If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives)

The Hypo-Allergenic Baby Bubble Bed Is So Cute, It May Induce Pregnancy.

Snug as a bug in a .... bubble. A crib design ought not to be the impetus for getting pregnant, but this one comes awfully close.

This wonderfully cute modern rocking crib by Lana Agiyan is made of lightweight acrylic plastic coated with a special eco-friendly polymer that repels dirt and scratches, making it easy to clean with a soft cloth and safe for baby. The mattress cover is made of pure wool and is filled with buckwheat hulls providing additional support that is naturally antibacterial, hypo-allergenic, anti-fungal, breathable, insulating, odor resisting, and also stimulates healthy blood flow.

Children's furniture designer Lana Agiyan describes her inspiration behind the Baby Bubble Bed:
"The image of a baby, nestled in a cloud of soap bubbles, inspired me to go beyound the traditional interpretation of a crib. The bed I've created is not only a futuristic toy, it is also a functional and emotion-evoking child care appliance. You can rock your baby to sleep and watch him or her cuddle on the cloud-like pillow through transparent bassinet. The cradle's construction resembles a traditional russian tumbler-toy "Nevalyashka" (shown below).

Like The Tradition Russian Toy, the Bubble Bed slightly rocks at all sides, but returns to the upright position with a plexiglas weight center. To prevent the bed from declining when baby is already asleep, there is a soft stopper. For easier handling, the weight center consists of several layers, that are not heavy separately, but weight 15 kg when assembled. The cradle is designed for children from birth to 5 months, after that age it can be used as a toy storage or a swing."

Material
Acrylic plastic is widely used in medical appliances for children. It's lightweight, hygienic, easy to wash and strong. To prevent plastic from scratches, that could damage the crib's appearance and moreover would make it more difficult to wash and disinfect, there is a special innovative coating.

Coating
Together with an Estonian factory Nanoformula we've made a special nano tech coating for the cradle. Treated surface of the crib obtain improved optical transparency, repel dirt and can be cleaned with just a dry cloth, without use of chemical detergents. Due to photocatalytic effect of nano particles of titanium dioxide, contained in the liquid polymer base, the coating degrades dirt and air pollution on sunshine. This happens when exposed to sun surfaces start ionizing the air around, purifying it from pollution and smells. Moreover, the liquid polymer fills scratches, making them invisible and protects the surface against future damage. This coating is absolutely safe for children, eco -friendly and certified for EU.

Mattress
The mat cover is made of pure wool, soft and warm, for the comfort of little-ones. Inside there is a layer of buckwheat hulls. This feature gives additional support to the mattress, that should be firm enough for the safety on newborns laying facedown. Buckwheat hulls filling is ideal surface for babies. It's naturally antibacterial, hypoallergenic, anti fungal, breathable, insulating and odor resisting. It also simulates healthy blood flow.

Manufacturing
All the parts of the cradle were designed for industrial low - cost manufacturing (blow moulding, vacuum thermoforming and cpu milling).

The Baby Bubble Bed is soon to be manufactured under the brand Bounce but will only be available in the Russian Federation.

Lana Agiyan has two other whimsical and sweet designs for children, you can check them out at her site here.

Water Discus Is Another Proposed Underwater Hotel. Will Someone Please Build One Of These? 27 Awesome Images.

Water Discus is yet another proposed underwater hotel which, like the previous ones I've posted, would amaze me if it ever comes to fruition*.

*(note that previous underwater and floating architectural companies I have blogged about, Aquadomi and Oceanic Creations have since disappeared or declared bankruptcy)

DOT (Deep Ocean Technology) explains the rationale behind the concept: “Top-rated resorts offering luxurious conditions and amenities have become the new standard for active leisure. A wide selection of luxury hotels can be found in virtually every part of the world. But we bring you a deluxe hotel combined with a real marine adventure and breath-taking views found only in the heart of the ocean.”

The view from your room:

The Water Discus has been designed by Deep Ocean Technology in Gdynia, Poland, which has patented the modular design comprised of two discs - an underwater and above-water one.

This combination will allow guests to admire the depths of the ocean while making the most of the warm climate. The two parts of the structure are connected by five solid legs and a vertical shaft containing a lift and stairway. The size of each disc has been adjusted to local conditions.

The Surroundings:

The complex is surrounded by a beautifully vibrant coral reef. This unique location will allow you to enjoy the tropical weather and the colourful underwater world, which is just within your reach and will engage all your senses.

Accommodations:
The disc, located up to 10 metres beneath the surface of the sea, is composed of 21 hotel rooms adjacent to the underwater dive centre and a bar. Each room is integrated with the underwater world as closely as possible, offering a surprisingly direct, yet safe contact with the local flora and fauna.

Special lighting system of the area around the room and the miniature underwater vehicles which can be operated from inside will allow you to take a closer look at even the most microscopic underwater creatures using macro photography. We also ensure that our guests can protect their privacy whenever necessary. All rooms are sound-proof and have curtains of different levels of transparency.

Entertainment:

The disc and its adjacent satellites located 5 - 7 metres above the water surface comprise a restaurant, a spa and a special recreation area.

A multifunctional lobby built inside an enormous swimming pool shows the centre of the disc. The area around the underwater part of the complex and diving activities may be watched as they happen on the screens hanging on the lobby walls.

This part of the complex is connected to the satellites with awe-inspiring glass-walled tunnels cutting through a training pool for divers. Its rooftop includes seawater swimming pools (integrated with the training pool). Finally, there is also an exotic garden offering a moment's rest before going back to extreme experiences.

Cuisine
Our elegant and spacious restaurant is a perfect place to regenerate body and soul after a day filled with exciting diving excursions or energetic water sports. The restaurant is located in one of the satellites of the upper discs. Like all rooms in the complex, it offers a magnificent panoramic view.

Module structure
Due to its unique design, Water Discus can be expanded into a bigger resort complex. One of its most notable advantages is that it can be customised to suit the surroundings and the clients.

A single Water Discus is an independent structure with a usable area of approximately 1000 m2 fully equipped to ensure a high level of safety and comfort. It can serve as an individual module - a component of a bigger complex.

Space
A number of such individual modules may be used to build a hotel complex of minimum 2000 m2, which can be further extended with additional modules (1000 - 1500 m2 each).

Location
The aforementioned complex may be constructed anywhere in the world. Each design will be tailor-made to suit its future users and local conditions, such as the shape of the coastal line and depth of water around the coral reef.

Mobility
If any changes in environmental or economic conditions occur, the Water Discus modules can be transferred to a different place. This offers a unique opportunity to live underwater on a permanent basis with unlimited options to change locations. The mobility makes changes in interior design of a hotel much easier, as any disc can be detached and replaced with a new one.

images courtesy of DOT and Trojmiasto

Promotional animated video:

Philippe Starck's PIBAL, an Urban Hybrid Bike/Scooter, Gets Produced In 3000 Units by Peugeot.

PHILIPPE STARCK UNVEILS 'THE BICYCLE OF THE FUTURE' DESIGN IN BORDEAUX

When Bordeaux wanted to expand its bike sharing program, it turned to its citizens for input, garnering 300 responses, and the resulting ideas were integrated into a concept bike by designer Philippe Starck. The result is a crowd-sourced bicycle that is claimed to be the “ideal city bike”.

The Avenue in California's Venice Beach uses cutting edge technology to allow anyone to custom design a pair of kicks. They have created custom Chucks for many a celebrity and sell several uniquely designed pairs that celebrate pop culture.

My personal favorites are a series of nicely illustrated Converse Chuck Taylors and Vans Slip Ons by Jon Defreest that feature TV's favorite Anti-Heroes; Walter White (Bill Cranston) and Jessie Pinkman (Aaron Paul) from Breaking Bad, Zombie Hunter Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) from Walking Dead, Shameless' Deadbeat drunken dad Frank Gallagher (Bill Macy), everyone's favorite Serial Killer, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) and lovable mustachioed Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) from Parks and Recreation.

Walter White (Bill Cranston) from Breaking Bad:

Jessie Pinkman (Aaron Paul) from Breaking Bad:

Breaking Bad's boys are also available on a pair of vans Slip-ons:

Zombie Hunter Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) from Walking Dead:

Serial Killer Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall):

Shameless' Deadbeat Drunk of a Dad, Frank Gallagher (Bill Macy):

Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) from Parks and Recreation:

Each pair cost $85 USD (they ship worldwide) and please note that because these shoes are made custom per order, there are NO returns or exchanges on any orders

About:
Nestled at the heart of Venice Beach, California, The Ave, using cutting edge print technology, gives everyone the opportunity to custom design a pair of the legendary footwear that defined a generations culture, the best selling shoes in America, Converse Chuck Taylors and Vans Slip Ons, in addition to a wide variety of garments.

Shop for these and more (or design your own!) at The Ave Venice.

2013 Sports Illustrated Bathing Suit Models In Nothing But Body Paint.

The 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is out and as they've done in the past, they have featured the body painting of Joanne Gair on several of the models. Wearing nothing but Joanne's talent upon their skin, here's a look at many of Walter Iooss Jr.'s photographs of models Alyssa Miller, Anne V, Ariel Meredith, Chrissy Teigen, Kate Upton, and Nina Agdal.

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled Old Pulteney 40 Year Old, the oldest official bottling in its line of single malts.

Virtuoso is a music theory board game designed by graphic designer and illustrator Caleb Heisey. The semicircle wooden board with silhouetted instrument icons, game pieces with metallic gold printing and beautifully typeset game cards and rules all fit into an equally attractive box. Players compete against each other by successfully answering trivia questions about music history, composition, listening comprehension, and theory.

Virtuoso is a competitive, yet educational game geared for high school and college musicians to expand their knowledge and show off their skills.

images and info courtesy of Caleb Heisey

*This board game is not yet for sale. Caleb is currently looking for a publisher to produce it. The pricing and date of availability are not yet determined. If you would like updates on the progress of the game, shoot him an email at heiseycb@gmail.com

Luxury Pantone! Cashmere Colour Spectrum Shawls, Throws and Cushion Covers.

Luxury home accessories for the designer come in the form of these high-end 100% knitted cashmere cushion covers, throw and shawl from Central London's Oyuna, makers of fine cashmere womenswear, hats, gloves, robes and more woven in Mongolia. The Spektra collection features the Pantone color spectrum in greens, purples and multi-colors.

A few cool sets of wheels from fashion and furniture designer James Perse. Each available in four colors, the design of both the beach cruiser and trike combine a retro look with a luxury style. Both bikes are available in matte black, olive green, orange and ivory.