the helmets of Ateliers Ruby

Luxury Parisian house serving mobility, Ateliers Ruby create, under the direction of Jérome Coste, prestige helmets, plus key equipment of an independent and free lifestyle for Motorcyclists and Gentlemen Drivers looking for a great escape. Ruby products are imagined to be faithful travel companions for the long run, manufactured in the state of the art with traditional luxury savoir-faire, allied with high technology.

Ruby was born from obsession. Parisian designer Jérome Coste was raised in a world of mechanical sports, and developed a fascination with the performances and uniforms of champions; his daredevil temperament meant emulating his heroes earned him six concussions - with no ill effects - but added a new dimension to his interest in helmets, and he began to collect them … the rest reads like a very interesting lifestory, and is available here.

In four years and two cult models - the Pavillon and Belvedere - Ruby helmets have revolutionized the genre and changed our relationship to this tool of protection by creating an object of desire. The Ruby helmet is now the benchmark for this new accessory, key to the 21st century wardrobe, knighted by grand luxury houses as well as professional pilots. Les Ateliers Ruby cultivate their singularity and their customers by offering a multiple of versions of its helmets, two new collections a year, limited editions with guest artists and the "Ruby Costume" personalization service making singular original creations. Ruby’s unique expertise is now extended to jackets, racing suits, and leather gloves at the Ruby Boutique, at #1 rue Herold in Paris.

The “Belvedere” design is based on the original Ruby helmet: the “Pavillon”, however the new addition to the Ruby motorcycle helmet range has the added advantage of an articulated visor that covers the riders entire face; it acts as a pivoting windscreen. The original “Pavillon” is a contemporary classic design, and is based on the classic, “retro”, even historic forms. The Belvedere becomes a completely different; the simple addition of the visor and the two aluminium visor pivots takes the Ruby helmet in to a retro-futuristic world, the helmet mimics the ‘Robot’ like characteristics of cartoon characters in Japan. Every single “Belvedere” comes in the traditional red Ruby box with 3 separate visors: one transparent, one smoke and one racing dark. Ruby have made sure the visor is easy to change… Simply unscrew the metal plates that hold the visor in place, replace the visor and screw the aluminium plates back on. The Articulation system allows the rider to open the visor in three positions, plus an extra notch to hold the shield in place at higher speeds.

minimalist pad

MYCC oficina de arquitectura is a hispanic architectural office based in Madrid. In 2012 they developed an extraordinary single apartement, which is contained in 20m2 and a volume of 100m3. In this limited space a single person should be able to live, work and feel comfortable. To combine comfort and functionality, the architects planned the apartment as a longitudinal cube which is sectioned both horizontal and vertical. Diverse staggered levels make it easy to get from one end to another within a few seconds. Due to their openness the rooms are visually connected and get a touch of vastness and transparency, which is reinforced by light and simple floors. A modern, straight-lined designed interior puts the finishing touches on the apartment and give it the title: small but mighty. [1]

The project is a longitudinal section. The height of the space is used to contain a large number of rooms that are limited by side but in turn they are all connected to each other visually. Even the bathroom is in sight ... The need to accommodate the entire program, each with its own characteristics and specific proportions, provides an image that is reminiscent of old computer games platforms. The idea of such forged light at different heights from which you can go from one to another almost jump was present from the first sketches.

The dimension both in plan and section of each unit of use provides a number of slopes for the change from one room to another is done in a physical way to the kitchen Up and down the bedroom provides a heightened sense of change and a perception different place, either each of the separate areas of the house as a whole. The house, despite its size, seeks to be generous in their spaces and the number of rooms offered. None of the parts that make it up have a fully defined use: the kitchen is a step towards the lounge, which provides a decrease in the time step that is seat. The lounge is located on the store and the floor is registrable. From the central space is the living room is the bedroom, to sunny sunroom with an industrial staircase, which can function as a study or chill, and a few small steps lead to the bathroom, oversized and with the luxury of a warm bath made in situ. Construction and finishes have been made ​​so simple and straightforward and takes all the space blank.

[Fig] 01. Access Access; 02. Kitchen Kitchen, 03. Living Livingroom, 04. Rest Area (light) Chil-out space (light) 05. Bedroom Bedroom; 06. Stands Bleachers, 07. Bathroom Bathroom, 08. Hammam, 09. Storage Storage

[1] Ref. http://www.ignant.de/2013/10/08/minimalist-pad-100m3/

the female forms of Jo Schwab

"Even if the majority of my pictures shows nudity, I seriously consider them as portraits. The naked body is nothing by itself without the story that only the face can tell." Johannes (Jo) Schwab is a Berlin photographer, born in 1969, that presents the female form with a stuning clarity, that indeed transcends nudity, succeeding to portray the subject per se, invoking a sense of familiarity, instead of being offensive or merely provocative. Go here to read a 60sec interview with the photographer.

house in Nasu

This is a weekend house built in the area of Nasu, Japan. Though in the resort town, the road and the neighbor houses are near by the site, and it seems difficult to keep a privacy. Fukuyama-based firm Kazunori Fujimoto architect & associates aimed to make an indoor space like a Scandinavian soft interior instead of the room open directly to the outside. The surrounding's tall trees blur the outline of the house, and the interior, they give the abstract light, shade, and many of colors. It is a one-room space that has two big windows and a concrete wall. By the two windows the room connected to the outside environment. Closing the white curtains, all symbols as "house" are hidden, and the color and materials that can be seen are limited, still more, the abstract space is filled calm atmosphere. The inside, like a "monolith", concrete wall, divides the space generously, and puts life in order. More color photos available here.

Mio Karo’s unique rugs & textiles

Mio Karo is new brand of fine rugs, wallhangings, curtains and bedspreads handmade in Sardinia and inspired by traditional motifs. Their brand new showroom is located in Sardinia’s Porto Cervo, at Promenade du Port - the heart of upmarket fashion, art, design and contemporary craft. Sardinian born and London based Central St Martins graduate, Carolina Melis, is the creative director of the brand. The collection is designed by Carolina and entirely realised in Sardinia by local female artisans, using cotton and wool sourced from the island. [1]

The typical pibiones weaving technique is most commonly found in Sardinia. This is a particular type of stitched relief, created from the countless grains that make up the design. These are made by twisting the yarn around a needle which is arranged in a horizontal position on the loom – the needle is then pulled away, thereby creating a raised effect (grains). The collection was first presented at the Italian Cultural Institute in London as part of an exhibition dedicated to Carolina Melis. [1]

[1] Ref. http://www.yellowtrace.com.au/2013/08/26/mio-karo/

FlyKly smart wheel for bicycles

The FlyKly Smart Wheel, allows riders to easily convert their existing bike into an electric ride simply by changing the wheel. Launched on Kickstarter, the FlyKly system comes with a light that is charged by energy from the front wheel of the bike, and excess energy is used to charge your Smartphone. Smart Wheel’s genius design packs a lot of power and keeps its weight as light as possible. It goes up to 20 mph (25 km/h) for a 30 miles (50 km) range and it weights only 9 lbs (4 kg). Smart Wheel is a pedal assist which means it helps you ride your bike effortlessly. The motor turns on when you start pedaling and begins accelerating to your desired speed. It stops when you stop. It saves you time by getting you to your destination faster and gets you there without losing your breath or breaking a sweat. Check out the Kickstarter campaign here.

Smart Wheel is designed to fit practically any bicycle frame. It comes in different sizes and colors. It is also designed with simplicity of installation in mind, so there are no cables etc. to install. The FlyKly operates via Bluetooth on an iOS, Android and Pebble Watch compatible app, which allows riders to set a maximum speed, track rides, lock the wheel from spinning and in the unfortunate event of a theft, track its location. The FlyKly's user interface is seamless: Simply set a maximum electric speed and start pedaling. The electric motor kicks in then, and will accelerate the the desired speed pedal faster and the max speed can be exceeded. If a rider starts coasting, the electric assistance shuts off automatically.

exercise encyclopedias

So you have decided to work out, but you have realised that as you get more into shaping your body and getting your yonger age strength back, it is damn hard. Not only you have to set your diet straight, changing your eating habits, but you have also comprehended that what you have been doing for s many years now, has taken a toll on your body and physique, making it even harder to even see the first results of your efforts. If you are motivated and determined to succeed, then a more “engineering” perspective on how you work out, and what exercises to employ, may help you out. The following are some suggestions for books that are out there, and could give you a more detailed insight on available body exercises or their mechanics thereof.

Mad Skills is the world's largest illustrated exercise encyclopedia and contains over 700 unique exercises to build strength and mobility. It is designed as a reference tool for athletes, trainers, and coaches, to help steer creative movement selection for effective workouts. Categories of exercise movements include: barbell lifts, kettlebell skills, gymnastics conditioning, whole body movements, yoga postures, stretching, partner skills, and more. Written by Ben Musholt, a physical therapist and APEX Movement certified Parkour and Freerunning coach in Portland, Oregon, his movement-training background spans from gymnastics, to martial arts, and board sports. His goal is to help fellow athletes have the fitness needed to excel in their favorite sport. See the book on the Amazon website here.

Any beginner starting a program of workouts will be concerned to know how to do the exercises involved to achieve his or her goals. Muscle Exercises Encyclopedia is intended as a work of reference for the beginner, the advanced athlete, the enthusiast, or the fitness professional, whatever the users level. It is written by Oscar Moran, a professor of Physical Education and a national weightlifting and bodybuilding trainer, fitness sports technician, sports nutrition technician and an expert in martial arts. Muscle Exercises Encyclopedia contains over 440 exercises with comments and illustrations based on empirical know-how and scientific research. It includes all the basic and numerous less common exercises with comments and illustrations. See the book on the Amazon website here. Furthermore, the available Stretching Exercises Encyclopedia, by the same author, offers a general theory of muscle stretching. Anatomical pictures explain the different muscle groups involved in each exercise. A test to measure the degree of joint mobility is also included. Helpful tricks, tips and recommendations for all proficiency levels complete the encyclopedia. The unique feature of both these books, is that each exercise includes information about the movement one needs to perform, the posture that one must adopt, common mistakes that should be avoided, the principal and secondary muscles worked with this exercise as well as a series of very useful tips and advice. See the book on the Amazon website here.

Increase strength, build mass, burn fat, and define your muscles. With full-color anatomical illustrations, step-by-step instructions, and training advice, Bodyweight Strength Training Anatomy is the authoritative resource for sculpting your physique without free weights, machines, or expensive equipment. Targeting all muscle zones and primary muscle regions—arms, chest, shoulders, back, core, thighs, glutes, and calves—Bodyweight Strength Training Anatomy presents 156 of the most effective bodyweight exercises that can be performed anytime, anywhere. The book is written by Bret Contreras, MS, CSCS, who has become known in the strength and conditioning industry as The Glute Guy because of his expertise in helping clients develop strong, shapely glutes. He is currently pursuing a PhD in New Zealand. Contreras has conducted numerous electromyography experiments in his research. See the book on the Amazon website here.

unconventional furniture joinery

The young Swedish practice WIS Design's new 'Croquet' series, which consists of a bench, stool and barstool. Consisting of painted metal, the joints connect wooden (ash) sticks of different lengths, which are reminiscent of croquet mallets. The number of different components is kept to a minimum and the various pieces within the series are easy to assemble, requiring no specific tools.

Berlin-born, London-trained, Milan-based designer Jerszy Seymour has been experimenting with wax as a material for construction for some time now, in the context of his notion of an 'amateur' society, where we are all involved in shaping our world, in being creative. The etymology of the word 'amateur', we are reminded, is 'love', as in to do something for the love of it. As Seymour explains to Architonic, 'the amateur is freedom of libido and instinct from passive consumption to active participation.' The idea of a non-professional, mass participation, or 'social anarchism' as Seymour puts it, finds its latest expression in his 'Workshop Chair', which consists of battens held together with polycaprolactone wax.

Band-aids may be the fix-all for cuts and bruises, but Beza Elementy “Patch” is the powerful equivalent for your furniture. The collection of metal plates comes in a varied assortment of angles and the ends of each “leg” are perforated with holes for screws. Any wobbly table or loose joinery would be no match for these medical rescues produced by Beza Projekt  (Anna Łoskiewicz und Zofia Strumiłło-Sukiennik). The shapes of the cheery plates themselves are not a far cry from the familiar form of the Band-aid, and are just as easy to use. Instead of a “peel and stick,” just place and screw. [1]

Forget about Java, web, and other technological applets; stay entertained with Stick-lets! Christina Kazakia, owner of Kazakia Design, conceived of Stick-lets after recognizing the diminishing role that nature had in children’s play. Stick-lets, each piece a colorful silicone plate with multiple holes of varying sizes, make easy interaction with the outdoor environment. The silicone acts as a multifunctional rubber band that can bind together branches (and more!) as children build forts and tents with nature’s gifts. The neon colors of Stick-lets glow against the earthy greens and browns that normally color the backyard. And, for the more timid, starter sticks of untreated birch wood are also available. [2]

From the Andreu Carulla Studio comes, The Stooler. The Stooler allows you to reuse any common household object and turn it into a nifty stool. Made up of four wooden legs with some adjustable ratchet buckles, you can create even the most comfortable places to sit with old newspapers, clothes, a crate, or whatever you can imagine. [3]

Finally, you could experiment with Sugru. Sugru is a new self-setting rubber that can be formed by hand. It moulds like play-dough, bonds to almost anything and turns into a strong, flexible silicone rubber overnight. Developed by a team of product designers and material scientists, sugru's patented technology is unique in its combination of hand-formability, self-adhesion and flexibility when cured. It feels like modelling clay, and it's that easy to use too. Once cured, its durable properties mean it's comfortable in extreme environments from the dishwasher to the ocean in Antarctica.

[1] Ref. http://blog.gessato.com/2013/07/02/beza-elementy-metal-band-aids-to-fix-furniture-by-beza-projekt/#ixzz2iWoybIjC

[2] Ref. http://blog.gessato.com/2013/03/01/stick-lets-by-christina-kazakia/#ixzz2iWpe7Vzc

[3] Ref. http://blog.gessato.com/2013/03/18/thestooler-by-andreu-carulla-studio/#ixzz2iWrASXsk

Further read : http://www.architonic.com/ntsht/fancy-a-joint-innovative-joinery-in-new-furniture-design/7000508

house Morran in Brännö, Sweden

House Morran is located on an island just by the sea fairway to the port of Gothenburg. The project is a transformation of a warn down cottage from the 50’s with an extension from the mid 70’s. The building volume and most of the structure has been kept intact, in order not to exploit the landscape but just to refine and strengthen the qualities already existing on the site. The project was realised in 2010 by Johannes Norlander Arkitektur. The new facade is cladded in plywood, coated in black pine tar just like the traditional way of preserving wooden boats. The roof is coated in simple tar paper and has thin plywood eaves with integrated aluminum gutters, coated in black. The interior is all in natural pine and where plywood is used for both cladding and construction. [1]

[1] Ref. http://thisispaper.com/filter/architecture/Johannes-Norlander-Arkitektur-AB-House-Morran

Ole Jensen kitchenware

Ole Jensen is originally trained as a ceramicist but has since become one of Denmark’s most influential product designers. Ole Jensen’s work is characterized by the ability to unite common everyday functionality with playful and sculptural design. The Ole Jensen for Room Copenhagen collection is a family of products for storage, cooking and serving. The collection of containers, bowls, cups, jugs, plates and kitchen tools share a common design approach with soft rounded shapes, but each with their own individual expression and function. While they work well on their own, they become a diverse and lively family when combined.

The series includes Ole Jensen classics such as the original colander conceived in 1995 – this time in a more modern, durable and price-friendly version - and new ‘soon to become’ classics such as the two very characteristic cups, the casual and cool jugs or the sculptural and versatile bowls.