Wall-mounted bicycle storage is incredibly practical, but usually leaves you with an industrial-looking mess when the bike’s in use. Not if you get hold of a Trophy Bicycle Holder: a modern riff on the stuffed animal head that doubles as a bike hanger. More »
I didn’t think that anything could accurately emulate theSsun, but that didn’t stop Rafael Lozano-Hemmer from trying, as he used 60,000 LEDs to recreate some solar magic – albeit without the intense light and heat of the actual Sun.
At 4.5 feet in diameter, Flatsun is still a billion times smaller than the real Sun. Rafael used mathematical equations to position the LEDs in the large circular panel that mimics the sun’s never-ending movements. Custom panels inside the larger structure hold the red and yellow LEDs, which give off that eerie, but fascinating solar glow.
As people walk by Flatsun, it uses a video camera to responds to their movements. If the room is crowded, it’s turbulent, as if there were solar flares on Flatsun‘s surface. As the room empties, the installation slows down and finally shuts down completely.
[via My Darkened Eyes via My Modern Met]
When you were a kid you probably clinged to your handlebar grips for dear life while attempting ridiculous stunts on your BMX bike. But now that you’re older and know better, the only reason you’ll need a set of bike grips is in the form of a flashlight used to illuminate your walk to the bathroom several times a night. More »
When you’re riding a motorcycle, you need protection. Personally, after having a couple of minor accidents, I can appreciate the idea of a full-face helmet, especially if you like to ride fast. The Bell Rogue Helmet helps protect your face from bugs and wind while looking totally badass.
The Bell Rogue Helmet is made out of a lightweight composite shell. It’s got an adjustable muzzle, which can clip on an off thanks to a secure magnetic connection. There are integrated speaker pockets, and a comfortable interior lining that can be removed for washing. It’s a good option for people who don’t like full-face helmets.
It’s available in matte gunmetal, army green, black, or in a shiny gloss black. It sells for $249.95(USD) and will be available soon.
[via The Awesomer]
I recently had the opportunity to take a tour of Ford’s modern truck assembly plant in Dearborn, MI. While the plant’s robotics and just-in-time manufacturing facility are truly impressive, one of the things I had no idea about was that the factory is also home to the world’s largest living roof.
Atop Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant is a whopping 10.4 acre garden, covering the roof of the 454,000 square foot building. Tens of thousands of plants grow atop the industrial facility below, as it cranks out as many as 60 Ford F-150 trucks per hour.
The roof is planted with a tough, drought-resistant plant called sedum, which helps insulate the building beneath, reducing heating and cooling costs, as well as to help improve air quality. It also collects and filters storm water, helping to reduce storm water flow back into the adjacent Rouge River, and improving water quality.
Plants live in a four-layer mat system which keeps them nourished and healthy. While you might think that a roof covered with plants and water wouldn’t be durable, it’s actually expected to last twice as long as a regular roof.
If you’d like to see the world’s largest living roof up close and personal, visit the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. I’d suggest a visit during the spring or summer, when the plants are at their most green. After all, Michigan isn’t exactly a green haven in the middle of January.
Most of us look can look at this beautiful hand-carved X-Wing themed coffee table and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into its creation—even if we would never even think of putting in our living rooms. But for die-hard Star Wars fans, this could very well be the holy grail of Lucas-inspired home decor. More »
You may never have a fleet of iconic sports cars parked in your garage, but that’s ok because this beautiful set of handmade wooden toy cars is a fantastic consolation prize. Designed by Emanuel Rufo the set includes a Ferrari 250 GTO, a Ford GT40, a Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, a Lamborghini Miura, and a Porsche 911 Turbo all painted in simple but vehicle-appropriate color schemes. More »
Yes, there are literally thousands of chess games available for mobile devices. But there’s still something utterly satisfying about moving physical pieces around an actual board, and facing your opponent. So skip the Chess With Friends and go with Jonas Lang’s beautiful laser-cut chess set that’s as easy to carry as your ultra-thin laptop. More »
One of the ultimate desires of humankind: living on the solitary edge between urban luxury and the embrace of nature. Houses on cliffs and rocks reflect this desire well. You might find your dream house among the next 27 buildings; many of them are true examples of exceptional architectural design and outstanding engineering. More »
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