Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by ROMA Design Group

on January 16, 2012 in Architecture

This past Fall, ROMA Design Group proudly announced the completion of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington D.C. In 2000, ROMA won the international design competition among nearly 1,000 entries. ROMA Design Group worked for several years to develop the design.

The memorial has now been built and was officially dedicated by President Obama on October 16, 2011.

The memorial is located on a significant four acre site adjacent to the Tidal Basin and on axis with the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. The relationship between the King, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials expresses the evolving message of democracy through the continuum of time, from the Declaration of Independence to the Gettysburg Address to the Civil Rights Speech which Dr. King delivered on the steps of the nearby Lincoln Memorial in 1963. Continue Reading →

‘Clock-Parasol’ by Kota Nezu

on January 16, 2012 in Industrial Design

Japanese designer Kota Nezu has designed a parasol with a built in sun dial to be read from underneath. One rotates the umbrella and the handle mounted compass to find magnetic north, correctly orienting the inside graphics. Based on the curvature of the earth, the sun lights the umbrella from the back and is allowed to mark the approximate time.

Vertical lines and numbers indicate hours on the parasol’s surface, while horizontal lines are the summer solstice, the spring / autumnal equinox and winter solstice from top to bottom.

Centered around the idea that people think less about the sun and its position throughout the day, this parasol allows for a moment of reflection for the viewer.

The parasols are made from a water-repellent and UV processed. The outer rib made of glass fiber measures 55 cm in length. The fabric panel is composed of 65% polyether and 35% cotton.

Adjustable Sunglasses Rings

on January 15, 2012 in Industrial Design

Featuring a stackable sunglasses design, a slim, smooth shank and an adjustable size.

Made of 100% Zinc, these fun rings are available for £6,-/two pack at ASOS Collection.

“Directional, exciting and diverse the ASOS Collection makes and breaks the fashion rules. Scouring the globe for inspiration, our London based Design Team is inspired by fashion’s most covetable trends; providing you with a cutting edge wardrobe season upon season.”

Your basic business cards know-how

on January 10, 2012 in Graphic Design

A business card is an entrepreneur’s best friend — his most valuable marketing tool and an essential element to becoming unforgettable.

In today’s tech-oriented world of short attention spans it is more important than ever to make a compelling first impression. A brilliant business card that speaks to your profession, serves some unusual function or that transforms into something else can be a great way to grab attention and inspire those you meet. Continue Reading →

Amazing whale skeleton made from plastic chairs

on January 7, 2012 in Art

Brian Jungen is a Canadian artist from British Columbia with Swiss and Dunne-za First Nations ancestry. He graduated from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in 1992 and is based in Vancouver.

In 2000, the sculptor built this stunning whale skeleton out of cut-up stacking plastic lawn chairs. Called “shapeshifter”, the created sculpture measures 57 x 260 x 52 in.

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‘Layered Drawings’ by Nobuhiro Nakanishi

on January 3, 2012 in Photography

Osaka, Japan-based Nobuhiro Nakanishi’s mesmerizing body of work entitled Layered Drawings is truly breathtaking. He photographs a scene or object repeatedly over time, then laser prints each shot and mounts them onto acrylic. Change is captured in each frame, and once layered, they become sculpture installations. The overall effect shows movement and the subtle passage of time. Continue Reading →