Jun
13

By

Giant bubblegum sculpture brings fun and whimsy to a Netherlands street

Category: YankoDesign

For some people, bubblegum may be one of the most useless snacks or foods. It doesn’t offer much in terms of nutrition, and unlike other treats, you’re not meant to swallow it. Sure, it brings some temporary pleasure if it’s a flavor you like, evoking nostalgia or a brief burst of sweetness—but for many, it seems to serve no real purpose. After all, you chew it, enjoy the taste for a little while, maybe blow a few bubbles, and then spit it out. Some studies have pointed to minor oral health benefits, like improved focus or reduced stress, and it can help freshen breath or reduce snacking. But at the end of the day, it’s a fleeting experience that gets discarded and an odd ritual of indulgence with no lasting substance.

Dutch street artist Frankey has had a fascination with bubblegum even though he says he thinks it’s weird and pointless. But he says maybe that’s the point of it, that it’s just useless but brings “wonder, play, fun”. He previously had an exhibit called Gumballin’ that showcased the fun side of gumballs. To officially start the second edition, he has unveiled a huge bubblegum sculpture called Hubbabubbabuilding in the Netherlands that’s part of Street Art Zandovart 2025.

Designer: Frankey

Continuing his funny and whimsical signature style called “positive interventions”, the Hubbabubbabuilding is a whimsical and surreal public art installation that transforms an otherwise ordinary house into a playful scene straight from a cartoon. The facade features huge pink bubblegum-like spheres that are bursting through the walls and windows. It’s as if someone is blowing a huge piece that is going out of control.

At the top of a ladder next to the roof, a child-like character (maybe Frankey himself actually) is blowing through the chimney whimsically. Through a large window, you can see a similar figure with curly hair and a red knit hat standing inside the house, so you kind of can conclude where the bubbles are coming from. Anyone passing through the house will probably pause and take a look since the pink bubblegums will really catch your attention, not to mention the huge man blowing through the chimney.

Hubbabubbabuilding playfully blurs the lines between architecture and sculpture, injecting humor into the built environment. It invites viewers to pause, smile, and see their surroundings through a lens of childlike imagination. It would be interesting to see what the rest of his Gumballin’ 2 exhibit will be as it will reportedly be focusing deeper into cultural and emotional resonances.

The post Giant bubblegum sculpture brings fun and whimsy to a Netherlands street first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jun
13

By

infinite machine releases olto, an aluminum e-bike with magnetic foldable pedals

Category: Design Boom

Infinite Machine’s Olto e-bike with aluminum body

 

Infinite Machine unveils Olto, an e-bike with an aluminum body, magnetic foldable pedals, and an automatic lock that prevents outsiders from stealing or moving it. From afar, it resembles a scooter because of its frame, but riders can take it on bike lanes with no issues. It runs on an electric motor, but if the riders need an assist, they can swivel and start using the pedals. Design-wise, it can accommodate two people while still carrying objects using the underseat handles. The footpegs, other than the pedals, are hidden and can be pulled out for the rear passenger.

 

Instead of the conventional softly rounded seat, the one on Infinite Machine’s Olto e-bike has a square shape, allowing for a wider space. Under the seat, the boxy stem hides the swappable battery. When riders need to change it, they pull up the seat, pull out the battery, and insert a newly charged one. At the front, the headlamps are positioned at the lower frame, just above the tire, to flash both high and low beams. Around Infinite Machine’s Olto e-bike are modular components, too. Aside from the optional accessories, riders can also attach a child carrier, a rear rack, a basket, and a center panel around and on the two-wheeler.

all images courtesy of Infinite Machine

 

 

Automatic steering and wheel lock to avoid thefts

 

A minimal design marks the modest style of Infinite Machine’s Olto e-bike. It’s clean to look at because, unlike conventional e-bikes, and even scooters, it only has two hues, and one of them is its aluminum material. There aren’t any designs splashed across the frame too, which helps with it looking stainless. The two-wheeler is also high-tech and theft-proof, as the company says. Riders of Infinite Machine’s Olto e-bike can connect it to the internet so they can track their vehicle via GPS using its app. There’s also a dedicated AirTag slot, so users can pair it up with Apple’s Find My Network. When parked, the ride locks the steering and wheels on its own.

 

In this case, it’s difficult for non-owners to move or steal it. If someone tries to, the e-bike goes off with an alarm sound, and the owners receive an instant notification on their smartphones. Riders can also use the app to monitor the mileage, battery percentage, and tampering alerts of the vehicle as well as to unlock and lock it. Specs-wise, Infinite Machine’s Olto e-bike has 40 miles of range, can run a top speed of 20 miles per hour on bike lanes, and cruise up to 33 miles per hour off-road. It comes with a dual-suspension frame and a 750-watt rear hub motor, while the battery is charged at 50 percent in an hour. The e-bike’s delivery begins in Fall 2025.

Infinite Machine unveils Olto, an e-bike with an aluminum body

the two-wheeler comes with an automatic lock that prevents outsiders from stealing or moving it

the front headlamps are just above the wheel

if the riders need an assist, they can swivel and start using the pedals

Instead of the conventional softly rounded seat, the one on the e-bike has a square shape

the delivery of the vehicle starts in Fall 2025

 

project info:

 

name: Olto

company: Infinite Machine | @infinitemachine

The post infinite machine releases olto, an aluminum e-bike with magnetic foldable pedals appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Jun
13

By

tea pavilion by kong xiangwei studio floats like a silver feather in chinese rainforest

Category: Design Boom

Kong Xiangwei Studio reclaims forest ruin in china

 

Tucked within the ancient mist-cloaked ridges of Yunnan’s Wuliang Mountains in China, the Phoenix Feather Tea Pavilion by Kong Xiangwei Studio emerges like a silver plume resting gently in the trees. Located on Phoenix Mountain at an elevation of 2,380 meters, the structure perches within a 1,300-acre tea-tourism sanctuary in Bixi Township, Dali Prefecture, a region famed not only for its tea but also as one of China’s vital migratory bird corridors. Every autumn, tens of thousands of birds descend along this ancient route, echoing the mythical image of ‘a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix.’

 

With a design language they describe as a ‘light touch on the earth,’ Kong Xiangwei Studio translates the delicate form of the feather into a forest pavilion for birdwatching and reflection. Using slender 14-millimeter galvanized steel rods, the architects trace linear paths through the landscape, their placement mimicking the silver pheasant’s legs as they rise into a sweeping hyperbolic arc, mirroring the gentle curve of a feather midair.

all images by Archi-translator Photography, Kong Xiangwei Studio

 

 

a feather touching the earth

 

It was in a forgotten valley west of a tea homestay – where remnants of earthen dwellings quietly erode into the forest – that inspiration struck the team of Kong Xiangwei Studio. A white silver pheasant’s feather, delicately patterned and edged in silver, landed on the mossy ground like a natural design sketch. This moment sparked the concept of a structure that could echo the lightness, grace, and poetic presence of the bird itself.

 

The southern end of the pavilion grounds itself with a tea bar and platform, while the eastern tip is supported by only a handful of rods. This subtle shift in structural density creates a sense of suspension, as though the entire frame is caught hovering between sky and forest floor. Clad in silver metallic paint, the steel rods become reactive surfaces for the constantly changing Yunnan sky. Mist tints them in soft blues, sunsets wash them in pinks and purples, and nighttime warmth floods the frame with golden tones, resulting in a feather that never quite looks the same.

the Phoenix Feather Tea Pavilion emerges like a silver plume resting gently in the trees

 

 

Phoenix Feather Tea Pavilion mirrors mist and light

 

Carefully positioned among ancient trees, Kong Xiangwei Studio’s Phoenix Feather Tea Pavilion avoids disturbing its surroundings. The presence of the structure is restrained, composed of a curved steel canopy that slices the sky into a grid of linear apertures, intensifying the experience of looking up, while an end table on the west opens toward dense rainforest, framing the wilderness.

 

Inside the open-air structure, birdwatchers sit in contemplative silence, gazing outward while also becoming part of the forest’s ongoing rhythms. The architecture itself becomes both frame and participant – intertwined with mist, birdsong, dappled light, and rustling branches. In this shared act of seeing, boundaries dissolve between observer and observed.

 

More than a scenic rest stop, the Phoenix Feather Tea Pavilion becomes a spiritual threshold, one that honors a millennia-old bird sanctuary. Hovering like a feather caught mid-fall, it invites quiet communion with nature through lightness.

the structure perches within a 1,300-acre tea-tourism sanctuary in Bixi Township

echoing the lightness, grace, and poetic presence

Kong Xiangwei Studio translates the delicate form of the feather into a forest pavilion for birdwatching and reflection

the southern end of the pavilion grounds itself with a tea bar and platform

the eastern tip is supported by only a handful of rods

the shift in structural density creates a sense of suspension

the entire frame is caught hovering between sky and forest floor 

the steel rods become reactive surfaces for the constantly changing Yunnan sky

nighttime warmth floods the frame with golden tones

the project avoids disturbing its surroundings

Phoenix Feather Tea Pavilion’s structure is restrained

 

project info:

 

name: Phoenix Feather Tea Pavilion 

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

 

design team: Kong Xiangwei, Cui Jun, Gao Zhuojian
photographers: Archi-translator Photography, Kong Xiangwei Studio

The post tea pavilion by kong xiangwei studio floats like a silver feather in chinese rainforest appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Jun
13

By

crab-shell dwelling by espacio 18 steps down the oaxacan cliffs in mexico

Category: Design Boom

Casa Tobi embraces primitive architectural gestures in oaxaca

 

Mexican architcture studio Espacio 18 unveils Casa Tobi, a residential project nestled on a steep coastal slope near Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. The house descends westward in staggered levels, framing expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and capturing the region’s sunsets. Drawing inspiration from Sou Fujimoto’s writings on the evolution of architecture through primitive spatial principles, the project reimagines traditional forms through a contemporary lens. Its structure and materials — earth-toned concrete and stone — evoke the shell of a crab emerging from the rocks, at once blending into the arid landscape and expressing a tactile presence.

all images by César Bejar

 

 

Espacio 18 crafts sensory sequence of space and form

 

Espacio 18 organizes the home around a rhythmic play of compression and expansion. Upon entering at the upper level, visitors are greeted by a terrace and reflecting pool that mirrors the surrounding jungle and sky. From here, a narrow, shaded walkway guides the descent — its proportions intentionally tight, echoing the feeling of a cave — until it opens into a double-height living space. In this central zone, the architects have arranged a study, kitchen, dining area, lounge, pool, and fire pit, all oriented to maximize views and natural ventilation. The Oaxaca-based architecture studio’s  design favors both communal living and adaptability, allowing the home to respond to shifting uses over time.

 

Following the site’s natural contours, Casa Tobi steps gradually down the slope, integrating into the terrain while providing layered views at every level. The lower floor houses the bedrooms, where treetop canopies offer privacy and a close relationship with the surrounding vegetation. Materials are chosen to reinforce this connection: the reddish tones of the walls recall the colors of the setting sun, while water features—positioned throughout the property—cool the air and echo the geological formations of Hierve el Agua. The design prioritizes environmental responsiveness, grounding the home in its coastal setting.

 

  

 

 

project info: 

 

name: Casa Tobi | @casatobi
architects: Espacio 18 | @espacio18
architect in charge: Espacio 18 Arquitectura, Karina Flores, Jesús Piña
team: Mario Ávila, Carla Osorio, Jesús Pïña, Karina Flores, Noemie Coquil, Leslie Tamayo, Paola Alavez, Sonia Morales
location: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
area: 255 sqm
photography: César Bejar | @cesarbejarstudio

The post crab-shell dwelling by espacio 18 steps down the oaxacan cliffs in mexico appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Jun
13

By

Better Take Extra Care of Your Nintendo Switch 2 Based on iFixit Teardown

Category: YankoDesign

After years of speculation and a few tense months packed with tariff twists, the Nintendo Switch 2 has finally made its debut. In almost every way, Nintendo’s latest console is a true step up, delivering improved hardware, sleek new features, and a design that feels refreshingly modern. But if you were hoping Nintendo would finally come around to the idea of letting gamers fix their own machines, iFixit’s teardown has some sobering news.

Gaming consoles have always been a bit of a locked garden, but Nintendo’s stance on repairability is almost legendary. Mods, third-party repairs, and even basic battery swaps have all been met with stubborn resistance. iFixit’s latest investigation makes it clear that, despite all the impressive progress in performance and build, Nintendo hasn’t budged on this front. With Switch 2s flying off shelves and restocks still tough to find, you might want to treat yours with more care than ever if you want to avoid the headache of repairs, or worse, the heartbreak of having to buy a new one.

Designer: Nintendo (via iFixit)

In the Wild West of handheld gaming, there are no hard rules for how these pocket-sized powerhouses are put together. Every brand seems to chart its own course, and Nintendo is no exception. The inside of the Switch 2 is a fortress of glued and soldered parts, designed to keep out all but the most determined tinkerers. Even components that are notorious for wearing out, like USB ports and batteries, are locked down tight. If you thought the dock would be simple, think again, it is a complex puzzle of screws and plastic that offers little comfort to those hoping for easy fixes.

One hot topic for hardcore players is the Joy-Con sticks. Despite years of complaints about stick drift, Nintendo stuck with the same old technology. There is still a chance that some magic behind the scenes will make the problem go away, but without Hall Effect sticks, it is hard not to worry that history will repeat itself.

Still, it is not all doom and gloom. Some parts, like the fan and the headphone jack, are modular and easier to swap out. There is also plenty of metal reinforcing the chassis, giving the Switch 2 a sturdier feel than the featherweight plastic of its predecessor. But with a repairability score of just 3 out of 10, iFixit’s verdict is clear: handle your new gaming sidekick with care, because getting it fixed won’t be easy.

The post Better Take Extra Care of Your Nintendo Switch 2 Based on iFixit Teardown first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jun
13

By

undulating aluminum curtain facade drapes over ain shams university theater in egypt

Category: Design Boom

Elmaghraby Design House revives Ain Shams University’s hall

 

Elmaghraby Design House, in collaboration with Professor Dr. Gamal El-Kholy, takes over the rehabilitation of a disused lecture hall at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. The project has resulted in a significant addition to the campus, a multi-functional theater that introduces a new architectural identity through adaptive reuse. The architecture demonstrates a sustainable approach by reactivating an existing structure rather than initiating new construction, aligning with broader goals of resource efficiency and architectural preservation.

 

At the center of the design concept is the metaphor of the theater curtain, which informs both the programmatic transition and the architectural expression. The new facade, composed of a transparent glass curtain wall system and a series of parametric aluminum louvers, embodies this idea. The louvers, configured to respond dynamically to light and perspective, modulate transparency and shadow, giving the building a variable presence depending on time and viewpoint. This facade system also provides environmental performance by offering solar shading while maintaining visual openness. The glass curtain wall establishes visual continuity with the campus environment, reflecting adjacent structures and reinforcing contextual integration. Simultaneously, the parametric aluminum elements introduce a contemporary architectural language that distinguishes the theater from its more conventional surroundings.

Contextual view blending new and existing elements.

 

 

Ain Shams University Theater stands as the campus landmark

 

Internally, Elmaghraby Design House’s architectural team reorganizes the program to support dual academic and cultural functions. A fully equipped theater with a 550-seat capacity has been introduced, designed to accommodate a wide range of performances and events. In addition, two-tiered lecture halls, with a combined capacity of 1,200 students, extend the building’s usability for educational purposes. This hybrid configuration enables the structure to serve as both a learning environment and a cultural venue, fostering interdisciplinary interaction and community engagement.

 

By retaining the original structure and reimagining its function, the project minimizes material waste and conserves embedded energy. The intervention reinforces the role of architecture in evolving institutional identity, where form, function, and context are reassessed to meet contemporary needs. The Ain Shams University Theater now stands as a campus landmark, articulating a renewed commitment to cultural expression, academic versatility, and sustainable transformation through architectural design.

Detail of parametric louvers casting rhythmic shadows.

Main entrance framed by dynamic aluminum fins.

Elevation reflecting the new architectural identity.

Evening view—facade opens like a stage curtain.

Interior theater space.

Close-up of louvers revealing layered depth and texture.

Revitalized landscape creating vibrant campus edges.

Louver detail contrasting with soft landscape elements.

Vertical louvers animate the facade with movement.

Glass reflects surrounding buildings—old meets new.

Original building before rehabilitation

 

 

project info:

 

name: Ain Shams University Theater Rehabilitation
architects: Elmaghraby Design House | @designed.by.elmaghraby

lead architect: Ahmed El-Maghraby

collaborator: Prof. Dr. Gamal El-Kholy

client: Ain Shams Government
location: Cairo, Egypt

 

 

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 undulating aluminum curtain facade drapes over ain shams university theater in egypt appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Jun
13

By

zaha hadid and woods bagot shape sydney airport terminal with undulating timber modules

Category: Design Boom

australia’s first major airport in over 50 years

 

The Western Sydney International Airport terminal has reached completion, marking Australia’s first new major airport in over half a century. Located in Badgerys Creek, the terminal is conceived as both a transport hub and civic landmark — an architectural statement grounded in place and shaped for the future of aviation.

 

First proposed by COX Architecture and Zaha Hadid Architects through a 2019 design competition, the project has since been carried forward by a collaborative team including Woods Bagot and builder Multiplex. The resulting terminal is a culmination of technical precision, spatial generosity, and cultural responsiveness, tailored to the evolving needs of Western Sydney.

 

‘This is a rare opportunity to define the next generation of airport design,’ says Cristiano Ceccato of Zaha Hadid Architects. ‘It’s a terminal that expresses both international ambition and a strong sense of place.’

images © Brett Boardman, Trevor Mein

 

 

a rhythmic design by zaha hadid, woods bagot & cox

 

Designing the expansive roofline of the Sydney Airport terminal, Zaha Hadid Architects, Woods Bagot, and COX take cues from the low-lying Cumberland Plain, echoing the contours of the land. Its ceiling, composed of sculptural, timber-lined modules, captures shifting daylight throughout the day. The filtered light creates a rhythm of brightness and shadow, offering both orientation and calm across the large volume of the departure hall.

 

Glass curtain walls along the perimeter draw in the landscape and provide views outward, ensuring a continuous connection between interior and environment. These gestures help shape a civic-scale structure that feels open and grounded, rather than monumental or imposing.

 

Working with construction company Multiplex, COX shaped the terminal as a contemporary expression of place. ‘The way light filters through the terminal shapes how people move, orient and feel,’ David Holm of COX explains. ‘For many, this space marks their first encounter with Australia, and we wanted that experience to feel unmistakably grounded in place.’

the Western Sydney International Airport terminal is Australia’s first major airport in over 50 years

 

 

a sustainable terminal for sydney

 

The roof canopy over the forecourt is configured by Zaha Hadid Architects, COX, and Woods Bagot to offer shelter and shade while guiding movement into the new Sydney Airport terminal. This threshold is conceived with attention to scale and detail, with natural materials and Indigenous design references shaping a quiet sense of welcome.

 

Warm timbers, etched details, and interpretive artworks are integrated throughout, creating an environment that honors the region’s heritage without relying on overt displays. Public consultation with Dharug custodians and First Nations consultant Murrawin informed many of the terminal’s symbolic and spatial elements.

 

This embedded cultural approach complements the terminal’s focus on intuitive, egalitarian movement. Sightlines are clear, signage minimal, and transitions between zones legible without requiring effort. As passengers move through arrivals, departures, and security checkpoints, the building’s architecture does the work of orientation.

its low-slung form and sculptural ceiling draw from the contours and light of the Cumberland Plain

 

 

Led by Woods Bagot, the design and delivery phase prioritized performance and longevity. ‘The ambition was to create a terminal that functions at a global standard while maintaining a distinct local identity,’ Neil Hill of Woods Bagot notes.

 

The architecture supports a modular expansion strategy, allowing for future growth in stages without the need for full redesign. Passive ventilation, water recycling, and energy-efficient systems earned the terminal a five star Green Star rating. From landside approach to baggage handling, every aspect was calibrated to optimize throughput and passenger comfort.

 

As Western Sydney International Airport prepares for its first flights, the terminal stands ready to support 24-hour international and domestic operations. Beyond its technical and environmental credentials, the project offers a new civic identity for one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.

filtered daylight animates the terminal’s interior and guides passenger orientation

large glass walls maintain a visual connection to the surrounding landscape

the terminal favors intuitive navigation with open sightlines and understated signage

a modular layout and 5-star Green Star rating reflect long-term flexibility and environmental priorities

the terminal brings a civic-scaled space that blends global functionality with local cultural identity

 

project info:

 

name: Western Sydney International Airport

architect: Zaha Hadid Architects, Woods Bagot, COX

location: Sydney, Australia

construction: Multiplex

photography: © Brett Boardman, Trevor Mein 

The post zaha hadid and woods bagot shape sydney airport terminal with undulating timber modules appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Jun
13

By

ARK architects elevates villa tai on stone podium framing views of mediterranean sea

Category: Design Boom

Villa TAI Integrates Mediterranean and Oriental Design

 

Located in La Reserva, Sotogrande, Spain, Villa TAI by ARK Architects, led by architect Manuel Ruiz Moriche, is a residential project that merges Mediterranean and Oriental architectural principles. The villa is conceived as a contemporary residence that responds to the evolving priorities of sustainable living, environmental integration, and well-being.

 

The architectural approach emphasizes balance between spatial openness and material tactility. Positioned on a stone and wood podium, the structure frames panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, enhancing the spatial continuity between interior and exterior. This dialogue is reinforced through the strategic use of natural light and orientation, which ensures illumination throughout the day while maintaining a consistent connection with the surrounding landscape.

all images courtesy of ARK Architects

 

 

ARK Architects Emphasizes Materiality and Context

 

Material choices across the project reflect ARK Architects Studio’s focus on texture and craftsmanship. Natural stone and wood define the palette, supporting a refined design language that prioritizes tactile quality and visual coherence. The spatial layout integrates views of the sea, greenery, and the adjacent golf course, aligning with ARK’s principle of contextual design.

 

Furnishings by Molteni&C are integrated into the project to support the architectural narrative. The living area features the Marteen sofa and side table by Vincent Van Duysen, along with the Cinnamon armchair by Naoto Fukasawa. These pieces contribute to the residence’s emphasis on understated comfort and visual cohesion, aligning with the broader design objectives of efficiency, balance, and longevity. 

Villa TAI is situated in La Reserva, Sotogrande, Spain

the project is designed by ARK Architects under Manuel Ruiz Moriche

Mediterranean and Oriental architectural influences define the villa

the design emphasizes sustainability, spatial balance, and well-being

a dialogue between interior and exterior is established through form and orientation

stone and wood materials integrate the architecture into its environment

strategic use of natural light enhances interior illumination throughout the day

texture and craftsmanship guide the selection of materials and finishes

the spatial layout encourages visual continuity with the surrounding landscape

positioned on a podium, the villa overlooks the Mediterranean Sea

natural stone and wood form a restrained, tactile material palette

Molteni&C furnishings support the architectural concept

 

the design prioritizes understated luxury over decorative excess

 

project info:

 

name: Villa TAI
architects: ARK Architects | @ark.architects

lead architect: Manuel Ruiz

furnishings: Molteni&C | @molteniandc

location: La Reserva, Sotogrande, Spain

 

 

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 ARK architects elevates villa tai on stone podium framing views of mediterranean sea appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Jun
13

By

JSAUX’s $359 Triple-Screen Setup Turns Your Laptop into the Ultimate Command Center

Category: YankoDesign

The modern desk setup has become a shape-shifting, cross-platform hybrid jungle. You could be dialing into a Zoom call from your kitchen one hour, then editing a podcast in a café, or debugging code in a coworking space the next. Laptops give us that freedom. But they also rob us of screen real estate. That’s the pain point JSAUX is betting on with the FlipGo Horizon – a portable tri-screen rig that turns your laptop into a Swiss Army Knife of displays and hyper-productivity.

In its most compact form, FlipGo Horizon is a tidy slab of aluminum and glass no thicker than a hardcover book. But unfold the Snap Stand, magnetically attach two 15.6-inch panels on either side of your laptop, and you’re suddenly surrounded by a panoramic digital workspace. The system pivots between work and play, creator and coder, remote warrior and weekend traveler… and with a $359 starting price tag that sort of feels unbelievable for what it provides.

Designer: JSAUX

Click Here to Buy Now: $359 $459 ($100 off). Hurry, only 358 of 500 units left! Raised over $60,000.

The Snap Stand is where this portability meets structure. The Standard version is the minimalist pick. It’s a passive stand that simply holds the screens in position and routes video from your laptop through two separate cables. There’s no hub built in, so you’ll need dual USB-C video outputs (or Mini HDMI plus USB-C for power) to make it work. macOS, Windows, and Linux users are all supported, but only if your machine can deliver dual external video signals. That rules out most base MacBooks or Windows machines with limited output bandwidth.

The Snap Stand Pro, on the other hand, acts like the brains of the operation. It’s not just a bracket. It has a built-in hub with two USB-C Gen2 10 Gbps ports for display input, three USB 3.1 ports for peripherals, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, and dual USB-C PD inputs that can either power the system or reverse charge your laptop. In plain terms: with the Pro, your laptop can run all three screens, stay charged, and connect to hard drives or wired internet, all through a single USB-C cable, assuming your device supports it. This version skips Linux support for now, but runs smoothly on all M-Series Macs and modern Windows laptops with USB-C DP Alt Mode.

The screens themselves are 15.6-inch IPS panels with a resolution of 1920×1080, 300 nits brightness, and 100% sRGB color gamut. They’re not retina-grade, nor are they HDR, but they are purpose-built for productivity. The screens have two USB-C ports and a Mini HDMI input, which gives you flexibility depending on your laptop’s video out situation. They’re 12mm thick – perfectly portable with most roomy laptop bags. And they support reverse charging, so if needed, they can send power back to your laptop.

But the FlipGo Horizon ecosystem goes well beyond screens on hinges. Its different operating modes are tailored to specific types of users… and if you’ve ever tried juggling spreadsheets, a Zoom call, and an email inbox on a single screen, you’ll immediately understand the appeal.

Horizon Mode is the headline act. With all three displays mounted, you get a panoramic workflow: maybe Slack on the left, Premiere Pro in the middle, and reference visuals on the right. It’s especially potent for editors, engineers, or financial analysts who constantly swap between windows. You can also rotate the side panels into vertical mode for coding or document work. This transforms your workspace from a screen-limited laptop into a control center that travels with you.

Stack Mode is simpler but just as clever. It lets you mount one screen vertically above the other – a godsend for developers reading logs, writers referencing outlines, or data workers working through tall spreadsheets. It eliminates tab switching and adds that second layer of context above your main screen.

Solo Mode is perfect for travelers or hybrid workers. Attach just one Snap Screen and use it as a second display on a flight, in a hotel, or at a coffee shop. No awkward dual-monitor arms or need for a power outlet, as long as your laptop’s USB-C port delivers enough juice.

Then there’s the SnapMag ecosystem – magnets along the Snap Stand that let you attach accessories like an iPhone, an iPad, a webcam light, or even a future custom module. This transforms FlipGo from a display rig into a personalized workstation platform. Creators can mount a reference iPad on one side and a ring light on the other. Business users can snap their phone for hands-free calls.

To be clear, there are limitations, albeit minor ones. These are still 60 Hz displays with 300 nits brightness. In bright sunlight or for color-critical work, they may not suffice. And even with the Pro stand, there’s no internal battery, so you’ll need wall power to keep things running for long. But within those bounds, FlipGo Horizon delivers a level of flexibility and elegance that’s rare in multi-monitor setups.

The real genius is in the modularity. You don’t have to use all three screens every time. You can travel light with one panel, go full Horizon at your desk, or stack two vertically depending on your task. It morphs with your workflow rather than forcing you into rigid configurations. And all of it folds up into a package that fits in your backpack, slots neatly beside your laptop, and doesn’t require a degree in cable management to set up. Quite impressive for something that doubles your laptop’s displays for half the price of a laptop.

Click Here to Buy Now: $359 $459 ($100 off). Hurry, only 358 of 500 units left! Raised over $60,000.

The post JSAUX’s $359 Triple-Screen Setup Turns Your Laptop into the Ultimate Command Center first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jun
13

By

holder objects reintroduces iconic argentinian plaka chair by ricardo blanco

Category: Design Boom

Revisiting a Latin American Classic: Plaka Chair by Ricardo Blanco

 

Originally designed in 1972 by Argentine designer Ricardo Blanco, the Plaka Chair, or Silla Plaka, is a folding chair developed with a strong emphasis on functionality and compactness. The chair was conceived to fold into an extremely slim profile, optimizing it for portability and storage. Its form also allows it to be hung on a wall, emphasizing its graphic and sculptural qualities beyond mere utility.

 

The Plaka Chair is recognized as a significant piece in the history of Argentine design. It is held in the permanent collections of both the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), reflecting its historical and design relevance. Ricardo Blanco’s Plaka Chair has been reedited by Holder Objects, an editorial platform, design store, and gallery dedicated to contemporary and collectible Latin American design. 

all images by Najtlix Studio

 

 

Plaka Chair joins Holder Objects’ curated selection of furniture

 

Founded by designer Trinidad Davanzo and architect Camilo Palma, Holder Objects platform presents a curated selection of furniture and art-led objects that explore connections between design, geography, and cultural identity within the region. Holder’s approach includes research-based curatorial work focused on uncovering historically important but lesser-known works, an effort referred to as ‘design archaeology.’ This methodology aims to preserve and reintroduce Latin American design heritage to a wider audience, especially in Europe, fostering cultural dialogue and collaboration.

 

The Plaka Chair joins Holder’s growing catalog, which also includes pieces such as the Puzzle Chair (1975) by Chilean designer Juan Baixas, another design held in the MoMA collection, alongside works from a range of contemporary Latin American designers. Holder Objects is set to give a talk at 3daysofdesign 2025, representing Latin American design.

the Plaka Chair, designed by Ricardo Blanco in 1972, emphasizes functionality and compactness

a folding chair reduced to its most minimal profile

clean geometry and foldable structure define its visual character

Holder’s reedition brings renewed attention to Ricardo Blanco’s design

designed for portability, stored like artwork

a landmark of 20th-century Argentine design

a folding chair that functions as both seat and statement

the Plaka Chair reflects a considered approach to material use and movement

fabrication

fabrication

fabrication

fabrication

sketches

 

project info:

 

name: Silla Plaka – Plaka Chair (Slab Chair)
designer: Ricardo Blanco

furniture company: Holder Objects | @holder.objects

 

photographer & videographer: Najt Lix Studio

concept & research: Najt Lix Studio | @najtlixstudio

director: Matías Lix | @lix_klett

original music: Camilo Palma | @ap_ducal

special thanks: Ana Scotto, Roberto Busnelli, Guillermo Ferrari, Pablo Diez, Fundación Ida | @fundacionida, Estudio Ovalle | @estudioovalle

 

 

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 holder objects reintroduces iconic argentinian plaka chair by ricardo blanco appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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