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Masterpiece Story: Pilgrims Going to Church by George Henry Boughton

The post Masterpiece Story: Pilgrims Going to Church by George Henry Boughton appeared first on DailyArt Magazine.

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the sculpted design of koenigsegg sadair’s spear premiered at aurora concours in sweden

a Scandinavian Homage to Speed

 

In late June, the doors of Koenigsegg’s Ängelholm factory opened to a small group of Aurora Scandinavian Concours drivers to preview the new Sadair’s Spear ahead of its public unveiling. designboom joined the group inside the former air force hangar, once home to the ‘Ghost Squadron’ Johan Röd, to observe the unveiling of a machine that represents a new threshold for the Swedish megacar company.

 

The preview took place during a private factory tour in time for the Concours. Here, founder Christian von Koenigsegg described Sadair’s Spear as the final tribute to his father, Jesko von Koenigsegg, whose passion for horse racing inspired the car’s name. In 1976, Jesko rode a horse called Sadair’s Spear in what would be his last race. 

The following day, at the Aurora’s June 27th opening, the car was presented publicly for the first time — parked at the head of the Concours, the megacar was surrounded by a crowd of enthusiasts and collectors. Along with it being its first public appearance, it was an especially rare sight as only thirty examples of the Sadair’s Spear will ever be produced.

the Sadair’s Spear private preview at the Koenigsegg factory | image © designboom

 

 

A Presence Defined by Purpose

 

The Koenigsegg Sadair’s Spear is at once theatrical and purposeful. The proportions are familiar to anyone who has seen its predecessor, the Jesko — the same compact, sharply contoured nose and cab-forward canopy. Expert eyes will notice, however, that each surface is reconsidered. The front canards, or aerodynamic winglets, stand taller and more assertive. They are integrated into a reshaped bumper that increases airflow and cooling. Along the flanks, the wheel arch louvres appear almost delicate, but their function of guiding air to reduce pressure buildup is essential to the car’s stability at track speeds.

 

The rear is dominated by a new, double-blade wing mounted high on slender carbon pylons. Koenigsegg’s engineers explain that this active element is shaped to deliver greater downforce at lower speeds, making it more usable on typical circuits rather than only at extreme velocity. The combined effect of these aerodynamic adjustments is an increase in downforce of about twenty percent over the Jesko.

the megacar makes its public debut at the Aurora Scandinavian Concours | image © designboom

 

 

An Interior Stripped to the Essentials

 

Inside, the design language of the Koenigsegg Sadair’s Spear is one of subtraction. The central shift mechanism is gone, replaced by a sculpted key holder. Gear selection happens exclusively through paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The seats — rigid shells upholstered in minimal Alcantara — invite no illusions about the car’s purpose. Even the carbon fiber surfaces feel almost raw, their weave just visible beneath a thin satin coating. The atmosphere is informed by the principle of ‘adding less.’

 

As on all Koenigsegg models, a brushed metal ghost insignia can be found on the car. It’s explained that this logo is not just a branding flourish. It’s a reference to the history of the factory’s past life, the home of a Swedish air force squadron. Airplanes trained at night, and the group was aptly nicknamed the Ghost Squadron. The squadron used a ghost emblem on its aircraft, and Koenigsegg adopted this symbol as a tribute when it arrived at the former base.

Sadair’s Spear is displayed at the forefront of the Concours | image © designboom

 

 

Although Sadair’s Spear uses the same 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 found in other Jesko models, its breathing and cooling systems have been revised. Larger hood vents, additional rear scoops, and an upgraded heat exchanger help sustain performance during repeated high-speed laps. When running on E85 fuel, the engine produces 1,625 horsepower, which is an astonishing figure even in a segment defined by excess.

 

The Light Speed Transmission, with its nine forward gears and rapid-shifting multi-disc clutches, remains one of Koenigsegg’s defining technologies. In Sadair’s Spear, its operation feels simpler still, with the removal of the central shifter emphasizing the immediacy of paddle inputs. The system is engineered so that shifts between any two gears happen almost instantaneously, a feature the test drivers demonstrated later in the day on the runway behind the factory.

Christian von Koenigsegg names the car after his father’s final racehorse from 1976 | image © designboom

the design refines the Jesko’s silhouette with taller canards and a new rear wing | image © designboom

engineers increase downforce by around twenty percent over the Jesko Attack | image © designboom

the cockpit removes the central shifter and focuses on minimal driver controls | image © designboom

the car made its public debut at the Aurora Scandinavian Concours | image © designboom

 

project info:

 

model: Sadair’s Spear

manufacturer: Koenigsegg | @koenigsegg

event: Aurora Scandinavian Concours | @theauroraconcours

premiere: June 2025

The post the sculpted design of koenigsegg sadair’s spear premiered at aurora concours in sweden appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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The iPhone 17 Pro will wirelessly charge your Apple Watch and AirPods, according to news leaks

I love my Apple Watch, but for the love of everything holy, I hate that I need a specialized charger for it. What’s the point of a power bank or a wireless charger if I now need one with a special charging zone for the Apple Watch JUST because the damned thing has a proprietary dock design? It’s probably the one frustrating thing about the Apple Watch, after the Watch’s underwhelming 2-day battery life… but it seems like the latest iPhone may fix that. Rumors and leaks are suggesting that not only will the iPhone 17 series get bumped up to Qi2.2 charging, it will also get a highly sought-after Reverse Wireless Charging feature (like the one on Samsung’s Galaxy phones). This means that you can potentially place your Apple Watch or even your AirPods on the back of your latest iPhone, just to have it charge normally. No cable, no dock, nothing.

What’s particularly exciting is how these advancements could fundamentally alter our relationship with power management. The days of carrying multiple chargers and cables might soon be behind us. Instead, the iPhone 17 Pro will become a power hub for your Apple ecosystem, addressing one of the most persistent pain points in modern tech: keeping everything charged without turning your bag into a cable management nightmare. At this point, I might just excuse Apple for flopping on the AirPower Mat if my iPhone itself can become a wireless charger!

The star of the show is undoubtedly the new reverse wireless charging capability. Your iPhone 17 Pro will function as a portable charging pad for accessories like AirPods and Apple Watch. This feature has existed on Android devices for years, but Apple’s implementation appears more refined, with stronger magnetic alignment and more efficient power transfer. Imagine being at dinner when your Apple Watch battery indicator turns red. Simply place it on the back of your iPhone, and you’ll have enough juice to get through the evening. The feature leverages the existing MagSafe system for precise alignment, ensuring optimal charging efficiency rather than the hit-or-miss experience seen on competing devices. The power transfer is reportedly limited to 5W for accessories, which is adequate for emergency charging situations without excessively draining your phone’s battery. It’s also heavily speculated that the Pro models will exclusively get the Reverse Wireless Charging feature… not the base models.

On the receiving end, the iPhone 17 lineup will support wireless charging speeds of up to 50W through the new Qi2.2 standard. This represents a massive leap from the current 15W limitation and approaches the speeds typically associated with wired charging. A full charge could take just over an hour wirelessly, compared to the 2+ hours required by current models. Apple has reportedly redesigned the internal coil structure and improved heat dissipation to handle the increased power without thermal throttling. The charging speed increase addresses one of the most significant criticisms of wireless charging: that it’s too slow to be practical for daily use.

The new charging capabilities complement the iPhone 17’s refreshed design language. The lineup introduces the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air (just 5.5mm thick and weighing 145g) alongside the standard, Pro, and Pro Max variants. The Air model features a 6.6-inch display but comes with a smaller 2800mAh battery, making the improved charging speeds particularly valuable for extending its usability throughout the day. Meanwhile, the Pro Max variant boasts a 4700mAh battery, the largest ever in an iPhone, paired with the new A19 Pro chip and vapor chamber cooling system for sustained performance.

Color options are expanding too, with the base models receiving fresh purple and green finishes, while the Pro models will feature a sophisticated sky-blue option inspired by the M4 MacBook Air. The Pro models are shifting from titanium to aluminum frames, resulting in lighter devices without compromising durability. All models will feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, ensuring smooth visuals whether you’re gaming or simply scrolling through social media.

The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to debut in September 2025, with pricing likely to remain consistent with current models despite the significant technological advancements. These charging improvements, combined with the design refinements and performance upgrades, position the iPhone 17 as a compelling upgrade even for those who typically sit out a generation or two.

The post The iPhone 17 Pro will wirelessly charge your Apple Watch and AirPods, according to news leaks first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panel Lights Review: Lighting That Communicates

PROS:


AuraScape RGBIC tech creates smooth gradients that flow with your mood

ImmerSpace integration syncs with other Linkind lights

Any-Side Connect modular design turns your wall into an artistic light canvas

Syncs with music, games, and movies for more immersive experiences

Unbeatable value for money

CONS:


No support yet for Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant (as of this writing)

Double-sided tape mounting might be problematic for some walls or surfaces

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR’S QUOTE:

For users seeking lighting that truly communicates and provides genuine creative expression, the Linkind EP6 represents exceptional value that extends far beyond its modest price point.

Smart lighting has evolved far beyond simple remote control bulbs or basic scheduling features. Today’s systems focus on self-expression and entertainment, offering millions of colors and intelligent features like music synchronization. They’ve become creative tools that let you paint your walls with light, transforming ordinary spaces into dynamic, mood-responsive environments.

The market overflows with competing designs, making differentiation increasingly challenging for manufacturers. The Linkind EP6 attempts to stand out through modular design, expressive lighting capabilities, and impressive value pricing. But can it truly deliver on these promises? We mounted these hexagonal panels on our wall to discover the answer.

Designer: Linkind

Click Here to Buy Now: $94 $139.99 ($45.99 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

Aesthetics

Like most smart lighting products, the Linkind EP6 appears deceptively simple when powered off. The panels showcase sleek, minimalist design language featuring clean lines and premium surface treatments. The hexagonal form factor provides visually striking aesthetics during day and night usage, presenting itself as subtle geometric wall elements rather than obvious technology installations.

The magic begins when you power them on, immediately revealing their potential for making your walls communicate. Each panel transforms from a static decoration into a dynamic canvas of color and movement. The hexagonal shape creates natural tessellation patterns that feel both organic and architectural, depending on your arrangement choices.

The Linkind EP6’s AuraScape RGBIC Technology creates impressive visual effects through its advanced panel design approach. Individual hexagon panels contain separate color zones along each edge, enabling different hues to appear simultaneously across single units. This generates exceptional flexibility for color mixing and transition effects that weren’t possible with earlier panel designs.

The outcome? Fluid color flows, beautiful gradients, and engaging lighting that transforms ordinary walls into dynamic displays. The comprehensive edge illumination produces seamless color blending that moves naturally across panel connections, removing the harsh boundaries and uneven spots you’d typically see with basic alternatives. This careful color control creates professional-looking results without requiring expensive commercial equipment.

Color accuracy impresses throughout the spectrum, from deep blues and purples to vibrant reds and yellows. The RGBIC technology maintains consistency across different brightness levels, preventing the washed-out appearance that plagues cheaper alternatives. Subtle pastels work beautifully for ambient lighting, while saturated colors create dramatic accent effects for gaming and entertainment scenarios.

The modular layout freedom transforms functional lighting into genuine artistic expression. Any-Side Connect allows linking from any panel’s six edges, unlocking the freedom to build in virtually any direction imaginable. Craft clean grids, organic curves, or imaginative layouts that wrap around your space naturally. The hexagonal shape enables more visually interesting patterns and combinations than traditional squares.

Popular arrangements include flowing river patterns that snake across walls, geometric mandala designs radiating from central points, and abstract compositions that follow architectural features. The panels work particularly well around doorways, windows, and corners where traditional lighting struggles to provide even coverage. You can create ascending staircases of light or descending waterfall effects.

This versatility makes the Linkind EP6 well-suited for various rooms and situations perfectly. Gaming setups benefit from immersive battlefield atmospheres with reactive lighting that responds to gameplay action. Entertainment areas gain enhanced viewing experiences through media content synchronization. Home offices receive ambient lighting that reduces eye strain while maintaining productivity focus naturally.

Ergonomics

You’ll only handle the Linkind EP6 directly during initial installation or occasional repositioning sessions. The setup process presents mixed experiences, depending on your familiarity with installing smart lighting systems. Unlike strips and ropes that follow pretty linear paths, these hexagonal panels require more planning and testing to ensure proper alignment.

Fortunately, included cardboard alignment boards let you test desired patterns beforehand, ensuring hexagon panels align correctly when you finally install them permanently. This thoughtful inclusion saves considerable time and frustration during the actual mounting process. The templates help visualize final results before committing to adhesive placement positions.

The magic of the Linkind EP6 lies partly in circular bases featuring Any-Side Connect Design innovation. This addresses traditional modular lighting limitations through intuitive snap-together mechanics that feel surprisingly solid. Unlike competing products with fixed connection points, the EP6’s six-way connectivity provides unprecedented installation flexibility without requiring tools or complex alignment procedures.

Each connection point features satisfying click feedback that confirms secure attachment, though occasionally panels require gentle wiggling to achieve perfect alignment. The magnetic connections hold firmly once properly seated but remain easy enough to disconnect for reconfiguration. Panel weight distribution feels balanced, preventing drooping or sagging that could compromise connection integrity over time.

However, several caveats exist worth considering carefully. Double-sided tape could prove problematic for certain wall types and makes changing designs afterward more tedious than expected. Textured walls may not provide adequate adhesion, while painted surfaces risk damage during removal. Consider using removable mounting strips for temporary installations or frequent layout changes.

While you can connect and control up to 21 hexagon panels together using only one controller, each seven-panel segment still requires individual power bricks for operation. This means finding ways to hide those additional power cords to maintain the illusion of single, unbroken sequences. Cable management becomes increasingly important with larger installations, potentially requiring creative routing solutions behind walls or furniture.

The aesthetic impact can suffer if power cables remain visible throughout your carefully planned design. Extension cords may be necessary depending on outlet placement, adding complexity to otherwise elegant installations. Planning cable routes before mounting panels saves considerable headaches later, especially for permanent installations requiring clean appearances.

Performance

Once fully installed, you’ll interact with the Linkind EP6 exclusively through the AiDot mobile application. The AiDot app interface provides comprehensive control through an intuitive design that mirrors your physical panel layout perfectly. Built-in Layout Detect automatically maps your design in real time, creating control interfaces that mirror your exact configuration without manual input required.

Voice control integration with Alexa and Google Home enables hands-free operation for basic functions, though advanced features remain app-dependent for full functionality access. Unfortunately, no support exists yet for Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant as of this writing. This limitation may disappoint users invested heavily in those particular smart home ecosystems.

The app’s user interface feels modern and responsive, with a logical menu organization that makes finding specific features intuitive. Color selection wheels respond smoothly to touch input, while brightness sliders provide precise control over illumination levels. Scene switching happens almost instantaneously, with minimal delay between selection and panel response.

The DIY editor experience empowers users to create custom lighting sequences with frame-by-frame control over color, speed, and direction parameters. The interface provides sufficient depth for creative expression while remaining accessible to non-technical users comfortably. Precise control over lighting sequences includes animation speed adjustments and access to user-generated lighting designs submitted by community members.

Creating custom animations feels surprisingly powerful, allowing timeline-based editing similar to video editing software. You can set keyframes for color changes, adjust transition speeds, and preview results before saving. The community aspect adds long-term value, with users sharing everything from subtle breathing effects to complex gaming-synchronized light shows.

The Linkind EP6 provides solid brightness output that stays visible across different lighting situations throughout daily use. Bright illumination combined with numerous preset scenes works well for both decorative and functional lighting needs effectively. The color range covers the full spectrum with smooth changes, and the AuraScape technology maintains even lighting across each panel’s edges consistently.

While the panels perform well in daylight conditions, they create their most impressive effects in darker environments. The brightness range spans from subtle ambient levels perfect for relaxation to stronger output suitable for accent lighting. The dimming transitions feel smooth and natural, avoiding the sudden changes that characterize lower-quality alternatives.

Smart Music Sync and Real-Time Mapping capabilities showcase the EP6’s entertainment-focused features brilliantly, courtesy of Linkind’s innovative ImmerSpace technology. The music synchronization capabilities feature 16 built-in modes with advanced color calibration systems. Supporting up to 32 connected AiDot devices without requiring separate hubs, the EP6 creates engaging environments that respond to audio input effectively. The system works across different music styles, responding to both rhythmic and melodic elements.

The lighting responses feel connected to audio content, creating dynamic displays that enhance listening experiences. While occasional sync variations may occur during extended sessions, the system maintains generally consistent performance across different volume levels and music genres.

The Linkind EP6 really shines when working together with other Linkind Smart Lighting products seamlessly. ImmerSpace enables seamless integration across Linkind’s entire product ecosystem efficiently. When paired with Linkind ET6 Smart TV Backlights, EP6 panels mirror screen content in real-time, syncing seamlessly with Linkind EL8 strips, Linkind EN6 neon lights, smart bulbs, and other solutions.

Watch your lighting respond instantly to movies, games, and music, flowing from panel to panel in perfect rhythm and color coordination. The Linkind EP6 makes creating immersive environments easy that surround you with light, extend sound, and enhance emotional responses. It provides freedom to not just see your world but also feel it completely.

Screen synchronization works particularly well with gaming content, creating peripheral lighting that extends game environments beyond monitor boundaries. Movie watching becomes more immersive as lighting responds to scene changes, from cool blues during night scenes to warm oranges during sunset sequences. The effect feels natural rather than distracting, enhancing rather than competing with the primary content.

Sustainability

Although Linkind remains silent regarding materials used for the Linkind EP6, whether they contain sustainable or recycled components, it contributes fairly to environmental protection through power efficiency and product longevity assurance. The longer it continues working reliably, the more it saves the planet and saves you money simultaneously through reduced replacement needs.

LED-based RGBIC technology provides superior energy efficiency compared to traditional lighting solutions significantly. While specific power consumption figures weren’t available in technical documentation, the LED-based design should provide reasonable energy efficiency, particularly when using automated dimming and scheduling features to reduce consumption during inactive periods. Smart controls help minimize unnecessary power usage while maintaining convenience and functionality for daily operation.

The modular architecture supports long-term sustainability through expandable, upgradeable design rather than disposable technology approaches. The EP6 scales up to 21 panels with just one controller and easily adapts to any space requirements.

Add panels over time without requiring complete system replacement, and replace individual panels rather than disposing of entire system configurations. This modularity extends the product lifecycle significantly while reducing electronic waste generation. Users can expand their installations gradually as budgets allow, rather than purchasing everything upfront or replacing functional components unnecessarily.

The modular design philosophy particularly benefits users who move frequently or change room layouts regularly. Panels disconnect easily for transport to new locations, maintaining investment value across multiple living situations. This reusability factor adds considerable long-term value compared to permanent installations that lose value during relocations.

Value

At the current $94 price point for seven-panel packages, the Linkind EP6 offers a compelling value compared to similar smart lighting systems. The feature set typically appears in products costing significantly more, making the EP6 accessible to users who might otherwise avoid smart lighting due to budget constraints. The EP6 also offers several features unavailable in competing products at this price point specifically.

AuraScape Technology provides independent color and brightness control across all six edges per panel. Any-Side Connect offers six-way connectivity providing layout flexibility unmatched by competitors with fixed connection points only. ImmerSpace Integration delivers real-time screen synchronization and ecosystem compatibility creating comprehensive smart home lighting solutions effectively. These features typically appear only in premium products costing significantly more than the Linkind EP6’s current pricing.

The Linkind EP6 excels as gaming lighting with responsive music sync, screen mirroring, and immersive effects that enhance gameplay and streaming experiences dramatically. The DIY editor and artistic layout options appeal to designers and content creators seeking customizable ambient lighting for workspaces and studios. Most importantly, premium appearance with budget-friendly pricing makes advanced smart lighting accessible to mainstream consumers.

For specific applications, the value becomes even more attractive. Content creators gain professional-quality lighting effects without professional equipment budgets. Gaming enthusiasts can create immersive environments that compete with expensive dedicated systems. Smart home users can experiment with dynamic lighting without major financial commitment, making this an ideal starting point.

The community aspect through Linkind Light Lab adds ongoing value beyond the initial purchase price. Users continuously gain access to new lighting designs and effects created by community members worldwide. This crowdsourced content library grows over time, effectively expanding product functionality without additional cost to users.

Verdict

The Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels successfully fulfill their promise to help users shape light and shape themselves through genuine technological innovation rather than mere marketing promises. The combination of AuraScape precision lighting, modular design flexibility, and ImmerSpace ecosystem integration creates a comprehensive lighting platform that surpasses traditional smart lighting boundaries entirely. Although it already works great on its own, the EP6 is also part of the Linkind Entertainment Lighting lineup. Together with the ET6 TV Backlight, the EL8 light strips, and the EN6 neon rope lights, they work to create dynamic, room-wide lighting effects, all seamlessly controlled through ImmerSpace.

While installation complexity and minor operational considerations exist, the exceptional value proposition featuring professional-grade capabilities, creative empowerment tools, and ecosystem compatibility at breakthrough pricing establishes the EP6 as a market-changing product. These panels make advanced lighting technology accessible to anyone wanting illumination that genuinely communicates mood, music, and ambiance through personalized creative expression.

Click Here to Buy Now: $94 $139.99 ($45.99 off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The post Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panel Lights Review: Lighting That Communicates first appeared on Yanko Design.

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the grid by ad hoc practice repurposes former train factory in hanoi as exhibition space

The Grid sees the Adaptive Reuse of an Industrial site in Hanoi

 

The Grid, designed by Trung Mai / Ad hoc Practice, is an adaptive reuse project situated within the former Gia Lam Train Factory in Hanoi. The intervention reinterprets the site’s industrial remnants into an exhibition space, framing the existing structure as a repository of spatial and cultural memory. Rather than introducing new architectural elements, The Grid exposes the site’s latent formal logic, treating it as a spatial archive. This approach aligns with the principles of behavioral archaeology, wherein the built environment is studied through the material traces of human activity. The design strategy emphasizes recontextualization, both conceptually and materially, positioning reuse as a form of dynamic preservation that engages with contemporary questions of urban development and memory.

all images by Trieu Chien

 

 

Ad hoc Practice Reimagines Gia Lam Factory’s Layered History

 

Hanoi’s ongoing urban expansion has led to the relocation and decommissioning of several socialist-era factories, placing their architectural and cultural legacies at risk. The Gia Lam Train Factory, formerly a mechanical hub at a key railway junction, has become emblematic of this transitional condition. The structure’s layered past, which spans colonial, wartime, and reformist periods, provides the backdrop for a design inquiry into Vietnam’s industrial narrative. The exhibition space within the factory is conceived as both an archaeological site and a testing ground for new forms of spatial engagement. By occupying part of the abandoned structure, The Grid reflects on the site’s transformation from production facility to cultural artifact. Through systematic reconstruction, the project, developed by architects at Ad hoc Practice, led by Trung Mai, frames the factory not only as a container of industrial materials but also as a repository of memory, labor, and ideology.

 

The grid-based design draws from two key references: the 19th-century urban planning principles of Ildefons Cerdà’s Eixample district in Barcelona, and the internal ceiling structure of the warehouse itself, a product of mid-20th-century engineering. This dual reference reinforces themes of order, equality, and modularity, principles foundational to Vietnam’s post-war industrialization. Sunlight filtering through the original ceiling panels creates dynamic light conditions across the exhibited objects and architectural fragments. This quality of light reinforces the project’s temporal focus and enhances the spatial reading of the factory’s preserved form.

The Grid reactivates the abandoned Gia Lam Train Factory through adaptive reuse

 

 

Collective Memory Transforms the Factory’s Spatial Future

 

Structurally, the project maintains and adapts the existing building framework. The design incorporates participatory construction methods, including collaborations with students and community members, to explore alternative futures for the site. The exhibition encourages dialogue on retrofitting strategies, slow construction, and site-responsive design, offering a critical perspective on contemporary development practices that prioritize rapid turnover and high-density production.

 

Presented at the Venice Biennale 2025, curated by Carlo Ratti, The Grid by Trung Mai / Ad hoc Practice positions adaptive reuse as a method of cultural inquiry. By transforming the factory into a site for reflection and experimentation, the project engages with Vietnam’s urban condition while foregrounding the role of collective memory in shaping spatial futures.

latent architectural forms are revealed rather than replaced

traces of Vietnam’s industrial legacy become spatial anchors within the former factory

The Grid treats the site as a spatial archive of cultural memory

the former mechanical hub now becomes a platform for cultural reflection

 

 

layers of history, from colonial to post-reform, inform the spatial logic of the intervention

exhibited fragments and artifacts reflect labor, ideology, and material memory

order and modularity frame the project’s formal and conceptual structure

the intervention avoids spectacle, focusing instead on subtle spatial reactivation

the space operates as both exhibition and research platform

architecture becomes a tool for reading and writing the city’s industrial past

retrofitting strategies are tested on site, advocating for slow, responsive design

the preserved ceiling structure acts as a light modulator across the space

the factory is reframed as a living document of urban transformation

 

project info:

 

name: The Grid
architect: Ad hoc Practice – Ha noi Ad hoc | @adhocpractice

lead architect and curator: Trung Mai 

design team: Viet Phung, Trang Pham, Duong Nguyen, Ha Hoang, Lauren Lu, Ngoc Nguyen, Linh Tang

guest artists: Vy Trịnh, Jennifer Vanderpool
location: Hanoi, Vietnam

photographer: Trieu Chien | @trieuchien

 

 

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 the grid by ad hoc practice repurposes former train factory in hanoi as exhibition space appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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French Tiny Home Offers Ideal Home Office Solution For Remote Workers Seeking Comfort & Efficiency

Designed by Baluchon, the Eden tiny home is an oasis of calm ingenuity, showcasing an artful use of space. This compact French dwelling is set atop a double-axle trailer and finished in red cedar, and proves that small-scale living can be both practical and quietly elegant. At just 20 feet (6 meters) in length, Eden was crafted with a dual purpose in mind: to serve as a full-time residence and a home office for its owner in Normandy.

When you enter the home, you’re met with an interior that feels intentional in every detail. The Eden’s main living area is open and airy, thanks to large windows that invite the outdoors in and a floor plan designed for ease of movement. But this living area serves as a quaint home office instead of a typical living room, equipped with a desk and a chair. The kitchen is modest in scale, but features quality cabinetry and enough preparation space for daily meals. A small dining table seats two, making it ideal for intimate dinners or focused work sessions.

Designer: Baluchon

One of Eden’s key design features is its storage-integrated staircase. This clever solution maximizes vertical space, tucking away essentials without clutter or compromise. The stairs lead up to the bedroom loft, a classic tiny house move, where a low ceiling creates a cozy sleeping nook. Even here, Baluchon has added discreet storage, ensuring residents have room for clothes, books, and personal items. While the bedroom’s ceiling height might feel restrictive to some, the payoff is a sense of privacy and retreat that’s rare in such a small footprint.

The Eden offers interior efficiency while also extending the living space outdoors with a 107-square-foot (10-square-meter) terrace, seamlessly connecting the home to its rural surroundings. This terrace becomes a second living room in good weather—a place for morning coffee, evening relaxation, or even alfresco work. The transition between inside and out is effortless, making the most of the home’s Normandy location.

Throughout Eden, natural materials and minimalist sensibilities dominate. The red cedar exterior ages beautifully, while the metal roof adds a touch of industrial resilience. The palette within the home remains restrained: wood, neutral colors, and clean lines foster a sense of tranquility and order. This design choice feels both modern and timeless, perfectly suited to those who value calm and clarity in their environment.

The layout of the home supports both daily living and remote work, with ample light and connectivity built in. While some compromises are inevitable—the bedroom’s low ceiling, the compact kitchen—Baluchon’s design language ensures the home feels generous for one or two people. There’s a sense of purpose here, a belief that good design can make small living possible and also deeply satisfying.

The post French Tiny Home Offers Ideal Home Office Solution For Remote Workers Seeking Comfort & Efficiency first appeared on Yanko Design.

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New Porsche Design sunglasses draws inspiration from 911 Targa

I haven’t worn a pair of sunglasses for a long time, ever since I started wearing transition glasses. But I know that a lot of people use them as fashion pieces, aside from actually protecting their eyes from the sun. If you love style that’s more than skin deep, the Porsche Design P’8954 sunglasses will feel like a match made in heaven. These sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory—they’re a wearable tribute to one of the most celebrated sports cars in automotive history: the Porsche 911 Targa.

Porsche Design’s latest eyewear masterpiece, the P’8954, draws direct inspiration from the design elements of the 911 Targa, a car known for its unique blend of open-air freedom and iconic style. Just as the Targa’s instantly recognizable roll bar revolutionized the world of convertibles, the P’8954 sunglasses reimagine classic sunglass design with a bold, innovative twist. The P’8954’s frame architecture is a nod to the Targa’s legendary Targa bar—a distinctive, brushed-metal element that defines the silhouette of the car. This influence is reflected in the sunglasses’ striking double bridge and the seamless integration of titanium and rubber, echoing the mix of strength and refinement that defines the 911 Targa itself.

Design: Porsche Design

Crafted from lightweight, high-performance titanium, the P’8954 is as durable as it is elegant. The rubberized temples not only add a sporty accent but also deliver a secure, comfortable fit—mirroring the way the Targa’s design balances excitement and practicality. The lenses are made from premium polycarbonate, offering exceptional clarity, scratch resistance, and 100% UV protection. Whether you’re driving with the top down or strolling through the city, your vision is shielded with the same uncompromising standards that Porsche brings to its luxury vehicles.

The P’8954 doesn’t just borrow the Targa’s silhouette but actually channels its spirit. The sunglasses feature a geometric aviator shape that’s both classic and futuristic, and the double bridge is a direct homage to the Targa’s roll bar. The brushed metal finish and the Porsche Design logo on the temples add a touch of understated luxury. Each colorway of the P’8954 is inspired by finishes and details found on the 911 Targa, from sleek blacks to metallic silvers and golds. Every pair arrives in a high-quality case, underscoring the sense of exclusivity and craftsmanship.

While Porsche Design is a perennial favorite among men, the P’8954’s unisex design appeals to a broad spectrum of style lovers. Women, collectors, and fans of both fashion and automotive excellence will find something to adore in these sunglasses. For collectors, especially, the P’8954 represents a rare fusion of two worlds, bringing luxury eyewear and legendary automotive design together, with limited production numbers stacking on even more desirability. And of course, if you’re a Porsche 911 Targa enthusiast, these sunglasses are a wearable celebration of your passion.

The post New Porsche Design sunglasses draws inspiration from 911 Targa first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Garmin patents a sensor that can detect dehydration levels and remind you to drink water

Representational image

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stared at my smartwatch’s notification telling me to “drink water” while I’m in the middle of a Zoom call or stuck on a crowded subway. These reminders are about as useful as your mom texting “drive safe” after you’ve already arrived at your destination. The fundamental problem with current hydration tracking is that it’s not tracking at all – it’s just nagging on a schedule, completely divorced from your body’s actual needs.

That’s why Garmin’s latest patent filing has me genuinely excited about the future of wearable health tech. The company is developing technology that could measure your actual hematocrit levels, the proportion of red blood cells in your blood, which rises when you’re dehydrated due to decreased plasma volume. This isn’t another algorithm making educated guesses based on your heart rate or the weather; it’s a genuine physiological measurement that could tell you you’re dehydrated before you even feel thirsty. For tech enthusiasts and fitness buffs alike, this represents one of those rare moments when wearable technology makes a legitimate leap forward rather than just adding another colorway or marginally faster processor.

Designer: Garmin

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The technology works through a clever application of optical sensors using specific wavelengths of light (850 nm and 1,000 nm) that can penetrate the skin and analyze blood composition. When you’re dehydrated, your blood plasma volume decreases while red blood cell concentration increases – a measurable change that these sensors can detect. Current smartwatches already use similar optical technology for heart rate and blood oxygen readings, but Garmin’s patent extends this capability to something previously unavailable outside medical settings. The brilliance lies in its simplicity: no new invasive sensors, just smarter use of similar hardware with specialized wavelengths and algorithms.

For endurance athletes, this could be revolutionary. Imagine running a marathon and receiving an alert that your hematocrit levels are rising, before performance starts to suffer. Elite athletes often maintain surprisingly steady heart rates during intense activity, making traditional hydration estimates based on heart rate largely ineffective. Cyclists doing a century ride or ultramarathoners pushing through desert terrain would have real-time data on their actual physiological state, not just guesswork. The technology could even help detect the early stages of heat exhaustion before it becomes dangerous.

But let’s be honest – this matters for regular humans too. Studies consistently show that approximately 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, despite carrying water bottles everywhere and owning smartwatches that nag them hourly. I’ve personally ignored countless “drink water” notifications while sitting next to a full water bottle. The problem isn’t reminders; it’s meaningful data. A watch that can tell me “Your body is 4% dehydrated right now” carries infinitely more weight than a generic timer. That way, nobody’s playing guesswork.

The patent doesn’t guarantee this feature will appear in the next Garmin release, but it signals the direction wearable health tech is heading. We’re moving beyond simple activity tracking toward devices that understand our physiology in increasingly sophisticated ways. When your watch finally knows more about your hydration needs than you do, that’s a genuine advancement in preventative health technology. And for someone who regularly powers through workdays forgetting to drink anything but chai, that might be the feature that finally makes me pay attention.

The post Garmin patents a sensor that can detect dehydration levels and remind you to drink water first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Singapore’s First 3D-Printed Home Is Revolutionizing Multi-Storey Urban Living In The City

QR3D is Singapore’s first multi-storey 3D-printed home by Park + Associates. It is a captivating manifesto for the future of domestic architecture. In a city where land is precious and innovation is currency, QR3D serves a four-story prototype, articulating a new language for urban living that is both tactile and technologically forward. The house, built in Bukit Timah, showcases how digital manufacturing can breathe fresh life into the familiar bones of residential form, resulting in a structure that is both expressive and deeply functional.

From the street, QR3D’s façade signals a clear departure from the conventional. Grooved, layered concrete wraps the home, proudly displaying the marks of its 3D-printed origins. The texture is integral, providing both finish and structure in a single sweep. With 97% of the walls fabricated on site by a robotic printer, the residence is a rare blend of precision and craft, where each pass of the print head contributes to a larger, sculptural intent. The lines that ripple across the exterior continue inside, creating a visual continuity between public and private realms that feels both futuristic and honest.

Designer: Park & Associates

Once you step inside the house, the home’s most dramatic gesture becomes clear. At its heart is a sculptural void—a soaring, daylit space that knits the four levels together while channeling light and air deep into the plan. The void is more than a visual centerpiece; it is a device for spatial generosity, countering the compact footprint with vertical openness. Stairs and bridges float through this central space, their edges softened by the same rhythmic grooves that shape the walls. It’s a moment of architectural poetry that gives QR3D an unmistakable sense of place.

The layered concrete is left exposed, its tactile surface catching sunlight and shadow throughout the day. This strategy reduces the need for additional cladding and finishes but also celebrates the technological process behind the home’s creation. Park + Associates’ signature attention to detail is evident in the way fixtures and fittings integrate seamlessly with the printed structure, maintaining a sense of calm and order even as the walls undulate with energy

Utility and comfort are not afterthoughts here. The four levels accommodate living, dining, and private spaces with an efficiency born of digital design. Each floor is carefully programmed for function, yet the overall experience is surprisingly open and flexible. The home’s structural system, made possible by the strength of 3D-printed concrete, allows for fewer internal supports and more generous spans, freeing the interior from the constraints of traditional construction.

QR3D’s story is ultimately one of possibility. It demonstrates how advanced manufacturing can unlock new forms and experiences in domestic architecture, moving beyond novelty to genuine utility. For Singapore, it signals a new chapter in building innovation, one where design and technology merge to produce homes that are as expressive as they are efficient. In a landscape often defined by repetition, QR3D offers a glimpse of a future where every home can be unique, sustainable, and deeply attuned to the needs of its inhabitants.

The post Singapore’s First 3D-Printed Home Is Revolutionizing Multi-Storey Urban Living In The City first appeared on Yanko Design.

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sculptural ovals shape seismic retrofit of 50-year-old building in japan by C+A

C+A gives seismic upgrade to 50-year-old building in Japan

 

C+A – Coelacanth and Associates renovates KUBO-BLDG, a small four-story tenant building in downtown Nagoya, Japan. The architects’ team gives the building a new identity, more than fifty years after it was first built, with a seismic upgrade using asymmetric oval-shaped structural elements and a new concrete column-beam frame. The project transforms the aging structure into something that is at once safer, more expressive, and in tune with its urban context.

 

Instead of hiding the building’s new structural components, C+A chooses to highlight them by embedding oval-shaped seismic elements on the facade. These large, asymmetrical ‘icons’ visibly wrap around a triangular bracing system and frame, reinforcing the building while helping it stand out in the dense, often chaotic streetscape. The ovals are carefully arranged to strengthen the structure while still allowing generous openings throughout the facade.

all images by ToLoLo studio

 

 

Asymmetric Oval-Shaped Elements define KUBO-BLDG facade

 

Japanese architecture firm C+A – Coelacanth and Associates reimagines the facade of KUBO-BLDG with function in mind. The new structure creates space for balconies on each floor, semi-outdoor zones that encourage natural ventilation, and support airflow throughout the building. These additions speak directly to lessons learned from the pandemic, offering better air quality and a stronger connection to the outside. The balconies also animate the street, adding a more social and open layer to the building’s edge.

 

Inside, the renovation refreshes the common areas and upgrades outdated systems, while in the tenant spaces, the architects keep things intentionally raw. They preserve as much of the existing structure as possible, exposing utility lines and simplifying the layout so that future tenants can shape their spaces as needed. 

 

With a total floor area of just over 350 square meters, C+A’s retrofit shows how seismic safety can also drive creativity, turning technical requirements into forms of expression.

C+A – Coelacanth and Associates renovates KUBO-BLDG

C+A choose to highlight the structural elements of the building

these large, asymmetrical ‘icons’ visibly wrap around a triangular bracing system

reinforcing the building while helping it stand out

C+A – Coelacanth and Associates reimagines the facade of KUBO-BLDG with function in mind

these additions speak directly to lessons learned from the pandemic

C+A’s retrofit shows how seismic safety can also drive creativity

the renovation refreshes the common areas and upgrades outdated systems

they preserve as much of the existing structure as possible

exposing utility lines and simplifying the layout

the architects’ team gives the 50-year-old building a new identity

the upgrade inncludes asymmetric oval-shaped elements and a new concrete column-beam frame

 

 

project info:

 

name: KUBO-BLDG

architect: C+A – Coelacanth and Associates | @coelacanth_and_associates

location: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

site area: 108.66 square meters

building area: 98.82 square meters

total floor area: 353.17 square meters

 

project team: Toru Uno, Yasuharu Rachi

photographer: ToLoLo studio | @tololostudio

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