Latest articles on Design by The Cool Hunter - for more checkout www.thecoolhunter.net http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:40:10 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au Latest articles on Design by The Cool Hunter - for more checkout www.thecoolhunter.net http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1437&Itemid=6 123dv Architectuur Consult (http://www.123dv.nl) is yet another award-winning — and strangely numbered — multi-disciplinary Dutch design firm. The Rotterdam-based 123dv practices architecture and interior design in a wide range of areas from residential to commercial buildings, from small-scale to huge projects. A commercial project, the new wing of the Media Plaza in Utrecht, was launched with a high-tech party (http://blog.roomwareproject.org/2008/10/06/social-rfid-installation-for-media-plaza/) in October. The Media Plaza is one of many conference and exhibition venues under the wings of the venerable Dutch Fair organization JaarBeurs (http://www.jaarbeursutrecht.nl.). The Media Plaza’s new expansion involves eight meeting rooms and a main congress hall that accommodates 700 people. The space 123dv created is an incredibly flexible blank-canvas for seminars, conferences and corporate events. The design emphasis is on various light sources and different projection methods. The new wing is accessible via two tunnels in which 123dv designed all surfaces to be canvases for projection, with floors and walls reacting to the movement of people. Light and projection are the main features also in the foyer and in the meeting rooms. To create different moods or to emphasize event-appropriate colors, the LED-light walls in the foyer and the fabric ceilings in the session rooms can change color. 123dv outfitted the main hall with a 100% transparent ETFE (ethylenetetrafluoroethylene) roof to mimic the feel of an ancient amphitheatre — a meeting under the open sky. The completely white congress hall seems an ideal backdrop for events where the organizer can really allow its colors or products to pop. We can already picture the possibilities for a fashion runway show. - Tuija Seipell Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:35:08 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=927&Itemid=6 Packaging has power — enormous power — over what we buy. The fashions we wear express who we are. Packaging does that for products. We identify with a product because we believe that it does for us what we wish it to do. And as any brand manager will tell you, we buy the “brand promise” and the package carries a lot of that promise. Try this test scenario. You are dying to break your shampoo routine, or for some reason cannot find your usual brand. How do you select an alternative? You generally pick a package that appeals to you or draws your attention. Often you do that out of necessity — you don’t have the chance to taste or try most products. The package must do the selling right there on the spot. Ask retail anthropologist Paco Underhill (author of Why we buy and Call of the mall) (http://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Buy-Science-Shopping/dp/0684849143) and he’ll likely produce studies and surveys on shelf impact, shopping behavior and consumer psychology, all showing that it does matter what the box looks like, even when we say it doesn’t. Martin Lindstrom’s latest book Buyology — Truth and Lies about Why We Buy (http://www.amazon.com/Buyology-Truth-Lies-About-Why/dp/0385523882/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8 qid=1225417100 sr=1-1) covers the results of Lindstrom's $7-million study that attempted to figure out what really makes us vote with our wallets. The over-arching revelation — if it is indeed a revelation — is that, more often than not, we as consumers do not know why we buy. We do not know what actually affects us when we make a buying decision. What we do know — and what marketers know — is that it is all about emotions. How does the brand make us feel, is what matters. Our first impressions, whether about products or people, are strong and quick. In many cases, packaging is the main influencer. The billions spent on packaging and branding annually are not spent on spec. Marketers know it works, although even they don’t always know how or why. Packaging has a huge impact on many other things as well, not just on our buying decisions. On store shelves, the battle for space and shelf impact is tough. There is a reason why a box of twelve pills is five or more times larger than it actually needs to be to contain the pills. Theft is one concern, possibly also anti-tampering, but mostly it is about taking up space, taking it away from the competition. As the brand gains shelf space with the bigger box, other things happen as well. The bigger the box, the more shelving is needed. The more shelving is used, the larger the store needs to be. The larger the store, the higher the rent and the more staff is needed to keep it running. We can keep going along this route. The larger box also means larger cartons to ship the boxes, larger warehouses, larger trucks and so on. A larger box uses up more materials, more trees are cut down, more plastic is used, more garbage is accumulated... And of course, it all costs more. We are not trying to say that packaging is the cause of all ills, but we are suggesting that designing and producing “a slightly bigger box” is not... Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:02:22 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1390&Itemid=6 Great surroundings will not camouflage poor programming in movie theatres. No matter how swanky the theatre, if it shows poor movies, we just won’t go. Which isn’t to say that we have given up on movie-theatre design. We still wish that one day, somewhere, someone is going to design a decidedly different, interesting and exciting movie theatre. Glimpses of brilliance are visible in the new Light House Cinema (http://www.lighthousecinema.ie/index.php) at Smithfield in Dublin, Ireland designed by Dublin’s award-winning DTA Architects (http://www.dta.ie/) Of course, you really need to design — and judge — a movie theatre so that it looks and functions best when people are using it. So, having not paid personal visits to the new Light House, we cannot say for sure, but the images we have received of the empty space indicate that the play of light, colour and height works exceptionally well here. Light House cinema has been a bit of an institution in Dublin. It started showing Irish, independent, foreign-language, art house and classic cinema 20 years ago, closed in 1966, and re-opened this summer in its new, customized space. The four-screen, intimate art-house cinema includes a wonderful, inviting and open cafe that looks like something you’d see at an art museum, not a movie theatre. The leader of the Light House project at DTA was Derek Tynan and the project architect was Colin Mackay. The new cinema benefited from the financial assistance of The Arts Council, the Irish Film Board, and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. For Dublin’s city planners, this was to be a cultural magnet and a focal point for the largest mixed-use development ever in Dublin’s inner city, the massive rejuvenation plan for the historical Smithfield Market area. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithfield,_Dublin) And if you’d like to make our wishes come true, please let us know of any supreme movie-theatre design concepts you’ve seen, designed or commissioned. We are all eyes and ears. - Tuija SeipellSee also Home Theatre (http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/house/Home-Theatre/) and AMC Pacific Place Cinema (http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/lifestyle/The-New-Movie-Theatre/) in Hong Kong. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 06:15:51 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1388&Itemid=6 In most cities, strategic downtown street corners are flanked by enormous, old banks, the ornate cathedrals of capital designed to impress and intimidate. With the massive changes in real estate values and consumer banking habits, such monuments to Mammon are no longer smart or necessary. But what amazing opportunities such massive commissions must have been for the architects of the day! And what depressing alternatives we’ve experienced since! Luckily, online banking has made a bank visit almost obsolete, but when you must visit, most of the time you’ll find a boring, convenience-store-type standardized box — retail banking in the worst meaning of both words. But we are starting to see a change. Several new bank design concepts are in the works, and some have been launched recently, including CheBanca! in Milan by Crea International. (http://www.creainternational.com.) The concept for CheBanca! (translation: What a bank!) reflects the brand’s simplicity, transparency and innovation. When Crea International co-founder Massimo Fabbro will speak at POPAI Italia (http://www.popai.it/index.php?method=section action=zoom id=2811) in November on the power of physical brand design to bring to life a brand's language, spirit and values, he will no doubt mention CheBanca! And now that we have seen a few examples of fabulous bank design, we want more! If you’ve seen, designed or commissioned one, let us know. – Tuija Seipell Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:42:04 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1365&Itemid=6 Great, aesthetically pleasing design needn't be limited to traditional architectural forms such as houses and public buildings. Utilitarian spaces, such as car parks, present architects and designers with a unique opportunity to bring beauty and harmony to the everyday functional spaces that are normally ignored by great design minds. We're excited to report that the tide is changing, evidenced by these good-looking car parks.Modern design is all about "experience" and these car parks pictured acknowledge that one's experience of a private or public place begins the minute they pull up in their car. Innovative developers and designers are recognising just how crucial this is - it's almost too late by the time the consumer arrives at the front door. The "experience" of good design starts well before that. These samples demonstrate how luminous exteriors, bold graphics and neon bright lighting all work here to create a space that is breathing, achieving the previously unachievable - giving tonnes of drab, purely functional concrete a sense of life. - Lisa Evans Seen any other interesting car parks we should know about - send us tips Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:26:51 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1362&Itemid=6 Let’s face it, most conventional medical interiors aren’t exactly attractive. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to discover that most people are allergic to the blandness and sterility of clinic interiors. Well the new Allied Health clinic in Melbourne, proves that it IS possible for health and design (and a bit of fun) to go hand in hand.Accommodating the rather unusual combination of podiatry, physiotherapy, pathology, dietetics and psychology, the clinic feels like ‘2001 Space Odyssey meets late nineteenth century Victorian’. Designed by the Melbourne-based studio Chameleon Architecture (http://www.chameleonarchitecture.com.au/), the interior juxtaposes elements of heritage, science and future. Ornate period details like crystal chandeliers, cornices, skirting boards and ceiling roses provide a classical backdrop. Exploring the idea of the medical as molecular, large glossy white molecules or futuristic pods are planted throughout the clinic, serving as consultation suites. Once inside the suite/pod, the mood changes again. The interior of the pod, from the walls, ceiling, floors to joinery, is clad entirely in plywood stained with a clear lacquer which enriches and emphasises the grain of the wood. So instead of looking pale under the normally cold and harsh light of clinical spaces, visitors here are instantly bathed in a warm, healthy glow without any treatment having even begun. - Jeanne Tan Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:42:42 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1359&Itemid=6 The consulting arm of The Cool Hunter, Platinum (http://www.thecoolhunter.net/platinum), is taking on some exciting global design projects covering architecture, interior design, fashion, events and product design. Specifically we are putting out a call to our vast Coolhunter community; architects and designers who have created amazing spas wellness resorts and architecture/interiors of kids pre-schools/play centres/playgrounds/community centers. If you are an architect or interior designer with some great work in either of these areas please let us know, we'd love to see your work - past, current or future. Watch this space for new projects. If you're not a design professional but have seen something inspiring in the world of kids or spas/wellness resorts we'd love to hear from you too. Send your work/tips to bill@thecoolhunter.net (bill@thecoolhunter.net) with either kids and spas in the subject box. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:44:19 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1356&Itemid=6 The aquatic complex Les Bains des Docks (http://www.vert-marine.com/le-havre/) (animation here (http://www.lemoniteur.fr/video/video.asp?r=1 v=144)), designed by the 2008 Prtizker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel (http://www.jeannouvel.fr/) has just opened in the historical Port of Le Havre. Inspired by the Roman thermal baths, the 5,000-square-metre complex offers an eerily beautiful atmosphere of tranquility with the fantastic play of natural light soothing the eyes, the masterful acoustics pleasing the ears, and the pools and treatment areas taking care of the rest of the body.Although the main “colour” of the complex is white, each section’s distinct atmosphere and hue is created by flowing water curtains, colour walls, and various textures and surface treatments. Each pool – lap-pool, children’s pool, whirlpools – is designed, shaped and lit to create a unique “private space” for its specific users. These seemingly enclosed areas help minimize echoing and sound carriage – an annoying aspect of most aquatic centres - as do the varying-height floors and ceilings, and the acoustic false ceilings. Saunas, a hammam, cold and hot baths, and a spa area with hydro-massage and aquagym areas complete the atmosphere of pampering and care. An external lagoon makes the summer use of the complex even more appealing.The Docks in the south end of the ancient port city of Le Havre are the oldest docks in France. The area is under massive revitalization with the goal of making this a leisure, culture and shopping neighborhood. When completed, the area will include residences, a large park, a tropical greenhouse, cinemas, bowling alleys and a shopping center, plus a Nouvel-designed Sea and Sustainable Development Centre to be completed in 2011. The Sea Centre will be a showcase of shipping and sailing – exploring their economic and industrial significance as well as their environmental impact on coasts and estuaries. It will be a 120-meter-high metallic structure dominating the port and it will include exhibit areas, an aquarium, a meteorological station and a restaurant with panoramic, 360-degree views of Port of Le Havre.Nouvel’s well-known public buildings literally span the world from New York to Reykjavik, Dubai, Soul and Tangiers. Recent interesting buildings include the bright-red research center for the maker of brakes for luxury cars, Brembo, in Italy. NouveI's (http://www.jeannouvel.fr/english/preloader.html) masterpiece for La Philharmonie de Paris will open in 2012. - Tuija Seipell Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:57:46 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1333&Itemid=6 If you’ve ever wondered what a kinetic ambient reflection membrane is and what it does, we’re about to show you. And if you already know, then you’re way ahead of the game. Check out this video and you’ll see the Flare façade (http://www.flare-facade.com/) acts as a building’s skin, and computer generation controls movement of a number of metal flake components. C8POOqz2gOE The system is modular and each flake can be programmed to tilt toward or away from the sun – reflecting light off it’s surface and creating movement in infinite patterns across the surface of a building thereby allowing the façade to interact with its surroundings. We wonder if this could be the beginning of a new direction for photovoltaic panels? By Andrew J Wiener Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:01:44 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1311&Itemid=6 Movin’ on up, now more than ever encapsulates stunning design, impeccable service, effortless living from the time the sun rises to well after the sun sets. We’ve been noticing a rising trend in the sheer number of luxury residences - we recently told you about an exclusive collection of seaside properties (http://www.thecoolhunter.net/architecture/Exclusive-Private-Residential-Estate-Abu-Dhabi/) in Abu Dhabi. And now from New York to Buenos Aires, and from Moscow to Beijing, we’ll reveal a few more of the coolest luxury abodes. Many of us have been accustomed to the stylistic cues offered by W Hotels across the world – but how many of us will actually have a chance to pick up the phone from our own kitchens and receive assistance from the ‘Whatever, Whenever’ hotline? Soon, for those who jumped at the chance to purchase a W-styled apartment in one of their newest locations south of the World Trade Centre in New York City, the possibilities will be limitless. W Residents (http://123washingtonstreet.com/) may share the building with distinguished hotel guests in the lower portion of Manhattan, but luxury amenities such as a rooftop terrace, a fitness centre and spa in the sky, a media screening room and digital lounge, as well as a separate entrance, will be solely for those permanently living in the upper floors of the luxury tower. While the W Hotel New York Downtown will take up the first twenty-two floors, the upper levels have been split into furnished residences (Floors 23-30) and customised residences (Floors 33-56). Interior design exceeds expectations, even by W standards, with sleek and functional kitchen built-ins to a translucent wall from the bedroom to a ‘peek-a-boo loo.’ A bit further in the heart of Tribeca, Five Franklin (http://www.fivefranklinplace.com/) Place is destined be the epitome of luxury residences. The 20-storey building will contain 55 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units that will be set up as duplex lofts on the lower floors; single-level city residents above; plus three triplex penthouses each with a rooftop terrace and serviced by private internal lifts. The building itself, designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkell of UNStudio, will be wrapped in a series of horizontal black metallic bands – each of which ungulates as it curves around and hugs the frame of the structure. The façade is apparently a direct tribute to the original 19th-century built form of cast iron that shaped lower Manhattan – and the metallic surface will reflect light while highlighting the magnificence of the neighbouring buildings. The building’s façade is not merely about aesthetics, as the bands will also create shading from the daylight, deflect heat, and guarantee every residence will have the highest degree of privacy, and simultaneously frame unparalleled views out across Manhattan. The Loft Residences on the levels have a double-height living area that maximises the light entering the space. The height of the great room continues on through a gallery where a white lacquered library wall ascends up into the second level. The upper-tier City Residences feature integrated terraces off the main living areas, and all units are custom-fitted with B B Italia kitchens and built-ins throughout. The master bathrooms feature a circular sliding wall that allows the bathroom to become part of the bedroom... Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:29:01 +0100