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ICFF 2012 Report: 10 Visionary Problem Solvers
Sure, pretty is nice, but the best designs improve our lives. These innovative products by students and companies do just that
A glowing broom, an ancient Japanese tea caddy and a new take on the litter box are just a taste of the smartly designed products shown at the 2012 International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF).
While there are plenty of pretty things to drool over at the ICFF, the pieces that were designed to solve some of life's most mundane problems are some of the most interesting. Take a peek.
While there are plenty of pretty things to drool over at the ICFF, the pieces that were designed to solve some of life's most mundane problems are some of the most interesting. Take a peek.
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1. Moodbroom, Peteris Zilbers
Few people in the world enjoy sweeping. Could a more beautiful and engaging broom improve the experience? The Moodbroom, designed by Peteris Zilbers, can.
The LED lights turn the broom into a functional lamp, with different lights that can be set to show a single color or rotate through the entire palette for a playful feel. Would this broom help make cleaning your home a more lighthearted affair?
Few people in the world enjoy sweeping. Could a more beautiful and engaging broom improve the experience? The Moodbroom, designed by Peteris Zilbers, can.
The LED lights turn the broom into a functional lamp, with different lights that can be set to show a single color or rotate through the entire palette for a playful feel. Would this broom help make cleaning your home a more lighthearted affair?
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2. Chazutsu caddies, Kaikado
When an object's been in use for more than 135 years, you know it works well. The Japanese company Kaikado has been making these metal canisters since 1875. They may look simple, but the manufacturing process has more than 130 steps to produce each handmade caddy.
These tightly sealed containers originally were used to store green tea. Today they can store just about any type of dry good. When the joints of the lid and the body are lined up, the lid slides down and expels all extra air from the caddy, making it airtight.
When an object's been in use for more than 135 years, you know it works well. The Japanese company Kaikado has been making these metal canisters since 1875. They may look simple, but the manufacturing process has more than 130 steps to produce each handmade caddy.
These tightly sealed containers originally were used to store green tea. Today they can store just about any type of dry good. When the joints of the lid and the body are lined up, the lid slides down and expels all extra air from the caddy, making it airtight.
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Available in brass, tin and copper, each Kaikado caddy develops a unique patina and can be passed from generation to generation.
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3. Flip litter box, Modko
Modko, maker of the famous ModKat litterbox, came back to the ICFF with a new version of the modern litter box: Flip. For those cat owners who don't think their cat would ever get used to a top-entry litter box, the Flip has a more traditional format.
The flipping lid makes cleaning easy, and the coated paperboard liners and ergonomic scoop make sure everything stays neat and clean. "We believe you should love everything in your home," says founder Brett Teper. "That includes your litter box."
Modko, maker of the famous ModKat litterbox, came back to the ICFF with a new version of the modern litter box: Flip. For those cat owners who don't think their cat would ever get used to a top-entry litter box, the Flip has a more traditional format.
The flipping lid makes cleaning easy, and the coated paperboard liners and ergonomic scoop make sure everything stays neat and clean. "We believe you should love everything in your home," says founder Brett Teper. "That includes your litter box."
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| 4. FoldScape drop ceiling tiles, Mio Many of us have spent time in an office or home with those run-of-the-mill square paneled ceilings. We get it — they're cheap, right? But do they have to be so boring? Mio's FoldScape drop ceiling tiles are a cost-effective and bold design solution for these spaces. |
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| Each set of Mio's FoldScape tiles includes 24 tiles that can cover damaged (or simply ugly) ceilings. Choose from one of the easy-to-install 3D models or customize your own by sending an image of your choice. |
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5. Locus Workstation seat, Focal Upright Furniture
We've all heard about the dangers of sitting for too long — scary for those who spend hours a day in front of a computer. Focal Upright Furniture offers something different than standing desks or exercise balls: the Locus Workstation, a seat that allows you to work in a position halfway between sitting and standing. The stool is secure but moves with you, encouraging you to use your core and back muscles correctly. Designed by Martin Keen, founder of Keen Footwear, these innovative workstations help keep body and mind active.
We've all heard about the dangers of sitting for too long — scary for those who spend hours a day in front of a computer. Focal Upright Furniture offers something different than standing desks or exercise balls: the Locus Workstation, a seat that allows you to work in a position halfway between sitting and standing. The stool is secure but moves with you, encouraging you to use your core and back muscles correctly. Designed by Martin Keen, founder of Keen Footwear, these innovative workstations help keep body and mind active.
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6. Outdoor screens, Virginia Tech School of Architecture and Design
The students at Virginia Tech's School of Architecture and Design had an impressive display of privacy screens as part of their Lumenhaus project.
These screens are presented as a solution to urban housing, as living in a city can mean sacrificing privacy and outdoor space. They're designed to slide back and forth across an outdoor balcony, and help differentiate and privatize outdoor space as well as insulate and block or let in light as needed. The individual "petals" of the screens can be adjusted to completely close or open.
The students at Virginia Tech's School of Architecture and Design had an impressive display of privacy screens as part of their Lumenhaus project.
These screens are presented as a solution to urban housing, as living in a city can mean sacrificing privacy and outdoor space. They're designed to slide back and forth across an outdoor balcony, and help differentiate and privatize outdoor space as well as insulate and block or let in light as needed. The individual "petals" of the screens can be adjusted to completely close or open.
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7. Atlas Stool, Kelly Proscio
Students at the Pratt Institute spent a year collaborating with Herman Miller to design furniture that enhances physical and mental well-being. Kelly Proscio's Atlas Stool was designed to embody this mind-body connection.
This round shape is a modern take on the yoga ball — it's based on chiropractic therapy's idea that the body and mind are only truly healthy if the bones in the neck are aligned correctly, since they hold the brain stem.
Students at the Pratt Institute spent a year collaborating with Herman Miller to design furniture that enhances physical and mental well-being. Kelly Proscio's Atlas Stool was designed to embody this mind-body connection.
This round shape is a modern take on the yoga ball — it's based on chiropractic therapy's idea that the body and mind are only truly healthy if the bones in the neck are aligned correctly, since they hold the brain stem.
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8. Alcove Chair, Michael Haley
The Cranbrook Academy of Art did its own collaboration with Herman Miller. Students focused on creating pieces that encouraged rest and concentration in the workplace.
Many people today work long hours, often in small offices that have minimal space for privacy, rest and relaxation. Michael Haley's Alcove Chair creates a cozy space for when you need to get away from the group. Simply tuck this upholstered shell into a corner or against a wall, or turn it away from the main office to read, take a phone call or even nap.
The Cranbrook Academy of Art did its own collaboration with Herman Miller. Students focused on creating pieces that encouraged rest and concentration in the workplace.
Many people today work long hours, often in small offices that have minimal space for privacy, rest and relaxation. Michael Haley's Alcove Chair creates a cozy space for when you need to get away from the group. Simply tuck this upholstered shell into a corner or against a wall, or turn it away from the main office to read, take a phone call or even nap.
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9. Private Rocker, Kyle Fleet
Cranbrook student Kyle Fleet designed the Private Rocker with similar benefits to the Alcove Chair in the previous photo. The cozy wood, leather and wool rocking chair allows for privacy.
Cranbrook student Kyle Fleet designed the Private Rocker with similar benefits to the Alcove Chair in the previous photo. The cozy wood, leather and wool rocking chair allows for privacy.
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| 10. Integrated Workstation, Matthew Plumstead Matthew Plumstead's Integrated Workstation adds an important component to the basic workstation: a bed. Plumstead divided this modern workspace so that standing, sitting and reclining each get equal treatment — an important statement about modern office living. See more reports from the ICFF 2012 |
Comments
olldbobbi I love the outdoor screen! I wonder if they thought of making the "petals" more functional, as in a series of fans? Those of us who live in blistering summertime heat areas would surely appreciate that!
12 months ago · Like
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debra75 The Modko litter box looks brilliant, very Muji, I love it!
12 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on May 24, 2012.
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