fun

On another note, I just came across this artist, a member of 5.5 Design Studio. Being South African, I naturally clicked on the 'boerie' in his collection of works, which led me to the 'L'union fait la farce'. I can't say I quite even know what it is, but it's weird and I like it.

His work seems broad, to say the least! I actually came across his name when I found this quirky paper chandelier. It casts interesting shadows and the options are endless - for a weekend of DIY fun!?

Sugar for my honey

Beautiful lamp design by Polish designer Justyna Poplawska. I found it while looking for different material options for our latest uni project. The sugary appearance, a combination of recycled glass and bio-resin, glows like a treasure.

You can see more of her work here. I also really like Double Cup and Okto.

ella ella ay ay

A new way to (fix and) use all of those discarded umbrella carcasses - construct beautiful floating sculptures. Like this example by SLO Architecture.

Two tiny twins

Here are two excellent examples of small living spaces. In both designs, I think that 'treading lightly, with a low impact on the earth' is apparent as a central theme.

1) Meka is a converted shipping container. Modern and sophisticated in design, it covers just 30 square metres. The interior features bamboo, the bathroom in slate, the outside is clad in attractive cedar and 70% of its materials are recycled.

Living in a modest apartment just over this size in Norway, means that my fiancé and I certainly understand small spaces - but this clever and chic design would be a welcome treat. Currently sitting on a New York corner, you can order the cosy abode to your own specifications, with the option to integrate solar power for those wanting to go off-grid.

2) Abé, is an off-grid 'build it yourself' 14 square metre portable unit. Designed using 3D software, the houses are completely customizable, come flat packed and can apparently be assembled in just 2 days! 

While this option doesn't include the necessary functions for long-term living, it's certainly a fun short-term option for a festival, camping or little garden retreat. I think the materials and size contribute to it's romantic and earthy feel. A very clever idea - I think we can expect to see more from this design group.

bright in blue

Summer might seem an odd time to be posting about this, but if you're on the west coast of Norway... not so much! It bucketed down just yesterday, but at last, things are looking up.

I came across a very cool 'rainy day project' and good use for all of those big blue Ikea bags we seem to stash away at the back of our cupboards: DIY raincoats!

Upcycled, durable, fun - and perfect for damp music festivals :).

Instructables.com provide the instructions and 'print-off' pattern.

Upcycling

If ever we talk about upcycling, it seems like such interiors are a good example... a lovely home by Blesso Properties. Among other things, their main design principle is to make use of salvaged materials, such as reclaimed and recycled wood, post-consumer materials (like blue jeans!) and of equal importance, they're durable. Proof that recycled doesn't necessarily mean lower in quality or aesthetics!

The debut

For my début post as a nouveau blogger, I'd like to touch on 3 things that have excited me during the past week ;)

Good
http://www.good.is is a great website for an occasional visit and inspiration. It's comprised of a number of individuals, all with their own interests and opinions, who post and share what they care about. I follow them on twitter and am usually inspired to click through and find out more. Anyone can join and contribute, post, vote, etc. I haven't yet, but, as I write this, I think I just might!

Here's something I wanted to share from their site this week:
I'm very into 'upcycling' and this new found use for bicycle chains is very interesting. Pretty cool designs! Still, even more could be done - perhaps experimenting with finishes - gloss/ colour...

The all nighter
I was a first time visitor at http://theallnighter.tumblr.com this week.
By architects for architects, I had a good laugh at some of the content and advice offered on this blog. Sift through the text here and there and you'll find some gems. Interesting graphic representations and some off-beat inspiration.

This week's Tuesday night half price cinema
Being a student, we take advantage of Tuesday nights in Bergen. Searching for Sugarman was showing during the 2012 BIFF (Bergen International Film Festival), somehow we missed it, but managed to catch the final screening last week.
Being from South Africa, this film humbly pulled at a few heart strings, but I'm sure it had the same affect on many others.

The Telegraph give a brief outline of the story here.