Jul
14

By

An Indoor/Outdoor EV Ambulance

Category: Core77

In younger years I drove an ambulance. The driving part was straightforward; the tricky part was when you arrived on-site, and had to enter a building to transport the patient, via stretcher, to the ambulance. The worst, as you’d expect, was when the patient lived in a non-elevator building.

This GEM Ambulance may not be able to help with walkup buildings, but it should save precious minutes in specific types of indoor spaces.

Produced by California-based Global Electric Motors, this indoor/outdoor ambulance is designed for campuses, stadiums, outdoor events, airports, warehouses, industrial facilities, resorts and military facilities.

The smaller footprint allows it to navigate through crowds, and being an EV, it won’t leave bystanders coughing.

It offers three different options for skids, depending on what type of equipment you want to carry, by emergency equipment manufacturer QTAC.

It is street-legal, though it tops out at 25 mph, so you won’t be making it all the way to the hospital in this thing. And there will still be a transfer step between this and the real ambulance. But in an emergency, seconds count, and being able to zip in and out of a large building faster than a rolling stretcher could make the difference.

Jul
14

By

The U.S. Military’s Robot Coyotes

Category: Core77

Here’s an unexpected solution to a military problem.

The U.S. military is keen to keep birds away from their airfields, as errant birds can unwittingly down a multimillion-dollar airplane, not to mention endanger the lives of its crew, by flying into an air intake. It fell to the Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to come up with a solution.

Take One was robot dogs, using a Boston Dynamics model. The idea was that the dog ‘bot could tirelessly patrol runways, scaring birds off.

It didn’t work. “What we found out quickly was, because [the robot dog] had such a slow approach speed,” explains Dr. Jacob Jung, an ERDC research wildlife biologist, “that it did more of just pushing animals out of the way once it finally got close enough to them, than it did really scaring them off.”

They then struck upon the idea of using a chassis from Traxxas X-Maxx, a manufacturer of off-road RC cars.

These can zip around at up to 20 mph.

But birds don’t necessarily recognize a miniature monster truck as a predator, so the researchers purchased a plastic coyote figurine from a forestry supplier.

As it turns out, these are two great tastes that taste great together. The resultant “Coyote Rovers” did the trick.

These are categorized as UGVs, for Unmanned Ground Vehicles. The ERDC says the demo system cost was “between $2,500 and $3,000,” though it’s not clear how many Coyote Rovers that yielded. In any case, they’ve given demonstrations at airfields in Tennessee and Florida, and say the cost is worth it. The conventional way to reduce bird presence at airfields is to keep the surrounding grass short, so that birds don’t have a place to hide. “Even at a small number of airfields, if you can give them one more week between mowing, that ends up being a huge [cost savings],” says Shea Hammond, an ERDC research biologist.

I imagine the next step will be placing the coyote figurines on top of lawn-mowing robots.

Jul
14

By

VNTA Table by Yuta Takahashi Turns Styrofoam Into Sculptural Art Furniture

Category: YankoDesign

Sculptural tables are capturing the imagination of designers and homeowners who crave something beyond ordinary furniture. These pieces blur the boundaries between art and utility, transforming everyday surfaces into conversation starters that anchor entire rooms. As our living spaces become more expressive and personal, the demand for furniture that tells a story has never been stronger.

The appeal lies in their ability to challenge conventions while serving practical needs. Unlike traditional tables that prioritize function over form, sculptural pieces make bold statements about taste, creativity, and the evolving relationship between objects and their environments. They represent a shift toward more thoughtful, intentional design choices that reflect individual personality rather than mass-market trends.

Designer: Yuta Takahashi

A sculptural table transcends its basic purpose as a surface for daily tasks. These pieces feature unexpected forms, dramatic silhouettes, and craftsmanship that demand attention. The magic happens when utility meets artistry, creating objects that feel both familiar and surprising. Their presence transforms ordinary rooms into curated spaces where every element contributes to a larger aesthetic vision.

Contemporary sculptural tables often embrace unconventional materials and construction methods. Designers experiment with everything from reclaimed wood to high-tech composites, pushing boundaries of what furniture can be. The result is pieces that challenge preconceptions about durability, luxury, and appropriate materials for home environments. Each table becomes a testament to creative problem-solving and artistic vision.

Yuta Takahashi’s VNTA Table exemplifies this innovative approach through its daring use of polystyrene foam and fiber-reinforced resin. The gently rounded top offers tactile appeal while sharp-angled legs provide visual tension and structural stability. This juxtaposition of soft curves and hard edges creates dynamic energy that draws the eye and invites closer inspection of its crafted details.

The table’s surface reveals subtle hand-sculpted irregularities that contrast beautifully with its polished finish. Takahashi transforms what many consider disposable material into something precious and permanent. The VNTA Table challenges assumptions about value and craftsmanship, proving that innovation often comes from unexpected sources and unconventional thinking about familiar materials.

Modern designers increasingly embrace materials that offer new possibilities for form, texture, and environmental responsibility. Polystyrene foam, when properly engineered and finished, can rival traditional materials in strength while reducing waste. This trend reflects broader movements toward sustainability and creative risk-taking that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers seeking unique, responsible design solutions.

The key to successful styling lies in letting the table’s artistry speak for itself. Rather than overwhelming the space with multiple statement pieces, sculptural tables serve as foundations for personal expression. They invite thoughtful curation of surrounding elements, creating layered environments that feel both sophisticated and authentic to their owners’ aesthetic sensibilities.

Sculptural tables like the VNTA Table represent furniture’s evolution from purely functional objects to artistic statements. They invite us to reconsider what our living spaces can become when we choose pieces that inspire rather than simply serve basic needs.

The post VNTA Table by Yuta Takahashi Turns Styrofoam Into Sculptural Art Furniture first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jul
14

By

Scooter Design Continues to Evolve with China’s OMO X

Category: Core77

At its core, a scooter is this:

Honda Ruckus

The form can be stylistically dressed up to offer a more classic Italian look…

Honda Metropolitan

…or even to ape a Japanese superbike aesthetic:

Honda ADV160

Those three are Hondas, chosen for presentation here because they’re the global leading producer of scooters. They’ve got roughly 40% of the two-wheeled market (which includes motorcycles) worldwide.

Competitors exist, of course—Suzuki, Yamaha, Piaggio to name a few—and much of their offerings are often an ungainly mashup of aesthetics.

As far as we’re concerned, it was BMW Motorrad who pushed scooter design into a new generation with their CE 04 in 2020. While all scooters have a deconstructed element to them, visually speaking, BMW’s designers made it look purposeful and aesthetically pleasing, with lines and angles that actually relate to one another. The overall look is anime-esque and cyberpunky.

Honda may not have noticed—with 20 million units in sales in the last year, they’re not exactly looking in the rearview mirror—but another company has. Chinese startup Omoway, formed by ex-employees of EV manufacturer Xpeng, have rolled out this sharp-looking OMO X. In my opinion it takes what the CE 04’s designers did and refines it further.

Honda dominates in India, the world’s largest scooter market. However, there’s another large scooter market in the region: Indonesia, where scooter sales are projected to hit $6.2 billion this year. Thus Omoway has set up shop there, unveiling the OMO X in Jakarta, where they’re setting up an Indonesian-government-backed production facility.

The OMO X’s design is modular, with riders being able to click various storage units into the bike. The rearmost unit slides backwards to accommodate a passenger.

The OMO X doesn’t just look hi-tech: The vehicle is self-balancing and autonomous. Meaning you can hop off of the vehicle, and ask it to go park itself. The company demonstrated the self-driving feature at the vehicle’s recent launch event:

In addition to having it park itself, you can also summon it via smartphone app.

Production is scheduled to begin later this year. I’ll be interested to see whether Honda’s design team finds the new aesthetic worth addressing.

Jul
14

By

10 Best Next-Level Nightstand Upgrades: Essential Accessories For A Modern Bedroom

Category: YankoDesign

A nightstand is more than a resting spot for a lamp or your phone—it’s a curated corner that anchors the start and end of every day. The products you place here should do more than fill space; they should enhance your routine, bring comfort and clarity, and add a touch of beauty to your bedroom sanctuary. In the world of design, the nightstand is the perfect canvas for essentials that blend utility with minimal elegance.

We have curated a collection of the ten next-level upgrades—each a thoughtful balance of function and form—that transform a simple bedside table into a haven of modern living. From innovative tech to tactile rituals and sculptural accents, these products are more than mere accessories; they’re invitations to slow down, recharge, and reimagine your nightly routine.

1. NightWatch

Nightstands are often a jumble of cords and clutter, but the NightWatch dock introduces a sense of clarity and ritual to your nightly routine. Shaped like a polished orb, this dock transforms your Apple Watch into a magnified bedside alarm clock. The clever use of lucite amplifies both the screen and the sound, offering a high-design solution for sleep tracking, timekeeping, and alarms—all within arm’s reach. The touch-sensitive surface means a gentle tap instantly wakes your watch, so you’re always in sync with your schedule.

The charging cable is tucked inside, eliminating all visual noise and letting the watch float at the center of attention. The orb amplifies sound naturally, so your alarms are clear but not jarring. At night, the magnified display is easy to read from across the room, making it perfect for those who rely on their watch for both sleep data and gentle wake-ups. It’s a product that elevates both your bedtime and morning ritual—pure, minimal, and quietly transformative.

What we like

Magnifies the Apple Watch display for easy viewing.
Naturally amplifies the alarm sound.

What we dislike

Premium price point.
Compatible only with Apple Watch.

2. ClearFrame CD Player

The ClearFrame CD Player transforms music into a visual experience, making it a stunning addition to your nightstand. With its transparent polycarbonate body and exposed circuitry, this device turns every album into an art exhibit. Slip in your favorite CD and let the cover art become part of your bedroom’s aesthetic. The minimalist square silhouette is at home on a shelf, desk, or nightstand, offering a sense of both nostalgia and modernity for those who appreciate physical media.

Bluetooth 5.1 support means you can pair it with wireless speakers, while the rechargeable battery allows for hours of wireless playback. The exposed internals invite curiosity each time you pause to change a disc. It’s a bridge between analog ritual and digital convenience—a daily reminder to slow down and enjoy music as a tactile, intentional act, especially before you go to bed.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199.00

What we like

Frames the CD art for a unique visual display.
Supports Bluetooth and wired output.

What we dislike

Limited to CD format for physical media.
Exposed design may require regular dusting.

3. Craighill Eyewear Stand

Eyeglasses are one of the most misplaced items in any home, but the Craighill Eyewear Stand solves this problem with sculptural elegance. Made from cast metal, this stand has a weight and posture that feels deliberate and refined. The gentle curve cradles your glasses without stretching or scratching them, inviting you to treat your eyewear with respect as part of your evening ritual.

This stand is more than a practical solution—it’s an object that elevates the everyday. Its industrial chic blends well with modern decor, and its compact footprint ensures it doesn’t overwhelm the nightstand. For anyone who wears glasses, having a dedicated, beautiful place to rest them at night is a small but meaningful luxury. It’s the kind of detail that transforms routine into ritual, turning the simple act of reaching for your glasses into a moment of design appreciation.

What we like

Heavy, stable, and beautifully minimal.
Prevents loss or damage to eyewear.

What we dislike

Limited to one pair of glasses.
Heavier than plastic stands.

4. Ritual Card Diffuser

Scent is an often-overlooked element of the nightstand, but the Ritual Card Diffuser changes that with a tactile, meditative approach. This device doesn’t use mist, vapor, or reeds; instead, you slide a hand-crafted washi paper card—infused with fragrance—into an anodized aluminum body. The scent is released gradually, transforming the air around your bed without overwhelming it. Every use becomes a small ritual, marking the transition from day to night with intention and calm.

The Ritual Card Diffuser is both functional and poetic. Its minimalist design fits seamlessly into any bedroom, while its silent, power-free operation ensures your sleep isn’t disturbed. The slow diffusion process creates a steady, subtle fragrance that supports relaxation and sleep hygiene. With replaceable cards and premium fragrance blends, you can personalize your sensory environment, making each night’s routine unique.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99.00

What we like

Silent, power-free fragrance diffusion.
Beautiful, tactile design.

What we dislike

Requires specific fragrance cards.
Scent intensity may be too subtle for some.

5. Sunrise Alarm Clock Coffee Maker

Waking up is rarely a pleasure, but the Sunrise Alarm Clock Coffee Maker transforms it into a sensory experience. Instead of a blaring alarm, this device wakes you with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, filling your bedroom with warmth and anticipation. The mechanism is simple: set your desired wake-up time, and the machine quietly prepares your coffee, gently transitioning you from sleep to wakefulness.

This all-in-one alarm and coffee maker is perfect for those who value a slow, intentional start to their day. Placing it on your nightstand means your first cup is literally within reach—no need for kitchen trips or noisy appliances. The design is minimal and user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a compact footprint that fits comfortably in modern bedrooms. It’s a small luxury that redefines mornings, making the transition from rest to ritual seamless and enjoyable.

What we like

Wakes you with coffee aroma, not noise.
Combining two essentials in one device.

What we dislike

Requires regular cleaning and refills.
Limited to coffee drinkers.

6. Bookish Bookmark

The Bookish Bookmark is an essential tool for readers that’s as elegant as it is functional. Crafted from transparent acrylic resin, this book-shaped paperweight holds your book open naturally, letting you read hands-free without damaging the spine. The gentle curve fits a variety of book sizes, making it ideal for everything from late-night fiction to morning meditation guides.

The Bookish Bookmark transforms the act of reading into a seamless, distraction-free experience. Its clarity ensures you never lose your place, and its protective surface guards against smudges or spills. You could be savoring a few pages before sleep or catching up on a favorite series – this bookmark keeps your nightstand neat and your reading enjoyable. It’s a quiet innovation that helps make books—and bedtime—feel more inviting every day.

Click Here to Buy Now: $65.00

What we like

Keeps books open and hands-free.
Protects pages and spine.

What we dislike

Best for standard book sizes.
Acrylic may scratch if mishandled.

7. Nightside Lamp

Lighting can make or break the mood of your bedroom, and the Nightside Lamp understands this intuitively. Its elongated, minimal form emits a warm, ambient glow perfect for winding down, while a hidden spotlight extends for focused reading. With a single dimmer knob, you control the scene—whether you’re getting lost in a novel or drifting off to sleep. The lamp’s warm-white LED is easy on the eyes and helps support a restful environment.

The thoughtful dual-mode design means you don’t have to choose between task and ambient lighting. The reading spotlight is discreet when retracted but ready to illuminate your book whenever needed. Available in neutral colors, Nightside blends into any decor, offering both presence and subtlety. It’s a lamp made for shared spaces, ensuring your routine doesn’t disturb anyone else. On a modern nightstand, it’s an indispensable companion for both readers and dreamers.

What we like

Combines ambient and focused light.
Simple, intuitive controls.

What we dislike

No smart home integration.
It may be too large for very small nightstands.

8. Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers

The iSpeakers bring a sense of ingenuity and freedom to your nightstand setup. Crafted from aircraft-grade Duralumin, these battery-free amplifiers use the golden ratio in their design to enhance the acoustics of your smartphone. Place your device in the speaker slot, and the sound is instantly amplified—no wires, no power, just pure, resonant audio that fills your room. It’s the kind of solution that feels almost like magic, making it easy to play music, podcasts, or white noise at bedtime.

What makes these speakers essential is their portability and independence from power sources. Their sculpted metal form is tactile and visually interesting, with a weight and finish that signal quality. If you value simplicity and sustainability, then these speakers are ideal, as they deliver a seamless audio experience without ever needing to recharge.

Click Here to Buy Now: $259.00

What we like

No battery or electricity required.
Durable, portable, and aesthetically pleasing.

What we dislike

Sound amplification depends on the smartphone’s output.
No volume or EQ controls.

9. Jewelry Display Clock

The jewelry display clock is more than a timekeeper—it’s the definition of functional art for your nightstand. Crafted from bioplastic containing rice husks, this minimalist clock features a hollow space that elegantly stores earrings, rings, and other small keepsakes. Its quartz movement ensures accuracy, while the open design turns jewelry storage into a visual feature rather than an afterthought. It’s an object that’s as much about display as it is about utility.

This dual-purpose accessory keeps your most-worn items visible and accessible, making your morning and evening routines smoother. The pendulum even doubles as a place to hang earrings, turning your favorite pieces into accents for the clock itself. For those who crave order but dislike clutter, this clock brings both beauty and practicality to the bedside.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49.00

What we like

Stores jewelry and tells time in one.
Made from sustainable bioplastic.

What we dislike

Limited storage capacity.
May not suit maximalist decor styles.

10. 3D-Printed Soda Can Phone Stand

A playful twist on utility, the 3D-Printed Soda Can Phone Stand adds some artful irreverence to your nightstand. Mimicking the look of a crumpled soda can, this stand securely holds your smartphone upright or sideways, perfect for late-night scrolling, alarm checks, or video calls. The compact design ensures it fits even on crowded surfaces, while the hyper-realistic finish is a talking point for anyone who spots it.

This phone stand turns a mundane object into a work of functional art. The 3D printing technique allows for fine detail and durability, keeping your device stable and accessible. You could be streaming a meditation app or charging your phone overnight, the Soda Can Stand keeps things organized and visually interesting. It’s the kind of object that brings a smile every day—proof that utility and whimsy can coexist beautifully.

What we like

Unique, conversation-starting design.
Securely holds the phone in multiple positions.

What we dislike

Not adjustable for larger tablets.
It may not appeal to those who prefer ultra-minimal aesthetics.

Designing a Better Night’s Rest, One Essential at a Time

Curating your nightstand with well-designed and thoughtful essentials is more than an aesthetic upgrade—it’s an investment in how you begin and end each day. The products on this list will add some utility, beauty, and intention to your most personal space, supporting restful nights and inspired mornings. They are the perfect culmination of innovation with minimalism, and will turn your bedside into a sanctuary, proving that even the smallest corner of your home can have a profound impact on your routine.

The post 10 Best Next-Level Nightstand Upgrades: Essential Accessories For A Modern Bedroom first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jul
14

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Shanghai Grand Opera House is set to revolutionize the city’s landscape

Category: YankoDesign

The Shanghai Grand Opera House, designed by Snøhetta in collaboration with ECADI, is poised to become a striking new landmark along the banks of the Huangpu River in the Expo Houtan neighborhood. This forward-thinking venue embraces an ecological, low-carbon ethos at every turn, making it not only a marvel of architectural design but also a model of environmental responsibility for cultural institutions.

Taking inspiration from the dynamism of performance, the design is a breathtaking interpretation of movement. The building’s most distinctive feature is its sweeping, helical roof surface, meticulously crafted to resemble an unfolding fan. This bold architectural gesture captures the fluidity and grace of dance, while also generating the structure’s defining public space. The roof is not just a visual flourish; it transforms into an accessible public stage, open to all around the clock. Visitors can ascend the spiraling staircase that seamlessly links the ground-level plazas with the heights of the rooftop, where panoramic views of the city skyline and the riverbanks await. This rooftop serves as an urban stage and meeting place, equally suited for grand events and casual visits, embodying the opera house’s commitment to public accessibility.

Designer: Snøhetta (photos by Yumeng Zhu and Tian Fangfang)

The fan motif runs through the entire building, shaping not just the roof but also the grand lobby, circulation areas, and the three distinct performance venues inside. At the heart of the opera house is a 2,000-seat main auditorium, designed as a finely tuned instrument with state-of-the-art acoustics and technical systems. This space is complemented by a more intimate 1,200-seat second stage and a flexible 1,000-seat third venue, which can be configured for experimental performances. The third stage, with its adaptable seating and stage, is especially targeted at attracting younger audiences and expanding the traditional boundaries of the art form.

But the Shanghai Grand Opera House is envisioned as much more than a home for world-class performances. The building is a vibrant cultural destination, humming with life every day. A constellation of amenities, including restaurants, galleries, exhibition spaces, museums, education centers, libraries, and small cinemas, ensures that the complex will be a gathering place for the community, artists, and visitors alike. These diverse offerings activate the site well beyond the hours of opera performances, making the venue a true beating heart for Shanghai’s cultural life.

Snøhetta and ECADI’s design is a fluid, generous, and technologically advanced canvas for creative expression. Under its iconic fan-inspired roof, artists, global visitors, and local citizens converge, experiencing a space that is as welcoming and accessible as it is innovative. The Shanghai Grand Opera House aims to become a symbol of the city’s cultural ambition, forever transforming the landscape of Shanghai and setting a new standard for what an opera house can be.

The post Shanghai Grand Opera House is set to revolutionize the city’s landscape first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jul
14

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rammed earth and local wood shape community-first kindergarten in cameroon by urbanitree

Category: Design Boom

Urbanitree shapes african flow kindergarten in Cameroon

 

Architects Vicente Guallart and Daniel Ibáñez of Urbanitree complete a kindergarten for the African Flow campus in Soa, Cameroon. Rooted in the principles of ancestral African architecture, the 1,600-square-meter kindergarten is built through a collective process that trains local workers, engages teachers, and partners with nearby suppliers. The team employs local materials, such as rammed earth and wood, low-tech construction methods, and spatial storytelling to shape a nurturing environment for early childhood education. African Flow kindergarten is the first part of a broader educational complex, commissioned by the Missionary Daughters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, that will span from early years to secondary school. 

 

Four symbolic ‘ecosystems’, mountain, savanna, village, and forest, form the concept of the building, each hosting different types of activities and interactions. These zones are organized around a central courtyard and connected by a continuous corridor that allows free movement and spontaneous learning.

all images by Adrià Goula

 

 

four ecosystems compose the rammed earth and wood project

 

The Barcelona-based architects of Urbanitree shape each of the four ‘ecosystems’ in the African Flow kindergarten to support different types of experiences and learning. The mountain area is a quiet, sheltered space that includes a small grotto, where children can spend time alone in silence. The savanna is a long, open area designed to host group activities like storytelling or learning in a circle, with simple steps where children can sit together. The village includes a small chapel, designed as an abstract space where natural light filters through patterned walls, creating a calm atmosphere for moments of quiet. The forest connects the building to the outdoors and includes a large tree-like wooden structure that children can climb. This sits next to a real patch of forest, blending play with exploration and a connection to nature.

 

The design of the school focuses on using local materials and simple construction techniques that are in tune with the environment. The walls are made from unfired rammed earth bricks, pressed blocks of the reddish local soil, that allow light and air to pass through. These patterns create unique shadows throughout the day and link the building visually to the ground it stands on. The structure itself uses wood from local species such as azobé, iroko, and sapele. These dense hardwoods are commonly exported to other countries, but here they are used directly in the construction to support a local, low-carbon approach. Even the water tower is redesigned and built from wood instead of concrete, covered with solar panels. This helps the building stay powered and supplied with water, even during frequent outages.

Urbanitree completes a kindergarten for the African Flow campus in Cameroon

 

 

the result of a collaborative process

 

Urbanitree’s work on the African Flow kindergarten was shaped by a collaborative and hands-on process that focused on learning by doing. Many of the carpenters and laborers involved in the construction had no previous experience working with wood, so they were trained on-site as the building took shape. This approach turned the construction process itself into a form of education. Teachers were also invited to use the building as part of their teaching, connecting daily lessons with the design of the space, and local suppliers became active partners in the project. Instead of importing systems or products, Vicente Guallart and Daniel Ibáñez chose to work with what was already available: the local soil, the surrounding forests, the knowledge of the community, and the people themselves.

rooted in the principles of ancestral African architecture

 

 

rethinking progress through a slow architecture

 

This slow and thoughtful way of working challenges the common idea that progress in architecture must rely on industrialized materials and fast-paced, standardized methods. In contrast, African Flow aims to show that design can follow a path that resists extractive approaches and puts local culture, resources, and skills at the center.

 

The building itself reflects this philosophy by being connected to its site and surroundings, with forms that follow the natural slope of the land. Thanks to this topography, a second level was added and is now used as housing for the team that manages the school, making the building even more integrated into the life of the campus. Urbanitree’s work here is part of a larger design strategy based on circular thinking, which looks at the full cycle from forest to finished building. In doing so, the project becomes a tool for social and environmental connection, especially in areas where fast urban development often pushes aside local traditions. Looking ahead, the African Flow campus will grow to include primary and secondary schools. 

the 1,600-square-meter kindergarten is built through a collective process

the team employs local materials

rammed earth and wood shape the project

a continuous corridor allows free movement and spontaneous learning

African Flow kindergarten is the first part of a broader educational complex

low-tech construction methods and spatial storytelling form a nurturing environment for early childhood education

four symbolic ‘ecosystems’, mountain, savanna, village, and forest, form the concept

hosting different types of activities and interactions

the walls are made from unfired rammed earth bricks

the water tower is built from wood and covered with solar panels

organized around a central courtyard

the structure itself uses wood from local species such as azobé, iroko, and sapele

project info:

 

name: African Flow kindergarten
architect: Urbanitree | @urbanitree
location: Soa, Cameroon
floor area: 1,600  square meters

 

lead architects: Vicente Guallart, Daniel Ibáñez
collaborating architects: Ali Basbous (BAD Architects), Daniel Fraile (Arquivio)
developer: Community of Nazareth
contractor: GIC Ma’asapkeng
carpenters: Alexandre Onguene, Tchawe Fabrice Ronelle, Germain Atanga
photographer: Adrià Goula | @adriagoulaphoto

The post rammed earth and local wood shape community-first kindergarten in cameroon by urbanitree appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Jul
14

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bravest turns apple airpods into wearable backpack with pouches shaped like earbuds

Category: Design Boom

AirPods wearable backpack by Bravest with removable pouches

 

Bravest designs a wearable backpack that’s shaped like Apple AirPods with removable ‘earbuds’ interior pouches. The streetwear brand is set to release the accessory on its website on July 25th, 2025, but before that, the team showcases it in a pop-up show at 302 Mott Street in Soho, New York City, on July 19th, 2025. Called AIRPACK, the accessory follows Bravest’s Rock Shoes with Canyon, which is a pair of wearable, cushiony boulders for the feet. 

 

The style of the premade accessory remains faithful to the original design by Apple. The shape of the white AirPods wearable backpack by Bravest is just a bigger size of its counterpart, and instead of having a magnetic lock when the earbuds’ case opens and closes, the accessory has a zipper that circles around the bag. When the user unzips it, the backpack’s top unfolds, revealing the two removable interior pouches inside that are shaped like earbuds.

all images courtesy of Bravest

 

 

Dome-shaped mini bags inside AIRPACK

 

The AirPods wearable backpack by Bravest is a 44-liter accessory. Aside from the two removable earbuds pouches, the streetwear brand also adds a dedicated laptop sleeve for those who want to carry their device. Just like any other bag, this one has adjustable straps and a handle, too. The pouches have a dome shape as well, which allows for bulky objects to fit inside. They are hollow, so the wearer can cram their items until they’re filled.

 

Fans of the company’s devices, including its earbuds, may enjoy the AirPods wearable backpack by Bravest. On the brand’s Instagram page, some users like the idea of making the famed earbuds functional as a bag instead of just audio devices. Others also appreciate that there are removable pouches inside the AirPods wearable backpack by Bravest. When users remove them, they can put as many objects as they can within the accessory since the space vacated by the pouches is deep. At the time of publishing, the brand plans to release AIRPACK on July 25th, 2025.

Bravest designs a wearable backpack that’s shaped like Apple AirPods with removable ‘earbuds’ interior pouches.

view of the earbud-shaped pouches

the accessory follows the design of the earbuds

instead of a magnetic lock, the accessory has a zipper

the brand plans to release the bag on July 25th, 2025

 

project info:

 

name: AIRPACK

brand: Bravest | @bravest

company: Apple | @apple

The post bravest turns apple airpods into wearable backpack with pouches shaped like earbuds appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Jul
14

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juliana godoy reinterprets lina bo bardi’s glass easels with soft forms for MASP renoir show

Category: Design Boom

juliana godoy completes exhibition design at masp’s renoir show

 

For decades, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) teams — particularly the museology department — have been developing a proprietary system for mounting and handling artworks from a collection that extends far beyond the museum walls and circulates globally. This work has resulted in a unique fixation system, visible in the permanent exhibition Acervo em movimento, where artworks are displayed on the iconic glass easels conceived by Lina Bo Bardi in 1968. In these display elements, the transparency of the glass reveals how the paintings are supported. Each piece is framed within a hybrid structure: a wooden frame encases the perimeter of the artwork, while its back features a translucent polyethylene panel and a stainless steel bar with two holes. This allows for the attachment of a specially designed system of screws and bolts that secures the piece both to the glass easels and to traditional walls or panels.

 

For the inauguration of MASP’s new building in Brazil in 2025, Adriano Pedrosa and Regina Teixeira de Barros invited Juliana Godoy studio to develop the exhibition design for Cinco ensaios sobre o MASP – Renoir (Five Essays on MASP – Renoir), which features 13 works by the artist from the museum’s collection — each integrated into this unique mounting system. The curatorial desire was to create a custom display support for each painting, and it was in this dialogue with the museum’s past that the concept for the estrutura mole (soft structure) began to take form.

all images courtesy of Juliana Godoy

 

 

a contemporary counterpoint to lina bo bardi’s material clarity

 

Juliana Godoy’s studio knew that comparisons to the glass easels would be inevitable. After all, they were once again designing individual supports in a museum where Lina had established one of the world’s most iconic exhibition solutions. They were also engaging with the mounting mechanisms developed by Metro Arquitetos in 2015, when Pedrosa reintroduced the easels to the space they were never meant to leave. Their gesture, then, had to embody this legacy, acknowledging the beauty of a work that faces the viewer from one side, while revealing on the reverse the label and the very system that holds it in place. Thus, it was not just Lina’s easels that served as a reference, but the fixation system itself — so elegantly exposed in her design and present throughout the museum’s collection.

 

The soft structure emerges from this context: a freestanding object, entirely constructed from brushed stainless steel, composed of two curved, overlapping plates. Depending on the dimensions of the artworks, the structure discreetly reveals the back of each frame, establishing a visual and conceptual link with the museum’s museological practices. In 1987, Lina chose two materials — concrete and glass — to express material truth, a foundational concept in an era still shaped by the echoes of modernism.

Juliana Godoy reinterprets Lina Bo Bardi’s glass easels

 

 

Today, in 2025, one may not know precisely how to define the current moment, but it is undeniably the era of post-truth, where nothing is quite as it seems, and each person constructs their own narrative of reality. In this time, where logic and meaning often invert, a base that to some appears as solid blue concrete is, in fact, made of foam. Steel, though rigid, reflects and dissolves the surrounding colors into itself. Within this shifting field of perception, the estrutura mole stands — offering a silent rhetoric on form and materiality, honoring the museum’s legacy and collection, while subtly addressing the uncertainties of the time.

a new exhibition design for Cinco ensaios sobre o MASP – Renoir (Five Essays on MASP – Renoir)

the show features 13 works by the artist from the museum’s collection

developing the new estrutura mole (soft structure) model

the new structures are in dialogue with the museum’s past that the concept

the works are mounted on these freestanding objects

a base that to some appears as solid blue concrete is, in fact, made of foam

entirely constructed from brushed stainless steel, composed of two curved, overlapping plates

honoring the museum’s legacy and collection, while subtly addressing the uncertainties of the time

 

 

project info:

 

name: Five Essays about MASP – Renoir
designer: Juliana Godoy | @julianapgodoy

 

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: ravail khan | designboom

The post juliana godoy reinterprets lina bo bardi’s glass easels with soft forms for MASP renoir show appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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meaningless architecture’s meditation cabin lights up like a lantern in french woodlands

Category: Design Boom

a lightweight and luminous meditation cabin in france

 

Meaningless Architecture’s Meditation Cabin in France is conceived as a ‘light’ paper cage. This has two meanings, as its designers Jiaojiao Miao and Qitao Yang describe, one being luminosity, and the other the antonym of heavy. The cantilevered structure, lightweight and stable, is formed using minimal wood, with integrated maintenance to ensure privacy. A lower opening forms the entrance, placed at the corner to leave more space inside, while the height of the floor is also released, allowing the wooden house to be made smaller.

 

The roof is cut obliquely to enjoy the distant view. During the day, the cabin is used as a place for meditation and rest, and the sun and the shadows of the trees paint intricate forms across its surfaces. As the sky darkens, it becomes illuminated from within, and through the canvas the cabin appears to perch like a delicate paper lantern in the woods. 

all images courtesy of Jiaojiao Miao

 

 

meaningless architecture creates a meditative resting spot

 

‘We squat down from the path and walk under the cabin, climb up the ladder to the floor, and then climb to the meditation space,’ note the architects. Given the large slope of the site and the small size of the cabin, some unconventional and unique behavioral experiences are formed here. Visitors can stand and stick their head out to see the scenery in the distance, sit down to rest and look up at the sky, or sit on the fallen leaves and feel the light in the distance. In this way, the floor becomes the roof, and the structure is introverted.

 

To form the structure in the woodlands, Meaningless Architecture used the local abundant fir wood and built it together with local volunteers. Due to budget and time constraints, they only used 0.73 cubed meters of the natural material and completed the construction within a week.

the Meditation Cabin rests under the shade of trees

a cut through the top allows visitors to stick their head out to view the scenery in the distance

a lightweight and luminous cabin in France

the shadows of the trees are sprinkled on the walls and the floor

the cantilevered structure, lightweight and stable, is formed using minimal wood

a lower opening forms the entrance, placed at the corner to leave more space inside

sitting and looking up, you can see the leaves and the sky

as the sky darkens, the cabin is illuminated from within like a paper lantern in the woods

 

 

project info:

 

name: Meditation Cabin

architect: Meaningless Architecture
design team: Jiaojiao Miao, Qitao Yang

 

 

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: ravail khan | designboom

The post meaningless architecture’s meditation cabin lights up like a lantern in french woodlands appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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