Interview with Nico :

What was the inspiration for your concept?
The inspiration was the experimental approach to molecular cooking. Even after several decades of molecular cuisine, it still seems to be an exclusive game for specialists. So it became my main goal to bring some of the fantastic possibilities and ideas of molecular cooking to all ambitious cooks with an easy to use, affordable appliance.

How does your concept fit into this year’s competition theme “Designs for the next 90 years”?
I think the idea of molecular cooking is forward-looking, but the procedures and methods of preparing molecular dishes are still conventional. I would like to change this with my concept. At first, the idea of printing food seems to be something straight out of a science-fiction movie, but on second thought it is not unrealistic at all. I even think that Moléculaire could be the future kitchen tool that opens up possibilities for food-makers interested in molecular cooking.

What are the main consumer benefits of your concept?
Moléculaire is a futuristic kitchen appliance that offers several new possibilities to professional chefs as well as home users. It’s based on a layer-by-layer printing technique that arranges small particles from a set of ingredients. Within minutes, it prints out three-dimensional desserts, complex structures, shapes for molecular dishes, and patterns for decorating a meal. In addition, it’s easy to use. You simply insert a blister pack into the reservoir, place Moléculaire on top of a plate, and press the start button. Users can also create their own recipes with special software and their own ingredients. Ambitious users can download recipes and share them with other users in an online community.

Describe the consumer research behind your concept.
I conducted interviews with chefs and did a lot of research on the Internet. These approaches helped me to understand users’ interests, concerns, wishes, needs and desires. The outcome shaped my initial ideas and helped them grow. The most difficult thing about designing for the future is predicting the possible social and technological developments (their direction and speed). Therefore, it was very useful to read reports like sociological studies about cooking and future scenarios about the development of new technologies.

What kind of materials would you use to build your concept?
For my concept, I would use polycarbonate as the main material. I plan on applying this material in three different variations, each providing the right characteristics for the different parts of my design. Transparent polycarbonate can be used for the window, black tinted for the lid/display, and white for the body. The robotic printer arm and head could be made from aluminum. A blue (O)LED backlight accentuates the processes inside the printer.

Who is your favorite designer?
I don‘t have a favorite designer.

What are your career goals?
After I graduate in 2010, I want to gain more professional experience in a product-design company. In the long term, I want to further develop my conceptual and strategic skills and step into product-related design management.

Designer : Nico Kläber

The design is fictional and do not support to suggest or inter any current or emerging product design efforts by Apple Computer Inc

Designer : Sait Alanyali

Text from Yiftach :

SeaO2 is an experimental ecological housing project. The project poses an alternative to current plans for Tel Aviv North West coastal district. SeaO2 demonstrates vast use of cutting edge computer software, some being used in the aerospace industry, in order to improve building performance and to ensure the existence of a sustainable urban environment with a minimal ecological footprint. The project final form is a consequence of a scientific approach that calculates numerous of elements: the sun orbit, wind conditions, maximum open scenic views, very high density and more, all in a free-form organic manner.

Advanced Computer Simulations ensure the project’s credibility. The project’s unique morphology enables: optimized solar reception for heating at winter time, self-shadowing and solar reception for electricity generation at summer time, natural lighting, optimized natural ventilation, open looks to the natural coastal environment, public green spaces, rain collection and more. Various passive mechanical systems complement the basic morphology, enable better performance and create an energy efficient, environmentally friendly housing project

Designer : Yiftach Ben Meir

The tower would be 160 meters high and will be tallest building in the Al Dana precinct, which is the centerpiece of Aldar Properties PJSC’s prestigious Al Raha Beach development. The project and its development shall be showcased at Cityscape Abu Dhabi from May 13–15, 2008. the Strata Tower is designed to signify an important and dignified future for the Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region.

Its physical presence is striking as it encapsulates the meaning through abstract form which is drawn from both motifs and local cultural landscapes along with forces of global influence. Its design utilizes the mathematical means in design to achieve a highly pertinent architecture for UAE. This innovative form was created using techniques from various influences along with the state of the art advanced parametric modeling tools and factors including economies of production and fabrication with special consideration given to environmental sustainability. Sophisticated computer modeling tools were utilized to produce the building’s intelligent, environmentally responsive louver system which is held in a cantilevered exoskeleton structure. This exoskeleton veils the entire tower in a shimmering curvilinear form set against Abu Dhabi’s surrounding desert and sea, embracing and reflecting the ever-changing light and atmospheres that contain and enfold it.

Designer : Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture via Dezeen

Official Press Release :
With the uncompromisingly high quality of its equipment, its premium craftsmanship and its modern design, the new Mercedes-Benz mountain bike fulfils the high demands of experienced cycling enthusiasts. At its heart is an elegant and functional full-suspension frame with a sophisticated four-link rear suspension. The high-quality aluminium design was developed in collaboration with premium German cycle manufacturer ADP Engineering GmbH, a company renowned for its exclusive, handcrafted Rotwild brand of cycles, who have already proved themselves reliable partners of Mercedes-Benz with other bike designs.

The exclusive Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH range enables customers to further tailor their bikes to their own requirements. The collection contains everything from an electronic bike computer with twelve functions, a practical pannier with a capacity of seven litres and an ultra-light mini-tool for repairs on the road to a handy mini pump, a useful hydration rucksack and a first-aid kit.

Technical data

Frame
Material: Aluminium 7005;
Colour: Sport Edition: anthracite
Comfort Edition: white with red and black elements
Size: Sport Edition: S (47); M (50); L (53)
Comfort Edition: S (45); M (48)

Rear-wheel suspension
Suspension/damping: Rock Shox Monarch 3.1 oil-air suspension strut adjustable rebound and compression stage
Travel: 120 mm

Front-wheel suspension
Fork: Rock Shox Recon 335 with aluminium crown
Suspension/damping: Solo Air/adjustable rebound stage,
Compression stage adjustable up to lockout
Travel: 120 mm

Drive system
Crankset: Truvativ Firex 3.3
Crank length: Sport Edition: S: 170 mm; M/L: 175 mm
Comfort Edition: S/M: 170 mm
Pedals: Wellgo, SPD compatible
Chainrings: Truvativ Alu 44-32-22T SRAM
Inner bearing: Truvativ Firex 3.3 BSA

Shifter
Cassette: Shimano HG 50; 11-32T; 9speed
Shift lever: SRAM X.7 Trigger
Front derailleur: SRAM X.9
Rear derailleur: SRAM X.9 long cage, 9speed

Brakes
System: Avid Juicy 5; 185 mm rotors front/rear

Wheels
Hubs front: H 220D
Hubs rear: H 400D
Spokes: DT Comp 2.0/1.8
Rims: DT SWISS X430 Disc 26″
Tyres: ContinentalMountainKing Falt; 26 x 2.20″

Removable parts
Stem: S 140
Sport Edition: S 75 mm; M 90 mm; L 115 mm
Comfort Edition: S 60 mm; M 75 mm
Handlebars: B 240
Sport Edition: 640 mm
Comfort Edition: 600 mm
Grips: Sport Edition: VeloLight
Comfort Edition: Ergon GP1
Saddle: Topeak Allay Racing
Saddle post: P 260; 31.6 x 350 mm

Weight
without attachments: approx. 13.5 kg

Designer : Mercedes Benz via BenzInsider