In a groundbreaking collaboration with CGV, South Korea’s leading movie brand, designer Haneul Kim has unveiled a remarkable initiative to address the environmental challenge of waste generated by discarded movie screens. These screens, often several meters long, are typically cast aside due to damage, contamination, or the dismantling of theaters. Haneul Kim’s innovative approach transforms these seemingly obsolete materials into stunning and functional lighting designs, marking a significant step towards sustainability in the design industry.
Designer: Haneul Kim
Kim’s inspiration struck when he noticed the perforations on the discarded screens, recognizing a visual similarity to aluminum perforated plates commonly found in industrial applications. This revelation led to the ingenious idea of repurposing the screens’ sound-transmitting function into a source of light emission. The result is a series of portable lamps that ingeniously utilize the small holes in the screens to emit light, turning waste into a source of illumination.
The Waste Screen Recycle project also pays homage to the legendary designer Mario Botta’s iconic shogun lamp. Known for its clean lines and geometric precision, Botta’s lamp incorporates perforations or cutouts, allowing light to diffuse elegantly. Haneul Kim’s homage work demonstrates the potential of waste screens to replace traditional lampshades, showcasing a fusion of sustainability and design aesthetics. The project not only repurposes discarded materials but also reimagines them in the context of established design classics.
The versatility of waste movie screens is further highlighted as Kim extends the project to include furniture pieces such as tables and chairs. These pieces showcase the original patterns found in waste movie screens, adding a touch of uniqueness and character to each creation. By exploring the potential use of these screens as interior materials for the future, Kim is pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and encouraging a shift towards more environmentally conscious practices.
The repurposing of waste movie screens into lighting designs and furniture pieces not only addresses the issue of waste in the entertainment industry but also demonstrates the potential for meaningful utilization across various domains. Kim’s project underscores the exceptional functional and aesthetic qualities of waste movie screens, positioning them as valuable resources for the creation of sustainable and visually striking designs. As the design world continues to grapple with environmental concerns, Haneul Kim’s innovative approach serves as a beacon, pointing towards a future where discarded materials are transformed into objects of beauty and purpose.
In a groundbreaking collaboration with CGV, South Korea’s leading movie brand, designer Haneul Kim has unveiled a remarkable initiative to address the environmental challenge of waste generated by discarded movie screens. These screens, often several meters long, are typically cast aside due to damage, contamination, or the dismantling of theaters. Haneul Kim’s innovative approach transforms these seemingly obsolete materials into stunning and functional lighting designs, marking a significant step towards sustainability in the design industry.
Designer: Haneul Kim
Kim’s inspiration struck when he noticed the perforations on the discarded screens, recognizing a visual similarity to aluminum perforated plates commonly found in industrial applications. This revelation led to the ingenious idea of repurposing the screens’ sound-transmitting function into a source of light emission. The result is a series of portable lamps that ingeniously utilize the small holes in the screens to emit light, turning waste into a source of illumination.
The Waste Screen Recycle project also pays homage to the legendary designer Mario Botta’s iconic shogun lamp. Known for its clean lines and geometric precision, Botta’s lamp incorporates perforations or cutouts, allowing light to diffuse elegantly. Haneul Kim’s homage work demonstrates the potential of waste screens to replace traditional lampshades, showcasing a fusion of sustainability and design aesthetics. The project not only repurposes discarded materials but also reimagines them in the context of established design classics.
The versatility of waste movie screens is further highlighted as Kim extends the project to include furniture pieces such as tables and chairs. These pieces showcase the original patterns found in waste movie screens, adding a touch of uniqueness and character to each creation. By exploring the potential use of these screens as interior materials for the future, Kim is pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and encouraging a shift towards more environmentally conscious practices.
The repurposing of waste movie screens into lighting designs and furniture pieces not only addresses the issue of waste in the entertainment industry but also demonstrates the potential for meaningful utilization across various domains. Kim’s project underscores the exceptional functional and aesthetic qualities of waste movie screens, positioning them as valuable resources for the creation of sustainable and visually striking designs. As the design world continues to grapple with environmental concerns, Haneul Kim’s innovative approach serves as a beacon, pointing towards a future where discarded materials are transformed into objects of beauty and purpose.
Our unhealthy practices and way of living are truly harmful to the environment and have been slowly leading to its deterioration. And the world has been changing (for the worse) because of this. Hence, it is extremely important to live sustainably and consciously and to take care of the environment in 2024! Integrating sustainability into our day-to-day lives has become crucial. And we can do this in various ways. Designers and creators are coming up with sustainable alternatives for almost everything. Every product that is necessary and utilized by us in our everyday routine has an eco-friendly alternative to it. Replacing our usual mass-produced designs with these greener options will make a huge difference to the environment and Mother Earth. From a Saturn-inspired sustainable lamp to a bicycle seat made from cork– we’ve curated a whole collection of sustainable product designs to help you go green.
1. Briiv Pro
Dubbed the Briiv Pro, this eco-friendly purifier uses nature and technology to cleanse the indoor air in your home. The new Briiv Pro is more powerful than ever and is a ‘mini forest’ that purifies a 16 sq.m. room in about 21 minutes. This is supposed to be 6900% more effective than house plants!
Why is it noteworthy?
The fact that the Briiv Pro is 6900% more effective than house plants is truly amazing for a purifier of this size. Besides being super functional, it also looks gorgeous, unlike the ugly appliances that get passed off as air purifiers these days.
What we like
Utilizes a layered trifecta of moss, coconut fiber, and a silk nanofiber matrix with activated carbon
Works a whisper-soft noise level
Equipped with an AI-based sensor
What we dislike
2. Kreis Cup
Meet the Kreis Cup – a sustainable and durable coffee cup designed to enhance and improve your coffee-drinking experience. The Kreis Cup is available in a cup and travel-mug style!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Kreis Cup is heat resistant and designed to keep your coffee hot longer. It is ultimately biodegradable, and a better alternative than the plastic-based to-go mugs, and breakable ceramic mugs.
What we like
Made from spent coffee grounds
You can smell the faint unmistakable scent of coffee from it!
What we dislike
There is currently no scope for personalization, which can be inconvenient for users
3. FR-1 Bike Saddle
Dubbed the FR-1 Bike Saddle, this innovative bike saddle is made from reconstituted cork and grade 5 titanium. The designers did away with the usual three plastic layers of the bike saddle and replaced it with a single piece of cork.
Why is it noteworthy?
This cork has all the properties of those plastic layers – structural rigidity, weather resistance, and foam comfort. They will also introduce various variants with different grades of cork.
What we like
Has the structural perks of plastic, but the sustainability benefits of FR-1 Bike Saddle
What we dislike
You need 2 weeks for the cork to soften and break down
4. PLANETCARE 2.0
The PLANETCARE 2.0 is a microfiber filter attachment for your washing machine. 35% of the ocean’s microplastic problem comes from the washing machine since it is mostly a blend of synthetic fibers that mix with the water, and end up in the ocean.
Why is it noteworthy?
The PLANETCARE 2.0 is a handy and practical filter that can be snapped onto the side of your washing machine. It filters all the water the machine drains out after a cycle! It is the water equivalent of you sorting out your trash.
What we like
Can be niftily attached to your washing machine
It catches all the microplastics from the machine’s drain water
What we dislike
You may need to change/adjust the position of the filter to ensure adequate water pressure
5. Dissolving Bottle Shampoo
The Dissolving Bottle shampoo bars are not just practical solutions, but also symbols of commitment to a future that is sustainable and plastic-free. As users lather up and wet the Dissolving Bottle, it slowly diminishes in size until it finally disappears!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Dissolving Bottle is an innovative and unique solution that completely eradicates the need for traditional toiletry containers, providing us with a convenient and eco-friendly solution for daily hygiene routines.
What we like
Has the familiar shape of a typical shampoo container, making the transition an easy one
What we dislike
Requires careful handling, as exposure to water could result in premature dissolution
6. Packioli
A Turkish designer was able to come up with soap packaging called Packioli that is both hygienic and non-plastic and therefore more eco-friendly. One thing missing from most similar products is convenience and she was able to add it to this as well.
Why is it noteworthy?
She used artichoke leaves and combined them with peapod bioplastics to create packaging that commercial soap brands can use if they want to be more eco-conscious in creating their products.
What we like
It not only solves getting rid of plastic for soaps but also helps get rid of artichoke waste, which is around 80% of the actual vegetable
What we dislike
The look of the packaging is not similar to what we’re used to, with the labels and other colorful decorations, so may not be preferred by everyone
7. Memory Capsule
Named the Memory Capsule, this unique concept for a design challenge with Samsung looks like a regular USB flash drive on the surface but is in fact made from eco-friendly materials from old electronic devices.
Why is it noteworthy?
The packaging of this USB flash drive is made using recycled pulp, while the entire body of the flash drive is made using metals and plastics recycled from actual smartphones. The cap of the thumb drive is made using recycled polycarbonate which comes from discarded fishing nets.
What we like
Let’s you get rid of your old devices in an upcyclable way, while also retaining precious memories from your old device
What we dislike
We’re unsure if the data will be saved in the kiosk
8. Earth Rated Products
Canadian dog brand Earth Rated has collaborated with design agency Layer to embark on a journey of rebranding, they’ve created a simple and clean rebranding that focuses on recycling and natural products and have introduced an interesting range of sustainable dog toys.
Why is it noteworthy?
The dog toys feature joyful geometric forms and textured surfaces that invite interaction, building an intuitive user experience for both pets and owners. The toys are made using recycled and recyclable materials, compostable and post-consumer recycled plastics, and natural rubber.
What we like
Eco-friendly and fun products for your doggo, providing an intuitive experience for you as well
What we dislike
9. Oakwood MagSafe Collection
The Oakwood MagSafe collection utilizes the Apple MagSafe chargers to provide actual charging function and good-looking aesthetics as well. What they offer, instead, are solid and multi-functional bases that not only keep your iPhone or Apple Watch in place but also add some life to your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
With a mix of wood and matte aluminum materials, these stands and mounts look handsome on any motif you might have going for your desk, providing eye-catching ornaments without being distracting.
What we like
The MagSafe charger they hold can be removed and used as normal
Prevents more e-waste in the long run
What we dislike
None of the accessories come with an Apple MagSafe charger
10. Saturno Lamp
This unique spherical lamp is heavily inspired by the planet Saturn and its beautiful rings. It borrows ideas from the planet’s morphology to build something fun, unique, and sustainable.
Why is it noteworthy?
The SATURNO lamp is actually made of three disc-shaped parts that connect without the use of any glue or screws. There are cutouts instead that allow the parts to be inserted into each other at perpendicular angles. Two are made from walnut wood, while the third is made from resin, which could be any sustainable kind.
What we like
The LEDs can be controlled to showcase different colors and intensities
A versatile lighting fixture that gives a glimpse of the heavens right inside your home
What we dislike
The lamp won’t stand with its horizontal light mimicking the light scattered by Saturn’s rings unless it is provided with some support
Industrial designer Mary Lempres has unveiled a groundbreaking bio-cement structure named Reef Rocket, inspired by the intricate and resilient nature of oyster reefs. Designed to combat coastal flooding, filter seawater, and foster biodiversity, Reef Rocket utilizes biomimicry principles to mimic the functionalities of naturally occurring oyster reefs.
Designers: Mary Lempres, Ahmed Miftah
The structure comprises two bio-cement modules with ridged surfaces that can be stacked to form a distinctive rocket-like shape when assembled underwater. Lempres collaborated with bio-geotechnical specialist Ahmed Miftah to develop a unique method for growing plant-derived cement, drawing parallels to the irrigation systems used for plant cultivation.
Biomimicry, the practice of seeking solutions to human design challenges in nature, guided Lempres in creating ridged modules that emulate coastal oyster reefs. These reefs naturally filter algae from seawater, attract aquatic organisms, dissipate wave energy, mitigate storm surges, and manage eroding coastlines.
The bio-cement modules are formed by pouring a non-toxic solution containing a crude extract from globally grown plants over crushed aggregate. The aggregate, sourced in New York City, consists of crushed glass and oyster shells recovered from local restaurants and New York Harbour.
Lempres explained that the substrate, saturated for three to nine days, becomes natural concrete as the extracted biocatalyst causes minerals to form “mineral bridges” between the glass and shell waste. The resulting product is water-resistant, durable, and comparable to standard concrete but with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly and sustainable.
What sets Reef Rocket apart is its ability to grow in any environment without the need for heat or burning fossil fuels. Lempres emphasized its affordability and scalability as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement. The bio-concrete shares chemical similarities with the material oysters use to grow their reefs, but the key difference lies in the speed of growth, with Reef Rocket taking only several days compared to millennia for natural oyster reefs.
Lempres and her team experimented with “hundreds” of prototypes before settling on prefabricated molds for the modules. These molds allow the bio-cement to be packed and set without the need for heat or chemicals, offering an accessible and efficient assembly process.
Reef Rocket’s deliberate design prioritizes small size, lightweight construction, and ease of assembly, aiming to make the innovative solution accessible to a broad audience. Lempres envisions a future where durable materials can be grown like crops, regenerating waste and mitigating environmental pollution. The project stands as a testament to the potential of biomimicry and sustainable design in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and coastal resilience. Reef Rocket represents a significant step towards harmonizing human infrastructure with the resilient and regenerative capacities of the natural world.
We see plenty of solar-powered products today, ranging from simple lamps to complicated electronics. But despite the sustainability benefits these offer, there’s no escaping the fact that they do need to soak up the rays to actually work. That’s not much of a problem if the devices have large batteries that can be used when the sun is out, but not so much for smaller objects that have to be smarter in how they get some sunlight. The sun, unfortunately, never stays still, and other atmospheric conditions could make an area less exposed from time to time. To help alleviate that problem, this design concept for solar-powered street lamps takes inspiration from Mother Nature in order to seek out the sun where it shines the brightest.
Designer: VANTOT
When people talk about street lights, most will probably imagine lamps on top of posts. These lighting fixtures are designed to be stationary in order to be reliable landmarks as well as to make them more convenient to reach and maintain. That restriction, however, might pose a problem for solar-powered street lamps because they will always be at the mercy of the sun’s location. When clouds cast shadows or buildings rise to block the sun, these lamps might lose their one and only source of power.
The Sunseeker is an experimental solution to that problem that uproots street lights and sets them on a chain rather than on a post. This frees the hanging lights from staying in one spot and lets them move freely along the chain. It might be a strange capability, but it makes sense when you consider that the light sensors on each lamp actually detect where sunlight shines strongest and then move or turn the lamp’s solar panel to face that direction.
It’s definitely an odd feature, but one that can actually be seen in nature. The sunflower, for example, is famous for how it always faces the sun, a trait that is even more important for solar-powered devices. In this manner, the Sunseeker lights can move where the sun is, ensuring that it will always be at peak performance when the day star finally sets.
In addition to implementing a critical function, this sun-seeking behavior puts a playful spin on the lamps, pun intended. Crowds can be amazed and entertained as the circular panels slowly move and spin to match the direction of the sun. But even when they’re staying still, the lamps exude a character that is almost otherworldly, especially with how they look like a fleet of tiny UFOs lining up in the night sky.
We’re often advised to drink lots of water every day, but that isn’t always feasible unless we have a bottle of water with us all the time. It’s for this reason that water bottles have become quite popular these days, but many of these containers are large, heavy, and sometimes unsustainable. The latter is especially true for PET bottles, the most overused kind of water container there is. Its small, lightweight size makes it easy to carry around and its plastic material might make it seem like a good idea to reuse the bottle over and over again. Whatever the context, plastic is a harmful material in the long run, so this reusable and sustainable water bottle looks elsewhere for inspiration, one that’s easily overlooked and taken for granted because we simply throw away milk and juice boxes the moment they’ve been emptied.
Designer: Rishikesh Sonawane
It might have different names in different countries, but “TetraPak” is a common sight in groceries and refrigerators, holding liquids like milk, juice, and sometimes even soup. These cardboard containers are indeed designed to be thrown away, but there’s no reason one can’t design a variant that can hang around for quite a while before you have to part ways, primarily by recycling its parts. It lets you keep yourself healthy by drinking lots of water while also keeping the planet healthy by reducing the number of PET bottles out in the wild.
reU is the design concept that puts those ideas together, utilizing a layer of cardboard, aluminum, and polyethylene to provide form and structure to the water bottle shaped like an overgrown flask. These three materials were specifically chosen after much consideration because of their long-term benefits and ease of production, despite there being more sustainable alternatives available. Cardboard is better than paper mache when it comes to integrity and finish, aluminum is cheap and easily stretched into extremely thin sheets, and polyethylene, which is used in only 5% of the total design, is easy to produce.
The design, however, goes beyond just using sustainable materials. The shape of the “bottle”, for example, was chosen for space efficiency and easier grip. The dotted bottle cap made from bioplastic offers not just texture for turning the cap but also a visual contrast to the vertical lines running down the side of the bottle. The rubber tab keeps the cap in place and functions as a strap to hold or hang the bottle, but it can also be retracted to keep the cap from swinging around while you’re drinking or pouring out its contents.
Despite being a reusable bottle, reU isn’t meant to last forever. In fact, it’s designed to wear out to the point that you’ll have to properly dispose of it by recycling each distinct component separately and properly. This ensures that the water you drink will always be clean and safe, something that PET bottles can guarantee after repeated use. And given how cheap it is to produce and how easy it is to recycle, there’s little harm in replacing the reU with another reU, over and over again.
In the realm of biomimicry, the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter stands out as a futuristic marvel inspired by the incredible abilities of the fog-basking beetle. It is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends the brilliance of biomimicry, advanced materials, and smart technology. Inspired by the fog-basking beetle native to the Namibian deserts, this hydroponic planter is not merely a vessel for plants but a pioneering solution that promises a greener, more sustainable future.
Designer: Rishikesh Sonawane
Biomimicry is a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies found in nature to solve human design challenges. The fog-basking beetle, a tiny inhabitant of the Namibian deserts, can thrive in arid conditions by extracting moisture from the surrounding fog. Its microstructural adaptations, enhancing surface area by up to 60%, allow it to condense and redirect moisture, providing a source of sustenance in environments where water sources are scarce. This ingenious adaptation has become the inspiration behind the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter.
This planter represents a harmonious convergence of biomimicry and modern design principles. Unlike traditional planters, it transcends mere functionality, aspiring to become a statement piece that marries aesthetics with technological innovation. The modular design, a hallmark of this project, not only facilitates ease of use but also underscores the commitment to adaptability and sustainable plant care.
The use of advanced materials fortifies the structural integrity of the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter. The air intake module is meticulously crafted from Plexiglas, a polymer renowned for its resistance to sunlight (also used in aquariums and airplane windows), preventing yellowing over time. The main body incorporates Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), a versatile clay composite with superior water retention properties, strength, and porosity. The aluminum 6063 base complements this ensemble, providing a stable foundation resistant to corrosion.
To achieve simplicity and practicality, the planter is ingeniously disassembled into four primary components. The drip tray, perforated ring, metal ring, and polymer cap collectively ensure easy maintenance and cleaning. The LECA planter’s internal structure, designed to mimic the fog-basking beetle’s shell, employs hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements strategically, optimizing moisture retention and distribution.
The planter introduces a groundbreaking approach to airflow dynamics by incorporating the Coanda Effect. As humid air courses through the planter, moisture is absorbed, contributing to increased turbine efficiency. This design concept draws inspiration from well-established technologies, such as Dyson fans and jet turbines, showcasing a commitment to energy efficiency.
Elevating plant care to new heights, the planter integrates intelligent features denoted as Smart+. A temperature and humidity sensor, intricately linked with the electronic components, dynamically adjusts the turbine speed, allowing users precise control over the plant’s microenvironment. The accompanying app, a technological companion, provides real-time data on humidity and temperature levels, offering insightful recommendations for optimal watering cycles based on the geographic location of the planter.
User interaction with the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter is facilitated through an intuitive and user-friendly app interface. The app acts as a conduit between the user and the planter’s internal environment, allowing the monitoring of moisture concentrations, receiving water cycle recommendations, and tracking humidity and temperature levels throughout the day. This digital integration transforms the planter from a mere vessel into a sophisticated and futuristic table accessory.
The Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter is not merely a horticultural innovation; it is a testament to the symbiosis of nature and technology in the pursuit of sustainable living. As we navigate the complexities of modern existence, this planter stands as a beacon of hope, offering a glimpse into a future where our interaction with nature is characterized by thoughtful design, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to environmental harmony. With each leaf it nurtures, it heralds a greener, more sustainable tomorrow, where biomimicry and technological ingenuity converge to create a better world—one plant at a time.
In the realm of biomimicry, the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter stands out as a futuristic marvel inspired by the incredible abilities of the fog-basking beetle. It is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends the brilliance of biomimicry, advanced materials, and smart technology. Inspired by the fog-basking beetle native to the Namibian deserts, this hydroponic planter is not merely a vessel for plants but a pioneering solution that promises a greener, more sustainable future.
Designer: Rishikesh Sonawane
Biomimicry is a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies found in nature to solve human design challenges. The fog-basking beetle, a tiny inhabitant of the Namibian deserts, can thrive in arid conditions by extracting moisture from the surrounding fog. Its microstructural adaptations, enhancing surface area by up to 60%, allow it to condense and redirect moisture, providing a source of sustenance in environments where water sources are scarce. This ingenious adaptation has become the inspiration behind the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter.
This planter represents a harmonious convergence of biomimicry and modern design principles. Unlike traditional planters, it transcends mere functionality, aspiring to become a statement piece that marries aesthetics with technological innovation. The modular design, a hallmark of this project, not only facilitates ease of use but also underscores the commitment to adaptability and sustainable plant care.
The use of advanced materials fortifies the structural integrity of the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter. The air intake module is meticulously crafted from Plexiglas, a polymer renowned for its resistance to sunlight (also used in aquariums and airplane windows), preventing yellowing over time. The main body incorporates Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), a versatile clay composite with superior water retention properties, strength, and porosity. The aluminum 6063 base complements this ensemble, providing a stable foundation resistant to corrosion.
To achieve simplicity and practicality, the planter is ingeniously disassembled into four primary components. The drip tray, perforated ring, metal ring, and polymer cap collectively ensure easy maintenance and cleaning. The LECA planter’s internal structure, designed to mimic the fog-basking beetle’s shell, employs hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements strategically, optimizing moisture retention and distribution.
The planter introduces a groundbreaking approach to airflow dynamics by incorporating the Coanda Effect. As humid air courses through the planter, moisture is absorbed, contributing to increased turbine efficiency. This design concept draws inspiration from well-established technologies, such as Dyson fans and jet turbines, showcasing a commitment to energy efficiency.
Elevating plant care to new heights, the planter integrates intelligent features denoted as Smart+. A temperature and humidity sensor, intricately linked with the electronic components, dynamically adjusts the turbine speed, allowing users precise control over the plant’s microenvironment. The accompanying app, a technological companion, provides real-time data on humidity and temperature levels, offering insightful recommendations for optimal watering cycles based on the geographic location of the planter.
User interaction with the Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter is facilitated through an intuitive and user-friendly app interface. The app acts as a conduit between the user and the planter’s internal environment, allowing the monitoring of moisture concentrations, receiving water cycle recommendations, and tracking humidity and temperature levels throughout the day. This digital integration transforms the planter from a mere vessel into a sophisticated and futuristic table accessory.
The Fog Smart Hydroponic Planter is not merely a horticultural innovation; it is a testament to the symbiosis of nature and technology in the pursuit of sustainable living. As we navigate the complexities of modern existence, this planter stands as a beacon of hope, offering a glimpse into a future where our interaction with nature is characterized by thoughtful design, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to environmental harmony. With each leaf it nurtures, it heralds a greener, more sustainable tomorrow, where biomimicry and technological ingenuity converge to create a better world—one plant at a time.
Although electric cars are becoming more common, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what they’re capable of. Removing the need for traditional fuel and relying on batteries opens up new possibilities, and not just in terms of power sources. It can offer a bit more flexibility when it comes to the form and function of the vehicle, like cars with completely digital interfaces or screens all around. There might even be room for a modular design, as this concept for a tiny Japanese electric van tries to show, allowing the manufacturer or even the owner to switch out certain parts both outside and inside to match their needs, just like pieces of a puzzle.
Designer: HW Electro
To be fair, a modular car might be a bit far down the road considering the industry is hyper-focused on standardizing electric vehicles and making self-driving features more acceptable to the masses. That’s not to say that the design is a distant possibility only, especially when the features are made to be more practical rather than fantastical. Switching out panels is probably more feasible than switching out whole car parts or components, which is the kind of modularity that the Puzzle concept embodies.
At first glance, the boxy shape of the Puzzle will already look strange to those not used to so-called “Kei cars,” but this kind of van design is popular in Japan for striking a balance between large interior capacity and small compact size. It’s a design that screams practical efficiency, and making it modular is taking it to the next level. But unlike what you might be imagining, the Puzzle’s pieces, pardon the pun, are limited to swapping out certain panels at the sides, corners, and even inside. It’s a bit of a generic system that opens up quite a number of possibilities but, more importantly, it also doesn’t tie them down to a specific design or part. It also makes replacing damaged panels easier and more economical, something that you can only dream of with regular cars.
The Puzzle van also has secrets to reveal inside its extremely spacious cabin. The interior door panel has slots that make it possible to add and remove different modules, such as containers, cup holders, and the like. Even the dashboard has this kind of design, yielding a clean yet flexible space for expanding the van’s capabilities, especially in the infotainment aspect. The cargo space, which is practically a cube, is also more space-efficient for storing boxes and all sorts of large objects, making the EV a potential delivery vehicle.
Thanks to the boxy form of this Kei car, it’s possible to put a solar panel on the roof to really maximize its battery mileage. Modular and sustainable, the Puzzle minivan concept offers an extremely simple yet effective solution to the future of electric vehicles, one that espouses the Japanese spirit of minimalism and practicality where form clearly follows function.
Although electric cars are becoming more common, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what they’re capable of. Removing the need for traditional fuel and relying on batteries opens up new possibilities, and not just in terms of power sources. It can offer a bit more flexibility when it comes to the form and function of the vehicle, like cars with completely digital interfaces or screens all around. There might even be room for a modular design, as this concept for a tiny Japanese electric van tries to show, allowing the manufacturer or even the owner to switch out certain parts both outside and inside to match their needs, just like pieces of a puzzle.
Designer: HW Electro
To be fair, a modular car might be a bit far down the road considering the industry is hyper-focused on standardizing electric vehicles and making self-driving features more acceptable to the masses. That’s not to say that the design is a distant possibility only, especially when the features are made to be more practical rather than fantastical. Switching out panels is probably more feasible than switching out whole car parts or components, which is the kind of modularity that the Puzzle concept embodies.
At first glance, the boxy shape of the Puzzle will already look strange to those not used to so-called “Kei cars,” but this kind of van design is popular in Japan for striking a balance between large interior capacity and small compact size. It’s a design that screams practical efficiency, and making it modular is taking it to the next level. But unlike what you might be imagining, the Puzzle’s pieces, pardon the pun, are limited to swapping out certain panels at the sides, corners, and even inside. It’s a bit of a generic system that opens up quite a number of possibilities but, more importantly, it also doesn’t tie them down to a specific design or part. It also makes replacing damaged panels easier and more economical, something that you can only dream of with regular cars.
The Puzzle van also has secrets to reveal inside its extremely spacious cabin. The interior door panel has slots that make it possible to add and remove different modules, such as containers, cup holders, and the like. Even the dashboard has this kind of design, yielding a clean yet flexible space for expanding the van’s capabilities, especially in the infotainment aspect. The cargo space, which is practically a cube, is also more space-efficient for storing boxes and all sorts of large objects, making the EV a potential delivery vehicle.
Thanks to the boxy form of this Kei car, it’s possible to put a solar panel on the roof to really maximize its battery mileage. Modular and sustainable, the Puzzle minivan concept offers an extremely simple yet effective solution to the future of electric vehicles, one that espouses the Japanese spirit of minimalism and practicality where form clearly follows function.
