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World’s First 200W GaN Extension Box Turns Your Workspace Into A Minimalist Clutter-Free Paradise

About a year and a half ago, I bought my first-ever GaN adapter. Having to constantly travel around with my bulky laptop charger became a hassle, and I just decided to ditch it for a 160W GaN brick that could charge my laptop, phone, tablet, and power bank all at once. Seemed bizarre at the time, but in the past year, I’ve become an absolute fan of GaN, and just personally invested in seeing how the technology progresses. Fairly advanced even by today’s standards, my 160W GaN charger gets left in the dust thanks to the MUITAVY, a whopping 200W GaN charging box that even packs its own USB-C cables, so you really don’t need anything else on your desk apart from this beast.

The MUITAVY combines adapters, cables, and extension boxes into one singular solution. In doing so, it takes that cluttered desk of yours and replaces all those objects, peripherals, and wires with one simple grey cuboid. Sitting on your desk like the minimal gadget it is, the MUITAVY handles all the power requirements of your workspace tech. Plug it into an outlet and you have 200W of power at your fingertips. Retractable cables sit inside the MUITAVY, accessible by simply magnetically disengaging them and pulling the cable out. Plug your laptop, phone, tablet, Nintendo Switch, DSLR, or any device in, and the MUITAVY automatically charges them at high capacity. No looking for empty sockets in your extension box, or wading through a sea of cables on your desk. Once you’ve charged a device, unplug it and the cable retracts right back into the MUITAVY, keeping your desk pristine.

Designer: MUITAVY

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $159 (44% off). Hurry, only 140/400 left! Raised over $77,000.

If you’ve read this far and you’re asking “What is GaN?”, let me just break it down for you. Remember the bulky, ugly charger that comes with your laptop? The reason it’s so big is because it has a silicon chipset. Silicon’s been the industry standard for a while now, but truth be told, it’s not too efficient. A lot of the energy traveling through the chip gets lost in the form of heat generated (that’s why your laptop charger or phone charger can get warm after hours of use). GaN, or Gallium Nitride, is an alternative to silicone. It’s ruthlessly efficient in comparison, resulting in a smaller chipset handling higher power requirements with minimal energy loss. The result? A device as compact as the MUITAVY that can process an output of 200W without being a clunky, massive device.

The MUITAVY’s cuboid form holds everything it needs. The actual electronics inside the box are fairly small (thanks to GaN III technology), and a good chunk of the MUITAVY’s inner space is for storing those retractable cables. It all makes sense when you look at the fact that this box is all you need on your desk. You don’t require a single plug, socket, or cable more than what the MUITAVY gives you.

You start by plugging the MUITAVY into a wall. It comes with a variety of input cables depending on the country you live in (and the socket design). Once the MUITAVY’s up and running, you can simply tug on any of its USB-C cables to charge your gadgets. There are 3 USB-C cables built in, and 1 USB-A port just in case you want to plug any extra device in, like an Apple Watch charger or a wireless pad for your AirPods or smartphone. There’s even a Lightning adapter attached to the box that you can unplug in case you want to charge an older iPhone or older AirPods. Or heck, if you want to juice your old Magic Mouse or Keyboard.

The MUITAVY lets you charge as many as 4 devices together, while its microchip automatically adjusts power requirements to each device. That means the laptop gets its 100W of power to keep it juiced, while your phone gets anywhere upwards of 30W and your AirPods get upwards of 18W. The chipset intuitively knows how much power to divert to each device, ensuring they all get fast-charged together. Meanwhile, the GaN microchip efficiently manages power without losing any energy to heat.

The device measures 5.7″ wide, 2.8″ tall, and 2.8″ deep, featuring three retractable USB-C cables that go up to 80cm or 31.4 inches in length. The cables auto-retract, with the ports snapping magnetically to the MUITAVY’s body, keeping your desk clean so that you’re not left with cable-spaghetti on your workspace after you unplug your gadgets. Ultimately, that’s the MUITAVY’s goal – minimalism. Sure, the 200W power output is amazing (even by modern-day standards), but the fact that everything your desk needs exists within this mysterious grey cube is nothing short of remarkable. And that even after a long day, the MUITAVY automatically sucks all its cables in, giving you a clean desk… and a clean mind.

The 200W MUITAVY starts at a discounted $89 (that’s cheaper than my 160W GaN charger), comes with a 1-year warranty, and ships globally.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $159 (44% off). Hurry, only 140/400 left! Raised over $77,000.

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Quirky MS Paint make-up kit totally plays on the idea of a color ‘palette’

From the mind of the ever-creative David Delahunty, this MS Paint make-up kit is ridiculous in all the right ways. It comes with a canvas that also functions as a mirror, a literal paintbrush, and a few paint swatches that let you brush away on your skin, looking like your best self for a night out.

The MS Paint make-up kit, although entirely conceptual, would be perfect for graphic designers! It’s quirky yet functional, and translates one of the most iconic interfaces of our time into a regular daily object in a way that’s brilliantly tongue-in-cheek. This is absolutely the kind of quirky craziness you could expect from Delahunty, given that he’s also given us gems like this Apple beach-ball-themed Wilson tennis ball.

Designer: David Delahunty

Now I’m no make-up enthusiast, so every bit of appreciation from me is purely for Delahunty’s creativity. The makeup kit comes with a lid featuring a mirror, as well as as a faux toolbar, menu bar, and even those Windows 95-style minimize, maximize, and close program buttons. The words ‘untitled – Paint’ on the top left are a signature part of every new project, and feel like a nice homage here.

Move down, however, and you’ve got the actual makeup shades, including 8 light skin-colored swatches, an applicator brush, and a few other fake swatches that look like the default colors you’d see on the bottom of the program. They’re there just as an illusion, obviously, but it would probably be fun if you could use those too, maybe for highlights or as an eyeliner.

The MS Paint make-up kit is obviously not real, but I really wish it were, because I know at least 20 designers who would absolutely LOVE to own something as beautifully quirky as this. If you’re reading this, Delahunty, take it as a sign to make a limited set now and watch as the money flows in… before Temu or AliExpress beat you to the punch.

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Lenovo’s $69 Digicam with 4K Video and a Built-in Ring Light is Perfect for Vlogging and Podcasting

Some products feel like a throwback to a different era – like flipping open a clamshell phone or spinning the wheel on an iPod. The Lenovo C55 carries that same energy, but instead of nostalgia for the sake of it, it feels like a camera that quietly rebels against smartphone monoculture. At under $70, the C55 isn’t chasing influencers or trying to outshoot DSLRs. It’s a functional, quirky little box built with one thing in mind: making video content easier and more fun for everyday users.

It’s a compact digital camera with a clean, retro-adjacent shell – white, glossy, and unapologetically plasticky. The proportions are charmingly utilitarian: 112 mm wide, 71.5 mm tall, and 34.5 mm thick. It weighs just 190 grams, light enough to carry in a jacket pocket but substantial enough to hold steady. The 2.8-inch LCD screen on the back is basic, but serviceable, and the physical rotary control dial feels refreshingly tactile in a world of greasy touchscreen menus.

Designer: Lenovo

The main lens houses the headline feature – a 64-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor tucked behind an 18x digital zoom. Sure, it’s not an optical zoom, and you won’t be getting National Geographic detail at max range, but for framing shots at varying distances, it’s good enough. Where things get interesting is video: the C55 shoots 4K – highly impressive for a sub-$100 camera. It’s compressed, yes, but the results are perfectly usable for YouTube uploads, social media clips, or just documenting daily life without worrying about focus breathing or battery-hogging apps.

Around the lens is something that actually sets the C55 apart: two ring-shaped LED lights that act as a built-in softbox. It’s a small touch with a big payoff. Whether you’re filming at night, shooting a close-up of your dinner, or taking a quick selfie indoors, the lighting feels soft and even. It’s not harsh or overblown like phone flashes. It’s flattering in that subtle, low-budget studio way that vlogging setups often try to imitate with external gear.

Lenovo also added a few smart features that punch above the price. Electronic image stabilization helps with handheld shots, giving your clips a little more polish even when you’re walking and recording. The camera includes standard modes like time-lapse, slow motion, loop recording, burst shots, and even special effects. It won’t replace an editor’s toolkit, but it gives beginners a playground of options.

Battery life tops out around 80 minutes of continuous video or 120 minutes of stills. It charges over USB-C and accepts TF cards up to 128GB, which is key for longer shoots or travel use. You also get a wrist strap and carrying pouch in the box – small conveniences that make it easier to treat this camera like an everyday companion rather than an occasional-use gadget. And with its $69 (nice) price tag, it feels like a bit of a no-brainer purchase. Sadly, the C55 is limited to a China-only launch.

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This DIY Minecraft Controller Looks Like It Was Crafted In-Game

I’ll come clean – I’m not a Minecraft guy, but I do love myself some gaming accessories, and this one from Roberto Del Gesso just gets me beaming even though I’m not invested in the Minecraft franchise. Dubbed the KreepBoard, it’s a Minecraft-specific macro pad that enhances your gameplay by allowing you to quickly access in-game controls and functions in a way that feels more intuitive.

Every game we play has the same common interactions. It’ll have movement, selection, and a few action keys. But still, the controls for Forza are very different from the controls for, say, Fortnite. The KreepBoard builds on that slight difference by being specifically tailored to the needs of Minecraft players. Movement keys allow movement (obviously), but there are a few other keys that make gameplay more intuitive and controllable.

Designer: Roberto Del Gesso

Since the Minecraft game is all about building, the macro-pad has a very DIY-ish design that ties well into the franchise’s pixel-like aesthetic. The macro-pad features 9 keys, one rotary wheel, and one slider. Four of those 9 keys are for movement, while the others are for in-game functions like inventory, picking up or dropping blocks, and a slightly raised button that I assume might be for attacking. A wheel, visible on the bottom edge of the macro-pad, lets you quickly scroll through inventory items, while a slider on the top lets you intuitively select quantities from your inventory.

For Roberto, it was all about just easing the gameplay process by making a few Minecraft-specific controls. For example, you necessarily wouldn’t need a slider in Fortnite, even though it’s also a sort of online sandbox-type game. That being said, a macro-pad can easily be tweaked to work with pretty much any game or program. I, for one, wouldn’t mind a slider in Photoshop.

The KreepBoard’s conceptual, but it builds on the need for third-party controllers that are specific to certain programs. For instance, I also loved this Twitch macro-pad for streamers, and this GoogleBoomer macro-pad for boomers who use Google Meet and accidentally turn their camera or mic off without realizing.

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Sculptural Brazilian Buffet Table Inspired by Wind-Carved Dunes Doubles As A Wine-Bar

The Genipabu Sideboard is a poetic interpretation of nature, born from the sweeping dunes of Genipabu in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Famous for their ever-shifting shapes carved by the wind, the Genipabu Dunes offer a mesmerizing landscape of flowing forms and rhythmic patterns. This piece of furniture captures that beauty and movement, transforming it into a sculptural and functional object for the home.

At first glance, the sideboard’s most striking feature is its flowing silhouette. The gentle curves that define its surface mimic the natural erosion of wind on sand, forming textures that feel both organic and intentional. These sinuous lines are not just decorative—they shape the entire identity of the piece, inviting touch and admiration. The door handles, seamlessly sculpted into the body of the furniture, continue this theme. Their design mimics the smooth, wind-shaped hollows of the dunes, creating a sense of unity between form and function.

Designer: Estudio Galho

A particularly innovative element of the Genipabu Sideboard is its integrated wine storage. Set within a rhythmic triangular structure, the wine rack subtly echoes the dune’s natural peaks and valleys. This detail not only serves a practical purpose but also deepens the visual storytelling of the piece. By incorporating storage into the design’s aesthetic language, the sideboard maintains its sculptural presence without sacrificing usability.

The project was developed between late 2024 and early 2025 as a collaboration between the design studio and Movew, a Brazilian furniture company. It was conceptualized through a series of in-person and remote meetings held in Natal, RN, and João Pessoa, PB, with careful attention paid to local influences and materials.

Crafted with sustainability in mind, the base structure of the sideboard is made from MDF and coated in natural wood veneers, providing strength and texture. The upper wine rack is CNC-machined, allowing for precision in the triangular pattern. Most notably, the external parts of the sideboard are made of certified solid wood, finished with a natural semi-gloss carnauba wax. Derived from the Carnaúba palm, this wax is a renewable resource, offering a durable, elegant finish that is both tactile and environmentally friendly.

With dimensions of 2100 x 500 x 680 mm, the Genipabu Sideboard makes a bold yet graceful statement. It is large enough to serve as a functional storage piece while maintaining a sense of lightness through its sculptural form.

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colored louvers wrap around los angeles elementary school’s curved exterior by JFAK

curved geometries shape Wonderland Elementary School by JFAK

 

John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects (JFAK) takes over the design of the Wonderland Elementary School in Los Angeles. The new kindergarten addition consists of two new classrooms, support spaces, and outdoor learning areas, designed for an existing hillside public school. The project incorporates a sculptural building form intended to facilitate early childhood learning through spatial variety and environmental engagement.

 

The structure presents a restrained profile to the adjacent residential context. Around its exterior, a series of colored louvers provides shading and visual articulation. Facing the interior of the school campus, the building form transitions into curved geometries that introduce spatial dynamism. A large roof overhang extends outward to offer protection from sun and rain, establishing a semi-sheltered outdoor zone that supports informal gathering and extended learning activities.

all images by Benny Chan/Fotoworks

 

 

large skylights bring natural light to the school’s interior

 

Studio’s John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects (JFAK) design follows principles of environmental sustainability and meets Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) Verification standards. The classrooms are oriented to optimize natural daylight and include controlled views toward the campus, surrounding neighborhoods, and nearby wooded areas. Ceiling sections remain partially open, allowing visibility into the mechanical and structural systems to support educational curiosity.

 

Top-lighting strategies include the use of large skylights and solar tubes to minimize reliance on artificial lighting and enhance interior daylight quality. Additional features include custom-designed storage units, integrated reading areas, and low-height seating beneath the extended roof edge, scaled appropriately for early learners. A central roof aperture equipped with colored polycarbonate fins introduces filtered light that shifts with the sun’s position, producing varied color effects throughout the day. The project integrates architectural expression, environmental performance, and educational function in a cohesive design tailored for early childhood learning environments.

Wonderland Elementary School is located in Los Angeles, California

the large sweeping roof overhang provides shade from the sun and shelter from rain

the mass of the building gives way to playful swoops facing the campus interior

colorful louvers wrap around the school’s exterior facade

colored polycarbonate fins above a large roof opening create transitory rainbows of colored sunlight

the structure presents a restrained profile to the adjacent residential context

the project also adds a learning garden to the elementary school

the project creates playful, inspiring, sustainable learning spaces that connect to nature and strengthen community

large skylights and solar tubes minimize reliance on artificial lighting and enhance interior daylight quality

custom colorful storage cubbies are designed with young learners in mind

 

project info:

 

name: Wonderland Elementary School Kindergarten Classroom Building and Learning Garden

architects: John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects (JFAK)

location: Los Angeles, California, United States

 

client: Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

general contractor: Geronimo Concrete, Inc.

principals-in-charge: Alice Kimm, John Friedman

project manager: Lauren Rath

design team: Jin Hong Kim, Lolade Frankel

structural engineer: Nabih Youssef & Associates (NYA)

civil engineer: VCA

MEP engineer: MEDG

landscape architect: Office of the Designed Landscape (OotDL)

acoustics: Waveguide

specifications: Yagade Consulting, Inc.

cost estimation: MGAC

commissioning: Alliance Project

photographer: Benny Chan/Fotoworks | @benny_chan_photographer

 

 

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

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This Wild Nintendo Switch Concept Turns Modular Gaming Into Sci-Fi Fantasy

Gamers everywhere know the thrill of the Nintendo Switch—its blend of portability and modular play is the stuff of legends. But as rumors swirl around the next generation of the console, some fans have quietly wished Nintendo would take bigger risks. The current design is familiar and beloved, but what if the Switch took a wild leap into uncharted territory? That’s the question behind an eye-catching new concept design that feels like the Switch from an alternate universe.

Forget the boundaries and practicalities of actual production; this modular handheld concept, dubbed the ISEKAI Deck_01, envisions a gaming device with no limits on imagination. The fun starts with visuals: bold lines, bright colors, and a sense of experimentation make it look like something plucked from a sci-fi anime. The modular approach is front and center, inviting players to tinker, tweak, and make the system their own.

Designer: Braz de Pina

The most striking departure from the original Switch is the radical rethinking of detachable controllers. Instead of the flat, rectangular slabs we’re used to, this concept gives us chunky, cylindrical controllers that are almost reminiscent of futuristic batons. These round grips could offer a more natural feel when held, especially if you’re playing for extended periods, although their layout does demand some rethinking of traditional button placement.

A clever twist happens with the screen, literally. In this design, the console’s display isn’t fixed in place but can be rotated and tilted even when the controllers are still snapped on. This could open up a new world of ergonomic play, letting you find the perfect viewing angle for handheld sessions or desk play. Such a feature would require a total overhaul of the way controllers attach and communicate with the device, but that’s the beauty of a “no rules” concept.

Of course, experimenting with form can come with trade-offs. The cylindrical controllers, while comfy to grip, lose the dual-functionality magic of the Switch’s Joy-Cons. You might find them a bit unwieldy if you want to share them for multiplayer, as holding them sideways isn’t as smooth or natural. But as a reimagining, the ISEKAI Deck_01 dares to ask: what if modular gaming were about comfort, bold shapes, and physical playfulness before anything else?

This concept may never make it to shelves, but it’s a joyful reminder that gaming hardware can still surprise us. For those who daydream about the future of play, the ISEKAI Deck_01 is proof that the Switch spirit can be bent, twisted, and reimagined in dazzling new ways. If you’ve ever wanted to see what happens when you throw the rulebook away, this alternate reality console delivers the eye candy and inspiration to keep you guessing what might come next.

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the 1978 leyland MINI shorty is a playful study in automotive form

a study in subtraction

 

The iconic and already compact 1978 MINI has been cut down even further to create this Shorty, a version that reads more like a design study than a conventional car. Small, roofless, and sharply reduced, it’s been edited with clear intent. Rather than a novelty, it comes across as a reconsideration of the MINI’s proportions and presence. While the result is a visual anomaly, its compressed volume feels precise. What’s missing is just as carefully chosen as what remains.

 

The Shorty reads like a study in subtraction. The classic MINI’s body, already tight and economical, is pulled inward until there’s barely more than a central mass to speak of. However, nothing about it feels messy. The cuts are clean. The stance is measured. The revised silhouette sits squarely on its Minilite-style wheels.

images courtesy Car and Classic

 

 

reimagining an iconic 1978 Leyland MINI

 

Since acquiring the 1978 Leyland MINI Shorty a year ago, the car’s current owner has brought it back into view through a series of careful updates before listing it for sale (find the listing here). These include reupholstered seats, new carpets, fresh tires, and a full suite of replacement chrome, from the grille to the bumpers. The paintwork is solid, with a clean gloss that highlights the body’s altered geometry. Of course, these interventions don’t try to restore the car to its original 1978 state. Rather, they reflect its current identity, shaped by modification and intent.

 

The car was originally built twelve years ago before it was left stored in a barn for a decade. It carries evidence of both activity and long stillness. At just over 50,000 miles, it suggests a life that’s been interrupted and resumed. Mechanically, it retains its period-correct transverse inline-four engine and manual gearbox. The seller notes it drives well, though some minor adjustments, like a new handbrake cable, may be needed.

this 1978 Leyland MINI Shorty is listed for sale

 

 

the shorty: More Than a Novelty

 

While the proportions are clearly unconventional, the design doesn’t aim for novelty alone. It reads as a reductionist exercise, asking how far can the core idea of the MINI be pushed without collapsing its function? In this case, that balance is preserved. The Shorty still works as a car, but with an added layer of clarity. Its utility has been distilled to something near-essential.

 

As it stands now, the car feels like a sculptural object with road presence rather than a historic collectible. That doesn’t mean it sacrifices usability. The updates suggest it’s ready to be driven, though likely with a different purpose — less about daily use, more about context and contrast. Placed alongside contemporary vehicles, it reveals how much volume and visual excess have crept back into car design.

the car began as a standard MINI before being significantly shortened

its roof has been removed, giving it an open and stripped-down appearance

the current owner has refreshed the car with new upholstery and chrome details

new tires, bumpers, carpet, and battery have also been added

the bodywork remains solid with glossy paint and clean detailing

the original transverse inline four engine and manual gearbox have been retained

 

project info:

 

name: 1978 Leyland Mini ‘Shorty’

listing: Car and Classic

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Parametric Design And a Guide to Creating Adaptable, High-Performance Products with Algorithms

Parametric design is a transformative approach to product development that integrates interconnected parameters to enhance a product’s performance and adaptability. This approach maximizes the relationships between parameters like color, size, and material by defining and adjusting them to improve design results. In contrast to conventional design systems, parametric design encourages creativity by making it possible to create adaptable and dynamic solutions that are suited to changing requirements.

The use of sophisticated algorithms makes it easier to create intricate patterns and structures, changing the way engineers and designers approach architectural, industrial, and urban planning projects. Parametric design is based on systems that are naturally based on parametric principles and are inspired by biological and natural patterns.

The Flip chair, inspired by the natural beauty of wind-blown grass, combines asymmetry and craftsmanship to create a unique seating experience. Designers focused on the “flip” as the central element, allowing the bent wood to flow through gradual transitions, and infusing the piece with vitality. The challenging process of steam-bending thick wood was repeated multiple times, ensuring that each chair is handmade, one-of-a-kind, and exhibits a distinctive form, making it an elegant yet functional addition to any space.

Developed with the support of the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI), the Flip chair seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern parametric design. The result is a chair that not only offers aesthetic appeal but also carries a story of innovation and meticulous workmanship. Its organic texture and thoughtful design make it a statement piece that is ideal for those seeking a functional yet artistic element to complement their home or office decor.

What are the Applications of Parametric Design?

Parametric design enables the creation of customized product designs by allowing users to adjust shape, size, and functionality based on specific inputs. This approach combines various algorithms and parameters to create and refine designs that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the product. Designers begin by defining key parameters, which can then be adjusted to optimize efficiency and performance.

CAD software and similar tools are commonly used in this process and by utilizing parameters, the design process becomes more controlled and enables innovative solutions. Multiple design options can be explored quickly which heps in reducing time and waste, and making parametric design a powerful tool for innovation.

Located in Jakarta’s business district, the Stalk Tree-Hugger, designed by RAD+ar, integrates five existing tall trees with a parametric fabric structure that creates an engaging play of light and shadows. This innovative design combines a restaurant and lounge, offering a unique spatial experience while blending seamlessly with the surrounding greenery. The shifting shadows from the trees foster an intimate, inviting atmosphere, while the dynamic tensile structures, swaying with the wind, create a nature-centric ambiance.

The 750-square-meter bar restaurant showcases minimal intervention in nature, providing a versatile space for commercial activities. The lightweight steel-timber thatch roof offers both shade and support to the parametric fabric, transforming into a lantern at night, enhancing the cityscape and event ambiance. Designed by Antonius Richard and the RAD+ar team, the project emphasizes reducing environmental impact while maintaining the commercial value of the land. With constant movement and changing lighting, the design creates a relaxing, tranquil space, where visitors can observe and interact with nature.

The Generico Chair, created by Marco Hemmerling and Ulrich Nether, exemplifies the power of generative algorithms in computational or parametric design. This innovative process allows the software to optimize the design to meet specific parameters and results in a lightweight yet strong structure. The chair’s Voronoi-inspired design reduces material usage significantly while maintaining strength and flexibility in the backrest. The careful application of generative design principles ensures the chair’s efficiency without compromising its functionality.

Designed for both performance and comfort, the Generico Chair retains its ergonomic qualities despite its reduced volume. The chair is 3D printed to accommodate the complexities of its generative design, which introduces specific manufacturing constraints. The result is a visually captivating piece with a skeletal charm that blends creativity and precision. Its unique form showcases how software-aided design can produce functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture pieces while adhering to sustainability, precision, and material efficiency goals.

How does Parametric design bring innovation to product design?

Parametric design, powered by CAD software, achieves a harmonious balance between complexity and simplicity, streamlining the processes of product creation and modification. By defining specific parameters, designers can make adjustments with ease, minimizing waste and improving efficiency. This highly versatile approach adapts to various products, such as adjusting the height and tilt of a chair or modifying the color, angle, and brightness of lighting design.

Therefore, parametric design promotes flexibility, providing a wide range of solutions to complex challenges. By establishing parameters at the outset, significant time is saved, enabling refinements during the design phase before creating a physical prototype. It excels in managing intricate shapes and patterns while opening new possibilities for innovation and creativity.

John Mauriello, the designer behind the Coral Lighting Collection, articulates his creations as moments frozen in time. These lamps are the result of complex algorithms simulating natural growth, each one capturing a unique form by pausing the simulation at a precise point. The collection features three distinct designs namely Timor, Sargasso, and Celebes, each inspired by different types of coral. Mauriello’s deep connection to the ocean, fostered through his experience as a surfer, is reflected in his tribute to coral’s inherent beauty and vibrant life.

The lamps are meticulously designed to be visually appealing both when illuminated and when turned off. Crafted from a white, ceramic-like material, they are 3D printed in the USA using sustainable methods that enable the recycling of any waste materials. The integrated LED lights interact with the lamp’s uneven cross-sections to produce dynamic lighting effects of brightness and shadow. The manufacturing process is eco-conscious and allows any waste material that is produced during the design process to be recycled.

A Guide to Parametric Design Software

Parametric modeling is a computer-aided design (CAD) tool used to create and manipulate parametric models. Several software programs incorporate advanced algorithms for parametric design, combining computer software with AI to offer innovative design solutions. These sophisticated algorithms enable an interactive design process, allowing designers and engineers to input specific constraints directly within the software.

This approach minimizes errors and ensures the creation of accurate digital models. Furthermore, the integration of virtual reality enhances the experience, providing immersive and interactive opportunities to visualize and refine concepts. Designers can explore complex geometries and design intricacies, enabling the creation of 3D shapes and models with greater precision and flexibility.

CATIA’s Visual Scripting app, part of the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, makes parametric design easier and more accessible. This no-code tool lets designers, engineers, and architects create complex designs without needing to write code. Using a simple, node-based interface, users can define parameters and generate detailed 3D models effortlessly.

The tool’s Capture & Reuse feature boosts efficiency by allowing users to share and reuse design algorithms across different projects. By combining CATIA’s CAD software with a visual approach to parametric and generative modeling, Visual Scripting enhances creativity and speeds up design iterations. Its smooth integration with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides a streamlined workflow, making algorithmic design a built-in feature. Beyond traditional modeling, it also enables mesh manipulation and the creation of custom lattice structures—perfect for 3D printing in industries like aerospace, furniture, and jewelry design.

Parametric design is transforming the product design industry by fostering creativity, improving efficiency, and enabling customization. Its seamless integration with digital manufacturing and sustainability efforts makes it an essential tool for modern designers. As technology continues to evolve, parametric design will remain at the forefront, driving ethical and innovative advancements in product development.

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3D printed marble dust installation looks into regenerative materials at the venice biennale

Exploring regenerative materials with 3D printed marble dust

 

There’s a 3D printed installation at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, and it comes from marble dust and recycled components. The project, led by OZRUH in collaboration with ETH Zurich, attempts to look into how architecture can address waste using modular structure and regenerative materials. It’s a two-part project for the design teams. The first one is the modular 3D printed marble dust, located at the Pavilion of Türkiye. The next, a documentary film in the Artificial section of the Arsenale curated by Carlo Ratti, where the robots are present, too.

 

A focus on the 3D printed marble dust: it’s called Anti-Ruin. OZRUH and ETH Zurich use the byproduct of the marble extraction processes at the Lasa Marmo Quarry in South Tyrol for the installation. The teams process the dust using a binder jetting method developed by Dr. Pietro Odaglia at Digital Building Technologies, ETH Zurich. It adopts a liquid binder to solidify the dust. The process, then, doesn’t need molds or formwork. As a result, the teams have two columns and a horizontal slab, all of which are modular. They form the ensemble of the 3D printed marble dust.

all images courtesy of OZRUH

 

 

Stone installation at the Venice architecture biennale 2025 

 

One of the columns isn’t connected to the slab; the user can adjust or move it. The structural engineering team at formDP turns to computational tools to produce it like this. The software helped them calculate the center of gravity and internal load paths of the slab. The reason it is adjustable is because OZRUH and ETH Zurich want to explore the boundaries of architectural completeness at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025. Instead of viewing buildings as either finished or unfinished, Anti-Ruin lets each construction phase and piece function independently and be modular, a growing trend in recent architecture. The 3D printed marble dust installation forms part of the ‘Grounded / Yerebatan’ exhibition at the Pavilion of Türkiye, curated by Bilge Kalfa and Ceren Erdem, commissioned by İKSV.

 

Since the project integrates recycled materials from quarry waste, it can be disassembled and reused. The accompanying film at the Arsenale by Troy Edige and Beyza Mese documents the design, printing, and construction stages. It includes footage from ETH Zurich and the Lasa Marmo Quarry. The next stop of Anti-Ruin is at the World Design Congress at the Barbican in London, between September 9th and 10th, 2025. This phase applies the same system to alternative construction waste, including crushed brick and demolition dust. In this way, the 3D printed marble dust continues as an installation that focuses on recycling and making modular components for architecture.

3D printed installation at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 from marble dust and recycled components

the project, led by OZRUH in collaboration with ETH Zurich, looks into how architecture can address waste

it’s a two-part project, with the first one being the modular 3D printed marble dust

the installation by OZRUH and ETH Zurich is inside the Pavilion of Türkiye

OZRUH and ETH Zurich use the byproduct of the marble extraction processes at the Lasa Marmo Quarry

the teams process the dust using a binder jetting method

the process doesn’t need molds or formwork to function or be produced

detailed view of Anti-Ruin

there’s an accompanying documentary film in the Artificial section of the Arsenale

the movie documents the teams’ process

 

project info:

 

name: Anti-Ruin

design: OZRUH | @ozruh_official

institution: ETH Zurich | @ethzurich

engineering: formDP | @form_dp

 

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: matthew burgos | designboom

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