Conceived us as an article of warm, welcoming design rather than a medical device (thanks to feedback on a prototype model, that was presented at L’École de design Nantes Atlantique, from people with autism as well as from psychometricians studying sensory processing disorders), graduate designer Alexia Audrain’s Oto chair inflates to “hug” a person sitting within it. This cocooning effect can help people with autism …
$216
Swiss artist Roland Schär captures the essence of landscapes—spontaneous lines, playful textures and vibrant colors sweep through his compelling work. ZigZagZurich’s Panoramas blanket celebrates the artist’s vision, turning his unbound abstract scenery into a 100% New Zealand wool blanket. Woven in Europe and measuring 55 by 79 inches, the Nordic-style jacquard blanket is guaranteed to keep even the coldest toes warm.
High-end electric scooter producer Unagi’s second release—humorously entitled the Model Eleven (which follows their launch product, the Model One)—debuted on Indiegogo with a thrilling new look from renowned industrial designer Yves Behar. This light (at 32 pounds), smart (with Google turn-by-turn navigation) and portable vehicle includes a suite of tech-forward upgrades, from a motion-detector alarm system to a camera-based advanced driver assistance, full front and rear suspension, and swappable …
Transforming renowned, recognizable painted works by Michelangelo, Munch, Caravaggio and da Vinci into three-dimensional panoramas and landscapes, Italian design agency Invasione Creativa grants art lovers the opportunity to explore images they’ve long admired in a new way. The agency employed numerous 3D-mapping techniques to lend dimension to the source material—and each reveal is surprising. See more imaginative imagery, and watch an inspiring video, at designboom. …
In his latest experiment, speculative architect Liam Young designed a city that can house 10 billion people—the estimated population of the world in 2050. This “Planet City” constructs a regenerative future—one in which the city, occupying 0.2 percent of the earth, sustains space to restore nature, returns stolen lands, staves off climate change and fosters a new myriad of cultures. While this experiment is not …
Located at the University of Tokyo, a prototype room designed by a team of researchers wirelessly charges devices—including a lamp, a fan and smartphones—from anywhere inside. Despite its innovative technology, the room appears like any other 100-square-foot living space. Yet, nestled behind the floor, ceilings and walls of aluminum sheets are a series of capacitors which generate magnetic fields that reverberate around the room, charging …
$22
The sixth edition of Radical Softness as a Boundless Form of Resistance continues to meditate on how tenderness is reflected, resonated and realized within different practices. Released by Genderfail—a publishing initiative dedicated to intersectional queer subjectivity—and edited by Be Oakley, the zine includes essays written by the editor, as well as writing by Lora Mathis, Alexis Ruiseco-Lombera, Noah LeBien and Kimi Hanauer. It also features new …
$1999
Ideal for professionals and rookies alike, the Moog Sound Studio provides an all-encompassing approach to exploring modulated sounds. Upgraded from their first iteration, this package offers a richer experience to build complex and complete songs, featuring three 60HP analog synthesizers: Mother-32, DFAM and Subharmonicon. The curated set also comes with a custom duvet cover, audio mixer, power distribution hub, audio and patch cables, synth exploration …
$128
Queens, New York-based designer Ashley Volbeda draws on antiquity, sculpture and a love of history to make the handcrafted jewelry under her label, Aveta Studio. The Glow Hoops are no exception. These wavy one-inch-long earrings reflect Volbeda’s enamor of playing with shape and form and come in two color options: sterling silver or brass.
$29
Chance’s Bloom Basketball—a vibrant lilac, covered in large multicolored flowers—recalls the blossoming of spring and the beauty of growth over perfection. While eye-catching, it’s more than a positive prompt and is made from premium rubber material intended for indoor or outdoor use. Its pebble pattern offers stronger grip control and a Butyl bladder locks in air, ensuring optimal ball pressure and consistent bounce.
“Skin 2 Skin” is a song “for the ponies of the world,” says Hayden Dunham in a statement about her electric new single, released under the moniker Hyd. The song, the interdisciplinary artist continues, “asserts that you get to be in your body on your own terms.” Produced and co-written by Caroline Polachek, the track’s breathy ASMR, electro-pop melodies and evocative lyrical imagery amount to …
Orlando-based three-piece Cruza (Adam Kain, Charity Joy Brown and AJ Roth) combines R&B, psych and rock on the chopped and screwed “Groove Therapy.” The tune features soulful, slightly raspy vocals by Kain that work perfectly with the languid, woozy beat.
The compelling debut track from 21-year-old Vanadzor, Armenia-based recording artist Rosa Linn, “KING,” finds the pop talent collaborating with renowned singer-songwriter Kiiara. “I want my music to have a message and as soon as I wrote ‘KING,’ I knew it had to be my first release,” Linn says in a statement. “It addresses the political undertones between Russia and America and I’m thankful to have …
From soulful Chicago-based singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Silas Short, the track “ROOMS” infuses an undercurrent of classic R&B with beautiful contemporary nuance and gentle alt-music influence. It’s the third single released from his forthcoming debut EP, Drawing, out 1 October on Stones Throw Records. In the official music video, director Ross Harris captures Short in his creative element.
Musician and producer Jus teamed up with singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Georgia Anne Muldrow for the lovely, slow-burning track, “Else.” Released on Melbourne-based Inner Tribe Records, the jazzy, languid jam feels free-styled, but the arrangement and production are polished.
$350
The playful and exploratory nature of making something by hand is celebrated and cultivated at Thompson Street Studio, an NYC textile and home decor brand founded by Kiva Motnyk. The brand’s Bay Quilt throw in blue is comprised of remnant fabric, 100% linen and a 100% cotton batting. The quilt’s abstract mix of indigo, pink, charcoal and olive evoke a refreshing and lighthearted spirit to …
$30
From Mousse Publishing comes the art book 1 Million Roses for Angela Davis. The volume—named after East Germany’s 1970 to 1972 campaign slogan that supported Davis while she was held on terrorism charges—pays tribute to the activist with historic portraits by painters from the German Democratic Party, archival material and an interview with Davis by René de Guzman. Also included are essays by Nikita Dhawan, Kata …
