we like

Sleeps 12 people with residential-style comfort and space.
Massive storage capacity for extensive group gear and supplies.

What we dislike

Limited ground clearance restricts off-road adventure potential.
Requires a heavy-duty towing vehicle and an experienced driver.

2. Two Track Campers ActionCamper X4

The Jeep Wrangler earns its reputation as the perfect foundation for serious off-road camping adventures, transforming into a fully capable motorhome through Two Track Campers’ innovative approach. This wedge-style rooftop sleeper builds upon the discontinued Action Camper design, creating a collaborative masterpiece between Colorado Camper Van and Jeep industry veteran Luke Burgess. The ActionCamper X4 targets overlanding enthusiasts, extended expedition planners, and weekend adventure seekers.

Designed specifically for JK and JL Jeep Wrangler Unlimited models, this custom-built camper replaces factory hard tops with adventure-ready accommodations. The transformation enables access to remote locations via two-track roads that challenge conventional recreational vehicles. Built for serious off-road capability, the ActionCamper X4 maintains the Wrangler’s legendary terrain-conquering abilities while adding essential camping infrastructure for extended wilderness stays.

What we like

Maintains Jeep Wrangler’s exceptional off-road capabilities.
Accessing remote locations is impossible for larger RVs.

What we dislike

Limited interior space compared to traditional campers.
Weather protection depends entirely on the camper shell’s integrity.

3. Mammoth Overland WLY Trailer

Winter camping enthusiasts finally have a dedicated solution with the Mammoth Overland WLY trailer, engineered specifically for sub-zero adventures where conventional campers surrender to harsh conditions. Retailing for $56,900 with second-quarter 2025 delivery, this build-to-order trailer earned its “Wooly” nickname from comprehensive wool insulation covering all interior walls. The specialized construction enables comfortable camping in temperatures reaching -20 °F while maintaining cozy interiors at elevations up to 8,694 feet.

The centerpiece 11,500-BTU/hour Truma VarioHeat system maintains comfortable temperatures in spaces up to 600 square feet, ensuring reliable warmth during extreme weather conditions. Advanced insulation technology creates a thermal barrier that transforms winter camping from endurance challenges into comfortable adventures. The WLY represents a significant advancement for cold-weather outdoor enthusiasts who refuse to hibernate during winter months.

What we like

Exceptional cold-weather performance down to -20°F.
High-altitude capability up to 8,694 feet in elevation.

What we dislike

Higher price points limit accessibility for budget-conscious campers.
Build-to-order model creates extended waiting periods.

4. Coachmen RVEX Electric Class B

Electric vehicle technology finally reaches adventure-ready recreational vehicles through Coachmen’s groundbreaking RVEX, built on GM’s BrightDrop delivery platform with a targeted $150,000 MSRP. The 270-mile range estimate makes electric van life accessible to environmentally conscious adventurers who previously found full EV conversions prohibitively expensive. Coachmen achieved competitive pricing through innovative partnerships with Genesis Products, incorporating lightweight materials that reduce cabinet weight by 45 percent while saving approximately 290 pounds overall.

The substantial weight reduction directly benefits range and performance, crucial factors for adventure-ready electric vehicles navigating diverse terrains and elevations. Unlike competitors like Grounded’s G3, with pricing from $165,000 to $200,000, the RVEX democratizes electric adventure travel without compromising essential functionality. The BrightDrop 600 chassis provides a robust foundation while maintaining eco-friendly credentials that align with modern outdoor ethics.

What we like

Zero emissions align with environmental stewardship values.
Lower operating costs compared to fuel-powered alternatives.

What we dislike

Limited charging infrastructure in remote adventure locations.
Range anxiety during extended backcountry expeditions.

5. Bürstner Habiton Modular Camper Van

German engineering excellence shines through Bürstner’s innovative Habiton, built on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter foundations with revolutionary sliding bathroom and collapsible dinette systems. The modular design maximizes every inch of the short-wheelbase 593-cm chassis, creating genuine living comfort for four people within under six meters total length. Embedded rails enable the sliding bathroom to move forward toward the cabin, creating space for longitudinal folding beds to extend fully for comfortable sleeping.

The Habiton features two full-length single beds in the rear with optional pop-up roof accommodations for additional sleeping capacity. This thoughtful space optimization transforms compact dimensions into surprisingly livable quarters without sacrificing essential amenities. The modular concept allows occupants to reconfigure interior layouts based on immediate needs, whether prioritizing dining space during meals or maximizing sleeping arrangements during rest periods.

What we like

Innovative modular design maximizes limited interior space.
Mercedes-Benz reliability and performance foundation.

What we dislike

Complex moving components may require frequent maintenance.
Compact dimensions limit gear storage for extended adventures.

6. Arkto Campers C10 Pop-Up Travel Trailer

Composite construction dominates Arkto Campers’ design philosophy, creating the lightweight yet durable C10 pop-up travel trailer that avoids traditional wood materials entirely. Measuring 16.5 feet, this compact adventure trailer accommodates couples comfortably while maintaining impressive towing versatility across various vehicle platforms. The composite sandwich panel body receives structural reinforcement through strategically placed aluminum tubes at critical stress points, ensuring durability without excessive weight that burdens tow vehicles on challenging terrain.

The hot-dipped galvanized steel chassis provides corrosion resistance essential for adventures in harsh environments, while laser-cut and powder-coated aluminum cabinetry maintains long-term functionality. With 71 cubic feet of integrated storage volume and 1,850 pounds of payload capacity, the C10 never forces gear compromises during hunting expeditions or extended camping adventures. The pop-up design creates surprising interior height while maintaining aerodynamic towing characteristics on highways and backcountry roads.

What we like

Lightweight composite construction enables diverse towing options.
Impressive storage capacity for compact overall dimensions.

What we dislike

The pop-up mechanism adds complexity compared to hard-sided trailers.
Limited weather protection during setup and breakdown.

7. Volkswagen Grand California

Space optimization reaches architectural levels within the Grand California’s interior, creating genuine livability that surpasses Manhattan apartment efficiency standards. Unlike traditional campers requiring constant furniture rearrangement, this vehicle establishes clear activity zones with intentional layouts that feel purposeful rather than apologetic. The design prioritizes functionality without sacrificing comfort, creating environments where extended adventures feel sustainable rather than endurance challenges requiring frequent escapes to hotels.

The standout wet bathroom represents luxury camping evolution, featuring a separate wet room with a proper shower, toilet, and space-saving fold-out wash basin. Motion sensor lighting activates automatically while proper skylight ventilation maintains freshness during extended use. Integrated shelving accommodates full-sized toiletries rather than travel-sized compromises, eliminating the plastic portable toilet experiences that haunt camping nightmares. This attention to essential comfort details transforms outdoor adventures from survival exercises into rejuvenating escapes.

What we like

Separate wet bathroom with proper shower facilities.
Optimized interior layout maximizes livable space.

What we dislike

Premium pricing limits accessibility for budget-conscious adventurers.
European sizing may challenge North American camping infrastructure.

Choosing Your Perfect Adventure Partner

This fall’s outdoor adventures demand vehicles capable of handling diverse challenges while maintaining essential comfort levels. Each design addresses specific adventure styles, from the Vendetta’s group-focused luxury to the ActionCamper X4’s extreme terrain capability. Modern adventure vehicles blend rugged reliability with thoughtful amenities, ensuring outdoor enthusiasts can pursue ambitious expeditions without sacrificing fundamental comforts.

The evolution toward specialized adventure vehicles reflects growing outdoor recreation sophistication, where enthusiasts demand equipment matching their ambitious goals. Whether pursuing remote hunting expeditions, extended overlanding journeys, or comfortable family camping experiences, these seven vehicles represent the current pinnacle of adventure-ready automotive design. Choose based on your specific adventure requirements, and prepare for unforgettable fall explorations.

The post 7 Best Adventure Rigs Of October 2025 Conquering Fall’s Toughest Trails first appeared on Yanko Design.

Oct
31

By

This $330 LEGO Goonies Set Is Pure Halloween Treasure

Category: YankoDesign

If you’ve ever dreamed about finding pirate treasure in underground caves or sliding down secret passages to escape the bad guys, you’re about to lose your mind over what LEGO just dropped. And with Halloween just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for The Goonies set (21363), a 2,912-piece tribute to skeletons, pirates, and underground adventures that practically screams spooky season.

Here’s the thing that gets me about this release. It’s not just a model you build and stick on a shelf. This is a full-blown tribute to one of the most beloved adventure movies ever made, with actual thought put into recreating those iconic moments that blend adventure with just the right amount of creepy. We’re talking about the Fratelli hideout (basically a haunted house for criminals), the terrifying boulder trap, skeleton-filled caves, and yes, One-Eyed Willy’s legendary pirate ship, the Inferno, complete with sails, treasure, and plenty of bones.

Designer: LEGO

What really makes this set special are the minifigures. All twelve of them. You get the whole gang: Mikey, Mouth, Data, Chunk, Brand, Andy, and Stef, plus Sloth in his Superman shirt, Mama Fratelli, Francis, Jake, and even One-Eyed Willy’s skeleton. Speaking of which, how perfect is it to have an actual skeleton pirate minifigure just in time for Halloween? LEGO actually created brand new elements specifically for this set, like Sloth’s pirate hat and Mama Fratelli’s hair and beret combo, which shows you the level of detail they’re committed to.

The build itself is pure genius in how it captures the movie’s spooky underground energy. One side shows the Inferno in all its glory with full sails, looking exactly like the moment when the Goonies discover it in that eerie cavern. Flip it around, and you’ve got an interactive play area with all the booby traps and secret passages that could easily double as Halloween decorations. There’s the skeleton organ where if you hit the wrong note, your minifigure falls through the floor (talk about a Halloween party trick). There’s a trap door for Data to avoid, and even a slide to the octopus from a deleted scene that superfans will totally appreciate.

At $329.99, this is definitely an investment piece. But you’re getting nearly 3,000 pieces and enough spooky detail to keep you discovering new Easter eggs every time you look at it. Think truffle shuffle references, the treasure map that started it all, and little callbacks scattered throughout the build. The underground cave aesthetic with its dark corners and hidden dangers fits perfectly with Halloween vibes, making it an ideal conversation piece for your seasonal decor.

Now here’s where it gets even better. If you’re quick and grab this set between November 1st and 7th, you’ll also score a free gift with purchase: The Walshes’ Attic set (40773). This 179-piece bonus includes minifigures of Mikey’s parents, Irving and Irene Walsh, plus a brick-built recreation of that cluttered, slightly creepy attic where the whole adventure began. You know, the scene with the dusty suit of armor, random nautical stuff everywhere, cobwebs implied, and that fateful moment when the kids discovered the treasure map behind a painting? It’s the perfect companion piece that sets up the entire story and adds another layer of atmospheric Halloween fun to your display.

What I love most about this release is how it captures that perfect blend of adventure and spookiness that makes The Goonies such a timeless film. Based on a fan submission by Delusion Brick, it shows that LEGO is actually listening to what fans want. This is the 10th and final LEGO Ideas set of 2025, and honestly, what a way to close out the year, especially launching right at the beginning of November when Halloween decorations are still fresh in everyone’s minds.

The set launches November 1st for LEGO Insiders members, with general availability starting November 4th. And yeah, it’s going to look incredible displayed on your shelf, whether you keep it up year-round or bring it out as part of your Halloween rotation. Part of the charm is in all the interactive elements: sending Sloth sliding down the mast, activating the boulder trap, playing with the skeleton organ. These aren’t just static display pieces meant to gather dust.

For anyone who grew up in the 80s or simply loves adventure movies with heart and a hint of danger, this is more than a LEGO set. It’s a trip back to that feeling of infinite possibility, of exploring dark caves with nothing but a flashlight and your courage, of believing that treasure maps really do lead somewhere magical. Goonies never say die, and clearly, neither does our love for pirates, skeletons, and Halloween adventures.

The post This $330 LEGO Goonies Set Is Pure Halloween Treasure first appeared on Yanko Design.

Oct
31

By

regenerative plan turns decaying structures into civic playgrounds on manhattan’s waterfront

Category: Design Boom

Reconfiguring Manhattan Through Building and Unbuilding

 

Constructive Deconstruction by architect Siyu Zhu examines how processes of construction and dismantling can shape new forms of public space on Manhattan’s waterfront. The project positions architecture as a transitory system rather than a fixed object, drawing from utilitarian structures such as scaffolding and fencing. These elements are reinterpreted as mediators between body, structure, and landscape.

 

Focusing on the Lower West Side, the proposal introduces two temporal interventions across distinct urban sites: the selective disassembly of the deteriorating Pier 40 and the installation of a self-assembling seasonal shelter at James J. Walker Park. Together, they establish a dialogue between permanence and impermanence, proposing architecture as an adaptable framework that supports play, movement, and civic interaction.

the interventions occur in two Lower West Side parks, Pier 40 and James J. Walker Park, two of many voids within New York City’s urban fabric | all images courtesy of Siyu Zhu

 

 

From Industrial Relic to Recreational Landscape

 

Constructed in 1962 as a terminal for the Holland America Line, Pier 40 has undergone multiple transformations, from cargo infrastructure to parking deck and sports ground. Decades of neglect have left the structure in a state of uncertainty between demolition and reuse. Constructive Deconstruction by architect Siyu Zhu engages this transitional condition by transforming partial demolition into a design strategy.

 

The intervention removes selected slabs, girders, and columns along the pier’s original expansion joints, exposing daylight to its deep interior. The resulting voids generate double-height spaces that accommodate basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. Netting and fencing trace the pier’s former facade, redefining its enclosure as a porous extension of Hudson River Park. Within this reconfigured grid, jogging paths and play surfaces emerge from the logic of the existing structure, shifting the pier’s function from industrial storage to civic recreation. Through subtraction rather than addition, the design transforms an obsolete industrial artifact into an open framework for collective use, an environment where structural memory and contemporary activity coexist.

both parks are organized around sports fields. the interventions explore how architecture regulates these fields and how the fields, in turn, guide human movement

 

 

A Device of Assembly and Disassembly

 

Located a few blocks inland, the intervention at James J. Walker Park provides a counterpoint to the pier’s deconstruction. The compact urban park, characterized by fragmented courts and aging fences, becomes the setting for a lightweight, self-assembling shelter. Formed from a scaffold frame and tensile nets, the structure adjusts to seasonal use: shading courts in summer, enclosing play areas in winter, and retracting entirely during inactive periods. Its operation follows the cyclical rhythms of urban life, enabling the park to function as a flexible social space. This system of assembly and disassembly emphasizes reversibility and reuse, expanding the park’s capacity to accommodate changing activities without permanent alteration to the landscape.

as disassembly begins, ships carry away removed elements. when excavation ends, paving and painting follow. the new emerges from the old, with marks and nets forming its architecture

 

 

Transitive Architecture for the Public Realm

 

By combining the dismantling of Pier 40 with the seasonal transformation of James J. Walker Park, Constructive Deconstruction defines architecture as an ongoing process of negotiation between structure, use, and time. Temporary and utilitarian systems, often viewed as peripheral, are reframed as spatial frameworks that support civic engagement. The project proposes an alternative model for urban design, where construction sites and residual infrastructures can become active public terrains. Through its focus on adaptability and collective use, Constructive Deconstruction situates architecture as a practice of transformation, continuously shaped by the dynamics of the city.

the repaved roof hosts basketball courts; the ground floor becomes open fields with jogging tracks, benches, and minimal rooms, all enclosed by new fences and nets forming courts and divisions

rusted hangars give way to new fences tracing their original height, dividing courts while redefining the building’s appearance with nets and enclosures

in summer, the structure becomes a handball cage, pool light posts, and spectator decks, while in winter, it disassembles, merging with the park and leaving traces that await the next season of play

the modest CLT structure acts as a theatrical prop, hosting sports and performances. its seasonal disassembly lets the handball alleys transform for new forms of play and community gathering

scaffolding and fencing are reinterpreted as spatial mediators between body and landscape.

the old and new share a syntax born from action, each exerting forces across scales. from object to building to city

transitive gestures use ordinary spatial rules to mediate people and space, forming architecture that both hosts and shapes daily life

everyday structures embody New York’s cycle of building and rebuilding, a synecdoche where each part holds the whole, and the whole resides in every part

assembly and disassembly define a new logic of flexibility and reuse

fields and courts are architectures of marks and measures, manifestations of rules shaping human action. the proposal explores how spatial devices regulate and are regulated by play

in the 1950s, Pier 40 served as a cargo terminal marked for cars and trucks, a machine infrastructure. in 2005, partial repaving revived it. now, its phased disassembly reverses its original assembly

 

project info:

 

name: Constructive Deconstruction
architect: Siyu Zhu | @siyuzzzzzzzz

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post regenerative plan turns decaying structures into civic playgrounds on manhattan’s waterfront appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Oct
31

By

Toyota’s Brilliant Plan to Sell Unfinished Cars

Category: Core77

Toyota revealed something crazy-sounding at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. (The event is currently underway, so no official press pack loaded with images has yet been released—images are sparing.) Revealed at an on-stage event, this is their IMV Origin. And yes, this is what it would look like in production:

The plan is to make the vehicle’s parts at a Toyota factory, and ship it in pieces, initially to the African market; “It is not yet assembled into a drivable car,” Toyota President Koji Sato explains. “It is the local people who assemble and complete this car.”

Why? Because doing it that way creates jobs.

“Even after [local workers] assemble it, it will still be in this state,” Sato says, indicating the unfinished vehicle. “We only build the base.” This leaves the door open for an entrepreneur to complete the vehicle according to local market needs.

Sato says that “deliberately not completing the entire process” was a challenge for the company. “As a car manufacturer, it was frustrating not to be able to build a finished car, but this is [ultimately beneficial] because people’s needs in life and work are diverse. Will this car carry passengers, or cargo? It’s up to individual customers to complete the car according to how they will use it.”

I think it’s a brilliant idea that could potentially boost local economies. And I have two further thoughts:

One is that this model would also potentially fly, I believe, in rural America. Out here where I live, it’s not uncommon to see hacked-together trucks on the road. These are often older pickups that people buy because they’re cheap, and then they customize them for functional purposes. I’ve seen work-truck Fords and Toyotas with their beds ripped off, replaced by DIY welded or wooden platforms and sidewalls that suit the user’s trade; yesterday I saw a Dodge that had a small jib crane hacked into the bed, which was loaded up with commercial air conditioners.

Two, and I’m biased here because of the work I’m currently doing in residential construction, is that I think this model could also be applied to homebuilding. There’s currently a housing crisis, and not just in America. As contractors continually migrate towards serving the rich, first-time home buyers can’t find affordable starter homes.

About 25% of the cost of a new home is the interior finishes, and of that cost, about 60% to 70% of that is labor costs. I’m not saying that laying in insulation batts, hanging drywall, painting and installing flooring is easy; but it is something that, conceivably, a dedicated DIY’er could learn to do. Maybe not beautifully, but perhaps well enough to create a functional home that they could improve over time.

In other words, if a construction company could put up a code-compliant, functional shell of a house with all of the trades-requiring mechanicals put in, a first-time buyer could conceivably complete the interior at their own pace and over time. In theory they could buy a $250,000 house for around $206,000 if they were willing to learn and do the interior finish work themselves. I think that could make a big difference for a lot of families.

Oct
31

By

please help: teary-eyed stickers on lunch boxes encourage customers to reduce food waste

Category: Design Boom

Familymart series of stickers hopes to reduce food waste

 

A series of tearful-eyed stickers on meals cry for help to encourage customers to buy them and help reduce food waste. Named the Tearful Eye Sticker by the convenience store FamilyMart, the design shows a cartoon character with teary eyes and a short message that says, ‘Please help.’ The purpose of the teary-eyed stickers is to draw the customers’ attention to them and make them realize not to waste food by buying them instead of the new stocks. These illustrations are not alone because sitting next to them are the discounted prices of the products.

 

By combining these two, the project hopes that customers become more aware that food is food, at the end of the day, and that it’s such a waste to throw it out just because they want to choose the recently stocked ones of the same kind. The teary-eyed stickers, which hope to combat food waste, were first introduced in March 2025 for the discounted items in FamilyMart, typically attached onto meal items like rice balls, sandwiches, and lunch boxes. During the national rollout, the company made small design changes by making the ‘Please Help’ text larger as well as the crying characters so they could be seen more clearly and instantly.

all images courtesy of FamilyMart

 

 

Tearful Eye Sticker design free for public use

 

In October 2024, FamilyMart ran a test in several stores using the teary-eyed stickers to see if they could reduce food waste. The company says that its results showed a 5 percent increase in purchase rate compared to the old sticker that only showed the discount amount, meaning more customers were buying meals close to expiration. Based on this, FamilyMart estimated that if the sticker were used in all stores, it could reduce food waste by around 3,000 tons per year. The company adds that the customer feedback also supported the refreshed sticker design because some said the playful label made them want to buy the food because it looked like it needed help. 

 

Based on this feedback, FamilyMart launched the project in all stores nationwide in March 2025, and in April 2025, it tested the stickers at ten stores in Tokyo. The results again showed that the sticker increased sales of discounted food and that customers said it was easier to buy food with the new sticker than with one showing only a price cut. The company added another twist to the campaign: when customers buy discounted food, a small character now appears on the cash register screen to thank them. The project expanded again in October 2025, when FamilyMart made the Tearful Eye Sticker design free for public use so that any business or store that sells expiring meals can use the teary-eyed stickers on their own and help spread the campaign to reduce overall food waste.

the design is accompanied by a short message that says, ‘Please Help’

the stickers are typically attached onto meal items like rice balls, sandwiches, and lunch boxes

the design comes with a discounted price on the side

the company says more people have bought expiring food because of the campaign

the design is free to download and for public use

 

 

project info:

 

name: Tearful Eye Sticker

company: FamilyMart | @familymartid

stickers: here

The post please help: teary-eyed stickers on lunch boxes encourage customers to reduce food waste appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Oct
31

By

‘learning from the local’ book by piers taylor links locality with new era of sustainable design

Category: Design Boom

Learning from the Local: architect Piers Taylor’s new book

 

An exploration of context-specific, locally sourced, and sustainable architecture, Learning From the Local is the new book by British architect and broadcaster Piers Taylor. As the world questions the sustainability of globalised design, a new architectural movement is gaining momentum—one that seeks not to replicate tradition but to reimagine the ‘local’ in radically contemporary ways.

 

Learning from the Local: Designing responsively for people, climate and culture, a new publication written by celebrated architect and broadcaster Dr Piers Taylor, and published by RIBA Publishing, brings together over 30 of the world’s most compelling architectural case studies to investigate this powerful shift. Far from nostalgic calls to restore lost traditions or imitate the vernacular, Learning from the Local explodes the myth that identity in architecture must be rooted in style. Instead, it focuses on how geography, geology, waste, ecology, community engagement and local making processes are shaping a new era of low-carbon, place-responsive design. These case studies, which span countries as diverse as Burkina Faso, Japan, Greece, Pakistan and Australia, represent some of the most innovative and best-resolved architectural responses to context and culture from across the globe. Featured architects include globally-recognised figures such as Frank Gehry, Glenn Murcutt, Kéré Architecture and Lina Ghotmeh, alongside a host of rising talents whose work champions new definitions of localism.

Takasugi-an by Terunobu Fujimori | image courtesy of © Edmund Sumner

 

 

Piers Taylor Redefines the Meaning of Belonging in Architecture

 

The author, Dr Piers Taylor, is an award-winning architect celebrated for his rugged, pared-back design aesthetic and hands-on approach to building. As founder of Invisible Studio, Taylor has led projects that challenge architectural conventions and embrace material experimentation. In parallel with his design work, Taylor has forged a distinguished career in broadcast media, co-presenting the acclaimed BBC Two series The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes and The House That £100k Built, among others—introducing audiences worldwide to architecture that is imaginative, resourceful and deeply contextual.

 

‘Architecture today is more plural, more situated, and more entangled than ever before. In the shifting terrain of the 21st century, the binary of local versus global has been destabilised. We inhabit a world where climate emergency, technological flux, geopolitical fragmentation, and social inequity demand new forms of architectural engagement. “Learning from the Local emerges from this context—not as a manual or doctrine, but as a set of overlapping investigations into what it means for architecture to ‘belong.’ The question is no longer ‘How should buildings speak of their place?’ but rather ‘How can they?’ This shift implies an openness to contingency, to process, and to the voices of others—human and nonhuman,’ shares Dr Piers Taylor, the author.

Ningbo Museum by Wang Shu of Amateur Architecture Studio | image courtesy of © Amateur Architecture Studio

 

 

Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Glenn Murcutt, adds ‘From the time I first met him in Sydney in 2001, Piers Taylor has always had a wonderful energy and yet his work is always beautifully simple and resolved. But his work is more than that. We share the restless search for an architecture generated by a responsibility to the land and a meaningful connection to place and its culture. He is experimenting with ideas. He is experimenting with materials that are local and unassuming. He understands how materials can be assembled; simply and without being too precious. There’s a magnificent inventive energy in what he does. Architecture must always be about experimenting with ideas, and moving them on—testing them and improving on them. When I’m asked which of my buildings is a favourite, I must always answer: the next one. I think Piers is also driven to make the next one really count.’

 

Stirling Prize-winning architect, Peter Clegg, comments ‘Piers Taylor is himself a living example of Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture. He often makes reference to the seminal 1966 text by Venturi and Scott Brown which changed the course of architectural theory and in this book the focus is on the contradiction between the global and the local. Inevitably, he concludes that we need to accept and rejoice in the ‘both/and’ rather than the ‘either/or.’ Visually rich with over 200 pages of full-colour photography, drawings and plans, Learning from the Local is both an inspirational resource for architects and a timely manifesto for how we might build more responsibly in an age of ecological and cultural complexity.

Gando Primary School by Kéré Architecture | image courtesy of © Erik-Jan Ouwerkerk

Reggio School by Andrés Jaque | image courtesy of © José Hevia

Sanjaynagar Slum Redevelopment Project by Community Design Agency | image courtesy of © Rajesh Vora

House in an Olive Grove by Invisible Studio | image courtesy of © Piers Taylor

Amateur studio by Invisible Studio | image courtesy of © Piers Taylor

East Quay Watchet by Invisible Studio | image courtesy of © Jim Stephenson

Tecla House by Mario Cucinella Architects | image courtesy of © Iago Corazza

Collage House by S+PS Architects | image courtesy of © S+PS Architects

La Borda Lacol Aquitectura Cooperativa | image courtesy of © LLuca Miralles

Learning From the Local cover | image courtesy of © RIBA Publishing and Piers Taylor

 

project info:

 

name: Learning from the Local: Designing responsively for people, climate and culture
author: Piers Taylor – Invisible Studio | @invisible_studio

publisher: RIBA Publishing

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post ‘learning from the local’ book by piers taylor links locality with new era of sustainable design appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Oct
31

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New Film Camera With LiDAR Autofocus Brings Modern Tech to 35mm

Category: YankoDesign

Film photography is having a renaissance, but most point-and-shoots on the market are either vintage relics with unpredictable quirks or new models that miss the tactile magic of analog shooting entirely. For anyone who wants the joy of film with the reliability of modern tech, the search can feel endless and frustrating. Most cameras force you to choose between nostalgia and convenience, never delivering both at once.

The Analogue aF-1 camera bridges that gap by blending the best of both worlds into one compact package designed for modern film shooters. With classic looks, a fast 35mm f/2.8 lens, and digital features like LiDAR autofocus and automatic film handling, it’s a camera that makes every shot feel intentional and every moment easier to capture without the usual hassles. The aF-1 brings together decades of camera evolution successfully.

Designer: Analogue

The aF-1’s minimalist, matte-finished body is inspired by iconic compacts of the past like the Olympus Mju and Contax T series, but it’s newly manufactured with modern materials and a robust, splashproof build rated IPX4 for weather resistance. The 35mm f/2.8 lens with its 6-element Double Gauss optical design delivers sharp images and pleasing depth, while the Albada viewfinder and two-stage shutter make framing and focusing intuitive.

Its compact size and rounded edges make it easy to slip into a bag or pocket, ready for spontaneous street shots or travel adventures wherever creativity strikes unexpectedly. The splash resistance means light rain or coastal spray won’t stop you from shooting during outdoor adventures, and the robust build stands up to daily carry and occasional bumps without requiring excessive care or bulky protective cases.

The real magic is in how the camera mixes analog charm and digital reliability seamlessly throughout the shooting experience. LiDAR and Time-of-Flight sensors power fast, accurate autofocus from 0.5 meters to infinity, so you never miss a fleeting moment even in tricky light conditions where vintage cameras would struggle. The automatic film loader, advance, and rewind mean you can focus on shooting compositions, not fiddling with film mechanics.

The GN8 flash recycles in as little as half a second between shots, with physical toggles for Auto, Forced, Anti Red-eye, Nightmode, and Off modes, giving you full manual control in any lighting situation you encounter. The fast recycle time means you’re always ready for the next shot without waiting around impatiently, and the flash reaches up to three meters at ISO 100 for properly lit group shots.

The aF-1 uses standard 35mm film with DX-coded ISO support from 25 to 5000 and is powered by a widely available CR123A battery that’s easy to find anywhere in the world. The shutter speed ranges from 1/1000 to 4 seconds for creative flexibility across different lighting scenarios. A 10-second self-timer and focus/exposure lock add creative options for group shots or experimental long exposures during golden hour.

Shooting with the aF-1 is about slowing down and savoring each frame, but without the headaches of vintage gear that breaks or requires constant servicing and repair from specialists. The camera’s blend of analog feel and digital reliability makes film photography less intimidating and more rewarding for newcomers while giving experienced shooters the dependability they need for important moments worth preserving forever on physical film.

The post New Film Camera With LiDAR Autofocus Brings Modern Tech to 35mm first appeared on Yanko Design.

Oct
31

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selgascano composes transparent seaside café from three parallel glass volumes in china

Category: Design Boom

selgascano’s chiringuito café bridges pine forest and sea in china

 

Between a dense black pine forest and the vast shoreline of Rizhao, China, Chiringuito Café, also known as Coffee and Sea Cafeteria, by Selgascano offers a pause between two natural worlds. Conceived as a transparent bridge between forest and sea, the 690-square-meter structure distills the architects’ signature play with light, color, and permeability into a quiet, reflective space that almost vanishes within its setting.

 

Three elongated glass rectangles, slightly stepped and aligned parallel to the sea, compose the building, forming a sequence of open, transparent spaces suspended just above the sand. Each of the three volumes is elevated at different levels, rising in 70-centimeter increments from the forest side toward the water. This simple topographic gesture organizes the program of the café while preserving unobstructed views of both the pine canopy and the horizon line. At just 6.8 meters above the ground, the section maintains an intimate scale, framing the landscape. Sliding doors on both sides allow the interior to dissolve entirely into the beach, bringing in the salt air.

all images © Iwan Baan | @iwanbaan

 

 

reflections turn architecture into landscape

 

The client commissioned Selgascano to design a new venue that would anchor this coastal site in China, long cluttered by unplanned constructions. Apart from a new café, the brief called for a reorganization of the area, a visual and spatial cleanup that could restore the link between nature and architecture. 

 

The ceiling and sunshades, crafted from recycled aluminum tubes painted in five colors, extend the chromatic rhythm of the building outward, filtering light and infusing the glass structure with a sense of play and vibrancy characteristic of the Madrid-based architecture duo’s work. 

 

Viewed from the beach, the café nearly disappears, as its glass surfaces reflect the forest and sky until the landscape itself becomes the architecture. Only the soft hues of the aluminum sunshades and the movement of people within betray its presence. As the architects note, they affectionately called the project Chiringuito, recalling the informal beach bars found along the Spanish coast, simple, open-air structures that host seaside life.

Chiringuito Café, also known as Coffee and Sea Cafeteria, by Selgascano offers a pause between two natural worlds

elongated glass rectangles, slightly stepped and aligned parallel to the sea, compose the building

the 690-square-meter structure distills the architects’ signature play with light, color, and permeability

a reflective space that almost vanishes within its setting

a transparent bridge between forest and sea

a sequence of open, transparent spaces suspended just above the sand

the ceiling and sunshades are crafted from recycled aluminum tubes and painted in five colors

color infuses the glass structure with a sense of play

viewed from the beach, the café nearly disappears

the architects called the project Chiringuito, recalling the informal beach bars found along the Spanish coast

 

project info:

name: Chiringuito Café

architects: Selgascano | @selgascano

location: Rizhao Beach, Shandong Province, China

site area: 1,200 square meters (12,917 square feet)

total floor area: 690 square meters (7,427 square feet)

 

principals: José Selgas & Lucía Cano

project team: Paolo Tringali, Ying Zhu, Justo Díaz, Inés Olavarrieta

client: Bailuwan Town Development

photographer: Iwan Baan | @iwanbaan

The post selgascano composes transparent seaside café from three parallel glass volumes in china appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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