Be Open think tank

#BeOpenDESIGN Fog-X is a wearable water-harvesting jacket designed by Swedish designer Pavels Hedström to help travelers in arid, remote regions collect drinking water from the air. Featuring an expandable mesh antenna that captures fog, mist, and rain, the jacket channels moisture into an integrated water bladder, providing a self-sufficient hydration solution. It also transforms into a one-person shelter, offering sun protection alongside water collection. More water-harvesting designs on our blog.

#BeOpenDESIGN Surf Block Maui is transforming surfboard waste into sustainable building materials by repurposing EPS foam—commonly used in board shaping—into durable, insulated composite concrete form (ICCF) blocks. These blocks replace traditional concrete masonry units, cutting down on imported concrete, reducing landfill waste, and improving thermal performance in buildings. Developed in response to Hawaii’s unique environmental challenges and limited resources, the system supports local housing efforts with a low-carbon, disaster-resilient alternative. By turning a cultural byproduct into a construction solution, Surf Block Maui bridges surfing heritage with climate-smart design. More next-gen materials on our blog.

#BeOpenDESIGN Recent Central Saint Martins graduate Hinna Khan reimagines electronics with WoolTech, a wool-based biomaterial that replaces plastic, metal, and circuit boards. Developed using carbonisation via laser, the material is both conductive and biodegradable, addressing the growing problem of e-waste while revitalising the declining UK wool industry. Drawing on the underutilised technical properties of coarse wool—fire resistance, moisture-wicking, and high carbon content—Khan’s prototypes, including a torch and circuit board, offer a low-impact, dismantle-friendly alternative to traditional electronics. WoolTech not only reduces reliance on petrochemicals and mined metals but also promotes social sustainability by creating value for British hill farmers and preserving rare sheep breeds.

#BeOpenARCH Bangkok-based architecture studio ASWA (Architectural Studio of Work – Aholic) delivers a precise reinterpretation of Thai vernacular design with Vela be Siam, a hotel situated in the city’s dynamic Siam Square. Drawing from traditional Thai domestic architecture, ASWA reimagines elements like the Pun-Lom gable board through a contemporary material palette, most notably in the stainless steel facade adorned with shimmering chain links that reference both heritage detailing and utilitarian mosquito netting. Inside, bold color schemes define each zone, with vivid hues energizing communal areas and gradually softening in guest rooms to balance vibrancy with comfort. Through this layered approach, ASWA creates a contextually responsive, visually striking hospitality experience rooted in cultural memory yet firmly modern in execution.

#BeOpenARCH As its name suggests, Taiwanese designer Cheng Tsung Feng’s Sticky Rice Dumpling bamboo cabin draws inspiration from the traditional zongzi rice dumpling, translating its wrapped form into an architectural language that is both sculptural and functional. Measuring 3.4 by 4.3 by 3.6 meters, the cabin is constructed using Moso bamboo, metal joints, and nylon rope, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary techniques. Its open-weave design enables natural ventilation and dappled light, responding passively to the forest’s climate while minimizing environmental impact. Rather than imposing on its setting, the cabin integrates seamlessly with the landscape, embodying a sustainable ethos through material honesty and spatial sensitivity.

#BeOpenDESIGN Chaude Couture by Berlin-based design studio Fabulism reimagines rainwear by blending traditional craft and natural materials into a functional, fashion-forward statement. Designed by Giulia Pozzi and Mirko Andolina, the garment is handwoven from rice straw, making it water-repellent, lightweight, and entirely plastic-free. Inspired by old-style raincoats and tropical cultures that embrace rain through design, it doubles as a micro-shelter with a dome-like shape that protects the upper body without adding bulk. More than just clothing, Chaude Couture explores how fashion can respond to climate and environment, offering a poetic connection between people, nature, and design.

#BeOpenDESIGN Delite 2.0, designed by Govind Sharma and Anup Chander of the award-winning Indian studio PencilProto, redefines the concept of a table lamp by merging thoughtful storytelling with cutting-edge technology. Inspired by Indian marriage traditions, every element of its design—from the solid base to the OLED-lit canopy—symbolizes aspects of union, family, and growth, even including a space for a plant to represent new life. Unlike typical lamps, Delite 2.0 uses ultrathin OLED panels to reduce UV output, making it both elegant and insect-resistant.

#BeOpenDESIGN Swedish designer Gustaf Westman’s Pink Spiral baguette holder blurs the line between object and accessory, turning a simple bread carrier into a sculptural statement. Rendered in his signature bubblegum pink and shaped in three looping coils, the design merges playful absurdity with fashion-forward aesthetics. It perfectly embodies the central theme of this collection: that even the most utilitarian tasks can be reimagined through design as personal, joyful, and visually arresting experiences. Discover more food-focused bags that elevate a mundane act of carrying food on our blog.

#BeOpenDESIGN AXO is a conceptual 3D-printed orthopedic cast developed by Aadhya Krishna and her team at California College of the Arts, designed to address both patient discomfort and environmental impact in emergency care. Made from sustainable materials such as plant extracts, recycled food waste, and bio-resins, AXO features a breathable, lightweight triangular lattice structure that offers strength, flexibility, and adjustability. The design prioritizes comfort, hygiene, and recyclability, while minimizing medical waste and reducing the need for follow-up appointments. More than just a cast, AXO proposes a sustainable ecosystem for fracture treatment, one that centers on user experience, ecological responsibility, and social impact. More innovative medical casts on our blog.

#BeOpenARCH Zaha Hadid Architects has completed GO PARK Sai Sha, a 1.3-million-square-foot sports and cultural complex in Hong Kong, designed to blend seamlessly with its mountainous surroundings and serve as a vibrant community hub. The project features a network of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, retail, dining, and public spaces organized around a central piazza. Drawing inspiration from the terrain and local village architecture, the complex unfolds as a series of interconnected terraces and volumes. A gently sloping circulation ramp weaves through the site, linking all functions and leading to a rooftop garden with views of the cove.

#BeOpenDESIGN The project 'from the ashes,' by German Studio Peipei, rethinks traditional glassmaking by replacing sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate, materials that are both energy-intensive and increasingly scarce due to environmental degradation, with locally sourced waste: wood ash from pizzerias and seashells from seafood restaurants. This approach avoids chemical additives, long-distance transport, and the environmental damage tied to conventional methods.

#BeOpenDESIGN As excitement builds around the Nintendo Switch 2, fan-artist 7R135 has introduced GamiFries, a clever 3D-printed accessory that uses the console’s built-in magnetic connectors to securely hold a McDonald’s medium fries box. Designed for both handheld and docked controller modes, the attachment allows gamers to snack mid-game without pausing or adjusting their grip. Fully 3D printable and requiring no extra tools or fasteners, GamiFries fits snugly around the fry container with a satisfying snap, making it both functional and amusing.

#BeOpenDESIGN Dutch designers Suzanne Oude Hengel and Joris de Groot have developed Welded Loop, a fully recyclable sneaker prototype made entirely from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), combining knitted uppers with 3D-printed soles and components, all seamlessly welded without glue. By using only one material and merging expertise in textile knitting and high-frequency plastic welding, the duo created a mono-material shoe that simplifies the recycling process and challenges conventional footwear design. The project is still in its early stages but highlights the potential of TPU for sustainable, aesthetically distinct footwear, with ambitions for future commercial development.

#BeOpenDESIGN Vollebak’s Electromagnetic Shielding Bomber is a futuristic fusion of fashion and aerospace engineering, crafted from nylon woven with pure silver – technology originally developed to protect satellites from radiation and surveillance. Designed to block a broad range of electromagnetic frequencies (0.2–14 GHz), including WiFi, Bluetooth, and radar, it features a dedicated Faraday cage phone pocket that cuts off all digital signals, offering unmatched privacy in a hyper-connected world. Beyond signal shielding, the jacket’s silver-infused fabric also provides antimicrobial protection, making it as hygienic as it is high-tech. More designs reframing electromagnetic shielding in our blog.

#BeOpenDESIGN Developed by London-based designer Rahat Rai, Done & Dusted project transforms an unlikely material—household dust—into a conceptual textile used to create a pair of slippers. By collecting vacuum-cleaner dust and processing it through felting techniques, Rai produced a fabric reinforced with stitching and latex, addressing both structural integrity and hygiene through heat treatment. The slippers, while not intended for everyday use, serve as a commentary on material waste, domesticity, and overlooked resources. More valuable material assets made from dust in our blog.

#BeOpenDESIGN Facing a surge in stray cats and low public awareness, South Korea’s Molly’s Petshop launched an eco-friendly campaign to provide shelter and food for homeless felines. Customers buying stray cat food received “hood houses”—weather-resistant, dome-shaped shelters made by repurposing donated padded clothing. This sustainable design featured insulated roofs, bedding, and waterproof covers, combining functionality with compassion. The initiative reached over a million people in two weeks, and provided over 2,000 cats in Seoul with warmth and care during winter, showcasing how innovative design and community effort can address urban animal welfare.

#BeOpenARCH Vancouver-based Daria Sheina Studio has designed The Nest, a self-sufficient, low-impact retreat perched above the forests of Keats Island, near the city. Built for a remote, ecologically sensitive site, the three-story home uses prefabricated mass timber flown in by helicopter and assembled in just two days. Inspired by the protective qualities of a bird’s nest, the compact structure balances privacy, views, and minimal footprint across vertically stacked living spaces. Clad in weathering cedar and powered by solar energy, The Nest blends into its forested surroundings while offering a peaceful, off-grid alternative to urban life.

#BeOpenDESIGN Reflection, designed by Andrew Loh for the Missing Dining Table collection, reimagines the ritual of mealtime to include our pets as fully integrated dining companions. With a sensor embedded in the tabletop, placing your plate triggers a pet food dispenser and activates a video camera—allowing you and your pet to share a meal face-to-face. When not in use for dining, the table seamlessly transitions into a functional task surface for working or other activities. This inventive design thoughtfully accommodates the increasingly significant role pets play in our daily lives, blending technological innovation with emotional and practical connection.

#BeOpenDESIGN Local esign brand PDM has unveiled a pair of flip flops inspired by the distinctive zigzag paving stones commonly seen across Thailand. The sandals reimagine a familiar urban element into a bold, wearable form. PDM describes the flip flops as both playful and practical, crafted to spark joy and curiosity while remaining fully wearable.

#BeOpenDESIGN In response to the challenges faced by stray animals in urban India, New Dehli based designer Piyush Prateek has developed Jalashay, a multifunctional water station that integrates animal welfare with thoughtful urban design. Derived from Sanskrit meaning “water shelter,” Jalashay features a sleek, cone-shaped structure in calming green tones, offering clean drinking water to stray dogs and cats through an accessible, ground-level basin. Its self-sustaining system allows for manual or municipal refilling, with controlled dispensing to minimize waste. Engineered for stability, hygiene, and ease of maintenance, the design not only supports environmental sustainability but also encourages community participation by allowing passersby to refill the station.