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hybrid electric airscooter takes off as single-seater VTOL for solo travelers and flyers

Hybrid electric vtol airscooter has finally flown

 

The hybrid electric Airscooter takes off as a single-seater VTOL ideal for solo travelers and flyers or those who want to commute on their own. First introduced in June 2023 as a concept personal vehicle, the pilot flight for the test model took place in December 2023, with the team monitoring its system capabilities. Then, in the following months after, the team conducted consistent unmanned testing, gathering flight data to integrate into the next tests and making sure that they could immediately fix and attend to potential technical shortcomings.

Come June 7th, 2025, two years after its first introduction, the hybrid electric VTOL Airscooter flew to the sky, manned for the first time by the company’s very own founder, Franky Zapata, who is also the mastermind behind the flying chair, Jetracer. The date marked the first-ever manned flight of the team’s hybrid electric VTOL Airscooter after years of development and months of rigorous testing, a few steps away from becoming an available single-seater air vehicle for solo travelers and flyers, and for those who want to hover around short distances.

all images courtesy of Franky Zapata and Zapata Company

 

 

Users can fly the air vehicle without pilot’s license

 

For a brief design recap, the Airscooter is a small hybrid electric VTOL designed for one person. It doesn’t need a pilot’s license to fly the aircraft, as it follows the FAA Part 103 ultralight rules, which means regular people can learn how to fly it without applying for a proper flight-vehicle document. Before taking it off, the team says riders will first learn through virtual reality and flight simulators at their dedicated flight centers, and after a short training session, they can fly the hybrid electric VTOL Airscooter with help from a certified instructor nearby.

 

The aircraft has a compact design with a size of 340 cm long, 340 cm wide, and 256 cm tall. The frame stands vertically, which helps with stability and balance, and it uses a hybrid-electric system, which mixes electric motors and a small gasoline engine to make it last longer than a regular electric aircraft. Part of its features is the fly-by-wire control system, a computer system that helps control the machine while flying. It uses sensors and computers to manage power, balance, and direction, so the pilot doesn’t need to worry much about the technical operations while flying. The computer makes flying ideal for beginners, especially since they’re not fully trained as commercial pilots.

the frame has a teardrop shape with unobstructed windshield

 

 

Gas engine keeps the aircraft flying longer

 

More into the hybrid propulsion system, the electric motors in the personal aircraft are used to help it take off and stay in the air at first. The gasoline engine turns on later to extend the flight time, allowing the hybrid electric VTOL Airscooter to fly for up to two hours, which the team believes is much longer than most small electric flying vehicles.

 

The aircraft can take off and land vertically, so it doesn’t need a big space like an airport, and users can even fly it from a small pad, rooftop, or open field. When they start the hybrid electric VTOL Airscooter, the electric motors lift it into the air, and the fly-by-wire system helps keep it balanced; then once in the air, the gas engine kicks in to keep it flying longer. So far, there’s no news yet on when the aircraft is expected to be available.

the rotors are exposed for the hybrid electric VTOL Airscooter

June 7th, 2025 marked the first-ever manned flight of the aircraft

it doesn’t need a pilot’s license to fly, as it follows the FAA Part 103 ultralight rules

the aircraft has a compact design with a size of 340 cm long, 340 cm wide, and 256 cm tall

so far, there’s no news yet on when the aircraft is expected to be available.

 

project info:

 

name: Airscooter

company: Zapata | @zapata_company

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Preorder Deals: Save Up to $1,100 Plus Inside Look at Samsung’s Breakthrough Foldable Design

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 preorders are live with some of the most aggressive foldable deals we’ve seen. Announced at Unpacked on July 9 and shipping July 25, every major carrier is competing for customers with substantial trade-in credits and bundle offers. With preorders closing July 24, this is your window to save up to $1,100 before prices revert to standard retail.

Designer: Samsung

What makes these deals particularly compelling is the device they’re promoting. The Z Fold7 represents Samsung’s most refined foldable yet, combining breakthrough engineering with premium materials to create what the design team calls their proudest achievement in the Galaxy Fold series.

Galaxy Z Fold7 Preorder Deals: Every Major Carrier Compared

The preorder landscape is more competitive than ever, with carriers and Samsung itself offering different approaches to maximize savings. Understanding these differences is crucial for getting the best value based on your specific situation and device preferences.

Samsung Direct: Storage Upgrades and Accessory Credits

Samsung’s approach emphasizes flexibility without carrier commitments. Qualified trade-ins earn up to $1,000 off instantly, with maximum value for recent flagships like the Z Fold 6 or S25 Ultra. The trade-in process includes clear value estimates and prepaid shipping labels for convenience. Even without a qualifying device, Samsung applies $300 in store credit at checkout, perfect for accessories or Galaxy ecosystem additions.

Storage upgrades provide exceptional value through Samsung direct. The 512GB model receives a $120 discount, while the 1TB version drops by $150, effectively making the 512GB option cost the same as the 256GB base model. For users storing lots of photos, videos, or apps locally, this beats cloud storage subscriptions over the device’s lifespan. The combination of trade-in credits, storage discounts, and accessory credits creates comprehensive value for users building their Galaxy ecosystem.

AT&T: Liberal Trade-In Policy and Device Bundles

AT&T offers up to $1,100 off through 36 monthly bill credits with the industry’s most forgiving trade-in policy. Any Galaxy S, Note, or Z Series device qualifies for maximum credit regardless of age or condition. This means older or damaged phones that competitors might reject still net full discount value. The policy reflects AT&T’s aggressive push to capture foldable early adopters who might have less valuable trade-ins.

Bundle promotions add substantial value for multi-device households. Customers purchasing a Z Fold7 or Z Flip 7 can add a Galaxy Watch 8 and Tab A9 Plus 5G for just 99 cents each monthly. This represents hundreds in savings on ecosystem products while creating a comprehensive Samsung experience across device categories. Business customers see even steeper discounts, with the Z Fold7 dropping to $900 and Z Flip 7 to $200 with three-year commitments.

T-Mobile: Accessible Plans and Guaranteed Savings

T-Mobile matches the $1,100 maximum discount with eligible trade-ins but stands out through broader plan eligibility. Most unlimited plans qualify for full deals, not just premium tiers, making savings accessible to more customers. This flexibility particularly benefits families or individuals who don’t need highest-tier plans but want flagship device discounts.

The carrier guarantees $500 off any new Galaxy Z device even without trade-ins. This no-strings discount makes foldables more accessible to first-time buyers or those with devices that don’t qualify for trade-in programs. Magenta Status perks including T-Mobile Tuesdays and entertainment benefits add ongoing value beyond initial purchase savings. Network improvements and 5G coverage complement the Z Fold7’s connectivity features for users prioritizing long-term value over just purchase price.

Verizon: Premium Network with Strict Requirements

Verizon requires their Unlimited Ultimate plan for top-tier discounts but compensates with premium network coverage and priority data access. This benefits users relying heavily on mobile connectivity for work or entertainment. Device protection plans and technical support are typically more comprehensive through Verizon’s premium tiers.

While specific promotional details vary, Verizon historically matches competitor trade-in values while adding exclusive perks like extended warranties, cloud storage, or streaming credits. For customers already invested in Verizon’s ecosystem or prioritizing network reliability over cost savings, these deals provide solid value despite stricter eligibility requirements.

Alternative Options: Xfinity and Boost Mobile

Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business offer up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-ins or $500 off without trade-in requirements. These deals particularly appeal to existing Comcast subscribers who can bundle mobile service with home internet and entertainment packages for additional savings and simplified billing.

Boost Mobile’s prepaid approach offers up to $1,100 off without trade-in requirements. Customers sign up for the $65 Infinite Access for Galaxy plan plus $25 monthly for device balance. This structure suits customers preferring prepaid service or avoiding traditional contracts while accessing substantial device discounts.

Why the Z Fold7 Justifies These Aggressive Deals

Samsung’s design and UX teams describe the Z Fold7 as capturing the very essence of what foldables should be. Hubert Lee, Head of Design, and Huichul Yang, who leads UX innovation, emphasize creating something that wows on first impression while delivering seamless daily usability. Most people said “Wow!” immediately upon seeing it, according to Lee, speaking to the refined design’s visual impact.

The device represents years of engineering refinement and user feedback integration. Samsung focused on making foldables feel truly premium and intuitive, showing in every detail from the symmetrical profile to subtle corner curves. This isn’t just about making a thinner phone but fundamentally reimagining how foldables should feel in hand.

Engineering Breakthrough: Thinner, Lighter, Stronger

The Z Fold7 achieves remarkable dimensions that seemed impossible just years ago. Unfolded, it measures just 4.2 millimeters thick, incredibly slim for a device with dual displays and complex hinge mechanisms. Folded, it maintains an 8.9 millimeter profile feeling more like traditional premium smartphones than bulky foldables. At only 236 grams, it’s lighter than any previous Fold, addressing major complaints about earlier generations.

This transformation required completely rethinking internal architecture and materials. Samsung’s new Armor Aluminum frame provides superior strength while reducing weight, and upgraded Gorilla Glass Victus 3 offers outstanding durability without adding bulk. The engineering team balanced structural integrity with weight reduction, achieving both through innovative material science and precision manufacturing. Every component was scrutinized for weight savings without compromising functionality or durability.

The result feels natural during extended use sessions. Whether reading, watching videos, or multitasking with multiple apps, reduced weight and improved balance make the Z Fold7 comfortable for hours. This addresses fundamental barriers to foldable adoption and demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to making these devices truly practical for everyday use.

Hinge Innovation and Display Refinements

Samsung’s hinge mechanism received complete redesign for smoother operation and enhanced reliability over thousands of folding cycles. The new Armor FlexHinge provides consistent tension throughout folding motion while creating more symmetrical profiles when closed. This isn’t just mechanical improvement but creating premium tactile experiences matching flagship positioning.

The crease, often cited as visual distraction on previous foldables, is significantly less visible thanks to material science and hinge engineering improvements. Samsung’s display team worked closely with mechanical engineers to optimize folding mechanisms and reduce flexible display stress. The result is more seamless viewing experiences that don’t constantly remind users they’re using foldables.

Camera capabilities receive major upgrades with the series’ first 200-megapixel main sensor. This represents 4x increased detail capture compared to previous generations, with images 44% brighter and more vibrant. The 10-megapixel ultrawide camera with 100-degree field of view provides landscape and group shot versatility. Samsung’s computational photography algorithms leverage increased resolution and processing power for flagship-quality results across shooting scenarios.

Making Your Decision Before July 24

Samsung Direct works best for customers valuing flexibility, significant storage upgrades, and avoiding long-term carrier commitments. The combination of trade-in credits, storage discounts, and accessory credits provides outstanding value for users building Galaxy ecosystems.

Choose AT&T if you have older or damaged trade-ins other carriers might reject, or if you’re interested in bundling multiple Samsung devices. Their liberal acceptance policy and comprehensive bundle offers make them ideal for families or users seeking complete ecosystem upgrades.

T-Mobile offers the best balance of savings accessibility and ongoing perks, with most unlimited plans qualifying rather than forcing expensive premium tiers. The guaranteed $500 off without trade-in requirements makes foldables more accessible to broader audiences.

Critical Timeline:

Preorders close July 24 with device availability starting July 25. All promotional pricing requires action within this preorder window.

Pricing Structure:

Galaxy Z Fold7 starts at $2,000 for 256GB, $2,120 for 512GB, and $2,420 for 1TB storage.

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atelier boter shapes circular room around sunken square in taiwanese school

atelier boter carves sunken circular room in Taiwanese school

 

In response to the request of a school in Pingtung, Taiwan, for a space where children can slow down and reconnect with themselves, Atelier Boter introduces À Raum, a sunken, circular room intended for stillness and introspection. Completed within a school that promotes learning through movement, the project offers a spatial pause that aims to support presence, calm, and reflection, without being a classroom or a corridor.

 

The design introduces a soft asymmetry, with the circular room slightly offset to form a gentle arc that naturally guides entry. A curved curtain follows this line, turning the simple act of entering into a quiet ritual. At the center, a square platform is recessed into the floor, creating a gathering place defined by presence, where children are free to sit, lie down, or gather.

images courtesy of Atelier Boter

 

 

À Raum allows for solitude by holding space

 

Pingtung-based Atelier Boter surrounds this central square with deep-set window alcoves, shaped as a small personal retreat. These nooks allow for solitude without full separation so that kids can be alone while still feeling connected to the group. The interplay between the circle and square, center and edge, creates a slow, thoughtful rhythm in the space.

 

Carbonized cork clads the walls of À Raum, providing acoustic absorption and a warm, earthy scent. Natural light and muted tones give the space its meditative mood. Nothing is loud, and nothing insists in this room that holds space, rather than filling it.

the interlocking of circle and square slows the pace

a circular footprint, gently offset, creates an arc

central space used for group activities

window alcoves serve as pockets for privacy and introspection

different floor levels give different spatial qualities

the arc defines a threshold that is marked by a soft, curved curtain

À Raum offers a spatial pause that aims to support presence, calm, and reflection

 

project info:

 

name: À Raum
architect: Atelier Boter | @atelierboter
location: Pingtung, Taiwan

 

 

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: thomai tsimpou | designboom

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Cyberpunk-inspired Microsoft Copilot Dock gives you a dedicated AI Control Center for your PC

It’s funny how AI agents currently lack avatars. ChatGPT exists as an app, so does Claude, and Gemini, and Apple Intelligence. However, voice assistants have ‘bodies’ in the form of smart speakers, that let you talk to them. Braz de Pina found himself asking a fundamental question – why do AI agents lack bodies? And why do voice assistants have ‘cylindrical’ bodies the way Alexa and HomePod do? And more importantly, what if AI as we know it, existed as hardware?

What would such an AI look like? For de Pina, it would look like the Copilot Home. Designed as a conceptual device to ‘house’ Microsoft’s AI Copilot, this cyberpunk-inspired dock lets you interface with the AI in a way that doesn’t feel ‘virtual’. The Copilot Home is a physical device that you can talk to, press buttons to maneuver, and treat as your true real-life assistant for all things Microsoft.

Designer: Braz de Pina

de Pina’s Copilot Home is his aspiration of what a ‘physical’ AI device could look like. It’s purely conceptual, he points out, even though he’s a principal designer at Microsoft. In a way, even though the device isn’t real, it’s come from a place that’s as legit as it can get – the mind of a Microsoft designer. The device takes cues from Cyberpunk, Japanese Anime, and a little Dieter Rams. It’s all-metal, featuring a very anodized-aluminum-a-la-Apple aesthetic, but has just enough visual drama to give it that punkish character that makes the device look futuristic and mildly otherworldly.

Broadly, the device has 2 control buttons, a black and white display, a large volume ring, and a speaker in the center of the ring. The buttons feature the Chinese character for ‘home’, and the Copilot logo, probably indicating at the two controls that let you switch in and out of AI mode. You can talk to the AI and ask it pretty much anything that you would ask Microsoft Copilot, from details about your day and your calendar, to asking for new messages, weather analysis, and market reports. Once you’re done, hit the Home button to go back to the dormant mode, with the screen on the left displaying relevant information, notifications, etc.

The volume ring is quirky, but in a way that doesn’t take away functionality. Inspired probably by the rotary dial on phones from back in the day, it features a massive hubless ring that rotates around the speaker grill, allowing you to control the audio level of your assistant. In the center is a fairly large audio unit… but to be honest, I’m not entirely sure if Copilot has any music integration, which would mean the Copilot Home can’t play songs from any streaming service… unless it runs agentic commands on your computer to run services like Spotify or Apple Music.

The only other button in the equation is a power button on top, colored in red to differentiate it from the rest of the Copilot Home’s controls. Unlike your Alexa or HomePod, you can actually switch your Copilot Home off (instead of having to disconnect the power), which feels oddly liberating. The orange accents contrast wonderfully against the silver finish of the device, creating something that really doesn’t look like it could come from ‘polished’ companies like Microsoft. There’s a little bit of Teenage Engineering in the Copilot Home’s punk-ish design. It’s serious, but not too serious. Powerful, but still grounded in a sense of ‘fun’ that makes you less scared of how powerful Microsoft’s AI is. Sadly, this one’s just for wishful thinking. Microsoft’s probably not working on a Copilot hardware device. After all, they own a controlling stake in OpenAI, which is making its own ChatGPT wearable with Jony Ive’s design studio… so Microsoft doesn’t technically need another AI device. Although it would be fun if this one wasn’t just a figment of Braz de Pina’s imagination. Funnily enough, it isn’t de Pina’s only Copilot-related idea. Earlier this year, he unveiled a rather adorable, whimsical looking Copilot Dock concept, which we loved too!

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Skydweller: Largest autonomous, solar-powered drone can fly for three months without landing

Big names like NASA and Boeing have tried and failed in building solar-powered uncrewed aircrafts that can stay airborne for weeks. Their inability is largely attributed to structural challenge called aeroelasticity, where ‘flexible wings can’t handle turbulent air at altitudes between 6,500-32,000 feet.’ Now, a US-based tech company called Skydweller Aero has developed a solar powered drone that can fly for 90 days, unmanned, and hopes to achieve much longer flight times with it in the future.

The Skydweller, as it is called, is a solar-powered drone that can fly for three months straight without landing. It is not yet aligned to revolutionize commercial flights, but being worked upon in partnership with Thales, a French electronics company that specializes in defense systems, it is aimed at maritime surveillance.

Designer: Skydweller Aero

Touted as the largest autonomous, solar-powered drone, the Skydweller on its uncrewed perpetual fight powers itself using solar energy alone. Over 17,000 individual solar cells spread over the 270 square meters of the aircraft’s wing surface, together powering the drone on its long-term surveillance duties. According to the information from Skydweller Aero, the solar cells can generate up to 100kW of power, which is stored in onboard batteries that weigh over 1,400 pounds.

You shouldn’t be mistaken to believe that the Skydweller is a small drone in any sense. By comparison, with a wingspan of about 236 feet, it is longer than that of a Boeing 747’s wingspan by good 25 feet. Even despite that mammoth size, the drone weighs only 400 tones. This is made possible with the use of carbon fiber in its construction. The Skydweller can easily carry up to 800 pounds of payload in its perpetual flight.

As per the available information, the aircraft can maintain its flight during daylight hours using direct solar power and store it in batteries to run the avionics during the nighttime flight. Since the Skydweller is solar-powered in every aspect, it assures a green flight with zero carbon footprint in the altitudes as high as 24,600 and 34,400 feet (during day) and lower altitudes of 4,900 to 9,800 feet (during night). The fall in flying altitude is to minimize power consumption during the dark hours. It is believed that the batteries onboard can sufficiently charge to keep the drone in air for 90 odd days without landing, but as their capacity degrades over time, the maximum airborne times will gradually decrease.

Though, not much can be done about the lifespan of the batteries, Skydweller has been built around ‘safety-qualified, quadruple-redundant flight control system and vehicle management system (VMS),’ which ensure if there are any failed strings in the coding and algorithms onboard, they can autonomously ‘shut down, correct and restructure’ during the course of the flight. “This enables the aircraft to consistently achieve unprecedented flight endurance, while meeting the highest levels of safety, reliability, and effectiveness” Skydweller Aero notes on its website.

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Modular Phone Concept Lets You Pick the Perfect Size Every Day

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Standing in a phone store, trying to figure out if that massive flagship will actually fit in your pocket or if your hands can comfortably reach across the entire screen without doing some sort of finger gymnastics. Different people have different size preferences for phones, either because of their own hand sizes or simply for comfort, and that’s perfectly normal. Unfortunately, the era of genuinely small phones is pretty much over, and those once-ridiculed phablets have somehow become the new standard that everyone just accepts.

Foldable clamshells like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr do offer something of a compromise, giving you that compact form factor when folded. But here’s the thing that always bugs me about them: you still have to unfold them into a large phone to actually use them properly for anything meaningful, which kind of defeats the purpose if you’re someone who genuinely prefers smaller screens for daily tasks.

Designer: Mechanical Pixel

There’s probably no such thing as one phone size that magically fits everyone’s needs and preferences, but this clever concept design probably comes closer than anything we’ve seen by offering a genuinely modular system. The idea is beautifully simple: you can slip a compact base phone into different shells to increase the display size according to whatever your current situation demands, whether that’s reading, gaming, or just scrolling through social media.

This isn’t the designer’s first rodeo with modular concepts either. A previous design from the same creative mind turned a regular phone into a mini tablet using essentially the same method, proving that this approach has some serious potential. This time around, however, the base unit is a tiny 3.3-inch phone that’s actually smaller than even the cover display of the new Galaxy Z Flip 7, which is saying something. The crucial difference here is that this would deliver a complete phone experience that doesn’t artificially limit what you can do on that small screen, at least in terms of core functionality.

The tri-size phone concept includes two additional modules that transform your pocket-sized device into something much more substantial. One module features a 5.6-inch screen, while the larger option boasts a 7.1-inch display that ventures into small tablet territory. These expansion modules are essentially like external monitors that have no independent function without the base phone, but they effortlessly offer significantly more screen real estate whenever you need it for specific tasks.

Each piece of this modular trio comes equipped with its own battery system, including those larger screen modules, which is both clever and necessary for the concept to work properly. The obvious disadvantage, though, is that the small base phone would likely pack a modest 1,800mAh battery that would struggle to last through normal daily phone usage, especially if you’re someone who actually uses their device heavily throughout the day. Still, there’s something genuinely appealing about having the flexibility to choose your screen size based on what you’re planning to do, rather than being stuck with whatever compromise the manufacturers decided was best for everyone.

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Spinnaker’s SpongeBob SquarePants Fleuss Chronograph: When Bikini Bottom Meets Swiss Precision

When childhood nostalgia crashes into serious horological craftsmanship, magic happens. Spinnaker Watches has done something brilliant with their latest limited-edition Fleuss Chronograph SpongeBob SquarePants Eyedial collection, transforming everyone’s favorite underwater sponge into a surprisingly sophisticated timepiece. The brand has created two distinct variants: a vibrant “Eye Spy Yellow” model limited to 700 pieces and a sleek black version capped at 650 pieces, each priced at an accessible $325 USD. What makes this collaboration special is how Spinnaker has managed to capture SpongeBob’s animated personality through mechanical movement, creating a watch that brings the character to life on your wrist. The Eyedial concept transforms SpongeBob’s iconic googly eyes into functional chronograph subdials that rotate and animate throughout the day. You get legitimate horological engineering wrapped in a package that celebrates one of television’s most enduring animated characters. Can a cartoon character watch deliver serious design innovation while maintaining the playful spirit that made SpongeBob a cultural phenomenon?

Designer: Stephen McDannell Hillenbergn + Spinnaker

The Eyedial Genius: Animation Meets Function

The genius lies in the “Eyedial” concept, where SpongeBob’s iconic googly eyes serve as functional chronograph subdials. Looking at the yellow variant, you immediately notice how the left eye operates as the 60-minute counter for the chronograph function, rotating when activated to create that signature “looking around” animation that made SpongeBob so endearing. Meanwhile, the right eye functions as a 24-hour indicator, slowly rotating throughout the day to subtly change SpongeBob’s expression.

Your watch has different facial expressions depending on the time of day, making it feel like a living character rather than a static image. The dial design captures SpongeBob’s perpetual optimism through his wide-eyed expression and characteristic buck-toothed grin. Yellow dominates the face, punctuated by those mesmerizing blue eyes that serve double duty as timekeeping instruments. The minute track runs along the outer edge, marked with clear numerals that maintain legibility despite the character artwork underneath.

What strikes me about this design approach is how Spinnaker resisted the temptation to simply slap SpongeBob’s face onto an existing dial layout. Instead, they engineered specific complications that bring the character to life through movement. The animated eyes aren’t decorative; they’re functional elements that serve the chronograph and GMT functions while creating personality. The red chronograph seconds hand sweeps across the dial like SpongeBob’s spatula flipping Krabby Patties, adding another layer of character integration.

The yellow rubber strap features diamond-shaped perforations that echo the texture of SpongeBob’s porous body. These cutouts aren’t random; they’re strategically placed to provide ventilation while creating visual interest that ties back to the source material. The strap tapers from 22mm at the lugs to a more comfortable wearing size, with a signed buckle that includes subtle SpongeBob branding.

Black Edition: Sophisticated Subtlety

The black variant takes a completely different approach while maintaining the core Eyedial functionality. Here, SpongeBob’s face emerges from a dark background like a deep-sea encounter, with white line art creating his familiar features. The eyes still function as chronograph subdials, but their monochromatic treatment makes them less obvious to casual observers.

This version works for people who want the functionality and character of the collaboration without the bold yellow statement. The black dial creates depth and mystery, transforming SpongeBob from his usual sunny disposition into something more enigmatic. White hands and markers provide crisp contrast against the dark background, ensuring excellent legibility in all lighting conditions.

The black rubber strap continues the sophisticated theme with its solid construction and subtle texture. No perforations here; instead, you get a clean, professional appearance that could work in business settings. The overall effect is surprisingly mature while retaining the playful animation features that make this collaboration special.

Both versions feature identical case construction and movement specifications, so the choice comes down to personal preference and intended use. The yellow screams fun and nostalgia, while the black whispers sophistication with a hidden playful side.

Crown and Caseback Details That Matter

The crown design deserves special attention, featuring Spinnaker’s distinctive “S” logo rendered in bright yellow against the brushed steel surface. The crown operates with satisfying clicks as you pull it out to adjust time or date functions. The screw-down mechanism ensures water resistance while maintaining the clean case profile that defines the Fleuss family.

Flip the watch over and you’ll discover one of the collaboration’s most charming details: a custom engraved caseback featuring SpongeBob’s cheerful face surrounded by technical specifications and limited edition numbering. The engraving quality impresses with its crisp lines and detailed rendering. You get SpongeBob’s characteristic expression captured in steel, creating a private connection between wearer and character.

The caseback engraving includes production numbers for each limited edition variant, making every piece unique within its series. The yellow version carries numbers up to 700, while the black edition stops at 650 pieces. These production details add collectibility while serving as conversation starters for fellow SpongeBob enthusiasts.

Luminous Magic: SpongeBob Glows Up

When darkness falls, the Super-LumiNova treatment reveals another layer of this collaboration’s thoughtful design. The entire SpongeBob face glows with an ethereal blue-green light, transforming the cheerful daytime expression into something otherworldly. The luminous material covers not only the hands and hour markers but also key elements of SpongeBob’s facial features.

The glowing effect creates a unique nighttime personality for the watch that’s both functional and fantastical. You get practical illumination for reading the time in darkness while experiencing SpongeBob in a completely different way. The character seems to come alive in the dark, his glowing features creating an almost mystical presence on your wrist.

The quality of the luminous application impresses with its even coverage and long-lasting brightness. Hours after exposure to light, SpongeBob continues to glow softly, providing gentle illumination throughout the night. The blue-green color choice perfectly complements the underwater theme while ensuring optimal visibility.

This attention to luminous detail shows Spinnaker’s commitment to creating a complete experience rather than just applying surface decoration. Every aspect of the watch contributes to the SpongeBob character interpretation while serving practical timekeeping functions.

Case Construction and Finishing

The 43mm stainless steel case strikes an ideal balance between presence and wearability. While substantial enough to make a statement, thoughtful lug design and case proportions prevent it from overwhelming smaller wrists. The case construction features a mix of brushed and polished surfaces that add visual interest while maintaining durability standards expected from a serious timepiece.

Brushed surfaces dominate the case sides and lugs, creating a tool-watch aesthetic that grounds the playful dial design. Polished accents on the bezel and case edges provide contrast while catching light beautifully. The finishing quality throughout impresses, with clean transitions between different surface treatments and no visible machining marks or imperfections.

The unidirectional rotating bezel operates with satisfying 120-click precision, each position marked clearly with tactile feedback. The bezel insert features bold numerals and markers that complement the dial design without overwhelming it. Whether timing your morning swim or just fidgeting during meetings, the bezel provides engaging tactile interaction.

Water resistance reaches 100 meters through careful case sealing and screw-down crown construction. While not rated for professional diving, this level of protection handles swimming, snorkeling, and most recreational water activities with confidence. The rating reflects the watch’s sports watch DNA while accommodating the character theme.

The post Spinnaker’s SpongeBob SquarePants Fleuss Chronograph: When Bikini Bottom Meets Swiss Precision first appeared on Yanko Design.

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The iconic ‘Unipaver’ pavement brick gets turned into a pair of high-fashion flip-flops

And y’all thought crocs were polarizing…

Meet the He She Brick slippers (or sandals, as the brand calls them) – a pair of footwear that takes direct inspiration from what’s beneath them… the footpath. Most urban settings have pavements lined with concrete bricks. These bricks come in a variety of shapes, they’re either squarish, hexagonal, dumbbell shaped, or they’re shaped like crooked rectangles.

Officially called the Unipaver, this shape can be found in almost every country with tiled pavements. It’s a unique ‘jagged rectangle’ shape that tessellates well – which is just designer-speak for ‘it interlocks without any negative spaces.’ Thailand-based PDM Brand decided to turn this shape into the ultimate slipper, creating something that either blends into the footpath, or slides perfectly into it. It’s hilarious, has some social commentary to it, but more importantly… it’s real, and will be available sometime in the near future.

Designer: PDM Brand

PDM (Product Design Matters) Brand says that these slippers are “a unisex sandal designed to unify you with the sidewalk. A cultural statement and a true original from PDM Brand.” They’re weird, kitschy, but somehow perfect. They emulate the feeling of walking barefoot on a pavement, which sort of ties into the kind of fashion statements the ultra-rich make, with their seemingly frugal lifestyles.

The slippers are to scale, have a grey concrete-inspired finish, and about as thick as the average Unipaver brick too. There’s no official word on what the slippers are made of, but my guess is (hopefully) EVA foam that at least feels somewhat comfortable. Either way, they’re a hilarious cultural statement, and I’m sure everyone seeing you wear them will chuckle or cringe… but they’ll definitely look twice.

Funnily enough, the slippers are ambidextrous. Which means there’s really no right or left shoe. They’re identical, which allow them to interlock perfectly while standing. Does that make walking difficult? Sure, but fashion’s always meant to be uncomfortable, right? Besides, I probably wouldn’t use them for wearing. I’d use them as prank ‘chancla’ and throw them at people, watching them recoil in horror only to then realize that I threw a foam flip-flop, not a concrete brick!

The post The iconic ‘Unipaver’ pavement brick gets turned into a pair of high-fashion flip-flops first appeared on Yanko Design.

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tamada & wakimoto’s multigenerational house in japan unfolds in stepped levels 

chigasaki house is formed by a cascading wooden interior

 

Tamada & Wakimoto Architects’ Chigasaki House in Japan creates a layered response to multigenerational living through a flexible domestic grid. Sited at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with a corrugated facade, the house brings together three different generations of the family and departs from standard residential compartmentalization in favor of a cascading interior. Five offset levels overlap vertically and laterally, creating a sense of visual continuity in light wooden tones as well as micro-boundaries to support the family’s shared and individual dynamics.

 

The internal gradations of openness diffuse the rigidity of the grid but draw on its rhythms, maintaining a flexible intimacy. Some columns and beams are shifted, others omitted entirely, and as a result, spaces slip past one another and allow for unexpected transitions between rooms and thresholds.

all images by Kenta Hasegawa

 

 

Tamada & Wakimoto Architects diffuses standard residential grid

 

The staggered floors thread together domestic activities that typically happen in isolation, such as work, rest, play, care. One can move from a semi-basement bedroom to a rooftop landing without encountering a formal corridor, while privacy is defined by adjustable elements. The team at Tamada & Wakimoto Architects has created a sequence of small rooms, ranging in size from 4.5 to 7.3 square meters, and distributed them across half-levels. They are also shaped by fittings or movable furniture that can be opened, closed, or repositioned. Depending on how these are arranged, the rooms can function as extensions of communal zones or as enclosed spaces for sleeping or study.

 

Each level of Chigasaki House is framed by windows placed along corners, pulling in light and views from multiple directions. Fostering a connection between the dwelling and its context, the surrounding landscape also remains always in partial view, whether from the front garden, a narrow side yard, the rooftop, or openings in the facade. The upper floor is marked by a large dining table, which acts as the informal gravitational center of the house.

Tamada & Wakimoto Architects creates a layered response to multigenerational living

Chigasaki House sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Japan

the house departs from standard residential compartmentalization in favor of a cascading interior

five offset levels overlap vertically and laterally

the staggered floors thread together domestic activities that typically happen in isolation

a corrugated facade

the surrounding landscape remains always in partial view at various points of the house

a house for a family of six

 

 

project info:

 

name: Chigasaki House 

architect: Tamada & Wakimoto Architects | @tamadawakimotoarchitects

location: Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

 

structure: Graph Studio, Yoshihiro Fukushima, Hirotake Ujioka

construction: Yokomizo Construction, Yoshika Shimizu, Pham Van Thanh

photography: Kenta Hasegawa

The post tamada & wakimoto’s multigenerational house in japan unfolds in stepped levels  appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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American Solution for Burning EVs: A Modular, Portable Submersion Pool

Here’s an example of a company creatively adapting their product for a new market. NYC-based Garrison Flood Control Systems creates flood barriers that keep water out.

By turning them around, they can keep water in.

Perhaps the company noticed that in Europe, burning EVs are submerged in dumpsters filled with water to prevent reignition. However, that requires transporting both a dumpster and a crane to the site of the fire.

Garrison has an easier solution. Their existing Mayim system of modular flood barriers consists of stackable, compact panels.

They’ve thus adapted them into this Mayim EV Firefighting Pool Kit. These are much easier to haul to the scene, and can even be stored on a fire engine. Firefighters can build the walls right around the burning vehicle, then fill the newly-created-pool with water.

“A full sized deployment would take 3-4 firefighters 15-20 minutes,” the company writes.

Pretty darn smart!