Designing Paris 2024- Let's Catch Up #24
Seymourpowell envisions water EV transportation, ZeroCo eliminating plastic waste, Kawasaki hydrogen motorbike showcased, Lobster shells turned into new materials, MSCHF biscuits questions consumerism
With the Paris Olympics kicking off I thought about all the design that goes into each summer and winter olympics. From official country sportswear to signage and wayfinding in the host city, there is a lot of effort, thought and design in each element to create a melting pot of culture, community and cohesion.
The most famous piece of design has to be the torch. This year’s torch designed by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur is embodying equality, water and peacefulness with it’s symmetric design.
But the torch design has a strong history starting in 1936. The designs have represented values changes of the decades as well as pushing the boundaries of fabrication and design. Here are a few standouts since 1936.
See Guide to the Design of Paris 2024
Now… Let’s Catch Up!
Autonomous EV Hydrofoil Concept For Water Transportation
TECHNOLOGY
Credit Seymourpowell
This conceptyual design from Seymourpowell has envisioned a future of EV transportation moving people in coastal cities such as Sydney, Hong Kong or New York. Water mobility is common in many of these cities already, but what Seymourpowell are offering here with their Omni Robotic Boat (ORB) is autonomous electric hydrofoils that utilise sensor and camera technologies to manuever quickly and efficiently around water bodies.
Read More Here
ZeroCo Make it Easy to Go Zero Waste in Personal Care
PACKAGING
Credit ZeroCo
Australian packaging manufacturer ZeroCo have been around for a number of years, but I love highlighting businesses that are transitioning away from the traditional waste in areas like personal care. ZeroCo have a range of refillable bottles that are 50% ocean and recycled plastic that can be refilled with pouches of product so your never throw out the bottle. The well thought out reduction of waste extends to the pouches, as consumers can return the refill pouch to be cleaned and reused so nothing goes in the bin.
Go to ZeroCo Website
Kawasaki Demo’s First Hydrogen Motorcycle
AUTOMOTIVE
Credit Kawasaki
On July 20th Kawasaki conducted the world’s first public demo run of its hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE). The team had to make several modifications to the traditional ICE to enable hydrogen to be injected directly into the cylinders. Engine modifications weren’t the only changes, with larger fuel canisters added to the motorcycle to store the hydrogen. The benefit to all this development is an alternative fuel source with an emission of only water. As we transition away from fossil fuels, alternative fuels as well as EV’s are critical to this change.
Full Release Article
Lobster Shells Turned Into 3D Printed Objects
MATERIALS
Credit Manufactura and BioMatters
A partnership between Mexican design studio Manufactura and American BioMatters has produced a wonderful waste utilisation material. Commercial lobster industry in Maine, USA produce large amounts of waste from discarded lobster shells. The waste is mixed with other materials and binding agents such as clay before printing on a 3D printer. Whilst the mechanical properties of this new material are being validated, there is potential for the material to replace industrial products and ceramics.
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MSCHF Cookies Hold a Mirror Up to Society
Food
Credit MSCHF
MSCHF art collective have released their latest social commentary product. Good old scout/guide biscuits holding up a mirror to get consumers questioning our habits in pursuit of profit. I enjoy this product, brand’s often ask how they can represent their values. This example shows how simple products and packaging can be leveraged to create a discourse not via being the best, look beautiful but via strong communication.
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Feast for the Eyes- Little Gondola
