Kind of torn when it comes to blogging about uber-mod architecture since I heart Unhappy Hipsters so much, but the work from the Komada studio is just too solid to ignore. Check out their site to take in the depth and breadth of their work, but it’s the image above that really pulled me in. It’s an understatement to say that most Modern/Post Modern spaces tend to look far too sterile, so seeing contrasting space carved out for meditation/concentration that strikes me as inviting is an awesome change of pace. Via whatwedoissecret.
I want a set of these without having to make the trip to Japan. Why does this happen to me for products like once a month? IIDA, please find a state-side vendor already!
I thought that this was a concept, but as it turns out this is a real-deal functional KDDI product. And I want it, desperately. I love the file-tab metaphor being brought to the table to segment the functionality of the product, with a slide out keypad for ‘phone first’ functions, media consumption, and content generation being located elsewhere. Looks nice and thin in side profile since the controls are separated from the display element.
I saw this about a year ago and thought ‘wow, wouldn’t that be nice to have,’ not thinking that it was implementable. The killer color combination only lends itself to another visual metaphor with regards to the different layers of plywood. IIDA is a manufacturer that needs to get stateside stat. Should only take until 2012, when we are all surely wiped off the face of the earth….
Love these photos of Japanese bikes, showing that if you don’t have a car you still have the basic need to express individuality via transportation. Think cars without the obnoxious after-market kits with their over-sized spoilers. Except in this case I would think that ‘modding’ is more ubiquitous given the lower cost required to create something unique vs. the social cost of riding something stock. Via FixedGearGallery.
Designer Ryusaku Hiruma has the freshest spin on the Chuck Taylor with the latest collaboration with Converse. Handmade with grain leather and a perforated All Star logo and hand-stitching a pair will only run you $600. I don’t care that it has leather laces, no pair of sneakers is worth that much because if being hand made means that much you should figure out how to make these yourself–might be more cost effective. Via Acquire.
Tokyo Born artist Hiroyuki Hamada (killer site) uses a range of materials including: wax, tar, wood, enamel, reisin, and burlap to create simple forms with intricate details. I love the stark contrast between light and dark which brings you in closer to reveal nicely balanced detailing/texture and some killer craft. I heart the layering and juxtaposition of elements, and am interested as to how big or small some of these are….makes me want to use my garage for something more than the car. Via a whole bunch of different sites including todayandtomorrow and dailyicon.
I’m sick of thick casings set around oversized watch faces, multiple dials that no one really uses, and clunky armor-esque bands that rip out arm hair. As a breath of fresh air Plus Minus Zero rolls out this beauty featuring some slick wristband integration (removing the need for additional hardware) and a basic, easy to read face. It’s almost as if Fukasawa out-Muji’d Muji. I’m all about exclusivity but can someone tell me why I can’t buy this unless I take a trip to Japan? Via DailyIcon.
When it comes to clean and tight Industrial Design leave it to Japan, with it’s growing number of small studios, to keep setting trends we won’t see in the US for the typical 18 month delay. Case in point is the work from Iwasaki Studios which range from KDDI phone concepts to furniture. Shown above is a camera that was most likely too cool to be manufactured, check out their site for more too-hot-for-TV work.
Tadao Ando is someone who produces stunning yet polarizing work. Even if you don’t understand architecture you have to appreciate what he brings to the equation in terms of balance and focus on proportion by the ubiquity of his material of choice; concrete. This is a coffee table book worth paying around $100 based on the juxtapositions of interior/exterior spaces and landscape integration for if you ask me. Taschen just can’t fail in this space and really doesn’t waste it’s time on artists that don’t deserve their attention–the perfect business model. Via Curated.
I thought that this was a concept, but as it turns out this is a real-deal functional 
