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zaha hadid anchors smart city masterplan in sharjah, UAE, with shaded oasis spine

zaha hadid architects unveils plans for khalid bin sultan city

 

Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled the masterplan for Khalid Bin Sultan City, a new chapter in Sharjah’s urban evolution and the latest in a long-standing collaboration with BEEAH Group. This follows an announcement from 2013 when the studio was first commissioned to design BEEAH’s headquarters, envisioning a fluid, dune-like structure shaped by the UAE’s desert context and engineered for net-zero emissions. That building, completed in 2022, set a new standard for sustainable architecture in the region as it attained LEED Platinum certification, and it remains a benchmark for environmentally intelligent design.

 

With Khalid Bin Sultan City, Zaha Hadid Architects scales that climate-conscious vision to the level of the city. Stretching across a 1.5-kilometre plot and centered around a shaded, two-kilometre-long green spine, the development marks BEEAH’s first foray into real estate, applying its environmental ethos to a city-making scale. The project proposes a new model for smart city living with ecosystems in place to make it a zero-waste city, net zero-ready infrastructure at LEED standards, AI-powered systems for enhanced urban optimization and living, and many more such features. In terms of the residential experience, across its residential, commercial, and public areas it prioritizes well-being with features such as walkable neighborhoods, green zones, and cultural spaces.

all images courtesy of BEEAH unless stated otherwise

 

 

a climate- and wellness-conscious city masterplan in sharjah

 

Khalid Bin Sultan City is designed as a smart, zero-waste community composed of seven walkable neighborhoods, public plazas, and a cultural business district. The masterplan celebrates the legacy of the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, a designer and urban thinker who helped shape Sharjah’s architectural identity. Now, his vision continues in a city where people, nature, and technology coexist by design, characterized by shaded colonnades, recessed facades, and tree-lined pathways that respond directly to Sharjah’s desert climate. A linear oasis at its heart is formed by a continuous central park threaded with running trails, sculpture gardens, and wellness courtyards, envisioned to reduce ground temperatures while encouraging outdoor life year-round.

 

Each residential cluster is also organized around a central plaza within a five-minute walk, offering residents spaces for daily interaction and well-being. From children’s hubs and sports areas to open-air cafés and clinics, every function is integrated into the local fabric, strengthening the sense of community while preserving urban porosity. Across 1,500 freehold residential units, including villas, townhouses, and apartments, the team at Zaha Hadid Architects fuses sustainability with signature design language, offering buyers of all nationalities modern living rooted in place.

Zaha Hadid Architects unveils the masterplan for Khalid Bin Sultan City

 

 

integrated with smart infrastructure

 

Alongside its residential offer, Khalid Bin Sultan City also includes a design and business district as a cultural engine for Sharjah’s creative economy. Here, incubator spaces, civic venues, and cultural programs will be established to support local entrepreneurship, circular design, and knowledge exchange. Public art spaces and a dedicated cultural center will also add further texture to the urban fabric, creating a civic commons animated by education, heritage, and artistic expression.

 

As one of the UAE’s first net-zero-ready masterplans, Khalid Bin Sultan City features smart infrastructure powered by renewable energy, recycled water systems, and AI-driven services. Residents will navigate a digitally connected environment — with decentralized digital identities and integrated mobility — while benefiting from the district’s passive cooling strategies and native vegetation.

the project proposes a new model for smart city living

a linear oasis is formed by a continuous central park threaded with sculpture gardens and wellness courtyards

the city is characterized by shaded colonnades, recessed facades, and tree-lined pathways | render by TEGMARK

featuring smart infrastructure powered by renewable energy, recycled water systems, and AI-driven services

across its residential, commercial, and public areas the architects prioritize wellbeing | render by TEGMARK

 

 

project info:

 

name: Khalid Bin Sultan City

architect: Zaha Hadid Architects | @zahahadidarchitects

developer: BEEAH | @beeahgroup

location: Rodhat Al Sidir, Sharjah, UAE

The post zaha hadid anchors smart city masterplan in sharjah, UAE, with shaded oasis spine appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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Nestout’s Rugged Outdoor USB-C Charging Cable

Outdoor gear manufacturer Nestout design this rugged USB-C charging cable to take a beating. It’s IP54 rated for water and dust resistance, and is jacketed with braided Tetoron, a durable type of polyester.

The cable can withstanding harsh bending.

It features these unusual watertight caps with built-in hooks.

They can be slid down the length of cable when uncapped.

The caps not only keep the connectors clean and dry if you drop them…

…but can be used to suspend the cable itself.

The cable comes with a clip for keeping it coiled.

The cables come in two lengths: 1m (3.3′) and 2m (6.6′), priced at $22 and $25, respectively.

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Retreating Landscape: Tracing Environmental Loss in the Work of Emma Stibbon

The post Retreating Landscape: Tracing Environmental Loss in the Work of Emma Stibbon appeared first on DailyArt Magazine.

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Jean-Étienne Liotard Breakfast Scenes

Wo

The post Jean-Étienne Liotard Breakfast Scenes appeared first on DailyArt Magazine.

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To Be Finnish or Not to Be: National Identity in Alvar Aalto’s Architecture

The post To Be Finnish or Not to Be: National Identity in Alvar Aalto’s Architecture appeared first on DailyArt Magazine.

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Keyview 13″ Touch Turns Any Desk Into a High-Tech Command Center

Every once in a while, a gadget comes along that looks like it was plucked from the dreams of digital tinkerers and workspace minimalists. The Keyview 13″ Touch is exactly that: a device that takes the humble keyboard and transforms it into something you have probably never seen before. This is not just a keyboard. It is a full-blown productivity hub, a mini workstation, and a conversation starter all rolled into one.

Picture this: a sleek, mechanical keyboard with the satisfying click-clack you crave, topped by a 13-inch matte touchscreen that swings up or folds flat at your command. The screen is bright, responsive, and just the right size for everything from coding to streaming to chatting while you’re taking down foes. The display is crisp, with a 1920 x 720 resolution and ten-point multitouch support that makes everything feel snappy and interactive.

Designer: Aura Displays

Underneath all that glass and aluminum is a clever collection of ports and features that make the Keyview 13″ Touch more than just a pretty face. There are four USB-C ports that let you plug in everything from phones to external drives, plus an HDMI input so you can use the display separately if you want. Add in a slot for an M.2 SSD and you’ve got storage on tap for files, backups, or even bootable systems. There are even built-in stereo speakers and a headphone jack for those times when you want sound without any extra gear.

The real magic, though, is how this device brings it all together. Set it up on a crowded desk and suddenly you have reclaimed space since you no longer need a separate monitor or a tangle of cables. Connect it to your laptop, tablet, or even a game console, and it instantly becomes a portable command center perfect for working on the go, managing live streams, or running a compact gaming setup. Developers and makers will love how easy it is to test projects on single-board computers or prototypes, with the keyboard and display right at their fingertips.

Of course, no device is perfect. The Keyview 13″ Touch does not have its own battery, so you will always need to plug it in. There is also no touchpad, which means you will sometimes have to reach for a mouse or rely on the touchscreen. For some, that might mean carrying an extra accessory or two, but for most, those are small trade-offs for the sheer flexibility this device brings.

What sets the Keyview 13″ Touch apart is the joy of having everything in one place. It is a tool that is just as happy in a café as it is in a studio, and it is ready to adapt to whatever you want to do next. For anyone who wants their workspace to be as tidy as it is powerful, this keyboard-display combo is hard to beat.

The post Keyview 13″ Touch Turns Any Desk Into a High-Tech Command Center first appeared on Yanko Design.

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A Suggested Industrial Design Student Assignment: Design and Build a Minimalist Chess Set

I think a good Industrial Design student assignment, particularly for sophomores, would be: Design and make a set of minimalist chess pieces–no digital fabrication nor individual sculpting/carving (unless making the pattern for a mold) allowed. This would cover a lot of skills that industrial designers need to develop.

Sketching: What is the minimum amount of form/gesture/surfacing required to have an object read as the six different types of chess pieces?

Materials: What materials can you easily source and, most importantly, batch-produce using the tooling available in the shop?

Manufacturing: What repeatable process will you use to make your pieces? A table saw with jigs? Lost-wax casting? Soldering of cut metal pieces?

I probably wouldn’t ask them to make the board, as I think they’d have their hands full designing and making the pieces.

Minimalist chess sets exist in the real world, and a lot of them look like they could’ve been designed and made by a first-year ID student. Some cases in point:

This Check-Chess Set (no longer made) by design studio Origins.

This Mid Century Modern set by Heyimamaker on Instructables.

This unnamed chess set by Schichtwunder Designs. While this one was 3D-printed, as previously mentioned I’d not permit digital fabrication, so that the students could develop hand skills. I would allow them to carve or sculpt workpieces if they were going to make a mold from them, but I’d not allow them to simply carve the finished product; the idea is for the students to learn about repeatable manufacturing processes.

Another Mid Century Modern set, this one by Nordeast Design Co.

This York Chess Set offered by Chess Baron.

This Bauhaus Style chess set by boardgame manufacturer Manopoulos.

I know the bulk of these are made out of wood, which I’m sure many students would opt for, but I’d also encourage them to investigate metal, ceramics, and whatever else the school’s ID shop is equipped to work with.

If you’re an ID professor and you actually assign this, be sure to keep us posted—we’ll happily post the results here.

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10 Best Camping Gear Designs For Modern Outdoor Adventures In June 2025

Embarking on a camping trip is as much about the right gear as it is about the adventure itself. Today’s outdoor essentials are evolving, merging innovative engineering with sculptural design and multi-functionality. The latest camping products aren’t just practical; they bring a sense of refinement and problem-solving to the wilderness, transforming how we experience comfort, convenience, and flexibility under open skies.

Each product here is selected for its unique approach to storage, adaptability, and sustainable construction, reflecting a new era where minimalism meets performance. These ten products promise to enhance the outdoor experience while fitting seamlessly into any travel kit. They will deliver versatile solutions designed for the needs of modern campers seeking both utility and design excellence.

1. Spectre

The Spectre hammock tent changes the way solo adventurers sleep outdoors. Its lay-flat design means you’re no longer forced into a banana shape, offering true support for back, side, or stomach sleeping. The lightweight construction and insulated sleep mat make it a practical choice for backpackers who count every ounce. The setup of the tent is straightforward, and the compact pack size fits easily in your gear.

This hammock tent stands out for its versatility and comfort, especially for those who have struggled with traditional hammock designs. The patented system creates a genuinely flat surface, ensuring restful sleep even in remote settings. It’s a well-considered solution for anyone wanting a lighter, more adaptable sleep system on the trail.

What we like

Genuinely flat sleeping surface.
Extremely lightweight for backpacking.

What we dislike

Solo use only.
Requires suitable trees or anchor points.

2. EO Canopy

The EO Canopy by Electric Outdoors brings city comfort to remote locations using solar power and battery storage. Its modular design eliminates the need for permits and infrastructure, allowing for quick setup and flexibility. The integrated roof generates enough energy to power essential appliances, air conditioning, and electric vehicles, supporting both leisure and practicality.

The interior of the space feels more like a modern cabin than a temporary shelter. Water generation and the option to expand the battery make it adaptable for extended stays. It’s a seamless fusion of luxury and sustainability, providing all the comforts of home in the middle of nowhere – this one is a must-have if you want an experience that feels like a mix of both camping and glamping!

What we like

Off-grid power for appliances and vehicles.
No permits or infrastructure needed.

What we dislike

Large footprint compared to tents.
High initial investment.

3. TriBeam Camplight

Lighting at camp is about more than just visibility—it shapes the mood and function of your environment. The TriBeam Camp Light is crafted for those who want options without carrying extra gadgets. Its award-winning form brings together three lighting modes, transitioning smoothly from ambient glow to focused flashlight or a diffused camp lamp. This adaptability is packaged in a compact, thoughtfully engineered device.

With a hidden handle and detachable magnetic lampshade, the TriBeam becomes part of your nightly ritual, whether you’re reading, cooking, or sharing stories under the stars. The light’s versatility means it’s always ready for a new purpose. It slips easily into a pocket or pack, a companion that quietly supports every moment outdoors.

Click Here to Buy Now: $65.00

What we like

Three lighting modes in one device.
Lightweight and easy to carry.

What we dislike

Needs regular recharging.
Limited light output compared to larger lanterns.

4. Slim Fold Dish Rack

Camp kitchens are all about efficiency, and the Slim Fold Dish Rack brings clever engineering to an overlooked task. Designed to shrink from a generous 14-inch rack to barely over an inch thick, this piece of gear keeps your dishwashing routine streamlined. Its patent-pending spring mechanism deploys and collapses in seconds, so you can go from cooking to cleaning to packing up without delay.

The rack’s open structure provides ample ventilation, ensuring dishware dries quickly and stays hygienic. Durable and lightweight, it fits effortlessly into any camping setup, slipping into a pocket when not in use. It’s a small investment in comfort and order, making camp life a little smoother and more organized.

Click Here to Buy Now: $75.00

What we like

Ultra-compact and lightweight.
Quick to deploy and store.

What we dislike

Limited capacity for large groups.
May tip if heavily loaded on one side.

5. RetroWave 7-in-1 Radio

Camping calls for tools that do more than one thing, and the RetroWave 7-in-1 Radio is designed to meet those demands with style. Housed in a retro-inspired casing, this device is a multi-function powerhouse: radio, MP3 player, Bluetooth speaker, clock, flashlight, power bank, and SOS alarm. Its tactile tuning dial and Japanese design sensibility make it a pleasure to use, whether you’re in a tent or at home.

Power solutions are integrated for true independence. A built-in solar panel, hand crank, and USB charging keep you connected, while the flashlight and alarm add a layer of security. RetroWave is for campers who want to enjoy music, stay up to date, and be prepared for the unexpected, all with a single device.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89.00

What we like

Multiple functions in a single device.
Emergency-ready with hand crank and solar charging.

What we dislike

Sound quality is modest compared to standalone speakers.
Larger than single-purpose radios.

6. Windchill 47 Cooler

The Windchill 47 Cooler brings a new level of comfort to outdoor adventures. It’s more than a cooler, acting as a portable air conditioner with a built-in misting feature. The high-efficiency heat exchanger and powerful fan keep drinks icy and provide a refreshing chill, even in harsh summer heat. With three cooling methods, it adapts to changing needs throughout your trip.

The sturdy build and thoughtful design make it both a storage solution and a climate control device for the outdoors. When group camping, it keeps the environment comfortable and beverages cold, enhancing downtime at the campsite. The cooler redefines what outdoor gear can offer for group relaxation and convenience.

What we like

Real air conditioning and misting.
Keeps contents cold for days.

What we dislike

Heavier and bulkier than standard coolers.
Requires power for A/C and misting features.

7. 8-in-1 EDC Scissors

Outdoors, every tool counts, and the 8-in-1 EDC Scissors bring maximum utility in a palm-sized form. These scissors are more than cutting blades—they’re a compact toolkit with a knife, can opener, cap opener, bottle opener, lid opener, shell splitter, and degasser, all integrated into a sleek, rust-resistant package. The design fits easily in your pocket or emergency kit, always on hand when you need it.

The versatility of this tool means you’re rarely caught off guard, whether making quick repairs or opening supplies. The compact size keeps your pack light and your essentials accessible. For campers who appreciate thoughtful, multi-purpose gear, these scissors offer confidence and convenience in daily camp life.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00

What we like

Multiple tools in a small form.
Durable and rust-resistant.

What we dislike

Small size may limit leverage for tough tasks.
Not as specialized as dedicated tools.

8. Compact Modular Grill Plate

Cooking outdoors is a ritual, and the Compact Modular Grill Plate is designed to make the process both effortless and rewarding. Crafted with a three-layer steel plate for even heat conduction, this grill plate is compatible with everything from open fires to induction stoves. Handles can be swapped or removed for different setups, and the entire kit packs down into a compact, travel-friendly form.

The grill plate’s adaptability means you can cook confidently in any environment. It’s easy to clean and engineered to keep food juicy and flavorful. Whether you’re preparing breakfast at sunrise or grilling dinner by the fire, this tool brings professional-level control to your outdoor kitchen.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89.00

What we like

Offers even heat conduction.
Works with various stoves and fires.

What we dislike

Slightly heavier than basic pans.
Handles may get hot with prolonged use.

9. BlackoutBeam Tactical Flashlight

A reliable light source is fundamental to every camping trip, and the BlackoutBeam Tactical Flashlight elevates this essential gear to new levels. Built with a striking industrial design, it delivers a powerful 2300-lumen beam and a 300-meter throw. The flashlight is engineered for instant response, offering clarity and confidence in moments when speed matters. Its durable, waterproof aluminum body stands up to rough conditions and unpredictable weather.

This flashlight is meant to be as much a part of your adventure kit as your tent or boots. With multiple brightness settings and modes for signaling or quiet navigation, it’s adaptable and reliable in any scenario. Dual power options ensure you’re never left in the dark, and the design’s balance of utility and style makes it feel at home in both urban and wild environments.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89.00

What we like

High brightness and long range.
Durable and waterproof construction.

What we dislike

It can be too bright for some uses.
Replacement batteries may not always be on hand.

10. Camps

Modern camping often asks for more than just a tent and a fire. Camps is an answer to campers who want to stay connected to music, movies, and ambient lighting, all from a single device. This multi-functional companion is designed to slip into your gear and seamlessly unite technology with the outdoor experience. Its beam projector, Bluetooth speaker, and lamp functions are housed in a form that feels familiar and approachable at a campsite.

With its non-slip base and tactile controls, Camps makes it simple to transition from quiet evenings to lively gatherings or personal relaxation. It’s a tool for playing music around the fire, lighting up the darkness, or projecting a favorite film onto a nearby surface. The design is about more than utility—it’s about creating memorable, flexible camping moments.

What we like

Three functions in a single device.
Compact and easy to use.

What we dislike

Dependent on Bluetooth connectivity.
Entertainment may detract from the outdoor experience.

The post 10 Best Camping Gear Designs For Modern Outdoor Adventures In June 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

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XPLRA 1.0 Concept Device Wants You to Catch ‘Em All in the Real World

Some gadgets are made for serious business, but every now and then a concept comes along that makes you want to dash outside and see what you can discover. XPLRA 1.0 is one of those ideas: a pocket-sized field tool that borrows a page from the Pokédex playbook and invites you to collect the wonders of the natural world, one leaf, paw, or mushroom cap at a time.

Instead of another app you forget about or a website lost in your bookmarks, XPLRA 1.0 is imagined as a tactile, rugged companion for real-world adventure. Rounded edges, a chunky control wheel, and bold buttons are there for a reason. This is a tool meant to be grabbed with muddy hands, stuffed in a backpack, and used wherever your curiosity takes you. The bright, compact display cuts through glare and distractions, serving up quick IDs whether you are deep in a forest or poking around the backyard.

Designer: Vivek Kaushal

There is a lot of fun packed into this little box. Just like the original Pokédex, XPLRA 1.0 makes learning about what you see as simple as pointing, clicking, and waiting for the magic to happen. The onboard AI camera is trained to recognize all sorts of plants, animals, and fungi, building your own library of finds as you go. No internet? No problem. The device keeps everything stored safely inside, so you are free to roam far from cell towers and Wi-Fi signals.

What truly sets XPLRA 1.0 apart is how it balances playfulness with purpose. The body is crafted from recycled plastics and tough rubber, making every adventure a little easier on the planet. There is a certain joy in knowing your latest find was logged with a tool that does its best to tread lightly. The offline-first approach means you do not have to share your discoveries with the cloud, and your nature walks stay private, just between you and your new AI sidekick.

Using the XPLRA 1.0 feels less like fiddling with another screen and more like wielding a trusty gadget from an explorer’s toolkit. Every button and dial is there to be used, not swiped away, and the satisfying click of the control wheel is a reminder that discovery is meant to be hands-on. The device feels like it belongs just as much in a child’s pocket as in a scientist’s field bag, ready for anyone eager to see what they can find next.

At its heart, XPLRA 1.0 is about turning every walk into a treasure hunt. The thrill of the “gotta catch ’em all” mindset is alive and well, only now the prize is a gallery of real leaves, feathers, and footprints. For anyone who dreams of adventure or just wants a reason to look up from their phone, this concept is the perfect excuse to get outside and start exploring.

The post XPLRA 1.0 Concept Device Wants You to Catch ‘Em All in the Real World first appeared on Yanko Design.

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in london, sir john soane’s museum unpacks the ideas behind richard rogers’ iconic works

Sir John Soane’s Museum in london honors Richard Rogers

 

Running until September 21st, 2025, Richard Rogers: Talking Buildings opens at Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. The exhibition looks back at the 50-year career of Richard Rogers (1933-2021), a British architect known for designing some of the world’s most recognizable buildings and for using architecture to express his political and social beliefs. Rather than offering a career overview, the show presents his work as a journey through eight important projects, allowing visitors to witness how his ideas evolved across time.

 

These eight projects include both built and unbuilt works, starting with the experimental Zip-Up House from 1967, and ending with his final work, the Drawing Gallery of 2020, brought to vivid life in pink for Château La Coste’s annual exhibition in 2023 (find designboom’s previous coverage here). Other featured buildings include the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Lloyd’s building in London, celebrated for their high-tech designs.

 

Curated and designed by Richard’s son, Ab Rogers, the exhibition presents this selection in an engaging way through large-format drawings, models, and moving imagery that deconstruct Rogers’ work with clarity.

all images by Gareth Gardner

 

 

Talking Buildings draws parallels between the two architects

 

Central to Rogers’ work is the idea of legibility, the belief that buildings should clearly show how they are built and what they are for. Instead of hiding technical elements like pipes, beams, or ventilation systems, the Pritzker-winning architect often left them exposed and treated them as part of the design. He wanted people to understand how a building worked, just as you can understand how a machine works by looking at its parts. This approach reflected his belief that architecture should be transparent, honest, and open to everyone.

 

Richard Rogers: Talking Buildings also draws a parallel between Rogers and Sir John Soane, the 19th-century architect whose former home is now the museum. Though they worked in very different times, both architects believed in architecture as a tool for education and public engagement. Soane created his house-museum to teach students and visitors about design, while Rogers brought radical ideas into public space, reshaping how cities like London function and feel. Both used light, space, and structure to make architecture more human and more accessible.

Richard Rogers: Talking Buildings opens at Sir John Soane’s Museum in London

 

 

architecture as a response to challenge

 

Two specially commissioned films by Marina Willer offer fresh insights into Rogers’ perspectives on the featured projects. Complementing the exhibition, the Foyle Space hosts a specially commissioned installation by RSHP titled RSHP Architects in Dialogue. This display showcases RSHP’s past, present, and future projects, highlighting their ongoing influence on modern architecture and urban design, both in London and around the world.

 

The exhibition also shows that Richard Rogers was deeply engaged with the world around him. Throughout his career, he used architecture to respond to major social and environmental challenges, from affordable housing and climate change to the design of more democratic and accessible cities. Public space played a central role in his work, seen as a vital setting for connection, interaction, and community.

 

By presenting Rogers’ work in dialogue with the legacy of Sir John Soane, Talking Buildings invites visitors to reflect on the broader role of architecture in shaping society. Soane imagined a more enlightened London through his ambitious plans in the 19th century, while Rogers, in his time, helped build a more open, flexible, and inclusive city. 

the exhibition looks back at the 50-year career of Richard Rogers

the British architect is known for designing some of the world’s most recognizable buildings

the show presents his work as a journey through eight important projects

model of the Zip-Up House (1967) by Richard + Su Rogers | image courtesy of RSHP

the exhibition features a selection of works through large-format drawings, models, and moving imagery

curated and designed by Richard’s son, Ab Rogers

Talking Buildings also draws a parallel between Rogers and Sir John Soane

Millenium Dome (known as The O2) by Richard Rogers | courtesy of RSHP Drawings

Rogers House (1969) | | image courtesy of RSHP

the Foyle Space hosts a specially commissioned installation by RSHP

 

 

project info:

 

name: Richard Rogers: Talking Buildings

location: Sir John Soane’s Museum | @soanemuseum, London, UK

curator: Ab Rogers | @abrogersdesign

dates: June 18th – September 21st, 2025

The post in london, sir john soane’s museum unpacks the ideas behind richard rogers’ iconic works appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.