Be Open think tank

#BeOpenNEWS #BeOpenART Akissi Beukman, an artist based in Pretoria, South Africa, has been named the Regional Artist of the Month for October 2024. She is the first of three candidates competing for the title of Artist of the Region (Southern Africa), which honors an artist who embodies the rich artistic traditions of Southern Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In 2024, BE OPEN Art continues its BE OPEN Regional Art initiative, a competition celebrating emerging artists whose work reflects their regional, cultural, and ethnic identities. The final phase of this year's program focuses on the Southern African countries and will last for three months. The regional winner for Southern Africa will be announced and awarded €500 at the end of December 2024.

#BeOpenART Created by Lebanese-French designer and artist Najla El Zein, based in Amsterdam, Us, Her, Him is a captivating site-specific public installation in Doha, Qatar. Spanning 313 meters of hand-sculpted limestone, the installation features a series of sculptural benches that reflect on the complexities of human interactions. The functional and interactive sculptures aim to foster community, inviting women, men, and children to engage with one another and explore the richness of human relationships.

#BeOpenDESIGN This award-winning foldable kettle from Jiangnan University, China, offers ultimate portability and convenience, ensuring quick access to hot water while traveling. Inspired by an umbrella, it features a collapsible handle and expandable silicone body that fits easily into any bag. When expanded, it provides ample capacity and stability for boiling water. With user-friendly features like a top pull lid and magnetic power connector, it’s easy to use on the go. Made from eco-friendly materials, this durable kettle is perfect for any traveler seeking convenience and sustainability. More foldable designs in our blog.

#BeOpenDESIGN Point Line player by Shenzhen-based designer Xundi Li blurs the lines between digital and physical media. Its striking geometric form features an asymmetric cut-out for vinyl, creating visual intrigue and a sense of balance. The sides feature a repetitive, uniform surface pattern that not only enhances the aesthetic but also facilitates sound escape from the in-built speakers A thoughtfully integrated control dial at one corner seamlessly blends the flat top with the vertical walls, adding a touch of fluidity to the otherwise blocky silhouette.

#BeOpenART Developed by local studio Naoonaoo, Barbie Mountain is a stunning public installation in Suzhou’s Huqiu District featuring 40 playful pink acrylic bubbles that breathe new life into a once-outdated commercial area. Drawing inspiration from traditional Taihushi rockeries, this vibrant artwork harmoniously blends with the waterfront and lush greenery, inviting visitors to engage with their surroundings in a joyful way. Barbie Mountain captures the serene beauty of Suzhou while merging historic aesthetics with contemporary creativity. Discover how orbs and bubbles can transform public spaces in our blog.

#BeOpenARCH Iranian architecture practice Kalbod Design Studio has unveiled an ambitious concept for an Airport City in Saudi Arabia. The biophilic design features an organic urban matrix that extends towards the sea, creating a seamless integration of land and water. Kalbod’s vision not only highlights the potential for economic growth but also emphasizes the importance of a thoughtful relationship between urban spaces and their natural environments. As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve, the Airport City proposal reflects a forward-thinking strategy aimed at meeting the demands of a rapidly changing world.

#BeOpenARCH MAD Architects has unveiled One River North, a striking new residential tower in Denver that reimagines urban living through its innovative design. This sixteen-story glass building features a unique ‘cracked-open canyon’ facade, reflecting a harmonious blend of urban architecture and Colorado’s natural landscape. Situated in the vibrant River North Art District (RiNo), One River North is not just a residential building but a vertical landscape where residents can experience the feeling of living within a canyon, as envisioned by lead architect Ma Yansong. He emphasizes the immersive experience of residing in a space that feels as if it’s carved from the rugged terrain of the Colorado foothills.

#BeOpenARCH Oppenheim Architecture, in collaboration with Atelier 4, has unveiled the design for the College of Europe’s third campus in Tirana, Albania. Unlike its predecessors in Bruges and Natolin, which occupy historical buildings, this new campus is purpose-built to enhance the city's student culture and foster social, cultural, and diplomatic exchanges. The design incorporates public spaces such as shops and restaurants on the ground floor, reflecting Tirana's vibrant social life. Central to the campus is a circular agora, reminiscent of Albania’s historic bunkers, designed for various events and promoting interaction among users. The layout emphasizes a seamless flow from public areas to more private zones, creating a dynamic hub for learning and engagement that embodies both Albanian culture and EU values.

#BeOpenARCH Nestled in the heart of Indonesia, the Aruma Split Garden, designed by RAD+ar, beautifully showcases how architecture can harmonize with nature. This multi-leveled commercial garden seamlessly integrates lush greenery, natural light, and open spaces, creating a vibrant environment for both relaxation and socializing. By using sustainable materials and incorporating drought-resistant plants, the design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also promotes environmental responsibility. With features like strategically placed skylights and serene water bodies, the project offers a unique experience that fosters well-being and community connection. More stunning examples of biophilic designs in our blog.

#BeOpenARCH With a focus on sustainability, the Kyklos building, a stunning mixed-use office space designed by UNStudio and HYP Architects, features a hybrid construction of concrete and 100% recycled steel, boasting an impressive 80% smaller carbon footprint than traditional office buildings. Its innovative design includes suspended floor plates and a beautiful curved staircase, creating a dynamic workspace that encourages collaboration and connection. More innovative workspaces that foster community and sustainability in our blog.

#BeOpenNEWS Giveaway Alert! We’re excited to announce a limited-time Giveaway of Online Courses from BE OPEN Academy! As a research and preparation for the DESIGNING FUTURES 2050 competition, we’re offering free enrollments to our Global Futures Education program, featuring three in-depth online courses: Global Futures of Climate Global Socio-Cultural Futures Global Geo-Political Futures Founded by Professor Jennifer Gidley, PhD, this program draws from over 100 curated resources, including videos, articles, and reports, providing you with key insights into the future of our world. Enrollment is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss your chance to enhance your knowledge!

#BeOpenNEWS Exciting news for young creatives! The DESIGNING FUTURES 2050 international design competition is now open for submissions! Organized by BE OPEN and partners, this competition invites students and recent graduates from around the world to showcase their innovative solutions for a sustainable future. The competition aims to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the urgency of action; encourage young talents to engage with and update the SDG agenda based on today’s realities, and reward creativity that contributes to a prosperous, sustainable future. Participants can choose from three categories: Battling the Problems of Today Creating the Visions of Tomorrow Adjusting the Sustainable Development Goals First Prize: €5,000 Second Prize: €3,000 Third Prize: €2,000 plus special prizes Submissions close on January 31st, 2025! Join us in shaping a sustainable future—your creativity can make a difference!

#BeOpenARCH Designed by the architecture firm Snøhetta, the new Barroude refuge aims to offer a secure retreat for hikers while honoring the beauty of its natural surroundings. Located on the site of the previous refuge in France’s Pyrenees National Park, the building features a large green roof that mirrors the contours of the landscape and a protective shell made from recycled aluminum, shielding outdoor areas from prevailing winds. With its bioclimatic design, the compact structure minimizes exposure to the elements, seamlessly integrating into the Barroude cirque. Its dual orientation promotes natural ventilation, and the site was thoughtfully selected to utilize the existing topography, allowing for the creation of two levels without extensive earthworks.

#BeOpenDESIGN Berlin-based designer Shigeki Yamamoto crafts eclectic coffee tables from materials found at flea markets, roadside discoveries, and gifted items. His collection, aptly titled "Play Memory Structures," encourages viewers to project their own memories and interpretations onto the pieces, imbuing the furniture with new significance as seen through the eyes of each observer.

#BeOpenARCH Envisioned as a couple’s idyllic escape, these charming twin houses by international architecture and design office WY Design reimagine the vernacular of Hungarian villages. The design features segmented courtyards that ensure every room is filled with natural light and framed by serene views. Inspired by traditional barns, broad overhangs add a sculptural touch and provide shaded extensions into the landscape. With brick parapets and concealed rainwater systems, these homes embody simplicity and approachability, inviting tranquility into everyday life.

#BeOpenDESIGN Developed by Parsons School of Design graduates and industrial designers Chelsea Briganti and Leigh Ann Tucker, Loliware edible cups are made from seaweed and organic sweeteners and are available in delightful flavors like Madagascar vanilla and matcha green tea. With a focus on sustainability, the cups are completely free from plastic, gluten, gelatin, toxins, industrial chemicals, and GMOs, ensuring they are safe for consumers and the environment. Each cup is designed to decompose quickly—either by being eaten or composted, easily disintegrating when coming in contact with hot water. The product is perfect for special occasions and events, which can range from a picnic to an outdoor wedding. More edible tableware in our blog.

#BeOpenDESIGN Inspired by the Persian tradition of etiquette and generosity, Taarof is an elegant modular cocktail table created by New York designer Kouros Maghsoudi. Customizable leg inserts include a fruit basket that can also serve as a snack holder, a pewter ashtray, and a double-walled ice bucket to keep drinks chilled. This design seamlessly blends simplicity with functionality, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the table.

#BeOpenDESIGN The Ventete aH-1 Cycle Helmet addresses the shortcomings of traditional helmets with a sleek, design-oriented approach that prioritizes portability, comfort, and safety. Its standout feature is the innovative pneumatic design. Instead of bulky, rigid foam, the aH-1 employs an inflatable air chamber system that collapses to just 3.5 cm when deflated. This compact design makes it easy to store in a bag or large pocket, solving a common issue for cyclists looking for convenient storage off the bike. When it’s time to ride, a USB-C pump inflates the helmet in under 30 seconds, ensuring a quick and hassle-free transition from storage to protection.

#BeOpenNEWS Throughout 2024, BE OPEN community continues selecting artists to feature them in the BE OPEN Art gallery and offer greater visibility. The third stage of the Regional Art competition covered the countries of Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Based on the amount of votes, Isabella González (Honduras) became the Artist of the Region for Central America. BE OPEN will now award Isabella with a €500 grant. Founder of BE OPEN Elena Baturina selected her own favourite among the Central American artists: Aziel Barrientos from Honduras. On the 1st of October, the focus of the competition moved to Southern Africa. Every vote counts!

#BeOpenARCH Situated on one of Vancouver's main avenues, the Fifteen Fifteen tower, designed by the renowned international firm Büro Ole Scheeren, rises as a striking three-dimensional sculpture that disrupts the city's skyline. A system of vertically shifted apartment modules allows for dynamic yet efficient residential layouts, while the horizontal rotation of these modules extends living spaces outward, introducing the concept of horizontal living in a slender high-rise. This design creates multiple terraces that foster both physical and emotional connections between indoor and outdoor environments. The cantilevered sections will be enveloped in floor-to-ceiling glass, providing residents with the feeling of floating above the city and landscape. More on jenga-inspired architecture in our blog.