Manufacturing Methods: Metal Forming 01_Sand Molding + Sand Casting

Concerning how the things are here in Greece about retrieving knowledge that in later time could help you design a better product...I've decided to make a series of topics that will show how manufacture methods are done in practice.
Thats because ,at least here Greece, most of us maybe never had the chance to see "how it's done"....few manufacturers = few chances.

Well, the first one is about "sand molding" (first video) and "sand casting" (second video).

Properties of procedure:
advantages:

• Few limitation on size or shape.
• Inserts can be part of the mold.
  
• Molds are inexpensive.

disadvantages:

• Limited dimensional accurancy.
• Poor surface quality.
• Thin sections are impractical.
• Machining usually required.

[k.katinis]

The Elbe Philharmonic Hall in Hamburg

One of the most dazzling projects – and the cultural centerpiece of HafenCity – is about to break ground – the Elba Philharmonic (Elbphilharmonie) designed by Basel-based Herzog & de Meuron. The design incorporates two distinct elements: a pre-existing brick warehouse topped by a new crystalline tent-like structure that seems to float above the industrial base.

find more:

http://www.elbphilharmonie.de/

[by p.makris]

Magma Books

design books + products + adventure !!

more about:
http://www.magmabooks.com/content/service/about.asp

[v.magoulas]

Greek National Applied Arts & Industrial Design Competition

Just yesterday, I had my first meeting with the guys of the "Greek Industrial Design Secretariat" (oh YES finally there is one!!).
First of all lets say that the existence of such an organization can give hope to all industrial designers here in Greece that, maybe, something could change in the mentality of the country that we are living in...and when I'm referring to mentality I mean that finally companies and clients must understand that YES design can make the difference when we are talking about competition and on how a product can be best selled.

But I will leave this topic for another post and I will bring to you the great news.
Well great news because the initiatives for those things in Greece are very few.

In January 24 to 27 (year 2009) it will be helded at the Athens Olympic Fencing Center (former Elliniko Western Airport Terminal) the "Design Lab" exhibition, and as their site says, will present the most modern trends in space and object design as well as the cutting edge materials and product.

Taking advantage of the exhibition the Secretariat organized a competition for artist and designers.
In a few words:
The product or the piece of art must be designed to be product only in alluminum with no resriction of theme.
Requested max. 2 A4 sheets of product description, drawing presentation max 2 A1 sheets and optional prototype must fit in a 35x35x50h cm cardboard case.
Awards:
Product Design 5000e
Art 5000e

Thats all...we shall see what will happen...

Below I'm attaching first the link of the competition (that unfortunally it is only in greek...but from my point of view organization it's not our best thing...I'm willing to help any person outside Greece in the translation) and second the link of the exhibition.
find more:
http://www.design-lab.gr/?about=3&id=4&lang=gr
http://www.design-lab.gr/index.php

[k.katinis]

Eco-Campaign Poster Designs from vamadesign

.:.
vamadesign is a creative design studio from greece.

more about:
site: http://www.vamadesign.com
blog: http://vamadesign.blogspot.com

[by v.magoulas]

acoustic panels

SOUNDWAVE® Flo

by Karim Rashid

Get inspired! Use the website to find out what our products can do to your office, home or interior project.

find more:

http://www.offecct.se

[by p.makris]

shaping public spaces

Flamingo computer tables

For nearly three decades, Nola has created award-winning designs for urban spaces and public projects. Years of studying the city centre has enabled us to design and deliver quality products that make urban environments a little bit more beautiful, and a whole lot easier to live in.
find more:
http://www.nola.se

[by p.makris]

the spirit of sound

The very structured shape of the Grande Utopia EM immediately evokes a kind of spine.
This time, the Grande Utopia EM offers a mechanical adjustment to optimize the “Sweet Spot”, perfect listening point.
find more:
www.grande-utopia-em.com

[by p.makris]

Playing it Safe: Contract Basics for Freelance Designers

While surfing over the internet, I found this post of Carl Alviani.

Well the nature of this article is not about design aesthetics but most of all about design management that, from my perspective, plays a big role when we talk about on how to be a competitive freelance professional and not.
Ok, the author asks him self: "Do I need a contract?" (with my client).

I found the article very interesting with some tips that I never thought would helped me in my contracts.
find more:
http://www.coroflot.com/creativeseeds/2008/09/playing_it_safe_contract_basic.asp

[by k.katinis]

International Design Competition

The proposed theme requires that participants design new product concepts for lighting design and / or lighting equipment, with reference to the field of innovative lighting technologies and its multiple applications in interiors and exterior design.
find more:
http://www.comune.lissone.mb.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/1217

[by c.sampani]