Who's the FAIR-est of them all?-) Salone del Mobile 2017-1.0

Image above: View from the exhibition for the 20 years of the Salone Satellite institution at the Fabbrica del Vapore (Steam Factory), curated by Beppe Finessi, within the framework of manifestations during this year's Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy.


In the beginning of these post series I personally would like to thank the Press and Hospitality teams at the Salone del Mobile for their kind reception and sponsorship. Their full support to design journalism and independent media outlets like A4D-D4A is unprecedented and invaluable, compared to other international exhibitions... In the Salone del Mobile journalists are warmly regarded and treated like guests and not like a nuisance, an annoying nessecity standing in the way. Thank you for giving A4D-D4A the opportunity to attend the fair for the 3rd time this difficult year and report news that have a significance for the commercial world and the innovative, creative industry. 

This year 2017 the Salone Satellite -the insitution at the Salone del Mobile that hosts, promotes and showcases the works of young designers under 35 years old from all over the world- marks a seriously turning point. There is strong, almost ferocious energy, a clear U-turn towards Crafts. In the post-factual era, it seems that the Loom will be combined with the 3-D printer and the Robot, in a relationship based on equal terms. The high-tech inclination for an over-designed, edgy, astro-spatial aesthetics, tends to cease, unattractive and forgotten, giving way to new dynamics. Young designers reinvent Craft and propose solutions for the home furnishings, furniture, leisure, lights that evoque empathy and bond to manual work, to ancient techniques, to weaving, to sewing, to bringing Hu-Man back to the centre of attention. 

In the time of Instagram and Behance the Curator is Dead. Long Live the Digital Documentalist, the Platform maker. In the era of the Salone Satellite 2017 can we still expect industrial designers to design products? We obviously endeavor for Crafts-men/women who understand Design processes and they can encourage them. That is the message of the most talented core of designers in this year's Salone Satellite. 

Photo stream, from top to bottom: PET Lamp by Sebastián Betanzo, Alvaro Catalán de Ocón, Enrique Romero de la Llana - Adrianus Kundert rugs and more - Aya Kawabata tapestry - Sunbeam Jackie outdoor furniture and parasols -  BOUND Solid Wood Pendants by Carnevale Studio  - Romy di Donato Big & Little Roxane light sources next to Coralie Miessen textiles - Didj-Star Musical Lamp - WhyC armchair by Irmak Çağlar (CDW) - André Teoman complete home interiors.

Design for Food was not at all absent at this year's Salone Satellite: please check the amazing research project turned into a book, The Future Sausage by product designer Carolien Niebling.

http://www.carolienniebling.com/THE-FUTURE-SAUSAGE


If you wish more info or contact details on the selected designers above do not hesitate to contact A4D-D4A or you can just google them up.

Salone Satellite celebrates its 20 years, the first institution of that kind within an international fair and a collection of original works signed by 46 international designers- all discovered at the Salone Satellite at the time- is exhibited at the premises. (See in picture bellow: LINES UNDER THE FOREST tables by Nat Wilms and Andrea Zambelli of Hillsideout/Self-production, CHEMISE armchair by Ilaria Innocenti/MY Home Collection, LITTLE BIG CHAIR by Big-Game/Magis). 

Beppe Finessi worked his usual miraculous ways curating the Salone Satellite 20-year retrospective, held at the Milan's Fabbrica del Vapore (Steam Factory) Cultural Center. The exhibition- called " Salone Satellite. 20 Years of New Creativity"- hosts more than 500 works of the designers/participants in the project all these years, an institution that flourished under the insatiable energy and passion of its founder, the curator Marva Griffin Wilshire and it still remains a hub of incredible design resource for all. The current history of contemporary design is unrolling before our very eyes and the chills are multiplying as one observes from such a short distance the iconic works of furniture, ceramics, glass, textiles, lighting- that stimulated our intellect and defined the design of our generation, our very everyday living.

(In detail, bellow: Henrik Sørig Thomsen rocking armchair/2006, Anna Badur dishes and cups/2016, Antonin Bachet and Linda Topic felt rug/2011, Studio Sano glass tea set and glass vase/1999).

(Bellow: Pairs like Oak n.4 armchair by Natanel Gluska/2016 (1998) and distinctive Orion side table by Ini Archibong/2016).

(Bellow and clockwise: Another compartment exhibiting Staffan Holm Gym hooks/2011, the Carved Italian cabinet by I.A.F.R Harry Koopman & Bruno van Hooijdonk/2007, Pendant lamp by Caterina Moretti & Héctor Mendoza/2010, Reflect chair by Thomas Walde/2010 and Kaichiro Yamada umbrella stand/2005).

In the next post, in less than 10 days from today: Highlights of the DeLightFul/Euroluce exhibitions, Space & Interiors insights and the LIST of A4D-D4A Faves at the Salone del Mobile 2017!!!! Do not miss it!-))

Stay fit to Design?-))

A4D-D4A

DEEP LEARNING OR MACHINES AS THE NEXT ARCHITECTS OF KNOWLEDGE: Part B.

Image above (core photo): Deep neural network (taken at the Hub Science lecture on "What Is Deep Learning?" by Alexandros Karatzoglou: Machine Learning Scientific Director, Telefonica Research (Spain), and Omiros Papaspiliopoulos: ICREA Research Professor, Pompeu Fabra University (Spain).

https://el-gr.facebook.com/events/210560809424012/
  
Can computers learn themselves and fulfill complicated tasks? What does this mean for professionals of all kinds in the future? From Spotify (Discover Weekly) and Google (ImageNet) applications to television programs like House of Cards (2013) and from diagnostics/ radiology/ molecular biology  to crowd-sourcing, translating, image and voice recognition analysis, DL is nested within Artificial Intelligence. The expansive adaptation of convolutional neural networks, (the core of DL algorithmic architecture) the last years in medical, educational and recreational services globally, far from reaching an executional error of less than 8% (the current plateau for humans), guarantees credible results in statistics (elections), auctions (digital marketing), cures (tumor prevention) and administration/reporting (micro-secretarial, voice translation and transcript tasks). 

The tools of DL exist for the last decades but it is only recently that their vast modelization and application has been launched. The Big Data era, social infrastructures’ Big Models, the current computers /mobile phones with advanced graphic cards, the democratization of Media with new independent outlets, (therefore the large information diffusion), but also the world domination strategies of tech multinationals by software sharing  and testing (:Theano, Python, Keras, etc) PLUS the international, economic crisis urging several guilds/vocations to cease activity- strengthen DL presence as a key to business. Thus includes design, crafts and architectural solutions- at least for now, to some extent. 

Cognitive sciences, psychology and education remain subjects possibly for the next generation of DL testing. The ethical aspect together with the political correctness of DL-architected systems, still remain investigated and a field of debate (ex. The selection of candidates for a high-rank administrative position by DL software instead of a traditional HR office, will have to be based on equal opportunity criteria for gender, race and accessibility). 

Can a parent, an artist, a writer, a guardian or a carer – be substituted by DL? As long as there will be humans to design, restore and require those systems- most probably. Otherwise what are humans really there for?-)) 

Please also check the BBC show Talking Business and its extensive, dedicated episodes to DL, hosted by Colm O'Regan and Karishma Vaswani:  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04njr7l

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/n3ct0c0j


NEXT POST AROUND THE 10TH OF APRIL: IT’S ALL ABOUT SALONE DEL MOBILE 2017!!! STAY TUNED!!! 

BEST REGARDS

A4D-D4A 

Educational Technologies, Distance Learning, Deep Learning: Part A.

Photo above from: 
https://www.edx.org/course/design-development-games-learning-mitx-11-127x-0

Watch the full video also on:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtQA24-WLvk

Statistics reveal that the current generation of humans in the western world will change up to 20 jobs until their 50th year of age. This new reality results to the re-enrollment of many adults and seniors to the educational process, under a life-long learning scheme provided nowadays by major universities around the world, with a very small fee. MITx is the new interactive online learning platform created by Massachusetts Institute of Technology and built upon the university's successful 10-year-old free online platform OpenCourseWare which offers already 2.100 courses to 100 million students worldwide. 
Check more on MITx and OpenCourseware various online disciplines at:

https://www.edx.org/school/mitx

https://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm

The EdTechX: Educational Technology XSeries Program 4-subject-curriculum (1. Design and Development of Educational Technology 2. Design and Development of Games for Learning 3. Implementation and Evaluation of Educational Technology 4. Introduction to Game Design), explores the foundations of educational technology, its evolution and its fundamental principles but most important it guarantees immediate adoptation and application of everything you learn. In other words participants get to design and put into practice in real time their own educational, digital tool. Made-to-measure for the diverse needs of tech-savvy or tech-alienated students, the EdTechX Series consist an amplified, yet specific orientation for all learners, within the long and interesting list of subjects by MITx. At the completion of each course of the Series you obtain a personalized Certificate indicating your engagement and understanding of the subject.Get all the info for the EdTechX particularities as duration, credential fee and short description on:

https://www.edx.org/xseries/edtechx-educational-technology-xseries


To be continued... 
Next post around the 29th of March on Deep Learning to conclude..!

Best Regards?-))
A4D-D4A

BITS AND BOTS...

Image above: Retro Birthday card from glorious Alternate Histories Shop & Stationery on Etsy - check the entire collection on:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/alternatehistories?ref=l2-shopheader-name

https://www.etsy.com/listing/72421845/birthday-card-retro-computer-birthday?ref=shop_home_active_2

The future of technology seems closely related with the Robotics evolution, already expanding as a sector to familiar territories, taking extra-proportional dimensions. Society was predicted to adopt robots within the literary framework or in the imaginary sphere (film, gaming etc). The use of robots in social reality was always represented but the current circumstances impose a new, entrepreunerial infrastructure, where robots will be designed to fulfill multible tasks. Broad business fields will be affected apparently, since the new generation of bots will be taking over jobs in caring, industry, logistics, transport, surgery, health, telecommunications, consumer services, housekeeping, learning and even, supporting. The shift is great and it surely guarantees the largest, human intra-professional mobility, in the history of modern world. In other words, people will lose their jobs and either change discipline or co-work with robots under- a still vague- reassignment scheme. Which jobs will remain "safe" though? What type of economy and relationship with the state administration and social care, will be able to guarantee a smooth transition? U.S, Japan, France are the first countries to seriously produce AI and Deep Learning Systems, capable to respond to almost any production sector and beyond...other countries will continue- as clients or cooperators/competitors? 

Here are some of the most important Robotics companies/studios, that are creating a global impact with their robots' design and manufacturing:

Domestic/companion robots:
http://www.bluefrogrobotics.com/en/home

All types/domestic robots:
http://www.flower-robotics.com/

Health:
http://eksobionics.com

Logistics:
http://fetchrobotics.com

Security/consumer:
http://www.irobot.com

Consumer (internet. telecom, etc):
http://www.softbank.jp/en/robot/

Surgical/industry/hospitals:
https://www.intuitivesurgical.com/

Emotional/social:
https://www.jibo.com

Enjoy Shelly Palmer's, CEO at The Palmer Group tremendously important, (and for some almost devastating) article on:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-jobs-robots-take-first-shelly-palmer?trk=eml-email_feed_ecosystem_digest_01-hero-0-null&midToken=AQGYwYImfCHphQ&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=1863Xftvm3CnE1

Robots are here to stay. Let's decide what choices we have as a global community: either we give them a warm round of applause or we protest to enable ourselves exceeding their limitless abilities.

Stay well and way ahead?-))
A4D-D4A

Residences et al. Chapter 5: Homes in space are oddities?

Image above: Photo-collage with the help of: 

http://more-sky.com/data/out/12/IMG_564930.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/BestPhotosCrete/photos/a.1614153178804433.1073741828.1614148718804879/1896946517191763/?type=3&theater

http://www.eugenfound.edu.gr/frontoffice/portal.asp?cpage=RESOURCE&cresrc=4939&cnode=180

The exploration of other planets is already a reality, not just an endeavor. Robotic vessels travelled up to Pluto, reaching its surface but human ambition and curiosity do not stop there. The colonization of planets -(not just with current space stations for experiments), designed to actually host civilians-not in scientific centers/ shelters but in habitats- will reach the next level the decades post 2020. Thus includes intersection of many advanced technologies, supported by the human, emotional intelligence to actually create something out of nothing: this is what we refer to as avant-garde.   

Planet Earth continues to be regarded as the ultimate platform for the most extravagant or alien – residential, architectural attempts: our real and only home,  that provides for us, in order to design and build suitable houses for humans. Soon enough though, because of human negligence and ill will, our blue planet is getting to a crucial point, regarding  its survival. Which are the biggest myths about finding a way to install housing units in other planets, once we reach them, explore them and colonize them? Here is a short account of some actual issues and facts on building houses in space, now- at a glance: 

1. We are accustomed of seeing igloo-shaped constructions in major Hollywood films, as the temporary residences of the heroes-astronauts. The truth is though, that a home in space in a reachable planet like Moon, Mars or even Jupiter will be designed to be subterranean, almost entirely- to avoid the effects of radiation on its occupants and also to use energy from geothermal or other forms of fossil, subsoil sources. Solar energy can not be considered as adequate or such, for instance after Jupiter, we cannot count on solar panels for energy, since solar power drops significantly because of the Sun distance). 

2. Water recycling is fundamental and totally achievable, up to 95%, since all the known planets in our system do not have drinkable water. Water is also heavy to carry in an expedition, therefore ergonomically non-feasible because of disposables (bottles, containers etc). In a space residence all water consumption is done and recycled as clear, drinkable, usable water by current, toilet-filtering, super advanced technology- already applied in the space station located on the Moon.  Fecal matter is equally recycled and managed as solid waste, with NASA still searching for more sustainable future solutions  to the subject.  

3. Throughout history, engineers, designers and architects, had to struggle with the transport of really heavy construction materials for buildings. In space there is no gravity, so while the mass remains unaltered, weight drops to 1/3 of its equivalent on earth. Smart architecture in space has an extra facility, the fact that levers and cranes  for huge weights are not really needed.  

4. Physical and mental well-being are very important for every resident of a contemporary home. In space, applications for self-diagnosis are already established, in order to prevent health conditions (provided that the hospital is not exactly at close range!). Micro-cultivations in vitro are also possible in the space home of the future, since the portion-control food supply in space is highly nutritious to say the least- but Spartan for the time being. 

5. Refraction and defraction of light on earth, change dramatically once you live in outer space. The lighting design of a residence on a different planet is also a challenge, since once in universe's total darkness the light source does NOT diffuse at all and the light positioning inside and outside the space residence needs to be thoughtfully planned. 

So, what do you think? Are you ready to relocate? -)) 

Warmest regards* 

*A4D-D4A  

FEBRUARY NEWS....

A fresh round of exhibitions, corporate events, international fairs, workshops and online presences....all running from this month and onwards, or scheduled to be up shortly...
Keep note:

1. The MUDE (central image above): Fashion and Design Museum of Portugal in Lisbon is closed due to an entire renovation of its central building, since last November. Nevertheless, ongoing events and exhibitions related to its content and mission, are happening all over the Portuguese capital, such as Grafic City: an exhibition that strongly reveals the urban, advertising and typographic identity of Lisbon...Up until the 18th of March 2017, get all relevant info by following the link:

http://www.mude.pt/exposicoes/grafic-city_76.html

2. Design Museum, London, UK presents a brave exhibition with the opportunity of Beazley Designs of the Year contest. Six design categories (Design/Architecture: Better Shelter, plus Graphic/Product/ Fashion/Transport Design) and their prominent winners, impose the way of the future on the design map. Book your tickets until the 19th of February 2017:

http://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/beazley-designs-of-the-year

3. The following, crucially important, four exhibitions concentrating on contemporary jewellery- are fundamental for every designer, maker, gallery owner, trader and collector: a. Astonish at Schmuck 2017, in Munich, Germany b. Artistar in Milan, Italy c. 20:20 Visions in Lincolnshire, UK d. handiCRAFT at the MAK, Vienna, Austria. Check all details, maifestos and programs bellow, (some of the above extend up to April 2017):

https://astonishidaroberstein.wordpress.com/ 

http://www.artistar.it/#&panel1-6

http://www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk/whatson/#2020-visions

http://www.mak.at/handicraft

4. Care to finally learn how to knit by the best? Anxious to seriously master geometry combined with the craft of paper folding? Kristen McDonnell (STUDIO KNIT) and Paul Jackson (FOLDING TECHNIQUES) are the artisans/designers/writers/editors/teachers -who will broaden your knowledge to the extreme! Check their online presences and get addicted!

http://www.studioknitsf.com/

http://www.foldingtechniques.com/

5. The major players of the design industry call Valencia " The Milan of the Western Mediterranean". The economic crisis the last 10 years costed the city some of its capital force on the exhibitional sector, but still events like the See You in Valencia program liaises the design-oriented visitor with some of Spain's most important factories and also present an ambitious, international list of contributors. The attractiveness of the country's huge design heritage combined with an non-underestimated industrial force, place SYIV to a high competitive level, offering some innovative lectures, workshops, trade fairs, happenings etc. In the end of February (20-24/2/2017)- check full list of the activities: 

http://www.nosvemosenvalencia.com/en/eventos/


Enjoy to the max!
Cordially<3
A4D-D4A

QUICK REMINDER! Salone del Mobile 2017, SDS and Brutal-esque food for thought!

This year's trail of corporate, commercial, cultural and technological events around the Salone del Mobile 56th exhibition in Milan, Italy (4-9 April 2017), is promised to hit some of the design's industry very sensitive chords. Euroluce biennial Lighting fair is celebrating its 29th edition and it is about to be grandiose in every possible sense, but most importantly, in its effectiveness to showcase and diffuse the important aspects in Lighting design NOW. The latest and most exquisite accomplishments of the industry: domestic, industrial, intelligent, sustainable, eco-friendly lighting devices/ bodies/ installations/mechanisms/designs/networks....You name it, it is going to be there. Euroluce joins Workplace3.0- the international fair dedicated to workspace design and technology, Space&Interiors, the corporate exhibition illustrating a wide spectrum of companies (this year it is focusing on architectural finishes) and SaloneSatellite, the exhibition presenting young, aspiring designers from around the globe- in order to attract the nucleus of the international design community & business and inspire their key factors to provide the solutions for the next generation of constructions. Numerous events, monumental as ever, keeping up with the Salone's tradition to do likewise every year- will compliment the exhibition's core, such as DeLightFul, A Joyful Sense at Work, Absolute Lightness: all made to disrupt the exhibition with the most updated notions and sequences in design, about to tantalize the international audience.

https://www.salonemilano.it/en/manifestazioni.html

Another fair, specializing in surfaces and materials is taking place this February 2017: Surface Design Show in London, UK consists of a real niche for a very specific trade of the design and architectural industry, with mobility around field-related features such workshops, debates, presentations plus an Inspiration Center, a Stone Gallery and a Light School. 

http://www.surfacedesignshow.com

...(announced:-))
In the Post-Factual age, we will have challenges to face inside the labyrinths of the digital Leviathan: "rescheduling" the remains of materials no longer compatible with the sensorial, urban design that tomorrow's society desperately seeks. The Frankestein of Brutalist architecture demands an even orientation from now on, regarding the urbanistic, future treatment -or management- of buildings, materials, appliances, systems, objects: the inheritance of the Post-War era. Can Brutalism be "recycled"? In what ways? Are those ways adjustable to contemporary society and fair to the movement's legacy? This year we will elaborate on these matters, with a few posts on this blog, also from the Residences et al. column. 

http://www.brandlhuber.com   

Enjoy [design] to the max!
A4D-D4A?-))