Design Thinking

Inspiration 15.2: The Nike Microcosm

This post was inspired by the recent campaign put out by Nike for the quest to break the 2 hour marathon record. It is important to recognize the complexity of this event because you get a lot of messaging of the science and technological advancements that go into the training process and it feels very human centered. At the same time, you remember that the whole driving force behind this is the promotion of the new Nike shoe: Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4%. I think a megamega brand like Nike presents really interesting and complex issues when it runs campaigns because it is such a heavy influencer. It is not just a piece of clothing, it has become a movement and an entire microcosm in the world of athletics. It’s just a hard thing to wrap my mind around. It is human centered in that it is all about ambassadors and athlete sponsorship but it has just grown into something entirely new. It is a symbol of distinguished advancement. It’s like the most powerful symbol and use of marketing. And at its core its just another brand that somehow stumbled on the right kind of marketing and creative direction to become the biggest influencer in the world of athletics. Really interesting to me.

Inspiration 15.1: The Cultural Implications of the Obama Presidential Library

So at the architectural level, there is already a lot to talk about. It’s going to be a beautiful building and very dynamic space. At the design level, there is a great deal of “breaking the mold” and pioneering going on when it comes to how this addition will sit among all presidential libraries. The space takes on the newness that was the Obama Presidency and has a lot of new cultural additions that look forward to the possibilities of what we create and consume in the age of innovations and digital media. How can you create a successful library in the age of technology? Very excited to see how this project will evolve and come into a final product.

https://www.wired.com/2017/05/obama-pioneers-new-approach-presidential-library/

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Inspiration 14.1: Shipping Container Architecture Challenge

This is just a picky personal view I have on the use of shipping containers in creating spaces: it’s hard to make it aesthetic and not so rigidly shipping containery. I think this football club designed by Yaroslav Galant is an example of an interesting way to take on the challenge. The interiors are really beautiful and sleek and the shapes and geometry or color add lots of interest. I think re-using materials is amazing and when one can be sustainable and very designed that is a success.

http://design-milk.com/yaroslav-galant-designs-a-rooftop-structure-made-from-shipping-containers/

Inspiration 13.2: Moodboards by MUT

This design project has circulated through my feed a few times not and I was glad to click on it and find these beautiful concept design boards the design group made for their product. While the final versions are amazingly aesthetic and beautiful, I can’t help but appreciate the project even more because of the process shown in these photos. Materiality and texture are so subtle yet so expressive.

http://design-milk.com/beetle-inspired-acoustic-panels-by-mut-design-for-sancal/

Inspiration 13.1: Design Week Portland

I think the concept of design conventions is such an amazing opportunity for confluence of innovations and ideas. Just scrolling through a few projects being showcased you get a great preview of fresh and small movements as well as projects from more established names.

https://www.dwell.com/article/design-week-portland-showcases-the-talent-of-its-vibrant-design-community-a3203d38/6266010891932258304

12.2: Adidas Futurecraft 4D

Adidas is already my favorite athletic wear company when it comes to their produce campaigns and branding. There is a lot of emphasis on the idea that there is a great deal of creativity that goes into being athletic and innovative. The 3D Printed shoe is a great realization of this philosophy.

http://design-milk.com/adidas-futurecraft-4d/

12.1: Government Spending Facts + Engaging Graphics

This recently launched website database aims to make the facts and figures of the United States engaging and accessible to the general public. I really enjoyed navigating this site and definitely learned a bit. I think this refreshing project fits in well with the potential good design has in the world of information and technology.

https://www.usafacts.org

11.2: Inujima “Art House Project”

Installation based work has always been a tool for informing my architectural studies. There is a great deal of poetry and dynamic qualities to sculpture works that I love. One of the main goals of this project, and my favorite part, is to make art accessible to the public. I like the idea of bringing beauty to every day life and to serve a purpose.

http://benesse-artsite.jp/en/art/inujima-arthouse.html

11.1: Japanese Joinery and Green Roofs

There are so many points of interest wrapped into this 600 sq ft project. On top of the use of a joinery technique, there is also the technology of the green roof, the fact that it is such a small scale project. While you can access the project photos through the link, I wanted to showcase the diagrams because they are so beautiful and clear.

http://www.archdaily.com/868683/wooden-living-roof-built-with-japanese-joinery-techniques-uses-zero-screws