Tech trendsetters reveal all [printer-friendly] • reghardware

Original URL: http://www.reghardware.com/2009/09/25/100_per_cent_design/

Tech trendsetters reveal all

The fashion show for the material world

25th September 2009 17:30 GMT

100 Per Cent Design With London Fashion Week now, oh so last week, designers of a different sort are gathering at Earls Court, London for 100 Per Cent Design [1], the annual contemporary interiors and architectural event. Here, established designers and manufacturers rub shoulders with er, less well established designers and innovators, to show off what could be coming to a dream home or office near you. We couldn’t resist a glimpse into tomorrow’s world and even found the latest in executive ‘digital’ toys.

Fingers

Nik Ramage’s Fingers were catching everybody’s eye and ear. As you’ll hear on the video, those mechanicals do make a bit of a squeak. Naturally, it’s the artist’s own hand modelling those digits, so this a life-sized resin cast that is a must-have for every bored, board room.

Undoubtedly, the handiest executive toy around
Click for a QuickTime video clip [2]

Indeed, it’s a pity it’s not remote controlled. Instead, it’s simply on or off, powered by two AA batteries. Manufactured by Laikingland, Fingers can be ordered now for delivery in November 2009. Available in three colours: putty white, masking tape and light blue. Price £450. More from: Laikingland [3]

Music Chocolate

Called Music Chocolate this compact wood and leather pouffe takes the idea of creating hi-tech furniture, as it features a built-in amplifier and speakers and can be hooked up to an MP3 player.

Furniture music

Made in Italy and available in November, if a chocolate, musical pouffe is missing from your life, then treat yourself for a mere £2,000. More from: Michi Jung [4]

R1 and R2 radios

Applying ideas of movement to form and function, award winning fledgeling designer Il-Gu, Cha demonstrates two radio ideas. With R1, wheels on the bottom vary sound in one axis and tuning in the other.

Roller radio
Click for a QuickTime video clip [5]

With R2 the idea is associating the slider’s position with the speaker and display. Over on the left, next to the speaker it controls the volume, move it to the display side on right and the same knob alters the tuning.

Sliding signals
Click for a QuickTime video clip [6]

A graduate of the Royal College of Art, in Design Products, Korean born Il-Gu, Cha is looking for manufacturers to take on his conceptual products. More from: Studio Il-Gu Cha [7]

Port Lounge Table

Fittingly described as ‘discreet and elegant’, the EVOline Port range even carries a Red Dot design award. This modular system offers a way to minimise interfacing clutter in a variety of environments.

The EVOline Port makes an appearance within a stylish glass table

On show for the first time was the Evoline Port Lounge table. Press on the side of the central disc to swivel it up a little to get your fingers under and then pull it upward to access two mains sockets and two Ethernet ports. Price has yet to be set but sales staff on the stand suggested a price of around £900. More from: Schulte & Loughborough Electro Systems [8]

Dreyfuss Special

Henry Dreyfuss, the man behind the design of a series of Bakelite telephones, lends his name to these repurposed handsets equipped with amp and speakers for MP3 audio playback.

Does this sound phoney to you?

Designers Jinsop Lee and Justin Kim were well aware that these non-biodegradable phones are piled up in landfill mountains and sought another use for them. Even the earpieces are repurposed, providing vents for the Dreyfuss Special PSU. More from: Uncle Oswald is My Hero [9]

Boxetti Thrill

Now here’s something to help with the gadget-life balance. This is a system that slots away all the various components of your home cinema to become a simple white box. Designer Rolands Landsbergs creation actually covers a whole range of living spaces.

TV is extra, but it all packs away to delight the minimalist in your life

Some A/V gear is included which features a 7.1 channel receiver, Blu-ray player and a lift system for a TV up to 46in. A remote control opens it all up and puts it away. So if you're gadget-mad, but your partner hates clutter, then the Boxetti living room – or just the not so cheap Thrill at €5520 – could be solution you’ve been looking for, assuming you can cope with the orange. More from: Boxetti [10]

CCTV Chandelier

Hwang Kim’s CCTV Chandelier features 12 cameras, each on independently moveable arms. The concept is to deliver a 360 degree view of the head. Obviously, this is a must for anyone donning a toupee who wants to be sure of a snug rug.

Ever get the feeling you're being watched?

A bank of 12 televisions reveal the various viewpoints, but Hwang Kim was having a few technical issues when we showed up. It seems his web site is too, but those oriental characters on the web page may well be reflecting what’s happening on the ground and are simply saying, ‘Work in Progress’. When we asked what price for the CCTV Chandelier, after a pause Mr. Kim showed yet another talent for invention when he said, “£50,000”. Not much at the moment from: Studio Hwang Kim [11]

100 Per Cent Design [12] runs from 24th to 27th September 2009 at Earls Court, London. ®