More Paper - Sculptures by Jen Stark

Take a look at these beautiful sculptures made of coloured paper.

Jen Stark really makes the most out of such a cheap and common material and her striking pieces have won her recognition in the art-scene worldwide.

www.jenstark.com

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'Pulp-based' Computing

Image: Marcelo Coelho/XS Labs

Researchers at MIT are exploring the possibilities with paper computing, embedding wires, sensors, and computer chips within the paper. Unlike electronic paper, displays that are flexible and thin like paper, pulp-based computing are blending traditional paper-making skills with electronic components.These smart papers can then act as speakers, be sensitive to bending, and are responsive and interactive.




Also look at Leah Buechley's work with electronic ink. She has made paintings with far more to them than just what meets the eyes:



See more images and videos of her paper computing here.

Read New Scientist article on smart paper here.

Levitating Lampshade

Los series of lamps really grabs your attention since the top part of the lampshade just floats in the air, letting the light out from the gap between the two parts.

The company Crealev has invented this levitating technology which is available as a base to construct you ideas around, making it possible to create numerous gravity-challenging products.

Take a look at the video to see this amazing object in action:

Leather Plastic Bags

Designed by Femke de Vries

Look what materials can do to create authenticity for a product and to completely change the way we perceive such an everyday item.

As said on the designer's website:
“The most anonymous, brand less, recognizable ‘throw away’ bags made in leather (a durable material) to re- value the product and the space for personal values it offers.”

Cyborg Rat

The first robot in the world that is controlled by living tissue, giving the robot somewhat personality and completely new possibilities to learn. The video gives a glimpse of how bio-organic materials can be incorporated into products, frightening or fascinating?!



Seen at www.diagonal-view.com

Seminar: New Materials, New Technologies: Innovation, Future and Society

This was the 4th and last in a series of seminars on new materials and technologies, with the aim of bringing together people working in different fields with material innovation that wouldn’t normally get together. Speakers and audience consisted of anthropologists, engineers, material scientists, product designers, archivists, historians, philosophers, curators and artists.

Chris gave a presentation on materials from a designer’s point of view and explained how he started off as an industrial designer who got to specialize in materials.

The sessions were the result of a collaboration between University College London and Kings College London, with support by the Economic and Social Research Council, MADE and Materials KTN.

www.ucl.ac.uk/Anthropology/conferences/newmaterialsnewtechnologies

We are waiting with excitement to a follow-up of this great initiative!

Plasticity - 100 years of making plastics

This exhibition at the Science Museum takes a look at plastics and how it is used during the last 100 years. It is divided into four different sections; The Birth of Plastics, Plastic Dreams, Plastics Now and Plastic Futures, and asks the question:
100 years on... are plastics still fantastic?

Until 1st January 2009
Science Museum, London

www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

HAIR - an event by Materials Library

Take part in an experimental event on 14th November when the Materials Library presents HAIR. Hairdressers, chemists, wigmakers and artists will join up for an evening full with hands-on activities.

Friday 14th November
19.00-22.00
Wellcome Collection
London, NW1 2BE

www.wellcomecollection.org/hair