When i say cool stuff i mean cool...WARNING LONG PAGE!!
| Flare Facade | |
 If you’ve ever wondered what a kinetic ambient reflection membrane is and what it does, we’re about to show you. And if you already know, then you’re way ahead of the game. Check out this video and you’ll see the Flare façade acts as a building’s skin, and computer generation controls movement of a number of metal flake components. The system is modular and each flake can be programmed to tilt toward or away from the sun – reflecting light off it’s surface and creating movement in infinite patterns across the surface of a building thereby allowing the façade to interact with its surroundings. We wonder if this could be the beginning of a new direction for photovoltaic panels? |
| 3D led lighting | |
 The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology merges the concepts of lighting and art with this spectacular 3D LED piece, dubbed NOVA. Created for the institute's 150th anniversary, the display is made up of 25000 lightballs. Incredibly it can display 16 million colours per second. The behemoth, which weighs 3.3 tonnes, is currently displayed at the Zurich train stations main hall, where it will live until September 2009.  |
| Wood beach | |
 Many of us are drawn to the ocean in one way or another, and sometimes a soft, sandy beach is not nearby. Wouldn’t it be great if local council members of popular coastal areas could find an innovative means of providing access to our rocky foreshores? One community has done just that – timber platforms constructed over rugged terrain allow enhanced enjoyment of the seaside. |
| Awsome subways | |
 Believe it or not the humble train/subway station is the new mecca for design. All over the world leading architects are transforming major subway/underground station platforms into aesthetically pleasing places for the people, many of them featuring original art works, all in the name of making the daily commute to work a little less dreary. Here's our pick of some of the best: For individuality Hong Kong's Airport Line, London's Jubilee Line extension and Tokyo's Oedo Line. Munich, Zurich and Prague have some great interiors, while Moscow and Saint Petersburg are also standouts. For art we love Brussels, Montreal and Stockholm.  |
| How they make F1 Racing cars | |
 View Suspended' is a stunning art installation created from the thousands of parts that make up a Honda F1 Racing car. The amazing display was created especially for the event by Dutch artist Paul Veroude. Each of the 3200 parts of the Formula 1 car are suspended on fine wires to produce a 3D 'exploded diagram' that allows race fans the chance to get closer than ever to the engineering secrets of the world's most technically-advanced sport. Honda first recognised Veroude's talents two years ago, when Artwise Curators, who develop art projects with the Honda team, came across a museum exhibition of his deconstructed vehicles. Paul then got his first opportunity to get close up and personal with a Honda Racing F1 car during a visit to Silverstone. His passion for the sport and the Honda Racing F1 Team's engineering expertise catalyzed a very special work of art. Honda's Head of Car Marketing, Jeff Dodds says: "The first time we saw 'View Suspended', we knew it would be perfect for the London Motor Show. It's creative, imaginative and a must see for visitors to the Honda stand. I can't think of a better expression of Honda's passion for F1 and engineering."  |
| Glow in the dark diner table | |
 One of the keys to good interior design is lighting. The sandbox 'luminous' table takes the concept of lighting to a whole new level, that is, incorporating it into the design and construction of furniture, rather than seeing it as something separate. A stylish addition to any living room, the luminous table glows in proportion to the ambient lighting in the room, so the darker the space the more intense the glow. The table comes in several different colors and sizes. It's glow in the dark fun for grown ups. |
Now for transport!!!!!!!!!!!
| ECO-Exotic | |
 It took a while, but it finally happened – an environmentally friendly car is being released that does not in any way resemble a small fridge and is actually quite cool. Yes, this stunning looker is going to turn some heads. Austin-based automotive design and manufacturing company Ronn Motor's has built the Scorpion; a hydrogen fuel injected hybrid.  The vehicle utilises new 'hydrogen on demand' technology, which, simply put, generates water from the inbuilt tank, turns it into hydrogen and then injects this into the car's system. Not only does this approach allow fuel mileage to increase by between 20 to 40%, it also reduces carbon emissions to nearly zero. Couple this with its exclusive styling, and the Scorpion is sure to be a strong contender in the exotic performance car segment. The Scorpion is out early 2009 and can be yours for a tidy $150,000. Go on, do it for the planet. |
| BMW M1 Concept | |
 Most of us know when we see an ‘M’ on the back of the BMW passing us on the freeway, there’s virtually no way we’re going to catch up. The ‘M’ division BMW has recently revealed its latest concept – a tribute to their first mid-engine supercar originally manufactured by collaborative efforts of BMW and Lamborghini thirty years ago – the M1.  In the world of supercars, the M1 certainly looks like it will hold its own – an effortless blend of retro cool with revolutionary elegance. The new Liquid Orange M1 may only be a concept right now, but just know if you see those beady headlights quickly approaching from your rear view mirror, move out of the fast lane – you’re about to be overtaken! By Andrew J Wiener  |
| Ferrari 612 Scaglietti One to One program | |
 We've often wondered how certain high-end brands manage to maintain their global exclusivity especially as the number of millionaires and billionaires continues to skyrocket. Drive down prominent streets in Beverly Hills, Dubai, London and you're certain to pass more than a handful designer Italian and German sportscars. Chances are the valet parker at your local Ritz Carlton will have sat behind the steering wheel of cars totaling more money than most of us could only dream of making in a lifetime. Thankfully the expert minds at Ferrari have devised a plan nearly guaranteeing you'll have a difficult time parallel parking between the same Ferraris your neighbours are driving around town. Ferrari customers are undoubtedly accustomed to getting what they want out of their cars, but now the ability to add personalisation has become paramount - and here's all you need to know:  Book a trip to the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy where you will meet with a consultant in a special dedicated atelier area. Rivaling a personal fitting by Valentino for the Oscars, your consultant will welcome you to the new One-To-One Personalisation Program where you will design your own Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, accessory by accessory, detail by detail. The front-engined rear-wheel drive flagship Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is the only two-door four-seater in the line. The 612 is available with Ferrari's SuperFast gearbox that allows a driver to shift the paddle shifters located on the steering column in an astonishing 100 milliseconds. Whilst shiftting away, the V12 is capable of reaching top speed of 320 kph.  The new model comes complete with an electrochromic panoramic roof that covers the length of the top of the cabin. With a turn of a knob, the entire ceiling changes from opaque to translucent, instantly adjusting the level of sunlight that may penetrate the interior. OK, so we’ll admit that Ferraris are not quite as common as we make them sound, but we’re also sure it’s refreshing for some of you to know that with the assistance of a personal design consultant, you can soon be cruising the streets in a truly unique Ferrari. By Andrew J Wiener  |
| Buggati EB Veyron 16.4 Pur-sang | |
 We're back to tell you about another missed opportunity to add another supercar to your fleet. Bugatti has built the Veyron 16.4 'Pur Sang,' or 'pure blood.' The Veyron, a special addition version, is one of the world's fastest cars ever made with a top speed of over 400 kph. Again, all five models have been pre-purchased for approximately $2 million each. Bugatti has been off the radar for quite some time, but with the introduction of the 'Pur Sang' clad in a revealing paintless carbon and aluminium structure, the Volkswagen-owned manufacturer has clearly repositioned itself among the world's most exclusive and exceptionally engineered automobiles.  |
| Lamborgini Reventon | |
 Inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, US$1.5 million Lamborghini Reventón was unveiled. If numbers mean anything to you – the new supercar is powered by a 650hp 6.5L V12 engine, accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and has a maximum speed of over 340 km/h. The Lamborghini design team used the technical base of their Murcielago LP640, compressed it and then amped it up. As with other current models, the Reventón is defined through its sharp edges, smooth surfaces and aerodynamic lines. Tempted as you may be, put away your cheque books and credit cards, all twenty models that will be manufactured are taken as the Lamborghini brand reinforces its legendary status. |
| MC-1 supercar concept | |
 In an attempt to revolutionise the process of car design, David Hilton, founder of Motorcity Europe, along with C2P Automotive, created the MC1 Supercar in just three months. Hilton, who spent much of the formative part of his career working for Ford, believes the MC1 will be production-ready by 2011, if he finds the right client. Presently, the mid-engine, V10-powered supercar has no set identity or branding. We’re willing to bet a recognisable logo will soon sit neatly within its grill. By quickly translating computer-based design into engineering, Motorcity Europe achieved a radically different approach to supercar design in regard to its proportions and manufacturing processes. While certain aspects of the exterior appear entirely futuristic from nearly every angle, the MC1 looks like one of those cars we always dreamed we could afford. Fortunately, all anyone can see right now is the outside – the interior will be ready this spring.  |
| ECO car (aka grass car) | |
 To celebrate the 3rd annual PARK(ing) Day, San Francisco based art collective Rebar decided to take things a little further, with their pedal-powered park on wheels; the Parkcycle. This one-day global event encourages artists, activists and everyday citizens to temporarily transform parking spots into "PARK(ing)" spaces: temporary public parks. This time around an astounding 180 parks in 47 cities were created. "The process of rethinking the ways streets are used is an important first step in making permanent changes in our cities to improve the quality of urban human habitat," says John Bela, cofounder of Rebar. The Parkcycle, which can be cycled by a team of three, but enjoyed by many more on it's 7m lawn, features a 5m tall tree and solar charged battery which run's the cycles breaks. With a top speed of 5mph, it is hardy going to get a yellow jersey in the Tour de France, but makes for an incredibly scenic picnic. By Brendan McKnight  |
| The coolest way to see Berlin | |
 Berlin is one of the world’s most creative cities and now you can get your way around a lot more easily. Don’t bother with the public transport system (even though its good), rent your own little buggie style karts, which surprisingly, you are able to drive legally on the roads alongside real cars. The mini size makes them easy to maneuver and parking is a breeze. Not to mention the fun factor – it’s like one big game of dodgem cars for grown ups. Rent them at kart4you.de |
