Old is new again

As you can probably tell from some previous blog posts i love old and new things combined. I fell in love this with water tower as soon as i saw it. I love the classic brick with the traditional features such as the corner stones at the top of the water tower and the different colour brick to give some decoration. I love the small slim horizontal windows which carries on into the extension which then goes into the modern lower part, which has massive glass openings a gorgeous black finish, the black finish matches the water tank at the top and also the window frames which ties everything together so nicely. I would love this house. 

http://architectura.tumblr.com/post/49739148682/old-is-new-again-buildings-that-have-been

Propposed Whitney Downton - Manhattan New York

I really like this, it has lots of shapes, which look like they have been thrown together, almost like each piece is a building block and they have been stacked carefully so they all stand up. but i love all the angles of each window and how there are different layers giving a great 3D effect and great depth and detail to the building. I like how the windows are slanted so they face different ways, giving a different perspective no matter what angle you look at it.

http://plusarchitekt.tumblr.com

2013 MINI spy shots

Here we have the new interior from a MINI, so this is what we can expect to see in the future MINI model. It looks nice, it still has the centre speedo, and MINI characteristics, but not as much as previous generations, as you can see they just seem to have put a BMW steering wheel in, which makes it loose some of the unique feeling of when you get in a MINI. I have no doubt it will be a hit and will look good as all MINI's have been received well. I am just curious of what it will look like when it hits the showrooms.

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/54531/2013-mini-cooper-s-spied-interior-revealed-for-first-time 

Clarity Bike

I thought this was really cool, a transparent bike. its made by injection moulding, it takes advantage of an advanced polymer which combines high impact resistance, lightweight properties and gentle flexibility which would only be expected of an old italian steel frame. all sounds good, but i wonder how it would hold up in the real world of cycling. certainly looks really cool, and is very unique and a cool thing to say that you have a transparent bike to your mates. and will have a lotof people guessing how it works. its cool to see companies try different materials and manufacturing processes, as who know, this could be the way bikes are made in the future. 

http://studioblog.designaffairs.com/?p=869

Changsha meixihu international culture & arts centre

This is by Zaha Hadid, I love her designs, This is incredible design, I love the lines and shape of the building, it has a very organic and natural feel to, it, with the flowing lines looking like leaves and flowers. and how it looks like it is growing and developing out of the ground, and then at the far end it has blossomed with the beautiful glass domes which gleam in the sun. 



http://gizmodo.com/5989958/these-otherworldly-theaters-will-showcase-chinese-arts-and-culture

John cooper works strut brace

Went to the Coventry MINI dealership to have a look around the new John cooper works GP limited edition. Saw this strut brace fitted. And thought what a lovely piece of kit to come standard on the car. A strut brace runs between the 2 suspension top mounts at the front of the car to tighten it up giving a more precise drive. But I like how much thought has gone into how it looks as well as how it performs. They could of easily just had a metal bar which has all the welds showing. Just one of the small details which makes this car stand out, and why you pay the premium for this limited edition car.

Architectural ride - London

This abandoned power station in Battersea is planned on being transformed into a museum encircled y a roller coaster. What stands out to me is combination of the new and old, I love the old design of the power station, which is very square and industrial looking with some nice features such as the chimneys and the horizontal lines. then you have new structure of the roller coaster, with its new materials, in white, which is a contrast in colour and shape compared to the weathered power station.its also a great way to use a run down building and attracted people to boost tourism. 


http://www.likecool.com/Architectural_Ride_London--Projects--Gear.html

Vw golf

Saw this and though this was a really cool render/photoshop. Like the comparison of where the golf started out and where it is today. I just like the artistic impression of both cars. Like the exaggerated wheel size and air intakes on the front bumper. And the low sloping roof line. And how the red grille features stands out with the picture being all black.

Volvo Interior

I really like this Volvo interior, its been around for quiet a while now and was ahead of its time when released. I love the space behind the centre console that you can even put your hand behind it if you wanted to, i like the material finish with the light wood grain giving a great natural look, form and shape. it is also very minimalistic with where the buttons are placed helping maintain that clean fresh and natural look.

http://gallery.airows.com/post/39314776905

BMW interior

I really like this interior, i love the concave look of the steering wheel and the silver line thats goes round the steering wheel and also to the stem supports. The piano black finish on the centre console, the gear shifter shape seems very inspired by Zaha Hadid. It a very futuristic design for BMW and i really like it. Also the digital speedo seems very interesting. Also the air vent which can been seen through the steering wheel is gorgeous, i love the silver finish, and the beautiful way the dash sculpts around it, and how the dash meets the door card. And the materials used look great with the grey and tanned seats, with the black and silver finishes on the components.


http://gallery.airows.com/post/39322527221

BMW kidney grilles

This is a sculpture of the evolution of the kidney grille, a signature feature of the BMW brand. Even though The kidney grille has obviously changed over the many years, but you don't notice the slight changes from the current model to the next, as they are so similar. But here you can see them all, And as they are all layered they create some really nice shapes and forms which gives great inspiration.

http://bmwusa.tumblr.com/image/48223401063

Audi S5 speedo gauge

I like this Audi Speedo, I love the grey with the white text, with the red which tiers in with the red in the S3 logo, with the nice chrome around the speedo and also on the needle. Even the italic text, it looks very dynamic and sporty. its very simple with the colours used, but has a great balance of sporty and an executive feel.

http://gallery.airows.com/post/39911336479

Mercedes 300 SL

I love these sweeping curves and round edges, and the two humps on the bonnet. And how the rear quarters sweep round. The chrome bumpers and chrome bump stops brighten things up. and also the small details like a single wing mirror on the left hand side, and how the rear view mirror is lower down than usual and looks like its hovering. The interior is another piece of art, I love the chrome dashboard that runs horizontally across the whole dash, which includes a small black and chrome clock, and the 300 SL badge. the steering wheel also matches the outside of the car, being black and chrome which ties the interior and exterior together so nicely and the tan leather making the interior stand out more.

http://gallery.airows.com/post/40240529737

Mercedes

I love old mercedes, and this is just classic. The bright white steering wheel, with the black button in the middle, and the chrome horn push, giving a great contrast between white, black and chrome. With safety not a issue back them, no airbags, this steering wheel has such a sleek look with simple details, only having 3 components that make up the steering wheel.

http://gallery.airows.com/post/40240577456

Bentley

Bentley has to be one of the biggest names in luxury automotive design. I love how everything is simple, especially how its very symmetrical, how the shape of the cluster panel is mirrored onto the passenger side where the passenger airbag is. I like how the centre console sweeps don from the dashboard top. Obviously you have the top quality materials with leather and alcantara everywhere tired together with the beautiful stitching. Then all the chrome detailing on all the control buttons, then the beautiful wood. I love the 2 muscle lines which are on the steering wheel/airbag, which give a real sharp dynamic and sport feel, reminding you of whats under the bonnet.

http://gallery.airows.com/post/40528249599

Aston Martin cluster panel and gauges

Looking at interior components, i saw this and really liked it. i love the simple sleek look, the materials used, you have the brushed metal with the aston martin logo stamped on it, and with the black gauge faces is a very classy contrast. And the white LED Lighting keeping it simple but effective. Also the aston martin logo showing on the trip-ometer and it also says 'pure Aston Martin' its the small touches like these that make you know your in something special.

http://gallery.airows.com/post/40528660809

Audi steering wheel

http://gallery.airows.com/post/44522615891

sculpture

A very interesting sculpture, I love the shape, made up of loads of triangles. the angle and the way it looks like its moving and growing. it reminds me of ice or frost, with all the sharp lines and and angles. Also i like how the light can make its way through the gaps in the design creating all different shapes and tones on the white surface, creating an amazing 3D sculpture.

http://gallery.airows.com/post/47461734042

Boxes

I like all the boxes which looked like they are stacked, which have numerous day light openings, And the effect on the outside on the building with the horizontal lines giving the building a taller look, and with the combined lighting it brings out a whiteness and a nice glow making the building really stand out. its simple but effective.

http://gallery.airows.com/post/47520961231

UBoat

I do Like my watches. And the bigger the better, i love the bulky look of this, giving a real robust and strong look. Also the detail and quality, from the engravings to the cover for the time adjustment. You have the very classy and clean look of the brushed aluminium, with the black face, with some silver digits and the rest orange giving a pop of colour. with the materials used and finish you can tell this is a quality watch. 


http://gallery.airows.com/post/47626587054

Bedroom

This is a cool bedroom, I think its a great use of space, normally this would be wasted space, but they have come up with a great way to use it. I love the combination of the materials, you have the natural woods used on walls on floor, then the black steal beam running through the roof, making it a great combination between industrial and natural. And with the big opening for the window creating great light. 

http://gallery.airows.com/post/47626918981

Dining room

I like interior design, as its an expression of you, and you have to be comfortable and have to live and use it on a daily basis. All white in the real world might not work, but i love it, it has a very clean crisp and precise look. making the room feel very light, airy and clean. I love the black accent features, with the table being black, making it the main feature of the room.

http://gallery.airows.com/post/47787555271

shoes and socks

I like fashion, and i love the materials, textures and colours of the shoes. the detail is very well executed with stitching and the laces are thin and simple and don't detract from the design of the shoe. And the colourful socks just brighten things up.

http://gallery.airows.com/post/47873662099

Glass cube

I love Architecture, and i really like this, i like glass and square sharp lines in design. its really cool how it is suspended above the sea, and because its all glass you can see the scenery behind it. meaning it doesn't interrupt the natural landscape around it. its very simple and clean design but with the engineering involved and the natural beauty. it makes this a very nice piece of design.

http://gallery.airows.com/post/47874456738

Ferrari

I love the look of this Ferrari, I've never seen this before. But its gorgeous. Very simple,sweeping curves, very purposeful and aerodynamically designed. Has one wing mirror, it seems futuristic whilst at the same time it has a classic retro feel. The shape and curves of the quarter panels and front bumper air intake. whilst the Hood scoop seem and headlights still seem quite retro. But i love the combination.

Italian Job Mini's

I love the Italian Job and i love the Mini's. I love the iconic blue, white and red colours. And the classic styling which was ahead of its time when it was first produced. And they are loved by many even today, 

Bentley Brooklands

The Bentley Brooklands, my dream bentley, i love this as i has the classic original Bentley styling, but has all the modern technology and engine borrowed from VAG, so it actually works. I love the size, and the shear brute force this machine can move at. the 2 round headlights, the chrome side vents, the bulky alloy wheels. all the defining feature lines, its so simple but looks aggressive and is so elegant at the same time. A true Bentley in my opinion. 

Floating cars

Are Floating cars the future? if they are i wonder if they will restore classic cars and make them float as well. would be a very cool thing to do. as demonstrated here with some classic, elegant, clean and flowing design cars. these are great cars normally. But with the wheels and wheel wells removed they look even more beautiful and sleek. I hope floating cars come to existence, as these look amazing. 

Alligators made from recycled tires

Came across this, as im looking into sustainability in design for my engineering project. I thought these were real alligators at first glance, the tire tread represents the scales of an alligator so well. I love the lines of the alligators back, with the humps and the sharp lines of some of the tire tread. Would be very cool and unique to have in your garden but could scare some people.


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=143698649137224&set=a.129667723873650.24898.129658370541252&type=1&theater

Bell & Ross aviation watch

I like my watches, i like these, as i love the finish of them, they have changeable faces. I like the matt black finish with the use of the bright yellow, which makes it stand yet still being subtle at the same time. Even though each interchangeable face has a different use, they are simple and easy to understand with the clean and stylish text used. I like how they faces are square and have a screw in each corner of them, giving a well made and strong feel to the product. Even though they are a aviation watch they still have a stylish urban feel about them with the colours, materials and design used for these watches. 

http://uncrate.com/stuff/bell-ross-aviation-collection-watches/

Virgin's glass bottomed plane

I came across this and thought it was really cool, i obviously don't think it can be done, the glass wouldn't be able to handle the stress, and where would all the luggage go? it would be very freaky to experience, especially if you afraid of heights. But it does look really cool and gives the cabin a fresh new look and makes the interior interesting compared to the dull and depressing interiors. the way they could make this work is by having multiply plasma screens which show live images of what is underneath them. Virgin always seem to be the most  innovative in design in my opinion always bringing latest technology and services to the consumers. 

http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/blog/virgin-atlantic-launches-worlds-first-ever-glass-bottomed-plane

Ultimate hot wheels track

I thought this was really cool! Loved playing with cars when I was younger and this looks fun even now! I can appreciate the structure and engineering behind making this, but it also looks like a piece of art! You have all the straight support beams and then the curves of the track combining, also with the added miniature colourful landscaping, making this a really interesting piece to look at, but whilst still being able to use it. I'd love to see it in person.

Audi LED lights

 These LED and xenon lights for the Audi S6 can pivot up to 15 degrees to help you see around curves while dedicated static cornering lamps shine at wider angles to aid with sharper turns. I really like these lights, the sharp lines and angles give an aggressive look but they also have an elegance about them. Another thing that jumps out to me is the grille, i love the simplicity of the horizontal lines, And audi are going back to using more chrome on the grille which makes a classy more up market feel, especially with the new designed simplistic grille.

http://blog.experimentsinmotion.com/post/44705214375/led-and-xenon-technology-for-a-smarter-headlight

Audi R8 V10 Plus

I posted a picture of this the other day, but i liked how the rear end is taken apart, I am facelifting an audi and also doing an engineering project, so i am also looking into how cars are put together, and found it interesting to see how the supercar is put together and how its structured.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/therealmarky/8522401382/in/faves-phunkshon/

Retro Jaguar E-Type Guide

Came across these posters and guide to the range of E-Types over the years they produced them, just loved the retro feel and simplicity of them. I love the E-Type anyway, but combined with the cool illustration work makes it even cooler.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/jaguar-75/id390687626?mt=8

Audi R8 V10 Plus

This is the Audi R8 V10 plus, Audi have basically freshened up the design of the R8, new lights, grilles, added some subtle carbon fibre touches. i love the look of the front, all the new horizontal lines on the grille, and the headlamps, i much prefer the style audi have moved too, away from the individual LED bulbs, and now have a continuous line and look like one piece of design. I also love this satin blue paint. 


http://www.dieselstation.com/Audi/R8-V10-plus-2013/Audi-R8-V10-plus-2013-Fotos-widescreen-wallpaper-ds02-i4926.html

Audi SQ5

This is the new Audi SQ5, looking into new models of Audis and seeing what way they are heading in the design aspect. i like the small chrome and brushed aluminium details, and like in an earlier post, the grilles are having more horizontal lines, which looks simple and clean.

http://uncrate.com/stuff/audi-sq5/

Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept

I have been looking into ideas for my Audi A1 facelift and trying to see what future Audi's are being styled like. they seem to be going alot simpler? like the lights are less fussy and become more square. the grille is more angular and the detailing within the large front grille is changing and has more horizontal lines. Audi still have the angular lower air intakes in the lower part of the bumper. and the shoulder line with the slight swerve in it. A car in the Audi range which has some of these future is the new Q5. So these are the some of the style traits i'm going to incorporate. The way Audi are heading is great.

http://uncrate.com/stuff/audi-crosslane-coupe-concept/

A1 interior

I would say one of the Audi A1 main competitors is the MINI which is beyond one of the most popular small cars, the accessories, customisations and individuality are endless with the MINI. Audi have got some nice options to customise your A1, which isn't seen anywhere else across the other models of the Audi range. obviously trying to keep competition with the likes of the MINI and Fiat 500. But as you expect from Audi, the accessories are tasteful, well made, unique and not too in your face so it doesn't look tacky, as thats not what Audi stand for, as Audi is a premium brand and want to give you the individualisation but in a luxury well made and premium way.  

http://www.flickr.com/photos/m25audi/6725114681/

Audi A1 Quattro

As i have to facelift a Audi A1, i was looking into different A1 models, and this is the most exciting one, like all the models across the Audi range, there is always a sporty exciting version, and this happens to be the A1 version which is all wheel drive. I love the retro wheels, i like the small red details on the centre caps of the wheels and also in the headlights. i like the black a and c pillars and also the roof, and how the spoiler is white. i love the contrast of all the white and black with the small red details. i like the black painted boot, its exaggerates the shape of the rear and makes your eyes draw wider so you think the car is wider than it is. i really like the bone and muscle lines that are on the side of the car which help make the car look longer and more aggressive. Im glad Audi have made this model, even though they Haven't made many and its only available in left hand drive. 

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/audi-a1-quattro-3/#photo-4693460/

Audi A7

Starting a new facelift project, and i am choosing to do an Audi A1, the companies styling is improving and just getting better and better, and are starting new trends. I love the Audi A7, it doesn't seem like a typical vehicle Audi would design, its long, wide, low roof line, it has a large over hang on the boot, But still has brand trademarks like the large front grille and the angular front and rear LED lights. I love it but i hear mixed opinions on it, i just love it as its different from the rest of the Audi range. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34928096@N04/8443918168/in/photostream/

Mercedes 300 SL

I love a classic super car, they are so simple, but yet so gorgeous and are just ooze class. I love this mercedes,  i love the wheel arch trim, and how dynamic it looks and how it looks like it is just gliding with the car through the air and how the side air vents are slanted and line up so neatly with the lines of the car and the arch trim. Even the cone shaped wing mirrors which are positioned half way on the front wing, look so elegant, simple and dynamic in chrome. 


http://www.flickr.com/photos/32135310@N08/8556088549/

Mclaren P1

Here we have the Mclaren P1, there has been a lot of debate which one is best, out of the this, the Lamborghini veneno and the La Ferrari. Personally my favourite is Ferrari as its classy and simple, nothing to over the top or trying to be serious race car. But I do like the Mclaren, obviously it has a lot to live up to compared to the Mclaren F1. The thing is, it seems to be designed by a computer focused on aerodynamics, which will create an amazing car to drive and perform don't get me wrong. But it just seems like any other super car style wise. Nothing stands out to me. I do think It is a good looking car though, apart from the rear wing which raises itself at a certain speed, it looks like an ironing board on the back of the car. But I'm sure it drives superbly and looks so much better than the Lamborghini.

http://uncrate.com/stuff/mclaren-p1/

Lamborghini veneno

The new Lamborghini, if I'm honest I can't stand it, Lamborghini's design are becoming more and more predictable, all these angular lines, they seem to design the whole car with a ruler. This doesn't seem typical Lamborghini, it's really big, it has a massive wing, everything seems very over the top and the wing and air ducts just seem stuck on and don't blend with the rest of the car! There is just to many things to look at and to many different things going on. Less is more in my opinion.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1082707_ferrari-laferrari-lamborghini-veneno-mclaren-p1-car-news-headlines

La Ferrari render

Here is a nice render of the la Ferrari, looks like it is an early loose sketch as it is a little different to the prototype produced. Still has the sculpted doors with the air ducts and the general shape of the front bumper is the same. I like the render technique with all the lines used for the shading, very simple and effective render.



http://www.cardesign.ru/articles/designstory/2013/03/08/5634/

La Ferrari

The la Ferrari, a lot of people don't like this, but I love it!! Ferrari are really stepping there game up and competing with the likes of Lamborghini Etc for design and looks. Since the new 458 Ferrari are designing some great looking cars, I've never been a big fan of Ferrari and of recent I am. The front seems quite angular and quite Lamborghini, I love the sculpted doors with the air ducts. And the cockpit, how it's black and looks like the body has been designed and flows round it! It looks so sleek and stylish, yet very Ferrari and stands out and says look at me! Just like a Ferrari should.


http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/La-Ferrari-05.jpg

Gear knob development

Here is the development of my gear knob, and listening to the test user and what they said and applying it to the design of my gear knob. It has slightly changed but I have been able to keep some of the lines and features from the original design, such as the horizontal line that runs down the side of the gear knob. I just refined and simplified it, to make it easier and more pleasant for the end user to use.

Gear knob

Here is my first attempt with my gear knob model, it's a little chunky from testing it, so it's needs some developing and refining. As some test users said it could do with being more round and have less severed edges making it easier to grip. I like the overall shape and how it came out, but with some developing and listening to what users have said I can make it better.

Rizoma 77/011 push bike

I came across this and thought it was really cool and an amazing piece of design. The bike scene at the moment is filled of fixed wheeled bikes with bright colours. this frame is unique as its missing the seat pillar in the frame, and due to that the frame has become more rounded to compensate for strength. Giving it this unique look. The frame is made from a blend of aluminium and carbon. This bike has some lovely design touches such as the handle bars that incorporates a wing mirror on one side. also the seat, chaining, crank arm and pedals. cant be seen much on the black bike but go on the link and the bike can be seen in more 

http://www.rizoma77011.com/en-eu/lifestyle.html