Arik levy’s rama chair for palau draws on the art of origami, featuring subtle folds

Profile views of the ‘rama’ chairs architectural structure,‘rama’ is an architectural, tri-dimensional seating piece whose subtle folds and faceted surface reference origami and the japanese art of paper folding.Designed by arik levy ‘rama’ is composed of a series of plane surfaces juxtaposed in space side by side, creating an uninterrupted and smooth form — a sort of intimate, personal alcove.The armchair is composed of a double-skin construction that has an external layer of comfort giving it a dynamic look, thus making it easy to integrate into a contemporary, or classic interior. Without compromising coziness and function, ‘rama’ has a swivel base that offers additional flexibility; and maintains an appearance that is non-invasive, but sculptural and elegant. 

‘rama’ is characterized by subtle folds in its surface which reference the art of japanese paper folding

'rama' chair prototype

cardboard model

Forests are the dominant terrestrial ecosystem. Their biomass is the oldest source of renewable energy used since our ancestors learned the secret of fire. Much of this biomass occurs below ground as partially decomposed plant detritus. Its decay is a clear example of the transformative energy of nature. The final stages in the life cycle of a forest tree attracts specialised fungi organisms which attack the wood breaking down the tough lignin layer that protects it.

One of the effects of the early stages of wood decay is the fungi texture inside the matter of the tree: the fungal growth can create some of the most dramatic wood color changes with regions of discoloration and intricate patterns of amazing dark lines, adding a new dimension to the woodgrain.

Alcarol have used the fungi from dead trees and abandoned logs to create unique pieces of furniture. The company employs experimental processes to preserve the raw material exactly as it appear in his original habitat, giving it a new life before it goes to waste. The ‘fungi console’ is made of a single wood plank obtained from an abandoned beech log with its  native populations of fungi, recovered in the Italian dolomite forest. the plank is cut into two  parts with a very thin blade  and then joined so that in the corners the  fungal woodgrain matches perfectly like a single bent piece, and also the resin – through a special process – is a single piece and not seen separations between horizontal and vertical resin edges. 

The console shows the most fascinating creations of the fungi: wood discolorations and intricate dark lines that look like free-form art drawn with a calligraphy pen, pigment demarcations constructed by the fungal colonies to protect their territories from potential competitor fungi.

The ‘fungi console’ is made of a single wood plank obtained from an abandoned beech log

Milan 2016: British fashion designer Paul Smith has created a new striped version of the cactus-shaped coat stand launched by Italian furniture brand Gufram in the 1970s.

Smith updated the prickly-looking coat stand, which is one of Gufram's most iconic pieces, using a bright blend of pinks, blues and black inspired by the "hallucinogenic vibes" of the decade when it was designed.

"The strength of this project lies in the fusion between two different worlds: Sir Paul Smith did not merely cover a cactus with colours, but he reimagined and transformed it by drawing inspiration from the hallucinogenic vibes of that crazy time period," he added. "The outcome is psychedelic, a creativity peyote."

Smith's Psychedelic Cactus will be available in a limited edition of just 169, and will be presented during this year's Milan design week at Salone Del Mobile.

The spotlight is on the 55th edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano, the platform for innovation and location of choice for networking and business. Three collateral events dedicated to the concepts of living, classic furnishing and architectural finishings respectively, as well as a short film signed by Matteo Garrone. Over 300,000 operators from more than 160 countries and a visiting public of over 30,000 people on the Saturday and Sunday – from 12th to 17th April at the Milan Fairgrounds, Rho.  

                               "Homepage - Salone Del Mobile Milano 2016". salonemilano. N.p., 2016. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

 April in Milan means only one thing: Design Week is coming! It’s the most prestigious event in the city, very loved by the people.With so many innovative and exciting exhibitions and installations happening at once, it seemed nearly impossible to see all the excitement that the Salone had to offer in just one week.