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michele de lucchi stars in A24’s ‘architecton’ documentary on stone and fate of concrete

the legacy of concrete traced through architecton

 

Architecton, an A24 documentary directed by Victor Kossakovsky, opens in theaters across the United States today, August 1st, 2025, following its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival last year. The film traces the material and political implications of construction, specifically concrete, through the eyes of architects, quarry workers, and the ruins of buildings both ancient and modern.

 

Italian architect Michele De Lucchi is featured prominently throughout the film, which is mostly silent. He is shown with measured movements, whether sketching or arranging stones in his garden near Milan, while the camera — handled by longtime Kossakovsky collaborator Ben Bernhard — travels from war-ravaged apartment blocks in Ukraine to earthquake-rattled structures in Turkey and stone quarries in Baalbek, Lebanon.

scene from Architecton (2024), image courtesy A24

 

 

victor kossakovsky documents stone as witness

 

Architecton establishes its tone early, as the film opens with a sweeping drone shot over bombed buildings. Walls are torn open to reveal hollowed interiors. A banner reading ‘Kick Russia Out of Ukraine’ flutters on a facade. The film doesn’t speak in overt political terms, but its images document the damage in detail. The Russian director‘s camera lingers on absences. Missing walls and crushed concrete reveal exposed stairwells and empty living rooms.

 

The scenes from Turkey echo these voids, though here they result from natural disaster rather than war. Newer buildings, many concrete-framed, lie flattened while ancient stone structures nearby remain upright. These observational contrasts are embedded in the texture of the film’s editing and sound design.

scene from Architecton (2024), image courtesy A24

 

 

Toward a Slower Practice

 

Between these scenes of destruction shown throughout the Architecton film, architect Michele De Lucchi assembling a circle of stones in his Milanese garden. This simple act of creation unfolds slowly, in contrast to the speed and violence of the demolition scenes. This gesture becomes the film’s only real construction sequence.

 

Elsewhere, viewers meet Abdul Nabi al-Afi, caretaker of the Baalbek quarry, and artist Nick Steur, known for his ephemeral stone balances. Their appearances reinforce the director’s interest in how humans handle stone, whether through preservation, balance, or blasting. In one of Architecton’s most important moments, crushed rock suspended midair becomes a detailed visual metaphor for the material on the brink of transformation.

scene from Architecton (2024), image courtesy A24

 

 

Despite its global scope, the film is spare in dialogue. Music by Evgueni Galperine and immersive sound design by Aleksandr Dudarev bear much of the emotional weight. Machines, explosions, and wind often speak louder than humans. Even De Lucchi’s reflections, when they arrive, are brief and quiet as he comments on architecture’s complicity in environmental degradation and resource depletion.

 

The film documents moments of building and unbuilding with an eye toward their consequences. For architects and designers, it brings a timely meditation on the afterlife of structures and the material and environmental costs of new construction.

scene from Architecton (2024), image courtesy A24

scene from Architecton (2024), image courtesy A24

scene from Architecton (2024), image courtesy A24

scene from Architecton (2024), image courtesy A24

scene from Architecton (2024), image courtesy A24

 

project info:

 

name: Architecton

director: Victor Kossakovsky

starring: Michele de Lucchi

U.S. premiere: August 1st, 2025 (find tickets here)

The post michele de lucchi stars in A24’s ‘architecton’ documentary on stone and fate of concrete appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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This 64MP Point-and-shoot Camera Comes With A Dedicated Selfie Lens On The Back

If you’ve been following the photography scene for a while, you know the compact point-and-shoot has been in a slow, agonizing decline for years. It’s not a secret that the smartphone, with its ever-improving computational photography and instant sharing capabilities, has rendered the traditional pocket camera nearly obsolete for most people. So, when a legacy brand like Rollei, with its deep roots in German optics, decides to launch a new compact shooter, it definitely piques one’s interest – because as good as cameras have gotten (be it from Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Leica, or any other brand), there’s still one thing they don’t do – pack multiple lenses. That being said, the Rollei Powerflex X8 might just be the only point-and-shoot cam to have its own dedicated front-facing lens so that you can click selfies between professional street photos and landscapes!

This camera is an answer to a question no one really asked, but in a way that makes you think, “Wait, that’s actually genius.” The Rollei Powerflex X8 is a 64-megapixel point-and-shoot with a full-sized 8x optical zoom lens on the front, but what makes it stand out is the little secret it holds on the back. Tucked away above the generous 3.6-inch touchscreen is a second, tiny lens dedicated entirely to selfies. This is a brilliant, almost goofy, solution to the problem of trying to frame yourself with the main camera. No more guessing, no more awkward flailing with a clunky camera turned the wrong way. You just flip a switch, and you’ve got a dedicated selfie machine that puts your smartphone’s front camera to shame, at least on paper.

Designer: Rollei

The core of the matter here is the hardware. The main lens offers the equivalent of a 38-310mm optical zoom with a variable F1.8-F2.6 aperture. That’s a massive range for a camera this size and gives you a versatility that a smartphone can only dream of achieving digitally. The primary 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor, capable of producing those high-resolution 64-megapixel stills, is complemented by the smaller, 1/3.06-inch-type sensor paired with the 3.37-mm selfie lens. While the New Atlas article is a little vague on the exact resolution of the selfie cam, the promise of “convenience without loss of quality” suggests it’s designed to deliver something special. Plus, the whole system can shoot video in 5K at 25 fps or 4K at 30 fps. That’s some serious firepower for a camera that feels so refreshingly unserious in its design philosophy.

Imagine you’re out and about, capturing some amazing landscape shots with the powerful optical zoom, and then you want to grab a quick, high-quality picture of yourself and a friend in front of it. Instead of fumbling around, trying to use the main lens while guessing your framing, you simply switch to the selfie mode and use the rear-facing lens to perfectly compose your shot on the big screen. This seamless transition is the key to the camera’s appeal. It solves a real-world problem in a simple, elegant, and yes, slightly quirky way that no other compact camera is doing right now. It is a genuine innovation in a category that has become stagnant.

The overall package is quite compact, measuring 126 x 84 x 73 mm and weighing in at a manageable 383 grams without the 1,350 mAh battery. For a camera with this kind of optical zoom and a second lens, that’s remarkably svelte. It’s on sale in Europe for €299, which converts to around $350. That price point is also incredibly compelling. It’s an accessible price for a camera that delivers something unique and a tangible upgrade over your smartphone’s camera, especially with its optical zoom and dedicated selfie function. This is a camera that understands what modern users want: quality, versatility, and the ability to capture every moment, including themselves, without compromising on convenience. It really is an impressive piece of kit from a company that proves it still has some clever tricks up its sleeve.

The post This 64MP Point-and-shoot Camera Comes With A Dedicated Selfie Lens On The Back first appeared on Yanko Design.

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This nostalgic building brick set brings back memories of the golden era

There’s something about brick-based and retro gadgets that gets everyone going. There have been many examples of the neo-retro creation that bring the charm of brick building to a geek’s desk. JMBrickplaer keeps that emotion alive with a collection of vintage sets that bring back the allure of classic retro design.

The collection comes in two different model building sets that take you back to the 70s and 80s era. Both these sets have amazing attention to detail in recreating the individual gadgets that make up these two sets. One is the JMBricklayer Typewriter Walkman Television Building Toys 20131 consisting of a typewriter, music player with earphones and a television set. The other is the JMBricklayer Adult Vintage Building Sets 20132 that has a retro game console, a radio model, and a vintage PC.

Designer: JMBricklayer

This set comes from JMBricklayer, a LEGO-competitor that has grown to become one of the largest toy brick-making companies in the world. The China-based manufacturer is known for its amazing bricks builder sets like the Steampunk Marble Run machine, and these two collectible sets are in the same league.

JMBricklayer Typewriter Walkman Television Building Toys 20131

The 3-in-1 2031 brick vintage set, priced at $30, takes you back in time when gadgets were a luxury, and even a typewriter was an elusive machine to own. The 660-piece collectible is perfect for your office desk or workstation shelf at home. Each one of the gadgets has a very lifelike appearance and faithfully replicates the original devices of the golden era.

You can assemble the mechanical typewriter to dive into the nostalgia of typewritten characters, or put together the buildable Walkman with a retro tape to relive the youthful memories. Even better, you can remember those days when watching television was such an exciting activity. The TV set builds into one with a “No Signal” display.

Click Here to Buy Now

JMBricklayer Adult Vintage Building Sets 20132

This one is my personal favorite since it has an arcade gaming console. The set priced at $28.50 has 552 pieces that build up to take the shape of a game console, radio and computer. Each one of them is ideal for your bookshelf or desk setup, making you remember those golden times when less was more.

The radio has multiple movable details making it playful and engaging, while the vintage computer with a detachable rear section takes you back in time when computing machines were in their toddling stage. Last but not least, the classic game console urges you to pick up those controllers and instinctively get going for a session of gaming with your best pal.

Both of these sets are an absolute must-have, given their affordable price and the level of detail in the construction of the bricks.

Click Here to Buy Now

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Ball Brick Concept Reimagines Building Block Play

Building blocks have captivated generations of creative minds, from toddlers stacking their first towers to architects sketching skyscrapers. What if those familiar rectangular bricks could break free from their grid-based constraints? This ball-shaped building block concept does exactly that, reimagining modular construction in ways that feel both revolutionary and surprisingly natural.

Before we dive deeper, it’s important to clarify that this concept design isn’t affiliated with or related to the LEGO brand in any way. While clearly inspired by the iconic building block aesthetic, this is an independent creative exploration by Antoine Brieux of NAK Studio that pushes the boundaries of what modular construction toys could become.

Designer: Antoine Brieux (NAK Studio)

The genius lies in the spherical geometry itself. Each ball features multiple cylindrical connectors and holes distributed around its surface, complete with familiar embossed logos for authenticity. But here’s where things get interesting: the system uses two distinct connection angles at 90° and 120°. This means builders can create both traditional square-grid structures and triangular, hexagonal arrangements that were impossible with rectangular bricks.

The creative possibilities explode once you start thinking beyond the grid. Instead of being locked into orthogonal building patterns, these spherical pieces enable organic, lattice-like structures that resemble molecular models or complex geometric sculptures. You could build everything from crystalline formations to flowing, curved architectures that feel more like nature than traditional construction toys.

What’s particularly clever is how the concept maintains compatibility with standard building block parts. The connectors and holes match familiar dimensions, meaning these balls could theoretically integrate with existing collections. It’s innovation that builds on tradition rather than replacing it entirely, which feels like the right approach for such a fundamental reimagining.

The visual presentation is equally thoughtful. Classic building block colors like orange, red, blue, and green maintain brand familiarity, while translucent “lollipop” variations add playful, candy-inspired elements that could appeal to younger builders. The eco-friendly packaging uses resealable pouches with minimalist graphics, suggesting a more sustainable approach to toy distribution.

Perhaps most intriguingly, this concept could bridge the gap between construction toys and educational tools. The molecular-like structures possible with these balls could make chemistry and physics concepts more tangible, while the geometric possibilities could enhance understanding of mathematics and engineering principles.

The ball-shaped building block concept proves that even the most established designs can be reimagined in meaningful ways. By maintaining the core philosophy of modular construction while introducing new geometric possibilities, it opens doors to entirely new forms of creative expression. Sometimes the best innovations come from asking simple questions about familiar objects.

The post Ball Brick Concept Reimagines Building Block Play first appeared on Yanko Design.

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YEEDI M14 PLUS: How Gravity-Inspired Design Meets Game-Changing Mopping Technology

Robot vacuums have always been about function over form, but what happens when a company decides to flip that script entirely? The YEEDI M14 PLUS represents something genuinely different in the smart home space. Instead of another black disc that hides under your couch, YEEDI drew inspiration from gravitational field curvature to create a cleaning robot that looks more like a piece of modern sculpture. They’ve taken their flagship OZMO ROLLER technology from the award-winning S14 PLUS and made it accessible to way more people. The M14 PLUS rethinks what these devices can be when design and engineering work together. After digging into the technical details and design philosophy, I’m genuinely curious to see how this cosmic-inspired approach performs in the real world with my complex floor plan and Ember’s endless hair situation.

Designer: YEEDI

Design That Actually Makes Sense: The Gravity Connection

Most robot vacuum designs feel like afterthoughts, but YEEDI approached the M14 PLUS completely differently. They studied how gravity naturally bends space into seamless, flowing curves, then translated that cosmic elegance into physical form. The result looks almost organic, with naturally recessed surfaces and gently rounded edges that flow into each other without harsh transitions.

The matte white shell serves multiple purposes beyond looking sophisticated. It minimizes visual noise in your living space while rose gold accents add warmth that prevents the device from feeling sterile. These deliberate design decisions help the M14 PLUS integrate into modern homes rather than hide from them. What strikes me about this approach is how YEEDI positions the device as more than just a cleaning appliance.

As they put it, “We see the M14 PLUS not only as a cleaning tool but as a design element. It reflects the way people live today where beauty, technology, and functionality converge.” The gravitational field inspiration creates visual language that feels both futuristic and timeless. The scratch-resistant body comes in black or white options, giving users flexibility to match existing home aesthetics.

Those rose gold accents provide just enough contrast to prevent the device from disappearing completely while maintaining sophisticated restraint. The overall effect creates something that looks intentionally placed rather than reluctantly tolerated. Every curve serves a purpose, from improved navigation around furniture to better tactile comfort when handling the device.

OZMO ROLLER Technology: A Smart Mopping Breakthrough

The OZMO ROLLER Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology was previously exclusive to YEEDI’s flagship S14 PLUS. Now they’ve democratized this advanced cleaning system without compromising effectiveness. The horizontally mounted OZMO Roller spins at 200 RPM while applying 4,000 Pa of pressure, creating scrubbing action that’s far more effective than passive mopping approaches.

The real innovation lies in its self-cleaning capability through 16 internal water nozzles that deliver fresh water up to 200 times per minute. This continuous self-rinsing prevents the common problem of spreading dirty water around your floors. Traditional robot mops often leave streaks or require manual cleaning of mop pads between uses. The OZMO system eliminates both issues through its unique design approach.

The roller’s superior fluid absorption combined with continuous self-rinsing means it tackles large spills and stubborn stains on the first pass without requiring multiple cleaning cycles. YEEDI developed this system in collaboration with Tineco, bringing decades of floor cleaning innovation experience to the consumer robot market. The high-speed, high-temperature operation performs significantly better than standard spinning or vibrating mop pads.

Unmatched fluid absorption and continuous self-rinsing ensure the OZMO ROLLER tackles the biggest messes without spreading them or requiring manual intervention. The ongoing integrated cleaning process also leaves floors drier, which matters more than you might think. Your robot won’t limit your ability to use your home while it’s working, and you won’t deal with wet floors for hours after cleaning cycles complete.

Unlike traditional flat or disc mops, the OZMO system combines real-time self-cleaning to ensure zero residue and consistently clean results. The strategic expansion represents YEEDI’s vision of accessible innovation, delivering high-performance engineering in a more versatile form factor that bridges the gap between flagship technology and everyday homes.

Smart Navigation Meets Premium Performance

The M14 PLUS integrates YEEDI’s AIVI 3D 3.0 technology, which combines LiDAR mapping with dual-structured light depth sensing and computer vision. The multifaceted object recognition, smart mapping, and active avoidance methods eliminate the biggest frustrations with robot vacuums getting stuck or missing areas. Smart navigation creates efficient cleaning patterns while learning your home’s layout over time.

The TruEdge 2.0 system ensures edge cleaning reaches every corner and baseboard through extendable side brushes and the mop roller working together. The durable shell features high-tech sensors that enable advanced navigation, plus ports for the extendable side brush and mop roller that let the TruEdge 2.0 system clean every fraction of an inch, wet or dry, without missing anything.

The ZeroTangle 3.0 anti-hair wrap system specifically targets pet-friendly homes with thoughtfully shaped and aligned brushes that prevent hair from wrapping around the main roller. Combined with 18,000 Pa suction power, this handles everything from fine dust to stubborn pet hair without losing effectiveness over time. Nothing handles resilient dirt and stubborn pet hair as well, thanks to class-leading suction and thoughtfully engineered brush systems.

YEEDI’s attention to detail and commitment to next-generation technology build on the M14 PLUS’s solid foundation of dependable, high-powered internals that competing robots struggle to match. The results, longevity, and user-friendly operation make it clear thorough engineering went into every aspect of its design.

OMNI Station: Hands-Free Maintenance Revolution

The compact OMNI Station brings together multiple maintenance functions that typically require manual intervention. Temperature-Controlled Mop Washing 2.0 uses heated water to thoroughly clean the OZMO Roller after each use. The 45°C rolling drying system prevents mold and bacteria growth while ensuring the mop is ready for the next cleaning cycle.

Auto-emptying functionality means the dust bin empties itself after each cleaning session. Combined with the self-cleaning mop system, this creates up to 150 days of truly hands-free operation. The station’s compact footprint fits into most utility areas without dominating the space, which often concerns users with larger robot vacuum bases.

Smart maintenance alerts notify you when consumables need replacement or when deeper cleaning is required. The proactive approach prevents performance degradation and extends the overall lifespan of the system. The integration between robot and station feels seamless, with docking and undocking happening automatically without user intervention.

Real-World Testing Anticipation

What excites me most about testing the M14 PLUS is seeing how it handles my complex floor plan with multiple room transitions and varied flooring types. My home features everything from hardwood to tile to area rugs, plus plenty of furniture legs and tight corners where debris tends to accumulate. The combination of powerful suction, intelligent navigation, and that innovative OZMO Roller system should provide insights into whether this premium technology translates to noticeably better cleaning results.

The pet hair challenge will be particularly interesting with Ember’s shedding contributing to my daily cleaning needs. The ZeroTangle 3.0 system promises to handle long hair without the constant maintenance that plagues many robot vacuums. If the M14 PLUS can maintain consistent performance despite heavy pet hair exposure, it would solve one of the most persistent issues in this product category.

Ember

I’m curious to see how the gravity-inspired design affects real-world navigation through tight spaces and around furniture. Sometimes elegant aesthetics can compromise practical functionality, but YEEDI seems to have balanced both considerations thoughtfully. The proof will be in extended daily use across different cleaning scenarios and floor types, especially with that OZMO ROLLER technology handling the mopping duties that most robots completely botch.

The post YEEDI M14 PLUS: How Gravity-Inspired Design Meets Game-Changing Mopping Technology first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Core77 Weekly Roundup (7-28-25 to 8-1-25)

Here’s what we looked at this week:

The Worksport Solis and Cor Hub are a solar-power-harvesting tonneau cover, and a portable generator, for pickup trucks.

The KikFin Shark: A wearable underwater jet pack.

Maximum, which makes furniture out of industrial waste, turns old crowd control barriers into seating.

Just stunning: Fabian Oefner creates paintings without canvases.

Twelve South’s PowerBug, a minimal MagSafe charger ideal for travel.

Better than foam: Fluid-filled earplugs for a perfect fit.

Chemistry vs. sexual assault: A date-rape-drug-detecting skin sticker.

Sortimo has designed a folding vise for work vans.

The Matthews Air Climber raises heavy loads 25 feet using an air compressor.

Electrical engineer Michael Kuzma has invented a self-playing guitar system.

The Kangaroo Hanger: A Product Design student’s self-project leads to massive business success.

Knoll brings back an ’80s design classic: Joseph D’Urso’s Occasional Table.

The Amazon delivery missile, by artist Sunday Nobody: 30 second deliveries.

ARES’ brilliant, low-tech energy storage system uses recycled materials, gravity and rocks. Anywhere with a hill will do.

Why Industrial Facility designed this humble-looking Hiroi Chair.

New book: In “How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity,” play designer Cas Holman covers the benefits of play for adults.

A game-changing tool design: Powered fence post drivers save time, materials and labor.

Heller figures out how to make plastic furniture that doesn’t shed microplastics.

Designed by industrial design firm Cardboard Helicopter, this torpedo level changes color when it’s level or plumb.

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A Torpedo Level That Changes Color When It’s Level or Plumb

It may seem gimmicky but this iLevel, designed by ID firm Cardboard Helicopter for client Franklin Sensors, is brilliant. It’s a 12″ level that turns green when it’s perfectly level or plumb.

This is not only easier to see than gauging the bubble—particularly when you’re at an angle relative to the window—but means you can see it from a distance.

It’s also useful in low-light situations.

They run $25 a pop and get rave reviews.

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Boulder Park is a sculptural urban retreat with 3D printed centerpiece

Nestled in the heart of Jinan, Shandong, Boulder Park is a striking example of how thoughtful landscape design can transform an urban environment into a serene escape. Designed by the innovative team at Xisui Design, this park is quickly becoming a local favorite, attracting visitors of all ages with its unique blend of natural elements, contemporary artistry, and cutting-edge technology.

Boulder Park stands out for its creative use of stone and organic forms, skillfully integrated into the city’s landscape. The design draws inspiration from the rocky terrain and springs that are iconic to Jinan, often called the “City of Springs.” Xisui Design’s vision was to pay homage to the city’s natural heritage while creating a functional, modern space for urban dwellers to relax, play, and connect with nature.

Designer: Xisui Design

A key highlight of Boulder Park is the innovative 3D concrete printed element that serves as a sculptural centerpiece. This unique structure blends seamlessly with the natural boulders, echoing their forms while introducing a distinctly modern touch. The 3D printed concrete element offers a fluid, organic shape that encourages interaction, inviting visitors to sit, climb, and gather. Its surface texture and subtle curves mimic the look of weathered stone, yet its design and fabrication point toward the future of sustainable construction and landscape architecture.

Upon entering Boulder Park, visitors are greeted by a dramatic arrangement of sculptural boulders and the eye-catching 3D printed structure. The park’s main pathways wind gracefully around these features, encouraging exploration and offering ever-changing perspectives. The boulders and the concrete element are not only visually stunning but also interactive, inviting children and adults alike to engage with the landscape in playful and creative ways.

The planting palette at Boulder Park is thoughtfully curated to complement both the rugged stone features and the contemporary concrete forms. Native grasses, low shrubs, and seasonal flowers soften the hard edges, offering a harmonious balance between strength and delicacy. The vegetation changes with the seasons, providing year-round interest and a dynamic visual experience for visitors. In spring and summer, bright blooms and lush greenery fill the park. Autumn brings warm hues and textured seed heads, while winter reveals the elegant silhouettes of the stones, plants, and 3D printed elements.

Seating areas are seamlessly integrated, often tucked into sheltered nooks between boulders and near the concrete printed structure, offering quiet spots for rest or socializing. Subtle lighting highlights the textures of the rocks, plants, and concrete element in the evening, creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and tranquil after dark. The park also features open lawns, children’s play areas, and water features that pay subtle tribute to Jinan’s famous springs, making Boulder Park suitable for families, joggers, and nature lovers.

Boulder Park is both a beautiful green space and a testament to sustainable urban design. Xisui Design employed eco-friendly practices throughout the project, from using locally sourced materials to implementing efficient water management. The 3D printed concrete element itself is an example of sustainable construction, reducing material waste and enabling complex forms with a lower environmental footprint. With its blend of art, nature, innovation, and community spirit, Boulder Park by Xisui Design stands as a modern landmark in Jinan, inviting residents and visitors to experience the city’s natural beauty in a fresh and inspiring way.

The post Boulder Park is a sculptural urban retreat with 3D printed centerpiece first appeared on Yanko Design.

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3D Printed Farolito Lamp Reimagines Paper Lanterns

There’s something universally comforting about lanterns. Whether it’s the soft glow of paper bags lining sidewalks during holidays or warm candlelight flickering through translucent walls, lanterns create instant atmosphere. Wooj’s Farolito Lamp captures that same magic, transforming the humble paper lantern into a modern lighting solution.

The inspiration comes from New Mexico’s beloved farolitos, those simple paper bags with candles inside that transform neighborhoods during celebrations. Wooj founder Sean Kim took these traditional lanterns and reimagined them for contemporary homes. The result mimics every detail: crisp folds, notched tops, and characteristic creases that make paper bags instantly recognizable.

Designer: Wooj Design

What makes this translation particularly clever is how Wooj uses recycled PLA bioplastic to recreate textures that would normally exist only in paper. The 3D printing process allows for intricate details that are nearly impossible with traditional manufacturing methods.

Thanks to the additive manufacturing process, every piece has subtle variations in color and texture. The sustainability angle here isn’t just marketing speak. By using recycled PLA and transparent TPE cord, Wooj addresses environmental concerns while creating something genuinely beautiful. The made-to-order model eliminates waste from overproduction completely.

At 8.75 inches tall, the Farolito feels substantial without overwhelming smaller spaces. The included warm white LED bulb produces that perfect 2700K glow that makes everything look better. The bioplastic shade diffuses light beautifully, creating the same cozy ambiance as candlelit paper lanterns but without fire hazards.

Despite looking delicate and paper-thin, the lamp feels reassuringly solid in your hands. This durability versus appearance contrast is part of what makes the design so successful. You get all the visual charm of fragile paper lanterns with none of the actual fragility that comes with real paper.

Wooj’s approach to design consistently emphasizes playfulness and accessibility. Rather than creating precious objects for design collectors, they focus on pieces that bring joy to everyday spaces. The Farolito perfectly embodies this philosophy, taking something as ordinary as a paper bag and elevating it through thoughtful material choices.

The Wooj Farolito Lamp proves that the best contemporary design often comes from reimagining the simplest things. By combining traditional inspiration with modern technology and sustainable materials, it creates something that feels both timeless and thoroughly current for today’s design-conscious homes.

The post 3D Printed Farolito Lamp Reimagines Paper Lanterns first appeared on Yanko Design.

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A Game-Changing Tool Design: Powered Fence Post Drivers

For decades, the common way to set fence posts was to dig a hole below the frostline, tamp some gravel in the bottom for drainage, place your post, then set it in concrete.

This is time-, materials- and labor-intensive. To dig the hole, you need a post hole digger or a powered auger, both of which are hard work.

You need gravel, as well as concrete and water; transporting those heavy items to a remote jobsite is another hassle. Mixing the concrete and water requires a wheelbarrow or tubs, which get messy and need to be cleaned afterwards. Lastly you have to wait for the concrete to set before you can apply any pressure to the post, for instance to tension the wire fencing it will support.

It’s little wonder that gas-powered fence post drivers are growing in popularity. These portable tools use a small engine to power an internal hammering mechanism.

In the absence of concrete, stability is achieved simply by driving the post deep into the ground. Once you’ve muscled the tool into place, it does the bulk of the work.

For shorter people, or for driving extra-tall fence posts, models like this Easy Petrol Post Driver offer extension handles.

These tools, which generally weigh 25-35 lbs, are far easier to haul to a jobsite than all of the materials required for a concrete-set post. All you need is the tool and a gas can.