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Bell & Ross BR-X3 Black Titanium and Blue Steel watches make rollicking debut

Bell & Ross has a deep-rooted fascination for distinct square case watches designed for aviators. These are inspired by aircraft instrument panels and have been highly regarded in the BR 01 and, of course, the BR 03 models. Now, the French-Swiss watchmaker is growing its commitment to the design legacy with the launch of two new watches: the BR-X3 Black Titanium and Blue Steel.

Landing with the same circle within a square aesthetic, the BR-X3 does add a sophisticated and contemporary touch to the otherwise iconic design. What has changed: the case shape perfected for years now comes in titanium and steel versions, which are outrightly unlike and will appeal to a different set of people. This we say not just because of the choice of materials, but the distinct color choices on offer as well.

Designer: Bell & Ross

The style and substance

BR-X3 Black Titanium, as the name would suggest, features a microblasted titanium case. The case is paired with a matte black dial, which complements the similarly colored sandwich construction that resides between two plates forming the case. The BR-X3 Blue Steel, on the other hand, comprises a stainless steel case housing with a blue dial that has a polished finish and a sunburst flair.

Both the variants feature a 41mm case, which is ideal for the square cases that generally wear large. Coming back to the sandwiched construction, the watches have two main plates; one forming the top casing, while the other forms part of the caseback. Between the two plates – held together firmly by four screws each – is the watch-color complementing layer, which adds style and depth to the otherwise straightforward design.

The power and pricing

The dial on either of the BR-X3 Black Titanium and Blue Steel, is not very complicated. You may expect a chronograph and a skeletonized dial, but it is pretty simple and to the point. You get an analog power reserve at 9 o’clock and an altimeter-like date counter at 3. Hours, minutes and seconds are the other elements on the dial, irrespective of your color choice. Of course, the large crown – also sandwiched between the two plates – with ‘&’ logo is pleasing, what you cannot help but notice is a black or blue (depending on the watch color) rim just below the round bezel.

The BR-X3 is powered by an in-house BR-CAL.323 mechanical movement. Developed in collaboration with Kenissi, it is a COSC-certified movement with a very promising 70 hours of power reserve. The caseback of the watch is also as interesting as the dial or case. The see-through caseback reveals a working open-worked rotor, which is visually appealing. The watch is 100m water resistant, and comes paired to a black rubber strap matching the watch color. The BR-X3 starts at $8,300.

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Retro-inspired Paint Mirror brings Microsoft Paint to your reflection

How you feel when you see the iconic Windows Paint interface probably depends on how old you are. If it brings a certain sense of nostalgia, you were already a human being at that time. If it makes you curious about what it is, then you have obviously never encountered it. If it brings a certain terror to your heart, then you were probably that student who dreaded computer class and didn’t do well while using MS Paint (that student was me). Since nostalgic design is just about everywhere, it’s no surprise we’re getting this mirror now.

The Paint Mirror brings this well-known (to a certain generation) interface to life as a functional wall piece, blending vintage digital charm with modern interior design. Handcrafted by Etsy seller RaffySculptures, the mirror features bold, pixel‑style borders in vivid color blocks that echo the classic MS Paint palette . Available in three sizes (30 × 40 cm, 60 × 90 cm, and 80 × 120 cm) it fits a range of spaces, from compact home offices to larger living‑room walls.

Designer Name: RaffySculptures

A real glass surface provides a clear reflection, while the matte vinyl‑wrapped frame offers a soft, non‑glossy texture that reduces glare and enhances the pixelated aesthetic . The lightweight construction makes the mirror easy to move, allowing homeowners to experiment with placement without the hassle of heavy glass . Each piece is carefully packaged for safe shipping, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Paint Mirror taps into a broader trend of nostalgic décor that celebrates early computer graphics. Millennials and Gen X consumers, who grew up with Windows Paint as a creative outlet, often seek items that evoke those formative experiences. By incorporating pixel art into everyday objects, the mirror transforms a simple functional item into a conversation starter that bridges past and present . Interior designers are increasingly recommending such pieces to add personality to minimalist spaces, using the mirror’s bold colors to create focal points without overwhelming the room.

For those interested in adding a touch of pixel nostalgia to their décor, the Paint Mirror offers a blend of affordability, craftsmanship, and cultural relevance. Its distinctive design makes it suitable for home offices, gaming rooms, or any space that benefits from a splash of retro color. Now that “mirrortok” is a thing on TikTok, then you can join the trend by having this unique mirror. Oh and apparently, MS Paint type of social media art cards is also trending now, so this will feel right at home.

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DIYer puts PS5 into briefcase with its own display so you can carry it in 16-in laptop bag

The PlayStation 5 wasn’t designed to be portable. But that isn’t stopping a YouTuber from making it mobile. By stripping down an old console, modifying it with custom components, and enclosing it in a 3D-printed, briefcase-like shell complete with its own display, the DIYer has turned the PS5 into an all-in-one device that you can carry around almost as easily as a laptop.

The primary reason the PS5 is not all that mobile is its weight, which is largely due to its oversized cooling system that has to work restlessly to manage 200W of power consumption by the console. This is nearly thrice the power consumption of the PS4 and managing it isn’t as easy. The DIYer has been able to downsize the heat sink and custom-build a fan to manage the power in a portable unit, which you can carry around.

Designer: Tera

Japanese modder Tera, who runs his own YouTube channel, has been into remodelling PlayStations before. His previous iteration with a 17-inch display was anything but portable. The purpose of the latest iteration was to demonstrate how small a PS5 could be without significantly altering its existing hardware components. Therefore, he has built a PS5 with a 15.6-inch display. The body of the mobile contraption measures just 357 × 224 × 53 mm and weighs 2.8 kg, which is like 60% reduction in the weight and size.

The full detailed video of how Tera has been able to make this device is included above. It will give you a step-by-step idea of how to go about making a portable PS5, should you think of giving your console a new body and appearance. The entire unit is primarily based on the original motherboard ripped out of an old PS5. It determines the size of the ultimate build, which Tera has actually built around, making only slight modifications to the motherboard.

This primarily includes attaching a new head sink and a custom-built 3D printed fan. Miniaturization of the cooling system had a major impact on the size. In his previous version, Tera used the stock cooler of the PS5, which meant that it was not possible to scale down the size from the original console. Besides, the portable device has been integrated with LCD display, dual internal speakers, a headphone jack, USB-A ports, and a digital heat monitor. Placed just next to the power button, this monitor keeps you privy of the internal temperature at all times.

Tera has used an aluminum plate to hold the fan and motherboard. This is used to dissipate heat from other parts of the PS5 motherboard than the APU. The entire hardware system is housed inside a customized 3D printed enclosure, and a 15.6-inch display is placed on it. The result is a portable game console smaller than the original PS5. Weighing only 2.8 kg and being only the size of its display, the portable PS5 can fit into a laptop bag to carry without any hassle. Only the power cord is required to be carried alongside.

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Top 5 Wearables Designed to Keep You Cool In Hot Weather

In rising temperatures, cooling wearables offer a smart solution to beat the heat. With global temperatures increasing, even regions that were once cool year-round are now facing hotter, more prolonged summers, making personal cooling devices more relevant than ever. Designed for daily wear, work, or outdoor activities, these devices help manage body temperature and reduce heat-related discomfort. Studies indicate that this market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.8% from the year 2025-2034.
Whether it’s a pocket air conditioner, cooler strap, or cooling blanket, each product provides portable relief and enhances comfort in a warming world.

1. Wearable Air Conditioner

Wearable air conditioners are compact, lightweight devices designed to provide personal cooling by being worn around the neck or upper body. They use technologies like the Peltier effect and integrated fans to deliver targeted temperature regulation directly to the skin. The Peltier effect involves using an electric current to transfer heat between two surfaces, creating a cooling sensation on one side. These devices are ideal for staying comfortable during commutes, outdoor activities, or extended time in warm environments.

Some advanced models include sensors that automatically adjust cooling or warming based on the wearer’s body temperature. With features like cooling plates and directed airflow, they ensure a consistent, customised experience. Wearable air conditioners offer a practical, portable solution for managing heat on the go.

The TORRAS Coolify 3 is a next-generation wearable air conditioner designed to deliver fast, targeted cooling wherever you go. Worn comfortably around the neck, it features a significantly expanded 14,388 mm² cooling area. Equipped with high-efficiency semiconductors and four high-speed fans, it channels cool air to the front and back of the neck, addressing the most heat-sensitive zones on the body.

Built for performance and comfort, the Coolify 3 includes three additional airflow channels and two rear outlets, ensuring comprehensive cooling coverage. The ergonomic design accommodates various neck sizes with flexible, wide angles and smart airflow direction that avoids the ears. Whether for outdoor activities or daily commutes, the Coolify 3 redefines portable cooling with intelligent engineering and all-day comfort.

2. Cooling Blankets

A cooling blanket is designed to help regulate body temperature during sleep by either drawing heat away from the body or enhancing airflow to maintain a cooler sleeping environment. These blankets are made from breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or moisture-wicking synthetics that help in evaporating sweat and prevent overheating.

Some advanced cooling blankets incorporate phase change materials (PCMs) or jade particles that absorb body heat and release it gradually to stabilise temperature. Their woven structure often allows for better air circulation, reducing heat buildup. Together, these features promote a more comfortable and restful sleep, especially in warmer climates.

The Infinity Cool Blanket redefines comfort with its advanced cooling technology wrapped in the form of a soft, breathable blanket. Designed to reduce body temperature by up to 15°C, it uses high-performance cooling fibres that absorb and dissipate heat instantly. These fibres are responsive to body heat and moisture, activating a cooling effect that mimics the feel of an air-conditioned room, without the need for electricity. Built-in insulation blocks external heat while wicking away sweat, keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable throughout the night.

Perfect for indoor and outdoor use, this lightweight blanket offers maximum airflow without feeling heavy or restrictive. Its stretchable, anti-bacterial fabric remains fresh for weeks and is machine washable for easy care. Quick-drying and pill-resistant, the Infinity Cool Blanket stays soft after every wash and offers portable cooling comfort with its compact pouch that is perfect for home, travel, or outdoor use.

3. Wearable Cooler Straps

One can experience instant relief from heat with wearable cooler straps, a sleek hands-free solution designed for on-the-go comfort. These ergonomic straps wrap comfortably around the shoulders or neck and use advanced cooling technology to help lower body temperature. They are ideal for workouts, outdoor activities, travel, or everyday use in warm environments.

Lightweight and discreet, cooler straps often come with adjustable fits, rechargeable batteries, and multiple cooling levels for personalised comfort. Some versions include phase-change materials or built-in fans to enhance temperature regulation. Designed for convenience and performance, they help you stay cool, refreshed, and focused throughout the day.

The Torras Coolify Zone is a compact, waist-worn cooling device that delivers powerful, targeted relief in hot weather. Using dual centrifugal fans and phase change materials (PCMs), it cools your torso by up to 18°F by blowing air upward and absorbing body heat. Designed for outdoor comfort, it’s ideal for jogging, hiking, camping, or simply staying cool during summer activities. The built-in 4000mAh battery offers 5 to 15 hours of use, and the USB-C port makes recharging simple and convenient. Three adjustable modes let you control the cooling intensity to match your needs.

For maximum effectiveness, the Coolify Zone is best worn under clothing, allowing the fabric to trap and direct airflow across your body. The device includes an adjustable belt, a touch-sensitive control panel, and a standby button for ease of use during intense heat.

4. Pocket Air Conditioner

A pocket air conditioner is a compact, wearable device designed to regulate body temperature by offering cooling and heating functions. It typically fits into a special garment, such as a V-neck undershirt, and utilizes thermoelectric technology based on the Peltier effect to create a temperature difference without the use of traditional refrigerants.

Designed for on-the-go comfort, these devices are worn near the neck or back to deliver targeted relief. Advanced models may feature sensors that detect temperature, humidity, and motion, automatically adjusting to your environment and activity level. Ideal for commuters, travellers, or daily use, they offer personalized climate control in any setting.

One can stay comfortable in any climate with Sony’s compact, wearable air conditioner that is designed to regulate body temperature on the go. Lightweight and discreet, it fits at the base of the neck using a specially designed undershirt and uses thermoelectric technology to cool one down by up to 13°C or warm up by 8°C. Ideal for hot, humid days or unexpected chills, it offers silent, efficient performance without the bulk of traditional cooling devices.

Easily controlled via Bluetooth through a mobile app, it allows one to set the preferred temperature or switch to automatic mode for hands-free adjustment. Weighing just 85 grams, it’s perfect for daily commutes, outdoor activities, or short trips. The device is powered by a USB-C port, and while the battery lasts around two hours per charge, it’s sufficient for errands, breaks, or brief outdoor use.

5. Wearable Fans

One can stay cool and comfortable wherever they go with wearable fans, which is a hands-free, portable solution for beating the heat. Designed to rest around the neck or clip onto clothing, these lightweight devices deliver a refreshing breeze without interrupting your daily routine. Ideal for outdoor activities, travel, workouts, or commuting, they offer cooling relief on demand.

Most wearable fans feature multiple speed settings, long-lasting rechargeable batteries, and quiet operation for discreet use. Some models also include bladeless technology or integrated air purification, combining safety with smart functionality. Compact yet powerful, wearable fans are the perfect companion for hot days on the move.

The blö is a compact and wearable cooling device designed to keep one comfortable in hot and humid conditions. Lightweight and discreet, it clips easily onto the chest, back, or waistband without interfering with one’s outfit or movement. It works by drawing air through a honeycomb-patterned top, passing it over peppermint essential oils, and releasing it downward onto the skin to create a refreshing cooling effect. Ideal for workouts, daily commutes, or outdoor activities, it helps prevent sweat buildup and keeps the body feeling fresh throughout the day.

What sets the blö apart is its dual functionality. In cooler or rainy months, simply replace the peppermint with lemongrass or citronella essential oils to enjoy natural mosquito repellent benefits. The device runs for 4 to 8 hours, depending on the fan speed, and recharges fully in just 90 minutes via MicroUSB. Stylish, versatile, and season-ready, the blö offers portable comfort whenever and wherever you need it.

As climate conditions become more extreme, cooling wearables play an important role in personal comfort and safety. With growing innovations in materials and design, they offer practical, sustainable solutions for staying cool on the go.

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wooden furniture pieces, banca tres and silla cuatro, interact with space, materiality, and light

A Dialogue Between Space, Materiality and Light

 

In southern Mexico City, within a double-height concrete house designed by OW Arquitectos, two furniture pieces by Omar Wade, Banca Tres (Bench Three) and Silla Cuatro (Chair Four), investigate the relationship between space, materiality, and light. The residence, characterized by skylights and large windows, provides the setting for this dialogue, framing the interaction of furniture and architecture.

 

Together, the two wooden pieces present an exploration of scale and construction. Rather than functioning as static objects, they actively engage their surroundings, responding to light, spatial context, and the passage of time.

all images by Mariana Achach

 

 

Bench Three and Chair Four by Omar Wade

 

Banca Tres combines wood craftsmanship with living elements. Constructed from tzalam wood (120 × 40 × 44 cm), its surface incorporates a circular opening (18 cm in diameter, 25 cm deep) designed to hold a clay planter (17 × 55 cm). The integrated planting element transforms the bench into an evolving object that changes over time, linking furniture with natural growth.

 

Chair Four, influenced by the Oaxacan coast, employs parota wood sourced from the region. OW arquitectos’ designer Omar Wade conceives the chair as a precise cube (60 × 60 × 60 cm). Its seat and backrest are formed from 3 mm-thick steel sheets with narrow side flanges, joined to wooden legs with stainless steel bolts. The result is a composition that balances rigidity with a degree of visual permeability.

Bench Three and Chair Four by Omar Wade explore materiality in space

the furniture pieces interact with light inside a concrete house in Mexico City

Banca Tres in the double-height space under the house’s main dome, which illuminates the center of the staircase

Banca Tres integrates wood with a living planter element.

Silla Cuatro standing on the concrete terrace

Silla Cuatro interacting with light in the main concrete hallway

Silla Cuatro’s details of the seat and backrest

geometry and materiality define Silla Cuatro’s composition

designer Omar Wade with Silla Cuatro

 

project info:

 

name: Banca Tres and Silla Cuatro
architect: Omar Wade – OW arquitectos | @owarquitectos.com.mx

photographer: Mariana Achach | @achachmariana

 

 

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

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bamboo-woven spherical installation by cheng tsung feng shapes meeting dome in taiwan

Meeting Dome reinterprets Taiwanese bamboo chair weaving

 

Cheng Tsung FENG’s Meeting Dome is a large-scale spherical installation in Fugang, Taoyuan, that reinterprets the weaving technique of the traditional Taiwanese bamboo chair. The project continues the artist’s exploration of artisanal practices, translating everyday craft into spatial form.

 

The installation expands the chair’s woven seat into a monumental structure. Thin bamboo strips are layered in parallel and extended across a hexagonal metal framework, producing a continuous lattice surface. The composition recalls the Chinese character for ‘person’ (人), emphasizing both structural balance and human connection.

all images by FIXER Photographic Studio

 

 

Feng’s Open Bamboo Sphere encourages gathering and reflection

 

The open geometry keeps the sphere permeable from all sides, encouraging visitors to move through, gather, and interact. As light filters through the bamboo layers, shifting patterns of shadow animate the ground and create shaded areas beneath the dome. Inside, bamboo stools are arranged in varied groupings and heights around a central planting of local Taoyuan vegetation. This spatial layout invites pause and interaction, recalling the informal ways neighbors once gathered on bamboo chairs in village streets, under trees, and in alleyways.

 

By magnifying a familiar household object, artist Cheng Tsung FENG’s Meeting Dome transforms a utilitarian craft into an architectural experience. The interplay of bamboo and metal merges tactile materiality with structural clarity, while the installation as a whole reflects on memory, community, and the role of everyday objects in shaping shared space.

Meeting Dome by Cheng Tsung FENG rises as a bamboo-woven sphere in Fugang

the installation reinterprets the weaving of traditional Taiwanese bamboo chairs

bamboo stools are placed in varied groupings and heights

thin bamboo strips extend across a hexagonal metal framework

parallel bamboo layers form a continuous lattice surface

the dome remains permeable, inviting visitors from all sides

craft and architecture merge in the magnified bamboo weave

a central planting of Taoyuan vegetation anchors the space

everyday craft is translated into monumental spatial form

geometry and material emphasize balance and connection

light filters through bamboo, casting shifting shadows on the ground

the project bridges memory, material, and communal interaction

seating arrangements encourage rest and interaction

a humble chair becomes an architectural experience of light and space

 

project info:

 

name: Meeting Dome

artist: Cheng Tsung FENG | @chengtsungfeng

location: Fugang, Taoyuan, Taiwan

materials: bamboo, wood, lacquered iron, LED lighting

 

project design: Chan-Wei HSU
design team: Sheng WANG, Hung Lin LIU, Ying Chun WENG, Che Wei CHANG, Wei Che HUANG, Hsing Chien CHIEN, Jui Yi CHIEN
structural analysis: Chien Chuan Engineering Consulting Co.
construction: Weige Interior
painting: Crown Paint Waterproof Engineering
lighting design: Oude Light
lighting engineer: Beamtec Lighting

organizer: Taoyuan City Government, Taiwan Railways Administration
adviser: Taoyuan City Council
executive units: Vision Management Consultants Inc., Fengshe Cai Co., Ltd., Hegu Creative Integration Marketing Co., Ltd.
curator: Hui-Lan CHANG

photographer: FIXER Photographic Studio | @fixer_photographic_studio

 

 

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

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Masterpiece Story: September by Limbourg Brothers

The post Masterpiece Story: September by Limbourg Brothers appeared first on DailyArt Magazine.

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This Game-changing Suitcase Handle Holds Your Coffee, Your Phone, and Your Jacket

Picture this: you’re sprinting through Frankfurt airport with a connecting flight in 20 minutes, your laptop bag is sliding off your shoulder, your coffee is getting cold in your death grip, and you need to fish out your boarding pass from somewhere deep in your carry-on. Meanwhile, your suitcase is doing absolutely nothing to help except rolling behind you like a faithful but useless dog. This scenario plays out thousands of times daily across airports worldwide, and yet most luggage companies seem content to just make their bags shinier or add another zipper pocket. It’s a design failure we’ve all just accepted.

A Colorado-based company named 4MYTU, a clever play on the phrase “for my tour,” seems to have taken this stagnation personally. Their Tank series of luggage presents itself as a direct, almost aggressive, response to these common travel grievances. More than simply slapping a new color or adding another superfluous pocket, it’s a ground-up attempt to infuse genuine, user-centric problem-solving into a product category long dominated by brand prestige and aesthetics. The Tank Carry-On (20″), Bigger Tank Carry-On (22″), and Tank Trunk (27″) each tackle specific pain points with solutions that feel obvious once you see them, which is usually the hallmark of genuinely smart design.

Designer: Sam

Click Here to Buy Now.

Colorado winters probably teach you a thing or two about building stuff that won’t fall apart when stressed, and 4MYTU’s approach reflects that pragmatic mindset. The Tank Carry-On starts at 20 inches with a polycarbonate shell that boasts twice the impact resistance of ABS plastic, which matters when baggage handlers treat your stuff like a shot put. The 100% recycled polycarbonate construction sounds nice for your environmental conscience, but the real benefit is durability: this material can flex without cracking, meaning your shell stays intact even after getting tossed around cargo holds. Weight clocks in around 2.5-3kg for the 20-inch model, which puts it in the heavier camp compared to ultra-light alternatives, but you’re getting serious structural integrity in return. The trade-off makes sense if you’ve ever had a lightweight bag crack at the worst possible moment.

Let’s begin with the most obvious rethink, which is how you get into the thing. Traditional clamshell suitcases force you to splay your entire life open on the floor, an act that feels both public and spatially inefficient in a tiny hotel room. The Tank Carry-On models (the 20 and 22-inch) feature a front-opening lid with a dedicated, padded laptop compartment. This is a design choice rooted in pure user empathy. It means you can breeze through airport security without performing luggage surgery, grabbing your tech with one smooth motion. The 27-inch Trunk also opens from the front, forgoing the laptop sleeve for a deep, single-cavity packing space that’s far easier to access in tight quarters than a 50/50 split design.

Then there’s the handle, which has perhaps been the weakest link and perhaps the least-innovated feature on most trolley bags. For as long as we’ve had rolling bags, the telescoping handle has done exactly one job, and it’s never done it with much flair. The team at 4MYTU created a patented, multi-function handle that feels almost offensively practical. It integrates a stable cup holder, a built-in phone or tablet stand for watching media on the go, and a pair of deployable hooks for hanging anything you’d like to get off your hands, whether it’s a shopping bag from an impulse buy at the duty free store, a jacket that you plan on wearing in-flight, or even a tote that you want to keep on you as a carry-on but don’t want to carry as you navigate the airport. This is the kind of elegant engineering that solves a dozen little travel headaches in one fell swoop, freeing up your hands to deal with tickets, kids, or just the existential dread of a flight delay.

Most suitcase wheels are a noisy, clattering afterthought, cheap plastic discs that catch on every crack in the pavement. 4MYTU went in a completely different direction, outfitting the Tank series with 360-degree skateboard wheels. These are not just a stylistic choice; they house double bearings for enhanced stability and a dual shock absorption system to create a smoother glide over uneven surfaces. The outer wheel layer is a soft polyurethane, which the company claims reduces rolling noise by at least 20 percent. The result is a suitcase that feels like it’s floating, moving silently and effortlessly even when it’s packed to the gills using its 35 percent expansion feature.

As mentioned before, the shell itself is made of 100% polycarbonate, a material choice that will resonate with anyone who geeks out on industrial design. Inside, the story continues with a lining made from recycled RPET fabric, with each suitcase giving a new life to approximately 15 plastic soda bottles. This soft-touch fabric is GRS-certified, antibacterial, and moisture-resistant, showing a commitment to durability that extends all the way to the interior materials.

The IDEA award-winning 22-inch “Bigger Tank Carry-On” carves out a particularly useful niche. It’s engineered to hit the sweet spot for frequent flyers, maximizing every possible inch of packing space while still adhering to most domestic and international carry-on size limits. It does have a notable weight of 8.6 pounds, or about 3.9 kilograms. This is where the inevitable trade-off occurs. You receive incredibly robust construction, that brilliant multi-function handle, and convenient front access, but you sacrifice the feather-light profile of more minimalist brands. For travelers who prioritize functional features and long-term durability over shaving off every last ounce, it is a very compelling and logical proposition.

For those embarking on longer journeys, the 27-inch Tank Trunk scales the concept up beautifully. It logically sheds the front laptop pocket, an unnecessary feature for a checked bag, but wisely retains the front-opening design for much easier unpacking in a hotel room. A particularly clever feature is the set of raised protective strips on the back of the case. This simple addition prevents the pristine polycarbonate shell from getting scuffed or dirty when you inevitably lay the suitcase flat. When you deploy the expansion zipper, its internal volume becomes comparable to that of a standard 30-inch suitcase. This is a serious piece of equipment for people who need to pack for a week or more and expect their gear to arrive unscathed.

Beyond the headline features, a host of smaller details reveal a deep commitment to the user experience. The TSA-approved lock uses a one-touch open mechanism that is friendly to your fingernails. The zippers are a double-layer, anti-explosion design that is also “pen-proof” to deter casual theft. The telescoping handle offers five different height levels, making it comfortable even for taller travelers. A built-in port supports both USB-A and USB-C charging, connected to your own power bank stowed inside. Even the bottom of the suitcase has an integrated groove, providing a crucial handhold when lifting the bag into an overhead bin or the trunk of a car.

The redesign occurs not just on a physical level, but a broad sustainable level too – the exterior and interior are both made from recycled materials, and for the outer shell, the molding process at the factory is reportedly powered entirely by solar energy. 4MYTU states that the production of one suitcase saves approximately 37 kilograms of CO2. Perhaps most importantly for the product’s lifecycle, the wheels are designed to be easily replaceable by the user. This simple, repair-focused decision elevates the suitcase from a potentially disposable item to a long-term, maintainable travel companion, representing a practical and meaningful approach to reducing waste.

So, does the 4MYTU Tank series represent the next evolution of luggage? It feels like a significant and confident step in that direction. It avoids the trap of trying to completely reinvent the form factor, instead focusing on meticulously re-engineering every single point of interaction. Every design choice feels deliberate and deeply rooted in solving the real, nagging frustrations of modern travel. The 20-inch Tank Carry-On and the 22-inch model are priced in the neighborhood of $340 and $345, respectively, while the capacious 27-inch Tank Trunk commands a price of $435. This places the luggage firmly in competition with other design-forward, direct-to-consumer brands that have captured the market’s attention.

Click Here to Buy Now.

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Zaha Hadid Architects’ 3D-Printed marine habitat is new standard for ocean restoration

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has turned its signature fluid forms into a living solution for the fragile waters of Hong Kong’s North Lantau Marine Park. The project, called Nereid, is a digitally fabricated marine habitat that uses large‑scale 3D printing to create reef‑like structures designed to boost biodiversity and protect endangered species such as the Chinese White Dolphin.

The concept emerged from a partnership between ZHA, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and local marine scientists. By translating complex, organic geometries into printable models, the team produced a prototype that was unveiled at the World Design Congress in London earlier this year . The structure is made from a marine‑grade, pH‑neutral material that encourages the settlement of algae, filter‑feeding shellfish and other foundational organisms, thereby creating a food chain that supports higher‑level marine life.

Designer Name: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)

What makes Nereid distinct from traditional artificial reefs is its precision engineering. Advanced additive manufacturing allows the habitat to incorporate internal cavities and surface textures that mimic natural coral formations, offering shelter and breeding grounds for fish and invertebrates. The design also acts as a physical barrier against bottom‑trawling, a destructive fishing practice that scrapes the seabed and devastates ecosystems.

Beyond ecological benefits, the project showcases how high‑tech architecture can address urgent environmental challenges. ZHA’s Design Director Christos Passas highlighted the “deep understanding of the requirements needed to support local ecosystems” and emphasized the collaborative research that informed material selection and structural layout . The prototype will soon be installed in the conservation zone of North Lantau Marine Park, where it is expected to foster the growth of phytoplankton and filter‑feeding organisms that form the base of the marine food web.

The initiative aligns with Hong Kong’s broader marine‑conservation goals, which aim to restore habitats for the critically endangered pink dolphin population. By providing a stable substrate for marine life, Nereid could help replenish the dolphin’s prey and improve water quality, contributing to the species’ long‑term survival.

ZHA’s involvement also signals a shift in the architectural profession toward sustainability‑focused design. The firm’s reputation for bold, sculptural buildings now extends into the underwater realm, proving that avant‑garde aesthetics can coexist with ecological stewardship. The project has attracted attention from both design circles and environmental groups, illustrating the growing appetite for interdisciplinary solutions that blend art, technology, and nature.

As climate change and habitat loss intensify, initiatives like Nereid offer a tangible blueprint for future marine restoration efforts. By leveraging 3D‑printing technology, Zaha Hadid Architects demonstrates that architects can play a pivotal role in rebuilding the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems, one digitally crafted reef at a time.

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Toss Front Cam payment concept may be the future of retail

Gone are the days when you just pay for your purchases by handing over money or even your credit/debit card. We want more convenient point of purchase options that would make our lives easierThe Toss Front cam is presented as a concept point‑of‑sale terminal that merges minimalist aesthetics with cutting‑edge biometric technology.

Industrial designer Kwanjun Ryu’s concept, he strips away unnecessary bulk and creates a clear functional hierarchy. The front‑facing camera is placed prominently to capture facial data, while a forward‑facing magnetic stripe reader enables transactions in confined spaces. An NFC reader positioned near the display lets users view transaction details during contactless payments, illustrating how the concept balances form and function.

Designer: Kwanjun Ryu

Building on the earlier Toss Front 2 concept, the new design proposes a more compact shape and introduces a dual‑camera system to improve facial‑recognition reliability and reduce fraud risk. The iF Design award description of the predecessor notes that dual cameras provide accurate recognition without expanding the device’s profile, and the modular card IC reader can be swapped easily for maintenance. These are features that the new concept extends and refines.

The visual language remains restrained. Ryu applies a two‑tone palette, which typically is a muted matte base with a contrasting accent, to guide users intuitively toward the camera and payment zones. This subtle color strategy differentiates functional areas without overwhelming the viewer, a technique praised in industrial design for its clarity and elegance.

From a technical standpoint, the concept envisions the front camera capturing high‑resolution facial data that is processed locally for real‑time identity verification. Local processing reduces latency and enhances privacy by avoiding cloud transmission. The compact silhouette is intended for flexible installation on narrow counters or wall mounts, expanding potential use cases across diverse retail environments.

Ryu’s personal design blog describes his approach as exploring the essential qualities of objects. The Toss Front cam concept reflects this philosophy through a streamlined silhouette and purposeful sensor placement, emphasizing simplicity while hinting at advanced capabilities turn4.

The Toss Front cam concept illustrates how thoughtful industrial design can anticipate future payment experiences. By combining a minimalist form with a dual‑camera biometric system, Kwanjun Ryu offers a compelling vision that could shape the next generation of retail terminals, appealing to both designers and merchants seeking sleek, secure solutions.

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