Manifest Hope

Another great project from Denver during the Democratic National Convention. Tres Birds, a Boulder-based architectural firm, created this 18' x 70' 'Manifest Hope' beacon from reclaimed bicycle wheels. The installation sits on top of the Andenken Gallery, which is putting on a top-notch art exhibition from Aug. 25-28th to coincide with the DNC.

Dialog: City

The Democratic National Convention has descended upon Denver and with it has come a variety of great arts and cultural events. Dialog: City is one such series of site-specific works put together by artists from around the globe. While some events (RISD's 'Partly Sunny' Design showcase) were less than impressive - others, such as Minsuk Cho's 'Air Forest' were a sight to behold.

With the help of a balloon manufacturing company, Cho designed 'Air Forest' to be a temporary floating public square. Occupying almost 10,000 square feet in Denver's City Park, the pneumatic pavilion will host everything from yoga classes to plays throughout the week.

Eco Brolly

Found the 'Eco-Brolly' while looking through some of the items that will be on display in London as part of Kithkin Presents. The pocket-size umbrella frame makes use of whatever materials are handy - everything from plastic bags to newspapers can be used for cover with this simple structure. Designed by Shiu Yuk Yuen.

KithKin Presents...

Ian from KithKin was kind enough to send me some preview photos of British designer Tamsin Van Essen's new work. 'Contamination' is a series of ceramic cups whose appearance portrays the growth and multiplication of bacterial colonies such as cholera and e-coli. Van Essen's work will be part of an exhibition titled KithKin Presents, which will run during London Design Week in September. Thanks Ian!

Tocornal Design

'Beecups' by Santiago-based Tocornal Design are a study in people's attachment to objects. A familiar form combined with an unfamiliar material challenges the relationship and function one has with the design.

Axel Peemoeller Typography

Look at what my friend Nick sent along - photos of this amazing way-finding system from a parking garage in Melbourne. Designed by Axel Peemoeller.

Torafu Architects

I just discovered the work of Tokyo-based Torafu architects. The group has created some really innovative, wonderful interiors including this unique alteration of the Boolean Cafe at the University of Tokyo and these clever mdf wall cut-outs for the Claska Hotel. (via omami via yatzer)

Shigeichiro Takeuchi

'Assemblage' is a magnetic wall divider created by Shigeichiro Takeuchi (it reminds me of the board game Othello). The Japanese designer also made these cozy 'Triskelion' stacking stools.

Muli by ding300

Look at this great side table by the German design group ding3000. 'Muli', which reminds me of Victor Vetterlein's character-inspired work (minus the gold leaf), has two storage compartments and is made from oak.

Neri & Hu

It seems like everywhere I look I've been reading about Chinese designers Neri & Hu. Their collection, which includes both furniture and accessories, debuted at 100% Design Shanghai in July. Highlights from their portfolio includes: 'Boli Double Wall Glass', which is made to resemble, "a conventional tea glass form...within the confines of the modern glass shape", '1/3 Salt & Peppers' - 3 shakers that allow for the inclusion of white pepper, a spice commonly used in China and the 'Extrude Wood Stool Collection' - inspired by the shape of bamboo and lotus roots.