modular design | designboom.com https://www.designboom.com/tag/modular-design/ designboom magazine | your first source for architecture, design & art news Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:23:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 letters printed across brass chair turn mathematical paradox into NYC political commentary https://www.designboom.com/design/letters-brass-chair-mathematical-paradox-nyc-political-commentary-vox-massimiliano-malago/ Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:01:47 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172992 new york city’s ranked-choice voting system serves as the project’s case study.

The post letters printed across brass chair turn mathematical paradox into NYC political commentary appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
Massimiliano Malagò’s design Materializes Voting Paradoxes

 

Vox is a modular brass chair designed by architect Massimiliano Malagò that examines the structural challenges of collective decision-making through the lens of mathematics. Drawing on the work of economist Kenneth Arrow and 18th-century mathematician Nicolas de Condorcet, the project materializes logical paradoxes that arise in ranked-choice voting (RCV) systems. Using New York City’s recently adopted RCV system as a case study, the design explores how electoral mechanisms intended to ensure fairness can instead produce paradoxes, dissatisfaction, and instability.

 

The project focuses on the act of voting as both a civic ritual and a site of systemic tension. Vox addresses structural concerns within voting systems, rather than issues such as low turnout or fraud, highlighting how different electoral methods can yield conflicting results. In November 2019, New York City voters approved a charter amendment implementing RCV for mayoral primaries and other municipal elections. While RCV was intended to address limitations of the previous first-past-the-post system, including runoff costs and low voter engagement, it also introduces potential structural contradictions, which Vox seeks to examine in material form.


all images by Helene Helleu, Cristina Colussi

 

 

letter-patterned brass panels assemble Vox sculptural object

 

Designer Massimiliano Malagò’s Vox is constructed from 75 waterjet-cut brass panels connected by 100 custom 3D printed interlocking joints, forming a lattice that functions as both structure and ornament. Each panel’s fold extends into a flange with an X-shaped cut, receiving a two-part joint that locks the elements together. The panels represent individual votes, with letters A, B, C, D, and E applied in vinyl to denote candidate rankings.

 

Three hypothetical electoral scenarios are embedded within the object, each illustrating a structural limitation of the voting system. One scenario demonstrates a violation of monotonicity, in which ranking a candidate higher can paradoxically cause that candidate to lose. Another highlights the violation of the independence of irrelevant alternatives, showing how the addition or removal of a losing candidate can alter the election outcome. The third scenario references the Condorcet paradox, where collective preferences form a circular loop that prevents the emergence of a clear winner.


Vox is a modular brass chair designed by architect Massimiliano Malagò

 

 

Vox turns abstract political concepts into spatial experience

 

By translating abstract mathematical reasoning and electoral theory into a three-dimensional object, Vox exposes the inherent instability of democratic systems. The brass lattice functions as both a symbolic seat of power and a physical representation of the complexities of collective choice. Each panel and connection visualizes the interplay of individual votes and systemic rules, revealing that instability is not an error but an intrinsic feature of democratic processes.

 

Through this material exploration, Vox demonstrates how design can transform abstract political and mathematical concepts into a tangible, spatial experience, highlighting the structural limitations and paradoxes embedded within contemporary electoral systems.


the project examines collective decision-making through mathematical principles


the design translates voting paradoxes into a physical object


New York City’s ranked-choice voting system serves as the project’s case study

vox-modular-brass-chair-massimiliano-malago-designboom-1800-2

the chair addresses contradictions inherent in ranked-choice voting


Vox presents democratic instability as an inherent structural condition

 

vox-modular-brass-chair-massimiliano-malago-designboom-1800-3

the structure forms a lattice that is both ornamental and load-bearing

 

project info:

 

name: Vox New Yorkea

designer: Massimiliano Malagò | @massimilianomariamalago

photographers: Helene Helleu | @helenehelleu, Cristina Colussi

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post letters printed across brass chair turn mathematical paradox into NYC political commentary appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
modular 3D printed facade wraps workspace in japan like knit textile https://www.designboom.com/architecture/modular-3d-printed-facade-workspace-japan-knit-textile-circulus-atelier-oka-oad/ Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:50:09 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1173168 digital fabrication informs both the building envelope and interior spatial systems.

The post modular 3D printed facade wraps workspace in japan like knit textile appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
Oka Architecture’s 3D Printed Studio Exploring Circular Design

 

CIRCULUS Atelier is the working studio of Oka Architecture Design & Co., Ltd. (OAD) and a built application of the practice’s CIRCULUS architectural framework, which examines circularity, continuity, and long-term adaptability in design. Conceived as both a workplace in Yokohama, Japan, and a prototype, the project investigates how digital fabrication can inform architecture as a system that integrates exterior enclosure and interior spatial treatment within a unified material logic.

 

The building’s exterior is defined by KNIT, a modular facade system developed and fabricated by the practice using large-scale 3D printing. Rather than functioning as a conventional cladding, the facade operates as a woven surface composed of repeated printed units. Variations in geometry across the modules create depth and shadow, allowing the facade to respond to changing light conditions over time. The fabrication process remains legible, with the method of production directly expressed in the architectural surface.


all images courtesy of Oka Architecture Design & Co., Ltd. (OAD)

 

 

Suspended 3D Printed Elements Shape CIRCULUS Atelier’s interior

 

Inside the atelier, Studio Oka Architecture Design & Co., Ltd. (OAD) applies the same material approach in a different manner. Flexible 3D printed elements are suspended from the ceiling, forming a draped installation that introduces a soft overhead layer above the workspace. This suspended system filters daylight, moderates acoustics, and defines spatial zones without enclosing them. The ceiling is treated as a hanging field shaped by gravity and material behavior rather than as a rigid, fixed plane.

 

The interior installation relies on the inherent flexibility of the printed material, allowing elements to fold, overlap, and deform naturally. Through digital fabrication, softness becomes a controlled architectural attribute rather than a purely ornamental effect. Both the KNIT facade and the interior components are designed to be demountable, repairable, and reconfigurable, aligning with the CIRCULUS framework’s emphasis on reuse and adaptability.


overall view of the CIRCULUS atelier, wrapped in a 3D printed KNIT facade resembling a woven surface

 

 

a studio Designed for Adjustment, Reuse and Long-Term Flexibility

 

All elements are produced in-house using 3D printing, enabling precise geometric control while limiting material waste. Architecture is treated as an evolving assembly rather than a finished object, capable of adjustment and transformation over time. As a working studio, the atelier provides a setting in which material performance, spatial comfort, and durability can be evaluated through daily use.

 

CIRCULUS Atelier operates as both a functional workplace and a test site for architectural research. By integrating design, fabrication, and occupation within a single environment, the project presents an approach to architecture that prioritizes continuity, material behavior, and long-term flexibility within a circular design system.


detail of the KNIT facade around the window opening reveals the layered rhythm of the 3D printed components

circulus-atelier-oka-architecture-design-modular-3d-printed-facade-japan-designboom-1800-2

the KNIT modules showcase subtle variations created through digital fabrication


interior view of the atelier workspace beneath a softly draped, textile-like suspended 3D printed installation


after 3D printing, the discharged material is reused as a wall-mounted object, reflecting circular principles


close-up of a soft, flexible 3D printed component used in the suspended interior installation


rejecting the fixed geometry of conventional shelving, 3D printed cells are assembled to form a unique shelf


light passing through the suspended elements creates a layered and atmospheric ceiling condition


a folded 3D printed screen resting on a chair, emphasizing the softness and flexibility of the material


the draped installation gently defines zones within the workspace without enclosing the space

circulus-atelier-oka-architecture-design-modular-3d-printed-facade-japan-designboom-1800-4

oblique view of the suspended elements, emphasizing depth, repetition, and material softness

 

project info:

 

name: CIRCULUS Atelier
architect: Oka Architecture Design & Co., Ltd. | @o.a.d.co.ltd

location: Yokohama, Japan

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post modular 3D printed facade wraps workspace in japan like knit textile appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
bartlett architecture students use robots to build arkhive reconfigurable timber pavilion https://www.designboom.com/architecture/ucl-bartlett-students-robots-arkhive-reconfigurable-timber-pavilion-01-12-2026/ Mon, 12 Jan 2026 04:50:10 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172305 two twisting timber arches form the primary structural elements of the pavilion.

The post bartlett architecture students use robots to build arkhive reconfigurable timber pavilion appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
Arkhive: A Full-Scale Pavilion Testing Robotic Assembly

 

Arkhive is a full-scale pavilion developed by master’s students from the Design for Manufacture (DfM) program at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. The project explores robotic fabrication and reconfigurable construction systems through an adaptable timber truss structure assembled using interlocking joinery.

 

The pavilion was conceived as a demonstrator for construction systems that can be fully disassembled, reconfigured, and reused. Designed and built by students and staff, the free-standing structure is organized around two twisting timber arches anchored to steel plinths. These arches are stabilised by robotically assembled ladder-beam trusses, which brace the leaning geometry and define the pavilion’s structural logic.

 

The ladder-beam system is composed of a bespoke arrangement of standardized timber rails and cam-lock connections. This system allows individual components to be assembled, disassembled, and recombined without material loss, supporting adaptability over multiple configurations. The components were fabricated and assembled using two industrial robotic arms, enabling a level of precision beyond manual construction and reinforcing an automation-led approach to timber building.


all images courtesy of UCL Bartlett School of Architecture

 

 

A Modular Timber Prototype for Reuse and Reconfiguration

 

By combining robotic fabrication with reversible joinery, Arkhive functions as a prototype for modular timber construction that prioritizes material efficiency and long-term reuse. The structure operates as a ‘material bank,’ in which components retain value and can be redeployed in future architectural applications.

 

The project was led by design tutors Ben Spong and Pradeep Devadass, with program direction by Peter Scully from the Design for Manufacture M.Arch program at the UCL Bartlett School of Architecture. The design team included students Matías Ramírez Muñoz, Hakyeong Jeon, Victoria Arancibia Retes, and Jawad Soueid from the 2023–2024 DfM cohort, working in collaboration with structural engineers from Price & Myers.

 

Arkhive was first assembled and exhibited at The Bartlett’s Fifteen Show in 2024. Following the exhibition, the timber arches were refined, redesigned, and re-fabricated. The final iteration was installed at St Andrews Botanic Garden in Scotland in summer 2025 by the 2024–2025 DfM cohort, where the pavilion was used as a venue for public events. The project illustrates the Bartlett’s Design for Manufacture program’s emphasis on integrating design research, digital fabrication, and full-scale construction within an academic setting.


Arkhive is a full-scale pavilion developed by students from UCL’s Design for Manufacture program


the pavilion explores robotic fabrication through a reconfigurable timber truss system


the project was conceived as a demonstrator for disassembly and reuse in construction


two twisting timber arches form the primary structural elements of the pavilion


interlocking joinery enables the structure to be assembled without permanent fixings


the truss system is composed of standardized timber rails and cam-lock connections


leaning geometry is stabilised by robotically assembled ladder-beam trusses

arkhive-reconfigurable-timber-pavilion-robots-students-bartlett-ucl-designboom-1800-2

reversible joints support adaptability across multiple future configurations


the pavilion demonstrates an automation-led approach to timber building

arkhive-reconfigurable-timber-pavilion-robots-students-bartlett-ucl-designboom-1800-3

robotic assembly enables a high level of precision beyond manual construction


the structure is conceived as a material bank for long-term reuse

 

project info:

 

name: Arkhive
architect: Design for Manufacture, Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London

students: DfM cohort of 2023-2024 (Matías Ramírez Muñoz, Hakyeong Jeon, Victoria Arancibia Retes, Jawad Soueid), DfM cohort of 2024-2025 (Anuj Bajaj, Chao-lin Cheng, Hongkun Chen, Iqbal Utomo, Jun Myung, Longfei Ma, Nour Beydoun, Petra Li, Pongpreedee Chaveegoolrat, Qiyang Zhu, Shengtong Liu, Sibei Chen, Sihan Liu, Tong Wu, Xujie Shen, Yanzhu Che, Yuan Gao, Yuntian Ma, Yuxuan Zhou, Zining Zhu, Zishan Huang, Ziyue Wu)

B-made workshops & labs: Hamish Veitch, Yaoyao Meng, Guillem Perutxet Olesti, Melis Van den Berg, Samuel Turner-Baldwin, Claudia Toma, Adam Meyrick, Costa Harrison, Mark Burrows

structural engineers: Bedir Bekar, Tim Lucas, Giulio Gianni, Price & Myers

plywood sponsor: Ben Price, Plykea – Here East

screw pile foundation contractor: Radix Group, Dundee Scotland

project partner: Harry Watkins, St Andrews Botanic Garden

design tutors: Ben Spong, Pradeep Devadass

program director: Peter Scully

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post bartlett architecture students use robots to build arkhive reconfigurable timber pavilion appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
no driver, no wheel: world’s first retractable steering wheel is made for autonomous vehicles https://www.designboom.com/technology/no-driver-no-wheel-worlds-first-retractable-steering-wheel-vehicles-autonomous-ces-2026-01-09-2026/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 11:20:14 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172419 the design is a response to automated driving, where the vehicle can manage all driving tasks within certain conditions without human input.

The post no driver, no wheel: world’s first retractable steering wheel is made for autonomous vehicles appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
retractable steering wheel designed for autonomous vehicles

 

Autoliv and Tensor introduce a retractable steering wheel designed for autonomous vehicles, fully disappearing when the car drives itself. Unveiled at CES 2026, the design responds to automated riding, especially Level 4 driving, where the vehicle can manage all driving tasks within certain conditions without human input. The retractable steering wheel is co-developed with Tensor’s Robocar autonomous driving system. When the vehicle switches into Level 4 autonomous mode, the steering wheel retracts, clearing the driver’s area. This creates more space in the cabin and allows the front seat area to function more like a living or working space rather than a traditional cockpit. 

 

When manual driving is required, the steering wheel folds back into place, restoring a familiar driving setup. The airbag system changes depending on whether the vehicle is in autonomous or manual mode. A passenger airbag integrated into the instrument panel is activated when the steering wheel is retracted, while when the steering wheel is in use, the airbag inside the wheel is enabled instead. Autoliv says both configurations have the same level of protection, allowing safety systems to match the driving mode rather than relying on a single fixed layout.

retractable steering wheel autonomous
all images courtesy of Autoliv and Tensor

 

 

Users can choose between manual and self-driving

 

The design of the retractable steering wheel shies away from fixed, one-size-fits-all vehicle interiors. Autoliv’s Chief Technology Officer Fabien Dumont says that safety systems now need to adapt to different driving situations and user needs. Tensor CEO Jay Xiao adds that while full self-driving offers new experiences, many people still want the option to drive manually. The project is presented as a way to support both preferences in one vehicle. The folding mechanism design by the two companies helps users learn when and how autonomous systems operate. 

 

When the wheel retracts, it signals clearly that the vehicle is in full self-driving mode, and as soon as it comes back, it indicates that human attention is needed. The extra space created when the steering wheel retracts also improves comfort for users who are not actively driving. For passengers who are nervous about autonomous systems, the ability to sit back with more legroom and fewer controls in front of them can make the experience feel less like driving and more like being transported. So far, the Tensor Robocar featuring the retractable steering wheel, will be offered in the US, EU, and Middle East markets after the CES 2026.

retractable steering wheel autonomous
the wheel folds into the driver’s dashboard

retractable steering wheel autonomous
the system creates more space in the cabin and allows the front seat area

retractable steering wheel autonomous
the airbag system changes depending on whether the vehicle is in autonomous or manual mode

 

 

project info:

 

name: Retractable steering wheel

companies: Autoliv, Tensor | @autolivinc, @tensor.auto

The post no driver, no wheel: world’s first retractable steering wheel is made for autonomous vehicles appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
future farm: a vertical farming system frames architecture as hydro-ecological infrastructure https://www.designboom.com/readers/future-farm-vertical-farming-system-architecture-hydro-ecological-infrastructure-qing-duan-01-09-2026/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 03:01:49 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1169175 vertical farming modules are embedded within the architectural structure.

The post future farm: a vertical farming system frames architecture as hydro-ecological infrastructure appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
A Modular System for Urban Agriculture and Water Management

 

Future Farm is a modular vertical farming system designed by Qing Duan for integration within urban architecture, proposing a model where buildings function as hydro-ecological systems. Rainwater is collected, filtered, and redistributed to support plant growth and domestic needs, establishing a closed-loop water cycle that combines sustainable agriculture with everyday city life. The project incorporates public greenhouse spaces, shared kitchens, rooftop farms, and educational zones to enable collective care, learning, and interaction with urban farming processes.

 

The speculative proposal addresses urban challenges such as food insecurity and water scarcity by merging living, farming, and community engagement within a single architectural framework. Its modular vertical farming modules, inspired by tree-like forms, guide water flow, sunlight access, and seasonal planting cycles. Each module manages rainwater collection and greywater filtration while redistributing resources efficiently throughout the system.


all images courtesy of Qing Duan

 

 

Architecture serves as active participant in ecological processes

 

Prototyping and physical testing informed the design’s feasibility, water integration, and human-scale adaptability. Models constructed from recycled acrylic sheets and resin were used to study light transmission and modular connection logic, ensuring both ecological performance and urban compatibility.

 

Future Farm, conceived by designer Qing Duan, has been exhibited at the Royal College of Art, selected as a Finalist in the Seoul Design Award, and received the RTF Sustainability Award for its integration of architecture and ecological infrastructure. The project demonstrates a vision of urban development in which buildings operate as active participants in ecological processes, embedding agriculture and environmental systems into the fabric of the city.


Future Farm proposes a modular vertical farming system integrated into urban architecture


the project reimagines buildings as hydro-ecological infrastructure


educational zones connect urban residents to farming processes


tree-inspired modules guide water flow and sunlight access


shared kitchens support collective use and community engagement


public greenhouses are integrated as shared urban resources

future-farm-vertical-farming-system-architecture-hydro-ecological-infrastructure-qing-duan-designboom-1800-2

the project positions architecture as an active ecological system

 

project info:

 

name: Future Farm: Architecture as Hydro-Ecological Infrastructure
designer: Qing Duan | @erica_galley

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post future farm: a vertical farming system frames architecture as hydro-ecological infrastructure appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
dancing installation by vincent leroy mirrors movements of wind on zanzibar’s shoreline https://www.designboom.com/art/rotating-canvas-discs-wind-vincent-leroy-kinetic-installation-zanzibar-drifting-cloud-01-08-2026/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:50:51 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172108 carbon rods, 3D printed joints, and kite-canvas discs form its lightweight structure.

The post dancing installation by vincent leroy mirrors movements of wind on zanzibar’s shoreline appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
Drifting Cloud Kinetic Installation sets on Zanzibar’s Shoreline

 

Located on Jambiani beach along Zanzibar’s east coast, Drifting Cloud is a kinetic installation by Vincent Leroy that interacts directly with the wind. The sculptural work is constructed from carbon rods, 3D printed joints, and kite-canvas discs, forming a lightweight structure capable of responding to subtle air currents.

 

The installation’s modular components move independently while remaining part of a connected whole, generating a dynamic, constantly changing composition. Movements vary according to wind strength, ranging from fine vibrations to broader gestures, producing an organized yet unpredictable rhythm.


all images courtesy of Vincent Leroy

 

 

Vincent Leroy integrates coastal context into kinetic artwork

 

Positioned above the shoreline and amid the seaweed farms, the installation by Paris-based artist Vincent Leroy integrates with its environment without interfering with local activity. Its floating arrangement translates wind into visible motion, offering a spatial and temporal reading of environmental forces. Drifting Cloud demonstrates the interplay between lightweight materials, modular construction, and environmental responsiveness in a coastal context.


Drifting Cloud is a kinetic installation on Jambiani beach, Zanzibar


the work responds directly to the coastal winds


modular components move independently yet remain connected


carbon rods, 3D printed joints, and kite-canvas discs form its lightweight structure


movements shift dynamically with the wind’s strength


each element contributes to an organized yet unpredictable rhythm

drifting-cloud-kinetic-installation-vincent-leroy-zanzibar-designboom-1800-2

Drifting Cloud’s kinetic rhythm mirrors the movement of the shoreline and wind

 

project info:

 

name: Drifting Cloud

designer: Vincent Leroy | @vincent_leroy_studio

location: Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post dancing installation by vincent leroy mirrors movements of wind on zanzibar’s shoreline appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
hybrid headphones twist into portable bluetooth speaker for outdoor and group listening https://www.designboom.com/technology/hybrid-headphones-twist-portable-bluetooth-speaker-tdm-neo-ces-2026-01-06-2026/ Tue, 06 Jan 2026 11:10:42 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1171824 unveiled at CES 2026 in las vegas, the device combines headphones and a speaker in one, with no extra cables or setups needed.

The post hybrid headphones twist into portable bluetooth speaker for outdoor and group listening appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
TDM’s audio device folds into a portable listening gadget

 

TDM introduces Neo, a pair of hybrid headphones that twist into a portable bluetooth speaker for outdoor and group listening. Unveiled at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the device combines headphones and a speaker in one, with no extra cables or setups needed. By twisting the gadget, it folds into a speaker, which users can use to stream their music anywhere they go. In headphone mode, sound plays directly into the ears for privacy. In speaker mode, the sound moves to the built-in speaker drivers so everyone around the user can hear it.

 

Inside the hybrid headphones that turn into a portable bluetooth speaker, the design is engineered to work well in both forms. TDM uses four independent drivers and two amplifiers. The drivers are the parts that make sound, and having separate ones means the audio can stay clear and powerful whether the user is wearing the headphones or using the speaker. The bass is deep, voices sound clean, and details in the music are easy to hear, and the team adds that even though it is compact and weighs less than 350 grams, it is built to sound like much larger audio gear.

headphones portable bluetooth speaker
all images courtesy of TDM

 

 

hybrid headphones turn into a portable bluetooth speaker

 

Battery life is another big part of the Neo’s design. In headphone mode, the device can last more than 200 hours, so users can listen for days without charging. In speaker mode, it runs for over 10 hours, which is enough for trips, hangouts, or outdoor days. When it does need power, USB-C fast charging gives up to eight hours of listening in just five minutes, the design team says, which can make it reliable when the user is on the move. The battery is replaceable, as the brand wants users to swap it instead of throwing the whole device away and buying a new one.

 

The controls of the hybrid headphones that transform into a portable bluetooth speaker are also designed to be flexible. Users can choose what happens when they twist the device. Some people might want the music to switch automatically from headphones to speaker. Others might want the music to pause or even power down. There is also a mode where twisting does nothing and the speaker stays on. After CES 2026, the team expects to launch Neo soon, but there’s no official availability date yet for the foldable device.

headphones portable bluetooth speaker
TDM introduces Neo, a pair of hybrid headphones that twist into a portable bluetooth speaker

headphones portable bluetooth speaker
view of the foldable device

headphones portable bluetooth speaker
view of the device when folded into a speaker

the gadget works for outdoor and group listening
the gadget works for outdoor and group listening

users can stream their music using the gadget
users can stream their music using the gadget

hybrid-headphones-twist-portable-bluetooth-speaker-TDM-neo-CES-2026-designboom-ban

TDM uses four independent drivers and two amplifiers

 

project info:

 

name: Neo

design: TDM | @tdm_thebrand

The post hybrid headphones twist into portable bluetooth speaker for outdoor and group listening appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
adjustable dirt bike for kids grows as young riders get taller https://www.designboom.com/technology/adjustable-dirt-bike-kids-grows-young-riders-electric-vida-k3-01-05-2026/ Mon, 05 Jan 2026 11:50:17 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1171684 as the children get older and taller, so does the two-wheeler, thanks to its modular components.

The post adjustable dirt bike for kids grows as young riders get taller appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
DIRT.E K3 by VIDA grows as the children get old

 

VIDA unveils DIRT.E K3, an adjustable dirt bike for kids that grows over time with the young riders. As the children get older and taller, so does the two-wheeler, thanks to its modular components. Instead of replacing the dirt bike, it changes with the child. The team then focuses on the ride’s adjustability by adding a smart system that lets the parent change the two-wheeler into three different sizes. In this case, the seat height, riding position, and balance can all be adjusted, as well as the distance between the seat, the handlebars, and the foot pegs.

 

This is described as the ‘rider triangle,’ and on the DIRTE K3, this triangle stays correct no matter which size the two-wheeler is set to. For a young user, that means better balance, better control, and a smoother ride. The adjustable dirt bike for kids is also electric, which already makes it quieter and easier to manage than a gas-powered bike. It also comes with a removable battery that lifts out easily, and parents can charge it at their home.

adjustable dirt bike kids
all images courtesy of VIDA

 

 

App monitors the adjustable dirt bike for kids

 

Part of the safety feature installed in the adjustable dirt bike for kids is the dedicated app. Here, parents can control how fast the bike goes and how quickly it accelerates. They can change the riding modes of the users to make sure that the speed and terrain fit the kids’ and vehicle’s needs. If a child is just learning, the speed can be kept low, and as they become more confident, the settings can be adjusted. The app also lets parents track how much the bike is being used, which is essential so they can know if the ride needs maintenance or charging.

 

Design-wise, the forks at the front can be pulled to increase the two-wheeler’s height, and using screws, parents can also adjust the frame and make it taller. The tires remain the same and keep their same control and sizes amidst the changes. The DIRTE K3 was first shown to the public at EICMA 2025 and has since been recognized with the Red Dot Award 2025 and the CES Innovation Award 2026. The design team at VIDA is preparing to enter new markets, including India, and following the move, they expect to bring the adjustable dirt bike for kids into the country.  

adjustable dirt bike kids
VIDA unveils DIRT.E K3, an adjustable dirt bike for kids that grows over time with the young riders

adjustable dirt bike kids
as the children get older and taller, so does the two-wheeler, thanks to its modular components

adjustable dirt bike kids
the seat height, riding position, and balance can all be adjusted

adjustable dirt bike kids
view of the base model

view of the adjusted model
view of the adjusted model

adjustable-dirt-bike-kids-grows-dirt.e-vida-designboom-ban

the two-wheeler comes with an app that allows parents to change the riding modes

 

project info:

 

name: DIRT.E K3 | @vidadirte

company: VIDA | @vidaworldofficial

The post adjustable dirt bike for kids grows as young riders get taller appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
donut portable lighting unit enables hybrid lamp to shift between indoor and outdoor use https://www.designboom.com/design/donut-portable-lighting-unit-hybrid-lamp-indoor-outdoor-use-ilo-lamp-arieto-studio-01-03-2026/ Sat, 03 Jan 2026 14:45:14 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1171317 the ilo lamp moves with you, and charges passively when you return it to its dock.

The post donut portable lighting unit enables hybrid lamp to shift between indoor and outdoor use appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
ILO lamp rethinks lighting through a mobile, cord-free system

 

The ILO lamp by ARIETO Studio is designed to accommodate shifting patterns of indoor and outdoor use. Developed in response to everyday transitions between interior and exterior settings, the project challenges the convention of fixed, cord-dependent lighting by introducing a mobile, rechargeable system that supports flexible placement.

 

The lamp is conceived as a hybrid object composed of two elements: a portable lighting unit, referred to as the donut, and a fixed base that functions as a charging station. The portable component can be used independently across different environments, while the base enables passive charging through induction when the two elements are connected. This configuration allows the lamp to move between spaces without the need for visible cables or manual charging actions.


all images courtesy of ARIETO Studio

 

 

ARIETO STUDIO’s Hybrid Lighting Shifts Between Fixed and Portable

 

When assembled, the donut and base form a single table lamp intended for ambient interior lighting. Separated from the base, the portable element functions as a standalone light suitable for use on terraces, coffee tables, or dining surfaces. Its compact proportions support ease of handling and placement across various contexts.

 

By combining wireless charging, portability, and a restrained formal language, the ILO lamp by ARIETO Studio integrates lighting into changing spatial routines while maintaining a consistent visual identity across indoor and outdoor settings.


the ILO lamp by ARIETO Studio is designed for both indoor and outdoor use


a mobile lighting system allows flexible placement across different settings


the lamp challenges the convention of fixed, cord-dependent lighting


the portable element is referred to as the ‘donut’


the base functions as a charging station for the mobile unit

ilo-lamp-arieto-studio-flexible-indoor-outdoor-use-designboom-1800-2

ILO is composed of a portable lighting unit and a fixed charging base


the donut charges automatically when placed on its base


the lamp can move freely between rooms and outdoor areas

 

project info:

 

name: The ILO lamp
designer: ARIETO Studio – Benjamin Judit & Hanna Billqvist | @arietostudio

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post donut portable lighting unit enables hybrid lamp to shift between indoor and outdoor use appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
rope swing changes into a bowl feeder for birds by flipping the wooden seat https://www.designboom.com/design/rope-swing-bowl-feeder-birds-flipping-wooden-seat-birddy-12-30-2025/ Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:50:54 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1171224 by removing a small locking part, the normal playground equipment becomes a container for feeding the small flight animals nearby.

The post rope swing changes into a bowl feeder for birds by flipping the wooden seat appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>
Bird feeder transforms into a rope swing for children

 

Designers Seyeon Park and Yejin Hong conceive Birddy, a rope swing that turns into a bowl feeder for birds when the wooden seat flips. When children use Birddy, it works like any normal playground or rope swing. The round seat is designed to be safe and comfortable, and its size is just about the width of a dinner plate, so the young users can sit on it securely. The seat curves slightly inward to help prevent slipping when kids swing higher or faster. The handle can also be adjusted up or down, so children of different heights can hold it safely.

 

But Birddy has a secret. On rainy days, the swing can be flipped upside down. When this happens, it becomes a bowl feeder for the nearby birds. During rainy seasons, it collects water, turning the play equipment into a drinking spot for small animals. The bowl is not deep, so pets can drink safely without falling in. Sometimes, it can even hold food for birds, becoming a feeding place. It is also easy to make the switch by removing a small locking part, flipping the seat to become a bird feeder, and putting it back together when the children want to play on the rope swing.

rope swing feeder bird
all images courtesy of Seyeon Park and Yejin Hong

 

 

Birddy comes from the words ‘bird’ and ‘buddy’

 

At first glance, the rope swing that doubles as a bird feeder looks simple. It hangs from a rope, made of smooth wood, and children can sit on it and swing back and forth like on any playground. But Birddy has a bigger purpose, as the design team describes it. They also created it to help children understand how they are connected to animals and the environment. The designers wanted kids to learn, without a classroom or a lecture, that even small actions can help nature. The swing is called Birddy, as it comes from combining the words ‘bird’ and ‘buddy.’

 

It already tells what the swing is: a friend to birds and other small animals. The idea behind Birddy comes as well from an old tradition in Korea called ‘Kkachibap.’ In this tradition, people leave some fruit on trees after harvest so birds have food during the winter. The rope swing that flips into a bird feeder takes this old idea and gives it a modern form, that instead of fruit on trees, it uses playground equipment to provide for animals around cities and towns. Birddy, which received the Excellence Prize at the 2024 Kengo Kuma and Higashikawa KAGU Design Competition, can be installed almost anywhere: schools, parks, apartment courtyards, or nature learning centers. It is more than just a swing: a quiet teacher, showing children that caring for the world can start with play.

rope swing feeder bird
detailed view of the wooden seat

rope swing feeder bird
there’s a lock that allows the seat to flip

rope swing feeder bird
when flipped, the bowl can also collect rainwater

view of the wooden bowl
view of the wooden bowl

the bowl is not deep, so pets can drink safely without falling in
the bowl is not deep, so pets can drink safely without falling in

rope-swing-bowl-feeder-birds-birddy-designboom-ban

Birddy comes from the words ‘bird’ and ‘buddy’

 

project info:

 

name: Birddy

design: Seyeon Park and Yejin Hong | @h.3.gaze

The post rope swing changes into a bowl feeder for birds by flipping the wooden seat appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

]]>