Like with other simulators, motion sickness – leading to dizziness and nausea – is common in VR. Some people get uncomfortable when they don a headset and dive into virtual reality.  This is because the brain essentially gets disturbed while you stand still and the environment around you moves. This disturbance in brain equilibrium means you begin feeling nauseous or dizzy.

London-based Roto VR is ready to change the game for someone who feels the symptoms with the introduction of a motorized Explorer chair that rotates with the movement of the VR user’s head, making sure there is no indecisive movement in the environment, which the brain cannot register and begins to trigger nausea. Chair intends to make the virtual environment more immersive and less distorting!

Designer: Roto VR

This is a major piece of VR furniture that matches real-world movements with that of the headset. Of course, then it requires a headset to function and would take up a lot of space in your home. But it is significant for all of us who desire complete physical transportation into the virtual world, which is far and above what the headsets have to offer even after evolving rapidly in the last few years.

World’s first interactive VR chair, the Roto VR Explorer, is a sophisticated motion device that provides haptic feedback to the body. The chair looks pretty ordinary until you gawk at its round base integrated with an electric motor. This base rotates the chair 360-degrees at up to 21 revolutions per minute (though the speed matches the intensity and speed of the user’s head). Slow head movement, equally slow rotation, and the faster the movement, the quicker it spins until reaching the top speed.

The chair spins in the direction of the head of the user with a Meta Quest headset on. The head strap of the Quest is attached to a dedicated Roto head tracker, which can capture the motion and head movement for precise motion tracking. Interestingly, the Roto VR Explorer chair is provided with the “Made for Meta” stamp, substantiating that the device is authorized by Meta and meets all industry standards. That said, the rotation of the chair is triggered by the motion sensing tracker attached to the headset, which suggests that the chair can be used with other headsets as well and there is no rigidity despite that Meta earmarking.

The Roto VR Explorer chair is attached with two pedals – right above its base – for running simulation. Of course, the chair does not vouch to eliminate motion sickness entirely; VR users will still experience nausea moving back and forth. If you think, the chair deserves a chance in your VR environment, you can now preorder it at £799. Delivery will begin in October 2024.

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When it comes to choosing a chair for my apartment (and I’ve had several over the years), I will almost always choose one that is comfortable enough to sit in for a long period of time. That’s because I do a lot of sitting, whether for work or my down time. So I end up with a bean bag or a couch type of chair for my reading, watching, and working comfort. But of course there are a lot of well-designed chairs that can look at home in a museum or are really well thought of, even if they don’t seem to be the most comfortable place to sit in.

Designer: Woocheol Shin

The Heart Chair seems to be one of those kinds of chairs, although it probably looks a bit comfortable and homey as well the way it’s designed. Its name comes from the inspiration for the design as it has a heart-shaped silhouette (the art kind of heart and not the biological). It actually extends beyond the usual vertical and horizontal lines, “subtly breaking its implicit harmony”.

Although the flowing, organic lines makes it look more like an art piece than an actual chair, they designed it in a way that a human body is draped over the lines. They envisioned these organic lines blending into the straight-line spaces, achieving “optimal synchronization. Supposedly, you get less tension by sitting on this compared to the usual rigid chairs you can find in public spaces.

Chairs that are both functional and aesthetic are always a plus point in my book. Now if I can sit on it for hours without hurting my back, legs, or other parts of my anatomy, then it is even more of a winner and is something I’d want to add to my space.

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Grotesque alien creatures will probably be trending again thanks to the revival of a long-running movie franchise, but all extraterrestrial creatures will look horrifying. They might be breathtaking, defying all the preconceived notions of our limited human minds. They might not even be organic, at least as defined by what we know on earth. If we ever encountered an inorganic, metallic alien that didn’t look like any biped or quadruped Earthbound creature, it could probably look like this metal stool with its symmetric tentacles that seemingly invite you to approach and, well, sit on it for your comfort.

Designer: Riley MacKay

Alien references aside, this metal and wood stool definitely doesn’t look like your typical piece of furniture. There are technically still four legs, though they look double that number because of how each leg splits into two. The legs seemingly turn and swirl around the center of the stool, giving the impression of tentacles moving around a metallic creature.

Unlike what you’d see from a jellyfish or octopus, however, there is a strict symmetry to the stool’s geometric design. The legs protrude at a specific angle away from the body and to the side, creating the shape of a spinning star when the stool is viewed from the top. This design provides both visual and mechanical balance, giving the stool stability despite its seemingly thin and flat legs.

There is also a sustainability angle to the Metal Stool, though perhaps a bit indirectly. The legs are made from sheet metal while the seat is birch wood, both of which can be sourced from sustainable or renewable options. The minimalist design could mean that these parts can be taken from factory offcuts as well, providing a new purpose for otherwise discarded and wasted materials.

The Metal Stool is a prime example of a simple and subtle design that manages to look quite stunning just by shifting the formula just a little bit. Whether it reminds you of aliens, jellyfish, or abstract art, the stool has the same effect of catching your attention and adding a unique character to any space. And, of course, you can sit on it as well without fear of toppling over or, worse, being taken by metal tentacles into the depths of a dark void.

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Way back in 1903 the English mathematician Henry Ernest Dudeney worked out a way to morph a perfect square into an equilateral triangle. The trick involved dissecting the square into rearrangeable four distinct shapes. This method holds merit even after more than a century of varied applications.

Fast forward to 1986, and the mathematical formula was experimented with by architect David Ben-Grunberg and his artist father Maty Grunberg to create a table. This piece of furniture dubbed DTable was a unique creation at that time since it doubled as a storage solution, seating, or a centerpiece for the living room. Furthermore, the eight different configurations from a square to a triangle shape brought an element of freshness and the freedom to put in any space with any arrangement. The individual pieces could be detached to act as stand-alone pieces too.

Designer: DHaus

In that era, the table design by DHaus was as exclusive as it could get and the high-end offering was manufactured in Denmark for an exorbitant price. The design studio has now reincarnated the DTable as a low-cost flat-pack furniture piece, initially as a prototype, that’ll later hit production lines with the option to customize the finish. Dubbed DTable Deco HACK, it is designed in Paris and prototyped in London by Base Models. The table is crafted from recycled plastic materials for a modern, eco-conscious element.

DHaus is going to showcase the new-age prototypes – DTable Deco, Deco GREEN GOBLIN and the Deco HACK at the Paris Design Week. We’re more interested in the Deco HACK version as it has an integrated vinyl player for music lovers. The buck doesn’t stop there as the flatpack table has a Bluetooth speaker, wireless charger, alarm clock and bottle opener. This modern-day inclusion and the highly configurable features of the table make it ideal for apartment living and blend in with contemporary interior décor as well.

There’s no word yet on when the DTable will be available to buy but we can expect some revelation post the Paris Design Week from 5th to 14th September, 2024.

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Sourced sustainably from cork oak trees, cork is a renewable material favored in architecture and interior design for its porous texture, softness, and lightweight nature. Its versatility extends to various applications like flooring, walls, furniture, and home accessories, complementing materials such as metal, wood, and marble, and it adds a distinctive touch to any design. The design industry is progressively acknowledging cork’s value, especially considering its eco-friendly extraction method that allows tree barks to naturally regenerate. Also, cork’s ability to reduce plastic usage while offering limitless creative possibilities has firmly established its role in the design field

Designer: MB Cork

What are the advantages of using Cork?

• Renewable

Cork products have a minimal environmental impact, harvested without felling trees. With no waste in manufacturing and recyclability, cork is highly sustainable. Re-harvesting every 14 years makes it rapidly renewable. Demand drives the cultivation of more cork oak trees, promoting a healthier environment.

• Anti-microbial

Cork products promote good health as it is naturally antimicrobial. Cork resists mold, mildew, and pests while its antistatic surface reduces dust absorption. Low in volatile organic compounds, cork improves indoor air quality.

• Sustainable

Cork, a natural material, is fully biodegradable and recyclable, offering endless possibilities for reuse.

• Durable

Cork is commonly used in household items like flooring and bath mats due to its exceptional durability. With resistance to cracking, abrasions, and moisture, cork products can last up to 30 years or more with proper care. Cork maintains its pristine condition under furniture weight, making it a highly long-lasting material.

• Water Resistant

Cork’s high resistance to moisture, oxidation, and decay, due to its suberin and ceroid content, renders it impermeable to liquids and gases. This durability ensures that cork ages gracefully without deteriorating, making it an ideal option for environments with high humidity levels, like bathrooms, kitchens, or tropical climates.

Image courtesy of: FabrikaPhoto

• Provides Thermal and Acoustic Insulation

Cork doesn’t let heat, sound, or vibrations pass through easily because it traps gases in tiny compartments that are sealed off from each other. Wall cork panels offer these benefits and are available in interesting geometric patterns that make rooms look unique.

• Ensures Comfort

Cork offers remarkable comfort due to its cellular structure featuring microscopic gas pads, providing excellent shock absorption. Its soft texture, along with a temperature akin to that of the human body makes it a very cozy material. Note that chairs with cork seats are designed to provide warmth and softness, ensuring seating comfort.

What are the disadvantages of using Cork?

Cork is a comfortable and eco-friendly material as hand-harvesting contributes to its cost. Additionally, cork offers a limited color range, primarily in shades of beige and brown. However, it’s important to note that cork surfaces can be susceptible to damage from pets’ nails, and prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause fading over time, as with many natural materials.

How to incorporate cork into Interior Design?

The different applications of cork include:

1. Furniture

Designers: Erika Avery, Stu Cole

Seating is crucial in daily life, often seen in various forms in public spaces. However, predicting seating needs can be challenging. This stool concept offers a sustainable solution by transforming two stools into a bench and back, as required. The design centers on a sturdy cork column, offering stability and sustainability. The removable seat, with a center hole, can vary in shape and material. This adaptable design minimizes waste and meets changing needs effectively.

Designer: ( ae ) offices

The DOL furniture collection draws inspiration from the rugged volcanic rocks of Jeju Island in South Korea. Crafted from the outer bark of cork oak trees, each piece replicates the raw, uneven appearance of these natural formations. Handcrafted with care, the collection offers a unique blend of comfort, stability, and charm. Despite its unconventional material choice, cork provides lightweight, impact-absorbing, and insulating properties. Wooden profiles enhance structural support, while layers of wood oil and waxes add texture and character. Sustainable and visually captivating, DOL furniture embodies the beauty and resilience found in nature’s aftermath, making it a distinctive addition to any space.

Designer: Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance

The Burnt Cork furniture collection celebrates the resilience of Portuguese cork, with minimalist chairs, tables, and a stool crafted from blocks of blackened cork. Inspired by the forest fires of 2017 in Portugal, these pieces blend functionality with sculptural beauty, making them ideal for display in any living or dining space. With a gradual transition from rigid bases to curved forms, the chairs offer both comfort and aesthetic appeal. The eclectic shape of the stool adds an artistic flair to any room, making the Burnt Cork collection a testament to the enduring beauty and strength of cork as a furniture material.

2. Lighting

Designer: Oorjaa

Taking cues from modern design, this LED hanging pivot lamp, meticulously crafted from lightweight cork and accented with teak wood and brass fittings, creates the perfect ambiance for both work and leisure in corporate offices and residential spaces.

Transforming a traditionally industrial material, this LED hanging fragment box lamp, skillfully crafted from laser-cut lightweight cork, offers gentle illumination ideal for residential and hospitality environments.

3. Acoustic Panels

Designer: ClearSound Acoustics

Corkbee Concave presents acoustic wall panels that allow for unique wall designs. These panels effectively absorb sound and regulate environmental conditions. Made from recycled materials and recyclable themselves, they are sustainable and provide a natural and eco-friendly solution to improve sound quality in any space.

4. Flooring

Image courtesy of: oleksandrsh

Cork flooring is increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits. It offers shock absorption and comfort, lasting up to 40 years with proper maintenance. Additionally, Cork floors resist mold, mildew, termites, and dust, making them hypoallergenic. Their natural variations in tone and texture provide unique aesthetics. Cork floors can be dyed or stained, hold warmth, muffle sound, and are fire-resistant.

5. Home Goods

Designer: Mind the Cork

Mind the Cork offers a stylish collection of home goods crafted from sustainable cork. From hanging planters to cylindrical storage vessels, each piece is designed with eco-consciousness in mind. Founder Jenny Espirito Santo’s passion project has evolved into a line of practical yet minimalist products, including planters, dishware, and storage containers. Sourced from cork oak trees, this biodegradable material undergoes a regenerative harvesting process every decade, ensuring its sustainability. Collaborating with artisans in the UK and Portugal, Mind the Cork delivers functional and environmentally friendly items for modern homes.

6. Cladding

Designer: Atelier SAD and Iveta Zachariášová

This family home in the Czech countryside, designed by Atelier SAD and interior designer Iveta Zachariášová, is clad in cork for its weather-resistant and thermal properties. Situated near Rašovka at the foot of the Ještěd Ridge, the residence integrates seamlessly into the landscape of the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area. With its sleek design, gabled aluminum roof, and innovative use of Portuguese expanded cork, this home embodies modernity and sustainability. This stunning residence showcases the beauty and functionality of cork as a building material, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.

7. Product Design

Designers: Assorted

Cork, a preferred material in product design, is prominently featured in the INNGAGE woodstove. Its main body, made of steel, incorporates cork profiles fixed at a distance from the structure to prevent darkening over time. Additionally, the cork acts as a safety layer, allowing users to touch and feel the stove securely.’

In conclusion, cork stands out as a remarkable material celebrated for its biodegradability, sustainability, and versatility. As we explore cork’s potential further, it embodies a dedication to environmentally friendly design and conscious consumption.

The post Cork in Interior Design: Combining Sustainability with Style first appeared on Yanko Design.

Residential complexes and small communities are on the rise, and some of these areas try to provide open spaces for rest and relaxation like parks or gardens. People new to such communities might find themselves often lost in the beginning, and guests or couriers will definitely be unfamiliar with the place. Signs aren’t always visible, and those that are might not blend well with the aesthetics and atmosphere of the residential complex. This concept design tries to hit multiple birds with a single stone by providing multi-functional furniture that not only looks like an art installation but also a rather subtle navigation guide for both residents and guests.

Designer: Alice Vakhni

Unlike typical home and office furniture, outdoor furniture offers only temporary respite for people. They’re not exactly the most comfortable products to use, especially since they have to be built to withstand unfavorable weather, but they do offer a place to sit, put down their things, or maybe even work and eat even if only for a while. Ironically, this also frees up outdoor furniture design from certain requirements, allowing them to embrace more unconventional forms, as long as they get the job done.

THREADS is an example of such freedom, conceptualizing furniture that hardly looks like any typical benches or tables. They look more like giant metal thread, hence the name that snakes and loops around the complex, one segment at a time. Some have wavy structures with crests that provide stools for people to sit on, while others coil around structures like benches and tables. Some rise upward to become lamps, while others branch and loop to show directions.

That’s the second not-so-obvious function of THREADS. Just like how Theseus used threads to navigate the labyrinth, the large pipes guide your eyes and your feet in the direction you need to go. They act like railings and guidelines that bend in the direction you should be walking if you’re a bit lost. Of course, not all residential communities have the same layout, so the pipes’ modular design allows builders to combine different parts with different corners to create the navigation system they need.

THREADS is also a piece of art, like an abstract sculptural installation designed to give communities a distinct character. The almost freeform flow of the “threads” leaves each segment open to interpretation and any use. Made with powder-coated hot-rolled steel pipes, what would normally convey an industrial and impersonal appearance transforms into something playful and approachable, becoming the proverbial thread that binds communities together.

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Stools are often classified as tall, backless chairs, and like most seats, they’re designed to be used in a specific way. You simply sit on top of the stool and have your legs hanging from the edge, with your feet planted firmly on the ground. This style of sitting might be common, but it’s definitely not how everyone sits around the world. In some cultures, particularly in Asia, people tend to sit cross-legged on the floor, at least when they’re at home or in establishments designed to cater to that culture. Stools, of course, aren’t meant to support that way of sitting, but this concept design tries to expand the traditional stool design to be more inclusive while also offering an additional feature completely unrelated to sitting.

Designer: Gisung Han

It’s probably too much of a generalization but sitting cross-legged has become associated with Asian cultures. Especially in countries like Korea and Japan, some families tend to sit on the floor during meals in that position, something that might not sit well with those who don’t consider it proper during meals. Eating outdoors, of course, is a completely different matter, especially in public places like outdoor restaurants that only provide simple stools for customers. One simply can’t sit cross-legged comfortably, but still try to do it.

Named after a famous avenue in South Korea, the Euljiro stool concept tries to solve this conundrum with a design that caters to both normal sitting and cross-legged sitting. This seemingly magical capability is made possible by the stool’s two-part modular design. When joined together, it looks like a simple, two-color stool that you can use normally. But remove the top part and you actually get two stools, with the top shorter than the bottom.

When you insert one of the legs of the taller stool into the middle of the shorter one, you get a two-tier seat seemingly joined at the hip. This setup would allow the person to sit with their legs crossed without worries they’ll tumble backward or to the side. It doesn’t take up too much space either, and it can even be used as two separate stools if there aren’t enough seats to go around.

Euljiro’s flexibility also extends to its use as a place to put bags while eating. This is especially useful in restaurants that don’t have designated storage for bags, where putting bags down on the ground might be unhygienic. It’s definitely a creative way to solve multiple problems with a single design while ironically still sticking to the most common stool shape of all.

The post Modular stool concept is designed for people who love sitting cross-legged first appeared on Yanko Design.

Many of our everyday items find their way to the side tables sides couches, desks, and beds, and some of these items have cables that snake their way down and across the floor. These wires might not always ensnare your feet, but they definitely turn any beautiful interior into a dangling mess of cables. There are some side tables these days with built-in power outlets, but those still show the wires that crisscross each other. Some might even have the uninspiring charging bricks also rearing their ugly heads. This simple side table, on the other hand, has an equally simple solution that makes sure that nothing but your phones or tablets get the spotlight.

Designer: Rudolph Schelling Webermann

At first glance, the Charge Table looks like a pretty nondescript side table, albeit one with some elegance thanks to its minimalist design. The body itself is made from sturdy powder-coated steel that provides stability and handsome looks. The top of the table is lined with soft felt that protects your devices from scratches and bumps. It also gives a rough surface for mugs and cups to grip, keeping them from sliding.

This simplicity, however, is deceptive, because that tabletop slides out a bit to reveal a hidden compartment inside. This storage space has one primary function: to house a power strip that can charge your devices. You simply plug in your chargers, slide the tabletop back in, and have the charging cable discreetly coming out from the small gap at the side. And when you need to leave with that charger, simply slide the tabletop out again, unplug the charger, and go. You can also leave as many chargers in there thanks to the compartment’s spacious area.

As for the power strip’s own thick cable, a hole in the middle of that hidden storage for it to pass from beneath the table. Ideally, you’d have it find its way down one of the table’s legs or across to a nearby couch or chair, completely hiding it from view. Admittedly, it’s going to be trickier than keeping devices’ charging cables hidden, but at least there’s only one snake to wrangle.

The Charge Table offers a simple, elegant, yet very effective solution to ensuring that unsightly wires don’t ruin the aesthetics of your interior, though the compact size of the table does present another problem. Given today’s practice of owning more than one device per person, it might not be big enough to charge a phone and a tablet or a combination of multiple devices at the same time. Then again, the very design of the table itself encourages simplicity and frugality, and it might give people pause for thought on what’s really important, at least as far as the devices they keep close are concerned.

The post Minimalist Side Table Hides a Simple But Effective Cable Management System first appeared on Yanko Design.

Just because a design is minimalist doesn’t mean it has to be featureless. Part of the challenge of this design style is to deliver the same functionality that more complicated products offer in simpler ways. A desk, for example, would normally have drawers and shelves to put things in, but drawers often introduce mechanisms that wear down over time, and they often block their contents from view, forcing the person to remember what’s inside or waste time going through each drawer in search for an item. Aalto, which means “wave” in Finnish, removes the blinders and designs an open storage system that uses no extra parts, just the table’s body itself.

Designer: Liam de la Bedoyere

Common desk drawers use a sliding mechanism to move a box in and out of the table. Regardless of the design of the slider, it will eventually fall victim to wear and tear, making it less useful and more stressful. Desks with “open” shelves instead of drawers do remove that variable but doesn’t make it easy to see what’s inside unless everything is at the front or you stoop to take a peek inside.

The Aalto design concept uses a series of undulating forms that create nooks that can become storage spaces. Thanks to the glass (or any transparent material) tabletop, you can immediately see what’s inside, ready to be taken out when you need it. Conversely, you can also easily see which compartments are still unoccupied in case you need an empty space.

The waves can come in different sizes, which makes room for different kinds of stationery and tools as well, like a laptop in the larger space or pens for the smaller ones. What makes the design even more interesting is that it doesn’t use any extra pieces other than the tabletop. It’s a single unbroken form, though sheets of plywood are indeed joined together to create the semblance of a flowing shape. Regardless, there are no moving parts that will break down or extra parts that can get lost. It is minimalism at its finest.

Another version of the Aalto design uses shorter and more uniform waves to address concerns about the troughs hitting people’s knees and legs. That said, it also reduces the flexibility of those spaces to hold objects of any size, but that also becomes a sort of enforced organization system to keep the desk tidy. In exchange, this Aalto variant has a small shelf off to the side, for holding smaller items like books or even a vase. It does have to switch to a polycarbonate material for the tabletop in order to support that bending shape.

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Designer: Steelcase + Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy of “organic architecture” emphasized the integration of human habitats with their environment. This principle is beautifully manifested in the Rockford and Galesburg collections, which draw directly from Wright’s archival designs. These collections honor their historical roots while offering pieces that meet modern needs.

The Rockford Collection is inspired by Wright’s Laurent house, a project designed for a disabled veteran. The collection features a lounge chair that maintains the original’s focus on accessibility but updates it with modern materials such as plywood. Accompanying the chair are movable seating and polygonal tables designed to enhance interaction and serve practical daily use.

Continuing this theme, the Galesburg Collection transforms the built-in banquettes of Wright’s Usonian homes into standalone pieces suitable for modern settings. The collection includes sofas, sectionals, and lounge chairs characterized by clean lines and geometric shapes, reflecting Wright’s architectural finesse. These pieces merge historical inspiration with contemporary needs, making them perfect for home and office environments.

A key element of both collections is using plywood, a material Wright favored for its versatility. In these designs, plywood is celebrated as a main feature, highlighting its durability and aesthetic appeal. The modern, understated upholstery complements the wooden structures, enhancing the overall experience and focusing on quality craftsmanship.

The collaboration between Steelcase and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation goes beyond a typical business partnership. It actively engages with historical contexts, aiming to adapt Wright’s innovative designs to contemporary needs. This partnership began with Wright’s designs for the SC Johnson Administration Building 80 years ago and continues to ensure his architectural philosophies remain influential in today’s spaces.

By introducing Wright’s timeless designs into everyday environments, Steelcase honors his architectural legacy while demonstrating that thoughtful design continues to enhance human experiences and environments. These collections show that great design effectively bridges historical heritage with modern functionality, impacting how we live and work today.

The post New Steelcase Furniture Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Iconic Designs first appeared on Yanko Design.