Displaying posts labeled "Sponsored"

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It’s that time again! This is an early bird call for your entries in the prestigious A’ Design Award & Competition. We are excited to share with you not only some of the previous winners but also how you can enter your own designs for this year’s competition. With over 100 categories the A’ Design Award & Competition is the world’s largest design competition. But it is not just an award. It is an indicator of quality and perfection in design, recognized worldwide, your design front and centre before design companies and professionals. Entries will be judged by an international jury panel of scholars, professionals and media members (you can check out the methodology here) and the benefits to the winners are inspiring. The trophy, of course, an invitation to the gala night, a certificate of quality, inclusion in the prestigious A’ Design Award & Competition exhibition and the yearly ResultBook but even more importantly press, PR, introduction to industry professionals and companies and international exposure.

From the Good Industrial Design Award, to the Good Architecture Design Award. The Good Product Design Award to the Good Communication Design Award. The Good Service Design Award to the Good Fashion Design Award and so many more. Are you inspired? Excited? Believe you’ve got what it takes to take on the best of the best design from around the world? You can register for A’ Design Award and Competition here.

And now some of the fabulous 2020-2021 winners …

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Lattice Chair Weaving Armchair by Chen Kuan-Cheng

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Minimal Techno Arm Chair by Sebastiaan Van Beest

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The Bridge House Private Residential by Soheil Afshar Mohammadian

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Slope House Residence by Kyungsik Kim

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House of Tubes Residential by Enrique Leal

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Zero Sun Lounger by Roberta Banqueri

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Watch Tower Cat Climbing Tree by Fei Chen, Lei Yang and Qi Wu

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B Fora Vase by Nicolau dos Santos

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Peloponnese Rural Residential House by Ivana Lukovic

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Hacienda Summer House by Hany Saad

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Aura Minimalist Standing Fan by Marco Gallegos

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Ori Accent Chair by Manish Maheshwari

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God’s Math Cabinet by Michael Potter

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Pagoda Cabinet by Pandi Li

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Bamboo Leisure Chair by Wei Jingye and Li Jiashu

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This post is brought to you in collaboration with A’ Design Award & Competition

Today, architectural lighting design is one of the most transformative elements in the building industry. Whether it’s natural or artificial lighting, proper illumination brings uniqueness to spaces by providing architects a broader scope to express their creativity while retaining the functionality, artistic value, and social perception of an architectural project.

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If you look at modern building designs around the world, you can see how lighting design plays a vital role in the visual art of architecture. From using glass to ambient reflective surfaces, designers find different ways to showcase how various lighting solutions interact with various work and living spaces. 

Here are seven of the best illuminated architectural projects worldwide:

The Water Cube, Beijing National Aquatics Center

Accentuating spatial borders and other structural elements using light creates distinctively beautiful spaces. Among such architectural masterpieces in commerce and outdoor advertising is the light box sign. Illumination and custom designs put in a box can make wonderful illustrations of a brand.  

With its architectural design as a focal glow, the building uses both natural and modern light-box-inspired lighting to showcase its striking structural elements. Using the fluorine-based plastic ETFE, The Water Cube allows maximum daylight interior illumination and color-changing LED lighting, giving it a fascinating ambiance at night.

U.S. Air Force Academy (Center for Character & Leadership Development)

When reviewing the best-illuminated buildings, this 105-foot tall glazed masterpiece stands out. The artistically placed horizontal plates with reflective properties create adequate daytime illumination. At night, the structure’s base comes to life with LED floodlights. When coupled with the assortment of decorative mirrors, the lights make the interior space burst into an exciting glow.

When fully lit, the building evokes tremendous emotion with its ability to symbolize the design appeal of each space. The oculus found inside the building’s Honor Board Room further emphasizes the transformation. With rooms full of color and captivating architectural elements, such lighting serves to make it even more stunning. 

Hyundai Capital Convention Hall in Seoul, South Korea 

The Hyundai Capital Convention Hall serves a variety of purposes. From hosting training events to showcasing video presentations, the interior space requires flexible illumination. To achieve this, the lighting design project uses various lighting options, including stage lights, movable recessed lights, and linear wall lights. With individual operations, there are thousands of possible light configurations to suit different occasions.

Striking a balance between light and innovative architecture and design depends on aesthetics, efficiency, and functionality. The convention hall adequately addresses all three aspects to produce simple yet adequate lighting, showcasing its architectural beauty. The lighting project also uses an abundance of accent lighting in the screening hall, creating breathtaking shapes and graphics in a captivating blend of natural and artificial lighting.

Ports 1961 Shanghai in Shanghai, China

The flagship store by Ports 1961 in Shanghai is best described with two words: innovative and breathtaking. The store adopts an iceberg-like design made entirely from glass. The three-story structure uses sculptural design elements instead of the standard two-dimensional glass blocks. The features, creatively designed by combining traditional square and L-shaped glass blocks, fascinatingly provide adequate natural lighting.

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The exterior design does more than complement the interior. When stepping through the entrance, the square blocks’ interior elevations display LED monitors coupled with linear LED lights installed along the joints. The light reflects indirectly from the glass to create a breathtaking effect, especially at night. When lit, it results in a beautiful icy glow, reminiscent of an iceberg in the moonlight.

Lighting Design Is at the Forefront of Modern Architecture

Today’s architectural trends show the demand for efficient lighting systems for both interior and exterior environments. A designer can use their innovation to make the lighting enhance the building’s overall design without losing its primary function (to see) while ensuring the overall architecture is appealing and user-practical. 

Many of the best-lit buildings and structures globally take advantage of both natural and electric lighting. With the increasing need for sustainable green energy solutions, investing in natural lighting techniques will save energy while maintaining functionality. Architects need to continue working with interior designers to design aesthetically appealing, functional, and energy-saving lighting techniques for a sustainable future.

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You might remember this post from back in 2018 when I received the cutest cat bed from California-based modern cat furniture company Tuft + Paw. They reached out earlier this year about some new products they have since launched as well as an awesome new website and asked if I were interested in testing out some more items from their line. I am such a sucker for decent looking, well-made cat furniture and this company really does make some of the coolest I have come across in many hours of scouring the interwebs on this subject. Above are the two I selected – the Zip scratching post and the Grove cat tower.

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One of the things I love about Tuft + Paw is their attention to detail – in their designs, their simple and easy to follow assembly instructions and their packaging. You are guaranteed to never have any mishaps with your items showing up damaged in any way given how careful they package everything. Above, Mimin is inspecting the Grove box as soon as I opened it. I recycled almost everything, and what I didn’t I stashed away because I’m a sucker for good packing materials I can reuse. But before you break it all down and put in your recycle bins, you know how it goes my fellow cat parents….

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Lucky insisted on a couple of hours nap in the box first.

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The Grove cat tower is a beauty! They sent me over the shorter, 24″ tall version (there is a 41″ version, and it also comes in a light grey stain) which is perfect as half my crew are geriatric and would not likely have been able to jump to the top level of the tall one. I love the simple design. The slats make the cats feel safe and enclosed, and the faux shearling cushions on each level are super cozy. Since it arrived I have found Lucky asleep in it at least once a day. The others have been using it too but it seems to be Lucky’s favourite.

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I’m stoked to have another awesome, modern piece of cat furniture in the house I’m not at all embarrassed by and won’t need to push out of the way if I’m trying to take random pics for Instagram. A total winner in my book.

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The folks at Tuft + Paw didn’t ask me to review their Zip scratching post, but I wanted to because if you have a pile of cats like I do, and value your furniture like I do, you understand the importance of a good scratching post. The one on the left has seen better days, and I was dying for a replacement. It is very hard to find tall scratching posts. Tall is important because cats like to stretch when scratching. So to note, don’t ever cheap out and buy one of those short, cheap ones. TRUST ME. The Zip is 36″ tall and I’d say likely one of the tallest, simple and modern scratching posts you will find. The post is wrapped in a really thick sisal so this beaut is going to last a long time. All of the cats have been going to town scratching their little dagger claws on this so I’m happy to finally be able to get rid of my torn to shreds post.

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Thank you Tuft + Paw for making such great cat furniture! My cats thank you too. Go have a look around their website – they have all sorts of goodies for sleeping, climbing, scratching, litter, playing and eating.

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Renovating a bathroom can be fun but is also a daunting task. There are too many options that you’ll find that will make you feel confused and overwhelmed. Picking the right materials for your bathroom will solely depend on what sort of bathroom you want to have. Whether it is an edgy one, or perhaps you are aiming for a traditional look, the key to a successful renovation is planning. Listed below are a few things that you need to consider when picking the right materials for your bathroom.

Flooring

One of the most important things you need to consider when renovating your bathroom is choosing what type of flooring you will install. If you aim for safe flooring, you have to think about the durability of the tiles you pick. Moisture and slip resistance are also important factors when choosing what tiles to install. Your options can be vinyl, cork, natural stone, or ceramic tiles.

Bathtub

The tub is the highlight of every bathroom, and choosing the best one is an important decision to make. For a safe and easy-to-install tub, go for a walk in bath. This is ideal, especially if you have an elderly person at home. They are designed to prevent anyone from falling or slipping. But if you are not into getting this kind of tub, you can always go for a traditional one. Choose the one that will fit your desired look for your bathroom.

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Cabinets

Cabinets play an important role in the bathroom. They keep the room clutter-free and organised. You can find cabinets in different styles, but you have to careful and do not let the looks deceive you. Always look for cabinets that are not only durable but will also withstand the test of time. Cabinets made of solid wood and plywood are good options.

Vanity

No matter what type of vanity you wish to have, it’s important that you know your space. If you have a bigger space, then a built-in vanity might be your best option. However, if your bathroom space is limited, then a freestanding vanity will be good. Your vanity will define the look of your bathroom, so be sure to choose one that will suit your style. Also, consider picking a vanity that is easy to clean.

When choosing the products for your bathroom, always go for something that can withstand the condition of the room. Another factor that you have to consider when purchasing materials is your finances. You have to set a realistic budget that you can spend for the renovation. Check all your options first before making a decision. Once you finalise your budget, stay on track and do your best not to overspend. Whether you aim for a modern or a minimalist bathroom, keep in mind that it should always look clean and organised.

Choose the right materials that will not only make your bathroom look chic but also keep it organised at all times.

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(Sponsored)

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With 100 categories the A’ Design Award and Competition is the worlds’ largest design competition. But it is not just an award. It is an indicator of quality and perfection in design, recognized worldwide, bringing your design front and centre before design companies and professionals. Categories such as Interior Space and Exhibition Design; Architecture, Building and Structure Design; Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design; Lighting Products and Lighting Projects Design; Arts, Crafts and Ready-Made Design; Landscape Planning and Garden Design and so many more. (You can find all the design categories here.) Entries will be judged by an international jury panel of scholars, professionals and media members and the benefits to the winners are inspiring. The trophy, of course, an invitation to the gala night, a certificate of quality, inclusion in the prestigious A’ Design Award and Competition exhibition and the yearly ResultBook but even more importantly press, PR, introduction to industry professionals and companies and international exposure. The fame, the prestige, the recognition and so much more.

The A’ Design Award & Competition has ended for another year. Entries have been judged by an international jury panel of scholars, professionals and media members. The prize? The trophy, of course, a certificate of quality, inclusion in the prestigious A’ Design Award and Competition exhibition and the yearly ResultBook but even more importantly press, PR, introduction to industry professionals and companies and international exposure. The fame, the prestige, the recognition and so much more. Yes finally the winners have been announced.  Can you imagine the scale of this competition?  2094 Winners from 108 countries in 104 different design disciplines.

Here are some of my favourite winners for 2020 from the following categories: Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design; Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award: Architecture, Building and Structure Design; Lighting Products and Projects.

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I think what I liked the most about these entries was the interesting use of natural materials and the almost organic lines of most. You can see all the winners here.

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Once again an emphasis on organic, sinuous lines as well as an exploration of mass and voids, positive and negative space, monumental and intimate spaces.

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From organic lines (and organic principles) to brutal and monolithic there is so much to explore in this year’s winners.

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I love the exploration of what is light, the shape of light and changing direction of beams. As for the play on an hour glass to time a light … what fun!

A’ Design Award and Competitions are organized and awarded annually and internationally in a wide range of categories. Every year projects that focus on innovation, technology, design and creativity are awarded with the A’ Award. While realized projects find opportunities to get published, reach new markets and meet a wide range of buyers for their existing products, the organization also helps the creative minds and startups to meet with the business people to realize their product ideas. Early Registrations to A’ Design Award are now open, enter your works for fame, prestige and international publicity. To register for next year’s competition you can do so here.

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This post is brought to you in collaboration with A’ Design Award and Competition.