Cool Hunting

Although business documents are swiftly transitioning from paper to digital, there's still room for innovative briefcase design. Case in point, Alexandros Stasinopoulos's high-tech concept for BRΙΕFC(eramic)ACE. Though clumsily titled, the case is a sleek, hardshell container that makes extensive use of Zirconium Oxide, an extremely rigid though rarely utilized form of ceramic.

The project looks to reconcile the primitive nature of ceramics (think traditional terracotta and porcelain) with its rather impressive physical attributes. Zirconium Oxide ranks second only to diamond on the hardness scale and resists scratches and abrasion far better than conventional plastics. The large ceramic pieces on either side also provide limitless space for creative design variations. The briefcase also employs leather straps for closure and handles for a supple, tactile counterpoint to the ceramic.

Alexandros Stasinopoulos is a Greek product designer trained in Italy and Holland. Though still in the conceptual stage, the BRΙΕFC(eramic)ACE recently won the iF Concept Award at the 2008 International Forum Design competition. Check Alexandros' website for more on the cases and his other creations.