Openshop Studio

by CH Contributor

by Andi Teran

The typical architecture firm would never tell a client, “We don’t know what we’re doing,” or describe its method as “DEEP PLAY” (yes, all caps). Openshop Studio, however, is anything but typical.

Headed by Adam Hayes and Mark Kroeckel, the nine-year-old studio is an environment where a wayward motorcycle is at home in the kitchen. Using the bike as its mascot, Openshop bills itself as “a motorcycle ride disguised as a design firm," incorporating whimsical objects, improbable materials like inflatable wood and the odd panel of pink fur into their plans.

The duo—who bear no resemblance to the time-honored image of the imperious, turtlenecked architect—are responsible for the sleekly modern transformation of multi-ethnic Manhattan restaurant Red Egg (pictured below), a minimalist reincarnation of the uptown Steven Alan store and a mini-golf hole in Brooklyn constructed out of recycled bottles that forced putters to get their feet wet. These projects and others have earned Openshop awards from I.D. Magazine, the AIA in Houston and a commission to design the museum shop within the Queens Museum of Art.

Whether working with or without strict spatial or fiscal parameters, their approach to problem solving is often as unique as the finished structures they create, like their Hive Loft—a honeycomb like “hive” nestled within a large, open residence (pictured below).

“One motto we have in the office is: the best idea wins,” Kroeckel explains, “We’re not interested in where or how it comes, but we’re searching for that best idea, which may not be any of the ones in front of you at that time. You may have to throw all of those out.”

The duo recently started a lecture series for those interested in forward-thinking architecture solutions based around an ethos that, “imagination has to become intelligent and self-regulating.”

As Hayes explains, “We have to remind ourselves everyday that we have no idea what we’re doing. The moment you begin to think you know something—whether it’s a political view or you think you understand how a material acts," Kroeckel finishes, “It’s dead.”

Openshop’s current project under construction is the Artsee retail eyewear boutique in Miami (pictured above).

Equinox Fitness Clubs: Using Technology to Improve Your Workouts

by CH Contributor

Advertorial content:

How many gyms do you know with a full time internal team that focuses on bringing technology into your workouts? We sat down with Daniel Rath, Equinox Fitness Clubs' Director of Internet Services, to learn about their current and future technology efforts.

Equinox recognizes that all elements of their clubs play a role in your experience as a member. MYEQ, a Web and iPhone platform, allows Equinox members to easily see what's going on at a club, but it also allows them to track their visits and progress. You can reserve a bike in a spinning class, or export your favorite classes into your calendar application. Our favorite function is digital check in—no need for a card or fob, simply flash your member code on your iPhone when you walk into the club. You can also listen to Equinox-curated music mixes so you can workout to your own beat.

We can't tell you about all of the programs they are working on, but you can expect to see some major evolution to their site and iPhone app. We can tell you that Daniel and his team are thinking about data, tools, equipment and how to better integrate them with your needs.

Technology is just one of the reasons we think it’s worth checking out Equinox with a three day pass.

Design for Obama Book

by CH Contributor

by Maggie York-Worth

When Aaron Perry-Zucker sent out an open call for posters inspired by Obama’s presidential campaign to post on DesignforObama.org, he didn’t expect the windfall of high quality art that arrived from around the world. But the icing on the cake was an e-mail from Spike Lee after he stumbled upon one of Perry-Zucker’s submissions, a recreation of the poster for his movie "Do The Right Thing," and proposed they co-edit a book collection. Thus Design for Obama was born, a book that mirrors the sharing philosophy in which these posters were made.

Launched on 4 November 2009 to commemorate Obama’s victory, the beautiful book highlights over 200 of the finest posters from DesignForObama.org with full page crisp prints and short bios of each contributor. In his preface, Perry-Zucker illustrates the huge outpouring of support for Obama that inspired such a rich and varied catalog of unique artwork. He writes how “the Obama campaign found incredible success in using the Internet as a means of organically growing a grassroots army, the energy of which swept Obama into the White House.”

Spike Lee stresses the incredible power of posters as message-makers and how he “had always been interested in graphics—not just movie posters.” The artwork held particular meaning as a way “to effectively convey the spirit and soul of the film it was trying to sell.” When working with designer Art Sims on the poster for "Do the Right Thing," Lee “wanted people to be like I was—someone who was so moved by that poster that they would tear it off of a wall or a subway train and hang it up in their room.”

In a companion essay, visual arts expert extraordinaire Steven Heller cites Shepard Fairey's revolutionary "Hope" poster and the sharing philosophy Fairey promoted with inspiring the artistic boom. This free-for-all of sorts allowed designers and layman alike to “reject bland tropes while making novel graphic statements that reflect the times." Heller points out the incredible power these posters wielded and how they “enabled the artists and designers a chance to take part in the electoral process." DesignForObama.org underscores this message, allowing anyone to download and print all the posters on the site and in the book.

The collection in "Design for Obama" shows a range of styles and themes, many utilizing the Obama campaign’s symbolism, while others create an entirely new visual vocabulary. Comical wordplay such as “Barack you like a Hurricane” and “Somewhere Obama the Rainbow” abound, as well as more heartfelt messages of “Hope,” “Change” and a whole lot of “Yes We Can." These posters convey earnest yearning as well as tremendous triumph.

A particularly well paired set of posters mirror the intense emotions of the campaign before and after Obama’s election with the text "I'm voting for 'that' one" and "That one that won." In the spirit of the unity and sharing, Perry-Zucker and Lee also included several international posters, highlighting the future president's global support.

"Design for Obama" viscerally portrays the excitement, energy and hope of the time through the strength of its images.

Buy a copy of the book from Amazon or Taschen and see more images after the jump.

Côté Bastide Bath and Home

by Karen Day

Discovered while staying at the lovely Hotel Pastis in Saint Tropez, the equally charming Côté Bastide bath products added unexpected repose to an already relaxing holiday. The Côté Bastide collection includes an assortment of fragrances, candles, soaps and home furnishings, all sold at one of the three serene shops in Paris or the south of France.

While many companies take to the modern ideal for a clean aesthetic, Côté Bastide's commitment to their Provençal roots is a refreshing reminder that winsome packing can still project a sense of simplicity.

We had the fortunate opportunity to peruse the Paris outpost, but feel we may have missed out on a true experience after hearing Pastis co-founder Pauline recount their adventure to the lovely old village of Lourmarin on their search to outfit the hotel. "Naturally when we arrived it was closed for lunch. When it did open, two lovely ladies wearing stylish floaty linen dresses drove up in a battered old Citroën 2CV (French for deux chevaux vapeur, literally meaning two steam horses). They opened the doors and we entered the shop, the most amazing scent filled the air. Lemon-lime, orange blossom and fig trees—it was magical."

We recommend visiting one of the shops, but for those not in France, Côté Bastide products sell from Lille Boutique and various online shops.

See more images after the jump.

Thirty Conversations on Design

by CH Contributor

by Adrienne So

A video web project started by vice president and creative director of design firm Little&Company Joe Cecere, Thirty Conversations on Design taps movers and shakers in design for their thoughts. Little&Company's clients include Target Corporation and Warner Brothers, so when Cecere sought out leading professionals in his field, he knew where to look.

Cecere asked thirty of the world's top creative professionals two simple questions: What single example of design inspires you the most? And what problem should design solve next?

The surprising and illuminating answers make for a bite-size educational experience with appeal to both designers and laypeople. Ellen Lupton, curator of contemporary design of the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum in New York, cites the book as a pinnacle of design, symbolizing mutation, mobility and free flow of information. Greg Hoffman, global brand creative director of Nike, suggests that design could be an effective way to combat childhood obesity by attracting attention away from more sedentary lifestyle choices.

While the majority of the interviewees live in New York, Cecere seeks out design professionals from all over the world. Erik Spiekermann, a designer at edenspiekermann and professor at the University of the Arts Bremen, marvels at the invention of the alphabet and how the printing press made the mind-bending leap from handwriting to printed letters that bore little resemblance to their predecessors. Miguel Vasquez, of MASA in Mexico, reveals his awe at how Facebook attracts people from all over the world, changing how people communicate and do business.

Altogether, the conversations remove design from its pedestal and consider its effects in the real world. Simple, beautiful, functional design can do more than make objects attractive‚ it can change how people think and speak, and improve lives.