Aug
6

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on london’s bourdon street, lucy sparrow recreates typical english chippy entirely in felt

Category: Design Boom

a familiar english staple, reimagined in felt

 

Lucy Sparrow’s latest installation, Bourdon Street Chippy, transforms the Lyndsey Ingram Gallery in London into a fully immersive fish and chip shop rendered entirely in felt. Open through September 14th, 2025, the project continues Sparrow’s exploration of everyday environments through soft sculpture, creating a spatial experience and material presence.

 

The exhibition occupies the gallery’s rooms with a clear intent to emulate the structure and ambiance of a working chippy. From the banquette seating to the framed portraits on the walls, each element is conceived with a distinct attention to layout and proportion. The familiar counter lends a functional threshold between visitor and vendor, while the seating area encourages visitors to linger, treating the project as both a gallery and social space.

images © Lucy Emms (unless otherwise stated)

 

 

lucy sparrow exhibits her command of the material

 

At the heart of the Bourdon Street Chippy installation is artist Lucy Sparrow’s command of material translation. Over 65,000 hand-crafted felt pieces articulate every surface, container, and consumable object within the chippy. What emerges is a material language that captures the texture of linoleum flooring, the gloss of laminated menus, and the sheen of deep-fried food through stitch and shape. Even the chips, with fifteen distinct cuts in five different tones, are organized with the rigor of typological study.

 

The spatial layout reflects the hierarchical clarity of a traditional takeaway. Circulation paths are defined by counters, queues, and bench seating, while sightlines are organized around key objects: a felt fryer, hand-sewn condiment dispensers, and signage arranged with unified graphics.

Lucy Sparrow transforms Lyndsey Ingram Gallery into a fully immersive felt fish and chip shop

 

 

the interactive bourdon street chippy

 

Lucy Sparrow herself is present at Bourdon Street Chippy five days a week, reinforcing the installation’s interactivity. Her participation blurs the boundary between artist and vendor, and between object and performance. ‘The familiarity of these spaces disarms the viewer,’ Sparrow explains. ‘It’s a way of getting people to let their guard down.’

 

The choice of a chippy, as opposed to her previously explored subjects including a supermarket or pharmacy, adds a more intimate layer to the work. ‘My relationship with food has always influenced my art,’ she continues. ‘Over time, I came to understand that my practice had become a way to manage difficult emotions.’ In this sense, Bourdon Street Chippy operates as both a personal artifact and a public setting.

Bourdon Street Chippy recreates a familiar high street space

 

 

In bringing a High Street staple into the controlled conditions of a commercial gallery, the installation invites questions about access, nostalgia, and gentrification. The gallery’s polished context contrasts with the working-class origins of the fish and chip shop, yet the installation’s warmth and humor hold space for both critique and affection.

 

‘Lucy is one of the most important and meaningful artists of her generation,’ says gallerist Lyndsey Ingram. ‘Her work blurs the lines between performance and installation art, all in her distinctive felt language.’ The gallery’s transformation is comprehensive as every surface and volume supports the illusion.

visitors navigate a fabric-rendered takeaway complete with counters banquettes and signage

the installation blends sculpture and performance within a curated spatial framework

over 65,000 felt objects include fifteen chip shapes in five colors | image © Alun Callender

Bourdon Street Chippy explores themes of nostalgia, commerce, and craft

Lucy Sparrow is often present in the gallery, engaging directly with visitors

 

project info:

 

name: Bourdon Street Chippy

designer: Lucy Sparrow | @sewyoursoul

location: Lyndsey Ingram Gallery, London, UK

dates: August 1st — September 14th, 2025

photography: © Lucy Emms | @lucy.emms, © Alun Callender

The post on london’s bourdon street, lucy sparrow recreates typical english chippy entirely in felt appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Aug
6

By

Plus Minus Zero’s Braun-y Wireless TV Speaker

Category: Core77

This looks like a Braun product from an alternate universe, but it was actually designed by Japanese ID firm Propellor Design.

Designed for the elderly and hard of hearing, it’s a wireless TV speaker for those who have trouble hearing the television. The user plugs a stick-style transmitter into the TV’s USB port, then sound is wirelessly beamed to the device; it also allows you to plug headphones into it, without needing to run a cable all the way to the TV.

The speaker’s sound is tuned to boost mid-range audio, which is particularly useful for making out dialogue. It also has a built in AM/FM radio.

These are in production by Japanese housewares brand Plus Minus Zero and run ¥14,300 (USD $97).

Aug
6

By

Why Are There So Many Chinese Mexicans? The Forgotten History Beneath Mexicali’s Streets and Mexico’s Identity

Category: Nuestro Stories

If you’ve ever driven through Mexicali, you might’ve noticed something surprising: Chinese restaurants outnumber taco stands. The smell of soy sauce wafts through neighborhoods and people speak both Mandarin and Spanish. Fusion dishes like arroz frito norteño (fried rice with chile verde) have been a local staple for generations.

So here’s the real question: why does Mexico, especially in border towns like Mexicali, have such a large Chinese population? And why are Chinese Mexicans still excluded from the national identity banner of mestizaje?

The Chinese Were Welcomed … Until They Weren’t

Long before fusion food hit the streets, the Chinese came to Mexico looking for land and livelihood. Their numbers swelled after 1882, when the United States passed the Chinese Exclusion Act and shut its doors. Mexico, with its warmer welcome and treaty with the Qing Empire, became the next best option.

As historian Rocio Gomez notes in “Chinese Mexicans: Mexico’s Forgotten and Overlooked Mestizos,” Chinese laborers were prized for their work ethic and resilience. Mexico’s finance minister at the time, Matías Romero, even argued that Chinese workers were ideally suited for farming in Mexico’s tropical south. By 1899, a formal treaty between Mexico and China allowed immigration under official protection.

But the welcome didn’t last.

They Built Businesses and Faced Backlash

Chinese immigrants work the land and bought it up. They opened shops, ran laundries, built railroads, and turned sweltering towns like Sonora and Mexicali into economic hubs.

“They came poor, got the worst land, got massacred—and still, they gave us food, culture, babies, and a work ethic that makes your cousin look lazy,” says the Instagram mini-doc from Brief Histeria, which went viral earlier this year.

But their economic success brought resentment. Gomez explains that, as Chinese men married Mexican women and raised children, Chinese Mexicans, they upended the rigid racial order. Mexicans viewed them as outsiders, even subhuman, and the government began a targeted anti-Chinese campaign.

That tension erupted violently in 1911, when over 300 Chinese were massacred in Torreón. Homes were burned. Entire families were erased.

In the decades that followed, Chinese immigrants were expelled from towns across Mexico. In response, many literally went underground. “In Mexicali, they built entire cities underground,” Brief Histeria narrates. “Homes, restaurants, even casinos with mahjong and dumplings.”

Love, Babies, and the Lost Claim to Mestizaje

Despite facing brutality and erasure, many Chinese men remained. And many Mexican women saw something others didn’t: great husbands and fathers. The children of these unions – stars like Ana Gabriel and Dámay Quintanar – became cultural icons. Names like José Wang and Maria Guadalupe Shu began to show up on honor rolls and in music credits.

One Instagram commenter wrote: “My great-grandfather came from Canton and opened Café México Moderno in Piedras Negras. My grandmother’s name is Maria Guadalupe Shu.”

Another added: “I’m half Chinese, half Mexican, born in Mexicali. I still have relatives in Mexicali, Calexico, and El Centro that speak Chinese and Spanish.”

Yet, as Gomez points out, these families were never widely accepted as mestizos, a term that today is worn with pride to describe Mexico’s ethnic fusion of Indigenous, Spanish, and African heritage. Chinese Mexicans? Still seen as outsiders.

A Long Overdue Apology—And a Rising Legacy

This exclusion isn’t just about labels—it’s about loss. According to Gomez, many Chinese Mexicans have felt pressure to hide or erase one half of their identity to fit in. Mexico celebrates mestizaje as a unifying narrative, but its Chinese descendants were systematically left out.

“Chinese influence in Mexico is significant,” Gomez writes, “but a severe lack of awareness … diminishes both their claim as mestizos and a merited role in Mexico’s proud notion of mestizaje.”

But that story is finally shifting.

On May 17, 2021, the Mexican federal government formally apologized to the Chinese Mexican community for the massacre in Torreón. The Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D.C., joined the effort with a public commemoration hosted by Dr. Evelyn Hu-DeHart, a historian at Brown University and international member of Mexico’s Academy of History. The apology was timed to coincide with AAPI Heritage Month in the U.S., a nod to the shared struggles of Asian communities across North America.

As Hu-DeHart noted, both Mexico and the United States must reckon with their histories of racism and violence: “Together we believe… it is our shared responsibility to condemn racism and hatred, past and present.”

So maybe it’s time to rewrite the story of mestizaje—to acknowledge that the underground cities, the spicy fried rice, the mariachi Mandarin, and the kids named José Wang all belong in the heart of Mexico’s identity.

They always did.

The post Why Are There So Many Chinese Mexicans? The Forgotten History Beneath Mexicali’s Streets and Mexico’s Identity appeared first on Nuestro Stories.

Aug
6

By

How 3D Printing Will Lead to Cheaper Energy

Category: Core77

If someone asks you “What does 3D printing have to do with nuclear fission,” you can confidently answer “Nothing.” But recent strides made by, surprisingly, a government-backed lab, show that 3D printing can be used to create cheaper nuclear energy.

Nuclear powerplants need to be surrounded by thick concrete “bioshields”—the reinforced structure that prevents the radiation from leaking out and killing people. Building these non-negotiable parts is expensive and time-consuming, and if you’ve ever worked with concrete, you can guess why: Massive formworks have to be constructed out of steel and wood, and they need to be incredibly robust in order to support the amounts of concrete required.

Enter the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The MDF is a skunkworks, and despite being a federal research lab, they’ve developed a surprising reputation for being fast-moving, agile, and results-oriented. Through R&D, the MDF has learned they can design innovative, modular 3D-printed formworks for pouring bioshields in place.

These formworks are printed in massive 10-foot blocks and assembled onsite. Because they’re 3D-printed, they can take complex forms that would be impossible or expensive to create with steel and wood—and they’re printed in a fraction of the time.

“The composite forms dramatically cut down production timelines, enabling ‘cast-in-place’ construction of complex structural components with unique geometries in days rather than weeks,” writes the ORNL. “Compared to traditional methods relying on steel or wood forms that can be costly, imprecise, and time-consuming to build, this shift marks a significant advancement in nuclear construction methodology.”

In other words, the plants can be built much quicker, reducing labor costs and timelines. And the project’s end goal is “to use printable biocomposite feedstocks derived from timber residuals, targeting a 75% reduction in material cost using domestic forest products.”

The 3D printing method is currently being used to erect the Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor, a next-generation reactor intended to improve safety, manufacturability and cost-competitiveness.

Lastly, you might be wondering why the U.S. would want to build more nuclear powerplants; aren’t they dangerous? Relatively speaking, no. First off, nuclear powerplants are zero-emission. Secondly, deaths from from fossil fuel mining accidents, fossil fuel powerplant accidents and air pollution outstrip nuclear-related deaths by a factor of over 2,500, according to Statista.

Aug
6

By

A Titanium G-Shock Watch with a Hand-Hammered Finish

Category: Core77

Well, this is bananas. Casio somehow got a master craftsman to hand-hammer the finish of 500 G-Shock watches.

These G-Shock MR-G watches are made of DAT55G, an ultra-hard titanium that’s notoriously difficult to machine. The tsuiki (hand hammering) expert, Watanabe Kazuya, had to constantly resharpen his punches during the batch production process; he relied on sound to tell him when the tool had dulled. “The more you hit the edge of the [punch], the more it is worn down,” he explains. “If you make a difference of 0.1 or 0.2 mm, the sound and feel of the hammer will change.”

The bezels and the wristband links all received the same painstaking care.

Among the G-SHOCK models, the MR-G series strives for the pinnacle in materials, structure, and finish. The fusion of this with traditional Japanese craftsmanship is not merely decorative; it is an act of reexamining the very essence of “monozukuri” (manufacturing).

The limited edition watch runs ?935,000 (USD $6,335) a pop.

Aug
6

By

Top 10 Smart Home Appliances That Handle The Housework For Busy Professionals

Category: YankoDesign

Your morning alarm goes off, and the mental checklist begins: iron that shirt, check security cameras, feed the pets, prep healthy meals, manage the thermostat. Sound familiar, right? The modern professional’s home has become another demanding client, requiring constant attention, you simply don’t have time to give. Smart home technology promised to solve this years ago, but most gadgets created more problems than they fixed.

Apps that crash during important calls, voice assistants that mishear commands, and complicated setups that require IT degrees to operate. The result is expensive paperweights gathering dust while you still rush through the same exhausting routines. The appliances in this collection are different. Each product tackles a specific household burden that eats into your valuable time, transforming tedious chores into automated processes that work. These aren’t novelty gadgets, they’re practical solutions designed for people who need their homes to support their ambitious lives, not complicate them further.

1. Flic Twist

The Flic Twist has something that apps just can’t replicate. While everyone else fumbles with their phones trying to find the right smart home app, you’re simply twisting this elegant little dial to dim the lights or crank up the music. It feels natural, almost nostalgic, like using the volume knob on a vintage stereo. The design is clean enough that it won’t clash with your carefully curated living space, yet functional enough that every family member can figure it out instantly.

The Flic Twist eliminates one of the biggest frustrations of smart home management for busy professionals – the time wasted navigating multiple apps just to adjust basic settings. When you’re rushing through your morning routine or trying to create the perfect ambiance for a video call, you need instant control. This device lets you preset lighting scenes for different work situations, adjust temperature without interrupting meetings, or quickly silence music when important calls come in. It’s the difference between spending precious minutes troubleshooting technology and having your home environment respond immediately to your needs.

What we like

Works instantly without app delays or voice recognition issues.
Everyone in the house can use it without any learning curve.

What we dislike

You’ll need multiple units if you want controls in different rooms.
Limited to the specific actions you’ve programmed for each dial.

2. Einsen

If you’ve ever stood at your ironing board at 6 AM, frantically trying to get the wrinkles out of your shirt while mentally calculating whether you’ll still make it to that important meeting on time, the Einsen will feel like a miracle. This thing takes what used to be a 15-minute ordeal and turns it into a one-minute task. You literally just lay your shirt down, press a button, and come back to find it perfectly pressed. It’s almost unsettling how well it works.

For professionals who need to maintain a crisp appearance daily, the Einsen transforms one of the most time-consuming aspects of morning routines. Instead of dedicating 15-20 minutes to ironing each morning, you can prepare your clothes the night before in just minutes, or handle last-minute touch-ups without stress. This is quite valuable for those who travel frequently for work – hotel irons are notoriously unreliable, but the Einsen ensures you always look polished for important presentations or client meetings.

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What we like

Transforms a tedious 15-minute chore into a one-minute task.
Eliminates the risk of burns or leaving a hot iron unattended.

What we dislike

Only handles one piece at a time, so no bulk ironing sessions.
Takes up permanent counter space in your bedroom or closet area.

3. The Frame

The Frame is what happens when someone finally asks, “Why can’t smart home controls look good?” This 13.3-inch display doesn’t scream “tech gadget” at you from across the room. Instead, it sits quietly on your wall like a piece of modern art, wrapped in that gorgeous Kvadrat fabric that makes everything feel more expensive and thoughtful. When you need it, it transforms into mission control for your entire home, but when you don’t, it just looks like part of your interior design.

This becomes essential for professionals who need to manage their homes efficiently while maintaining a polished appearance for video calls and client visits. The Frame centralizes everything – you can check security cameras before leaving for business trips, adjust climate settings for optimal comfort during long work sessions, or coordinate smart appliances while preparing for important meetings. Instead of juggling multiple apps during your limited free time, you get one beautiful interface that handles home management as elegantly as you handle your career.

What we like

Genuinely beautiful design that enhances your space instead of cluttering it.
One interface for everything means no more app hunting.

What we dislike

You’re committed to whatever wall you mount it on.
The premium design comes with a premium price tag.

4. Tutofu

I’ll admit that when I first heard about a tofu-making machine, I thought it was a bit niche. But then I considered how often I’ve stared at sad, rubbery tofu at the grocery store and wished I could get the silky, fresh stuff from nice restaurants. The Tutofu V2 brings that restaurant-quality experience home, turning what used to be an incredibly complicated process into something as simple as making coffee.

This appliance addresses a common struggle for health-conscious professionals – maintaining nutritious eating habits despite demanding schedules. Instead of relying on expensive takeout or processed foods during busy weeks, you can prepare fresh, protein-rich ingredients at home with minimal effort. The automated process means you can start a batch before work and return to fresh tofu ready for quick stir-fries, salads, or meal prep sessions. This is great for professionals focused on plant-based nutrition, as it cuts down the compromise between convenience and quality, ensuring you have access to fresh, customizable protein sources without lengthy grocery trips or meal planning stress.

What we like

Fresh homemade tofu tastes infinitely better than store-bought versions.
Saves money and grocery trips once you’re using it regularly.

What we dislike

Pretty specialized – not much use if you’re not a regular tofu eater.
You’ll need to stock up on soybeans and other specific ingredients.

5. Seehive

Most outdoor security cameras look like what they are – obvious pieces of surveillance equipment that scream “I’m watching you” to everyone who walks by. The Seehive takes a completely different approach by disguising itself as something that naturally belongs in your yard. It’s clever psychology – most people are naturally wary around beehives, so they’ll give it plenty of space without even realizing they’re being recorded.

Home security becomes a critical concern for professionals who travel frequently or work long hours, leaving their property unattended for extended periods. The Seehive provides peace of mind without the aesthetic compromise that traditional security cameras demand. You can monitor your home remotely during business trips, receive alerts about unusual activity, and maintain property security without your house looking like a fortress. The natural camouflage means it won’t become a target for vandalism, while the psychological deterrent effect provides an extra layer of protection.

What we like

Natural design provides stealth surveillance without looking intimidating.
Built to handle whatever weather throws at it.

What we dislike

The beehive design limits where you can install it naturally.
Might attract curious insects to investigate.

6. Smart Pet Drinking Fountain

Pet care often gets pushed to the back burner when work gets crazy, but this fountain makes one less thing to worry about. The technology behind it is genuinely impressive – it’s not just filtering water, it’s actively preventing the growth of harmful bacteria that could make your pets sick. As someone who’s dealt with expensive vet bills that could have been prevented, this feels like insurance disguised as convenience.

Busy professionals often struggle with guilt about leaving pets alone during long work days or business trips. This fountain addresses one of the most critical aspects of pet care – consistent access to clean, healthy water. The smart monitoring features alert you to changes in drinking patterns that might indicate health issues, allowing you to address problems before they require expensive emergency vet visits. The automated system ensures your pets stay healthy even when your schedule becomes overwhelming.

What we like

The advanced filtration system promotes better pet health.
Smart monitoring can catch health issues early.

What we dislike

Higher upfront cost than a regular water bowl.
Filters and maintenance create ongoing expenses.

7. G-Cube

The G-cube solves a problem I didn’t know I had until I saw it. This little fridge can mount on your wall to save floor space, then pop off and come with you wherever you need it. The built-in Bluetooth speaker is honestly just a fun bonus – the real magic is having cold drinks and fresh snacks available whether you’re working from home, road-tripping, or camping with friends.

Wall-mounted operation keeps healthy snacks and drinks within arm’s reach during long work sessions, eliminating the temptation to order expensive delivery or raid the kitchen for unhealthy options. The portability becomes invaluable for those who frequently travel for work or split time between multiple locations, you can maintain consistent access to fresh food and drinks whether you’re working from a client site, temporary office, or remote location. This consistency in nutrition and hydration helps maintain energy levels and focus during demanding work periods.

What we like

Incredibly versatile, wall-mounted at home, portable everywhere else.
Bluetooth speaker eliminates the need for separate audio equipment.

What we dislike

Small capacity means frequent restocking.
Battery life is limited during portable use.

8. Samsung Bespoke Smart AirDresser

Dry cleaning bills add up faster than you’d expect, especially when you’re wearing business attire daily. The Samsung AirDresser pays for itself over time while giving you dry-cleaning-quality results at home. The JetStream technology works, it eliminates odors, removes wrinkles, and refreshes fabrics without the harsh chemicals that traditional dry cleaning uses.

Professional wardrobes require significant investment and maintenance, but traditional dry cleaning services often don’t align with busy schedules. The AirDresser eliminates the time-consuming trips to drop off and pick up clothing, while providing superior care for expensive suits, delicate blouses, and specialty fabrics. You can refresh garments between wears, extending their lifespan and reducing replacement costs. The scheduling features allow you to start cycles remotely, so clothes are ready when you need them.

What we like

Significant savings on dry cleaning costs over time.
Gentler on fabrics than traditional dry cleaning chemicals.

What we dislike

Large upfront investment and space commitment.
Not suitable for heavily soiled or stained items.

9. Zoey

Zoey feels like what smart speakers should have been from the beginning. The magnetic back means you can stick it to your refrigerator while cooking, then move it to your desk for work, then take it to the bathroom while getting ready. The audio quality is surprisingly good for something so compact, and the voice recognition actually works reliably.

Home management becomes significantly easier when you can control your environment from wherever you happen to be. For professionals working from home, Zoey travels with you throughout your daily routine – managing lighting and temperature during morning preparation, controlling music and calls during work sessions, and handling security settings during evening wind-down. The portability means you’re never out of range of smart home controls, eliminating the frustration of devices that only work from fixed locations.

What we like

Magnetic mounting provides incredible flexibility.
High-quality sound in a compact, portable package.

What we dislike

Magnets only work on metal surfaces.
Battery needs regular charging during heavy portable use.

10. Steam Shot Omni

Chemical cleaners have always bothered me – the smell, the residue, the worry about what I’m breathing in. The Steam Shot Omni uses just water to achieve better cleaning results than most chemical products. It’s particularly satisfying for tackling grime in grout lines, around faucets, and in other hard-to-reach spots where dirt tends to build up.

Maintaining a clean, professional home environment becomes challenging when work demands consume most of your time and energy. The Steam Shot Omni transforms cleaning from a day-long ordeal into quick, targeted sessions that deliver superior results. You can tackle high-impact areas like bathrooms and kitchens efficiently, ensuring your home always looks presentation-ready for unexpected video calls or client visits. The chemical-free approach means you can clean without worrying about indoor air quality or residue on surfaces you touch daily.

What we like

Chemical-free cleaning is safer for your family and pets.
Versatile attachments handle almost any cleaning task.

What we dislike

Water tank needs frequent refills during big cleaning sessions.
Cord limits your range compared to cordless alternatives.

Your Home Should Work for You, Not Against You

The right smart home appliances transform your house from another item on your endless to-do list into a supportive environment that works quietly in the background. These ten devices address the real pain points busy professionals face, not the imaginary problems that most smart gadgets try to solve.

Yes, the initial investment feels significant, but consider what you’re actually buying: time, peace of mind, and the ability to focus on what truly matters in your career and personal life. Each hour these appliances save you is an hour you can spend on strategic work, meaningful relationships, or simply catching your breath. The key is starting with the appliances that address your biggest frustrations first. Whether that’s garment care, home security, or meal preparation, choose the tools that will make the most immediate impact on your daily routine. Your future self will thank you for making home management one less thing to stress about.

The post Top 10 Smart Home Appliances That Handle The Housework For Busy Professionals first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aug
6

By

Windows XP nostalgia meets Crocs shoes in upcoming collaboration

Category: YankoDesign

If you were already computer literate in the early 2000s, Windows XP was probably a huge part of your digital life (unless, of course, you were a dedicated Mac user). For many, the operating system was both a tool and a part of our lifestyle then. And who could forget the iconic “Bucolic Green Hills,” eventually named Bliss, that became synonymous with Windows XP. That vivid wallpaper of gently rolling hills, dotted with fluffy clouds and set against a perfect blue sky, was actually a photograph taken at the Napa-Sonoma county line. For millions, it’s an image forever etched in memory, representing a simpler, more optimistic time in tech.

Now, as part of Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebrations, nostalgia is making a stylish comeback and it’s in a way no one quite expected. Reports have surfaced about an exciting collaboration between Microsoft and the beloved footwear brand, Crocs. Yes, you read that right: Windows XP-themed Crocs are on the horizon, and they’re bringing back those iconic green hills and blue skies, but this time for your feet!

Designer: Microsoft and Crocs

The design is a playful homage to the classic Windows XP wallpaper. The top part of the Crocs features the unmistakable sky-blue and white cloud pattern, while the sole is a lush green, mirroring the rolling hills of Bliss. Wearing these is almost like walking right into your favorite screensaver. But Microsoft and Crocs didn’t stop at just the colors. These clogs are all about the details. Each pair comes with a special pack of six nostalgic Jibbitz charms, perfect for anyone who loves a bit of retro flair. The pack includes the original MSN Messenger logo, the instantly recognizable Internet Explorer icon, a classic mouse pointer, the blue recycling bin, a yellow folder, and, for the ultimate throwback, the infamous Clippy paperclip virtual assistant who was either your best friend or your biggest annoyance.

Collectors and fans will also appreciate the extra touch: every pair of Windows XP Crocs comes with a drawstring backpack featuring the Bliss design. Whether you’re heading to a summer picnic, a tech convention, or just want to make a bold fashion statement, this backpack lets you flaunt your love for vintage Microsoft in style.

While there hasn’t been an official announcement from Microsoft just yet, the buzz is real. Several outlets have confirmed that these Crocs are indeed on the way, with some leaked pictures as well. In a fun twist, Microsoft employees will reportedly get first dibs on the Windows XP Crocs before they become available to the general public. It’s a clever nod to the people who brought Windows XP to life and a way to reward those who have been part of the Microsoft journey for decades.

The post Windows XP nostalgia meets Crocs shoes in upcoming collaboration first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aug
6

By

Know New Plastic brings dual-sided textures for sustainable design

Category: YankoDesign

Plastic use is still one of the biggest problems we have in terms of sustainability. 3form is changing the way we think about sustainable materials in architecture and interior design. With the launch of Know New Plastic, the company aims to eliminate virgin plastic use by leveraging advanced molecular recycling. This initiative transforms hard-to-recycle plastics into high-quality, 100% recycled resin panels, making a real impact on both design and the environment.

The first collection under this initiative, 100% Recycled Textures, debuted with 21 stunning translucent textures. Each panel in this award-winning line is made entirely from recycled content, yet retains the signature durability and refined look that 3form is known for. These panels are not just beautiful; each one diverts the equivalent of 3,296 plastic bottles from landfills. By choosing these materials, designers and building owners can reduce carbon emissions by 25% compared to using virgin plastics.

Designer: 3form

Building on this momentum, 3form has expanded the collection with Dual-Sided Textures. These new designs feature four sophisticated patterns: Soho, Valencia, Monterey, and Sierra. They are molded on both sides of the resin panels. This dual-sided approach allows for captivating visual effects, interacting dynamically with light to add depth and intrigue to spaces. It’s a perfect solution for partitions and high-visibility applications, delivering privacy without sacrificing style or openness. The patterns draw inspiration from both classic motifs and the beauty of nature, offering versatility for modern and timeless interiors alike.

Ryan Smith, Chief Creative Officer at 3form, believes these innovations are a natural next step. He says these dual-sided textures are a natural progression in blending sustainability with innovative design. “By offering recycled materials without compromising quality, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in architectural surfaces,” he explains. The company’s 100% Recycled Textures collection marks a significant leap forward, supporting their long-term vision to eliminate virgin plastics entirely from its product portfolio, beginning with these new collections.

Know New Plastic is about recycling old materials but also reimagining waste as a valuable resource, paving the way for a circular economy in design. With these new textures, 3form is giving architects, designers, and building owners beautiful, functional options that support sustainability goals without compromise. Whether you are designing a contemporary office, a welcoming healthcare space, or a dynamic hospitality environment, 3form’s recycled textures deliver on style, performance, and environmental responsibility. It’s a bold move that’s sure to inspire others in the industry to look at plastic waste in a whole new light.

The post Know New Plastic brings dual-sided textures for sustainable design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aug
6

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Cute robot sharpener automatically sharpens your pencils

Category: YankoDesign

I love stationery items, sometimes even those that I don’t actually use. I don’t use pencils a lot, so I probably don’t really need an automatic pencil sharpener. But if it has a cute design and promises to make my life more convenient, I would probably still want to get it. Chinese brand AFMAT seems to have captured the market that likes cute, novelty stationery items, as well as those who actually use pencils a lot, either for work or for school.

The AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener is shaped like a robot and looks pretty much like a toy. But it’s actually a fully functional automatic pencil sharpener with a fun and colorful design. It’s also pretty easy to use: you just drop the pencil in, and once it’s sharpened to the level you choose, it will automatically eject the pencil. It’s a no-touch device to ensure kids’ safety, so parents and teachers can feel more at ease letting little ones use it.

Designer: AFMAT

Pencils of all shapes and sizes, as long as they’re between 7–11.5 mm, can fit into this robot pencil sharpener. Its optimized mechanism ensures that the pencil is centered, so you don’t get uneven tips—a common problem with most manual sharpeners. It is portable and rechargeable, so kids (and grown-ups!) can bring it wherever they want, as it can fit into a backpack. The battery lasts quite a while on a single charge, making it perfect for school, art classes, or even outdoor sketching sessions.

The device has three sharpness options: sharp, medium, and blunt tip settings. You might think that no one needs blunt tips, but artists prefer them when shading, and there are also kids who have a strong grip on pencils and may need that kind of option. Plus, you can easily switch between settings, making it versatile for different users in the family. It comes in different colors like black, blue, and green, but the most eye-catching one is the purple sharpener.

Whether you’re a dedicated artist, a teacher looking for classroom essentials, a busy parent, or simply someone who can’t resist adorable desk accessories, the AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener brings a playful touch to your everyday routine. With its cheerful robot design, user-friendly features, and reliable performance, it proves that practical tools can also spark a little joy in your workspace. So why settle for a boring sharpener when you can have one that makes you smile every time you use it?

The post Cute robot sharpener automatically sharpens your pencils first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aug
6

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wutopia lab carves soft white caving interiors for pebble-shaped mountain hotel in china

Category: Design Boom

Rock, Cloud Center, stands atop Ancient Spring Town in Tangshan

 

The Rock, or Cloud Center, by Wutopia Lab, is located at the highest point of the Ancient Spring Town in Zunhua, Tangshan, China. Commissioned by Financial Street (Zunhua) Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., the project includes architecture, interiors, and conceptual landscape design developed by the Shanghai-based practice. Positioned 20 meters above the main hotel entrance, the building serves as a visual marker, a landmark for the area. The Rock houses hospitality amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, and outdoor hot spring pools, and supplies hot spring water to nearby villas. The site’s northern edge, a natural cliff, offers unobstructed views of the Great Wall. This topography informed the decision to create a form inspired by the ‘flying rock’ found in traditional Chinese landscape references. The building projects outward from the cliff, its mass shaped to suggest lightness despite its volume.

all images by Daily Architectural Photography | LIU Guowei

 

 

Wutopia Lab reinterprets ‘flying rock’ in Chinese landscapes

 

For the internal arrangement, the architects at Wutopia Lab follow a ‘caving’ logic, with spaces carved from the form to create a central pool hall and other amenities. A 26-square-meter skylight above the pool introduces daylight, producing shifting light reflections across the interior surfaces. Circulation within the building includes a spiraling rooftop ramp, which extends the architectural form while framing views of the surrounding landscape. The Rock is clad in curved metal panels, shaped into a pebble-like form while reducing the complexity and cost of fabrication. Horizontal lines dominate the facade texture, and angular edges created by two-dimensional panel assembly were incorporated into the overall design language.

 

The building’s outer shell is an independent cladding system that surrounds a waterproof, insulated core. This separation allowed the ramp to be integrated without impacting interior layouts. Service areas, which occupy over half the building’s total area, are embedded into the mountain to maintain the visual balance between structure and cliff. Given the site’s Grade-8 seismic rating, even small cantilevers presented engineering challenges. Structural reinforcement was integrated into the curtain wall framework to maintain the intended form.

 

 

Interiors follow ‘caving’ logic, with continuous curved surfaces

 

The pool hall’s interior features a continuous soft grey-white surface finish, with curved transitions between walls and ceiling. The neutral palette emphasizes the changing qualities of light and the reflections from the pool. Northern curtain walls and the skylight provide natural illumination, while artificial lighting transforms the space at night. The gym on the upper level overlooks the pool and frames views of the surrounding terrain. Outdoor hot spring pools are screened by vegetation for privacy but maintain long views to the Great Wall.

 

The elliptical layout of the pool hall required precise coordination of MEP systems. Dehumidification, HVAC, and curtain wall structure were resolved using BIM to address the complex geometry. Waterproofing design was developed through large-scale sectional detailing and on-site coordination during construction. The Rock, or Cloud Center, by Wutopia Lab, combines its functional program with a distinct formal presence in the landscape, integrating structural, material, and technical strategies to respond to its topography and context.

 

 

project info:

 

name: Cloud Center, Financial Street Ancient Spring Town
designer: Wutopia Lab

architect: Wutopia Lab | @wutopia.lab

location: Zunhua, Hebei, China

area: 1,690 sqm

 

lead architect: YU Ting

project architect: Liran SUN

design team: PAN Dali, KUANG Zhou, MU Zhilin, XIONG Jiaxing, ZENG Rui (Intern), ZHANG Naiyue (Intern)

acknowledgment: CHEN Xi

architectural construction drawings: China IPPR International Engineering Co., Ltd.

construction drawing team: WANG Chunyu, LI Shijie, LIU Yao, WANG Yu, WANG Jianning, PAN Xuezhong, WANG Yi, ZHANG Song

interior construction drawings consultant: Shanghai Sunyat Architecture Design Co., Ltd.

landscape design: Ecoland

client: Financial Street (Zunhua) Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.

client management team: WANG Ying (Design Director), GUAN Xueqiang (Project Manager)

general contractor: China State Construction Urban Development Co., Ltd.

structural consultant: AND

structural team: ZHANG Zhun, CAI Yanming

geometry optimization: Sur-Mesure Engineering Studio

lighting consultant: Chloe ZHANG, WEI Shiyu

design advisor: WEI Minfei

photographer: Daily Architectural Photography | LIU Guowei 

 

 

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 wutopia lab carves soft white caving interiors for pebble-shaped mountain hotel in china appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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