Kaasa Fireplace by Ilkka Suppanen for Iittala

The name Kaasa refers to a beacon that was crucial to sailors in the Bay of Bothnia in Finland. Reminiscent of bonfires, these stone or wooden structures guided mariners in the right direction, or to good fishing grounds. In perilous times, a fire was lit on the kaasa to warn of the enemy’s approach. This forebear of the lighthouse has inspired Ilkka Suppanen, a sailing enthusiast born in coastal Finland.

“Design is more about values than forms and colours. My aim was an archetypical, iconic gathering point. Rather like a large candle, I wanted this product to bring people together around light and warmth.”
- Ilkka Suppanen

Iittala Kaasa Fireplace 475 mm, Kaasa Fireplace 255 mm, by Ilkka Suppanen

Icon: McCormick House by Mies van der Rohe

During 1951-1952, Mies van der Rohe designed the steel, glass and brick McCormick House for real-estate developer Robert Hall McCormick, Jr. A one story adaptation of the exterior curtain wall of his famous 860-880 Lake Shore Drive towers, (if you like 860-880 Lake Shore Drive set to music click here) it served as a prototype for an unbuilt series of speculative houses to be constructed in Melrose Park, Illinois.

The McCormick House is one of only three houses built in the United States. by Mies van der Rohe. The Landscape was designed by Alfred Caldwell. The home was moved on August 16, 1994 from its original property at 299 Prospect Avenue in Elmhurst IL, to its present location as part of the Elmhurst Art Museum. The house was de-constructed, separated into units, with each loaded onto a flat bed truck, and began its journey though the streets of Elmhurst to it’s new location at the Museum’s current site in Wilder Park.

McCormick House, 1951-52, Elmhurst, Illinois, by Mies van der Rohe, Restoration DeStefano Partners, for the Elmhurst Art Museum

Triangles

Found Object, Vanves Flea Market, Paris, via: Mrs. Easton

Tribal DDB Office by i29 Interior Architects

The goal was to create an environment where creative interaction is supported and to achieve as much workplaces as possible in the new structure with flexible offices and large open spaces.

i29 searched for solutions to various problems which could be addressed by one grand gesture. At first a material which could be an alternative to the ceiling system, but also to cover and integrate structural parts. Acoustics became a very important item, as the open spaces for stimulating creative interaction and optimal usage of space where required. This led us to the use of fabrics. It is perfect for absorbing sound and therefore it creates privacy in an open space. From felt we made ceiling, walls, furniture and lamps.

Tribal DDB Office, Amsterdam, Netherlands, for i29 Interior Architects

Photography: Yurikamome by Appuru Pai

Long exposure shots from the New Transit Yurikamome, an automated guideway train that connects Odaiba to the mainland, passing through the Rainbow Bridge.

Yurikamome tracks, Tokyo, Japan, by Appuru Pai

Books: Folding Techniques for Designers: From Sheet to Form

Many designers use folding techniques in their work to make three-dimensional forms from two-dimensional sheets of fabric, cardboard, plastic, metal and many other materials. This unique book explains the key techniques of folding, such as pleated surfaces, curved folding and crumpling. An elegant, practical handbook, it covers over 70 techniques explained by clear step-by-step drawings, crease pattern drawings, and specially commissioned photography. The book is accompanied by a CD containing all the crease pattern drawings.

Paul Jackson has been a professional paper folder and paper artist since 1982 and is the author of 30 books on paper arts and crafts. He has taught the techniques of folding on more than 150 university-level design courses in the UK, Germany, Belgium, the US, Canada and Israel. These include courses in Architecture, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Textile Design, Jewellery, Product Design, Packaging, Ceramics, Industrial Design, Fine Art, Basic Design and Interior Design. He has also taught many workshops in museums, arts centres and festivals and has worked as ‘folding consultant’ for companies such as Nike and Siemens.

Folding Techniques for Designers: From Sheet to Form, by Paul Jackson, Paperback with CD-ROM, 575 illustrations, 224 pages, 220 x 220 mm, ISBN: 9781856697217
Buy it here: Amazon

Codina House by A4estudio

Located in Mendoza, Argentina, this square house was designed by A4estudio (Leonardo Codina Arch and Juan Manuel Filice Arch). Called Codina House, The house is situated on a flat land of 1,500 square meters in a residential area. The project is an opportunity to rethink the suburban houses facilities in emerging environments in contemporary Latin American urban spaces. Trying to understand the space as a stimulator, suggesting sensitive geometries that optimize weather conditions and operate from green conscience.

The house is all around an interior central courtyard, opening the main spaces to a large lateral garden. These spaces are organized in a north orientation, gaining direct heat by solar radiation, the smaller and private spaces, are oriented to the east, leaving the services areas to the west. Due to the natural movement of air masses, the volume of air in the central courtyard rises, because of temperature, causing environmental benefits of the garden perimeter through the interior spaces of the house.

Codina House, Mendoza, Argentina by A4estudio, via: archidir

Karmi Tea Canisters by Shoshen

Karmi Tea Canisters Developed by the Shoshen lacquerware from Yamanka, introducing, delicately and intricately crafted products for the home. The origin of Yamanka ware dates as far back to the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1568–1600). During this time, craftsmen developed their wood curving techniques that has now become distinguishing features of Yamanka lacquer ware. Shoshen lacquer ware respects the beautiful grain of natural wood and perfect base work. They intentionally don’t overpaint the wood in order expose the beautiful grain. It takes over a year to produce these beautiful artisan pieces.

Karmi Tea Canisters, by Shoshen

Restauration House VH by CAAN Architecten

Restauration House VH, Bruges, Belgium, by CAAN Architecten

Specular Table Light by Lukas Peet

Inspired by the specular reflections and rays of light, the design is heavily weighted on function and has a strong graphical presence. The goal was to create a light that would illuminate the table surface as well as the ceiling while leaving the space in-between free from direct light. The half mirrored globe bulb reflects all the light down and onto the table surface while reflecting the light captured in the hemisphere upward where the warmth of the textured yellow post is added to the ceiling and surroundings. When seen from above the surroundings are reflected in the mirrored bulb while acting as the shade preventing the light from shinning into the person’s eyes. Composed of a painted outer and polished inner stainless steel hemisphere, painted steel post, maple wood base and 60w half mirrored globe bulb (G40).

Specular Table Light, by Lukas Peet