2009.10.30
AXIS vol.142
Cover Interview Hiroshi Ishii, Associate Director and Professor of MIT Media Laboratory
“How do you want to be remembered by people living in 2200? What will you leave for them?” These are some of the questions MIT Media Lab professor Hiroshi Ishii poses to young researchers. They demonstrate the desire to create a vision for the future. “Originality is everything,” “No one can hammer in a stake that sticks out too far,” and “Hunger and humiliation make people stronger”… Both inside and outside the lab, Prof. Ishii has many words of encouragement for students and creators alike. In keeping with his words, Prof. Ishii relentlessly pursues a vision for the future.
Feature Advanced Design Research
The introduction to our special feature titled Design Research in AXIS vol.88 (December, 2000) contained the following lines: “Leonardo da Vinci thoroughly researched and observed his subjects, as evidenced by the great number of manuscripts he left behind. He had also criticized artist and friend Botticelli for painting crudely owing to casual and superficial research.” While he believed in his own sensibilities, Leonardo did not depend on them alone, and gave birth to new creations through dedicated research.
Today, when it’s even difficult to see what’s just around the next corner, ought not the attitude taken by designers be something like da Vinci’s?
In this issue of AXIS we introduce unique case studies of the latest design research that will open new paths to the future. We have searched for examples that speak not just of the present market but of something more “advanced.”
The Stanford Institute/ Stanford University’s Media X/ IDEO/ ARUP/ Microsoft Research/ University of Western Australia’s Symbiotica/ RCA Design Interaction Department etc.
Traditional Craft Forms Seals
A variety of elements are packed within square frame measuring approximately 25 ×25 millimeters, expressing the individuality and presence of the owner, the origins of the characters and their design, and the carving skills of the engraver. Such detail can only be created by the human hand. Gradually becoming a rarity, these handmade seals are made in a small studio in Kyoto.
Opinion Sven Everfeld, Executive chef of Restaurant Aqua
Restaurant Aqua, located in Wolfsburg where Volkswagen AG makes its home, is attracting a great deal of attention both in and outside of Germany. I visited the restaurant’s kitchen and talked with Executive chef Sven Elverfeld about his creative ambitions,
from the development of the menu to kitchen and tableware design.
Topic 101st Anniversary Works-in-Progress for Mihoya Glass
Mihoya Glass is based in Nishiazabu, Tokyo. Its third generation owner Tomohiko Mihoya has supported making things by creators in numerous cases of design, architecture and art.
Here he talks about his enthusiasm and expectations for the exhibition. This, at the same time, involves reflecting on his collaboration with Shiro Kuramata and speaking about glass. These are valuable episodes spanning from the 1960s to the present.
Topic Sanyo Electric’s rechargeable lantern illuminates African nights
Sanyo Electric launched sales of eneloop lantern in Uganda, Africa in October 2009. It is a lamp developed in response to a request by the local residents for a substitute for the kerosene lamp, and makes use of the solar power generation and rechargeable battery technologies that Sanyo Electric excels in.
Series:
The Prototype Flower Robotics’ Polaris
James Dyson on The James Dyson Award
The Civil Engineering of Ethics Graffiti spiral
Gentle Cultivator of Life The thought and practice of Gilles Clement etc.
Topics:
Antonio Citterio in pursuit of a standard
A visit to Living & Design A new link between home, interior, and furniture
The 4th Promise for the future: School-Selected All-star Design Showcase etc.
