Turbo Moka, designed by Matteo Frontini, reinterprets the moka pot, originally invented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti and Luigi De Ponti. While maintaining the recognizable form and function of the classic design, the project introduces significant technical and material innovations aimed at improving energy efficiency and performance.

At the core of Turbo Moka’s redesign is its helical spiral base, inspired by aircraft turbine geometry. Engineered according to principles of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics, the spiral structure increases the surface area in contact with the flame by 93% compared to a traditional moka pot. This enhancement allows for greater heat capture and more uniform energy distribution during coffee brewing. The configuration also prolongs the contact time between the flame and the boiler, improving thermal efficiency and reducing energy consumption by up to 50%.

all images courtesy of Turbo Moka

Turbo Moka Refines the Italian Coffee Ritual

As a result of these refinements, Turbo Moka can brew coffee in approximately half the time of a traditional model while using about 30% less energy. The design represents an evolution of the original concept rather than a departure from it, maintaining the moka’s cultural and aesthetic identity while aligning it with contemporary expectations of efficiency and sustainability.‘With Turbo Moka, we aim to celebrate an almost century-old tradition, reinterpreting it through a multidisciplinary approach that combines good design, physics, and environmental awareness,’ says Matteo Frontini, the creator of Turbo Moka.

Turbo Moka is entirely produced in Italy, with all stages of design, casting, machining, and assembly carried out domestically to ensure material quality and consistency. Made from high-grade aluminum, the moka is currently available in a three-cup version, with one-cup and six-cup models planned for release. Through its precise engineering and restrained design language, Turbo Moka translates a historical object of Italian daily life into a modern context, balancing tradition, technological innovation, and manufacturing integrity.

Turbo Moka reinterprets Italy’s iconic moka pot through technical precision and energy-conscious design

the design maintains the moka pot’s familiar silhouette while introducing a re-engineered base

a helical spiral base inspired by aircraft turbines defines the updated moka’s distinctive geometry

the spiral structure follows principles of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics to optimize heat distribution

Turbo Moka’s base has 93% more surface area in contact with the flame than a traditional model

increased surface area enhances heat capture and ensures even energy transfer during brewing

the helical configuration doubles the flame’s contact time with the boiler for greater efficiency

each moka is cast, machined, and assembled domestically from high-grade aluminum

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by TURBO MOKA (@turbomoka)

project info:

name: Turbo Moka | @turbomoka
designer: Matteo Frontini

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 turbo moka’s helical spiral design reinvents the iconic coffee pot for energy efficiency appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

At MARCO Museum in Monterrey, Mexico, the DECODE Group Show, Sal & Pimienta, elevates one of the most familiar pairs in culinary tradition — the humble salt and pepper shakers — into symbols of artistic expressions. Curated by Alexis Del Toro and Jorge Diego Etienne, the exhibition brings together over 6o designers to transform these everyday objective through diverse materials, techniques, and cultural narratives. Their interpretations range from explorations of artisanal techniques to experimentations with new technologies, ranging from ceramics to biomaterials. Highlights include a flippable hammer-shaped vessel, a modular kit that invites personalization to the seasoning experience, and a duo of whimsical tabletop character companions.

all images courtesy of DECODE

over 60 designers reimagine the humble culinary companions

Salt and pepper have long held pivotal roles in gastronomy and culture. Salt was indispensable for food preservation, while pepper, often referred to as ‘black gold,’ symbolized luxury and trade power. Their pairing in French cuisine during the 17th century marked a significant turning point, establishing their role as essential table companions. DECODE’s exhibition takes inspiration from this rich history, challenging designers to interpret salt and pepper shakers beyond their utilitarian purpose. These objects, central to the dining experience, become tools of personalization, reflecting traditions, social status, and individuality.

The featured designers come from diverse disciplines and approaches, resulting in a dynamic collection of works. Some embrace regional craftsmanship, incorporating techniques such as ceramics, wood carving, and metalwork to root their creations in local traditions. Others take a more conceptual route, using the salt and pepper shakers to explore abstract themes such as cultural identity and duality. A recurring theme in many of the designs is material innovation, with pieces crafted from bioplastics, recycled metals, and 3D-printed ceramics. These approaches demonstrate how even the simplest objects can be transformed into symbols of progress, sustainability, and storytelling.

the exhibition reinterprets salt and pepper shakers through innovative materials, techniques, and cultural narratives

decode reconsiders the role of design in our everyday lives

The Sal & Pimienta exhibition reflects DECODE’s mission to elevate design as a cultural and economic force. Founded in 2013 by Jorge Diego Etienne and Alexis Del Toro, DECODE fosters collaboration among Mexico’s creative industries through exhibitions, workshops, and conferences. This third edition culminated in an auction to support Museo MARCO, further reinforcing the connection between design and Monterrey’s cultural heritage.

‘At its heart, Sal & Pimienta explores the intersection of design and gastronomy, demonstrating how even the smallest objects can encapsulate profound narratives. By turning mundane tableware into artistic expressions, the exhibition invites audiences to reconsider the role of design in their daily lives,’ notes the DECODE team.

the exhibition includes interpretations from over 60 designers

complete with playful eyes, Monsterrat Piña Benetts’ set brings a touch of whimsy to the dining table

Lara Villa’s handcrafted ceramic shakers inspired by the textures and colors of regional Mexican pottery

creative interpretations of the mundane

the Sal & Pimienta group show at Museo MARCO, Monterrey

Lucas Cantu’s sculptural salt and pepper shaker

Eduardo Azcunaga (Artelier) creates a modular set that personalizes the seasoning experience

Diego Garza (Algo Studio) turns the act of seasoning into a tactile delight

Rodrigo Mendez’s set blends the fun of gaming with the ritual of dining

Aldo Alvarez Tostado pays homage to folk art traditions, celebrating the shakers as symbols of culinary identity

3D-printed design by Leon Fernandez (Morfogenesis) exploring new materials

Marcelo Suro’s conceptual piece deconstructs the idea of seasoning

Luis Arredondo (Taller Nacional) creates a dual wooden set that joins together

project info:

name: Sal & Pimienta
organizer: DECODE

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: ravail khan | designboom

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Saint Laurent Rive Droite’s pavilion in the cloisters of San Simpliciano nods to Gio Ponti’s historic modernist architecture in Caracas. Curated by creative director Anthony Vaccarello for Milan Design Week 2024, the exhibition showcases a custom tableware collection originally conceived by the Italian architect and designer in 1953 for the Venezuelan Villa Planchart, alongside a collection of archives.

In collaboration with Ginori 1735, Saint Laurent has reintroduced twelve original plates from the Villa Planchart Segnaposto collection. Crafted using traditional techniques and enveloped with motifs nodding to the architectural design, the decorative porcelain plates are meticulously hand-painting at Ginori 1735’s Italian factory, preserving the essence of Ponti’s visionary design.

all images courtesy of Saint Laurent

saint laurent nods to the historic modernist villa in caracas

The Villa Planchart exhibition has been organized by Saint Laurent in collaboration with the Gio Ponti Archives and the Fundación Anala Y Armando Planchart. In 1953, Anala and Armando Planchart commissioned esteemed architect Gio Ponti to construct a modernist villa atop the highest hill overlooking the city of Caracas. In designing the interior, Ponti engaged Italian artisans renowned for their traditional craftsmanship, most notably Florentine manufacturer Ginori 1735, where he previously served as artistic director. Drawing from this experience, Ponti realized a set of porcelain tableware adorned with motifs emblematic of his architectural design. Among them, a sun, a crescent moon, a polar star, and elaborate iterations of the letter ‘A’ pay homage to the villa’s residents.

the exhibition sits in the cloisters of San Simpliciano

nodding to Gio Ponti’s historic modernist architecture in Caracas

Saint Laurent and Ginori 1735 reintroduces twelve original plates from the Villa Planchart Segnaposto collection

the collection originally conceived by Gio Ponti in 1953

adorned with motifs emblematic of the architectural design

a sun, a crescent moon, a polar star, and elaborate iterations of the letter ‘A’ pay homage to the villa’s residents

project info:

name: Gio Ponti — Villa Planchart Exhibition 

collaborators: Saint Laurent, Gio Ponti Archives, Fundación Anala Y Armando Planchart, Ginori 1735

curator: Anthony Vaccarello

program: Milan Design Week

location: Chiostri di San Simpliciano

on view: April 16-21, 2024

The post saint laurent exhibits gio ponti’s historic, architecturally inspired plates at milan design week appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

TRAGA, a new Milanese design brand identified with the slogan ‘redefining core utility objects,’ strives to reconsider the items within our homes. With a focus on vibrant glassware and tableware, the products are designed to be multipurpose and informal, made to spark a conversation over the table. The debut project, Martini Shot Glass, is a bifunctional glass which on one side is perfect for Martini cocktails, and on the other can be used for shots when flipped. Committed to sustainability across all facets of the TRAGA brand, the products are recyclable, starting from the packaging — crafted from recycled cardboard — to the design objects themselves which prioritize use of borosilicate glass (Pyrex). This ensures an infinitely reusable material palette that minimizes waste and environmental impact with its extended life cycle.

all images courtesy of TRAGA

crafted from borosilicate glass to ensure durability

The brand’s name TRAGA originates from Proto-Slavic, signifying the act of leaving a trace or mark — such as the subtle stains and imprints that glassware leaves on table linens after a vibrant evening. Each of the Martini Shot Glasses is crafted from borosilicate glass, known for its durability and resistance to hot and cold temperatures, and available in four colorways: amber-lilac, blue-pink, teal-blue, and transparent. Each color is carefully chosen by designer Daniel Nikolovski to foster a dialogue between classic and contemporary colors in glassware.

Martini Shot Glass

TRAGA seeks to redefine core utility objects

the bifunctional glass on one side is perfect for Martini cocktails, and cocktails on the other when flipped

designed to be multipurpose and informal, and spark conversation over the table

crafted from borosilicate glass, known for its durability and resistance to hot and cold temperatures

the design team prioritizes minimizing environmental impact with the material palette

project info:

name: Martini Shot Glass
designer: TRAGA, Daniel Nikolovski

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: ravail khan | designboom

The post TRAGA’s bifunctional glass is perfect for both martini cocktails and shots appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Tokyo-based designer Kenji Abe puts a contemporary, industrial twist on the age-old Japanese tradition of drinking sake with his metal HAKUSAKU cup ranges. While the nationally-beloved beverage is typically served in a porcelain cup, HAKUSAKU is instilled with the rigor of the aircraft industry, precisely carved from pure ingots of super duralumin — one of the hardest and strongest yet lightweight aluminum alloys used in aircraft manufacturing.

The cup is meticulously molded to an optimal thickness and roundness which allows the flavors of its contained beverage to take center stage while lending a stylistic facade. Slim and elegant, HAKUSAKU is inspired by the kiriko style of traditional Japanese cut glass, engraved with a pattern of curving lines and finished with a thin rim that accentuates the flavors of sake and enhances comfort during drinking.

all images courtesy of Kenji Abe

an optimal form that enhances the sake drinking experience

After an experimental process of prototyping, designer Kenji Abe developed an optimal lip thickness of 0.6 mm — 0.3 mm thinner than the typical thin-lipped sake cup. The surface profile of the lip has been molded to be as round as possible, ensuring a smooth curve and a bell-like shape for comfort and to conduct the coolness of its contents.

Reinterpreting the kiriko style facets, HAKUSAKU is engraved with straight and curved lines in a style that combines decorative design with proven function. While minimizing changes in temperature, the ridges reduce the contact area with the user’s fingers and prevents the sake from being warmed by the hand.

a contemporary, industrial twist on the age-old Japanese tradition of drinking sake

kenji abe looks to aircraft construction

The project has been designed in collaboration with aircraft parts manufacturer Atsuta Kigyo Co., Ltd., shaped from super duralumin which is typically used to make airplane parts. The sake cups are therefore exceptionally tough, designed to remain intact for many years, while holding a delicate feel. The design team has utilized a five-axis and a multitasking machining tool to cut the shapes with high degrees of complexity, operated by highly skilled technicians.‘Our processing technologies enable us to make products that clear the stringent safety standards of the aircraft and aerospace industries — and our sake cups are fashioned using these same technologies,’ notes Kenji Abe. Further, carving sake cups from ingots of metal is a process that generates large amounts of metal shavings, and as such, the team has recycled the shavings for reuse.

HAKUSAKU is precisely carved from pure ingots of super duralumin — a metal used in aircraft parts

the pattern reinterprets traditinoal kiriko cup style facets

a 0.6 mm rim — 0.3 mm thinner than the typical thin-lipped sake cup

Kenji Abe’s HAKUSAKU enhances the sake drinking experience

a five-axis and a multitasking machining tool cut the shapes with high degrees of complexity

project info:

name: HAKUSAKU
designer: Kenji Abe

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: ravail khan | designboom

The post kenji abe reinterprets traditional sake cups with duralumin — a robust aircraft metal appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

eliumstudio and Mcdonald’s France design and churn out a range of reusable tableware first for the fast-food chain, then in hopes of reducing packaging waste brought about by restaurants and diners. It took two years for the Paris-based design studio to come up with the design alongside hundreds of drawings, mock-ups, and prototypes.

The challenge they took on was to match the icons and elements of their reusable tableware to the ones they would replace, all while ensuring that they would be recyclable and sturdy. The range of reusable tableware for Mcdonald’s is complete from the french fries containers and salad bows to sauce boxes and cold- and hot-drinks cups.

Two years then comprised every piece of tableware possible that frequent Mcdonald’s customers use in their often swing-bys to the fast-food chain. Along with the thoroughly detailed features of the tableware, including the ridges in the french fries containers, the design team also focused on shapes and materials that enhance the tasting experience and the feel qualities of the wares they are holding.

images courtesy of eliumstudio

Eliumstudio and mcdonald’s pick plastic resin

To create the range, eliumstudio settled on Tritan, a BPA-free plastic resin that is similar to glass and ceramic with its hardness and transparency. The design team says that its properties can help preserve the taste qualities of the food and retain the taste without mixing in fragments, chips, or debris flushing out of the material.

With these in mind, frequent customers do not need to worry whether any plastic remnants would infiltrate their Mcdonald’s meals. The long-term collaboration between eliumstudio and Mcdonald’s France has resulted in a series of reusable tableware that visually evokes simplicity and functionality in design. The set is designed to offer an enriched experience to customers while meeting the operational constraints of Mcdonald’s restaurants.

Vents, graining, and striations – all have been considered in the design process to address their functions in the best possible way. eliumstudio has not yet disclosed the rollout of the series, but has already released snipped of the reusable tableware on their Instagram feed.

the overall design process took two years

the design team wanted to make sure Mcdonald’s signature look is retained

plastic resin is the primary material for the range

fries resin-based container

reusable cups sizes

project info:

name: Mcdonald’s reusable tableware

designer: eliumstudio

company: Mcdonald’s France

The post eliumstudio rolls out reusable mcdonald’s tableware to reduce fast-food packaging waste appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

At Dutch Design Week 2022, Dasha Tsapenko and Nazar Gresko brought together a group of Ukrainian and Dutch designers to present Home(Land) — an exhibition reflecting on notions of home, loss, and memory, through narratives of sustainable design practices. Unveiling new perspectives through design, together, the curators and artists reflect on the stories and effects of war, and cast a hopeful glance at the possible future — ‘towards a Home(Land) that we grow, repair and upcycle together’.

The showcase reveals these visions through a series of nuanced objects and processes, fusing traditional Ukrainian crafts and practices rooted in nature, with cutting-edge knowledge on bio-design and sustainable development in the Netherlands. Home(Land) exhibits innovative and inspiring creations from several interdisciplinary designers to present tableware sets made from rubble of broken homes, ceramics glazed with salt from Crimea, and Ukrainian shepherds’ Gunya coats woven from mycelium and hemp, dyed using natural pigmentation.

Home(Land) exhibition at Dutch Design Week | image by Nadia Sheikina

exploring memories of home & war through sustainable design

Exploring notions of one’s homeland beyond the country that they were born in, curators Dasha Tsapenko and Nazar Gresko question themes of security and nature, tradition and innovation, resilience and creativity, and sustainability and futureproofing — in search for alternative production processes with natural materials. The Home(Land) exhibition recalls stories of home, loss and war, through two innovative storylines of tableware sets, and the traditional Ukrainian Gunya worn typically by shepherds in the Carpathians.

Telling stories of local materials with natural components and living organisms, designers weave Gunyas out of mycelium and hemp, introducing cellulose and protein-based materials in combination with traditional felt and wool design. Meanwhile, natural dyeing techniques, including using leftover cooking ingredients or fungal pigmentation, are used in creative expressions experimenting with possibilities of outcomes.

traditional gunya modeled by Yuriy Pozayak | all following images by Alex Blanco

uniting tradition and innovation

Further, a group of creatives explore the themes of the exhibition through a collection of tablewares. The curators use a set table as a symbol of homeliness, showcasing different design techniques and materials that serve as catalysts for stories about people, land, and war. ‘Sharing a good meal with our loved ones, sipping a hot drink from a favorite mug, or cooking soup according to a family recipe — can be a way to feel at home, wherever you are.’ explains the team.

All five designers approach tableware from a different starting point. Charlotte Visser glazes bowls using an old Dutch technique of salt-firing, with various Ukrainian salts retrieved from territories that are currently occupied: Crimea, Donbas and West. Meanwhile, Anna Riabova conceives tableware from rubble of broken homes, as Oksana Denusevuch glazes her ceramics with various types of milk from local farmers with their own hopeful stories on peace.

Gunya made from hemp and micelium | model: Danylo Hresko

wool gunya dyed with leftover ingredients used for cooking Borsch | model: Fulco Treffers

tableware Anumo designed by Sasha Popruga & Stijn Van Aardenne

salt-fired tableware glazed with Ukrainian salts from three regions | designed by CHY Pottery

tableware glazed with milk from different farms | designed by Sietske Klooster with Oksana Denysevych

project info:

name: Home(Land)
designer: Anna Riabova, Basse Stittgen, Charlotte Visser, Ilse Kremer, Marjo Van Schaik, Oksana Denusevuch, Oksana Devoe, Ruslana Goncharuk, Sacha Popruga, Sietske Klooster, Stijn van Ardenne

curator: Dasha Tsapenko and Nazar Gresko

organizer: Art East Art West and Narada Foundation

program: Dutch Design Week 2022

dates: 22 to 30 October, 2022

location: Eindhoven, Netherlands

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: ravail khan | designboom

The post sustainable ukrainian gunyas and tableware explore notions of home, loss and war appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

images courtesy of OTHERWARE

with the brand new pebble collection, snarkitecture becomes the first design collaborator with pentatonic and pharrell williams‘ collective OTHERWARE. the pebble’s shell is created from recycled CDs (rpolycarbonate) as a nod to the collaboration’s roots in music. to recall the challenge of overcoming food waste, the utensils’ handles are made from food packaging (rpolypropylene). pentatonic operates in the circular economy, enabling products and materials to have multiple lifecycles in order to reduce waste. the snarkitecture edition, like the entire otherware collection, is entirely re-recyclable at the end of life, actively promoting a circular economy. OTHERWARE’s pebble snarkitecture edition is available for $70 USD.

daniel arsham, co-founder of snarkitecture, comments on the OTHERWARE collaboration with pharrell and pentatonic: ‘sustainable design is more important than ever, and we are excited to launch the snarkitecture edition of the pebble in collaboration with OTHERWARE. we’re proud to play a role in OTHERWARE’s mission to reduce waste and provide an alternative to single-use plastic cutlery.’

pharrell williams comments: ‘living sustainably is only possible if leaders of their fields unite to build new ideas to inspire people to make positive choices for the planet. pentatonic, i am OTHER and snarkitecture have combined their respective and unique technologies, creativity and design to make a pebble which will spare the oceans thousands of tons of plastic contamination. and that’s a very positive choice.‘

i am OTHER’s proceeds from OTHERWARE sales are donated to YELLOW, INC, a non-profit foundation established by pharrell williams. YELLOW, INC has a mission to educate all forms of learners by embracing and teaching to their individual styles — encouraging innovation, and providing them with the skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.

The post pentatonic + pharrell drop snarkitecture edition of ‘pebble’ cutlery set made from CDs appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

the design of the cup features a food-safe silicone flap which indents inward to secure the spout for pouring. finally, cutlery can be hooked onto the sides of the plate to prevent them from slipping into the bowl or out of reach. the tableware can be used by anyone, including left and right handed individuals, as well as children and the elderly. jexter lim says that the tableware can be stacked up for easy storage when not in use.

‘dining is something that we usually take for granted,’ says jexter lim. ‘however, for the visually impaired, simple tasks like eating and pouring can be extremely challenging. for the visually impaired, they cannot gauge the amount of food picked up with a spoon, and much uneaten food is usually left scattered around the plate. furthermore, misalignment of the spout to the cup while pouring water and cutlery falling into a hot bowl of soup are the worst experiences to deal with without proper vision.’

The post EATSY tableware has distinctive tactile features to aid the visually impaired appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

all images courtesy of OTHERWARE

the pebble by OTHERWARE is produced by pentatonic, a circular economy company, in partnership with i am OTHER, the creative collective assembled by pharrell williams. priced at $59 USD, the pebble weighs about the same as a smartphone and comes with a carabiner-style clip and lanyard for easy carrying. the case measures 105mm x 52mm x 54mm and the utensils are dishwasher safe.

the device serves as an alternative to single-use plastic straws and utensils. it is estimated that londoners alone dispose of 2 billion plastic straws every year, while 40 billion single-use utensils are wasted in the USA every 12 months. furthermore, all single-use plastic cutlery, plates, and straws will be banned across the EU in 2021. see other projects involving pharrell williams on designboom here.

project info:

name: the pebble by OTHERWARE
producer: pentatonic, in partnership with i am OTHER
price: $59 USD

The post pharrell williams + pentatonic launch the ‘pebble’, a dining toolkit made from recycled CDs appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.