Tag sculpture

It isn’t often that you see brutalism as a design style being used outside architecture… but this sculptural speaker is a different beast entirely.

Designed to look like it was chiseled out of actual concrete, “TheSoloist. Sounds.” from Takahiro Miyashita was crafted with the vision of being the absolute centerpiece of your living room. Outwardly, it’s an homage to New York’s Flatiron building, standing at an impressive 43 inches tall with a dizzying amount of detail. Behind that exterior, however, is a 7-speaker setup designed to output a whopping 2000W of audio power, loud enough that its engineers promise “spectacular sound pressure that can be felt directly on the skin.”

Designer: Takahiro Miyashita

Before your ears experience TheSoloist. Sounds.’s audio, your eyes are treated to one of the most beautiful speakers they’ll ever see. Now in the realm of speaker design, TheSoloist. Sounds. is far from traditional. It doesn’t boast your standard acoustic chamber, audio grill, or showcase the drivers. It looks entirely like an artistic representation of New York’s architecture emerging from a block of concrete, but under that facade hides all of the audio magic. The sculpture can be split into two halves, the upper chiseled section and the lower, which arguably house the mid/high, and the woofer drivers respectively.

The lower section sports two 6.5″ woofers, while the upper part of the speaker houses two 3″ mid-range and three 1″ tweeters, covering a frequency range of 20Hz ~ 25KHz. The speaker pulls 2000W of power, and outputs an impressive 110dB of audio. The entire unit comes crafted from faux concrete, weighing 55lb (24.9 kilograms)… which does feel deceptively light for its nearly 4-foot stature.

Recreated for a second edition after the first one sold out, TheSoloist. Sounds. sports an eye-watering $$6,345.32 price tag… but that makes sense just given the amount of effort and intricate detail that went into the exterior as well as its inner hardware. That being said, TheSoloist. Sounds. isn’t for the discerning audiophile. It’s made for people who want an expressive statement piece to dominate their interior spaces – something this brutalist speaker does exceedingly well!

With the prevalence of electronic devices like smartphones and smart speakers, you might think that sound and music can only come from these objects. Of course, they are more medium than source, and there are plenty of things that generate audible audio waves even without the help of man-made contraptions. Nature, for example, has plenty of mystifying sounds that almost border on being musical, but there are also hidden ways that natural objects can produce sounds with a little help from technology. Using biological data and a bit of scientific creativity, one can even hear the “music” that plants make, such as this rather unique “sound sculpture” that makes a small bonsai tree sing its heart out in alien-like tones.

Designer: Love Hultén

To be clear, plants don’t make music, no matter how enchanting that concept might be. What artists, musicians, and designers are doing is to gather the subtle electrical signals generated by chemical changes in plants and interpret them as a series of tones generated by a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) device that hardly resembles a pleasing harmony. That said, even that straightforward process is enough to capture one’s curiosity and inspire a sense of wonder, even if it won’t win any music awards.

Tegel is one such artistic exploration in the translation of biological signals into audible sounds utilizing the popular bonsai tree. The choice of plant is almost poetic, given how this family of diminutive plants is often associated with meditation, calmness, and Zen. Ironically, the tones and beeps that are produced by this sound sculpture are hardly relaxing and are more like EDM for parties.

The small tree is housed inside a tall glass dome and is connected to an audio synthesizer via wires clipped onto its leaves. The plant acts more like a series of resistors rather than an actual sound source, and the sound sculpture incorporates dials to fine-tune the sound that comes out of it. There’s even a MIDI keyboard so that the user can add their own input to the mix.

What makes Tegel really special isn’t the process but the form that it comes in. Love Hultén has created quite a few of these contraptions that transform biodata into sound, but those really look the part of machines. In contrast, this sound sculpture is as much art as it is technology, inspired by the brick creations of Danish sculptor Per Kirkeby. It makes the bonsai tree a part of a miniaturized brick garden, creating a visual contrast of organic life and man-made structures working together to produce something akin to a miracle, that of pulling music out of a silent tree.

With the prevalence of electronic devices like smartphones and smart speakers, you might think that sound and music can only come from these objects. Of course, they are more medium than source, and there are plenty of things that generate audible audio waves even without the help of man-made contraptions. Nature, for example, has plenty of mystifying sounds that almost border on being musical, but there are also hidden ways that natural objects can produce sounds with a little help from technology. Using biological data and a bit of scientific creativity, one can even hear the “music” that plants make, such as this rather unique “sound sculpture” that makes a small bonsai tree sing its heart out in alien-like tones.

Designer: Love Hultén

To be clear, plants don’t make music, no matter how enchanting that concept might be. What artists, musicians, and designers are doing is to gather the subtle electrical signals generated by chemical changes in plants and interpret them as a series of tones generated by a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) device that hardly resembles a pleasing harmony. That said, even that straightforward process is enough to capture one’s curiosity and inspire a sense of wonder, even if it won’t win any music awards.

Tegel is one such artistic exploration in the translation of biological signals into audible sounds utilizing the popular bonsai tree. The choice of plant is almost poetic, given how this family of diminutive plants is often associated with meditation, calmness, and Zen. Ironically, the tones and beeps that are produced by this sound sculpture are hardly relaxing and are more like EDM for parties.

The small tree is housed inside a tall glass dome and is connected to an audio synthesizer via wires clipped onto its leaves. The plant acts more like a series of resistors rather than an actual sound source, and the sound sculpture incorporates dials to fine-tune the sound that comes out of it. There’s even a MIDI keyboard so that the user can add their own input to the mix.

What makes Tegel really special isn’t the process but the form that it comes in. Love Hultén has created quite a few of these contraptions that transform biodata into sound, but those really look the part of machines. In contrast, this sound sculpture is as much art as it is technology, inspired by the brick creations of Danish sculptor Per Kirkeby. It makes the bonsai tree a part of a miniaturized brick garden, creating a visual contrast of organic life and man-made structures working together to produce something akin to a miracle, that of pulling music out of a silent tree.

When you’re visiting car exhibit shows, you expect to see nothing but cars on display. The brands have to figure out how to make it a bit more exciting and innovative since looking at cars can become repetitive and if you’re not really a car enthusiast, it can get boring. But when you’re displaying a car at an art and design exhibition, then you can expect a more non-traditional way to look at the vehicle.

Designer: Marjan van Aubel

An installation to celebrate the Lexus LF-ZC Battery Electric Vehicle Concept Car is now on display at the Miami Art & Design Week. The “sculpture” is called “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” which is the time it takes for light to reach earth. So instead of the usual car display, what you get is a self-illuminating 3D skeleton of the concept car itself. It’s made from organic transparent photovoltaic (POV) sheets and is powered by solar energy. Each cell gives off a spectrum of color and movement and they are transparent to give off the maximum effect of light and patterns.

The EV Skateboard, which is where the engine will be located, is highlighted with an LED panel. It is the main feature of the car so this is where eyes will be drawn. Depending on where you’re standing, you’ll get a different perspective of the sculpture. There are also motion sensors which will let the car respond to those walking around, triggering a ripple through the LED light panels. You will also hear bamboo chimes since the concept car uses bamboo materials as well.

Every 10 minutes, you’ll get a crescendo of sound and light patterns. Since the sculpture is located in a garden setting, the color temperature also shifts along with the natural circadian rhythms of its surroundings. It’s a pretty interesting thing to see this in person and to experience a different kind of display for cars, even if it’s still just a concept car.

A minimalist and sculptural bridge was recently constructed across the River Vltava in Prague. Designed by architects Petr Tej and Marek Blank in collaboration with engineer Jan Mourek, the bridge spans 300 meters and is meant to resemble marble. The expansive and sleek concrete bridge connects the banks of Prague’s Holešovice and Karlín districts, giving it the nickname HolKa. The structure also includes a ramp to Štvanice – a tiny island that houses a park and sports areas. The bridge is dedicated to the use of pedestrians and cyclists.

Designer: Atelier Bridge Structures and Blank Architekti

Tej and Mourek work together under Atelier Bridge Structures, while Blank is from Blank Architekti. Tej elaborated that both Holešovice and Karlín are two entirely different parts of the city, and the park on Štvanice ensures that urban wilderness and nature are easily accessible to both districts, hence the ramp was incorporated on the bridge. The bridge features a mesmerizing curved design that is marked by a continuous slender beam of white concrete with a subtle H-shaped profile.

The bridge brings to mind the image of a solid white marble sculpture! It is supported by embankment abutments and piers, with a hydraulic system that ensures the bridge can be raised if any flooding occurs. The design of the bridge is reminiscent of the other low-lying bridges you may come across in Prague, which are designed with the intention of minimizing the disruption of the views of the city.

“The silhouette of the bridge reacts to the Prague skyline in particular by the fact that its structure is not high, with no pylons and tie rods that would disturb views of the city,” said Tej. “All Prague bridges are structures with a lower structure, and the choice of full parapet beams responds to parapets on most Prague bridges. The character of the surface should evoke white marble – the bridge should act as a large sculpture in the city, a white, minimalist line,” he concluded.

The sides of the bridge are marked with fluted metal handrails, that finish at the end with bronze animal sculptures – making a reference to the history of the place. A sculpture called The River by Jan Hendrych is also placed at the foot of the ramp on Štvanice.

“The animal motifs are actually a kind of monument to the animals that suffered on different sides of the bridge. There was a cavalry regiment on the Karlín side, hence the horses, hare hunts were held on Štvanice island, hence the hares and the market area in Holešovice was originally used as a slaughterhouse, hence the bulls,” said Tej.

In the world of audio enthusiasts, where the pursuit of pure sound quality reigns supreme, the Three-Eyed Eel (3Eel) emerges as an audacious masterpiece, combining impeccable design with high-fidelity sound reproduction. Crafted with an unwavering dedication to both form and function, the 3Eel stands as an iconic testament to the marriage of aesthetics and audiophile excellence.

Designer: Andrew Roberts

Audiophiles, those devoted souls who seek nothing short of sonic perfection, now have a new muse in the form of the Three-Eyed Eel. This remarkable speaker is more than just a vessel for sound; it’s an artistic statement that harmoniously weaves together visual allure with auditory brilliance.

With its distinctive and captivating appearance, the 3Eel isn’t merely a speaker—it’s a piece of art that resonates with audiophiles who have an unquenchable thirst for pure audio bliss. This is a product designed for those who understand that true sound quality is an experience that transcends the mundane.

The 3Eel isn’t just another speaker—it’s a bold venture into the world of cabinet design. This enclosure, often overlooked in favor of the drivers it houses, takes center stage in the 3Eel. The team behind this masterpiece delved deep into the realms of form and structure, discovering how the very design of the cabinet could elevate the art of high-end audio reproduction.

The challenge of managing rearward energy from driver units has plagued audiophiles for ages. Traditional cabinet designs have struggled with internal resonance, a culprit that robs sound quality of its brilliance. The 3Eel addresses this dilemma head-on with innovation and flair.

Inspired by the pioneering work of Laurence Dickie and his use of tapered tubes in acclaimed loudspeakers, the 3Eel employs a ‘triple chamber’ form that elegantly meanders into a diminished taper. This ingenious design channels the rearward vibrations through internal chambers, effectively silencing unwanted resonances. The outcome? Driver units perform unhindered, delivering sound that’s true to the essence of the original recording.

One of 3Eel’s many remarkable attributes is its devotion to accessibility and evolution. It’s not just a static masterpiece; it’s a speaker designed for exploration and personalization. The creative minds behind the 3Eel envisioned a product that empowers its owners to replace and upgrade components with ease.

Breaking away from the shackles of conventional design, the 3Eel’s modular structure offers detachable components that encourage tinkering. It’s a canvas awaiting the brushstrokes of audiophile experimentation. The cabinet’s spacious and transparent design beckons enthusiasts to dive in, fostering a spirit of discovery and innovation.

The Three-Eyed Eel (3Eel) is more than a speaker; it’s an odyssey into the heart of audiophile passion. This remarkable creation transcends boundaries, merging the realms of design and sound with unapologetic audacity. For audiophiles, the 3Eel isn’t just an object—it’s a vessel for the pursuit of pure audio. With its innovative design, unrivaled sound quality, and commitment to evolution, the 3Eel stands tall as an epitome of audio excellence. It’s a symphony for the eyes and ears, inviting enthusiasts to embark on an everlasting quest for sonic perfection.