Today we’re looking to the futuristic work of architect and designer Neri Oxman for inspiration!

Oxman’s designs are particularly striking, incorporating digital and computational design with materials science and synthetic biology to explore the relationship between the natural world and the artificial components that we build into it.

We find the ‘Wanderers’ collection particularly compelling, not least for Oxman’s stunning use of colour, materials, and surface textures. This project is a collaboration with Stratasys, a 3D printing company, and ties in with their collection ‘The Sixth Element: Exploring the Natural Beauty of 3D Printing’. The designs are tailored to the various environments of the planets within our solar system, and the concept behind each design is to aid humanity’s survival within that landscape through absorption and production of biomatter.

What we find so inspiring about Oxman’s designs is their tactile quality; you can’t help but be drawn in by the diverse textures and materials. Though beautiful, the designs are also subversive and surreal – a unique blend of science, technology, and design innovation that we can’t resist.

 

A change in pace this week for our inspiring designers series, we’re looking at Ryo Matsui, of Ryo Matsui Architects Inc.

Matsui’s work is undeniably elegant, clean, and stylish, with a real architectural edge. His use of contrasting surface patterns and muted, natural colours means his design concepts remain at the forefront of contemporary trends.

What we find most inspiring about Matsui’s work is its ability to present complex design ideas in a simplistic, minimalist form. His use of lighting is also something to be marvelled at; these finishes are often delicate but make such a difference to creative spaces.

Our Inspiring Designers blog continues this week with French architect and designer, Emmanuelle Moureaux.

Moureaux resides in Tokyo, Japan, where she has been living and working since 1996. For Moureaux, colour is key. She prefers to use colours as a way of structuring rooms, rather than as a finishing touch or complement to the physical design. This concept, created by Moureaux, is called ‘Shikiri‘ which, literally translated, means ‘dividing space with colours’.

We find Moureaux’s work particularly inspiring for its fresh, contemporary vibrancy. If Pantone had gone down the architecture route, we feel, it would look something like this.

Moureaux’s designs are artistic and playful – a real aesthetic treat.

 

Here at Moody Monday we’re always keen to keep up to date with current design trends and show appreciation for other designers we admire. As such, this blog series will explore creative companies and individuals whom we find influential and inspiring.

To begin, we’re looking at Blacksheep design agency.

This London-based company always delivers fresh, cutting-edge design concepts throughout their respective projects which permeate creativity and innovation.

To this end, Blacksheep’s design solutions are always inventive, often incorporating technology into their creative concepts. Though their work is design-led, it remains accessible, approachable, and liveable – even playful – which is what makes this dynamic company so special.

We particularly admire their work on the PURO Hotel in Poznan, Poland. The concept behind this compelling space aims to reflect the cultural and artistic sensibility of the city, therefore, Blacksheep produced a design-focused environment in which the hotel’s guests could feel at once inspired and welcomed.

The use of geometric surface patterns and bold colours is stimulating, and the furnishings make use of contemporary shapes which make the space feel fashionable though with a distinct absence of pretence.