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How This 116-Story Skyscraper Will ‘Confuse’ The Wind
Last week, when Smith + Gill Architects unveiled its design for Imperial Tower, which will become Mumbai’s tallest building (by a lot!), their description of the project confounded many critics. “The building,” the architects explained, “is designed to confuse the wind.” Huh? Curious to know exactly what that meant, I got in touch with the Gordon Gill, one half of the Chicago-based office.
This Table Designs Itself With A Corrosive Chemical Dance Party
There are all kinds of ways to design a table, but most of them don’t include resonant frequencies or specially-designed abrasive enzymes, much less both. Bonus Table 571 isn’t most tables though, and that’s exactly how it gets its very specific pattern.
This Silicon Cylinder Is An Acceptable Adult Piggy Bank
Most of us have a spot for our spare change, whether it’s a glass or a jar or the space in between your couch cushions. These rubber banks, designed by the Hong Kong collective Praxis, are just as practical and a lot more refined.
The Most Stunning Way To Start A Fire Since Lightning
The simple form and function of a Zippo lighter has made it an incredibly iconic design. But it could soon be supplanted by Alessi if the Italian houseware manufacturer prices its new Sushi lighter to compete with the Zippo. That, or convince a Hollywood producer to have an action hero prominently use it in an upcoming blockbuster.
A Wind-Powered Factory That Makes Chairs, Scarves, And Pillows
It’s not often that we get to talk about engineering and knitting in the same sentence. But Merel Karhof, a Dutch-by-way-of-London designer, is an expert in both.
Someone Finally Designed A Folding Chair That’s Easy To Store
They’re light, they’re cheap, they’re marginally comfortable, but ironically, folding chairs are rarely easy to stack and store. They’re supposed to be, but their random curves and bulges make it a task that’s frankly just not worth it — especially knowing that Folditure’s ultra-flat hanging Tilt chairs are about to hit the market.
Water-Activated LED Wall: Sounds Dangerous, Looks Beautiful
Water and electricity: historically, not a great combo! But Antonin Fourneau, a French artist and engineer, combines both to remarkable ends in his installation, Water Light Graffiti, which landed in New York this week.
The Story Of The Bike Maker Who Can Hardly Ride His Own Bikes
Shortly after Ezra Caldwell began building bikes, he was diagnosed with rectal cancer, making it nearly impossible for him to ride his own creations. But in spite of that cruel irony, his craft became a part of his survival.
