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Zaha Hadid Architects Is Shaping A Climate-Responsive & AI-Powered Smart City In The UAE

Khalid Bin Sultan City, recently unveiled by Zaha Hadid Architects and developed by BEEAH Group, reimagines urban life at the edge of Sharjah’s desert. The city’s master plan is built around a walkable layout, prioritizing year-round comfort and seamless integration with the landscape. Designed across a 1.5-kilometre expanse, the city’s defining feature is a shaded, two-kilometre-long green spine that connects neighborhoods, commercial districts, and cultural venues, all while responding to Sharjah’s climate and social needs.

Central to the city’s vision is a system of seven compact neighborhoods, each within a five-minute walk of the central oasis. These districts are structured to encourage interaction, with plazas, tree-lined walkways, and colonnaded facades that offer both aesthetic appeal and practical shading. Community life is further anchored by civic venues, cultural centers, and incubator spaces designed to foster local entrepreneurship and creativity. The layout is engineered to reduce reliance on cars, making public spaces and daily essentials easily accessible on foot or by bicycle.

Designer: Zaha Hadid Architects

Emphasizing sustainable urbanism, Khalid Bin Sultan City incorporates renewable energy, recycled water systems, and AI-powered infrastructure. The city’s smart systems regulate energy use, optimize mobility, and support a zero-waste ethos, reflecting the environmental priorities of both BEEAH Group and Zaha Hadid Architects. Passive cooling strategies, such as shaded pathways and native planting, mitigate the effects of high temperatures, creating a more comfortable outdoor environment throughout the year.

The master plan draws architectural cues from the nearby BEEAH Headquarters, also designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, whose fluid, dune-like forms inform the city’s aesthetic and spatial organization. This approach supports a cohesive visual identity, connecting the city’s built environment with the surrounding landscape. At the same time, the flexibility of public spaces accommodates a range of activities—from wellness programs and outdoor sports to art installations and social gatherings—allowing the city to adapt to evolving community needs.

A significant feature is the integration of digital connectivity and mobility solutions. Residents benefit from decentralized digital identities and AI-enhanced urban management, which streamline everything from security to transportation. By embedding technology into the city’s fabric, the design aims to deliver efficient, user-friendly services without compromising privacy or community interaction. This blend of advanced systems and human-centered design reflects a broader trend in next-generation urban planning.

Khalid Bin Sultan City is a model for how cities can balance growth, sustainability, and livability. Its focus on walkability, resource efficiency, and cultural vibrancy provides a template for future developments in the region and beyond. As Sharjah continues to expand, this project illustrates the potential for architecture and planning to create resilient urban environments that serve both people and the planet.

The post Zaha Hadid Architects Is Shaping A Climate-Responsive & AI-Powered Smart City In The UAE first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Why CDs Are Making a Comeback in 2025, and the Best Modern CD Player to Try Now

First it was vinyl. Then cassette tapes. Now? CDs are spinning back into the spotlight.

In a world overloaded with streaming apps and infinite scroll, physical media is quietly reclaiming its place—not out of nostalgia, but out of something deeper: intention.

For a growing number of listeners, owning music again isn’t just retro. It’s a reset. A way to slow down, unplug, and rediscover the simple ritual of pressing play. And unlike vinyl, CDs offer digital clarity and tangible presence without the high price or shelf-eating bulk.

Thanks to a new generation of modern CD players, the format feels more relevant and beautiful than ever.

Why CDs Are Having a Moment

Part of the CD revival is practical: secondhand albums are cheap, players are compact, and the format still delivers crisp, reliable audio. But the bigger reason? Presence. Streaming made music frictionless. But it also made it forgettable.

With CDs, there’s a start, a finish, and a physical artifact that demands your attention. You don’t “shuffle” a CD—you experience it. Add in the joy of cover art, liner notes, and curated tracklists, and suddenly listening becomes an event, not background noise.

Design Is Driving the Comeback

The old-school CD players we grew up with? Clunky. Beige. Built to be hidden. But today’s designers are flipping that on its head.

Modern CD players are being reimagined as interior objects—devices that celebrate music as both sound and sculpture. Minimalist forms. Transparent casings. Seamless interfaces. These aren’t retro gadgets; they’re part of a new wave of design-forward audio gear that feels right at home in modern interiors.

Editor’s Pick: The Best CD Player for Design Lovers

If you’re looking for a minimalist CD player that doubles as décor, the ClearFrame CD Player stands out for its blend of transparency, functionality, and aesthetic intention. It reimagines the traditional CD player with a crystal-clear polycarbonate body, exposed circuitry, and a sleek square silhouette that turns every disc into a display – a design approach we explored in more depth in our feature on how ClearFrame turns albums into art.

The use of polycarbonate isn’t just a styling choice. It gives ClearFrame the feel of a crystal sculpture. By exposing the black circuitry and layering the disc in open view, the design turns mechanical function into aesthetic expression. It’s a design object that invites interaction, not just playback.

This is more than audio—it’s a visual experience. A sliding panel lets you frame the album cover beside the spinning disc, making your setup feel more like a curated gallery than a tech corner.

With Bluetooth 5.1, wired audio output, three playback modes, and USB-C charging, it’s built for both vintage souls and modern workflows. Lightweight and wall-mountable, it adapts to your desk, shelf, or bedroom.

ClearFrame isn’t just the best CD player for design lovers. It’s a reminder of how music can be both seen and heard, fully.

The Takeaway

CDs are back—not because they’re better than streaming, but because they offer something streaming can’t: presence, intention, and design you can hold in your hands.

As this analog resurgence grows, a new wave of players is meeting the moment. They blend function with form and nostalgia with now. If you’re curious what the best modern CD players look like today, they’re clear, compact, and unapologetically beautiful.

Start with one that brings your music and your space into focus.

The post Why CDs Are Making a Comeback in 2025, and the Best Modern CD Player to Try Now first appeared on Yanko Design.

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vincent leroy’s kinetic installation of metallic mesh flowers floats above hainan island in china

Bloom installation suspends above public space in Sanya

 

Installed on the tropical island of Hainan in southern China, Bloom is a large-scale kinetic installation designed by Vincent Leroy. Positioned above a public space in Sanya, the work spans 40 meters in width, 15 meters in height, and 17 meters in depth, forming an expansive suspended composition.

 

The installation consists of more than 800 woven metal discs, each shaped to evoke the form of plumeria flowers, a plant species closely associated with the island. The use of ultra-thin metallic mesh lends a lightweight appearance to the structure while allowing for kinetic movement. Responsive to air currents, the individual components rotate gently, producing slow, continuous motion.

all images by Vincent Leroy Studio and Xu Zhang

 

 

Vincent Leroy imagines a giant flight of kinetic flowers

 

Material selection and form work together to engage with light and atmosphere. The woven petals filter natural daylight, creating patterns of transparency, shadow, and color modulation. As sunlight passes through the metal mesh, surfaces below are illuminated with diffuse golden tones.

 

The structural design by artist Vincent Leroy emphasizes balance between scale and delicacy, allowing the installation to remain visually integrated within its setting while offering dynamic engagement with environmental conditions.

over 800 woven metal discs form the structure’s expansive suspended composition

each disc is shaped to reference the plumeria flower, native to Hainan Island

ultra-thin metallic mesh gives the installation a lightweight and airy appearance

the woven petals filter daylight, producing layered patterns of transparency and shadow

sunlight passing through the mesh generates soft, diffuse golden tones

the components respond to air currents, creating slow, continuous rotation

Bloom spans 40 meters wide, 15 meters high, and 17 meters deep above a public space in Sanya, China

kinetic movement transforms the suspended elements into a dynamic, shifting composition

 

project info:

 

name: Bloom
designer: Vincent Leroy@vincent_leroy_studio

curator: Yulan Zhang

development: Tunderly Group

location: Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex, Sanya, Hainan, China

photographer, videographer: Vincent Leroy Studio, Xu Zhang

 

 

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 vincent leroy’s kinetic installation of metallic mesh flowers floats above hainan island in china appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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5 Design-Forward Essentials for a Stylish 4th of July Picnic Party

Hosting a 4th of July picnic party is the perfect way to celebrate summer and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. The right essentials can transform any gathering into an experience that feels both stylish and memorable. This year, choose pieces that blend great design with practical function to make your event truly special.

We have searched for the top products that stand out for their creativity and usefulness. Whether you are looking for sustainable tableware, unique entertainment, or the perfect ambient lighting, these design-forward picks will help set the scene. With these tips, your Independence Day picnic will be one guests remember with a smile.

1. DraftPro Top Can Opener

Give your drinks the VIP treatment with the DraftPro Can Opener by Japanese designer Shu Kanno. This clever tool lets you remove the entire top of a can, so your beer, soda, or seltzer feels like it just came from the tap. You can add ice cubes, a slice of lime, or even mix a quick cocktail right in the can without needing a separate glass.

The DraftPro Can Opener packs easily in your bag and always gets a “where did you get that?” from friends. It is a simple way to make your drinks feel special, even when you are far from your kitchen or bar. You will love how this little gadget turns any picnic beverage into something worth sharing.

Click Here to Buy Now: $53.00 $59.00 (10% off). Hurry, 4th of July sales end in 48 hours!

What we like

Turns cans into glass-like drink experience with richer aroma.
Lets you add ice or garnish directly into the can.
Eye-catching, award-winning design.

What we dislike

Not compatible with every can shape.
Another item to remember when packing.

2. EKOBO Reusable Bamboo Plates

Say goodbye to flimsy paper plates and hello to a vibrant, eco-friendly upgrade. EKOBO’s reusable bamboo plates come in summery shades like Lemon and Lagoon. Choose a combination of Persimmon (orangish red) or Spice (dark red), Off-white, and Royal Blue for a modern twist on classic patriotic colors.

These plates are lightweight and shatter-resistant, and they are crafted from FSC-certified bamboo fiber. You can count on them to withstand a drop or even a wild round of frisbee. When it comes to cleanup, just stack them in your basket and toss them in the dishwasher, so your picnic stays cheerful, easy, and eco-conscious.

What we like

Eco-friendly and dishwasher safe.
Durable and shatter-resistant for outdoor use.
Patriotic color options for a festive, Instagram-friendly table.

What we dislike

Not microwave safe.
Higher upfront cost than disposable.
May stain with vibrant foods like berries or barbecue sauce.

3. UNO Splash

Add instant fun to your picnic with UNO Splash, a waterproof version of the classic American card game. These durable plastic cards can handle spilled drinks, a windy day, or even a surprise dip in the pool. The handy clip keeps the deck together, so you will never lose a card in the grass.

UNO Splash is easy for anyone to pick up and play, making it a crowd favorite for all ages. It brings plenty of laughs and friendly rivalry to any picnic gathering. This game is the perfect way to pass the time before fireworks or to kick off a little competition during dessert.

What we like

Waterproof and built for outdoor play.
Great for all ages and group sizes.
Handy clip keeps the deck together.

What we dislike

Cards can be slippery when wet.
Only includes the classic UNO gameplay.

4. Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Bluetooth Speaker

Every great picnic needs a soundtrack, and the WONDERBOOM 4 brings the energy in all the right ways. This compact speaker delivers crisp, 360-degree sound that can fill a park or backyard with your favorite tunes. It keeps playing even if it gets splashed or dropped, and it is waterproof, dustproof, and floats in the pool, so your playlist stays safe no matter what.

With up to 14 hours of battery life, you can enjoy music long after the sun goes down. Choose your favorite color to match your party style, and pair two speakers for a true stereo experience. The WONDERBOOM 4 turns any picnic into a dance party everyone will remember.

What we like

Completely waterproof and dustproof, even floats.
14 hours of battery life for all-day fun.
Fun colors to match your party theme.

What we dislike

No built-in microphone for calls.
Bluetooth only, no wired input

5. Tomori Lantern Kit

As evening falls and fireworks begin, the Tomori Lantern Kit brings a perfect glow to your gathering. This origami-inspired lantern collapses flat for travel and then pops open to deliver a soft, inviting light using a standard flashlight. You will not need cords or complicated setup, so you get instant ambiance wherever the celebration continues after dark.

The Tomori Lantern gives your setup a design-forward finish and helps keep the good vibes going long after sunset. It is perfect for late-night chats and post-fireworks snacks, or even for finding your way back to the cooler. Every picnic feels a little more magical with this lantern lighting up the night.

Click Here to Buy Now: $35.00 $39.00 (10% off). Hurry, 4th of July sales end in 48 hours!

What we like

Offers gentle, ambient light for night events.
No need for outlets or cables.
Unique, stylish look.

What we dislike

Relies on the included flashlight for brightness.
Not as bright as some larger lanterns.

Make Your 4th of July Picnic Unforgettable

This year, your 4th of July picnic can truly stand out among the summer celebrations. With these five design-forward essentials, you will add color, creativity, and comfort to every part of your event, whether you are setting the table or lighting up the night with friends. Each thoughtful touch will shape a celebration that feels both iconic and effortless.

Invite your favorite people, choose the products that inspire you, and start planning a picnic that is as memorable as it is stylish. With the right essentials, your Independence Day party will be remembered long after the last sparkler fades. Simple design choices have the power to turn any gathering into an unforgettable experience.

The post 5 Design-Forward Essentials for a Stylish 4th of July Picnic Party first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Insta360 Mic Air: The Game-Changing Wireless Mic Every Creator Needs

Insta360 has made a name for itself by consistently pushing the boundaries of visual capture technology, from their groundbreaking 360-degree cameras that democratized immersive content creation to their sleek action cameras that rival GoPro’s dominance. The company’s trajectory from niche 360° specialist to mainstream imaging powerhouse has been methodical and impressive, with each product release building on their core strengths in computational photography and user-friendly design. Their Flow series gimbals proved they could master stabilization hardware, while the recent X5 camera demonstrated their commitment to pushing resolution and features to new heights. Now, with the launch of the Mic Air (sidebar, I think we’ve overdone using the word ‘Air’ with technology), Insta360 is making their first serious play in the audio space, and it feels like the logical next step for a company that understands content creators need more than just great visuals.

The timing couldn’t be better, as the creator economy has matured beyond the early days of “good enough” smartphone audio. Today’s content creators, whether they’re shooting 360° travel vlogs, action sports footage, or professional presentations, understand that poor audio quality can sink even the most visually stunning content. Insta360 has been watching this shift, and their entry into the microphone market with the Mic Air represents a calculated move to capture more of their existing customers’ audio budgets while potentially attracting new users who prioritize integrated ecosystem solutions. The company clearly studied the market dynamics that made DJI’s wireless microphones successful and decided they could build something better, smaller, and more affordable.

Designer: Insta360

At 7.9 grams, the Mic Air is genuinely tiny, roughly the same size as an AirTag but lighter, which makes it practically disappear when clipped to clothing. This isn’t marketing hyperbole; when you’re dealing with action cameras, 360° rigs, or handheld shooting scenarios, every gram matters, and traditional wireless microphones can throw off the balance of carefully tuned setups. The 10-hour battery life addresses one of the most common frustrations with compact wireless mics, where you’re constantly worried about power management during longer shoots. The 48kHz/24-bit audio recording capability puts it squarely in professional territory, matching or exceeding the specs of microphones costing significantly more. The built-in noise reduction and included windshield show that Insta360 understands their users often shoot in challenging outdoor environments where wind and ambient noise can ruin otherwise perfect footage.

What makes the Mic Air particularly clever is its native integration with Insta360’s camera ecosystem, connecting directly via Bluetooth to the X5, Ace Pro 2, and Flow series without requiring additional receivers or adapters. This seamless connectivity eliminates the dongles, cables, and compatibility headaches that plague many wireless microphone setups, especially when you’re trying to maintain the compact form factor that makes these cameras appealing in the first place. The 300-meter wireless range provides enough flexibility for most shooting scenarios, whether you’re conducting interviews, capturing B-roll footage, or streaming live content. For users with non-Insta360 devices, the transmitter and receiver bundle expands compatibility, though this does add bulk and complexity to the setup.

The $49.99 price point positions the Mic Air as a direct competitor to DJI’s Mic Mini while undercutting it on both price and weight. Insta360 clearly studied DJI’s approach and decided they could deliver similar functionality with better integration and a more attractive price. The company’s track record of delivering solid build quality at competitive prices suggests the Mic Air will likely punch above its weight class in terms of durability and performance. For creators already invested in the Insta360 ecosystem, the Mic Air represents an obvious upgrade that maintains the sleek, integrated aesthetic that makes their cameras appealing. For everyone else, it’s a compelling entry point into wireless audio that doesn’t require significant compromises in terms of size, battery life, or audio quality.

The Mic Air feels like Insta360 is finally completing their content creation toolkit rather than just adding another product to their lineup. It demonstrates the company’s maturation from a hardware manufacturer into a comprehensive solution provider for modern content creators who demand both visual and audio excellence in increasingly compact packages.

The post Insta360 Mic Air: The Game-Changing Wireless Mic Every Creator Needs first appeared on Yanko Design.

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This LEGO Freddie Mercury 3D Poster ‘Will Rock You’ with its 1,985-Brick Design

Call it a coincidence, call it careful construction, but Freddie Mercury’s iconic Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium happened in 1985 – this LEGO Ideas build uses exactly one more brick to bring Queen’s frontman back to life with a 1,986 brick poster that stands proudly at over 2 feet tall. Complete with a tiny minifigure of Freddy on a Steinway piano belting out Bohemian Rhapsody for 72,000 people, this build is an ode to one of the greatest performers of all time.

“The Wembley show turns 40 next year. Bohemian Rhapsody was released exactly 50 years ago. The timing is Magic,” says LEGO builder Takesz, who put this MOC (My Own Creation) together as an ode to the musician with an impressive four-octave vocal range. Queen’s music shaped Takesz’s life, but also had a massive influence on culture as we know it. Their songs are played at weddings, funerals, concerts, and Bohemian Rhapsody is still a crowd favorite at karaoke bars across the world. This MOC is for any diehard music or Queen fan, with a frame that’s designed to sit as proudly on your wall as your degree or PhD!

Designer: Takesz

The iconic Mercury pose is taken from the band’s 1986 Magic Tour (there’s yet another 1986 coincidence there!), when Mercury wore his famous yellow military jacket for the first time. The jacket became an iconic part of his flamboyant outfits, as he struck his signature pose with his fist up in the air, and the disassembled microphone in the other hand like a scepter of sorts. The only thing really missing is him screaming “Ayyyy-oh!”

The poster is what we call a ‘relief’ poster – it’s 3D, but not entirely 3D. It still exists on a flat surface, halfway between 2D and 3D. Designed to be wall-mounted, it measures 40 cm in width and 65 cm in height. Built on a simple frame with a three-plate structured base, Freddie’s figure projects outward from the wall, creating an engaging 2.5-dimensional appearance. The major structural sections – legs, torso, and left arm – connect directly to the base using stud attachments, while the smaller parts like arms, feet, and head assemble using ball joint connections. The build relies mainly on standard brick, plate, slope, and tile pieces, making effective use of LDU ratios given the model’s generous size.

The detail is stunning, down to special bricks used to show the straps on Mercury’s military jacket. The top right corner also has Mercury’s signature built in as a decal, and my only real complaint here (this is me being pedantic) is the odd color of the background. One could easily opt for a different color to create a better sense of contrast, or probably go for vibrant gradients – I’m sure that’s what Mercury would have wanted!

The wall art is complemented by a minifigure-scale scene depicting Freddie Mercury performing Bohemian Rhapsody at Wembley Stadium in July 1986. The scene features a Steinway concert grand piano – a spectacular 9-foot instrument that became as legendary during Queen’s tour as Freddie’s iconic stage attire. On the piano are two empty cans, similar to the Pepsi cans strategically placed on top of the piano during the performance.

This build currently sits on LEGO’s Ideas website, where fans submit their builds and vote for their favorites. Inching at 2K votes, this build has a long way to go before it hits the 10K vote threshold for LEGO’s internal team to consider actually turning it into a box set. If you want to own this legendary piece of music history, head down to the LEGO Ideas website and cast your vote, so that all of us can collectively sing “We are the champions” as we put this build together brick by brick!

The post This LEGO Freddie Mercury 3D Poster ‘Will Rock You’ with its 1,985-Brick Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

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vollebak launches SAGA’s spaceshop, an interstellar delivery vehicle with panels that flip up

Vollebak and SAGA’s interstellar delivery vehicle

 

Vollebak teams up with SAGA Space Architects and Bang & Olufsen to produce Spaceshop, an interstellar delivery vehicle with aluminum panels that flip open. Weighing over a thousand kilos, the real-life installation is part spaceship and part mobile retail unit. It is both a physical and conceptual object that reimagines how products are displayed, a hint at the future of retail. The interstellar delivery vehicle by Vollebak, SAGA Space Architects, and Bang & Olufsen is constructed from materials typically used in aerospace and architectural engineering.

 

Around the spaceship, there’s carbon and stainless steel as well as anodized aluminum, which is used for the exterior panels that flip open. Anodizing the metal makes the panels more resistant to corrosion and wear, a step needed because after the launch, the design teams expect to have the Spaceshop go around the world for a display tour. The aluminum panels of the interstellar delivery vehicle are forged and anodized at Bang & Olufsen’s factory in Denmark, while it is SAGA Space Architects that has mainly designed the spaceship.

all images courtesy of Vollebak

 

 

Futuristic retail ‘spaceshop’ set to tour the world

 

The Spaceshop is a futuristic interstellar delivery vehicle designed by Danish design firm SAGA Space Architects for the techwear company Vollebak and in collaboration with the high-end audio brand Bang & Olufsen. Inside and outside the vehicle are several advanced audio systems. At the rear are four Beolab 5 speakers, while at the front are four Beosound 2 speakers. These speakers come from Bang & Olufsen’s repertoire and are capable of reaching up to 120 decibels, which is about the same as being right next to a jet engine.

 

In terms of design function, SAGA Space Architects, who specialize in creating modular habitats for use in extreme environments, draw from their own research of building compact, livable structures for the Moon and Mars. The interstellar delivery vehicle highlights both Vollebak and Bang & Olufsen’s objects, from the Martian Aerogel Jackets made from hypersonic parachutes used to land NASA rovers on Mars to the Beo series speakers. So far, the interstellar delivery vehicle by SAGA Space Architects, in collaboration with Vollebak and Bang & Olufsen, has been revealed in Copenhagen. After this debut, the design team is scheduled to bring the Spaceshop to major cities as a roving display. There’s no news yet on the retail spaceship’s global tour date.

Vollebak teams up with SAGA Space Architects to produce the interstellar delivery vehicle, Spaceshop

the real-life installation is part spaceship and part mobile retail unit

front view of the retail unit

the unit is a physical and conceptual object that reimagines how products are displayed

the aluminum panels flip open

light pours from the embedded LED lights

rear view of the retail unit

around the spaceship, there’s carbon and stainless steel as well as anodized aluminum

four installative nozzles at the back of the spaceship

so far, there’s no news yet on the project’s touring dates

 

project info:

 

name: Spaceshop

team: Vollebak, SAGA Space Architects, Bang & Olufsen | @vollebak, @saga_space_architects, @bangolufsen

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Teenage Engineering just turned vintage tin dollhouses into gorgeous storytelling speakers

From crafting a sampler that plays only Gregorian chants to designing a modular PC chassis with retro-futuristic flair, Teenage Engineering has long excelled at blending whimsy with precision. Its creations, whether a child-friendly vinyl turntable or a sound engineer’s dream laptop, are less about convention and more about a playful and tactile experience. Now, the Stockholm-based brand brings that same spirit of experimentation to a new collaboration that’s as evocative as it is unexpected.

Dubbed BGN 11, this latest endeavor transforms a row of ten vintage tin dollhouses into bespoke audio sculptures, each housing a working TE OD-11 speaker within its hand-altered walls. Partnering with Toronto-based craft collective Bentgablenits and powered by Shopify’s creative space in Soho, New York, the installation reimagines mid-century Americana through the lens of sound, memory, and technology.

Designer: Teenage Engineering and Bentgablenits

The structures themselves (salvaged 1930s pressed-metal toys) are no longer playsets but sonic vessels. Each house is rewired, reupholstered, and reanimated to represent different domestic or communal settings: a chapel, a living room, an ice cream parlor, or a corner shop. Rather than being static objects, they’re functional speakers, each one broadcasting ambient compositions tailored to its theme. One might emit the murmur of a congregation, another the distant chime of a store bell, all composed to match the atmosphere of these tiny vignettes.

This installation is more than a visual oddity; it’s a cultural dialogue. Bentgablenits’ hand-finished details and weathered touches speak to their reverence for aged objects, while Teenage Engineering’s refined acoustics and hardware infuse each dollhouse with a modern heartbeat. Together, they create objects that are both nostalgic and futuristic – artifacts of an imagined suburbia where craft and code coexist.

The team behind Bentgablenits, Brenda Bent, Karen Gable, and Angelo Nitsopoulos, conceived the concept while pondering a home for the speaker. The idea of housing it within an actual house quickly turned literal, and then wonderfully surreal. Working closely with Teenage Engineering, the team found surprising alignment in their differing approaches: one driven by tactile imperfection, the other by technological precision. Yet both, as they note, “pour their hearts into the products.”

Visitors can explore this suburban soundscape at 131 Greene Street from June 27, with a three-day public event anchoring the launch. In addition to the speaker-dollhouses, the space includes collectible Bentgablenits-crafted merchandise, like beaded vintage tees and studio bags for TE’s OB-4 speakers, alongside other curated accessories. With just 10 handcrafted units available, these dollhouse speakers won’t stay on the shelf for long—BGN 11 drops tomorrow.

BGN 11 doesn’t just showcase audio innovation or nostalgic design—it merges the two to make something hauntingly beautiful. It offers a moment of reflection in a world of overstimulation, reminding us that speakers don’t have to be invisible. They can be poetic. They can be absurd. And when the right hands touch the right tools, they can become miniature monuments to time, sound, and storytelling.

 

The post Teenage Engineering just turned vintage tin dollhouses into gorgeous storytelling speakers first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Skullet stove and fire pit hybrid has the pedigree to be your go-to for car and trailer camping

As you scroll through the 4th of July deals and discounts filling up our inbox, spare a moment for the new stove and fire pit hybrid from Washington-based outdoor heating specialist Ignik. Dubbed the Skullet, it’s a cooking and heating setup for backyard parties and campsites that’s both reliable and built to last. It provides the ambiance and warmth of a wood fire, without actually using wood fuel, and a cooking surface that can prepare meals for an entire group. And this is not even the best thing about the Skullet.

Have you ever been on a weekend outing only to find that your wood stove wouldn’t light because of the wind, or that it took you forever to put out the fire in the pit? The Skullet outdoor heater, which you can rely on to cook on, is a refined and portable solution. A go-to for car or trailer camping, the all-metal Skullet Heater Stove features durable construction and delivers 360 degrees of heat—thanks to its mesh sides—at 48,000 BTUs.

Designer: Ignik

An uncanny combination of durability, power, and versatility, the Skullet is designed to replace open fire pits burning dangerously outside of your camp. Despite being a gas heater, it gives the warmth and the flickering glow of the flame that we all love, despite the pertaining dangers. The enclosed heater positions on the ground and pulls up to rise above the occasion. The base features controls like a built-in ignitor – to save you the effort of remembering and carrying a matchbox or lighter – and a tip-over-safety switch that kills the fire in the event of an accident. Interestingly, the Skullet comes paired with a QuickClick connecting 5-foot regulator hose that can clip on without additional tools.

“The Skullet is the ultimate all-season crusher. Absolutely love the multi-functionality of being a heat and ambiance source, as well as a portable cooking powerhouse,” a customer comments on the product website. Owing to its ease of use and super-fast heating, the Skullet is perfect for cooking on camping trips and grilling in the backyard. What really propels this heater stove into a new league altogether is its tripod base that raises the heater up to a decent position to cook on without a hunch.

You can begin to look at it as a usual home patio heater until you realize how easily the Skullet collapses for transportation. “It easily packs down to save space in those small adventure rigs,” the company notes, while providing heat and cooking surface for a group of people easily. You can sit around the heater for the warmth and to admire its flames, while its cooking surface, which accommodates large pans, lets you cook a feast.

Skullet thus, in its Deluxe variant, comes with its own cast iron skillet featuring flip-out handles and a flat base to work seamlessly on the Skullet and packs back conveniently alongside. This version also comes with a tripod stand featuring adjustable, but sturdy legs. The base model on the other hand, is meant to stand directly on the ground. It comes standalone and doesn’t include the disc skillet or tripod in the package. Skullet is now available for preorder starting at $400. It is expected to begin shipping on August 15, 2025.

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Roland Mood Pan Electronic Hand Percussion Blends Serenity and Sound for Mindful Moments

There is something magical about the soft ring of a handpan, the way each note flows into the next, creating a gentle cascade of sound. The Roland Mood Pan MN-10 captures this feeling and brings it to a new realm, inviting anyone to experience music as a form of relaxation. With its inviting circular shape and nine expressive pads, this instrument rests quietly in your lap, ready to transform even the simplest touch into a wave of calm.

Roland’s Mood Pan is more than a tribute to acoustic handpans; it is a gateway to a world of soothing tones and serene exploration. The MN-10 welcomes players of all levels, offering an experience where no musical training is required. Its layout is intuitive, with each pad responding to the lightest tap, encouraging moments of quiet curiosity. The beauty of the Mood Pan lies in its ability to blend gentle resonance with a variety of voices, from classic handpan sounds to the crystalline shimmer of a singing bowl.

Designer: Roland

As you explore the instrument, a gentle landscape of sound unfolds. The MN-10 is filled with different musical personalities, allowing you to drift from the familiar hum of a tongue drum to the sparkling tones of gamelan, or even the meditative echo of a crystal bowl. Each sound is carefully crafted, creating an atmosphere that soothes the mind and invites reflection. The addition of environmental music and nature-inspired backgrounds further deepens the experience, making each session feel like a journey through a peaceful soundscape.

The Mood Pan does not stop at its internal voices. It opens up a world of possibilities through modern connectivity. Bluetooth streaming lets you blend your favorite music with the MN-10’s tranquil tones, while the built-in speaker system fills the room with warmth. For those who prefer a solitary moment, headphones offer a private haven where nothing exists but you and the music. The companion Mood Pan Plus app allows for further personalization, giving you the freedom to adjust sounds, effects, and pad sensitivity with ease.

Designed with both portability and versatility in mind, the MN-10 runs on batteries or USB-C power, making it as comfortable on a living room table as it is in an outdoor meditation space. You can set it on your lap, close your eyes, and let your fingers wander. Roland’s Mood Pan MN-10 is an invitation to slow down and savor the beauty of each note, letting music flow gently through your day and leave a trace of peace behind.

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