"Symmetry," by Radiolab and Everynone.
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Liquid Wood Furniture
This is the Zartan chair designed by Philippe Starck with Eugeni Quitllet. It's a new approach to industrial production in a post-plastic era made of a sort of 'liquid wood'. The new technology uses wood powder (derived from discarded wood pulp-based lignin) mixed with a variety of other natural materials (fibers and wax or fish oil) to create a strong, non-toxic alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Under high-pressure conditions, they say that the composite material behaves like melted plastic, allowing it to be injected through a nozzle into a mold.
Starck said in a Designboom interview, "Plastic is non-biodegradable and can contain carcinogens and other toxic substances that can cause cancer; It is based on petroleum, a non-renewable resource that will soon be harder to come by. This new technology explores the advantages of using natural materials to understand what will be our daily future."
Starck said in a Designboom interview, "Plastic is non-biodegradable and can contain carcinogens and other toxic substances that can cause cancer; It is based on petroleum, a non-renewable resource that will soon be harder to come by. This new technology explores the advantages of using natural materials to understand what will be our daily future."
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Picture of the Day
I look at these everyday on my desk. They symbolize our desired goal and the work ethic it will entail to one day get there.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Starbucks Company Headquarters
Cardboard chair anyone?
How about a folding chair in every Pantone color?
One major highlight was a tour of the Starbucks company headquarters. It's difficult to describe their inspiring work environment without being able to experience it first hand. One awesome feature is that on every floor they have a kitchen area with free Starbucks drinks. I doubt many people go without their morning or afternoon coffee in this office. The overall work atmosphere was very chill, yet energetic and highly creative. It would be the ideal work environment for just about every creative-minded professional.
We were fortunate enough to visit during a very exciting time for the company. They just recently launched their new logo, they were also currently celebrating their 40th anniversary, and CEO Howard Schultz had just released his second book, "Onward: How Starbucks Fought for its Life Without Losing its Soul."
Deep within the guts of the building, we toured the Starbucks Brand Experience, a history museum-like exhibit displaying the past, present, and a preview of the future of the finest coffee company in the world.
By far my favorite part was being able to see ALL the different logo options their creative department brainstormed. While revamping the world famous brand logo, they had an entire room covered with logos from floor to ceiling. The overall process from beginning strategy stage to the final implementation phase took roughly 18 months. To say the least, they didn't cut any corners in strategically recreating their mark in the world.
Another highlight was when we visited a "test" Starbucks where they were experimenting by offering a wine bar in select coffee shops. I was told one thought behind this was that through research gatherings, they found that people gather at coffee shops more often than they used to frequent local bars or nightclubs. In order to cater to this emerging market, they're conducting real-life field research by offering select wine and brew beverages in a segregated portion of the shop. I wonder if this would catch on in the Grand Rapids area--although it would be direct competition to the Reserve wine bar. Hmm...?
On behalf of Adrienne, I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to those that took such great care of us during our stay in Seattle (you know who you are!) We had an absolute awesome time and cannot wait until the next time we can visit!
How about a folding chair in every Pantone color?
One major highlight was a tour of the Starbucks company headquarters. It's difficult to describe their inspiring work environment without being able to experience it first hand. One awesome feature is that on every floor they have a kitchen area with free Starbucks drinks. I doubt many people go without their morning or afternoon coffee in this office. The overall work atmosphere was very chill, yet energetic and highly creative. It would be the ideal work environment for just about every creative-minded professional.
We were fortunate enough to visit during a very exciting time for the company. They just recently launched their new logo, they were also currently celebrating their 40th anniversary, and CEO Howard Schultz had just released his second book, "Onward: How Starbucks Fought for its Life Without Losing its Soul."
Deep within the guts of the building, we toured the Starbucks Brand Experience, a history museum-like exhibit displaying the past, present, and a preview of the future of the finest coffee company in the world.
By far my favorite part was being able to see ALL the different logo options their creative department brainstormed. While revamping the world famous brand logo, they had an entire room covered with logos from floor to ceiling. The overall process from beginning strategy stage to the final implementation phase took roughly 18 months. To say the least, they didn't cut any corners in strategically recreating their mark in the world.
Another highlight was when we visited a "test" Starbucks where they were experimenting by offering a wine bar in select coffee shops. I was told one thought behind this was that through research gatherings, they found that people gather at coffee shops more often than they used to frequent local bars or nightclubs. In order to cater to this emerging market, they're conducting real-life field research by offering select wine and brew beverages in a segregated portion of the shop. I wonder if this would catch on in the Grand Rapids area--although it would be direct competition to the Reserve wine bar. Hmm...?
On behalf of Adrienne, I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to those that took such great care of us during our stay in Seattle (you know who you are!) We had an absolute awesome time and cannot wait until the next time we can visit!
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Treasure Hunting
This past week I learned that the Nordstrom store was founded by John Nordstrom in 1901. Why does that matter? Because Nordstrom got its start in downtown Seattle as a start-up shoe company. To pay homage to Mr. Nordstrom while visiting Seattle, I thought to honor the store's footwear roots.
Being a starving artist/entrepreneur, as well as a big fan of all footwear, it can be tough to afford quality shoes on a tight budget. Nordstrom has great products, but can come with a steep price tag. The solution: Nordstrom Rack, the outlet store of this higher-end lifestyle department store.
Pictured below are just a few of the hidden treasures I discovered after searching up and down the shoe racks. There's a certain high when you discover a gem. Sometimes, the hunt is better than the shoes themselves. You never know what you'll find or what will inspire you. So, go explore!
Being a starving artist/entrepreneur, as well as a big fan of all footwear, it can be tough to afford quality shoes on a tight budget. Nordstrom has great products, but can come with a steep price tag. The solution: Nordstrom Rack, the outlet store of this higher-end lifestyle department store.
Pictured below are just a few of the hidden treasures I discovered after searching up and down the shoe racks. There's a certain high when you discover a gem. Sometimes, the hunt is better than the shoes themselves. You never know what you'll find or what will inspire you. So, go explore!
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Seattle Trip - Day 2
We continued to be tourists and soon discovered that the best way to fulfill this role was by riding "The Duck"--a WWII amphibious landing craft. This special 2-for-1 mode of transportation took us both through the bustling streets of Seattle and within the channels of water that surround the city. We may have looked ridiculous as we were wildly clapping our hands and singing along to the blaring music, but we had a great time taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city while doing so.
We learned that in order to qualify as a "house boat," the structure must have some sort of engine. On the flip side, a "floating house" is just that--a house that floats. The best aspect of these alternative methods of living is that there are no property taxes since they are literally floating on public property. Considering Seattle's real estate market, these homes are much more affordable and, often times, may have the best view at sea level.
We learned that in order to qualify as a "house boat," the structure must have some sort of engine. On the flip side, a "floating house" is just that--a house that floats. The best aspect of these alternative methods of living is that there are no property taxes since they are literally floating on public property. Considering Seattle's real estate market, these homes are much more affordable and, often times, may have the best view at sea level.
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