Material innovation
8 Projects from Vietnam and South East China
Vietnam Projects
#1 – Bamboo Root Carving
http://english.cinet.vn/CultureUnitDetail.aspx?zoneid=41&newsid=26629
In Vietnam, Craft Villages are an important part of the manufacturing landscape. Dinh Xuan Hung was born in the pottery village Thanh Ha, first learned carpentry from ‘craftsmen in Kim Bong on the other side of the Thu Bon River’, and later started playing with a piece of bamboo root, carving it into a shape that sort of looked like an old man. He liked it, so continued.
He is the only craftsman making souvenirs from bamboo roots in Hoi An town, producing 1,000 souvenirs each year.
“I wish for the day when bamboo root souvenirs will become special gifts for visitors in Hoi An. The trade will help promote tourism in the city, as well create jobs for local people,” the article quotes him as saying.
Without some help from the government in finding or certifying bamboo root stock that is capable of meeting international quarantine regulations, this cool craft is likely to remain available only for domestic tourists.
#2 – Nike’s Transparency and a Vietnamese Factory
http://nikeinc.com/pages/manufacturing-map
Nike has long had a sweatshop problem. I very much doubt that this problem has been solved, however I applaud Nike’s efforts to be more transparent in approaching it by openly publishing every single one (they say) of their factories worldwide. This is big for Vietnam; there are 65 factories and 312,687 employees in the country. The manufacturing map lets anyone find the contact details for each of these factories, and presents information about how many people are located at a factory and their demographic breakdown.
There doesn’t seem to be many new reports of problems at Vietnamese Nike factories in the last few years, and studies have shown a high level of satisfaction among Nike’s Vietnamese workforce. This manufacturing map that I found while researching Vietnam’s manufacturing sector certainly looks like a step in the right direction.
Also a couple of cool design jobs going at the moment (April 2014) if anyone is interested: http://jobs.nike.com/vn/vietnam-jobs
#3 – Bamboo Tricycle by a21 Studio
http://www.dezeen.com/2013/06/30/bamboo-tricycle-by-a21-studio/
“By designing this bike with materials, which can be easily found everywhere, we hope not only to bring true happiness to children but also remind us about our childhood,” say the designers. Also cool about designing the bike with materials that can be found anywhere: the materials can be found anywhere.
Even the bolts on this trike are bamboo (and are hidden by the coiled rope). Customising size or angles wouldn’t be beyond any handyperson, and the bamboo has even remained untreated. This lack of treatment isn’t great for the bamboo, as it will weather in a few years, but much better for the child who will be riding or chewing on it.
#4 – TH Milks ‘Largest Dairy Farm in the World’ Project
This ‘Largest Dairy Farm’ is actually 10 farms, with more than 30,000 cows between them. Delivered on a build and deliver contract with Israeli Afimilk, this project could be in production for decades to come.
It certainly isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing project I could have chosen to write about, but it is interestingly complex. Between all the human elements, there is the added complexity of needing to develop processes to feed, clean and otherwise care for large animals, in an optimal way.
Sold under the True label, this milk is sold based on it’s safety, so the margin for error is low. That something so complex was able to be delivered as a turnkey solution , especially in a country like Vietnam that has been slow to embrace technologically driven innovation, is extremely interesting.
South East China Projects
#1 – Milk Design’s “Repair” Series
http://www.milkdesign.com.hk/repair
Founded by Chi-Wing Lee in 1998, Hong Kong-based Milk Design delivers, ‘consultancy projects of industrial and consumer products for international companies, conception and creation of lifestyle products under the brand Feelgood Home, a Hong Kong Kong origin brand of high end bathroom and home accessories.
This particular series of items is not part of that Feelgood range, though it’s goal and output does make me feel good. Chi-Wing found he was throwing away many of the pieces he had grown attached to, and wanted to extend their lives and make them useful again. His goal was to, ‘add new design elements while keeping the smallest changes and their original nature and beauty to continue their uses for today’s living.’
#2 – Hong Kong Design Centre’s Incubator
http://www.hkdesigncentre.org/en/designincubation/index.asp
Hong Kong arguably understands Western Design better than any other region in the East, and has long funded efforts to improve the local design industry.
The regional government funds this project, that ‘aims at nurturing design startup companies to meet the challenges during the early and critical start-up stage of development.’
It’s a two year programme, that gives access to a number of services; ‘ready-to-use office, financial subsidies, business development and networking opportunities with industrial organisations, academic institutes, professional bodies and potential business partners.’
#3 – Xiamen First Stone Co’s River Rock Table and Chairs
http://www.chinafirststone.com/Products1.asp?productid=1416
I wanted to include a project that is both available for sale, and indicative of the possibilities of industry in South East China.
When I say this rocky setting is available for sale, it is as long as you’re ordering by the container load. Xiamen have a network of quarries and a wide range of products, and have delivered the stone for a number of Western luxury home builds.
Here’s their blurb:
‘Xiamen First Stone Co., Ltd is a professional manufacturer of natural stone products, running 7 factories and several quarries of chinese travertine, China Sunny Gold marble, SL Black Limestone and G654 granite. Over 550 skilled workers of the company, with their best workmanship, are capable in outputting and supplying more than 80,000㎡ of various stone products annually. As one of the most outstanding enterprise in the stone industry in Xiamen region, the company has sold its products to 65 countries and regions in the world over the past decades and have won recognition through several overseas national projects, which brought a firm and continuous development of the company.’
#4 – Geoby Bikes
http://www.electricbike.com/geoby-one-of-chinas-biggest-suppliers-of-generic-e-bikes-for-export/
http://www.geobyev.com/en/products.aspx
There’s a reason that most of the bikes that come out of China look them same, even though they’re ordered from different companies. Most companies that sell bikes are reselling a generic bike made by one of the few companies like Geoby. If you’re happy to order in 100+ bike shipments, Geoby might be the right company for you.
By working at scale and delivering bikes at the design of others, Geoby have built up a considerable business, and have for the first time started selling bikes worldwide under their own brand – and with models available that they’ve only built for partners before, giving them a huge range of bikes. If they can add B2C marketing skills to their operation successfully, they could well end up the biggest bike company in the world.
—
For a bit of extra bikey goodness, have a read of Zach Hyman’s great piece on Frog Design’s blog that looks at how e-bike charging infrastructure is going in China: http://designmind.frogdesign.com/blog/chinas-electric-bike-charging-cultures.html
culture – http://designmind.frogdesign.com/blog/chinas-electric-bike-charging-cultures.html
Four Projects-Bhutan
Bank of Bhutan HQ-
Designer: MNC.One, http://www.mnc-one.com/home
Design Rationale/Concept: To create a functional and a positive workspace where people feel invited to enter, rather than forced.
Where is it designed for? What country or market is it targeting?: It’s designed solely to be used as the banks headquarters and to provide facilities for the workers. It’s specifically designed for Bhutan and is culturally responsive.
Client: Bank of Bhutan; (http://www.bob.bt/)
Hospital at Mongar Bhutan-
Designer: Arvind Krishan, (http://arvindkrishan.com/)
Design Rationale/Concept: To create a safe environment with quality facilities, that integrates traditional and modern Bhutanese building techniques.
Where is it designed for? What country or market is it targeting?: Designed specifically to cope with major primary, secondary and tertiary health issues.
Client: Bhutanese Government; (http://www.bhutan.gov.bt/government/)
Bhutan Elder Sangha Sanctuary-
Designer: TsAO & McKOWN , (http://www.tsao-mckown.com/#/home/)
Design Rationale/Concept: To create a small village that allows senior monks to ‘age-in-place’. The buildings are intended to serve as a model across Bhutan and were designed to be easily replicable (and adaptable) using only the building methods typically employed by the families and community groups that customarily band together when new buildings are needed.
Where is it designed for? What country or market is it targeting?: Targeting Bhutan specifically as it integrates the classical architecture and the families through replicable designs.
Client: Zhung Dratshang Central Monastic Body
Bamboo Pioneered in Bhutanese Construction-
Designer: INBAR (International Network for Bamboo and Rattan), (http://www.inbar.int/)
Design Rationale/Concept: To create a strong house design that utilises bamboos qualities and strengths, so that the forests stay preserved and houses are able to withstand earthquakes.
Where is it designed for? What country or market is it targeting?: Designed specifically for Bhutan through it’s culturally aware design and look to combat earthquakes.
Client: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Bhutan; (http://www.bhutan.gov.bt/government/ministries.php)
Four Projects-India
Calligraphic Strokes-
Designer: Achyut Palav, (http://www.achyutpalav.com/)
Design Rationale/Concept: To make an effort, “to bring forth calligraphy not only as art form but a expressive medium where letters in all their nakedness become alive, vibrating, pulsating with its inherent, shape, giving a canvas space to your thoughts, a meaning to the sounds & actions.” (http://www.designinindia.net/showcase/professional-projects.html)
Where is it designed for? What country or market is it targeting?: Designed for students at his calligraphy school and for as text in documents and design pieces.
Client: In house, Achyut Palav School Of Calligraphy (http://www.apsc.net.in/calligraphy.html)
Chronograph Watch:
Designer: Bikram Mittra, (http://www.designtrampoline.com/home.html)
Design Rationale/Concept: Is, “inspired by the transportation design world” to make it more simplistic and refined. (http://www.designinindia.net/showcase/professional-projects.html)
Where is it designed for? What country or market is it targeting?: It’s designed for sport fanatics and those looking for precision sports timekeeping.
Client: In house design; Trampoline, (http://www.designtrampoline.com/home.html)
Solemates (Eco-Friendly Slippers):
Designer: Satish and Falguni Gokhale, (http://www.designdirections.net/index.htm)
Design Rationale/Concept: To produce a disposable, reliable and environmentally friendly product that can be disposed of after use.
Where is it designed for? What country or market is it targeting?: Designed for poverty stricken countries, places where slippers are a requirement or shoes need to be disposed of after use.
Client: In house design, Design Directions; (http://www.designdirections.net/index.htm)
i-Cocoon:
Designer: Satyajit Vetoskar, (http://vipindustries.co.in/VIP/VipIndustries/Common/UI_Templates/HomePage.aspx)
Design Rationale/Concept: To produce a durable and lightweight laptop bag that was sleek.
Where is it designed for? What country or market is it targeting?: Designed at the youth who look for adventure and are constantly on the move and use their laptop, and therefore their bag, on a daily basis.
Client: Cocoon Innovations, (https://www.cocooninnovations.com/)
Design Projects Week 2
Kai Tak Development, Hong Kong
Designers: AECOM
http://www.aecom.com/About
AECOM was engaged by the Civil Engineering and Development Department of HKSAR to undertake the Kai Tak Development project in early 2007.
In formulating a comprehensive plan for the development of Kai Tak, the purpose is to transform Kai Tak into a distinguished, vibrant, attractive and people-oriented community nearby the Victoria Harbour. The value of the project includes the regeneration of an abandoned urban area into a high quality residential district, with large open space parks for improving the living environment. The incorporation of the cruise terminal and an international standard multi-purpose stadium will create a local and international attraction and generate a vibrant heart in the society.
The government aims to develop Hong Kong into a leading regional cruise hub through the development of a world-class cruise terminal with state-of-the-art facilities. The new facilities of the new cruise terminal have built-in flexibility to allow adjustments to meet the needs of different types of cruise vessels and various cruise market segments.
Capital Tower, Singapore
Designer: AECOM
http://www.aecom.com/About
Located at the heart of the Central Business District, and at the junction of Maxwell Road, Robinson Road and Cecil Street, AECOM provided building engineering services for this 52-story building of 260 meters height, an approximately 100-meter-long underground passageway linking the development to the nearby Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, and an urban plaza with access to the passageway.
The heavy centralized lift core demanded for caisson foundation, where the individual perimeter columns are supported by pairs of barrettes piles. In order to minimize excessive vibration, stress and therefore movement onto the adjacent MRT tunnels, diaphragm wall with sufficient bracing was used as the basement retaining system. A high strength “in-fill” concrete was used for the perimeter composite columns. The entire office space within the office tower is internally column free.
Pineapple Paper Furniture by Yothaka
The Nut Bench is fun, colorful and made from pineapple paper to boot! Bangkok-based Yothaka International creates hand-woven, modern Asian designs using local natural fibrous materials available in Thailand. The firm that pioneered the use of water hyacinth and Yan Lipao (a fern-like vine found in the South of Thailand) in furniture making has introduced a Pineapple Paper collection made from locally produced pineapple paper fiber. Pineapple leaf fibers are pressed, dyed and made into eco-friendly chairs, stools and benches.
Wire Sofa
In developing their ‘mesh sofa’ outdoor collection, people’s industrial design office wanted to achieve an effect where the person sitting
on the furniture looks as if they are floating in air.
each piece is composed of two parts: the upper seating portion is made from a thin curvilinear mesh (4mm steel wire) which has been
manipulated to relate to the contours of a person’s body. the openness of the grid offers a certain amount of transparency and visual lightness.
from above, the employed material creates a perfect square grid, projected onto a curvilinear surface, offering interesting views from
different vantage points. the lower supporting base is made from 40mm thick stainless steel tubing that has been welded into a rectilinear form,
its mirrored surface reflecting the surrounding environment, further adding to the suspended effect of the mesh upper.
Part 2- Design Projects:COMPOLUX
Designer: Nendo, (http://www.nendo.jp/en/)
Design Concept/Rationale: To distinguish brands from one another whilst also creating a positive flow on the showroom floor.
Target Audience: Designed for Tokyo’s Shibuya shopping district and is specifically directed towards a female audience as it is the women’s clothing floor. As well as this, the audience might be more youthful and wealthy as the stores are based around a middle to high socio-economic status
The Client: Seibu department store, (http://www2.seibu.jp/usrinfo/index.html)
Asian Design Project – Katran Series
http://indianbydesign.wordpress.com/2012/03/21/design-feature-katran/
Designed by
Sarthak Sahil Design Co
Website
http://www.sahilsarthak.com/SahilSarthak.htm
Concept
Bringing new life to old furniture by weaving left over fabric strips throughout them, completely changing the look and feel of these conventional pieces to something bright and colourful.
Designed for
These pieces are designed to test a concept, that old products should continue their life cycle through reinvention, in regards to that, they are not designed for any particular country. They fit into current Indian design well enough to suit established styles and fit into many homes or businesses. However, the colourful and cultural design could easily see its way into a western home to spruce up and be the main attention piece of an area. The modest prices of this collection allows it to reach far throughout the world and be appreciated by many.
Client
Sarthak Sahil Design Co (pieces were developed as a ‘Zero Kilometre Design Concept’) and are sold online by the designers.
Website
http://www.sahilsarthak.com/SahilSarthak.htm
Points of interests
Uses old Indian techniques and resourcefulness to revitalise old products.
Asian Design Project – Edible Branding
http://www.randomspecific.com/edible-branding-reaches-millions
Designed by
Vipul Slvi
Website
http://www.vipulsalvi.com
Concept
Rotis, (Indian flat bread) with printed advertisement for soap on it, ‘Have you washed your hands with Lifebouy today?’. Using a hot iron with the letters extruded on it, the message can be stamped onto rotis and is completely edible.
Designed for
These imprinted rotis were designed for the Kumbh Mela in India, which is attended by 80 million Hindu pilgrims over 55 days. Choosing the rotis specifically was the best way to reach out to as many people as possible, for it is served alongside most Indian dishes.
Client
Unilever
Website
http://www.unilever.com/
Points of interests
Imprinting food in a way to improve hygiene and advertise a product.
Over 100 kitchens were in collaboration, producing these rotis in order to serve over 80 million people.
Part 2- Design Projects: IN-EI
Designer: Issey Miyake, (http://www.isseymiyake.com/)
Design Concept/Rationale: To reduce space by being able to expand when in use or be flattened to be stored away.
Target Audience: People looking to change the setting of the space by changing the shape or removing the lamp shade.
The Client: Artemide, carried in Singapore by Million Lighting, (http://www.artemide.com/home/index.action) (http://www.millionlighting.com.sg/aboutus.html)
Other Interesting Facts:
*IN-EI ISSEY MIYAKE lamps are made using 2 or 3D mathematical principles, where light and shade harmoniously alternate, resulting in sculpturesque forms that manipulate light and shadow in the most poetic way.
*The lamps are made of re-treated fibres derived from PET bottles; the bottles themselves are processed using an innovative technology that reduces both energy consumption and Co2 emission by up to 40%.
Contemporary Silk Road 