The LEAP (Living Ecological Alpine Pod), a Prefab Modular Hut for High Altitudes & Mountain Living.

A new modern bivuoac for mountain living. Designed in Italy by Luca Gentilcore and Stefano Testa, the Alpine huts are modular, highly sustainable and complete with a comfortable interior. The LEAP (an acronym for Living Ecological Alpine Pod) is a technologically sophisticated shelter, prefabricated and assembled offsite, that does not alter the environment in which it is placed.





This type of installation represents an interesting form of support to trekking and mountaineering activities with a much lower environmental impact than the traditional mountain shelters. LEAP solves all the problems of existing types of bivouac. It is entirely built off-site, suitable for transport by helicopter and easily installed on location at high altitude requiring a limited number of operations. It is built using state-of-the-art technology for durability and to withstand all kinds of mechanical and atmospheric stress. It offers comfort beyond any present proven standard.

3D models:






Designed to resist the stresses of extreme altitudes the pod has photovoltaic film incorporated in the outer shell to provide the energy necessary to run the installed equipment:





The Interior Space:


Even if limited, the interior space is furnished for a pleasing and rewarding stay under all aspects. The selected materials guarantee durability, hygiene and safety (class A1 fire-reaction) while providing a warm and welcoming interior of refined design. The proposed solutions are fully customisable both for the functional layout and the finish of the materials used. LEAP can be equipped with technological systems for the production of energy and a unit to measure local conditions (self-diagnosis, weather conditions, web-cam, emergency rescue communication) connected with logistic and rescue headquarters. A sanitary module is available, equipped with a biological toilet that disposes of all sewage without polluting the environment.


above: Entrance unit with thermally isolated inner door, storage/drying rack and rescue equipment compartment.




above: Living/dining unit with pantry and cooker (electric induction hob).




above: Sleeping unit with adjustable bunks for maximum comfort, according to the number of users.

Effective and Flexible


Each module is identified by a specific function. It is possible to organise the best layout for each location in terms of sleeping accommodation, living room space, number of entrances. Different accessories allow the choice of the outside view, including impressive scenic solutions. This kind of layout also gives the opportunity to change the layout of the bivouac over time: increasing the size or swapping around the functional units. In the case of serious damage it is very simple to remove modules to be taken off-site for repairs or replacement.







Respects the Environment
The aesthetic features of LEAP don't try to mimic or resemble any traditional alpine structure. On the contrary, the intention is to effectively declare its unrelated look in the surroundings through the expression of its high-tech features. The ecology of LEAP lies in its transitional nature and total reversibility. At the end of its "life cycle" the pod can be lifted away by helicopter without leaving any permanent trace of its presence in the natural environment. The industrial off-site construction makes use of ecologically certified materials and processes and leaves no production waste.







• All materials used throughout production are rated with a certificate of ecological origin and recyclability.

• The overall cost of LEAP is highly competitive with the traditional solutions thanks to a fully industrialised production and its high-end engineering process.

• The construction technologies are derived from the nautical and aeronautical industry. The remotely controlled diagnosis equipment reduces running costs for higher effectiveness.


Information and images courtesy of Leapfactory

A Prescription For Art. 'Meds' by Psychotherapist and Sculptor Jon Harvey.

above: Big Pharma Meds, 2010 by Jon Harvey

Making a commentary on politics, government, crime, society, the internet, business and cultural stereotypes, artist Jon Harvey has encapsulated -- literally -- icons and elements in oversized clear pill capsules for multiple series of sculptures.

His "Meds" are constructed with clay, hard vinyl, wood, leather, steel, liquid, found objects, acrylic paint, turf and other materials and placed inside 8 x 3 x 6 inch (20.3 x 7.6 x 15.2 cm) acrylic capsules mounted on stands.

Soccer Mom Meds, 2008:

F*ck Like Bunnies Meds, 2011:

Cholesterol Meds, 2010:

Nostalgic Airline Coach Class Meds, 2011:

Mall Meds 2010:

Bernie's Victims Meds, 2009:

Genocide Meds, 2010:

Gridlock Meds 2011:

Shipwreck Meds 2011:

Celebrity Meds, 2011:

Gay Meds, 2011:

Retirement Meds, 2011:

Casey Anthony Meds:

Human Nature Meds, 2011:

Lemming Meds 2011:

It's a Jungle Out There Meds, 2011:

Middle Class Meds, 2011:

Working Class Meds, 2011:

Couch potato Meds 2011:

Stock, Bond, Hedge Fund Trader's Meds 2011:

Bill, John, Elliot, Tiger, Jesse and Arnold Meds, 2010-2011:

US Senator Meds, 2010:

Police Academy Meds, 2011:

Clown Meds, 2011:

Tooth Fairy Meds, 2010:

Facebook Meds 2010:

Google Meds 2010:


In the artists's own words:
A psychotherapist by profession, I have recently decided to focus exclusively on my real passion, which is making sculptures commenting on the world and the people in it.

I make pieces that say something about the way I think the world really operates. They address the gross injustices, the lack of power of most people, including those who presumably have been given some power, and the misapplication of money and goods that cause so many people to go hungry and die from lack of food and water. I also try to express in my work some of the absurdities and foibles of humanity with, I hope, some humor.

The Meds Series came directly from my work with children. As a school psychologist working primarily with teenage boys, I treated kids with many challenges, such as Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Occasionally a kid would come into my office so heavily medicated that he slept through the entire session. Other times, if the meds were properly adjusted, we could make some real progress through one-on-one talk therapy.

I believe that, as a society, we are all too eager to treat any and all ailments with drugs, rather than taking the time and effort to really work through to the root causes of our problems. The Meds Series is my commentary on this tendency.

I have been making sculptures most of my life but it only became clear to me to move full speed ahead with my art several years ago. Inspired by the works of Joseph Cornell and Edward Kienholz, I began by building small three-dimensional sculptures for friends and family. Although Cornell created tiny worlds in small boxes and Kienholz worked on a much larger scale, both artists remain a strong and fascinating influence for me.

See all of Jon Harvey's work here.

Superhero Sneaks! Converse Introduces DC Comics Kicks; Batman, Flash & Superman.

Converse has teamed up with DC Comics for a collection of special hi and low Chuck Taylors for Men. The collection consists of 6 different pairs of kicks; three Batman, one Flash and one Superman.

Funky Find Of The Week: The iGrow Hair Rejuvenation System.

This hands-free hair rejuvenation system for both men and women, the iGrow by Apira Science, is so hilarious looking it's hard to believe it's a real product. But for $695, it had better be. Developed by industry professionals, the funny looking helmet provides you with the ability to listen to music while employing low level lasers along with high output LEDs to promote thicker and fuller hair.




Choose a 20-25 minute session a few times each week, and if you’re like others who have seen results, you could see thicker and fuller hair growth in as little as 60 days. The low-level laser technology is hands free and pain free, and works in tandem with 30-high-output LEDs that cover the entire scalp with rejuvenating light. Built-in headphones connect to your iPod. Relax and enjoy your favorite music while helping to regain the look of thicker, fuller, and healthier hair. Automatic shut-off.




Within 12 weeks of using iGrow as directed, most consumers report that they experience the cessation of excess hair loss. The appearance of thicker, fuller, healthier hair is typical within 24 weeks.



About Apira Science
Apira Science is an established leader and pioneer in low level laser therapy for hair loss and thinning hair. Its Revage670™ system has earned numerous accolades from doctors and patients alike for its ability to stop the appearance of hair loss and promote thicker, fuller hair. Now, Apira is launching a consumer solution that leverages the Revage670 technology in a compact, hands-free system that will enable hair rejuvenation in the comfort of one's own home. The new iGrow at home laser is also iPod/MP3 compatible, further enhancing the appeal of this easy-to-use device. For additional information please visit www.apirascience.com.


Buy this here. But please don't use it in public.