Clamp is a pendant lamp designed by Enrico Zanolla and Andrea Di Filippo of DZstudio.

The inspiration comes from the pattern of Chesterfield sofas (Capitonné) applied to the exterior surface of the lamp. It was hard to define the right size of every rhomb and find the quality of leather that could fit the radius of the emispheric surface.

DZstudio

Clamp Pendant Lamp, image courtesy DZstudio

Clamp Pendant Lamp, image courtesy DZstudio

+ Design description by DZstudio

Clamp, the work of Italian designers Enrico Zanolla and Andrea Di Filippo, is now on the market. The first concept was presented during the summer and the prototyping took two months to reach the final product.

The inspiration comes from the pattern of Chesterfield sofas (Capitonné) applied to the exterior surface of the lamp. It was hard to define the right size of every rhomb and find the quality of leather that could fit the radius of the emispheric surface.

Clamp Pendant Lamp, image courtesy DZstudio

Clamp Pendant Lamp, image courtesy DZstudio

We have chosen a soft and first quality leather used in the clothing industry that could stretch perfectly for our requirements.

The contrast between the smooth interior and the sophisticated, deep buttoned exterior is ideal for a modern interior space with a touch of glamour and classic style.

The exterior is available in black and white leather, while the interior is available in gold leaf, black or white mat lacquered.

+Designer: DZstudio | Enrico Zanolla + Andrea Di Filippo | http://www.dzstudio.net
+Year: 2011

+ All images courtesy DZstudio

Washington-based architectural firm KGP Design Studio recently has completed the Bicycle Transit Center (BTC) at Union Station, Washinton DC. It is designed to store 150 bicycles as well as a locker/shower and a repair rental store.

While “differentiating” itself from Union Station itself, the Center does merge with its surroundings adapting the vocabulary of the bronze portals and “colonnades” of lamps on First Street and the building’s periphery. The identification of “separation and differentiation” similarly is a theme that runs throughout the design process as a means of respecting its architectural context and linking to its broader context – providing a state of the art transit facility for Washington of 2005.

KGP Design Studio

Bicycle Transit Center, image courtesy KGP Design Studio

Bicycle Transit Center, image courtesy KGP Design Studio

+ Design Approach by KGP Design Studio

The Bicycle Transit Center will be a peripheral extension to Union Station presenting a new choice of transportation options for its users. As such it should be seen as peripheral design component to the station.

An early recognition by all involved recognized the need to separate and differentiate the center from its predecessor in order to maintain the integrity of the historic Union Station and allow the (BTC) to reflect its own needs ultimately better serving the community. While “differentiating” itself from Union Station itself, the Center does merge with its surroundings adapting the vocabulary of the bronze portals and “colonnades” of lamps on First Street and the building’s periphery. The identification of “separation and differentiation” similarly is a theme that runs throughout the design process as a means of respecting its architectural context and linking to its broader context – providing a state of the art transit facility for Washington of 2005.

Bicycle Transit Center - Location plan, drawing KGP Design Studio

Bicycle Transit Center, image courtesy KGP Design Studio

Siting
A number of siting options were studied varying the structures adjacency to the portico and its relationship to the proposed bus lanes.

Approaches emphasizing a “pavilion in the plaza” were preferred. Recalling the original plaza enclosed by the west portico and original vaulted Train Room extension to the north, the arrangement promoted a pedestrian friendly use of the current obsolete asphalt drive and ramp access. By pulling the structure away from the portico, conflicts with the functioning of the West Portico Entry and Metro Entry are avoided.

Bicycle Transit Center - Plan and Elevation, drawing courtesy KGP Design Studio

Massing
In order to differentiate the structure from the verticality of the Station and the monumental the large scale arches of the portico, a gentle rising of the ground plan to a shallow vault defines the buildings massing. Inclined glazed surfaces meet the earth rather than “walls” allowing lines of sight to flow over the structure.

Bicycle Transit Center, image courtesy KGP Design Studio

Enclosure
This “non-building” without walls and roof, per sec, is transparent and distinctly different than the granite-clad walls of the station. In fact the glazed panels in contrast will be more like a transparent lens allowing the station to be seen through it as one move around the plaza. At the same time it will discretely showcase alternative modes of transit for visitors and commuters.

Environmental Issues
The BTC could be described as something between a canopy and a building.The entire structure partially open, will take advantage of passive airflow when possible. The temperature of the parking area typically will be moderated by passive means or minimal mechanical ventilation only at seasonal temperature extremes. Because of the more demanding requirements of the retail segment it will be provided the option to close its enclosure and mechanically heart or cool the space.

Bicycle Transit Center, image courtesy KGP Design Studio

The design of the building’s skin takes the environmental factors into account. The east and west exposure are differentiated. Like an eye it opens to Union Station with transparent glazing. To the west – the “eye lid” is more opaque and protected. The east orientation has minimal solar exposure, due to the adjacent west portico. It is a series of rotated and warped glazed planes acting as horizontal louvers allowing airflow but protecting from the elements. The west orientation, exposed to direct sun as well as the elements, is a single warped plane. It is open at the top and bottom taking advantage of the chimney effect to promote air movement through the structure. Vertical louvers will help shade the late afternoon sun. Additionally low-E coated single glazing will limit heat gain but allow visibility. Rotating west to east, the coating will progressively lessen in each “louver” allowing full transparency on the east most surfaces.

Bicycle Transit Center, image courtesy KGP Design Studio

Bicycle Transit Center - Diagram, drawing courtesy KGP Design Studio

Hybrid natural and mechanical venting system
To minimize mechanical venting, cooling is accomplished with an staged environmental control system which first uses automated vents maximizing natural convection. If required, fans will provide two air changes per minute equalizing temperatures with the exterior. If further cooling is required in the double glazed retail area, the automated vents will close sealing the retail area for effective mechanical cooling. In winter the automated vents will close to take advantage of solar heating as is required.

Double Glazed, Low-e, and Ceramic Fritted Glass
Solar heat gain will provide benefits as well as a challenge for maintaining a comfortable environment. Ceramic frit as well as a low-e film will allow for a reasonable balance between solar and visible light. Double layered ceramic frit oriented to minimize the high midday solar gain, while allowing horizontal visibility, helps to maintain a reasonable amount of transparency at the pedestrian level.

Rainwater used for Irrigation
A portion of the runoff from both the Bike Station as well as the plaza will be channeled to the planters for use as irrigation and the bio-retentive qualities of the planting beds.

Bicycle Transit Center, image courtesy KGP Design Studio

+ Project credits/data

Architect: KGP Design Studio | http://www.kgpds.com/
Project: Bicycle Transit Center
Location: Union Station, Washinton DC, USA

American design studio NunoErin has been commissioned by the Mississippi Children’s Museum to design the Lightning Bench. The bench is able to interact with the users via its hidden network of sensors installed below the translucent surface. This project was inspired by a child’s ability to turn a functional world into an imaginative journey.

+ Designer: NunoErin | http://www.nunoerin.com

+ Design description by NunoErin

The Lighting Benches take us on a sensorial journey into the heart of an electrical storm. Each bench is portrayed as a bolt of lightning that strikes the ground with fractured yet symmetrical geometry. Below the translucent surface of each bench is a hidden network of sensors that detects electrical charges within the human body.

Lightning Benches, image courtesy NunoErin

Lightning Benches, image courtesy NunoErin

As the electricity inside our body is sensed, the bench responds with sundry displays of flickering light. When the body interacts with the surface, it is followed by a trail of light that delights the senses and sparks the imagination. The Lightning Benches are made of translucent resin, sensors, and LEDs. This project was inspired by a child’s ability to turn a functional world into an imaginative journey.

Lightning Benches, image courtesy NunoErin

Lightning Benches, image courtesy NunoErin

The Mississippi Children’s Museum is a vibrant 40,000 square foot structure with exhibit spaces arranged around the themes of Mississippi heritage, health & nutrition, literacy, cultural arts, and science & technology. The Museum is the first of its kind in the state and aims to provide unique educational experiences that inspire a thirst for discovery, knowledge, and learning in all children.

+ All images courtesy NunoErin

In Lima Peru, Interior Design firm Oneto/Sousa Arquitectura interior recently completed a modern and compact design project for a small apartment.

The Cube-Kitchen Loft, image courtesy Oneto/Sousa Arquitectura interior | Photo by Vinicios Barros

The Cube-Kitchen Loft, image courtesy Oneto/Sousa Arquitectura interior | Photo by Vinicios Barros

This time the design process was different since the owner already had the concept so Oneto/Sousa Arquitectura worked together and collaborated in the whole interior of the apartment.

The Cube-Kitchen Loft, image courtesy Oneto/Sousa Arquitectura interior | Photo by Vinicios Barros

The kitchen is a big white cube located in the center of the area (47m2) present in the two floors. On the first floor it works as the guest bathroom and kitchen cabinets. Hiding the refrigerator, oven, microwave and all of this by white panels with polyurethane paint.

The Cube-Kitchen Loft, image courtesy Oneto/Sousa Arquitectura interior | Photo by Vinicios Barros

On the second floor it transforms to become the closet and laundry room with the main purpose of separate the master room from the master bathroom.

The Cube-Kitchen Loft - Layout plan, drawing courtesy Oneto/Sousa Arquitectura interior

+ Project credits / data

Project: Cube Kitchen loft
Client: Victor Larco
Date: 2011
Area: 47 m2
Location: Miraflores Lima, Peru
Interior Design: Oneto/Sousa Arquitectura interior | Victor Larco | http://www.onetosousa.com/
Photographer: Vinicios Barros
Program: Interior | Loft

+ All images and images courtesy Oneto/Sousa Arquitectura interior