Ettore Sottsass is dead!

Ettore Sottsass, one of the best italian designers and architects of last 50 years, died few hours ago in Italy at the age of 90.

This blog participates to the pain and sadness created by this death and is close to the family.

I had, personally, a great pleasure in meeting this great man in Art Center while I was a student, I remember his conference as one of the most passionate lessons in Design.

Ettore the Design community will miss you...

Colorful Pencils' fence

What a great idea! I found the photo at this web address : http://www.fabrica.it/

Block laces by Matteo Pugi

This italian designer, Matteo Pugi, created this device to block laces "bloccalacci" on shoes..great idea specially for kids shoes.

This project has as topic the everyday security.

Matteo Pugi
www.spremutadiorchidee.com
project 2007

Info and photo Via: www.youngdesigner.it

I-Phone Christmas present...

In 2007 the I-Phone by Apple has been probably one of the most important new usefull gadget invented.
Here a nice short Ad video just for those indecided to make a real good Christmas present...

Black and White Photography

Visit the photo gallery at: www.pilichowskiragno.netlin.pl

Car Design News 2008 digital Contest

Car Design News has announced the first edition of its all-digital international car design contest. Open to both professional and student designers, it will start on next 16 January and the submission deadline will be 26 March 2008.

The design brief will focus on the lives of three "Millenniumites" (people born in 2000) as they might be in 2028.

Please for more info and details visit the following sites:
http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2007/12/17-car-design-news-contest-2008/
http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/process/design_contests/display/store4/item97381/

News and image Via: www.carbodydesign.com

Jonathan Baskett and his Glass Design

Jonathan Baskett was born in Canberra, Australia in 1969.

Interested in design he studied glass at the Canberra School of Art, graduating with honours in 1996. Immediately afterwards Baskett moved to Europe to work in the glass industry working throughout, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and England. In 1998, he was studio designer, maker and manager at Ebeltoft Glass Museum, Denmark.
In 1998 Baskett returned to Australia and founded Jonathan Baskett creative a studio focussed on the design and manufacture of hand blown glassware and freelance design of glassware for industry.

Read full article at: http://www.designspotter.com/

Photo and info Via: http://www.designspotter.com/

Nobuyoshi Araki between Art and scandal...

Nobuyoshi Araki is the japanese photographer famous for his "bondages" series of photos, the woman is his favourite subject. The woman is seen as an object of pleasure with a male sight...controversial artistic rappresentation. "Photography is like folling in love..." that is what he thinks about his Art expression.
Araki's life is like "always passing images".

I suggest to visit this site to see all others pictures that I decided not to publish on this blog, but of sure artistic value:

Click: Araki photos

Araki in Gold is the name of his Exhibit in Rome, Italy, open untill the 17th of next February at the National Institute of Graphics at Fontana di Trevi.

Torino World Design Capital 2008, Italy

The 31st of December 2007 there will be a big party in Turin (Italy) to celebrate this town as the next World Design Capital for Year 2008.
The celebration will take place in Castello's square (Piazza Castello) and the public will be main actor with its own artistic contribution.
All Design schools will give a great support to this event with students works and engagement.

Participation is a must!

More info at: http://www.torinoworlddesigncapital.it/portale/

Tag Heuer Diamond Fiction

Ladies watch and what a watch!

"Diamond Fiction" by Tag Heuer with 879 diamants Top Wesselton of 5,8 carats with a digital display in red color just like the bracelet.

This watch of 'haute couture" has been produced only in 3 samples, naturally the value cannot be calculated...

Info and photo Via: www.belisama.net

Interview: Chuck Jordan, GM's Chief Designer

Many years ago, when I started my career as cardesigner, I had the chance to meet Mr. Jordan in Turin at a designer's night party. I was very excited about it because in school (ACCD) often his name was nominated.
I found this great article that I would like to share with you.

The General's Tailor: Chuck Jordan, who in 1986 became only the fourth chief designer in GM's history, offers his candid views on what makes a great auto design.

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Triennale, home's objects - Milan

"To understand and learn about Italy, we have to understand its Design".

In Milan, Italy, at viale Alemagna 6, Palazzo della Triennale Design Museum, first floor has been celebrated the opening of new National Design Museum.

It is a sort of cultural journey that starts in the past untill today showing how designers of that period were already very anticipating today's trends in Design. The organization and management of this exhibit has been done by Michele de Lucchi.

Info and photo Via www.ilgiornale.it

Ron Arad's Victoria Albert couch

The key words to better describe this sofa Design by Ron Arad are: Comfort and Beauty. The choice of the name “VICTORIA AND ALBERT” is a homage to the famous museum in London.

Made of recyclable materials it is a good example of Design and Research within innovative technologies.

I find it also very elegant and with a long lasting Design.

Porsche Design Flat Six P'6340 Automatic Chronograph

Here is a sweet new Porsche Design wristwatch. When Porsche first came out with watches I was a bit skeptical, but now I would have to say they have produced some really nice designs. They named this one the "Flat Six" after their renowned flat six engine.

Year 2006

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Porsche P'9521 Mobile Phone

Porsche Design Mobile Group announced the P’9521 mobile phone, which will be manufactured by Sagem. The Porsche P’9521 features a 2.2-inch 260k color AM-OLED screen, a 3.2 Megapixel camera, integrated music and video player, fingerprint reader, Bluetooth and a miniSD card slot.

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MOTOR SHOW Bologna 07, Italy

Once again the Automobile world will come together in Bologna, for the 32nd Edition of the Motor Show (scheduled from 7 to 16 December), whose main sponsor for the second year running will be Barclaycard. Bologna will welcome over 50 car brands, accounting for 100% of the Italian market, ready to provide a stage for first-rate previews: So far 100 previews have been confirmed, of which 13 worldwide and 6 European previews. 343 catalogued exhibitors, of whom 83 foreign companies from 16 different countries.

For more info please visit the following website: www.motorshow.it you will find an english version with all infos.

Photo and info Via: www.motorshow.it

Interior Car Design technology

Interesting video from last Tokyo Motor Show about Interior Car Design technology.

Zevs street Art - Mc Donald liquified logo

Zevs, a well-known French street artist, started tagging Paris in the nineties and making certain spray can modifications to billboards. Liquidated Logos is the name of a current exhibition (but today is the last day!) at the Lazarides Gallery in London of his work with famous logos, plexiglass boards and his trademark paint. The logos drip paint, appearing to dissolve away, but we all know that this is but an illusion. Odd how something that looks so simple can say so much.

Info and photo Via: http://mocoloco.com/art/
by: Sabine7

Movie contest - EXTRAORDINARY, EVERY DAY

From: www.motiongraphics.it

Alcantara LAB, a virtual lab made of new expressive languages based on innovation and created by Alcantara SpA, organizes the following Movie Contest named EXTRAORDINARY EVERY DAY.

This is an International contest dedicated to those that study and/or work in: Communication, Graphic Design, Web Design, Animation, Photography, Cinematography and Visual Arts.

The objectif is to produce a video clip of max 3 minutes realized with anytype of video language tool (graphics, animation, filming...)

Prize is: 15.000 Euros

International jury

The prize ceremony will be held at the next "Salone del Mobile in Milan 2008"

more info at: www.alcantaralab.com/moviecontest

e-mail: moviecontest@alcantaralab.com

Info and photo Via: www.motiongraphics.it

Modern Architecture and true Design

We are living in a special era in which Architecture has done and still is doing incredible important steps to be more modern and very advanced.
Design and Architecture get together to generate and create fanthastic skycrapers and buildings around the world with the intent to offer better living and working conditions.

Dubai is , today, the hot city about architecture development the Regatta Hotel in the lower image.

In Europe Russia will soon have the tallest building, the Russia Tower on top image.

Photos and info Via: www.corriere.it

Fine Art Painting

The first two landscapes have been painted by artist Mike Cameron (Oil on canvas)

The last one is an abstract composition made by artist Jan Kabatoff (Encaustic)

To watch more about those artists and many others I advice you to follow this link:

www.summitfineart.com

Under by Luca Papini Design

Wellness Design is the harmony created by the shower "Under" designed by Luca Papini. It is a perfect relationship between phisic, mental and global experiences.
This shower Design will give great sensations to provoke good and mentally positive emotions.

Luca Papini
www.lucapapini.com
for IB Rubinetterie
Winner of the Good design Awards 2006

Info and photo Via: www.youngdesigner.it

Wallsticker Competition

Welcome to the design competition of design3000 and DESIGNSPOTTER.com!
design3000, founded in 1999, has become one of the leading design shops in the world wide web with more than 3000 visitors per day. Interested users can choose from a range of more than 5.200 products of well known manufacturers. Regular special editions as well as unusual products, which cannot be bought by retail also belong to the wide offering of design3000.
DESIGNSPOTTER.com considers itself as a platform for young and fresh design far from convention and establishment and counts to one of the Top100 design blogs in the web. The online design magazine daily presents the latest trends of international young designers and newcomers. Furthermore DESIGNSPOTTER.com presents itself at shows e.g. at the international furnishing show in Cologne or at the TENT in London, is multiple media partner, and runs a PR- and marketing-agency for designers and architects.

For complete information please check it here http://www.design-3000.de/competition/en_index.htm

Erotic Photography, the Art of female nudity

Erotic Photography - Body Art by Michael Papendieck see all his gallery at his personal website: http://www.blendeeinsacht.de

Student loans, good or bad?

Today to learn and get a respectable diploma can cost quite a lot of money in US as well as in many other countries around the world.
In the Design field almost all design schools, universities and colleges are privates and have a cost. For foreign students even public schools have a cost (in my case in it was US).
There are many talents out there that would love to get in a design school, but have not enough money to enter! What to do?

In US since many years , and recently in Europe too, it is possible to borrow money from banks in order to get access to college, university or specialistic school. The student Loan.

The first question parents ask themselves is : "will it be worth?"

In a way it is like buying a small appartement paying a loan for about 10 years (depending on your contract loan).

The thought I feel to share with all the people that are in this situation and currently in front of such dilemma is: YES!
Because it is like an investment on your future, that money hopefuly will come back with the job you will get, the good school you attended to will open doors that other schools cannot simply because their political power (lobby) is not enough developed.

Design is expensive to learn and it is right that a young talent tries his best to solve the economical problem in order to start school.
In some countries and in some design schools it is also possible to get money from government or local institutions in relation with family income (the lower the easier..)

In conclusion if you can apply for a loan do it, if you do not feel like then get all info to know how to do to apply for Grants or scolarships to see if you can be part of these programs.

Wacom Cintiq 12WX

Wacom has launched a compact version of its Cintiq interactive pen display. The Cintiq 12WX combines the features of the full-size 21 inches model with compact dimensions similar to those of the Intuos3 A5 graphic tablet.
Read full article with technical specifications by clicking the "read more"...

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Motivation in Design

Motivation in Design is a key element. It starts in school, in any design class (doesn't matter the field) there are always some students who show a big self motivation and are capable to lead the quality and creativity of their class. Those students will have a better chance to succeed in real life.
Motivation, in my opinion, is also a teacher issue. Motivated teachers are able to better provoke students motivation and creativity, just like a coach in sport.
Motivation is also a manager issue in a Design studio. Motivated people interact better, they are more productive and good in problem-solving.
Motivated designers are those that usually get a lot of job to do, too. However; do not think that it is just a way to take advantage of someone because on the long run it pays well. Meritocracy is connected to level of motivation, not just the naked results at the end of a given project. In a good team work its leader, most of cases, is a motivated person.

Lets go back to school now, when I travel to visit design colleges I meet a lot of students dreaming to become designers. I assist at their presentations and while they talk I observe them, I question them, I study their reactions because at the end I am looking for talent - passion - motivation.
My conclusion on this topic is that all starts in school. Your sense of responsability and auto-motivation to accomplish your final goal, to be a designer, will help you day by day to build up your strong inner part to produce good well thought out creativity with the right quality. You will be molded not just to be a designer but also to go over it and grow within a Design organisation for more important roles.
I know that all this is not automatic for everybody, but remember that you must give your best always in order to deserve that chance out there waiting somewhere for you!

Good luck!

Nikka Japanese Whisky

The Hong-Kong-based British designer of practically everything — has just designed a startling black bottle for Japanese Nikka Whisky. The man who in addition to interiors and installations has designed furniture for Cappellini, lighting for Artemide barware for Schweppes, Jewellery for Georg Jensen, polo shirts for LaCoste and bikes for Giant...click "read more" for the all story.

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Photography "The color of Black"

This is a photography project realized by Cristiano Paladini a manager that took two mounths of break in Africa and collected a lots of photos. He made a book out of it and sponsors the association " Kids of the desert".

Photos and info via: www.corriere.it

Photography and visual Art

Searching on internet I found those two images that I like very much. I find both of them very creative and dynamic specially the one at the bottom.

Photos Via: http://your-austin-dwi.com/Creative_Art.html

Interior Design: the bathroom

Here four pictures about latest new bathroom interior design productions :

Bathroom elements by Terri Pecora for Simas Bohémien
Sink by Naoto Fukusawa for BOFFI Terra
Mitigeur d'eau by JM Massaud for Axor Hansgrohe
Shower by Marcello Cutino/BCF Design for Gattoni

Photos and infos Via: www.abitare.corriere.it

Citroen C Design Competition

Citroen has launched the first edition of the 'C Design - Combine Connect Create' online competition, open to designers from all over the world. Participants are required to create every-day products by combining parts from Citroen cars, available as 3D files. Click "read more light blue " to read all necessary infos to apply.

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Microsoft new "Touch table technology"

Hi, today I would like to tell you about the new "Touch Table technology" developed by Microsoft. In this video from YouTube (but there are many more) we can appreciate all new series of opportunities to interact with computer thechnology, to me this way opens a big door on real "friendly use" manners and methods. The computer technology becomes very easy to use with a "magic effect" always very appreciated.
However; how can designer world exploit this technology? In a few words I would like to understand how I could use this new feature to improuve my life at work; or lets think about students, schools, art colleges, universities, how can they take advantage of this Microsoft new technology?
Thinking about this issue I started to associate the use of "touch table" to present a design project in an interactive way without dealing with paper pages from a portfolio that can fall down creating confusion, but dealing with menus of preordered sequences having the opportunity to enlarge, and a second later, reduce the same image or drawing. I could "touch" the table on a photo and start a video that shows my model or virtual film in action , I move it on the upper right corner and from the left side I get the image of a technical drawing and make a close up on a particular detail at so on...I could add a musical background or improvise a sketch to take important notes on given comments by my clients. You see? I am dreaming already..
I believe that this new technology will rapidly change our realtionship with techworld because it is so friendly and of strong impact that (like the IPhone by Apple) its use will be wellcome.
What do you think about this subject? Do you have an experience to tell us?
Please do so and thanks!

Fruit holder by Adele Rotella

Adele Rotella, designer from Campania South Italy, loves to provoke emotions with her Design proposals.

At the latest Salone Satellite 2007 Adele Rotella is present with her new products and prototypes to promote a dynamic relationship between the "user" and his/her "space".

A good example is "Fruttiera" this fruit holder that presents fruits in a new way and easy to be integrated in any type of interiors thanks to its simple and strong Design.

Photo and Info Via: www.youngdesigner.it

Hot Wheels Designer's Challenge

Mattel's Hot Wheels has announced the results of its Designer's Challenge, a competition among six automotive manufacturers tasked with designing a futuristic car that captured the brand's core values of speed and performance. To view all models and photos click "read more"...

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National Design Award from Graphic Design USA

Illustrator Louis Simeone has recently been awarded the prestigious American Graphic Design Award in the 2007 Graphic Design:USA competition.
The logo Simeone created for his online gallery site, samalou.com, was among the winning entries selected from a remarkable 10,000 entries nationwide.

More info at: www.samalou.com


Photo and info Via: http://www.dexigner.com

@chair by Brodie Neil

The "@Chair" concept designed by Brodie Neil , Australian designer. Visit his personal website to watch latest projects at www.brodieneil.com

Photo and info via: www.designerblog.it