Posts from — October 2008

I can’t believe I’m posting 2009 calenders. Do you know what this means? It means that we are already 8 full years into the 21st century. That’s astonishing. It’s also a little upsetting because by now I was supposed to have accomplished so much more. But there was just no way of ignoring the facts and allowing these radical calendars to slip by!

They are the work of Japanese graphic design unit D-BROS. And they are all available HERE for between 3,000 and 5,000 yen.

Anima design by Atsushi Hirano/D-BROS

joy by day by toy design by Noboru Naito/D-BROS
(I love stickers!!)

Someday Today design by Ryosuke Uehara/D-BROS

Have a super happy weekend!!!

One of the more interesting exhibits to come out of the Yokohama Triennial (I thought) was ienoie (house of house). Ienoie is a conceptual model for housing that attempts to redefine the shape of our homes, or more precisely, the roof above our head. Architect Hirata Akihisa conceived the idea from how rooftops resemble mountains when viewed from above. The shapes of mountains are a result of rain being channeled, whereas the shapes of roofs are intentionally designed to channel rain. Therefore, the basis for roofs is actually quite organic. But what would happen if roof design was taken a step further…

ienoie will be on display at the Yokohama Triennial through 11/30!

I had heard of Obama, the small city in Fukui Prefecture, North of Kyoto. But what I found out from reading this week’s hilarious The Talk of The Town, is that the city’s residents are all (understandably) rallying for Obama. They even established an Obama (the city) for Obama (the politician) support group. What’s even better? The capital of Fukui Prefecture, Fukui City, is the headquarters for Masunaga Optical, where Kazuo Kawasaki (who I included in Japanese Designers 101) designed the $350 eye piece that Senator Palin adores. Who knew of the political drama going down in this small prefecture known for their fishing an temples?

The city of Obama even recruited a local graphic designer, Mr. Adachi, to draft up these awesome images. I think the one on the left was scrapped for the one on the right because it sounded almost anti-Obama.

(images courtesy of j-cast)

I was intrigued by these 2 community centers in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. They were built back to back, and are the recent work of Yoshihiro Hirotani of Archivision. I love the use of wood in both pieces, as well the considerations for space in regards to the flow of people. Pay close attention to the exquisite furniture. It was all designed by architect Makoto Koizumi.

Ohsho Community Center

Omi Community Center

via shinkenchiku

I’ve voiced my opinion in the past regarding the awesomeness of Bob Foundation, the 2-person design team of Mitsunori Asakura and Hiromi Suzuki. But these recent images from No. 62, their stationary line, only adds to my conviction. Images are all courtesy of collex, who is distributing the sweets!

Left: stationary box set | Right: I Love You Mum Dad

DIY Stationary kit, make note take note. Love it!

Gift cards, Left: Gate | Right: Welbeck

Coaster notepads

Related:

• Number 62 by Bob Foundation
• Bob Foundation Coat Hanger

wow, this has been a crazy week. I was planning on skipping a post today but I came across this great online shop that I wanted to throw out there before I take off for the weekend!

AO (artistic organization) is an online shop based out of Fukuoka, Japan that specializes in affordable art. They carry a wide variety of art from prints and paintings to sculpture. Here are a few samples of what you can purchase for between 10,000 – 20,000 yen!

2 courts is one Keiji Ashizawa’s recent works. It’s a 4-story residential unit in Tokyo. I love how the courtyard extends from the 3rd floor to the 4th! I love Mr. Ashizawa’s work in that he excels in the manipulation of light and space to create environments that blend indoors and outdoors!

Toru Nagahama is a young Japanese photographer and recent MFA grad of RCA. He first started garnering fans while a student through his work of combining Tokyo and London landscapes to create screen-based interactive photography. Nagahama has a very rare point of view within the genre of Japanese photography. Beginning this Friday and running for about 1 month, Nagahama’s work will be on display over at G/P Gallery, which is housed within the multifunctional art space NADiff. His blog has some great informal sketches and photographs so be sure to check that out as well!

Functional Photography 1: Hanger

Left: Sister Book Right:Reflect Please

The roots on my back keeps me moisturized

The mole on my hand was actually a seed

Related:

• NADiff

I came across this over the weekend and it’s perfect for boosting my spirits on this ugly monday morning! The Lin pod bench is new piece by Japanese design firm Leif.designpark, and is stunning! I feel so much better now. How about we just declare the following equation to be true in all instances: furniture + greenery = good.

(photographs by Tomoya Nagatani)

And it looks like the bench has been recently picked up by UK-based Atlantico for distribution. Rad!!

I don’t usually write about tech, but this new cell phone from NTT DOCOMO is awesome! Ever find yourself in the awkward position of trying to look up a phone number while talking on the phone? Meet DOCOMO’s detachable “separate keitai,” which was just unveiled 3 days ago at CEATEC JAPAN 2008. I’m sure there are many more reasons this function was developed but, personally, I can’t wait until I’m on the phone and somebody asks me to look up a phone number!!

(images courtesy of itmedia)

You can watch some footage HERE!

via MIXI news