Housed in a subterranean fallout shelter in Switzerland, the Null Stern Hotel bills itself as the world’s first zero-star hotel. Accommodations are cheap but spartan: No TV, no private bathrooms and, most jarring of all, no daylight. The official opening isn’t until 2009, but the hotel recently hosted volunteers for a test run.
A former nuclear bunker several yards below ground in Sevelen, Switzerland, The Null Stern Hotel (translation: Zero Star Hotel) will be the world’s first zero-star hotel when it opens in early 2009. A a night’s stay will cost guests between 6-18 euros.
Source: Wsj
There are no Volkswagen robots in Transformers 2 movie, but it couldn’t stop one Chinese mall from building a home-made VW Passat Transformer. It stands in Beijing in front of a recently opened movie theater as a promotion tool.
Two brothers in Rio are living over the edge — literally: sleeping, working and eating on the side of a building 33 feet up in the air. Twenty-seven-year-old Tiago Primo and his 20-year-old brother Gabriel spend 12 hours a day in the bed, hammock, chair and dining table they’ve attached to a bright red-and-yellow wall as part of an art exhibit in Rio’s old center. The brothers are equipped with mountain climbing gear, and if nature calls, can scramble over to the verandah of a neighboring art gallery, where an indoor bathroom awaits. The Primo brothers say the hardest part is listening to drunks who relate their life stories during the night, when their trying to sleep and the rain.
The brothers have been hanging out wall-side since the end of May. They plan to continue the display until Aug 20.
Ever think computer company product planning sessions consist of throwing one wacky concept after another against the wall to see what sticks? Not much does and sure enough, the ash heap of <a href="http://En Derin.com/2009/05/05/its-terminal-a-dozen-scenes-of-early-office-computing/”>tech history is littered with flubs, flops and FUBAR fiascos designed to fly high but destined to fail. Every so often, though, a diamond emerges from the dung heap and everything changes – the cliched “paradigm shift”. Here are 15 of the coolest, craziest computer concepts you’ll see today; diamonds in the rough perhaps but easy on the eye fer shure!
SheevaPlug Shrinks Like A Frightened Turtle
(images via: Marvell, Yersys and Techshout)
The tiny SheevaPlug is a marvel to behold – and it’s only natural that it’s made by Marvell. Looking more like an oversized electrical plug than a computer, the so-called Wall Wart is designed to deliver “high-performance, always on, always connected, and environmentally friendly computing.” You
won’t find an optical drive or the usual accoutrements of home computers on the SheevaPlug, however – peripherals including storage connect to an embedded 1.2GHz ARM CPU through an integrated USB 2.0 port. Good things DO come in small packages, it seems!
Apple’s Open & Shut Case
(images via: VHXN and Gizmodo)
The MacBook Touch is awesome enough as it is but that isn’t stopping Jobs’ jobbers from making a good thing better. Witness this concept MacBook that employs one of Apple’s more interesting patents: a transparent, multitouch display that acts as a control surface on both sides! Today we have to open our laptops/notebooks/netbooks if we want to get down to business. Tomorrow, maybe not – and that would be very good business indeed.
VAIO Zoom! Biff Bang Pow!
(images via: Geekologie and Yanko Design)
Thin is in, to the point where you can barely see the screen from the side. This SONY VAIO Zoom notebook concept by Eno Setiawan takes things one step further: you can barely see the screen from the front – at least, when the power’s off. The secret lies in holographic technology that even extends to the mouse buttons. So, is a transparent laptop screen a good idea? Oh yeah… just keep it away from Kramer.
Toshiba’s Desktop Deathstar
(image via: Ubergizmo)
Lord Vader, your server is ready. This Deathstar-like desktop media server crystallizes Toshiba’s vision of how TV and cellphones will interact in a seamless multimedia future.
(image via: Ubergizmo)
Everything’s automatic: once the cellphone is in range, the server prompts it to download its media files to the server which in turn “beams” the files to a wireless HD 1080p TV – and then destroys Alderan.
O Good, A Dell Concept!
(image via: Tuvie)
Owners demand a lot from their computers, but do they want sustainability? Dell thinks so, and they’ve rolled out the well-rounded O Project PC to prove it. Luis Luna’s organic design features an integrated living plant pod that absorbs CO2 during the course of its daily life. When the PC’s life has ended, the cornstarch & bamboo polymer-based case can either be recycled or used as a non-computing plant pot to add a dash of tech savvy to your home decor scheme.
Russian To The Future With KOOB+
(images via: Lee Design Show and Industrial Design Served)
Slim, lightweight, compact, modular… all of the above apply to Artem Sazonov’s KOOB+” concept computer. Sazonov has taken the idea of modularity to the max – one or more KOOB+ component can be taken elsewhere and plugged into a different machine as needed. If you like plug & play functionality, you’ll love the KOOB+.
iMac Stays Ahead Of The Curve
(images via: Techfresh and Yanko Design)
Nuno Teixeira really knows his way a round computers, making him a natural choice to design the iView iMac concept. The intriguing iView is curved to complement the human eye and features a second screen on the back – presumably for those with eyes in back of their heads. Twin webcams pay tribute to the persistence of memory as this somewhat surrealistic concept computer owes much to Dali’s famed fluid forms.
Less Is More… More Or Less
(images via: Unplggd and Yanko Design)
I’d like to say HP’s minimalist LiM concept desktop computer was designed by Les Moore but that would be too perfect – it’s actually the brainchild of Jeffrey S. Engelhardt, a guy who believes desktop computers have a future in an increasingly mobile, server-oriented world. Even so, by offering “Less Is More” to tomorrow’s tech-savvy savants HP hopes to retain a lucrative slice of the retail pie. Though the LIM is a stand-alone CPU, HP foresees offering some cool matching peripherals like a transparent 19″ OLED touchscreen, a wireless keyboard and a virtual trackpad to replace the mouse.
Microsoft’s Mystery Machine
(image via: IFOCOS)
Not much info’s out there on the above ultra-wrapped screen but supposedly it’s a concept computer from Microsoft. Considering the thickness of the screen we’ll assume the computer-y bits are housed inside.
(image via: Geeksugar)
There are already curved screens out there, notably by Alienware (above), but this one both out-curves and out-cools it by a long shot. Let’s hope this screen-comp-combo surfaces soon… and, has as little relationship as possible with Microsoft Surface.
Cario Up The Highway
(images via: Elite Choice and Tuvie)
What’s the worst place to mount a notebook computer screen? If you guessed “smack dab in the middle of your steering wheel”, you get two points and a full body cast. Even when connected in HUD mode this seems like a poorly thought out idea. The Cario itself, on the other hand, is exceedingly well thought out. Designed for use in cars and trucks, the Cario allows you to adjust vehicle settings like climate control and music besides any other standard computing. If it can be made to work safely, you win, if not, Darwin does.
The BMW Of Computers
(images via: BoingBoing Gadgets and Core77)
Coming from an outfit named BMW Group Designworks USA, you’d expect the dials to be turned to 11 when it came to designing a true gamer’s gaming computer. And so it is – the “Level 10″ PC tower concept for Thermaltake.
(image via: BMW DesignWorks)
A massive vertical heatsink, individually enclosed components and not a stray wire to be seen… one wonders why they didn’t call it the “Level 11″.
The Power Flower Tower
(image via: ECOfriend)
A minimalist computer powered by a fuel cell? We’ve got one for you – or rather, somebody would if this concept goes into production. One of the top five finalists in the Design ReGeneration competition, the Power Flower features a miniature fuel cell hidden atop a clear water reservoir, giving the design a light, aesthetically pleasing look that doesn’t resemble any computer you’ve seen before.
The New Mac Mini?
(image via: Tech2Reviews)
This inorganic Apple concept computer was designed by Sait Alanyali, who seems to have fallen in love with his straight edge. Alanyali’s put a lot of thought into the design, which provides functionality in a variety of positions. Temperature is, as with any smaller computer, a paramount concern. In Alanyali’s words, “Cool air to the sides, hot air from the legs.” Always a safe policy in any circumstance.
Cookbook Meets Computer
(images via: SparkingTech and The Kitchn)
Niche markets will be the focus of specialized computers as tech components get cheaper and the public acclimatizes itself to anything and everything being somehow computerized. Example: the Kitchen Sync computer concept.
(images via: SparkingTech and The Kitchn)
Designed by Noah Balmer and winner of an International Housewares Association award, the Kitchen Sync seamlessly combines the functions of a comp and a cookbook. Those who’ve accidentally spilled chicken stock all over their pricey laptop will lap this right up!
The Poop On The E-Ball
(images via: Elite Choice and Device Daily)
It’s not often a concept design leaves me speechless but this is one of those times. I give you… the E-Ball! Somewhat reminiscent of a roly-poly R2D2, the E-Ball is undeniably impressive: how about a laser keyboard that beams out like ol’ R2 relaying a message from Obi-wan? Plus, who needs a monitor when you can project images onto either a nearby wall or a sheet of paper.
(images via: Elite Choice and Device Daily)
All very cool and futuristic… and then the whole presentation is overshadowed by spelling “sheet” with an “i” instead of the two e’s. Aw, crap.
As a geek version of Ferris Bueller might say, “<a href="http://En Derin.com/2009/05/22/105-examples-of-how-8-essential-technologies-have-evolved/”>Technology moves pretty fast. You don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Thankfully, computer engineers won’t stop offering up their visions of future computing and for that, we may be thankful!
‘Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places’ is the new solo installation and exhibition by London-based artist INSA, and opens on 17th July in association with the Nike Sportswear IAM1 launch of the 2009 Air Maxim.
1948, Arches 477 – 478, Batemans Row,
Shoreditch, London, EC2 3HH
Urban Angel Gallery’s Group SHow
‘The Show Must Go On’
The show will feature new work from over 20 artists, which will include paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture.
Urban Angel Ltd Contact Us
The Art Lounge
41-43 Redchurch Street
London
E2 7DJ
08700 111652
Jaybo (aka Monk) Private View
‘Headscape:Tales From The Grifters’
Signal Gallery, 96a Curtain Road,
Hoxton, London, EC2A 3AA.
0207 613 1550
The curves of this unique house by J. Mayer H. Architects bleed out from its edges and flow into the landscape around it, yet the division of artificial and natural remains quite clear, save for the ambiguous boundary of the landscaped yard.
The Open House by Xten Architecture is incredibly spacious inside and has innumerable amazing views out onto the surrounding landscape from its luxurious Hollywood Hills vantage point. It just screams elegance, sophistication and a disgustingly huge bank account.
Thin structural supports hold this unique house by John Pardey Architects high above the flood plain. Entrance staircases lead from the ground (or water) level directly up into the heart of the home on one side and to a front deck on the other. Living, guest and bedroom spaces pinwheel out from a central communal axis.
[VIA]
.jpg "Skys The Limit Art Show Photo")
Spied in a restaurant in Monopoli along with “Spaghetti with Black Cock”, but I couldn’t keep the camera still from all our sniggering.
This enigmatic castle (Castel Del Monte) was built in the 12th century in the middle of nowhere and apparently serves no real purpose; defensive or even residential! King Friedrich the Second was just showing off his money and architectural skills! There is a hint that it could have been related to the stars and astrology, but no one knows for sure.
Anyways, check out the beautiful & old graffiti text I found near to the front entrance.
This pic was taken in a tiny town called Pugliano A Mare known for its high cliff divers. To my complete surprise there was a graff supply shop in the town’s old city centre! Does anybody know what the guy used to get this effect on the wall? It was fibrous and created a really interesting effect.
UPDATE: Thanks to Kai and Ektopia for letting me know that the effect above is produced with Montana’s Spider Spraycan.
ZEVS was working on the final touches to his show in Hong Kong from July 1st until July 16th when he was arrested doing some drippy Chanel work in the centre of Hong Kong, aptly named Central.
According to the local paper, South China Morning Post:
“French graffiti artist Zevs – known for “liquidating” famous logos by pouring paint over them – was arrested early yesterday after a Chanel logo on the façade of a Central building received the same treatment.
He was one of three people arrested in connection with the incident at Chater House about 3.30 am. Police did not name the three, saying only that they were a 32-year-old Western visitor and two Hong Kong residents aged 27 and 26.
Dominique Perregaux, owner of Arts Statements Gallery, who invited Zevs, confirmed he had been arrested.
A police spokeswoman said a man called the emergency hotline shortly before 3.30am after he saw a man get out of a light goods vehicle parked near the building and paint graffiti on the wall. “Police went to the scene after receiving the call. Officers found the vehicle and arrested three men inside for alleged vandalism,” the spokeswoman said.
Speaking from Singapore, Mr Perregaux said his assistants called him about 4am. “They were with Zevs. I have not been able to reach them since. I am trying to get hold of them.”
Mr Perregaux said he did not understand why police had arrested the artist. “I do not think it is a big deal. After all, he has performed such art forms in many places before, in Berlin, in New York and Paris,” he said, adding that Zevs had used water paint, which could easily be removed.”
“Together with local craftsmen he will be experimenting with some paintings of LV and Chanel dripping logos on lacquer, the traditional Chinese way. He will also create in the city some ceramic and produce some paintings on metal (the colorful LV dripping).
These works will be presented during the exhibition opening together with
some serigraphy of other Liquidated Logos.” This will all be happening if he’s been let outta jail!
July 16th – September 30th, 2009
Art Statements Gallery,
5 Mee Lun Street,
Central,
Hong Kong
