magdalenakdt-blog

[magdalenakdt-blog]

Inspiration 15.2: The Nike Microcosm 

This post was inspired by the recent campaign put out by Nike for the quest to break the 2 hour marathon record. It is important to recognize the complexity of this event because you get a lot of messaging of the science and technological advancements that go into the training process and it feels very human centered. At the same time, you remember that the whole driving force behind this is the promotion of the new Nike shoe: Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4%. I think a megamega brand like Nike presents really interesting and complex issues when it runs campaigns because it is such a heavy influencer. It is not just a piece of clothing, it has become a movement and an entire microcosm in the world of athletics. It’s just a hard thing to wrap my mind around. It is human centered in that it is all about ambassadors and athlete sponsorship but it has just grown into something entirely new. It is a symbol of distinguished advancement. It’s like the most powerful symbol and use of marketing.  And at its core its just another brand that somehow stumbled on the right kind of marketing and creative direction to become the biggest influencer in the world of athletics. Really interesting to me. 

[magdalenakdt-blog]

Inspiration 15.1: The Cultural Implications of the Obama Presidential Library 

So at the architectural level, there is already a lot to talk about. It’s going to be a beautiful building and very dynamic space. At the design level, there is a great deal of “breaking the mold” and pioneering going on when it comes to how this addition will sit among all presidential libraries. The space takes on the newness that was the Obama Presidency and has a lot of new cultural additions that look forward to the possibilities of what we create and consume in the age of innovations and digital media. How can you create a successful library in the age of technology? Very excited to see how this project will evolve and come into a final product. 

https://www.wired.com/2017/05/obama-pioneers-new-approach-presidential-library/

[magdalenakdt-blog]

Inspiration 14.2: Minimalism + Texture 

I’ve really been interested lately in the exploration of adding dimension to design projects through texture. I like this project for its construction and minimal design. The thing that really makes it is the diversity of material choices. For a “box” house, the relationship between the roof, interior, landscape, and even the objects inside, all create a very rich pallet really. I like that something at first glance can look so straightforward but actually has a lot of dimension when you take a little longer to appreciate its careful choices. It reminds me of studio assignments and the warnings along the lines of: If you’re going to go simple then every move better be really good. I like the challenge of minimal design because of the thoughtfulness of choices. 

https://www.dwell.com/article/the-muji-hut-is-a-masterful-take-on-minimalism-712b431a

[magdalenakdt-blog]

Inspiration 14.1: Shipping Container Architecture Challenge 

This is just a picky personal view I have on the use of shipping containers in creating spaces: it’s hard to make it aesthetic and not so rigidly shipping containery. I think this football club designed by Yaroslav Galant is an example of an interesting way to take on the challenge. The interiors are really beautiful and sleek and the shapes and geometry or color add lots of interest. I think re-using materials is amazing and when one can be sustainable and very designed that is a success. 

http://design-milk.com/yaroslav-galant-designs-a-rooftop-structure-made-from-shipping-containers/

[magdalenakdt-blog]

Inspiration 13.2: Moodboards by MUT

This design project has circulated through my feed a few times not and I was glad to click on it and find these beautiful concept design boards the design group made for their product. While the final versions are amazingly aesthetic and beautiful, I can’t help but appreciate the project even more because of the process shown in these photos. Materiality and texture are so subtle yet so expressive. 

http://design-milk.com/beetle-inspired-acoustic-panels-by-mut-design-for-sancal/

[magdalenakdt-blog]

Inspiration 13.1: Design Week Portland 

I think the concept of design conventions is such an amazing opportunity for confluence of innovations and ideas. Just scrolling through a few projects being showcased you get a great preview of fresh and small movements as well as projects from more established names. 

https://www.dwell.com/article/design-week-portland-showcases-the-talent-of-its-vibrant-design-community-a3203d38/6266010891932258304

[magdalenakdt-blog]

12.2: Adidas Futurecraft 4D

Adidas is already my favorite athletic wear company when it comes to their produce campaigns and branding. There is a lot of emphasis on the idea that there is a great deal of creativity that goes into being athletic and innovative. The 3D Printed shoe is a great realization of this philosophy. 

http://design-milk.com/adidas-futurecraft-4d/

[magdalenakdt-blog]

12.1: Government Spending Facts + Engaging Graphics 

This recently launched website database aims to make the facts and figures of the United States engaging and accessible to the general public. I really enjoyed navigating this site and definitely learned a bit. I think this refreshing project fits in well with the potential good design has in the world of information and technology. 

https://www.usafacts.org

[magdalenakdt-blog]

11.2: Inujima "Art House Project"

Installation based work has always been a tool for informing my architectural studies. There is a great deal of poetry and dynamic qualities to sculpture works that I love. One of the main goals of this project,  and my favorite part, is to make art accessible to the public. I like the idea of bringing beauty to every day life and to serve a purpose. 

http://benesse-artsite.jp/en/art/inujima-arthouse.html

[magdalenakdt-blog]

11.1: Japanese Joinery and Green Roofs 

There are so many points of interest wrapped into this 600 sq ft project. On top of the use of a joinery technique, there is also the technology of the green roof, the fact that it is such a small scale project. While you can access the project photos through the link, I wanted to showcase the diagrams because they are so beautiful and clear. 

http://www.archdaily.com/868683/wooden-living-roof-built-with-japanese-joinery-techniques-uses-zero-screws

[magdalenakdt-blog]

10.2: Style + Speed + Substance

Dwell recently reviewed and photographed the release of Linus’ new bike and it was really inspiring to see such a thoughtfully designed bike. I think most of my attraction to Linus’ design is dictated by Dwell’s photography and direction of the review. Like new technology meets classic design.

https://linusbike.com/products/pronto-womens 

[magdalenakdt-blog]

10.1: Ceramic Sunscreen - ALPHATUBE

“The New York Times Headquarters Building at 40th Street and 8th Avenue in New York City incorporates 1,000,000 linear feet of ALPHATUBE® in front of a clear glass curtain wall. The attachment system is very similar to terracotta baguettes, with metal rods running through the tubes and gaskets and closure brackets on each end.” This is an awesome shading system that can have many different applications. ��I love successful maintaining transparency while still adding protection.

[magdalenakdt-blog]

Inspiration 9.2: THINX New Design for New ideas 

The creative direction for the THINX brand is a whole new thing. The brand’s message is female empowerment and the de-stigmatization of women’s health and body image. The photography and design of the website and blog evokes the same power as its creators’ views. The imagery is even at times uncomfortable or awkward and I don’t think that’s a mistake when the brand takes on issues that are regularly looked over or stigmatized. Overall there is still femininity and playfulness with the aesthetic and it feels very inclusive and real! Photoshopped models are nowhere to be found. Its very authentic. 

https://www.shethinx.com

[magdalenakdt-blog]

Inspiration 9.1: Mozilla’s Rebrand 

While the new look has garnered a lot of mixed responses, I think the idea of refreshing and rethinking the look of a company is a really interesting thing to take on. Staying relevant and connected to a very rapidly evolving design culture and atmosphere seems dire today. Mozilla has been very transparent in their rebranding process which gives the masses an interesting look inside such an extensive and drastic process. It is inspiring to watch the correlation between a new look and the popularity and following of a brand. 

https://www.wired.com/2017/01/introducing-mozillas-new-logo-moza-get/

[magdalenakdt-blog]

Inspiration 8.2: 3D Printing’s Possibilities

“Blooms are 3D printed sculptures designed to animate when spun under a strobe light. Unlike a 3D zoetrope, which animates a sequence of small changes to objects, a bloom animates as a single self-contained sculpture. The bloom’s animation effect is achieved by progressive rotations of the golden ratio, phi (ϕ), the same ratio that nature employs to generate the spiral patterns we see in pinecones and sunflowers.”

https://vimeo.com/198150547?utm_source=social&utm_campaign=9916&utm_source=TUMBLR&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=StaffPicks&linkId=33730334

[magdalenakdt-blog]

Inspiration 8.1: Algorithms + Architecture 

The Elbphilharmonie is a newly opened concert hall that was designed with the use of intricate algorithms to produce a space for astoundingly optimal sound quality. The space incidentally also becomes one of the most beautiful and intriguing spaces I’ve ever seen. The idea that math and science can articulate just as much beauty as any other medium is awesome to see. This concert hall is a perfect example of one of these moments. 

https://www.wired.com/2017/01/happens-algorithms-design-concert-hall-stunning-elbphilharmonie/#slide-1

[magdalenakdt-blog]

Inspiration 7.2: When Architects Design Objects 

There is so much elegance and complexity in this shape! Looking at this light makes me feel like the design was very mindful. There can be the same amount of poetry in a lighting fixture as there is in an entire building or piece of art. It is at the same time functional and thoughtful in the way it performs. Good performance + good to look at. 

https://www.dwell.com/product/here-comes-the-sun-pendant-76efd993