Despoke

Theme:
“Qiyun—Eastern Essence—The Slow Living Movement of the New East”

Theme Concept:
Qiyun is an aesthetic principle unique to the East. It is composed of two Chinese characters: Qi is commonly know throughout the world as the life-force or vitality coursing through all things—Yun conveys a sense of internal harmony, similar to the rhyme or meter of poetry. Qiyun can be can be understood as the essence of a creation, perceptible only by a kind of sixth sense. “Qiyun—Eastern Essence” has been chosen as the theme for Taiwan’s Cultural and Creative Industries Pavilion as a gesture of moving away from the concept of past themes, such as “Eastern Trends” or “Chinese Trends,” which merely emphasized the elements of products’ exterior design. The concept behind “Qiyun—Eastern Essence” conveys a quality beyond appearance, taking traditional Eastern values such as “core humanitarianism,” “respecting Heaven and loving the Earth,” and “the harmonious cosmos,” concepts both primeval and with contemporary significance, having a unique spirit both humanistic and naturalistic at heart, and melding them with the products of modern life. This combination creates a kind of fresh lifestyle, characterized by the “slow living” movement of the “New East.”
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Based on the “Simplexity” philosophy, or the art of giving a visible simplicity to a complex object, the iconoclastic designer Ora-ïto has turned the whole art universe upside down.

For the occasion of 100% Design London, He has worked for the very first time on a monumental piece of art, inspired by the limitless possibilities of HI-MACS® Solid Surface and the key values of its expertise: know-how, quality and innovation.

Exhibited for the first time worldwide in London during the 100% design show, Ora-ïto has created an inspiring monolithic HI-MACS® sculpture with an architectural feel, which performs at the same time a highly practical function: the structure of the sculpture reveals a seat in one unique fluid design.
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Job Title: Sales Executive, 100% Design Reports to: Sales Manager Based at: Richmond, UK
100% Design London is a world leading design event about the very best in contemporary interior design. Launched in September 1995, this annual event connects an edited mix of over of 350 exhibitors from every corner of the globe with an audience of 26,500 UK and international designers, as well as 1,400 design and consumer press. Please see www.100percentdesign.co.uk or our blog www.despoke.com for more information.
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Say hello to the clock that knits the time and which by the end of a year has produced a 2 meter long scarf, perfect for the January freeze.

“I am fascinated by everyday incidents, unconscious ways of acting and invisible processes,” says Norwegian designer Siren Elise Wilhelmsen who has just graduated from the University of Arts in Berlin. “I like to observe and challenge the things we take for granted… like time passing.”
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The new Gira Interface applications enable convenient mobile operation of the entire technology of a building – with an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, via GSM, UMTS or WLAN, and from inside or outside the building. They communicate with the Gira HomeServer 3 or FacilityServer. This is a simple and elegant way of operating complex building technology while away or from any room at home. The applications, or “app”, acts as a client, communicating with the Gira HomeServer 3 or FacilityServer: the Gira Interface optimised for the touch screen displays all functions clearly and concisely, enabling their quick access.
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Electric vehicle enthusiasts, TH!NK, erupted into the news last year, when they were rescued from bankruptcy. The Norwegian company has been making steady progress, with its production in Uusikaupunki, Finland and with the support of Valmet automotive, which is overseeing engineering and manufacturing.
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The B1K is a concept race bike is constructed of carbon fiber and is powered with a chainless drive. Those are probably the only two features remotely comparable to bikes of today. The rear rim is hubless, gaining an areodynamic advantage. Both wheels forgo the traditional tire and tube in place of a rubber sleeve stretched over the rim.

The bike also incorporates some clever lights in the handle bars and one that drops down from the rear rim support. Via:[PSFK]

Mat Collishaw has been a significant figure on the international art scene for over 20 years. His new commission for the BFI Gallery is in response to the visionary work of the late Georgian/Armenian film director Sergei Paradjanov. The project fuses sculpture and the moving image in an atmospheric work evoking the spirit of Paradjanov and forms part of the 2010 festival of his work and legacy. A season of Paradjanov films in the BFI Southbank cinemas complements the show. Mat Collishaw opens in the BFI Gallery on 26 February and runs until 9 May 2010.
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