Here's How The VW Beetlesphere by Ichwan Noor Was Actually Created.

Out of respect for the artist, who removed this information from his own website and asked that I do the same, this post has been deleted so as to let the process of Ichwan Noor's artwork remain a mystery. --editor

If This Tent's A Rockin', Don't Come A Knockin'. The Full Sized Retro VW Camper Tent.

Officially licensed by Volkswagon, this fun four-man tent is a luxe, full-size replica of the iconic 1965 Volkswagen Camper Van synonymous with 60s counterculture. It’s so evocative you can almost hear the Mamas and the Papas singing California Dreamin’ every time you feast your eyes on its familiar and classic form.





You’ll be the envy of the campsite. But there’s more to this highly realistic pretend hippie/surfermobile than mere good looks. Just like its vehicular counterpart you can stand up inside – handy if you don’t fancy crawling around on your hands and knees after a day at the main stage.



Factor in two zip-separated double-size rooms, allowing couples to sleep/knit yoghurt/spread the love in private, plus an outer that can be put up first to offer some shelter as you erect the other bits and bobs, and you’re looking at the greatest thing to hit the world of boho living since… well, since the original VW Camper Van. All together now, ‘If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to take your Vee-Dub Camper Tent…’

Product Features:
1:1 Scale – same size as the original T1 Campervan (1965)
Officially licensed by VW
Two zip-separated Double Size rooms
Doors open, just like on the original
Fly sheet doors separate inner compartments

Contents:
Tent
Fly
Poles
Ropes & Pegs
Setup Instructions

Dimensions:
External – measures approximately 398cm(L) x 187cm(H) x 155cm(D)
Internal – measures approximately 388cm(L) x 182.5cm(H) x 145cm(D)
When packed up measures approximately 85cm(L) x 35cm(H) x 35cm(D)
Weighs approximately 12.5kg
Measures: Length 398 cm, Width 155 cm, Height 187 cm
Weight: 13 kg
Category: Sun-Marquee
Color: blue
Material: polyester; metal
Attributes: outdoor use; waterproof



Or Buy it here at Design 3000

CARCHITECTURE? A Car House AND Restaurant Inspired By The VW Beetle

I know it's been making the rounds on the design blogs, but only part of this interesting story is getting much press- and almost 8 years after the fact. This unusual homage to the VW Beetle, not only exists as a personal residence built in 2003, but inspired a larger version four years later that is now a restaurant and bar by the same builder.


above: Builder Markus Voglreiter next to his Car Home and later, his Car Restaurant

THE HOME:


The personal home, a project that began in 2003 is a 900 square foot, 3 story livable home inspired by the Bug, by builder Markus Voglreiter . The 36 year old master builder spent £750,000 to create the 3 story structure which is based on the original Beetle produced by Porsche in 1935.



The car shaped structure is constructed out of pine wood except for its cement foundation. The two second story bedroom windows appear as headlights at night when the lights within are on, casting a glow over the landscape.

Interior shots:



The small bathroom window appears as the car's fuel cap from the exterior.


The unique Auto Residence was built on the border of a nature preserve in Gnigl near Salzburg, Austria. The owners originally purchased a corner lot with a typical 70’s style suburban home on it, and wanted to renovate and update the house and structure.

Voglreiter created two separate dwelling areas for parents and children by closing off former openings and thereby allowing future generations to live under one roof. He also instituted “3 liter” energy efficient heating and insulation techniques that optimize all current building technologies, drastically reducing energy consumption.


THE RESTAURANT



After the Car Home, Markus Voglreiter and his team began construction on THE CAR, DAS AUTO, a restaurant and bar located in Obertrum, an area north of Salzberg, Austria. The project cost 1.6 million euros and was co-financed by Daniell Porsche.









The Car Restaurant seats 300 and has room for 350 on the outside terraces.

Inside the bar:

Inside the dining area:

restroom:




The unusual atmospheric restaurant and bar opened in 2007 and serves fine food and drink. It can be used for special events and parties as well.

TCDA THE CAR . DAS AUTO
Gruberfeldstrasse 8
A-5162 Obertrum
T: +43 (0)6219 / 20 441
Opening times:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 17:00 - 24:00
Sunday 11:30 to 23:00

images courtesy of stadtbaumeister, bright-tec, and The Car Das Auto


See other projects by builder Markus Voglreiter here.

Decked Out Dunny Bunny: Special Edition Volkswagon

Talk about trends colliding. VW continues to show how hip they are by co-oping with Kidrobot.com for this Special Edition Volkswagen.


AUBURN HILLS, MI – Volkswagen has teamed with Kidrobot, the world’s premier creator and retailer of limited edition art toys and apparel, to introduce a one-of-a kind, special Dunny Edition Volkswagen Rabbit. Volkswagen unveiled the 2-door, black Rabbit at the grand opening of the new Kidrobot store-gallery located at 7972 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles on Thursday, November 9, 2006.



The Kidrobot Dunny Edition Volkswagen Rabbit features patterned high-gloss exterior, green tinted windows, headlights and taillights, and a green anodized aluminum accented interior, along with Dunny Rabbit patterned seats and a custom green molded shift knob. This vehicle is a unique partnership between Volkswagen and Kidrobot, demonstrating an exciting movement of the intersection of pop art and auto culture.



“The Volkswagen consumer expects the brand to innovate and stay ahead of the trends,” said Volkswagen’s Director of Brand Innovation Kerri Martin. “Our collaboration with Kidrobot brings two creative and innovative brands together to merge art, street culture and iconic design.”



Kidrobot is an urban pop art factory of collectible and limited edition artwork and toys from designers throughout the nation. Some Kidrobot merchandise feature joint ventures with well-known artists from various backgrounds, such as industrial design, music, graphic design, graffiti, illustration and fine art. Just like Volkswagen, Kidrobot distinguishes itself from other brands by being smart, creative and fun. Both brands share their place in pop culture while the partnership offers the ability to expose this unique project to the hip, trend-aware urban consumer.

"This partnership with Volkswagen, and the creation of the Dunny Edition Rabbit, was a great opportunity to take original art concepts to new heights, and bring to life a very diverse and urban clothing line" said Kidrobot founder Paul Budnitz. "The collaboration with Volkswagen was a valuable partnering since both the Rabbit and Kidrobot appeal to a similar young, urban crowd who relate to and appreciate very inventive products,” added Budnitz.

The Dunny Edition Rabbit will be displayed in front of the new Los Angeles Kidrobot store, and can be seen in numerous boutique retailers around the world after the premiere.


above: some examples of Dunnys

About Kidrobot:
Founded by designer Paul Budnitz in 2002, Kidrobot is the world’s premier creator and retailer of limited edition art toys and apparel. The products sold at Kidrobot merge urban street trends and pop art to produce limited edition, collectible toys and apparel. Many Kidrobot products feature unique collaborations by famous artists with backgrounds in graffiti, fine art, industrial design, graphic design, illustration and music. Kidrobot operates three store-galleries, one at 126 Prince Street in SoHo, New York City, another at 1512 Haight Street in San Francisco and a third at 7972 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Kidrobot products can also be found at numerous boutique retailers around the world. Visit Kidrobot online at http://www.kidrobot.com/.

Below is some apparel & accessories available from Kidrobot.com so you can match your VW!