Masterpiece Story: Young Woman Peeling Apples by Nicolaes Maes
The post Masterpiece Story: Young Woman Peeling Apples by Nicolaes Maes appeared first on DailyArt Magazine.
Aug
3
Aug
3
The sleep industry has spent decades gaslighting roughly 7% of the global population. If you’re a stomach sleeper like me (and apparently Hugh Jackman, Oprah, and Jennifer Aniston), you’ve heard it all before: “Your position is wrong.” “You’re damaging your spine.” “Just learn to sleep on your back.” Meanwhile, manufacturers have pumped out countless pillows for back and side sleepers while we stomach-down rebels make do with folded towels and contorted arms. It’s been the sleep equivalent of being left-handed in a right-handed world. The sleep industry has essentially told us to adapt or suffer, focusing their R&D budgets on the back and side sleeper majority while we contort ourselves around pillows never designed for our needs.
That’s why the Prone Pillow ZZZ caught my attention immediately. This isn’t a slightly tweaked rectangular pillow with marketing copy about “multi-position support.” San Jose-based Comfort Space Co. has completely reimagined what a pillow should be for stomach sleepers, and their Kickstarter campaign has already pulled in over $193,000 from 856 fellow face-planters desperate for a solution. The pillow looks unlike anything I’ve seen, but the best way I can describe what sleeping on it must feel like is – imagine lying down on a massage table, except without a hole in your bed, and a nice pillow that you can also hug while sleeping.
Designer: Team Prone Labs (Yune Joo, Sung Jin Kim, Xi Huang)
Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $199 ($100 off). Hurry, only 8/350 left! Raised over 202,000.
The fundamental problem with stomach sleeping has always been physics and anatomy. Try this: grab your current pillow, lie face down, and notice how your neck cranks sideways at an unnatural angle while your spine arches awkwardly. Your arms end up trapped under your torso or splayed out like you’re making snow angels. The Prone Pillow ZZZ takes a completely different approach by lifting your entire torso slightly from the pelvis up, keeping your spine neutral while elevating your head vertically instead of forcing it sideways. The first time I saw the design, it took a while to grown on me, but the more I saw how every detail had meaning and reason, it just made a world of sense.
What makes this pillow work is its five-section construction, each zone featuring a different firmness formula based on 170 pressure point studies. Comfort Space ran machine learning simulations testing thousands of scenarios beyond what manual testing could achieve. The result looks nothing like a traditional pillow – it’s a 76cm × 45cm support system with a 25cm height that compresses to 10cm under your weight. At 3kg, it’s substantial but not unwieldy, striking the right balance between stability and portability.
The materials used are a little different from your traditional down, cotton, or memory foam pillow. Their proprietary “Dream Formula” combines SomniFoam memory foam with what they call SomniBeads for pressure redistribution. Imagine the comfort of a high-end memory foam mattress crossed with the adaptive support of a perfectly structured beanbag. This solves the classic stomach sleeper problem of needing both structure and adaptability simultaneously. Your body stays aligned without feeling locked in place, and you can still shift positions naturally throughout the night.
My favorite feature might be the integrated arm support system. The side extensions (dubbed “X-Wings” in a nod to every designer’s apparent obligation to reference Star Wars) cradle your arms whether they’re flat alongside your body or tucked underneath. Anyone who’s experienced the special hell of waking up with completely numb arms from stomach sleeping will immediately understand why this matters. The curved jaw rest supports your chin without pressure points, and you can turn your head to either side without losing support.
The pillow’s materials resist flattening even with daily use, positioning it as a durable investment rather than another disposable bedding product. This aligns with growing consumer demand for products that don’t contribute to our landfill problem within six months of purchase. The company claims the Dream Formula maintains its support characteristics for years rather than months.
The universal design accommodates users from 4’5″ to 6’8″ with what the company claims is 99.91% compatibility across body types. For height adjustment, an optional Magic Foundation layer provides further customization. The antibacterial, machine-washable cover comes in three colorways: Sunrise White, Summer Edition blue, and Silk. Manufacturing happens across Taiwan, South Korea, and Indonesia through partners who supply major international brands, with a 14-day replacement policy for defects and a one-year warranty backing up their quality claims.
Stomach sleeping actually offers legitimate health benefits that conventional wisdom often overlooks. The position naturally reduces sleep apnea and snoring while minimizing facial bloat. During COVID, some medical professionals even recommended prone sleeping to prevent the ribcage from applying gravitational pressure on the lungs that triggers coughing. The Prone Pillow ZZZ lets you access these benefits without the ergonomic compromises that have made doctors historically skeptical of the position.
Early bird Kickstarter pricing starts at $99, half off the planned $199 retail price, with delivery estimated for November 2025 – sure, a little pricey compared to your standard pillow… but for stomach sleepers tired of being sleep outcasts, the Prone Pillow ZZZ represents something genuinely exciting: the ability to sleep comfortably, and freely, just like we’ve deserved all these years. After decades of being told to “just sleep differently,” having a product engineered specifically for our needs feels almost revolutionary. Sometimes the best innovation isn’t reinventing something entirely but simply recognizing that different people have different needs. In that sense, the Prone Pillow ZZZ might be the most inclusive sleep product I’ve seen this year – and as a lifelong stomach sleeper, it’s about damn time.
Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $199 ($100 off). Hurry, only 8/350 left! Raised over 202,000.
The post Tired of Awkward Sleeping Positions? Meet the First-ever Pillow Truly Designed for Stomach Sleepers first appeared on Yanko Design.
Aug
3
Set within the UNESCO-listed arboretum of Fredriksoord in the Netherlands, The Reading Room in the Forest is a retreat space designed and built by Studio-Method as part of DeProef, a new hub for art and ecology. Constructed with 98% salvaged materials, the low-tech pavilion explores architectural possibilities grounded in reuse, improvisation, and repair, rather than efficiency or industrial newness.
The structure responds to the historical context of Fredriksoord, a site rooted in 18th-century social housing experiments. This region was part of a social experiment to eradicate urban poverty by relocating people into tightly controlled agricultural colonies. While originally envisioned as utopian, the scheme soon turned rigid and colonial. In resistance, some settlers formed ‘pioneer colonies,’ building improvised homes from scavenged materials, methods that inform the project’s conceptual and material framework.
all images by Riccardo De Vecchi
Rotterdam-based architecture practice, Studio-Method, employed a design methodology they call contingent design, which emphasizes site responsiveness, iterative processes, and construction without reliance on contractors or prefabricated systems. The Reading Room was realized with a modest budget and no commercial prefabrication. The resulting structure reflects an emphasis on architectural autonomy, material ethics, and radical reuse.
The pavilion achieves a 98% recycled mass rate, is estimated to sequester 7 tonnes of CO₂, and records a Milieu Prestatie Gebouwen (MPG) score of 0.16, significantly below the Dutch legal threshold of 0.80. Approximately 30% of the building materials were salvaged directly from the DeProef site. These include discarded fleece from local farms, reclaimed mineral wool, salvaged concrete rubble, greenhouse acrylic panels, and reused timber from previous constructions.
Reading Room blends with the surrounding landscape through its low-tech, natural character
Manual processing was central to the build. Materials were cleaned, restored, and adapted on-site. Window frames were retrofitted; acrylic panels were recovered and repurposed; raw fleece was washed and prepared by hand. The design and construction processes prioritize maintenance and repair as design strategies, redefining architecture through the lens of material care and environmental impact.
The Reading Room’s low-tech approach avoids standardized systems in favor of site-specific improvisation. Fasteners and the semi-transparent roof are among the few new components. The structure’s environmental strategy is complemented by its spatial quality: a modest, contemplative space that supports informal public use while integrating with the surrounding forest landscape. This project positions reuse not as a limitation but as a design language. It contributes to current discourse on architectural sustainability by proposing that circular practices can be compatible with aesthetic considerations, public engagement, and construction viability.
U-shaped concrete blocks found on-site were flipped and sunk to form steps, as a salvaged aluminum bar offers grip
glass doors lead to terraces, aligning the plan with forest paths for a walk-through experience
a low-tech approach supports environmental performance and spatial calm
a grid of reused beams and frames acts as shading and invites future additions by artists-in-residence
the structure avoids standard systems in favor of site-specific solutions
a new polycarbonate canopy shields reused materials, enabling integration of low-grade elements
Reading Room was built without contractors or prefabricated systems
natural light filters through a translucent roof, allowing for optimal light for reading and focus
a compact, contemplative space integrated into the forest landscape
project info:
name: The Reading Room In The Forest
architects: Studio-Method | @studio___method
location: Fredriksoord, Netherlands
lead architects: Riel Bessai, Pedro Daniel Pantaleone
client: DeProef
collaborators and volunteers: Marcus Grosveld, Diana Dungyova, Ines Certo, Allard Meyer, Louis Ramirez, Alicia Ville
photographer: Riccardo De Vecchi | @riccardodevecchi.photo
supported by: Stimuleringsfonds Talent Development Grant 2024
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 salvaged materials compose studio-method’s new hub for art and ecology in dutch forest appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.
Aug
3
Nestled away in the rolling hills of Normandy’s countryside sits a tiny house that will truly make you want to downsize. Plume’s latest creation, the Bocage Normand, feels like someone finally cracked the code on compact living without all the usual compromises. The single-story design sits beautifully in its landscape, wrapped in engineered wood that’ll weather gracefully with time. Working with the Pépiite eco-lodge network, this tiny home is a thought-through response to how we want to live when space gets tight.
As you walk inside, you immediately notice how the space breathes. The open floor plan flows naturally from the sleeping area to the kitchen to the dining spot, but nothing feels forced or awkward. Large windows bring in floods of natural light, making the interior feel much bigger than its footprint suggests. The designers chose soft colors and countryside wallpaper that feels authentic rather than themed. Every corner serves a purpose, yet the whole thing maintains a relaxed, lived-in quality that many tiny homes miss entirely.
Designer: Plume
The kitchen is proof that you don’t need a massive space to cook well. Smart storage keeps everything within reach while maintaining clean lines throughout. The dining area doubles as workspace when needed, adapting to different rhythms without furniture gymnastics. Built-in storage appears wherever you’d naturally look for it, from under-bed compartments to hidden cubbies. The sleeping area feels like a proper bedroom rather than an afterthought, with enough headroom and storage to actually live comfortably.
The star feature of the home is the outdoor pergola—it’s basically an extra room that happens to be outside. The wooden structure creates a sheltered space perfect for meals, work, or just watching the countryside change throughout the day. Then there’s the outdoor bathtub, which sounds a bit gimmicky until you imagine soaking under the stars after a day exploring Norman villages. The pergola ties the whole design together, extending the living space in a way that feels natural rather than tacked on.
Plume clearly thought hard about sustainability without making it the whole story. The materials age well, the systems run efficiently, and the partnership with Pépiite supports responsible tourism in rural France. Standard RV connections keep things practical for future moves, while the design showcases natural finishes that improve with time. The zellige-style tiles add texture without fussiness.
If you stay in this little dwelling, you won’t be tolerating the size; you will truly love the experience. It is currently open for booking on Pépiite. Plume managed to create something that feels both cozy and spacious, rustic and refined. The Bocage Normand is the kinda home that sets an example, showing us that great architecture isn’t about square footage, it’s about understanding exactly how people want to live and designing around those real needs rather than abstract ideals.
What makes the Bocage Normand different is how effortlessly it feels like a real home, and not just a clever experiment in small-space living. The open floor plan flows without any awkward transitions, and the use of soft colors and big windows makes the whole place feel airy and inviting. There’s a true sense of calm here; nothing feels forced or overly “themed.” Every detail, from the countryside wallpaper to the built-in storage, feels considered and quietly functional, rather than showy or contrived.
The Bocage Normand is full of little moments of smart design. Storage is tucked away exactly where you’d want it, under the bed, inside benches, in hidden nooks, so you never feel like you’re tripping over your stuff. The dining table pulls double duty as a workspace, and the kitchen manages to fit everything you need without feeling cramped. Nothing feels like a compromise in this home; it is full of clever and impressive choices that make daily life easier.
The pergola is a game-changer, because it is not just a covered patio; it feels like an extra room, open to the landscape but sheltered enough to use in any weather. It is perfect for having breakfast outside, working on your laptop, or soaking in the outdoor tub. It makes the whole house feel bigger and more connected to its surroundings. It’s the spot where you realize just how much good design can expand your sense of space, even in a tiny home.
The post Innovative & Inviting Tiny Home Lets You Enjoy An Outdoor Bath In The French Countryside first appeared on Yanko Design.
Aug
3
The modern workspace has evolved dramatically over the past decade, but most offices still trap us in predictable boxes. What if your workspace could literally break out of its shell? Michael Jantzen‘s “Breaking Out Of The Box” concept takes that metaphor and makes it physical, creating a workspace that transforms before your eyes.
Jantzen has spent decades pushing the boundaries between sculpture and architecture. His experimental structures invite interaction, challenging our assumptions about what buildings should be. This latest concept embodies his philosophy perfectly, creating a workspace that’s as much about inspiring creativity as it is about providing shelter from the elements.
Designer: Michael Jantzen
The design starts as a simple white cube, but that’s where simplicity ends. The outer shell consists of five irregularly shaped foam panels, each one hinged and ready to swing open in different directions. These aren’t just decorative elements either. Each panel can be positioned independently, allowing users to literally sculpt their environment based on mood, weather, or creative needs.
Inside this transforming shell sits a smaller glass cube containing the actual workspace. This transparent core houses everything you’d expect: desk, chair, door, and ventilation system. The glass ensures weather protection while maintaining visual connection to the outside world. Even when the outer panels are closed, you’re never truly isolated from your surroundings.
The materials are as thoughtful as the concept itself. Those outer panels are made from lightweight structural foam, making the entire structure transportable as a single unit. No complex foundations required, which means you could theoretically set this up anywhere from a remote hillside to an urban rooftop. The glass core provides durability and transparency, creating fascinating interplays of light and shadow as the outer panels move.
What makes this concept particularly clever is how it adapts to changing needs. Need privacy for focused work? Close most panels. Want maximum natural light? Open everything up. The structure can run on solar power or conventional electricity, making it suitable for off-grid installations or traditional urban settings.
The transformation process becomes a daily ritual, reinforcing the workspace’s core message about breaking free from creative constraints. There’s something almost meditative about physically opening your office each morning, sculpting it to match your intentions for the day. From the outside, the workspace becomes a kinetic sculpture, its form shifting with each interaction.
This concept fits perfectly into broader trends toward modular, nomadic architecture. As work becomes increasingly flexible, our environments need to follow suit. Jantzen’s design doesn’t just accommodate this shift but celebrates it, turning adaptability into an art form.
“Breaking Out Of The Box” challenges everything we think we know about workspace design. It’s simultaneously shelter and sculpture, functional and fantastical. Most importantly, it reminds us that the best creative environments don’t just house our work but actively inspire it through their very existence.
The post Breaking Out Of The Box Workspace Concept Transforms Office Design, Literally first appeared on Yanko Design.
Aug
3
Shadows are a powerful design element that adds depth, drama, and visual intrigue across various disciplines like graphic design, product design, and spatial design. When paired with light, they shape how spaces and objects are perceived, enhancing aesthetics, defining form, and influencing mood.
In creative design, the strategic use of natural and artificial lighting can highlight textures, emphasise key features, and create dynamic alongside emotionally engaging environments. Here’s how light and shadow work together to create a dramatic design element:
Shadows play a vital role in enhancing the perception of depth, giving flat surfaces a sense of dimension and layering. In interior spaces, hanging pendant lights above sculptures can cast dramatic shadows that accentuate texture and form, transforming static objects into dynamic focal points. Textured materials like wood, fabric, and metal also contribute by producing unique shadow patterns that enrich the visual experience.
By allowing natural light to interact with furniture and architectural elements, designers can create a play of light and shadow that adds an interesting dimension. Through intentional shadow placement, specific features can be highlighted, visual harmony can be established, and a captivating compositions can emerge.
Māyā by Luiza Guidi is a sculptural lighting collection that explores the poetic interplay of light and shadow through minimalist design. Inspired by the architectural mastery of Tadao Ando and Luis Barragán, who are renowned for using light to animate concrete forms, Māyā transforms static walls into dynamic canvases of illumination. Named after the Hindu concept signifying illusion and the transient nature of the physical world.
When closed, the fixture appears as a minimalist steel frame. When opened along its hinged steel rods, it unfurls like a book, casting layered geometric shadows and warm light onto surrounding surfaces. Depending on its angle, the lamp creates subtle or dramatic effects: from soft beams with large shadow forms to intricate, fractal-like patterns. Māyā blurs the line between object and experience, offering a contemplative interaction with space and perception through the ever-changing dialogue of light and shadow.
The dynamic interplay between light and shadow is crucial for establishing contrast and visual balance within a design. This relationship injects energy and intrigue, transforming ordinary spaces into captivating environments. In interior design, achieving the right harmony between illuminated areas and shadowed zones enhances spatial depth and enriches the overall aesthetic.
Strategically placed lighting can cast shadows that emphasise architectural details, artwork, or furnishings, heightening their impact. For example, a carefully aimed spotlight above a painting creates a striking contrast, producing a captivating interplay of light and shadow that naturally draws attention and adds dramatic flair to the space.
The Sakura Cyclone Table is a sculptural piece of furniture that embodies the harmony of precision engineering and poetic design. Inspired by the natural movement of cherry blossoms in the wind, this table features a dynamic spiralling base formed from carefully curved plywood strips, each anchored to a central disc and tensioned with fine wire to maintain structural integrity.
Beneath its minimalist glass top, the tables intricately arranged base casts delicate, ever-changing shadows when illuminated. Drawing influence from Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s in Praise of Shadows, the design is intended to evolve with its environment, creating a soft, petal-like shadow effect that adds a contemplative, atmospheric quality to any space. With a compact footprint of 400 x 400 mm and matching height, the Sakura Cyclone Table is designed as a functional yet visually striking centerpiece. Handcrafted in Japan’s renowned Hida region, this table reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship, light, and material.
Soft, diffused shadows evoke a calm and cozy ambiance, while sharp, defined shadows add drama and intensity. Changing shadows created by shifting natural light or moving elements like curtains introduce a sense of movement and bring a dynamic quality to the space.
Dark, dramatic shadows evoke a sense of mystery, while softer ones lend a serene, calming atmosphere. Together, they shape the emotional tone of a scene through light and contrast.
Kartell’s TEA Lamp, designed by Ferruccio Laviani, is a striking example of how light and shadow can transform a functional object into an artful centerpiece. Its abstract form, reminiscent of hands gently holding a light source, casts dynamic and irregular shadows that animate any space with depth and visual intrigue. The woven pattern of the lamp’s cover adds texture and enhances the interplay between illumination and shadow, creating a captivating ambient effect that changes with the surrounding light conditions.
Crafted from recycled thermoplastic technopolymer, the TEA Lamp reflects Kartell’s commitment to sustainability alongside innovative design. Available in multiple colors, this lamp balances aesthetic appeal with environmental responsibility. More than just a source of light, the TEA Lamp engages the senses and elevates interior atmospheres through its thoughtful manipulation of light and shadow, demonstrating Kartell’s continued leadership in merging functionality with artistry and sustainability.
Lighting can be incorporated in various ways, and when combined with layered lighting techniques, it creates a balanced effect and helps set the desired mood.
Natural Light: Thoughtful placement of windows, skylights, and openings allows sunlight to create shifting patterns, enhancing drama and visual depth.
Ambient Lighting: Provides overall illumination and sets the mood using ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, or recessed lights.
Task Lighting: Targets specific activities like reading or cooking with desk lamps, under-cabinet lights, or pendant fixtures.
Accent Lighting: Highlights architectural features or artwork using spotlights, wall sconces, or track lighting to add focus and depth.
Inspired by the intricate geometry of sunflower disk florets, the Aureole wall light reimagines natural patterns into an abstract, sculptural form. Crafted from 3D-printed quartz sand, the lamp’s surface features a delicate array of intersecting curves that reference organic structures without being overtly literal. Even when unlit, the textured design evokes quiet visual intrigue.
When illuminated, light radiates from behind a central black disc, casting intricate, layered shadows that ripple outward like a solar corona. These shifting patterns enhance spatial depth, creating a dynamic interplay of light and darkness on the wall. The result is both ethereal and hypnotic as an ambient light source that engages the senses and transforms its environment. Through this interplay of illumination and material, Aureole offers more than function. It becomes a captivating focal point, blurring the boundaries between nature, design, and sensory experience.
In work environments, sharp shadows can add texture but often distract, making diffused cove lighting ideal for balanced illumination and clear visibility.
High-ceilinged rooms benefit from uplights positioned away from the ceiling to avoid hotspots and uneven shadows that disrupt movement.
Makeup and grooming areas demand focused, shadow-free lighting for precision tasks, often achieved with translucent diffusers.
Stairways require consistent, shadow-free lighting to ensure safety, especially for vulnerable users.
In kitchens, strong task lighting is essential to prevent shadows on work surfaces and ensure safe handling of hot and sharp items.
Take a look at an innovative use of shadows in ‘Suitcase of the Light’, which is a conceptual luggage design developed for Travelhouse that explores the dynamic interplay between form, light, and shadow. The design features a three-dimensional polyhedral surface achieved through the innovative use of angled planes. These planes create contrasting light and dark sections when illuminated, resulting in a striking visual depth without compromising the suitcase’s structural durability. Unlike traditional embossed or textured luggage surfaces, this approach maintains aesthetic uniqueness and functional strength.
The suitcase is envisioned in a variety of colour options – including black, white, green, red, and blue – appealing to users who value both individuality and performance. Whether under soft ambient light or direct illumination, the surface transforms with shifting shadows, producing a subtly animated 3D effect. This combination of design precision and optical illusion positions ‘Suitcase of the Light’ as a distinctive concept in modern travel design – one that merges visual intrigue with practical reliability, and invites further exploration into light-responsive materials in consumer products.
By manipulating light and shadow, designers add layers of complexity and intrigue that draw the viewer’s attention and evoke emotion. This subtle interplay transforms ordinary spaces and objects into compelling visual experiences.
The post Mastering Light & Shadow: Innovative Lighting Ideas for Artistic Interiors first appeared on Yanko Design.
Aug
3
Coffee lovers and professionals seeking a blend of futuristic design and advanced technology will find the RUNERO PRO, designed by Ksenya Ilyukhina for Unicum, simply irresistible. This coffee machine stands at the pinnacle of modern coffee innovation, bringing together a stunning aesthetic and high-performance feature. It can cater perfectly to hotels, restaurants, and catering settings, as well as coffee enthusiasts at home who want a more stylish and modern coffee experience.
The RUNERO PRO immediately makes an impression with its brushed aluminum exterior, which feels both luxurious and robust. Designed to blend seamlessly into stylish interiors, whether in a bustling café or a sophisticated office lounge, its appearance is accented by a signature U-shaped detail and vibrant LED lighting that delicately illuminates the brewing process. This unique light signature not only adds visual interest but also elevates the coffee-making experience, making every cup feel special.
Designer: Ksenya Ilyukhina for Unicum
Operating the RUNERO PRO is intuitive thanks to its large 15-inch LED touchscreen interface. The screen is bright, responsive, and user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to personalize their coffee with just a few taps. For those who appreciate the latest in smart technology, the machine is equipped with Face-ID and Voice Control, allowing for hands-free operation and a touch of futuristic convenience. These features are especially useful in hospitality environments where speed and hygiene are top priorities.
Under the hood, the RUNERO PRO is just as impressive. It boasts two powerful grinders and a high-performance brewer, ensuring rapid and consistent preparation of coffee beverages. The machine is equipped with advanced sensors that monitor and regulate every aspect of the brewing process, from grind size and tablet compression to milk freshness and drink temperature. These sensors guarantee that each cup is crafted to perfection, tailored to individual preferences every time.
Practicality hasn’t been overlooked. The machine features a removable liquid waste compartment with a metal grille for easy cleaning, and the coffee spout is designed for versatility, accommodating different cup sizes. The illuminated bean containers add a modern touch, while the logo element on the front ensures the Unicum brand is instantly recognizable. The RUNERO PRO is available in two flagship color combinations, Black/Silver and Mocca, making it easy to match with any décor. Its construction relies on premium materials such as steel and glass, alongside expertly molded plastic elements, all coming together to create a machine that’s not only beautiful but also built to last.
The post RUNERO Pro is a high-tech, minimalist coffee machine for your kitchen first appeared on Yanko Design.
Aug
3
Beneath the shadow of the Acropolis in Athens’ Monastiraki district, architecture studio Local Local completes the adaptive reuse of a century-old building into Melas Martinos, a contemporary art gallery. The project sees the transformation of an early 20th-century antique store, long owned by the client’s family, into a four-level cultural venue.
Melas Martinos is situated within a historically rich neighborhood where archaeological ruins intermingle with neoclassical houses and concrete mid-century buildings. The property itself had organically evolved over time, with part of the building recently functioning as a small exhibition space. Local Local’s intervention reworks the building into a spatial sequence of galleries while preserving the distinct traces of its past lives.
all images by Lorenzo Zandri
The boutique architecture practice Local Local removes interior walls on the second floor to allow for two open, naturally lit exhibition rooms and replaces a dilapidated floor with timber boards painted a soft grey, a finish echoed on the level above. Throughout the Melas Martinos gallery, white surfaces and gentle grays create a neutral backdrop for changing exhibitions, enabling the temporary return of the family’s antique collections between shows.
Above, red-brick arches define the street facade of the building, and long gridded windows with grey shutters open toward the Acropolis, once again accessible after previously being blocked by ventilation ducts. The second and third floors offer a shaded wraparound balcony surfaced in traditional red-and-white terrazzo, laid by one of the last local craftsmen still practicing the technique. The material subtly recalls the tiled rooftops of surrounding buildings and introduces a moment of expressive texture amid the otherwise minimal composition.
The top floor, once an ad hoc addition clad in aluminum with an asbestos roof, is completely rebuilt to host a fourth gallery and accompanying amenities. Here, too, Local Local integrates the technical needs of the building into the design, rerouting the new ventilation channels and concealing them within the reconstructed volume, freeing up the balconies below and restoring their public use.
Local Local completes the adaptive reuse of a century-old building into Melas Martinos art gallery
What emerged during construction was a revealing palimpsest, with each floor exposing fragments of the building’s evolving architectural identity, which Local Local chose to preserve. On the first story, remnants of an intricate wood-and-tile floor collage were uncovered beneath a worn carpet, while upstairs, a sequence of arches attributed to Greek modernist Takis Zenetos, added in the 1960s, was left intact. The original handcrafted spiral staircase was also restored; its formerly dark, rustic finish was lightened with a soft grey to align with the shutters and unify the interior palette.
For Local Local, materiality is a way to connect, using finishes that were sourced or crafted locally, each with tactile qualities that reinforce a sense of place. The studio’s renovation refrains from imposing a new architectural language, facilitating the quiet encounter between contemporary art, lived history, and the Athenian cityscape.
Melas Martinos is situated within a historically rich neighborhood
archaeological ruins intermingle with neoclassical houses and concrete mid-century buildings
the property itself had organically evolved over time
Local Local’s intervention reworks the building into a spatial sequence of galleries
white surfaces and gentle grays create a neutral backdrop for changing exhibitions
the top floor is completely rebuilt to host a fourth gallery and accompanying amenities
the original handcrafted spiral staircase was also restored
a sequence of arches attributed to Greek modernist Takis Zenetos, added in the 1960s, was left intact
Local Local removes interior walls on the second floor to allow for two open, naturally lit exhibition rooms
using finishes that were sourced or crafted locally
the second and third floors offer a wraparound balcony
project info:
name: Melas Martinos Gallery | @melasmartinos
architect: Local Local | @localocal_localocal
location: Athens, Greece
photographer: Lorenzo Zandri | @lorenzozandri
The post local local turns century-old shop into contemporary art gallery beneath the acropolis appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.
Aug
3
Chamber of Dawn, a captivating installation by artist and designer Minseong Kim, has been turning heads in the world of contemporary art and design. This artpiece stands out for its poetic use of light, color, and spatial narrative, offering visitors a truly immersive sensory experience. Drawing inspiration from the gentle transition between darkness and daylight, Chamber of Dawn invites viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their own sense of wonder.
The installation itself is a delicate interplay of translucent materials, carefully curated lighting, and mindful spatial arrangement. As visitors step inside, they are greeted by a serene ambiance reminiscent of the quiet moments just before sunrise. Soft hues of pink, orange, and gold wash over the space, shifting subtly as the daylight outside changes. Every element in Chamber of Dawn has been thoughtfully chosen to evoke the fleeting beauty of dawn, a time of hope and new beginnings.
Designer: Minseong Kim
Minseong Kim, known for pushing the boundaries between art and architecture, has crafted a space that is both meditative and interactive. The installation is not simply a visual spectacle. It is an environment that encourages introspection. Visitors are encouraged to move slowly, to notice the way light filters through the materials and to observe how their presence subtly alters the atmosphere. This creates a personal, almost sacred, encounter with the work. The design’s simplicity is deceptive; beneath its tranquil appearance lies a complex orchestration of technology and artistry.
This has been praised with its ability to create an environment that is at once innovative and emotionally resonant. The installation offers a moment of calm and connection when everything else seems to be hectic and rushed. It is a reminder that design can do more than please the eye as it can also nourish the soul. The success of Chamber of Dawn is also a testament to the growing popularity of experiential art. As audiences seek deeper, more meaningful encounters with art and design, works like Kim’s are gaining well-deserved attention. Chamber of Dawn is more than an installation; it is an invitation to experience time, space, and color in a new way. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform ordinary environments into extraordinary experiences.
For those interested in the intersection of design, technology, and emotion, Chamber of Dawn is a must-see. Whether you are an art lover, a collector, or simply a seeker of beauty, Minseong Kim’s work offers something profound. Through this installation, Kim gently reminds us of the power of light and space to shape our moods and memories. Chamber of Dawn is both an award-winning design and a luminous celebration of the everyday miracles we too often overlook.
The post Chamber of Dawn is a mesmerizing intersection of light, space, and emotion first appeared on Yanko Design.
Aug
3
For anyone who loves precision in the kitchen, the Weigh Balance Measuring Spoon concept by Stu Cole can be a game-changer. Inspired by the classic Brevete Balance Measuring Spoon, this contemporary update brings a beloved tool into the 21st century with both style and substance. The new Weigh spoon takes everything practical about its original design and refines it for today’s kitchens, making it ideal for everyone from home cooks to serious bakers and collectors.
The sleek and modern aesthetic is immediately noticeable from the product renders. Crafted from anodized aluminum, the Weigh spoon feels both lightweight and robust in your hand. The finish not only looks sophisticated but also resists scratches and wear, promising years of reliable use. This choice of material gives the spoon a premium feel that stands out among everyday kitchen utensils, and the design is sure to appeal to both kitchen newbies and veterans alike.
Designer: Stu Cole
The Weigh Balance Measuring Spoon focuses on simplicity and user experience. The balancing mechanism has been carefully reimagined for easy, intuitive operation. Simply fill the spoon and use the clear, easy-to-read measurement markings along the stem to see exactly how much you have, measured precisely in grams. This takes the guesswork out of portioning and makes following recipes more accurate than ever.
Unlike digital scales or complex gadgets, the Weigh spoon is fully analog, so it is always ready to use and never needs batteries. Its minimalist design means there are no confusing parts or unnecessary features. The ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, and the balanced weight distribution makes it a pleasure to use for both small and large quantities. Functionality and elegance go hand in hand with this tool. The Weigh spoon is not just about looks or nostalgia; it is about making everyday kitchen tasks simpler and more enjoyable. Whether you are measuring flour for bread, coffee for your morning brew, or spices for a new recipe, this spoon brings precision and confidence to your cooking.
Kitchen enthusiasts will appreciate the way Weigh honors the timeless appeal of the original Brevete while embracing modern materials and visual clarity. The updated mechanism and refined scale markings make it a standout piece that bridges tradition and innovation. It is a tool that looks as good on display as it performs in use. This concept is proof that the best kitchen tools are those that blend heritage with contemporary design. By focusing on simplicity, durability, and everyday practicality, Weigh has created a product that belongs in every modern kitchen. Whether you are looking to upgrade your baking tools or searching for a unique gift, this measuring spoon is a perfect blend of classic inspiration and modern craftsmanship.
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