Jul
8

By

Tapt Pebble Mouse Concept Blends Touch Gestures With Classic Controls

Category: YankoDesign

It’s not often that a computer mouse makes you pause and take a second look, but the Tapt Computer Mouse concept does exactly that. At first glance, it looks more like a river pebble than a piece of tech, with smooth curves and a minimalist silhouette that makes you want to pick it up just to see how it feels in your hand. It’s the kind of design that stands out on a desk, quietly inviting curiosity.

Tapt isn’t just about looks, though. This concept is all about blending the best of touchpad gestures with the comfort of traditional mouse buttons. Instead of sliding a mouse across the desk, you tap, swipe, and twist your way through tasks. The touch-sensitive surface recognizes gestures for scrolling or zooming, while familiar click zones keep things grounded for anyone who likes that satisfying tactile feedback. It’s a little bit mouse, a little bit touchpad, and surprisingly intuitive once you get the hang of it.

Designer: Roland Del Mar

One of the most intriguing features of Tapt is how it handles 3D applications. Instead of struggling with awkward key combos, you simply twist the circular edge of the device to rotate objects on the screen. This gesture-based input feels natural and precise, especially for designers or anyone who spends time manipulating models in CAD or 3D art software. It’s the kind of thoughtful detail that makes you wonder why more mice haven’t tried something similar.

The clever design extends beyond the surface, too. Tapt has a specially designed slot for its USB receiver, keeping it safely tucked away when not in use, a small convenience that makes a big difference for anyone who’s ever lost a tiny dongle. The charging port is neatly integrated, avoiding awkward cables or unsightly bulges and keeping the overall design sleek and tidy. Little touches like this show real attention to the everyday frustrations of tech users.

Tapt is just a concept for now, dreamed up by a designer who clearly enjoys challenging the status quo. But it’s the kind of fresh thinking that reminds us how much room there is to rethink even the most familiar tools. The promise of a mouse that combines the best of touch and tactile control is an exciting glimpse of what’s possible. Who knew a humble mouse could be this much fun?

The post Tapt Pebble Mouse Concept Blends Touch Gestures With Classic Controls first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jul
8

By

monochromatic facade wraps graeme williamson’s dual-gabled ‘twin house’ in london

Category: Design Boom

Graeme Williamson Reconsiders Domestic Space in London

 

The newly completed Twin House stands on a compact urban plot in London, designed by Graeme Williamson Architects as a residence for the architect’s blended family. The project approaches the idea of home as a flexible framework, both spatially and symbolically, expressed through its distinctive twin-gabled silhouette clad in red cement board.

 

The house’s form responds to the duality of two family units combining under one roof. From each street-facing elevation, the paired rooflines register as familiar domestic profiles held in subtle tension. This clear geometry also supports a sculptural reading of the volume, allowing the building to engage differently with each surrounding context.

images © Leon Chew

 

 

an Adaptable, upside-down layout

 

Inside, architect Graeme Williamson’s Twin House adopts an upside-down layout, which places the main living, working, and dining spaces on the first floor. The elevated position benefits from long views across Hackney and improved daylight access. Bedrooms and bathrooms are arranged on the ground level and in the basement, creating separation between communal life and private retreat.

 

With this configuration, the architect anticipates the evolving needs of the household. As the couple’s children approach adulthood, the lower floor bedrooms can be closed off, leaving a one-bedroom dwelling across the upper levels. The planning strategy allows the house to potentially adapt over time without requiring significant structural changes.

Graeme Williamson Architects designs Twin House as a home for a blended family

 

 

wrapped in an all-red facade

 

A continuous red cement board wraps the Twin House’s roof and facade in a single, unbroken surface. The cladding, containing a high proportion of wood fiber, was chosen both for its low-carbon impact and its capacity to unify the massing. Its matte texture subtly shifts in appearance as light moves across the facades throughout the day.

 

Interiors incorporate bespoke cement tiles designed by Melanie Mues, the architect’s partner and a graphic designer. Laid in fragmented patterns, the tiles reference the geometry of the twin roofs while introducing a tactile counterpoint to the smooth planes of concrete and plaster.

the project features a twin-gabled profile clad entirely in red cement board

 

 

Apertures are distributed to admit daylight at calibrated times. Morning light enters the kitchen and dining zone through low east-facing openings, while evening sun filters into the living spaces through west-oriented windows. Carefully placed glazing also mitigates overheating and ensures privacy without sacrificing views toward the cityscape.

 

The design of each elevation follows a deliberate balance of exposure and enclosure, producing facades that engage with the shifting rhythms of the street and the sky. This measured approach to daylight was a central driver of the project’s form and fenestration.

an ‘upside-down layout’ places living spaces upstairs and bedrooms below

the configuration allows the house to adapt as children move out over time

large apertures are positioned to bring in daylight and maintain privacy

each facade responds to different urban conditions with a sculptural approach

inside the house, bespoke cement tiles reference the geometric form of the roofs

 

project info:

 

name: Twin House

architect: Graeme Williamson Architects | @graemewilliamsonarchitects

location: Stoke Newington, Hackney, London, England

tile design: Melanie Mues
photography: © Leon Chew | @leon.chew

The post monochromatic facade wraps graeme williamson’s dual-gabled ‘twin house’ in london appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Jul
7

By

A Modular Platform System to Make Warehouses Livable

Category: Core77

This reminds me of ad hoc NYC loft spaces in the ’90s, where we built interior structures and partitions to make industrial spaces livable. Spain-based architecture firm Atienza Maure was tasked with renovating an old warehouse in Sant Adrià de Besòs, a municipality outside of Barcelona. The idea was to turn it into a live/work space.

The project began with a 1:1 prototype—a structural module assembled on-site to test the stability and behavior of the system. Built with slotted galvanized steel profiles and post-tensed tramex panels, with threaded rods, the mock-up allowed us to refine connections and test the structural stability of the proposal.

The structure was conceived as a reusable system made from cheap industrialized, lightweight components. The system is intended for easy on-site assembly and disassembly, allowing these elements to be fully dismantled and reused somewhere else.

Functioning as buffer zones between the domestic and office areas, the resting platforms are elevated structures that mediate the transition between both worlds.

Each platform is accessible from two different staircases, allowing movement from either side of the program. This dual access supports programmatic adaptability: a guest room can become a workspace, a reading nook can host informal meetings—spaces shift functionally without needing to be redefined.

To realize the project, Atienza Maure collaborated with realty company Giagchico and artist Abel Iglesias.

Jul
7

By

Playground Equipment for Teenagers to Senior Citizens

Category: Core77

Playgrounds have traditionally been the domain of elementary schools.

But Pennsylvania-based playground equipment manufacturer Playworld reckons that folks of all ages would benefit from using them. They’ve thus designed two systems, ENERGI and LifeTrail, aimed at older users.

Each system consists of low-maintenance outdoor equipment and signage. Their ENERGI system, aimed at junior high and high school kids, has five components that offer 120 different body-weight-resistance exercise between them. The weatherproof signage contains graphics demonstrating the exercises, and the company also offers online instructional videos.

Their LifeTrail system, designed for seniors, consists of five stations and an additional two that are ADA-approved and can be used by wheelchair users. The graphics on the signage are printed large, for easier visibility. Designed in collaboration with a kinesiology and gerontology specialist, the LifeTrail system provides 21 different exercises to help seniors keep fit.

Both systems feature exercises broken into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, in a bid to maximize inclusivity. The ENERGI system is targeted at middle schools and high schools, while the LifeTrail market is parks, senior centers and retirement communities.

Jul
7

By

This all-weather e-bike in disguise is perfect for long road trips and city commutes

Category: YankoDesign

This might look like just another velomobile, but it is not. The electric commuter is an e-bike with an elongated form for riders who desire a more comfortable riding experience, rather than hunching over on the handlebars, which can be tiring for multiple-hour drives. This Electrom LEV ebike, targeted towards an all-weather riding experience, especially in torrential rain and snow. In crowded cities, the two-wheeler can utilize bike lanes, and its 26-inch-wide footprint gives riders the freedom to ride with confidence.

The electric commuter makes sense in the current landscape, where on average, every day 105 million North American people prefer riding their personal vehicles. According to Electrom, they aim to address the issues of inefficient energy use, parking spaces, and highway lanes with their iteration. Electrom is targeted toward single commuters who want to venture on solo tours of more than 200 miles in a safe, comfortable, and sustainable manner. There is space for storing essentials in the 100-liter cargo compartment, which can be detached if you have a companion.

Designer: Electrom

This slim e-bike gives the rider confidence to go ahead on trips without the fear of the elements, thanks to the built-in cowling made out of polycarbonate material. If the conditions get really bad, a full-body tarpaulin can be wrapped around the bike to create a cozy cocoon. The body cover can lift up or down to protect the rider’s legs in bad weather conditions and also improve the aerodynamics to increase the overall range when deployed. To easily get inside and exit the bike, there is a swing-away front fairing. The road-legal bike doesn’t have any gear change mechanism, just a throttle and brakes for easy drivability. However, there is a generator chain drive system to give the bike a needed boost while pedaling. This attribute makes it lucrative for riders who don’t like the complication of driving inputs.

The makers have reinforced the tires, suspension, and wheels to take on rough surfaces. The standard range of 125 miles can be beefed up by adding extra battery packs. The design and manufacturing team have kept the parts of the e-bike as close to standard as possible for easy repair and replacement of parts. That design ethos spills over to the color schemes as well. The user can swap the vinyl wraps to get a fresh look anytime without having to go through a new paint job. The Frame of the bike, carbon fiber components, and polycarbonate panels are custom-made in their factory in Canada.

According to Electrom, the bike can travel thousands of miles without the need for any costly maintenance, making it affordable to own. In tandem with the easy availability of the components, the e-bike is highly practical compared to other designs that use proprietary motors and batteries that may not be supported by the manufacturer in the future. Priced at CAD 15,500 for the deluxe model, the e-bike can be stashed with a carbon tailbox for an additional CAD 1,000.

The post This all-weather e-bike in disguise is perfect for long road trips and city commutes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jul
7

By

Everyday Carry Evolved: 5 Clever, Compact Tools for Home, Work, and the Road

Category: YankoDesign

There is a unique joy in feeling ready for whatever life throws your way, especially when your gear is as clever as it is compact. The world of everyday carry has evolved far beyond bulky gadgets and cluttered keychains. Today’s EDC essentials are designed for seamless living, bringing together smart features and elegant design in tools that slip effortlessly into a pocket, wallet, or glovebox.

In this collection, you’ll discover five standouts that are changing how we tackle life’s surprises. From a multitool that transforms into a phone stand, to a pen-sized companion for quick fixes and creative moments, to a Swiss-made card that keeps you perfectly groomed, each pick is chosen for its ability to make daily routines smoother and more stylish. Whether you are at home, at work, or on the road, these compact powerhouses prove that great design can fit anywhere and help you handle anything with confidence and a bit of fun.

1. 8-in-1 EDC Scissors: Your Everyday Problem-Solver

Everyday life is full of little surprises, but having these compact 8-in-1 EDC scissors tucked in your bag means you are always one step ahead. Whether you are prepping lunch outdoors, opening a stubborn bottle cap at a picnic, or slicing through packaging at home, this tool quietly transforms daily hassles into smooth victories. The sleek black finish and palm-sized shape make it as stylish as it is practical, adding a sense of readiness to every moment.

With eight functions cleverly packed into its design, these scissors are more than meets the eye. They cut, pop, crack, and twist without missing a beat, and cleaning is a breeze thanks to the detachable halves. Made in Japan and thoughtfully engineered, they are a companion you will reach for again and again, wherever your day takes you.

Click here to buy now: $59

What we like

Packs eight genuinely useful tools.
Durable, rust-resistant finish.

What we dislike

Some tools may feel small or awkward for users with larger hands.
Not suitable for air travel due to the integrated knife blade.

2. Ti-ONE: The 6-in-1 Pen-Sized Powerhouse

Not all multitools belong in a toolbox. Some, like the Ti-ONE, are designed to slip into your life with the ease of a favorite pen. Its slender, pen-like body slips easily onto a keychain, backpack, or even a necklace, always ready for creative fixes and quick inspiration. With a gentle swivel, it transforms from a precision craft knife to a screwdriver, from a ruler to a pen that can jot down notes or sketches on the fly. Even in low light, the glow of its tritium slots makes it easy to find, adding a dash of adventure to everyday tasks.

What sets Ti-ONE apart is how it packs six essential tools—knife, craft blade, screwdriver, ruler, eternal pen, and window breaker—into a frame not much larger than your index finger. The titanium build is strong yet featherlight, and the ingenious L-shaped design gives extra torque for tougher jobs. Whether you are opening packages, tightening screws, or measuring quick projects, this tool’s compact versatility and fidget-worthy rotation invite you to keep it close at hand. It is a mini toolkit for explorers, makers, and anyone who loves to turn little challenges into small victories.

What we like

Ultra-compact and extremely lightweight.
Fun modular design.

What we dislike

Small size and bits may feel fiddly for heavy-duty repairs.
Craft blade’s scalpel is sharp but more fragile than a standard utility knife.

3. TriPro Stand: The 15-in-1 Modular Master of Adaptability

Busy days often mean switching from one role to another, whether you are catching a video call in a co-working lounge or tightening a loose screw on your bike before heading out for a weekend ride. The TriPro Stand is designed for anyone who finds inspiration in movement and thrives on versatility. It can rest quietly on your keychain or hide in the smallest corner of your tech pouch, always ready to transform into a phone stand, screwdriver, or even a mini tool for field repairs. No matter where you work or play, this multitool adapts to the rhythm of your adventures.

What truly sets the TriPro Stand apart is its clever modular system. Magnetic panels snap together and come apart in seconds, letting you customize the tool for every situation. Whether you are setting up your phone for a hands-free call, swapping SIM cards before a flight, or making quick fixes out on the trail, this multitool keeps up with your every move. The titanium build keeps it featherlight yet tough, while features like a folding scalpel, glass breaker, and tritium glow slots add peace of mind and playful character. With so many possibilities in one slim package, the TriPro Stand feels less like a gadget and more like a creative sidekick for modern explorers.

What we like

Creative modular design with magnetic panels for endless on-the-go configurations.
Titanium construction is lightweight, rugged, and travel-ready.

What we dislike

Some tools are quite small and may take practice to use confidently.
The modular system has a learning curve for first-time users.

Victorinox Swiss Card Classic: The Iconic Wallet Multitool in Card Form

Victorinox has long set the standard for everyday carry, and the Swiss Card Classic is a true icon of smart, minimalist design. This slim multitool slips quietly into your wallet or cardholder, always ready to help with the small surprises of daily life. Whether you are at your desk, catching a flight, or facing a quick fix on the go, the Swiss Card Classic is there for those “just in case” moments that call for a clever solution.

Inside its award-winning, Swiss-made form, you will find ten practical tools, including scissors, a small blade, a pressurized ballpoint pen, tweezers, and a mini screwdriver. Dual rulers, a nail file, a toothpick, and a handy pin round out the set, each one designed for life’s little tasks. The Swiss Card Classic is available in timeless black as well as classic red and blue, and its ultra-slim shape means you can carry a touch of Swiss ingenuity without adding any bulk. It is a wallet companion that brings trusted function, heritage design, and a bit of everyday magic wherever you go.

What we like

Ultra-slim, lightweight build.
A timeless, practical selection of tools from a legendary EDC brand.

What we dislike

Tools are best suited for quick, light tasks instead of demanding repairs.
May not fit in to the wallet card slot.

Xiaomi Multi-Function Flashlight: Car Safety’s Brightest Companion

For anyone who spends time behind the wheel, having the right emergency gear can make all the difference.The Xiaomi Multi-Function Flashlight is designed to be the ultimate car companion, always ready to brighten your path and tackle unexpected roadside situations. Whether you are navigating a dark parking lot, dealing with a flat tire, or caught in a sudden downpour, this flashlight brings confidence and calm to any drive. Its sturdy, modern design fits snugly in your glove box or door pocket, ensuring it is close at hand when you need it most.

More than just a flashlight, this tool is a complete car safety kit in a sleek package. It features a powerful 1000-lumen beam with adjustable focus, magnetic mounting for hands-free illumination, and a side light with emergency signals for high-visibility roadside alerts. In a real emergency, the built-in window breaker and seat belt cutter can help you or your passengers escape quickly and safely. With a long-lasting battery, USB-C charging, and intuitive controls, the Xiaomi Multi-Function Flashlight is the kind of gear every driver will be glad to have along for the ride.

What we like

Designed specifically for car safety, with powerful lighting and essential rescue tools.
Magnetic base and rotatable head make hands-free roadside repairs easier.

What we dislike

No dedicated case for organizing the flashlight and charging cable.
Not fully waterproof, so it may not withstand heavy rain or submersion.

Ready for Every Moment

Choosing the right everyday carry tools can turn routine moments into something special. The five compact picks in this round-up are not just about solving problems. They are about adding beauty, confidence, and a little delight to your daily experience. Whether you are at home, at work, or traveling, these clever tools are designed to make life smoother and more enjoyable. They prove that thoughtful design can fit right into your pocket, wallet, or car.

Imagine reaching for just the right gadget and feeling that quiet sense of satisfaction as you handle life’s surprises with ease. When you welcome well-made, multi-functional gear into your routine, you invite a new level of creativity and readiness into every day. These compact companions are here to help you meet whatever comes your way. With them by your side, you can step into tomorrow with a bit more joy and a lot more confidence.

The post Everyday Carry Evolved: 5 Clever, Compact Tools for Home, Work, and the Road first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jul
7

By

after 100 years, the river seine becomes paris’s summer swimming spot

Category: Design Boom

swimming opens in paris after landmark river restoration

 

Paris has opened three designated stretches of the Seine River for public swimming, marking a significant shift in the relationship between the French city and its central waterway. The move follows a €1.4 billion ($1.64 billion) program that combined infrastructural upgrades with environmental objectives to reestablish the river as a shared civic space.

 

This transformation builds on years of advocacy from local swimmers and civic groups who pressed for legal access to the river. For the first time since 1923, Parisians and visitors can enter the water under the watch of lifeguards and alongside daily water-quality monitoring.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mina Guli (@minaguli)

 

 

infrastructure and design for a cleaner seine

 

The reopening of the Seine for public swimming reflects a complex design effort in Paris, extending beyond cosmetic improvements. More than 20,000 homes were connected to upgraded sewer systems to prevent untreated waste from flowing into the river. Engineers constructed large rainwater storage reservoirs able to capture storm runoff equivalent to twenty Olympic swimming pools. These systems help maintain safe conditions for public swimming during heavy rain.

 

Additional measures include improvements to water treatment facilities and daily testing of water quality, with results communicated to swimmers using a colored flag system. Together, these interventions have created an environment where swimming is managed as an organized public amenity.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ville de Paris (@paris_maville)

 

 

a new way to experience the river

 

Each of the three bathing areas offers a different view of the city’s landmarks. Near the Eiffel Tower, a site is designed for families with small children, while a stretch by Notre Dame Cathedral attracts swimmers interested in the historic riverfront. A third location, close to the National Library, is part of broader plans to enhance cultural access along the Left Bank.

 

Showers and changing facilities are available to visitors, supporting the experience of moving between the city and the river. Diving is prohibited due to shallow water, and lifeguards are present throughout swimming hours.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ABC News (@abcnews)

 

 

Paris’s efforts have contributed to similar initiatives across Europe, where cities have worked to reclaim rivers and canals for swimming. The project has also been shaped by concerns about providing spaces for cooling off during increasingly hot summers.

 

Authorities expect daily usage to reach up to 1,000 swimmers through the end of August. Additional sites along the Seine and Marne rivers are planned, with two locations on the Marne already open.

 

While health concerns affected some training sessions and events during the Olympic Games preparations last summer, competitions proceeded as scheduled, helping to build public confidence. Tourist authorities predict that swimming in the Seine will become a popular seasonal pastime, likening the city to Copenhagen with its harbor baths.

image via @minaguli

The post after 100 years, the river seine becomes paris’s summer swimming spot appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Jul
7

By

In France, a Stunning Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge Added to a Railway Viaduct

Category: Core77

Albi, a charming medieval city in the south of France, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on the banks of the Tarn River, it features an iconic railway viaduct built in the 1800s out of locally-produced brick. While the viaduct is still in use by modern-day rail services, the city wanted to make the feature more accessible to pedestrians. They contracted with architecture firm Ney & Partners and landscape architecture firm MS-A for a solution, which was finally completed this year.

The duo knocked it out of the park, so to speak.

As Ney & Partners explains:

The city aimed to make better of use the existing public space to:

– Encourage and improve sustainable mobility in the city center.
– Provide better access to the peripheral neighborhoods.
– Support the implementation of the management plan for the episcopal city.

How? By using the iconic railway viaduct, still in operation and owned by @SNCF, and designing a lightweight steel footbridge attached to the viaduct’s masonry structure.

Ney & Partners collaborated with landscape architects @msa.brussels , who were responsible for designing the two open spaces at both ends of the bridge. This approach ensured that the bridge became part of a network of smaller public spaces within the city center.

The result is a unique visual experience for those crossing the Tarn River, offering new perspectives that emphasize Albi’s historic character and deepen visitors’ appreciation of the city.

Just one week after the bridge opened to the public, the people of Albi have already embraced the new city bridge as a vibrant meeting point.

As a reminder of how long it takes to make beautiful things, the project began in 2013!

Jul
7

By

LEGO and F1 Unite for a Groundbreaking 2,717-brick British GP Trophy Design

Category: YankoDesign

The podium at Silverstone has witnessed countless iconic moments over Formula 1’s 75-year history, but Sunday’s British Grand Prix delivered something entirely unprecedented. As Lando Norris hoisted his winner’s trophy above his head, the familiar weight of silverware had been replaced by 2,717 meticulously arranged LEGO bricks forming a perfect replica of the legendary RAC Trophy. The Danish toy giant had pulled off what might be the most audacious trophy design in motorsport history, transforming childhood nostalgia into championship hardware that somehow managed to honor tradition while completely reimagining it.

This wasn’t some corporate stunt masquerading as innovation. LEGO designer Samuel Liltorp Johnson, a lifelong F1 fanatic, had spent months perfecting a design that could survive the chaos of champagne-soaked celebrations while maintaining the gravitas befitting motorsport’s most prestigious silverware. The result stands as a masterclass in functional design that happens to be built from toys.

Designer: LEGO

The engineering challenge here was genuinely fascinating. Creating a 59-centimeter trophy that weighs over 2 kilograms using nothing but standard LEGO elements requires serious structural thinking. Johnson and his seven-person build team invested 210 hours into ensuring these trophies could withstand the inevitable post-race mayhem without crumbling into expensive plastic confetti. Every brick came from LEGO’s regular catalog, meaning theoretically any dedicated fan could recreate Norris’s trophy at home, though good luck sourcing 2,717 gold-colored pieces without bankrupting yourself. The technical specifications read like a love letter to both precision engineering and childhood wonder: each trophy incorporates a miniature F1 car mounted on the front face, crowned with a golden brick that serves as both aesthetic flourish and structural keystone.

What makes this collaboration genuinely brilliant is how it respects the RAC Trophy’s 75-year legacy while injecting playful irreverence into F1’s often stuffy traditions. The original RAC Trophy carries the engraved names of every British Grand Prix winner since 1950, from Giuseppe Farina to Lewis Hamilton, making it arguably F1’s equivalent to the Stanley Cup in terms of historical significance. Johnson’s LEGO interpretation captures every curve and proportion of that iconic silhouette, proving that homage doesn’t require slavish imitation. The second and third-place trophies feature red and blue detailing respectively, while the constructor’s trophy sports dark blue and gold accents, creating a cohesive family of awards that photograph beautifully under Silverstone’s podium lights.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for both brands involved. F1’s ongoing mission to attract younger audiences aligns seamlessly with LEGO’s recent push into adult-focused collectibles, evidenced by their increasingly sophisticated Architecture and Creator Expert lines. This partnership builds on LEGO’s earlier F1 initiatives, including the driveable brick cars that caused such a sensation at Miami earlier this season. For a sport sometimes criticized for being too corporate and sanitized, handing drivers toys as trophies represents a refreshing embrace of pure joy. Watching Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Nico Hulkenberg genuinely delighting in their brick-built hardware reminded everyone why we fell in love with both F1 and LEGO in the first place.

The post LEGO and F1 Unite for a Groundbreaking 2,717-brick British GP Trophy Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jul
7

By

reactive bioluminescent algae illuminate iris van herpen’s haute couture show in paris

Category: Design Boom

iris van herpen’s dress with algae lights up in paris

 

Reactive bioluminescent algae lights up the haute couture collection and show of Iris van Herpen in Paris. Co-crafted by biodesigner Christopher Bellamy of Bio Crafted, there are 125 million bioluminescent algae embedded into the dress, showcased by the maison during the Paris Haute Couture Week on July 7th, 2025.

 

The biomaterial is reactive too; as the wearer moves, the dress glows gently, emitting a bluish glow that lights up in the dark. The maison and biodesigner say that the bioluminescent algae are placed in seawater and then encapsulated inside a nutrient gel that keeps them alive for a long time. The dress with bioluminescent algae forms part of the collection Sympoiesis, the recent series from Iris van Herpen shown in Paris Haute Couture Week.

all images courtesy of Iris van Herpen, unless stated otherwise

 

 

Living microorganisms encapsulated in nutrient gel

 

The collaboration between Iris van Herpen and Christopher Bellamy of Bio Crafted allows the two to tap into the capabilities of living microorganisms such as algae. Back in 2024, the biodesigner worked on and researched the bioluminescent microalgae for just about over nine months. In a post on his Instagram, he says that the microorganism he found was called Pyrocystis Fusiformis. ‘They evolved to emit light as a defense mechanism to startle predators or attract even bigger ones,’ he wrote. He is seen holding a bag with numerous illuminating microalgae as he softly presses the container in his hand.

 

The same algae now flows through the Sympoiesis dress of Iris van Herpen during the Paris Haute Couture Week, which runs between July 7th and 10th, 2025. The structure of the dress follows the signature coral-inspired designs of the Dutch fashion designer, and as the model walks on the runway, the haute couture emits light, softly at first before it briefly intensifies as she keeps on walking. The maison and biodesigner’s theme is connected to nature, to circadian rhythm, which refers to the natural day-and-night cycle. As the model walks, wearing Iris van Herpen’s algae dress co-created with Christopher Bellamy, the set design also glows in the background through the light sculptures by artist Nick Verstand. These artworks, called biospheric, add more light to the show, making the bioluminescent algae embedded into the Iris van Herpen dress glow even brighter. 

there are 125 million bioluminescent algae embedded into the dress

as the wearer moves, the dress glows gently

detailed view of the dress

the bioluminescent algae are placed in seawater and then encapsulated inside a nutrient gel

Christopher Bellamy of Bio Crafted with his bioluminescent microalgae research | image courtesy of Bio Crafted

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by designboom magazine (@designboom)

video documenting the dress on the runway

 

 

 

project info:

 

name: Sympoiesis

maison: Iris van Herpen | @irisvanherpen

biodesigner: Christopher Bellamy of Bio Crafted | @bio.crafted

light artist: Nick Verstand | @nickverstand

event: Paris Haute Couture Week

dates: July 7th to 10th, 2025

The post reactive bioluminescent algae illuminate iris van herpen’s haute couture show in paris appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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