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black void frames cloud installation as narrative tool in multimedia atmospheric performance

Atmospheric cloud Narrates Black Void’s multimedia stage poem 

 

Black Void presents Cloud’s Memoir, a multimedia stage installation that merges poetic narrative with environmental data systems to explore how Earth’s atmosphere is shaped by historical and contemporary forces. Premiered at the Climate Ring in Yicang Art Museum and hosted by Swissnex, the project also features in the inaugural exhibition Luminosity Reborn at Fudan Art Museum.

 

The work takes the form of a poetic monologue delivered from the perspective of a cloud. Functioning as a fragmented historian, the cloud reflects on the planetary atmosphere as a record shaped by natural disasters, industrial development, war, and global economic structures. Its form, while ephemeral, becomes a medium that both retains and loses memory, subject to the erasures of wind and the inscriptions of light.

all images courtesy of Black Void

 

 

Cloud’s Atmospheric Narratives are divided into three chapters

 

In the First Chapter, ‘Divining the Sky,’ the project explores how cloud formations have historically been used for divination and speculation. Positioned between myth and meteorology, the cloud becomes a surface upon which human belief systems are projected. Black Void’s design team treats atmospheric conditions as both data and symbolism, shaping interpretations of fate and uncertainty. The second chapter, ‘Earthborn, Firebreath,’ traces the emergence of carbon-based gases in the atmosphere through seismic events and industrialization. Referencing events such as the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815, the narrative personifies the generation of carbon dioxide as a geological and atmospheric process. The chapter examines the intersection of natural systems and anthropogenic emissions. Focusing on nitrate and sulfate aerosols, the third chapter, ‘Dust Fall, Feast Talk,’ follows the movement of these particles through global currents, from zones of conflict to centers of wealth. The narrative contrasts the distribution of atmospheric pollutants with social inequality, emphasizing how airborne matter infiltrates daily life, often unnoticed.

live vapor and projection merge in a multimedia performance at Yicang Art Museum

 

 

Black Void Composes Real-Time Clouds as Responsive Media

 

Technically, the installation integrates live cloud-making technologies, environmental controls, and audiovisual components. Indoor humidity, temperature, and airflow are manipulated to choreograph the presence and disappearance of cloud forms within the space. Thermal imaging and live data feedback link human presence to atmospheric changes, producing real-time visual responses.

 

Cloud’s Memoir by Black Void presents the atmosphere as a shared and politicized archive, shaped by material histories and systemic conditions. Through its spatial and performative structure, the project repositions the cloud as both a formal element and a narrative device, one that registers and reflects the ongoing transformations of the planetary environment.

 

the installation explores how clouds have served as omens, symbols, and data

historical eruptions and industrial growth shape the cloud’s form and memory

Cloud’s Memoir renders the invisible visible through poetic staging

a suspended vapor cloud registers human impact without permanence

Black Void positions atmosphere as a medium shaped by systemic forces

the project examines climate as a collective and uneven inheritance

real-time thermal imaging links viewers’ bodies to fluctuations in the space

wind and light act as writers and erasers across the surface of the cloud

indoor cloud-making technologies animate the atmosphere as a responsive archive

Cloud’s Memoir Performance at Climate Ring in Yicang Art Museum, Hosted by SWISSNEX

Technical Process

 

project info:

 

name: Cloud’s Memoir
artist: Black Void | @bv_blackvoid

host: Climate Ring, Yicang Art Museum, SWISSNEX

producer, writer, director: Cai Yixuan

deputy director: Qu Manning

actor: Wang Bingxu

visual director: Qu Manning

light design: Yin Tinglan

multi-media: Wang Yuanyuan

sound design: Marco Bidin, Zhou Tiange

cloud technology: SmokeGENIE

cinematography: Xie Jinchao

editing: Cai Yixuan, Wang Yuanyuan, Zhou Tairong (Chowchow)

logistics coordination: Xiao Yuhan

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post black void frames cloud installation as narrative tool in multimedia atmospheric performance appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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Gaming Dice turned into Gentleman’s EDC: Meet the 7-in-1 Prophecy Dice Spinner

So, I was in Macau a month and a half ago, walking through all the grand casinos to get to the expo venues where I was attending a trade show. The casinos were decked up in a rather Vegas-like fashion. Glitz, glamor, gold, with a hint of scarlet. You’d see lush green boards with red dice rolling around, and while that looked nice, a month later, I was in a D&D campaign, using similar dice, looking at it and just thinking – these look so out of place with the mythic/mystic/rustic vibe of my game. The reality is, most polyhedral dice are sort of a template – six or more sides, made from either plastic or, if you’re lucky, metal, with really no aesthetic match to the game you’re playing. Enter Prophecy Dice, the latest oddball object to catch the attention of the RPG crowd and, frankly, anyone who loves a slick gadget.

What if dice don’t look like dice? Asked the guys at Dragonstonegaming, who developed the Prophecy Dice – a pocket-watch-shaped gizmo that fits a trigger-activated spinner with a ‘Dice meets Wheel of Fortune’ vibe. The spinner looks like something from an alternate timeline where Victorian-era adventurers carried precision instruments for determining their fates. Press a button, watch the internal mechanism spin, and let the pointer reveal your roll. It carries the ceremonial weight of traditional dice rolling but packages it in a form factor that appeals to the EDC enthusiast in me, but more broadly, really fits the thematic DNA of RPG games. It’s engineered for “balanced and fair” outcomes, which is always the line, but Dragonstone appears to have invested in actual spin-testing and symmetry too.

Designer: Dragonstonegaming

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $118 (42% off) Hurry! Only 150 left of 2300.

The mechanism feels less like rolling dice and more like spinning the Wheel of Fortune, with a tactile immediacy that’s weirdly addictive. You select your die type (d4 through d100, all the classics), line up the internal indicator, and let it rip. The pointer snaps to rest in a window, and boom – you’ve got your roll. The simplicity is deceptive; this is a precision-milled device, not a kitchen timer, and the Kickstarter video shows off the smooth, almost hypnotic spin.

At first glance, this feels like peak EDC gadget territory – the kind of thing that makes you wonder if we really needed to reinvent the humble d20. But dig deeper into the engineering, and there’s actually some thoughtful design philosophy at work here. The all-metal construction addresses one of the biggest complaints about traditional dice: inconsistency. Anyone who’s spent serious time rolling knows that cheap plastic dice can be weighted, chipped, or just plain unreliable. Metal spinners, when properly balanced, eliminate those variables entirely.

The 7-in-1 functionality is where this gets interesting from a UX perspective. Instead of fumbling through a bag of different polyhedrals mid-game, you’re looking at a single device that covers d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, and d100. The push-button mechanism feels deliberately analog in our increasingly digital world, giving you that tactile feedback that smartphone dice apps can never replicate. Windows on both sides of the dice let you access the different ‘polyhedra’.

What really sells me on the design is the pocket watch aesthetic. This could have easily been another generic gadget in a plastic housing, but Dragonstone Gaming understood that EDC gear for D&D needs to look the part. The metallic finish and classic proportions mean this actually works as a conversation starter, especially if your game is centered around vintage or steampunk themes. The Dice comes in two styles – one with a storm-summoning witch named Selene Tidecaller, and another with a valiant Knight named Edric Thornsworn. Both designs have the same relief-style carving on the front, back, and sides, making this truly look like something your great-grandfather would hand down to you.

Selene Tidecaller

Edric Thornsworn

The engineering challenges here are more complex than they initially appear. Creating a truly balanced spinner that delivers fair results across seven different dice types requires precise calibration of weight distribution, friction coefficients, and stopping mechanisms. Traditional dice rely on physics and probability over thousands of rolls, but a spinner needs to be mathematically fair on every single use. The fact that they’re claiming “balanced and fair” results suggests they’ve put serious thought into the internal mechanics, though I’d love to see some independent testing data on the actual randomness distribution.

The Kickstarter numbers are, frankly, wild. Prophecy Dice aimed for a modest $2,000 and currently sits north of $340,000 with weeks left to go, over 3,300 backers deep. That’s not just hype, that’s people with dice fatigue looking for something better, or at least different. Tabletop gaming lives and dies by its rituals and accessories, and Prophecy Dice slots perfectly into the EDC arms race: a gadget that feels essential without ever being necessary. The $69 price is what you’d expect for a premium, all-metal, limited-run object, but backers seem happy to pay for novelty that actually works. The campaign is loaded with stretch goals and metallic finishes, and I wouldn’t be surprised if custom engravings show up next.

Although I’m curious to see how it holds up to months of real play. Will the spin wear out? Will the mechanism jam after a few too many critical fails? That’s the risk with any Kickstarter, especially one that blends analog charm with moving parts. However, this isn’t Dragonstonegaming’s first campaign. Their SpinDice from last year also blew past its funding goal, with over 800 backers bringing the project to life. The Prophecy Dice feels like the next iteration, and ships with an optional leather handmade slip case, or a ‘relic’ mount. The Prophecy Dice ships globally starting October 2025.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $118 (42% off) Hurry! Only 150 left of 2300.

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slender steel arcs blossom into kong xiangwei studio’s camellia-like theater in china

seven slender steel arcs shape Camellia Theater in China

 

At 2,300 meters above sea level in the highlands of Wuliang Mountain, a delicate steel pavilion, designed by Kong Xiangwei Studio, shimmers above a tea garden. The open-air Camellia Theater in Dali, Yunnan, China, emerges from the mists of Fenghuang Mountain as a weightless structure that frames the land and sky. Its purpose is to host cultural performances, quiet contemplation, and everything in between as part of a larger transformation of this historic tea estate into a tea-tourism destination.

 

Inspired by the form of a camellia flower, the structure was not conceived through formal drawings but emerged on-site through hand-weaving steel bars, an approach developed by the studio in close collaboration with local workers. The initial form, determined in a single day, takes shape through seven slender steel arcs that resemble petals, streamers, or even celestial tassels. ‘They are both petals and streamers,’ the designers explain, ‘like silver tassels shaken down from the sky.’

all images by Archi-translator Photography and Kong Xiangwei Studio

 

 

Kong Xiangwei Studio create petal-like canopy for performance

 

Part of a wider homestay renovation and cultural upgrade of the estate, the Camellia Theater sits on a natural platform recommended by the head of Huilong Village, an already beloved scenic overlook between Fenghuang Mountain and the Lancang River. The architects at Kong Xiangwei Studio opt for an intuitive intervention that blends almost invisibly with its surroundings. ‘The tea garden is a wordless poem,’ they share. ‘Human intervention should be as light as dewdrops on leaves.’

 

Beneath its delicate, petal-like canopy, the structure curves into the shape of a circular bench that wraps around a central clearing. It avoids disturbing the surrounding tea trees, creating a space that functions as a stage and audience seating. When a singer or storyteller stands in the middle, they’re performing to a crowd, and at the same time they’re enveloped by the landscape itself. 

a delicate steel pavilion, designed by Kong Xiangwei Studio, shimmers above a tea garden

 

 

the form of the structure reflects local legend

 

That immersive effect is constantly in flux, thanks to the mountain’s unpredictable microclimate. At times, the theater floats in clear sunlight; at others, it disappears into mist. These conditions are part of the experience. When the sun sets, the sky often fills with glowing cloud formations, transforming the entire scene into a quiet spectacle. Even when there’s no scheduled performance, the environment itself puts on a show.

 

And seen from the other side of the forest, something interesting happens: the theater’s form, those seven petal-like arcs, begins to resemble a crown. Whether coincidence or subconscious intuition, the image connects to local legend, evoking the mythical queen of Caowang Mountain, weaving folklore into the architectural gesture. 

a weightless structure that frames the land and sky

its purpose is to host cultural performances

inspired by the form of a camellia flower

the structure emerged on-site through hand-weaving steel bars

the initial form was determined in a single day

the seven slender steel arcs resemble petals, streamers, or even celestial tassels

Kong Xiangwei Studio opts for an intuitive intervention

beneath its delicate, petal-like canopy, the structure gently curves into the shape of a circular bench

the structure avoids disturbing the surrounding tea trees

a space that functions as a stage and audience seating

the immersive effect is constantly in flux, thanks to the mountain’s unpredictable microclimate

at times the theater floats in clear sunlight, while at others, it disappears in the mist

 

 

project info:

 

name: Camellia Theater

architect: Kong Xiangwei Studio

location: Fenghuang Mountain Tea Estate, Bixi Township, Nanjian County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China

 

design team: Kong Xiangwei, Cui Jun, Gao Zhuojian

photographer: Archi-translator Photography, Kong Xiangwei Studio

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This Tiny Cabin Is Designed For Sustainable & Serene Living Amid Romania’s Forested Hills

Situated in the forested hills of Valea lui Enache, the CL02 Cabin by Vinklu beautifully shows us how minimalism can be both inspiring and deeply functional. The first impression is a sense of calm—a dark, understated silhouette softened by the filtered light of the surrounding trees. In this surreal cabin, less isn’t an aesthetic; it is intended to be a deliberate gesture toward finding contentment in simplicity. Every line and every finish supports the idea that a home should serve its inhabitants without demanding attention, quietly enabling the rituals of daily life.

The 55-square-meter structure stands where an earlier project failed, and it’s clear that Vinklu approached this second chance with a sense of reverence. The layout is straightforward: a ground floor with an open living area, a full kitchen, and a bathroom, and an upper level for rest. Each space is compact but never feels cramped, thanks to a vaulted ceiling and panoramic windows that extend the interior outward, inviting the forest in. The circular kitchen window frames a shifting tableau of leaves and light, turning even the most routine meal into an act of quiet observation.

Designer: Vinklu

The full-size kitchen is a luxury, especially in a home of this scale. It’s designed for those who find joy in cooking—ample countertop space, integrated appliances, and just enough storage to keep things tidy. The kitchen’s natural finishes echo the palette outside, blurring the boundary between interior and landscape.

The cabin is clad in dark, weather-resistant timber, allowing it to recede into the forest’s shadows. Inside, pale wood and minimal detailing create a sense of light and openness. There’s restraint in every decision, but also an invitation: to touch, to pause, to notice the subtle changes in the quality of light as the day moves on. The living area is open yet intimate, with just enough room for a small table and a pair of chairs. The focus isn’t on filling space but on creating an environment that feels both nurturing and uncluttered.

 

The CL02 Cabin’s relationship to its site is its most fabulous feature. The structure neither dominates nor disappears; it exists in dialogue with the landscape, responding to its contours and rhythms. Sustainability is embedded in the design—efficient insulation, passive solar orientation, and natural ventilation reduce the need for mechanical intervention. The house feels like a gentle addition to the hillside, its presence marked by sensitivity rather than intrusion.

Living in the CL02 Cabin is an exercise in mindful reduction. It’s not about doing without, but about having enough—and knowing that enough can be generous. There are compromises, of course: storage is limited, and the seasonal design may not suit every lifestyle. But for those drawn to clarity and contemplation, this is a space that offers both refuge and inspiration.

The post This Tiny Cabin Is Designed For Sustainable & Serene Living Amid Romania’s Forested Hills first appeared on Yanko Design.

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This hard-sided, A-frame aluminum truck camper is easily the lightest in its category

As a rule of thumb, you want the camper in the back of your truck to be lightweight. There are multiple reasons for it: safety, performance, and durability. I don’t want to get into details of it, but if you know what I’m trying to imply, you would like the Switchback pick-up camper. At just 375 lbs, it is a great option for those prioritizing weight savings.

The feather-light camper is made entirely of rot-proof aluminum, which adds to its longevity, and makes the Switchback a solid investment for people who camp in different weather conditions throughout the year. Of course, the weight is the first striking aspect from a camper’s point of view; but for me, it’s the A-frame form factor, which really wins the heart.

Designer: Aliner 

Designed equally well for off-roading into the wild or camping under the stars, the Switchback, by Pennsylvania RV manufacturer Aliner, is compatible with most mid-size and full-size trucks. When in drive mode, the camper folds down into a box and sticks just slightly above the bed walls. You can park the vehicle easily in the garage with the camper mounted or take it where your heart desires without impacting the mileage too much. When you’re at the camp, clip open the box, lift up the side hard walls in A shape, stretch out the inner fabric lining and swing the split door open to have yourself a nice sleeping camper. The entire folding and unfolding process takes under 30 seconds.

Aliner has not done anything fancy in the Switchback. Provided with a comfortable 60″ x 72″ bed (which doubles as bench seating, when you’re living out a mid-day storm at the camp), the camper is only your cozy above-ground shelter on a short overnight or, at max, a weekend adventure. Aliner is mulling the addition of an electrical system, but that’s for an upgraded model. For now, it’s the bare minimum that you’re going to get for the $9,500 asking price.

This is Aliner’s first niche pick-up camper, but not the first A-frame camper. The Pennsylvanian manufacturer is a world leader in compact and versatile campers, most A-shaped, symbolizing freedom and exploration. The Switchback, in addition to the sleeping arrangement inside, features a pair of long, lockable drawers, just outside at the entrance, below the camper floor. The drawers are 5 feet deep and should be able to store a camping stove, adventure gear, and other necessities. The cabin interior however measures 5.8 feet at the highest point. It is not standing height for everyone, but should be comfortable enough for the time two people plan to spend within the Switchback. Given its basic features, robust construction, and unique shape, the pick-up camper is easily the best, lightweight, full hard-sided truck camper out there!

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Electrolux 800/8000 Vacuum Redefines Home Cleaning With Style, Intelligence, and Sustainability

What if your vacuum didn’t just clean your home, but became part of it? The Electrolux/AEG 800/8000 cordless vacuum cleaner doesn’t shout for attention. It quietly earns its place, designed with such subtlety and intelligence that it feels like it was always meant to be there. This isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a rethinking of what home cleaning should look and feel like.

At the heart of this transformation is the philosophy of effortless living. The 800/8000 series was crafted to eliminate the very friction we’ve come to accept in everyday maintenance. Tangled cords, dusty filters, messy emptying, all of it replaced with streamlined elegance. Designed with Scandinavian minimalism in mind, the vacuum and its components blend smoothly into home environments without disrupting the aesthetic. It’s cleaning technology that finally understands the modern home doesn’t want to look like a storage closet.

Designer: Jakob Dawod

But the visual integration is only the beginning. The real leap lies in its performance and usability, especially with the introduction of its companion: the all-in-one automatic emptying station. This station doesn’t just charge your vacuum; it takes care of it. One tap and the dustbin is emptied from the bottom, reducing mess and eliminating dust contact entirely. Inside, a secondary battery sits fully charged, ready to swap in when needed, while a subtle red indicator light informs you when the dust bag needs replacing. Hidden compartments hold maintenance tools and filters, and a clever access system allows you to remove and clean them without fuss. Even the rarely used HEPA filter is easily reached through an eject button on the base.

The vacuum itself has been refined to deliver premium-level performance while keeping the user’s day-to-day experience smooth and intuitive. When docked, the cleaner’s telescopic tube automatically compresses, saving space and kickstarting the charging and emptying process. Docking doesn’t require precision, just roll it in and lift slightly. The rotational base allows you to access the cleaner from different angles, adapting to your space and your routine. Every interaction feels intentional and considered.

This design didn’t emerge in a straight line. It was the product of countless sketches, ideas, and experiments, from early cardboard mockups to 3D-printed prototypes and detailed, high-fidelity appearance models. The development journey was marked by iteration, collaboration, and constant refinement. Engineers and designers worked side-by-side to solve real user frustrations, resulting in features like intuitive accessory storage, effortless hand-unit release, and even a compact accessory bag that’s as aesthetic as it is practical.

The experience doesn’t stop at dry cleaning. The evolved wet mop attachment expands the vacuum’s role into full-surface care. Controlled via the smart UI on the hand unit, users can maintain the perfect dampness of the mop pads with different drip speeds or target tough stains with a quick spray activated by a long button press. It’s this attention to detail, this layering of functionality onto an already elegant system, that transforms cleaning into something closer to satisfaction than obligation.

Underneath the polish, the 800/8000 system represents a deeper commitment to sustainability. Not only does it reduce waste by encouraging proper upkeep through smart maintenance tools, but it also supports longevity through design. Removable batteries, cleanable filters, and thoughtfully constructed accessories extend the product’s life far beyond the average vacuum, supporting Electrolux’s mission to be a truly sustainable brand.

And behind all this innovation? A team that believed in the power of design to change behavior. Cross-functional collaboration within the Electrolux Group made this complex product feel remarkably simple. From the closest design partners to the engineering teams who transformed sketches into smooth, real-world mechanics, every detail was a testament to shared vision and dedication.

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This 2216-piece functional LEGO Rubik’s Cube could be the ultimate desk flex

You’d think the world had run out of challenges for LEGO builders. After all, we’ve seen ‘functional’ lawnmowers, instant-photo Polaroid cameras that spit out LEGO “photos,” and even a ‘working’ rotary phone, all meticulously engineered, all somehow feeling like they’re right at home in the pantheon of LEGO absurdity. Yet, every so often, a builder comes along who ups the ante and rewrites the rules of what counts as “functional.” This time, that crown goes to a Rubik’s Cube, the kind that actually works. Not a blocky facsimile or a fidget toy with half-hearted spin, but a LEGO-built, fully twistable, color-matching, soul-crushing 3×3 Rubik’s Cube that might just be the most precise and satisfying “MOC” (that’s “My Own Creation” for the LEGO uninitiated) you’ll see this season.

Precision is the name of the game with Rubik’s Cubes. Every speedcuber, every fidgeter worth their salt, knows that the difference between a good cube and a mediocre one is measured in microns. A single click or jam, and your whole solve is toast. So making a functioning cube out of LEGO, with its famously not-quite-millimeter-perfect clutch power and those tiny mold-parting lines, feels like tempting fate. Yet here it is, spinning with the kind of smoothness that would make Erno Rubik himself do a double take. The builder, whose project recently surfaced on the LEGO Ideas platform, didn’t just aim for “works in theory.” They built a full-size, color-accurate cube that moves with the same crispness and tactile feedback you expect from a real puzzle.

Designer: Kragle Dog

The mechanism underneath those glossy 3×3 tiles? A clever lattice of LEGO Technic and system bricks, ingeniously stacked and interlocked to mimic the familiar spindle-and-corner arrangement of the original. It’s a feat that takes patience and an obsessive eye for tolerances, because even a fraction of a millimeter’s error can mean the difference between a cube that spins and a cube that simply locks up.

Size-wise, this thing’s a beast. Scale it against a standard Rubik’s Cube, and you’re looking at a puzzle that’s roughly four times the volume of the pocket original, clocking in at 15.6cm or over 6 inches per side. That extra space isn’t wasted, though. It gives the mechanism inside room to breathe and function, letting each axis rotate independently and with minimal play. The outer tiles are color-matched to classic Rubik’s specs, with red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and white plates snapping into place like a proper 80s icon. The result is a cube that looks like it was plucked directly from the world’s nerdiest toy store and dropped onto your desk, ready for a scramble.

“The Rubik’s Cube truly is an iconic toy, shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of the LEGO brick,” says LEGO builder Kragle Dog. “So, being a fan of both LEGO bricks and Rubik’s Cube, I decided to try a new challenge and combine those two legendary toys into one epic idea.” The resulting build uses a staggering 2,216 bricks (that’s just the cube, not counting the base or the Rubik minifigure).

What really gets me is how this project manages to bridge the gap between playful creativity and mechanical purism. Most LEGO MOCs err on the side of whimsy, sacrificing accuracy for charm. Here, though, the builder’s gone full engineer, wrangling LEGO’s sometimes-fussy tolerances into something that actually works. That’s no small feat. The prototype reportedly holds together under repeated twists and turns, resisting the kind of catastrophic blowouts that plague less robust builds. There’s sheer genius in how each piece interlocks, trading the usual friction-fit for a system that’s both sturdy and forgiving. It’s the kind of object that makes you want to pick it up, scramble it, and maybe even try to speedsolve just to see if it can keep up. And no, you’re not allowed to use a Brick Separator to ‘solve’ the cube, even though that’s technically possible.

The flex doesn’t stop at the cube itself. The builder included a custom 357-brick display stand, elevating the puzzle into the realm of functional sculpture. There’s even a minifigure of Erno Rubik, the Hungarian architect who kicked off the global cubing craze back in 1974, complete with his signature hair and a tiny cube of his own. It’s a wink at the history and the culture surrounding the puzzle, and a reminder that behind every great invention is a designer obsessed with the details. The stand’s got just enough visual heft to make it a centerpiece on any shelf, while the figure adds a layer of narrative that most LEGO MOCs skip over in favor of pure form.

If you do want to see this project come to life, it just requires you to vote for it on the LEGO Ideas forum – a platform created for LEGO enthusiasts to share unique creations and vote for their favorite builds. We’ve covered hundreds of MOCs at this point, and I for one continue to be surprised by the kind of ingenuity LEGO builders possess, even after covering this beat for over 10 years!

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modular wooden table reforms into exhibition platform within ceramic workshop by AACM

Mosca Bianca Integrates Craft Process into Interior design

 

The Mosca Bianca project by AACM – Atelier Architettura Chinello Morandi is a ceramic workshop that also functions as an exhibition space in Padua, Italy. The design concept integrates the entire process of terracotta crafting into the spatial and material composition of the interior. The primary design gesture takes the form of a continuous, sculptural element that extends from the ceiling and guides the spatial experience. Shaped to evoke the twisting movement of clay on a potter’s wheel, this form creates a centripetal dynamic within the space, drawing attention toward a single zenithal light source. This lighting element punctuates the central axis, aligning with a monolithic work and display table positioned diagonally within the room.

 

The table serves multiple functions. While it operates as an exhibition platform when closed, it transforms into a worktable during ceramic workshops. Its structure reveals a series of concealed chairs and storage compartments integrated into the volume. Constructed from okumé wood sheets and supported by T-shaped frames, the table features a slender, cantilevered design that visually reduces its mass and emphasizes lightness. The choice of surface material responds to functional requirements for clay workability.

table without chairs | all images by Catalogo

 

 

Spatial Design by AACM is Rooted in Material Lifecycle

 

The surrounding surfaces contribute to the narrative of the ceramic-making process. Walls and ceilings are finished with a rammed-earth plaster composed of clay and brick production waste. This material selection reflects a focus on reuse and closed material cycles, consistent with the lifecycle of terracotta. Storage for tools and workshop equipment is integrated discreetly behind metal blades and fabric curtains, maintaining a clear spatial language and allowing functional elements to appear only as needed during use.

 

Throughout the project by studio AACM – Atelier Architettura Chinello Morandi, the relationship between form, material, and function remains central. The spatial layout, material palette, and lighting strategy collectively reference the phases of terracotta production, from raw material, through shaping and working, to final display.

table closed altar

worktable

diagonal table closed

diagonal table open

table light curtain

ceramics

table light and shelves

hidden shelves

table structure detail

ceiling detail

junction detail open

junction detail closed

exterior

 

project info:

 

name: Mosca Bianca
architect: AACM – Atelier Architettura Chinello Morandi | @aacm_studio

client: Mosca Bianca Ceramics | @mosca.bianca.ceramics

location: Padua, Italy

area: 45 sqm

photographer: Catalogo | @catalogo.studio

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post modular wooden table reforms into exhibition platform within ceramic workshop by AACM appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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Richard Mille’s next launch isn’t a Wristwatch… it’s a 130hp Luxury Superbike

It’s a curious thing, watching luxury watchmakers dip their toes into the world of high-performance vehicles. The precision engineering, the obsession with mechanical perfection, the almost neurotic attention to detail – these traits translate remarkably well from tiny wrist-bound timepieces to roaring machines. Richard Mille, the Swiss brand whose watches routinely command six-figure prices and adorn the wrists of Rafael Nadal and F1 drivers, has now turned its horological expertise toward the asphalt with the RMB01 superbike, created in partnership with legendary British motorcycle manufacturer Brough Superior.

This isn’t Richard Mille’s first venture beyond watchmaking – the brand has previously dabbled in racing partnerships and automotive-inspired timepieces (remember the world’s thinnest mechanical watch with Ferrari in 2022?) – but the RMB01 represents their most ambitious crossover yet. The collaboration makes perfect sense when you think about it: both companies trade in mechanical art that performs at the highest level, both cater to clients who view technical excellence as the ultimate luxury, and both understand that in a digital world, there’s something profoundly appealing about analog mechanical perfection.

Designers: Brough Superior & Richard Mille

The RMB01 itself is a track-focused beast that takes clear design cues from both brands’ DNA. At its heart beats a 997cc V-twin engine that showcases the same philosophy that drives Richard Mille’s skeletonized watch movements. The engine block starts as 352 pounds of aluminum before being precisely machined down to just 50 pounds of essential components. This weight-obsessed approach yields 130 horsepower, which might seem modest by hyperbike standards, but reflects a focus on usable power and mechanical transparency rather than headline-grabbing numbers. The engine casings themselves are works of art, machined from solid blocks of 5000-series aluminum alloy with high magnesium content, exposing the mechanical ballet within.

The chassis follows the same less-is-more philosophy, with a CNC aluminum frame connected to a self-supporting forged carbon exoskeleton. The suspension setup features Brough Superior’s signature Fior-type fork with double wishbone, separating steering from braking forces for exceptional stability through corners. Look closely at the wheels and you’ll notice divided rims that mirror the layered gear trains in a luxury watch movement. Even the speedometer has been reimagined as a mechanical display that would look at home on a Richard Mille timepiece.

Visually, the RMB01 strikes a balance between raw mechanical exposure and sculpted elegance. Available in three finishes (Nocturnal Sapphire, Selene, and Pearl of Speed), the bike features a frosted anthracite grey aerodynamic kit complemented by light grey detailing. Blue accents highlight the cylinder head covers, clutch master cylinder, alternator cover, and shock absorber springs, creating a sophisticated palette that’s unmistakably high-end without being flashy.

Only 150 individually numbered RMB01s will be hand-built in France, with pricing expected to exceed $200,000 per unit. Each represents roughly 18 months of collaborative development between the two companies, resulting in a motorcycle that blurs the line between functional vehicle and mechanical sculpture. For the lucky few who can afford one, the RMB01 offers a unique proposition: the mechanical soul of a Richard Mille watch scaled up to something you can actually ride. Whether on display in a collector’s living room or carving corners on a private track day, it’s a statement piece that demonstrates how the principles of haute horology can be applied to an entirely different mechanical canvas.

The post Richard Mille’s next launch isn’t a Wristwatch… it’s a 130hp Luxury Superbike first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Copilot Fellow Concept is an AI Pendant That Feels More Like a Friend Than a Gadget

Ever feel like AI is always hiding in the background, tucked away on your phone or buried behind a dozen browser tabs? Most of us interact with digital assistants through screens, which, let’s be honest, makes technology feel a little distant from our actual lives. But what if AI could be more present, accessible, and even a little bit stylish? That’s where the Copilot Fellow concept comes in, and honestly, it’s hard not to get a little excited about the idea.

The Copilot Fellow isn’t just another gadget to add to your collection. Picture a pill-shaped device, smooth and minimal, with a flat front and back. The front features a camera and a bold Copilot button, the heart of the design. Tap it, and you’re instantly connected to your AI assistant, ready to ask a question, set a reminder, or get a quick weather update. It’s designed to be intuitive, something you can operate without fiddling around or losing your train of thought.

Designer: Braz de Pina

What really makes Copilot Fellow stand out, though, are the four shortcut buttons, two on each side, that you can program for your favorite prompts or voice commands. Imagine setting one for “What’s on my calendar?” and another for “Send a quick note.” There’s no scrolling through endless menus or getting lost in settings. It’s simple, direct, and focused on the way you actually use AI day to day.

Now, here’s a little twist to that premise: While the front is all about that single, satisfying Copilot button, the back features a discreet screen. If you want to read your prompts or see some quick info, it’s there. But since it’s hidden away on the reverse side, it never gets in the way. This design choice keeps your interactions as screen-free as you want them to be, which feels like a breath of fresh air in our notification-heavy world.

One of the coolest things about Copilot Fellow is how you can wear it. You’re not locked into any one style, it works as a pendant around your neck, or you can just toss it in your pocket. It feels less like another gadget and more like a little presence you carry with you, always ready to help but never demanding attention. There’s something almost companion-like about it, which is a big leap from the usual “Hey Siri” or “Okay Google” voice floating out of your phone.

It’s important to remember that this is still a concept design, and Microsoft is unlikely to make one itself. But honestly, wouldn’t it be cool if someone DIY’ed their own version? The simplicity and flexibility make it feel approachable, even for tinkerers. Copilot Fellow reimagines how we might invite AI into our lives: more personal, more tangible, and a lot more stylish. Would you wear your AI around your neck, or are you sticking with the old-school phone in your pocket? Either way, this concept makes us rethink what AI gadgets could be.

The post Copilot Fellow Concept is an AI Pendant That Feels More Like a Friend Than a Gadget first appeared on Yanko Design.