Video of the Inner-Workings of Tronic Studio

Tronic Studio from Etapes on Vimeo.

Maya Lin’s 'What is Missing' at California Academy of Sciences

Watch the full lecture by clicking here

Zebra Imaging 3D Architectural Holograms

Zebra holograms dramatically reduce time to certainty. For architecture, engineering & construction (AEC) projects, it is important to attractively and accurately present 3D form and function over iterative reviews. Holograms can be rendered from the same 3D digital design and CAD models that most AEC clients already produce for 2D renderings and animated fly-throughs.

The turnaround production time is fast and the model size, color, quality, and potential for animation are user-controlled parameters. The cost of a hologram is comparable to physical models produced at the same size. They are robust, easy to handle, and easy to transport and send. Updates and multiple copies can be easily produced and sent out to stakeholders at a single location or multiple locations. Holograms can be easily archived as physical documentation.

The presentation of AEC plans and designs is often as important as the plans and designs themselves. An impressive and accurate model can make the difference between winning and losing a contract. Furthermore, a detailed and accurate model for review during the design phase can mean the difference between detecting or missing mistakes early in the process. The ease of comprehension also make holograms well-suited for presentations to the public.

Because Zebra holograms are true-3D, multiple viewers can see the model from their own viewpoints encircling 360° around the model. In other words, viewers can walk around a Zebra hologram to observe and comprehend the model in the same intuitive manner that they observe real objects in real life.

New Search Engine For Designers

The idea is simple: search for a term and the site will show results from a number of different search queries. This is not a new idea, but the creation of search engine that is specifically targeted for designers is. After entering a query, the site data mines results from Google Images, Google Blogsearch, Flickr, iTunes, YouTube, Twitter, Amazon and Wikipedia then displays them on a single page that is orderly and easy to use. There is also a Save/Share option that will send a permalink of your search to you via email or to others through a number of social networking sites.

Click Here to Try it...

Via: Core77

Eric Sanderson pictures New York -- Before the City

Via: TED

Colander Table by Daniel Rohr

I seem to be conflicted over this project by German designer Daniel Rohr. One side of me is amazed at the simple beauty of the piece, while the other side is revolted by the over excessive nature of carving a table out of a solid piece of aluminum.

I find myself asking the question if it is really necessary for something as primitive as a table to be designed and build with such advanced technical means. If you ask me, a table needs to serve a very simple purpose, and I don't feel that this evolution on its design is really doing anything other than over-complicating something that should not be over-complicated.

I would like to hear if any others share a different opinion.

Text from designboom:

the latest project by german designer daniel rohr is the 'colander' table. the futuristic table consists a bowl like form with 909 holes. the project is an experiment, to delete space and material. this opens for the observer an other point of view with a different sense. when objects are placed on top of the table it gives the illusion that they are floating.

via: designboom