08.20.2009 – PF Flyers is introducing a new style to their Archival Reissue Collection, the New Vantage. Originally launched in the 1940s as a tennis shoe, this style retains its PF Flyers DNA with chevron detail and logo heelpatch, but is updated using modern materials.

The New Vantage is available for men and women in black waxed osnaburg/suede and natural waxed osnaburg/suede, available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Zappos.com MSRP: $80.00.via uncrate.

Daria Werbowy.no comment.

Ge-Off Sphere, 2000 by Ron Arad

Setu is the most recent addition to the iconic chair line made by Hermann Miller, manufacturer of the Aeron Chair.  The pictures above are also available in high res on the hermannmiller.com website. The most prominent feature is the "Kinematic Spine" which "bends and flexes with every move" without using any mechanics.  The chair follows the mantra mathematics as oppose to mechanics.  Hence the customer does not need to think about anything, but just sit down.  Neat concept, brilliant execution. Definitely noteworthy.    

Press release below:

ZEELAND, Michigan, June 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Herman Miller, Inc., the international leader in ergonomic seating design, announces the next generation of multipurpose chair for all the places we work and live now. With Setu chairs, designed by Studio 7.5 of Berlin, Herman Miller applies its award-winning seating expertise to a major chair category that has seen little innovation in years.

"The Setu family of chairs provides new standards of comfort, performance, and value," says Jack Schreur, Herman Miller's director for seating products. "It's made from an innovative combination of materials to provide remarkable levels of strength, flexibility, simplicity, and dematerialization."

Setu will be introduced at NeoCon 2009 in Chicago, June 15-17. The initial offering will include the Setu 5-star, 4-star, butterfly, butterfly stool, and lounge and ottoman. Future models are planned that will further extend the Setu family's range of application.

Multipurpose chairs are used where people sit for shorter periods and frequently move, such as conference rooms, touchdown workstations, and collaborative spaces. However, these so-called "temporary spaces" are now less temporary. For many of us, all the places we sit are temporary as we move throughout the day, spending an hour or two at a time in different places.

The problem is existing multipurpose chairs aren't designed to handle longer-term sitting and more active use. This was recognized by Studio 7.5, who also designed Herman Miller's award-winning Mirra work chair in 2003. During their global travels in support of that chair's international launch, they sat in many different multipurpose chairs along the way. The 7.5 team found the one-piece seat and back typical of multipurpose chairs is not very comfortable; instead comfort is compromised for affordability. Coming home, they recognized a need for a new kind of multipurpose chair-one combining work-chair principles of motion and comfort with good looks, simplicity, and an affordable price.

Herman Miller and Studio 7.5 created Setu to answer those needs, with key inventions that greatly improve on comfort and support: the Kinematic Spine(TM) and the Lyris(TM) seat suspension material.

Throughout Setu's development, Studio 7.5 was guided by their quest for simplicity. "We want everything as simple as possible, but no simpler," noted the designers, paraphrasing Einstein. Simplicity is especially important in multipurpose seating, where chairs may be used in many places, and many different people may use the same chair during the day.

Setu looks simple and is easy to use. But to achieve that, it contains embedded design intelligence, with form and function working in harmony.

Setu is Motion: The Kinematic Spine

The instruction manual reads as follows: sit down. The first thing you'll notice once you sit in Setu? Nothing. There's nothing to tilt, nothing to tweak, nothing to think about. It's mathematics in place of mechanisms. From the moment you sit down, you and the chair move as one. It is elegant form and performance working together in harmony. It's true comfort, now.

Setu's Kinematic Spine is the primary reason. It has tilt-like kinematics in one continuous seat and back, rather than in a separate seat pan, back rest, and tilt. Because of the spine, there is no tilt mechanism on the chair, and the only adjustment is seat height.

Made of simple compounds for the perfect combination of flex and strength, the spine mimics the synchronized movement needed to fully support the body in any reclined or upright position.

After testing dozens of different materials for Setu's spine, the smartest solution was also the simplest: polypropylene. The spine is a sophisticated geometry made of two different polypropylene variants: one providing the rigidity and the other allowing flex. Every bend, corner and line were painstakingly shaped, reshaped, and reshaped again by Studio 7.5 so that each molecule falls in the right order, in the right place.

The spine works together with Setu's Lyris seating suspension material. This unique suspension has no rigid frame structure on the top and bottom edges of the chair, but is only suspended between the two Kinematic Spines. The suspension was specifically designed and engineered for superior comfort and a weightless feel. The elastomer floats omni-directional within the fabric structure; it stretches in every direction so it distributes weight evenly and conforms to your contours as you move. The openness of the suspension structure also provides aeration and reduces heat buildup.

Setu is Simple: Dematerialization

Thanks to Setu's Kinematic Spine, chair components are greatly minimized. Setu contains only the materials needed and not a molecule more. The Setu basic chair has few parts and weighs less than 20 pounds-less than many tilt mechanisms alone. This means less material, time, and energy needed to build it.

Setu's H-Alloy(TM) aluminum base is another example of less equals more. Not only is it durable and anti-corrosive, it is unpolished and uncoated, so there is no added labor or harmful toxins. The result: less eco impact. Well-known in the car industry for years, this material has never before been applied to a chair.

Because there is only one adjustment (height), Setu is simple to use. This makes it ideal for places where many different people use the same chair. Everyone gets the full ergonomic benefit without adjustment.

Setu is adaptable: Wide application

Where Setu is, it belongs. The clean, light-scaled, and simple aesthetic complements a wide range of environments. It is designed to fit most shapes and sizes. But, equally important, Setu is designed to fit all spaces and places. Adaptable like no other chair in its category, Setu appeals to functional needs as well as design aesthetics. It can be the feature of any room or simply be noticeably unnoticeable.

Because the spine provides the chair's motion within the seat and back, multiple different bases can be applied for a wide range of future applications. With its simple and light international aesthetic, Setu is equally stylish and comfortable in office, home, healthcare, education, and hospitality environments, anywhere in the world.

Setu is also remarkably affordable, with contract list pricing starting at $650. Setu chairs will be orderable in the commercial market beginning June 15, and will be introduced into Herman Miller's retail channel in September of 2009. Retail pricing is pending.

Setu is Responsible

Setu Chairs support Herman Miller's commitment to the environment, helping Herman Miller reach its sustainability goals of zero landfill, zero hazardous waste generation, and zero VOC emissions into the air by 2020. Setu adheres to the McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) Cradle to Cradle protocol. The chair has 48 percent recycled content, is 92 percent recyclable, and contains no PVCs. The Lyris suspension uses only environmentally conscious materials: a copolyester elastomer and antimony-free polyester. Setu is under review for MBDC Cradle to Cradle Gold certification and GREENGUARD® certification. Setu carries Herman Miller's 12-year warranty.

About Herman Miller

Herman Miller works for a better world around you-with inventive designs, technologies and related services that improve the human experience wherever people work, heal, learn, and live. Its curiosity, ingenuity, and design excellence create award-winning products and services, resulting in more than $2 billion in revenue in fiscal 2008. Innovative business practices and a commitment to social responsibility have also established Herman Miller as a recognized global company. In 2009, Herman Miller was again cited by FORTUNE as both the "Most Admired" in its industry and among the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America, while Fast Company named Herman Miller among the innovative "Companies to Watch." Herman Miller trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol MLHR.

Design aspect is great, eco aspect not so much. Hi-res images above (Click to expand). Press release with specs. below.

ITALIA - Ferrari's innovative new V8

The 458 Italia is the latest incarnation of the mid-rear engined berlinetta and will be unveiled at the next Frankfurt Motor Show

Maranello, July 28th 2009 – While it's true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it's equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse's history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company's previous mid-rear engined sports cars.

The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.

A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari's road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company's Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. However, Ferrari's track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - played an invaluable part.

The Ferrari 458 Italia's Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. The Ferrari 458 Italia has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. As with every Ferrari, the car's styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the new model. The front features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.

The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.

The car's soundtrack is also typical Ferrari, with an exciting, powerful growl emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhaust's three rear tailpipes.

The 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear.

This new Ferrari is also a major leap forward when it comes to cutting emissions. Despite the fact that the new engine is significantly more powerful than the V8s that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia produces just 320 g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption is 13.7 l/100 km (combined cycle), the best in the entire segment.

The engineers also focused on weight reduction during the design phase for similar reasons. Consequently, the Ferrari 458 Italia has a dry weight of 1380 kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/CV. Weight distribution is also optimal with 58 per cent over the rear axle. The result of the engineers' endeavours can be summed up in to two simple statistics which together perfectly encapsulate the Ferrari 458 Italia's exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h.

For the new chassis, once more in aluminium, Maranello's engineers incorporated various types of advanced alloys along with aerospace industry-derived manufacturing and bonding techniques.

With regard to vehicle dynamics, the Ferrari 458 Italia's suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear tuned for maximum roadholding and superlative handling. Along with a more direct steering ratio, the 458 Italia thus offers extremely rapid turn-in and body control whilst maintaining superior ride comfort.

The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac (now controlled by the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32 per cent increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models. The evolution of the control logic, with even faster and more accurate calculation of levels of grip, ensures even greater roadholding, better handling and ease of control on the limit.

The same ECU also governs the high-performance ABS, providing even more precise control over the logic threshold and greater efficiency. The brakes also feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the callipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied. This combined with the ABS has cut the 100-0 km/h braking distance to a mere 32.5 metres.

The Ferrari 458 Italia's interior is another area of the car that exalts its sporty personality. The driver is welcomed by a new layout and a revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel.

With the Ferrari 458 Italia, Maranello has brought a highly distinctive new car to its 8-cylinder range. The company now offers two models that share a common, race-derived DNA, both exceptionally sporty and fun to drive in true Ferrari tradition, but aimed at two very different kinds of client. While the Ferrari California was created for owners requiring a more versatile sports car with a practical edge, the 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all Ferrari's recent models.


Ferrari 458 Italia – Technical specifications

Dimensions

Length 4527 mm (178.2 in.)

Width 1937 mm (76.3 in.)

Height 1213 mm (47.8 in.)

Wheelbase 2650 mm (104.3 in.)

Dry weight 1380 kg (3042 lbs)*

Weight/power ratio 2,42 kg/CV (7.16 lbs/kW)

Weight distribution fr/r 42%/58%

Engine

Type V8 – 90°

Displacement 4499 cc (274.5 cu in.)

Maximum power 570 CV (425 kW)** @ 9000 rpm

Maximum torque 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm

Specific power output 127 CV/l

Compression ratio 12.5:1

Tyres

Front 235/35 ZR20 8.5"

Rear 295/35 ZR20 10.5"

Performance

Maximum speed >325 km/h (>202 mph)

0-100 km/h

Fuel consumption + emissions

Fuel consumption*** 13.7 l/100 km

Emissions*** 320 g CO2/km

Gearbox

Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1

Electronics

E-Diff3, F1-Trac, high-performance ABS

* With forged wheels and Racing seats

** Including 5 CV of ram effect

*** Combined cycle (ECE+EUDC)

  In an attempt to restore the image of infamous Vogue editor in Chief Anna Wintour, after The Devil Wears Prada, this documentary was released.Enjoy the trailer above.  Text from the official movie site:

"Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine for twenty years, is the most powerful and polarizing figure in fashion. Hidden behind her trademark bob and sunglasses, she has never allowed anyone to scrutinize the inner workings of her magazine. Until now. With unprecedented access, filmmaker R.J. Cutler’s new film THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE does for fashion what he did for politics in The War Room, taking the viewer inside a world they only think they know. Every August a record-breaking number of people can’t wait to get their hands on the September issue of Vogue. The 2007 issue was and remains the biggest ever, weighing over four pounds, selling thirteen million copies, and impacting the $300-billion global fashion industry more than any other single publication. An intimate, funny and surprising look at Anna Wintour and her team of larger-than-life editors as they create this must-have Bible of fashion, Cutler explores the untouchable glamour of Wintour’s Vogue to reveal the extraordinarily passionate people at its heart. He takes us behind the scenes at Fashion Week, to Europe, on shoots and reshoots, and into closed-door staff meetings, bearing witness to an arduous, entertaining, and sometimes emotionally demanding process. At the eye of this annual fashion hurricane is the two-decade relationship between Wintour and Grace Coddington, incomparable Creative Director and fashion genius. They are perfectly matched for the age-old conflict between creator and curator. Through them, we see close-up the delicate creative chemistry it takes to remain at the top of the ever-changing fashion field."-From the official website

Very cool new lamp by Christopher Moulder. Only concern would be the heat created. Listen what his PR team has to say: "SHADE brings new life to an iconic form with a formal, tuxedo-like appearance with its terminations to the bulbs referencing bow ties and the stainless steel button head cap screws alluding to silver studs and cuff links.

SHADE is a low voltage fixture using its aircraft aluminum body to conduct electricity to 28, 12V/10W high efficiency, long life and high color rendering Xenon Festoon bulbs. Finished meticulously with catalyzed acrylic enamel, SHADE is available in three colors: torch red, white and silver metallic." Christopher Moulder (via)

amazing photo series with Daria Werbowy.

"Do-Ho Suh grew up in Seoul but later moved to the US for further studies after fulfilling his term of mandatory service in the South Korean military. His sculptures are architectural environments that question the dynamic of personal space versus public space and the thin line between strength in numbers and homogeneity."-Don`t Panic 

 

 

Polygon Crash – Pendant Light - Flip Sellin/Coordination 

 

Gisele Bündchen by Mario Testino as shown in Vanity Fair (link) Image copyright belongs to Vanity Fair & Mario Testino.via

Semiconductor's Magnetic Movie by Ruth Jarman and Joe Gerhardt (link).  Even though the movie has been on the web for quite a while, I thought it might still be worth the post.  The two researchers shot the film at the NASASpace Sciences Laboratory at UC Berkeley.  Originally it was produced for Channel 4.

All image copyright belongs to Semiconductor.

This is what wikipedia has to say on magnetic fields: "A magnetic field is a vector field which can exert a magnetic force on moving electric charges and on magnetic dipoles (such as permanent magnets). When placed in a magnetic field, magnetic dipoles tend to align their axes parallel to the magnetic field. Magnetic fields surround and are created by electric currents, magnetic dipoles, and changing electric fields. Magnetic fields also have their own energy, with an energy density proportional to the square of the field intensity.

There are some notable specific instances of the magnetic field. For the physics of magnetic materials, see magnetism and magnet, and more specifically ferromagnetism, paramagnetism, and diamagnetism. For constant magnetic fields, such as are generated by stationary dipoles and steady currents, see magnetostatics. A changing electric field (which is mathematically identical to a moving electric field) also results in a magnetic field (see electromagnetism).

The magnetic field forms one aspect of electromagnetism. (See also relativistic electromagnetism.) In a simplified form the magnetic field can be thought of as the relativistic part of an electric field. More precisely, magnetic fields are a necessary consequence of the existence of electric fields and special relativity. A pure electric field in one reference frame will be viewed as a combination of both an electric field and a magnetic field in a moving reference frame. Together, the electric and magnetic fields make up the electromagnetic field, which is best known for underlying light and other electromagnetic waves." via