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Contour collection brings 3D printing into the process

There are still a few qualms here and there but we can say that 3D printing has definitely brought something different to several industries. Furniture design and production is one such industry that has been affected in one way or another. It has increased customization, reduced material waste, brought faster prototyping and the ability to create more complicated and complex designs. Chair design and production in particular has benefited from this and this latest collection by a British designer proves why it’s importtant.

Unveiled with quiet confidence and sculptural elegance, the CONTOUR Collection by Charles Birshaw represents a seamless blend of artistic vision and cutting-edge manufacturing. Designed in collaboration with digital fabrication studio @decibelmade, the collection’s debut brings a fresh perspective to sustainable luxury seating. Inspired by the grace of flowing fabric draped over a permanent structure, the CONTOUR Collection captures a sense of movement frozen in time.

Designer: Charles Birshaw

The lounge chair and side chair that make up this debut offering are defined by sculpted surfaces, floating cantilevered arms, and inviting seat cushions—each element tracing a deliberate path that balances elegance and clarity. The chairs’ profiles evoke a joyous interplay between tension and release—the suspended arms appear to float, while the base grounds the design in a poised visual equilibrium. The result is furniture that feels light yet grounded, modern yet timeless. At the heart of the collection lies a design philosophy rooted in simplicity and reduction.

Each chair is formed from three key component. You have a seamless structural surface that hugs the user’s body. Then you get floating armrests for comfort and design contrast. Lastly, you have formed seat cushions that enhance usability without disrupting the sculptural purity. This triadic design achieves a striking harmony between innovation and familiarity, reflecting Birshaw’s vision of merging elegance with purpose.

This collection was also created with sustainability at its core. Thanks to robotic 3D printing, the CONTOUR Collection embodies a new approach to sustainable manufacturing. Chairs are produced from long-lasting, circular, and sustainable materials. You also don’t have any excess inventory or wasted energy. To top that off, four chairs can actually be printed in around five hours. The process not only minimizes waste but also challenges traditional limitations of furniture production, proving that sustainability and sophistication can coexist.

More than just a pair of chairs, this collection marks a shift in how we think about furniture—from how it’s made to what it represents. It offers a vision of the future where thoughtful design and advanced fabrication techniques work hand in hand to deliver pieces that are functional, beautiful, and forward-thinking. In the hands of a designer like Charles Birshaw, and with collaborators like @decibelmade, 3D printing becomes a vehicle for storytelling, sustainability, and sculptural elegance. And if the CONTOUR Collection is any indication, the future of furniture is not only printed—it’s profoundly inspired.

The post Contour collection brings 3D printing into the process first appeared on Yanko Design.

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A Modern Take on the Doorknob

This modern take on the doorknob is by L.A.-based industrial designer Will Zhang. Called the Spoke knob, it’s made of solid brass.

If you prefer alternatives to the brass look, it comes in a number of finshes.

One thing to note: “The Spoke knob requires handing to ensure that the spoke itself is directed towards the bottom right when at rest, as intended in the design.”

“Handing” means you’ve got to pay attention to whether the door you’re spec’ing this for is right- or left-handed, in order to get the knobs oriented the way the designer wanted it. I guess the idea is that if you’ve got a room where multiple Spoke knobs are visible at once on differently-handed doors, you want visual consistency. The installer had better be on their toes.

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The Spoke is in production by door hardware manufacturer Emtek, where Zhang is the Design Director.

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Industrial Design Case Study: PDR Brings Dignity to Catheter Bags

This Shield concept is by PDR, an industrial design consultancy based in Cardiff, Wales. It aims to bring dignity to those who are required to live with catheters.

Shield is a simple and low-cost redesign that utilises recycled single-use disposable plastic sterilisation tray wraps and drapes, commonly used in hospital operating theatres.

Long term catheter use is a standard treatment that affects millions of people across Europe each year. Urine is collected externally in external drainage bag, typically held in a simple wireframe. These bags and frames cause many difficulties in handling and emptying and cause particular distress and stigmatisation through the visibility of up to 1.5L of urine and a very obvious hospital item at home.
Overnight urine bag stands have remained largely unchanged for decades. It is often, though not exclusively older people, receiving care at home who are on a long-term catheter plan and use overnight bag stands. Embarrassment at both the display of bag contents and the practical challenges of removing the bag from the wireframe and emptying safely in the toilet is very real.

Added to this are the very real issues of sustainability and waste, an issue of increasing awareness at hospitals around the world. There is little economic incentive for manufacturers to address this problem and hospitals have few options in addressing the problems described.
Shield is a simple and low-cost redesign that utilises recycled single-use disposable plastic sterilisation tray wraps and drapes, commonly used in hospital operating theatre’s. The design replaces a design that has not changed in 50 years, it provides a firm stable platform, an easy to empty and easy to handle drainage bag, and discreetly hides the contents from view.

Shield is a simple product that provides stability and security to a 2L drainage bag whilst simultaneously allowing for more discreet use in a domestic setting. Use of recycled hospital waste material, specifically single-use disposable sterilisation tray wraps and drapes used in operating theatre’s that would otherwise be incinerated are recycled to produces a sterile material in sheet and granular form with a unique surface finish that is suited to use in a more domestic environment. This ultra low-cost materials is processed to produce Shield in finishes that vary, creating unique finishes which are dependent on the colour and mix of the recycled polypropylene material.

The product is stable in use and through its simple clean form unobtrusively sits next to a bed or chair at home. The bag with easy-grip, secure handle is designed for use by weakened and arthritic hands that may need to carry up to 2kg of fluid and lifts straight out to be easily carried to the bathroom before release with an easy turn large surface drainage tap. This approach avoids the current system of removing from wire lugs and attempting to carry, often in two hands a full bag that can leak and is difficult to empty without spilling.
Shield provides a relatively simple solution to a patient-centred problem that has existed for over 50 years. The simple, clean snap together construction allows easy assembly by unskilled labour and its use of a recycled hospital waste material provided free by hospital trusts when approached from a circular economy perspective creates a highly functional material at very little additional energy consumption and cost.

You can see more of PDR’s work here.

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Once Known for Scissors, Fiskars Produces a Sought-After Demolition Tool

Fiskars has been around since 1649, making it one of the world’s oldest companies. The company started out as an ironworks, making nails, knives and tools, eventually expanding into cutlery and the orange-handled scissors that made them a household name in 20th-century America. In the 21st century, Fiskars focused more heavily on the gardening market, having had experience in the sector dating back to the 1800s. Finding success there, in the mid-2010s they pushed into construction tools.

Their Pro IsoCore Wrecking Bar is a striking example of how competently they’ve entered this sector. Well-reviewed even by general contractors—you could be forgiven for thinking the consumer-focused brand was focusing on DIY’ers—the tool’s handle is designed to ease fatigue, thanks to both inner- and outer-layer vibration dampening synthetic materials.

The IsoCore design is something you really have to try to appreciate. I’ve split wood with both a traditional maul (metal head, wood handle) and Fiskars’ splitting maul, which has the IsoCore handle. It’s not that you feel the difference with each strike. It’s that at the end of the day, the non-IsoCore-maul leavings you feeling more sore, the IsoCore tool less so. It is that difference, Fiskars is betting, that makes IsoCore tools attractive to those putting in long shifts.

The design of the tool itself is visually striking, no pun intended, as with most Fiskars products. The tool consists of a smooth-faced hammer up top for punching through drywall or delivering blows to recalcitrant pieces of wood.

The hammerhead features a standard split claw for pulling nails, and below that, an angled tang. This tang is meant to work in concert with the claw and is specifically designed for grabbing and twisting dimensional lumber.

The prybar tip down at the bottom provides leverage, and has a triangular cutout for pulling nails. While it’s not as convenient for nail-pulling as a conventional split claw, the compromise was made in order to give the tip a single robust edge.

This shot is of an earlier version of the tool, but it’s the only image I could find that shows the bottom-most nail puller.

The tool comes in both 18″ and 30″ lengths, running $50 and $60, respectively. And in an era of junky tools, it’s notable how consistently well-reviewed this wrecking bar is.

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5 Best Note-Taking Tools & Gadgets For Design Students To Perfectly Capture Ideas

Ideas don’t wait for the perfect moment. For design students, inspiration can strike anywhere—in a busy studio, during a critique, or mid-lecture. The right note-taking tool can turn scattered sketches and fleeting thoughts into the seeds of your next breakthrough. In a world where creativity blends analog and digital, the tools you use should be as flexible and inventive as you are.

Whether you prefer the satisfying swipe of a marker on a whiteboard, the convenience of a digital tablet, or the playful versatility of reusable sticky notes, there’s a solution that fits every creative workflow. The best note-taking tools do more than capture words and images—they nurture ideas, encourage experimentation, and keep your process organized as your projects evolve. Here are five excellent tools perfect for design students ready to take notes beyond the ordinary.

1. Personal Whiteboard

Design students thrive on the freedom to jot, sketch, and iterate without limits. The Personal Whiteboard brings that freedom to life with a single-page whiteboard notebook that’s endlessly reusable. The act of writing on a surface that wipes clean after every use encourages risk-taking and iteration, making it easy to brainstorm, mind-map, or sketch a quick wireframe. Snap a photo to archive your ideas in the cloud, then erase and start over — every fresh page is a new beginning.

The multi-functional cover enhances the experience, serving as an eraser, built-in stand, and storage pocket for a marker. The innovative Mag Force system turns the cover into a handle and pen holder, keeping your tools close at hand. Compatible with any regular whiteboard marker, this notebook is perfect for those moments when inspiration strikes in class or at the studio, supporting rapid ideation and spontaneous creativity.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49.00

What we like

Infinitely reusable, reducing paper waste.
Multi-functional design with integrated stand and eraser.

What we dislike

Only one page means no multi-page reference.
Must have a marker and phone handy to save notes.

2. MagBoard Clipboard

The MagBoard Clipboard reimagines the classic clipboard for the modern design workflow. Its magnet and lever mechanism secures up to 30 sheets, allowing you to add, remove, and rearrange pages without hassle. This flexibility lets you work non-linearly, organizing sketches and notes in the order that matches your process. The hardcover design makes it easy to sketch standing up, perfect for crit sessions or on-the-go brainstorming.

With its minimalist aesthetic, the MagBoard Clipboard eliminates the distractions of pre-printed layouts or rigid bindings. Loose sheets mean total freedom over format and medium, from tracing paper to heavy sketch stock. The water-resistant and easy-to-clean surface ensures durability through every project, making it ideal for design students who value both structure and adaptability.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45.00

What we like

Holds various paper types and sizes securely.
Easy to reorganize or remove sheets as needed.

What we dislike

Loose pages can be misplaced if not careful.
No digital backup unless manually scanned or photographed.

3. Rocketbook Reusable Sticky Notes

Rocketbook’s reusable sticky notes reinvent the classic sticky for the eco-conscious creative. These notes can be written on, wiped clean, and reused endlessly, making them a sustainable companion for design students juggling ideas, reminders, and critiques. Each note is compatible with the Rocketbook app, allowing you to scan and organize notes digitally before erasing for the next round of inspiration.

The familiar format of sticky notes fits right into any workflow, whether you’re mapping out a project timeline on your wall or annotating a design portfolio. The ability to reuse them means you can experiment without worrying about waste. These sticky notes truly shine in collaborative settings, where feedback and ideas are constantly evolving and being refined.

What we like

Reusable, reducing waste, and ongoing costs.
Syncs easily with digital platforms for archiving.

What we dislike

Requires specific pens for best results.
Can be lost or misplaced like traditional stickies.

4. Levitating Pen 3.0

A tool that’s as much a conversation starter as it is a writing instrument, the Levitating Pen 3.0 brings a sense of wonder to every workspace. Its aircraft-grade construction and seamless casing feel substantial in hand, offering a precise and smooth writing experience for quick notes, sketches, or brainstorming sessions. The pen’s mesmerizing levitation and gentle spin capture attention, sparking inspiration during those moments between tasks.

For design students, the act of picking up a pen with such a playful, futuristic design can break creative blocks and encourage out-of-the-box thinking. The Levitating Pen’s pedestal serves as a visual reminder that every idea has the potential to break free from gravity, while the balanced ballpoint tip makes writing and drawing feel effortless. This is a pen for those who want their tools to reflect their imagination.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129.00

What we like

Inspires creativity with stunning design.
Durable, precise writing feel.

What we dislike

Needs the stand to levitate, so not pocket-friendly.
Premium price point for a single writing tool.

5. BOOX Go 7 and Go Color 7 Gen II

The BOOX Go 7 and Go Color 7 Gen II e-readers blur the line between digital reading and instant note-taking. With an integrated stylus, design students can annotate articles, highlight inspiration, or sketch directly onto e-books and PDFs. The e-ink display is gentle on the eyes, making it ideal for long study sessions, while the compact size makes it easy to carry from class to studio.

This tool is especially powerful for those who consume large volumes of reference material, allowing seamless transitions between reading and note-taking. The notes can be exported, organized, and referenced later, supporting research-heavy design projects. The addition of color capabilities on the Go Color 7 adds another layer for visual thinkers who want to mark up images or diagrams.

What we like

Combining reading and note-taking in one.
Lightweight and portable for everyday use.

What we dislike

Requires regular charging.
Not ideal for heavy sketching or detailed drawing.

The post 5 Best Note-Taking Tools & Gadgets For Design Students To Perfectly Capture Ideas first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Seoul’s HOTEL DRIP&DROP: Where Coffee and Design Create an Unforgettable Stay

If there’s one place in Seoul that makes the aroma of coffee feel like a warm hug, it’s HOTEL DRIP&DROP. Tucked away in Myeongdong, this boutique spot is a delight for anyone who finds joy in a perfectly brewed cup and a thoughtfully designed space. The moment you step inside, the air seems to shimmer with the promise of comfort and creativity, making you want to linger just a bit longer.

You won’t find any cold, impersonal hotel atmosphere here. Instead, each room feels like a private retreat designed with the same care as a handcrafted pour-over. The details are impossible to miss, from the tactile surfaces that invite fingertips to the subtle interplay of light and shadow dancing across the walls. Every corner feels considered, as if the designers were secretly rooting for your morning daydreams.

Designer: LOG Hotel Group Co., Ltd

The rooms are a true testament to the artistry of minimalism, yet they don’t come across as empty or austere. Soft textures mingle with warm woods, and splashes of color peek out from unexpected places, creating an ambiance that is both soothing and quietly playful. You get the sense that every piece of furniture was chosen by someone who really, truly loves their job. There’s a touch of whimsy here, never forced, always inviting.

What really sets these rooms apart is how seamlessly the coffee theme is woven into the experience. Complimentary drip bags are nestled next to a sleek kettle, practically begging you to brew a cup before you even unpack. The act of making coffee here feels like a ritual, not a routine. It’s easy to lose track of time, letting the steam curl up as you watch the city slowly blink awake outside your window.

It’s not just the presence of coffee that charms, but how it’s celebrated in the room’s aesthetics. The color palette hints at roasted beans and creamy foam, while the subtle scent of fresh grounds lingers in the air. Even the mugs have a personality of their own, chunky and satisfying to hold, turning a simple drink into an event. Every morning feels like a tiny festival for your senses.

Furniture and interior designers and will find plenty to admire in the thoughtful choices scattered throughout. Low-slung chairs beckon with nubby upholstery, and side tables seem to have the perfect footprint for a book, a phone, or, naturally, a coffee cup. There’s a quiet respect for craftsmanship here, as though the pieces are winking at you, knowing they’ve found their perfect home.

Lighting in the rooms is soft yet purposeful, with fixtures that cast a gentle glow rather than a harsh glare. It’s the kind of light that flatters both people and coffee, making even a rainy afternoon feel like a cozy invitation to slow down. The interplay of light and materials gives the space a dynamic quality, shifting as the day unfolds, never quite looking the same twice.

Stepping into one of these rooms, you can’t help but feel that the designers must have been fueled by a steady stream of espresso and inspiration. Every item feels chosen, not because it was trendy, but because it made the room a little happier. If you’re someone who collects experiences as much as objects, HOTEL DRIP&DROP is bound to leave you searching for ways to recreate its magic long after you’ve checked out.

The post Seoul’s HOTEL DRIP&DROP: Where Coffee and Design Create an Unforgettable Stay first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Perforated Metal Lamp Paints with Light and Shadow

Sometimes all it takes is a single striking object to charge a room with a bit of magic. The Foreshadow Table Lamp does exactly that, turning an ordinary surface into a stage where light puts on a show. At first glance, it looks like a study in minimalism, but switch it on and it reveals its true, almost theatrical character.

The Foreshadow’s allure lies partly in its ability to surprise. By day, it sits quietly, its perforated metal skin hinting at hidden possibilities. Come dusk, the lamp springs to life, projecting intricate patterns across walls and tabletops. These shifting shadows ripple outward, transforming a static space into something alive, much like watching sunlight dance through leaves but with an industrial twist.

Designer: Ladies & Gentlemen Studio

There’s a tactile delight in the lamp’s construction that’s hard to ignore. The surface feels cool and slightly textured, inviting curious hands as much as curious eyes. Its shade is made from fine metal, punched with a constellation of tiny holes, each one responsible for a sliver of light that escapes into the room. The effect is both calculated and spontaneous, offering a different impression every time you look.

What’s most captivating is how the lamp doesn’t just illuminate a room, it choreographs the atmosphere. Shadows and highlights drift and overlap, giving depth to spaces that might otherwise feel flat. The lamp blurs the line between functional lighting and sculpture, inviting people to linger just a little longer, watching the slow parade of patterns that never seem to repeat themselves.

Rather than dominate the room, this lamp prefers to collaborate with it. The patterns it casts depend on everything from the color of the walls to the clutter on your desk. Even the time of day and the angle of the lamp’s shade play their part, ensuring the experience is always a little bit different. It’s a dance of unpredictability that designers and collectors can truly appreciate.

There’s also a quiet confidence in the lamp’s presence, a reminder that design can be playful and poetic without shouting for attention. Its understated palette and crisp geometry feel right at home among both vintage finds and contemporary pieces. Even when switched off, it stands as a gentle invitation to imagine what might happen once the lights go low.

The Foreshadow Table Lamp manages to be both a tool and a toy for the imagination. It’s the kind of piece that makes you want to rearrange your furniture just to see what new patterns will appear, or to invite friends over and watch their faces light up with curiosity. Let the lamp do its thing, and suddenly, the room feels like it’s holding its breath, waiting for the next act.

The post Perforated Metal Lamp Paints with Light and Shadow first appeared on Yanko Design.

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ateno’s clay-coated house overlooks mountains and the sea on a greek island

gaia’s terracotta tones echo the warmth of the earth

 

Ateno Architecture Studio’s Gaia residence seeks to renegotiate the traditional notions of luxury, embracing a philosophy grounded in simplicity and the use of raw materials. Despite the seemingly contradictory character of the chosen materials against the lush green island backdrop in Greece, the house exudes an intimate and inviting ambiance. Its warm clay terracotta tones resonate with the landscape, creating a space that conveys the feeling of being cradled within the earth, as if carved from the land itself. Rustic textures, of handmade terrazzo, marble, and wood, uniformly applied to walls, floors, and ceilings, come together to establish an ideal environment for a summer residence.

all images courtesy of Ateno Architecture Studio

 

 

ateno sculpts the house with minimalist geometries

 

Meganisi Island, known for its vibrant landscapes and pristine waters, provided the perfect setting for the project. Perched atop a ridge and surrounded by century-old olive trees, the design of a two-storey building, originally conceived and permitted by another architectural firm, underwent a complete transformation, preserving only its structural framework and core spatial arrangement. Responding to the building’s irregular geometry, defined by tangent rectangles, Ateno Architecture Studio’s design introduces an extensive wooden pergola, that serves as a unifying element, and evokes the sense of an expansive canopy floating above a podium, rising from the earth.

The clay house features five distinct bedrooms complemented by expansive seating and dining areas, seamlessly blending private sanctuaries with shared living spaces. Nestled in the embrace of nature, the exterior space, spread across three levels, integrates with the topography. Its focal point lies in the middle tier, where the swimming pool, remote yet inviting, connects the upper and lower levels. Surrounded by vibrant greenery, the upper-level provides occupants with panoramic views of the Ionian sea and Pindos mountain range, while the lower level, embedded in the terrain, creates a secluded retreat.

Gaia becomes part of the island landscape

the project embraces a philosophy grounded in simplicity and the use of raw materials

responding to the building’s irregular geometry, Ateno introduces an extensive wooden pergola

its warm clay terracotta tones resonate with the landscape

the view through the living spaces opens up towards the Ionian sea and Pindos mountain range

muted tones and raw textures create continuity in color and form

wide openings connect the living spaces with the landscape

light and shadow moves through the space

vivid colors contrast with the muted material palette

warm wooden textures complement clay surfaces

the main facade, framed by wild greenery and illuminated from the interior

from above, light outlines the geometry of the house

set on Meganisi Island in Greece

 

project info:

 

name: Gaia Residence
architect: Ateno Architecture Studio | @ateno.studio

location: Meganisi, Lefkada, Greece

 

architect team: Elias Theodorakis, Yiorgos Fiorentinos (Ateno Architecture Studio)

collaborating architect: Spiros Giotakis

structural engineer and supervisor: Angelos Kourtis
MEP engineer: Ioannis Mavrokefalos
contractor: My Ionian Group
client: Polydeykis S.A.

photographer: Yiorgis Yerolympos

 

 

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: ravail khan | designboom

The post ateno’s clay-coated house overlooks mountains and the sea on a greek island appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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Loopy Chair Turns a Single Line Into Playful, Sculptural Seating

Some chairs politely fade into the background, content to play their part without drawing much attention. The Loopy Chair, however, seems to have missed that memo altogether. The first time you spot it, there’s a good chance you’ll do a double take, maybe even circle around for a closer look. It’s not every day you see a piece of furniture that looks like it leaped straight off a sketchbook page and landed in a burst of glossy color.

As you get closer, the chair’s endless, winding form starts to feel almost mischievous, like a doodle that refused to stay flat or one of those balloon toys at fairs. Every twist and curve is deliberate, yet the overall effect is loose and lively as if the chair was caught mid-dance and decided to hold the pose. There’s a kind of joy here that’s impossible to ignore, a playful energy that makes you want to trace the looping line from start to finish.

Designer: Nik Bentel

What sets the Loopy Chair apart is its construction. Each one is painstakingly shaped from a single strand of fiberglass or powder-coated steel, bent and guided into those signature swirls before being coated in glossy, high-impact paint. The result is a finish so smooth and vibrant that the chair almost seems to glow, its silhouette bordering on the cartoonish. There’s also an upholstered variant for those who like softer surfaces. It’s the kind of piece that dares you to run your fingers along every curve and edge.

Functionality wasn’t left behind in the name of fun. The curves of the chair aren’t just for show: they’re precisely arranged to cradle the body, offering a surprising amount of comfort for something that looks so unconventional. You might find yourself approaching the chair with a bit of hesitation, only to discover that it’s more inviting than you’d expect, the open structure encouraging you to sit, perch, or lean from any angle that feels right.

The visual punch of the Loopy Chair is impossible to ignore, and it wears its boldness proudly. The high-gloss finish picks up every bit of light in the room, turning the chair into a focal point that’s almost impossible to look away from. Whether it’s set against a stark white wall or nestled among other statement pieces, the chair always manages to hold its own, sparking conversation and curiosity wherever it goes.

Beyond its function as a seat, the Loopy Chair invites a bit of playfulness back into the idea of furniture. It’s a reminder that design can be fun and that everyday objects don’t have to take themselves so seriously. For collectors and designers alike, there’s something refreshing about a piece that blurs the lines between art and utility, daring you to see familiar forms with new eyes and maybe even smile in the process.

The post Loopy Chair Turns a Single Line Into Playful, Sculptural Seating first appeared on Yanko Design.

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renzo piano to design forthcoming KYKLOS arts and culture center in piraeus, greece

renzo piano returns to greece with cultural center in piraeus

 

KYKLOS is a center for art and culture, set to rise in the port city of Piraeus, designed by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Commissioned by the Dinos and Lia Martinos Foundation (DLMF), the project adds to the Italian architect’s growing presence in Greece, including his acclaimed Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens and three new public hospitals developed with SNF across the country. Focusing on sustainability, accessibility, and intercultural dialogue, KYKLOS aims to become a place where contemporary creativity and traditional heritage come together. With completion slated for late 2028 and full private funding, KYKLOS brings together diverse perspectives.

renderings by MIR

 

 

kyklos to house art from multiple regions across the globe

 

The name KYKLOS, Greek for ‘circle’, describes the core mission of the project of creating a continuous, inclusive space where ideas, narratives, and communities converge. The center will house permanent collections of art from Africa, Oceania, and other regions across the globe, collections often underrepresented in Western institutions. Alongside these, an evolving calendar of contemporary exhibitions, lectures, screenings, and both physical and digital educational programs will explore the intersections of global cultures and artistic practices.

 

The architectural vision of Renzo Piano’s team for KYKLOS is one of openness and environmental responsibility. Conceived as an urban oasis, the center will dedicate 62% of its site to green and recreational spaces, intertwining architecture and landscape in a way that enhances the surrounding neighborhood. Prioritizing universal accessibility, energy efficiency, and a strong connection to the local context, the building promises to become a sustainable landmark for the city.

KYKLOS center for art and culture is set to rise in the port city of Piraeus

 

 

DLMF’s project is scheduled for completion in 2028

 

Positioned as a node within a broader international network of cultural institutions, the DLMF’s center aspires to bring local and global audiences into conversation. Whether through a school workshop, a traveling exhibition, or a public lecture, KYKLOS will encourage reflection on how artistic expression can help us navigate the complexities of a connected world. As executive director Christos Carras notes, the project is rooted in the belief that art can act as a bridge—one that not only links continents but also fosters empathy and shared understanding.

 

Expected to open its doors in the final quarter of 2028, KYKLOS represents a significant new chapter for the cultural identity of Piraeus and the wider Attica region. 

the center will house permanent collections of art from Africa, Oceania, and other regions across the globe

Renzo Piano’s vision for KYKLOS is one of openness and environmental responsibility

the project is expected to open its doors in the final quarter of 2028

 

 

project info:

 

name: KYKLOS | @kyklosartscentre

architect: Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) | @rpbw_architects

location: New Faliro, Piraeus, Greece

 

client/foundation: Dinos and Lia Martinos Foundation (DLMF)

executive director: Christos Carras

completion: projected for 2028

The post renzo piano to design forthcoming KYKLOS arts and culture center in piraeus, greece appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.