Tag Archives: urban living

Beat the Heat with these Splash Spots Turning Urban Sidewalks into Waterparks in New York City

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As the summer heat waves envelop the bustling streets of New York City, a delightful and innovative solution has emerged to offer respite to its residents. Introducing Splash Spots, the vibrant fire hydrant caps that have taken the city’s neighborhoods by storm, turning mundane fire hydrants into whimsical waterpark-style attractions. Splash Spots are redefining how New Yorkers seek relief from scorching temperatures while also contributing to water conservation efforts.

Designers: Street Lab, Group Project, and Zulu Alpha Kilo (Splash Spots)

Traditionally, when the mercury climbs past 90 degrees Fahrenheit, New Yorkers have turned to the age-old practice of opening fire hydrants to cool down. However, this practice, while refreshing, can lead to wastage of a precious resource – water. With this challenge in mind, the ingenious minds behind Splash Spots embarked on a mission to offer a playful and eco-friendly alternative that combines fun with water conservation.

The streets of select neighborhoods in New York City now boast fire hydrants adorned with Splash Spots caps, which come in four vibrant colors, each providing a distinct water-splashing experience. Choose Sunshine for a burst of yellow radiance, scattering water rays in all directions. Opt for Blossom in red if you prefer a gentler cloud of refreshing water droplets.

But the real excitement begins with the green and blue caps – Jump Rope and Pinwheel. Jump Rope, the energetic green cap, releases a spinning cascade of water, inviting everyone to jump in and cool off. On the other hand, Pinwheel, the calming purplish-blue cap, offers three rotating streams of water for a constant and mesmerizing spray.

Splash Spots isn’t just about fun – it’s also committed to water conservation. Each cap features an innovative on-and-off function that significantly reduces water wastage. Compared to regular capped hydrants, Splash Spots release around 50 percent fewer gallons per minute, thanks to cleverly designed valves on the caps. This focus on water efficiency aligns perfectly with NYC’s ongoing efforts to manage and conserve its water resources.

Crafted from durable machine metal, Splash Spots caps ensure longevity and performance even in the demanding urban environment of New York. These caps not only serve as interactive installations but also as symbols of the city’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.

The success of Splash Spots is catching on quickly. On September 9th, 2023, Splash Spots will be unveiled in the 2219 Frederick Douglass Blvd. neighborhood, marking another exciting milestone. With a grand vision to adorn firehouses across all five boroughs, Splash Spots is turning its dreams into reality, one neighborhood at a time.

In a city that’s always evolving, Splash Spots stands as a prime example of how collaboration, creativity, and conscious design can come together to create experiences that enrich lives and drive change. Amidst the urban hustle, these Splash Spots create an oasis of joy, community, and responsible resource use – turning the ordinary into moments of play and connection. Don’t miss out on the Splash Spots revolution – dive in and make a splash!

The post Beat the Heat with these Splash Spots Turning Urban Sidewalks into Waterparks in New York City first appeared on Yanko Design.

Revamping Urban Pedestrian Spaces With These Friendly Bollards To Improve Roadside Safety

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As cities around the world strive to improve urban living and create pedestrian-friendly environments, the need for well-designed public spaces becomes increasingly evident. However, one aspect that often goes overlooked is the entrance to these pedestrian areas. Frequently, we see neglected concrete barriers, makeshift signage, and uninspiring elements that fail to create a welcoming atmosphere. This lack of coherent and well-thought-out urban furniture results in cluttered spaces that do not effectively serve their purpose of inviting visitors.

Introducing Réal, the innovative safety bollard designed to revitalize pedestrian streets and enhance the pedestrianization of urban centers. Réal not only serves its functional purpose of delineating pedestrian areas but also adds a touch of style and character to the space. Its design evokes a friendly and inviting character, welcoming visitors with open arms.

Designer: Maxime Bourgault

One of the key features of Réal is its versatility. It offers a multitude of attachment options, allowing for the inclusion of various accessories. This flexibility simplifies and harmonizes pedestrian areas, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing environment. By integrating additional elements such as planters, seating, or informative signage, Réal transforms the pedestrian streets into a cohesive and visually appealing space.

Moreover, Réal contributes to the overall sustainability of urban living. By clearly delimiting pedestrian areas and creating identifiable entrances, it encourages the pedestrianization of urban centers. This shift towards pedestrian-friendly spaces has numerous benefits, including improved safety, reduced pollution, and increased economic activity. Réal plays a vital role in supporting this transition, creating a more sustainable and livable cityscape.

In addition to its functional and sustainability benefits, Réal also possesses a strong product identity. Its design exudes a friendly and welcoming aura, due to its rounded edges and cute form, making visitors feel invited and at ease. The combination of safety and style creates an engaging and memorable experience for pedestrians, enhancing their overall enjoyment of the urban environment.

By addressing the need for well-designed and visually appealing urban furniture, Réal sets a new standard for pedestrian spaces. Its presence helps refurbish pedestrian sites and elevates the overall aesthetic of urban centers. No longer will concrete barriers and temporary signage dominate pedestrian areas. Instead, Réal provides a coherent and well-thought-out solution that showcases the city’s commitment to creating welcoming, sustainable and vibrant public spaces.

So, if you’re a city planner, urban designer, or simply someone passionate about creating livable and inviting public spaces, consider Réal as the ideal solution. Let Réal be the friendly face that greets visitors and transforms pedestrian streets into harmonious and captivating urban environments.

The post Revamping Urban Pedestrian Spaces With These Friendly Bollards To Improve Roadside Safety first appeared on Yanko Design.

Multifunctional Heating Fan that Saves You Space of Multiple Appliances

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As technology advances and our daily lives become more comfortable, heating and drying electronic products have become commonplace in households. These appliances have greatly improved our quality of life, providing warmth and convenience. However, the accumulation of multiple large electrical appliances in our limited living spaces can lead to issues of clutter and idleness during the off-season.

Introducing the OCIDIN Heating Fan, a revolutionary multifunctional combined heater that addresses these challenges. This innovative design seamlessly integrates the functions of heating and drying into a single product, offering a simple and fast switching method that caters to users’ needs while minimizing idle rates.

Designer: Peli 00

The OCIDIN Heating Fan is a game-changer in the realm of home heating appliances. Gone are the days of needing separate heaters and dryers, taking up valuable space and potentially going unused for extended periods. The convenience of the OCIDIN Heating Fan lies in its ability to easily switch between heating and drying modes. Whether you need to warm up a room during the cold winter months or dry clothes quickly after laundry, this appliance offers a seamless transition that adapts to your changing needs.

Beyond its functional advantages, the OCIDIN Heating Fan also boasts a sleek and modern design that complements any home decor. Its compact size ensures it fits seamlessly into various living environments, making it an ideal choice for apartments, small homes, or even offices. Say goodbye to bulky and outdated heating and drying appliances, and embrace the simplicity and efficiency of the OCIDIN Heating Fan.

GIF – https://www.behance.net/gallery/170195381/OCIDINHeating-fan/modules/960267803

Moreover, this innovative product is designed with energy efficiency in mind. With its precise temperature control and intelligent features, the OCIDIN Heating Fan ensures efficiency, providing both comfort and environmental responsibility. It is a testament to the commitment to sustainability and the pursuit of a greener future.

In a world where efficiency and functionality are highly valued, the OCIDIN Heating Fan emerges as a frontrunner in home heating solutions. With its seamless switching mechanism, stylish design, and energy-efficient operation, the OCIDIN Heating Fan offers a holistic and practical solution for modern living. So, if you’re looking to streamline your home heating and drying experience while maximizing space efficiency, the OCIDIN Heating Fan is the perfect choice. Experience the convenience, versatility, and sustainability it brings, and elevate your daily life with a product that truly understands your needs. Embrace the future of home heating with the OCIDIN Heating Fan and enjoy the benefits of simplified living.

The post Multifunctional Heating Fan that Saves You Space of Multiple Appliances first appeared on Yanko Design.

This tiny house in Tokyo boasts of a funnel-shaped roof that doubles as a skylight!

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Moving to Tokyo with his wife, architect Takeshi Hosaka found a tiny nook of the urban world to build his modest, single-story, micro-home. The tiny home, called Love2 House occupies a total of around 30 meters of Tokyo pavement in the Bunkyo district, decreasing the total area of their previous living space by seven meters. Hosaka designed his Tokyo-based micro-home with both simple pleasure and realistic practicality in mind.

Inspired by Roman villas, Hosaka aimed to bring the restful repose that comes with country living to the city world, so he focused on how he could create a home that catered to studying, bathing, the theater, music, and gastronomy. The micro-home is equipped with a bathroom, which includes a toilet and washing area, a bedroom that shares an entry with a small, outdoor garden space, a practical kitchen area to concoct healthful meals, a study and dining table area for lounging or productivity, and finally a storage area where the laundry facilities and bulkier, electronic items are found. Love2 House embraces the natural bustle of the Tokyo lifestyle by easily slipping into a vacant alcove between two traditionally urban living spaces, and also encases a full, 19 meters of living space between its reinforced concrete walls. Crowning the concrete micro-home is the main event, Hosaka’s funnel-roof.

Hosaka had to prepare for three months of winter, during which his Love2 House would not receive any direct sunlight. Hosaka’s solution was a curved roof whose exposed vertex produced a pocket of skylight to fill up the single-story micro-home with plenty of natural bright light from the sun, no matter the season. On the winter daylight dilemma, Hosaka says,  “In the winter, the two skylights effectively bring soft sunlight into the house and in the summer the house is filled with brilliant sunshine like in a tropical country.” The roof is also protected from weather changes and forces for the exterior panels are clad with galvanized aluminum, which helps preserve metallic surfaces from rusting due to corrosion and oxidation. The unexpected largeness of the micro-home comes through with the slightly curved, tall ceilings that seem to expand the entire floor space with lots of open-air and natural sunlight. While living in one of today’s busiest cities, Hosaka managed to attain the pleasures of country living by architecturally sculpting and designing both into and around the 30 meters of Tokyo pavement where Love2 House nestles.

Designer: Takeshi Hosaka

This self-sustaining compost system turns your food scraps into a thriving indoor garden!

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The world as we once knew it is changing. While the list of changes seems too long to share – gardening would be considered one of them. The environment and sustainable living have been hot topics for some time now, but in 2020, they’ve turned into personal commitments for people across the globe. Composting is one way to promote sustainability in your own living space, as proved by AQUA, a sustainable, contained gardening system. AQUA was created by OG Design so that environmentally conscious people can curate their very own self-sustaining indoor garden no matter where they live.

AQUA’s system is comprised of three main working parts: a container for food waste, an elevated light structure, and three soil pots. The food waste container is located on one side of the indoor planter and turns your leftover food scraps into compost for fertilizer. Composting is a method used to decompose organic solid waste and fertilize the soil for gardening. The slim, attractive light fixture is situated directly above AQUA’s garden pots and provides the mini garden with nourishing light-energy. The indoor, gardening system is completely self-sustaining and conveniently sized in order to fit into any kitchen or living space. The system itself works after food waste is dumped into the container on the left-hand side, fertilizing the soil contained in the trio of modestly sized pots, each of which provides energy for plants to then grow and thrive.

OG Design conceptualized AQUA in order to “[keep] food from entering landfills” and for users “to cultivate their own small vegetable garden,” because food accounts for 46.2% of combustible waste. The interest in gardening, especially indoor gardening, and sustainable living is rising with younger generations as city living becomes more popular. In urban spaces, ecologically conscious living is tricky as there’s less yard space and community gardens can be hard to come by. AQUA makes sustainable living possible for any city home, from the small efficiency studio to the three-story townhouse. As long as you’ve got a kitchen counter or windowsill, your personal vegetable garden awaits.

Designer: OG Design