From Patrik:

The Reason Why
In Sweden, inviting friends over to one’s home for coffee is a very common social gathering. During my research, I found that people who have espresso machines don’t use them during these social coffee gatherings but serve conventional coffee instead because it’s more simple, more time efficient, allows easy refills, and it brews at a touch of a button which doesn’t take the host away from the party.

The making of an espresso beverage is a procedure that is traditionally taken with much pride and joy. Originating in Italy, espresso drinks have grown popularity all over the modern world. I wanted to create an espresso machine that will allow all participants to experience this procedure of creating their own espresso drink, rather than the host being in charge of everyone’s beverages and be left out of the conversations. And the procedure should be simple enough so that all people, regardless of knowledge of espresso making, can use and enjoy.

How It Works

Docking mode
The barista espresso machine consists of a docking station, brewing unit and five espresso cups. One of the main features with the Barista is that it allows multiple users to be in charge of their own espresso brewing, instead of just only one person in conventional espresso makers. To enhance the portability and make it easier to carry, the Barista works in two modes, carry mode (collapsed) and brewing mode (raised). The Barista is connected to the wall outlet when in docking mode, and functions as conventional espresso machine, where beans are grounded for each individual cup in the kitchen.

Portable mode
To make it portable some task are divided up to optimize the power consumption; the coffee beans gets pre-grounded in the kitchen and the water is pre-heated into a thermos at the same time to eliminate unnecessary energy consumption. Collapse the brew unit by pressing down the top part, to raise it, give the handle a push and the machine will raise by itself to brewing mode. The turning top allows the users to access the machine from all directions. Place cups on the tray and rotate the turning top part to move the nozzle over to the other cups.

Designer : Patrik Petersson

Designer : Different Futures

From Victor Vetterlein :
Introducing ‘YO’ – an iPod and MP3 stereo speaker dock by Victor Vetterlein

YO is a rechargeable and wireless stereo speaker docking station for digital audio players. The system is portable, waterproof, and suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Inside the dock base are lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries that are capable of powering the stereo system for hours when the unit is disconnected from a power source. The design intention is that a renewable energy source such as solar power, wind power, or hydroelectricity charges the battery packs when the stereo is not in use.

The speakers also contain lithium-ion batteries in their base, and recharge when placed in the stereo base portals. The batteries also provide high-density ballast enabling the speakers to stand upright when removed from the charging ports.

The speaker enclosure is designed to amplify sound. The speakers are mounted in the rear of the speaker housing. Similar to a megaphone, the front portion of the speaker enclosure is extruded to increase and direct sound.

Two removable rods are mounted between the stereo speakers to stabilize the stereo assembly and provide a lifting handle when the unit is transported.

Designer : Victor Vetterlein via Dezeen

Text from designer :
“Rediscovery” is a dual concept for the whitehouse, consisting of a building and a airship as a mobile part (including a mobile oval office). The Airships set to establish a world wide network in pursuit of new green technologies, making it possible to one nation to learn from another. The building serves also as a greenhouse for endangered endemic species.

Designer : Alex Schulz

Source : PublicBikeSystem via Engadget

Designer : Nils Siegel