I thought I was good at Origami…  Meet Matthew Shlian, Paper Engineer.  Art and science combine in his study of shape and systems that are transformed from 2D into 3D.  Shlian teaches at the University of Michigan and works independantly as an artist and provides package design advice for large corporate clients. Amazing to see the ease at which he creates these beautiful textures.

Ha!  I love looking at innovative furniture. Ran across these unique pieces and thought I would do a quick post to share.

Red cart by Ramon Coronado – other by Mike Bouchet

I am fascinated by the people and processes relating to the ‘tools’ of my architectural trade. Heidi Winge Strom is a textile designer that strives to create a multi-sensorial experience of our environment through her work. It’s great to get some ‘behind the scenes’ video to hear and see the care Heidi has for textiles and how they can enhance our projects.

Heidi W. Strom / Textile Designer from Jérôme de Gerlache on Vimeo.

Architect Hannes Zweifel with Studio Zimoun created this Sound Sculpture. They used simple cardboard squares and DC motors organized in a complex pattern to bridge static and kinetic art. Be sure to check out more of Studio Zimoun’s work by clicking the link above.

Zimoun + Hannes Zweifel : 200 prepared dc-motors, 2000 cardboard elements 70x70cm, 2011 from STUDIO ZIMOUN on Vimeo.

Source: Contemporist

Using standard heavy-duty warehouse shelving, Freeman Murray has created architecture. Jaaga, a Bangalore-based company, is using these ‘ pallet racks’ to be an economical structure to help developing countries. Take a look at the video to learn more.

Source: I Like Architecture

I love this video of Sam Weller using using every-day objects as sounding boards to create music. Inspired by street musicians, Sam collaborated with Yamaha and The Royal College of Art to develop a device that amplifies the natural resonance of the objects. Take a look… and listen!

Public Resonance from sam weller on Vimeo.

Berlin Architect Sigurd Larsen built a box to store all of his small treasures. Each drawer, door and compartment represents spaces in one’s personal environment. Check out the video below for the philosophy and construction of ‘The Shrine’.

Sigurd Larsen // The Shrine from Dario Natale on Vimeo.

The Shard Tower is the tallest skyscraper in the UK. Photographer Paul Raftery and director Dan Lowe teamed up to create a timelapse documenting the final weeks of construction. Looks like a great project… and who doesn’t like a good timelapse!

The Shard: A Timelapse Study – A Film by Paul Raftery and Dan Lowe from Paul Raftery and Dan Lowe on Vimeo.

Something fun for a Friday! Creativity comes in many shapes and sizes. I love these ‘Rube Goldberg-esque’ machines. Making the easy complex is part of the fun! Hey Hey Hey is a design group that had a bit of time on their hands to put this together. I am glad they did… Enjoy!

Melvin the Mini Machine from HEYHEYHEY on Vimeo.

If you have more time -hey, it’s Friday -of course there is time! Here is the first Melvin the Machine but on a much larger scale.

A simple idea turned into a non-profit organization dedicated to make a difference in urban environments. We are using ‘white roofing’ more and more as people become educated to the energy and financial impact not only for the building itself but to its surroundings as well. Learn more at The White Roof Project.

Here is a cool video animating a vision of future linked skyscrapers and is described as follows:
“The project started in London with a few companies and artists invited to create a vision for the future mega developed city. The overall “Megatropolis” project didn’t make it to its final stage but the concept grew into this architectural utopia and animation. “City in the sky” is a concept about a tranquil oasis above the mega developed and polluted city where one can escape from the everyday buzz, smog and dirt. The concept is inspired by the Lotus flower which is known for its ability to emerge above the murky waters pure and clean.”

Source: Skycity

Here is something fun for a Friday. Back in my day it was mousetraps, string and ping-pong balls to automate our goofiness. If I was in college today, I could totally see myself doing this -after I finished my studies of course… Enjoy!

Source: Geekology