Be Open think tank

Yorkshire-based artist and printmaker Pippa Dyrlaga uses traditional techniques to create contemporary pieces of art drawing inspiration from the natural world and things around us. She specializes in the intricate art of paper cut-outs, depicting ornate plants, animals, and designs inspired by pop culture. Dyrlaga’s works featuring micro details are hand cut from a single sheet of paper and take hours to complete. Recently she has turned to more sustainable types of paper, such as Japanese washi papers, which are both strong and feather-light. pippadyrlaga.com

London-based multi-platform design agency Layer collaborated with Ræburn, a fashion brand with passion for sustainable and responsible design, on the limited edition Canopy Collection comprising four rocking chairs and two screens made of recycled parachute upholstery and welded steel frames. The simple, modernist steel structures provide a “blank canvas” to showcase the different textures, qualities and tactility of the parachute textile, one of the strongest and sturdiest materials. More sustainable furniture made from used and discarded things at blog.beopenfuture.com

Once again, we thank and applause all the creatives around the globe who took part in our #BEOPENShadows Instagram challenge! The open call was dedicated to the subject of shadows in all fields of art. Saeed Zolfi, founder of film and photography studio from Iran, was selected the winner and was rewarded €300. You can be our next winner! Our #BEOPENThinkFuture open call is on! Rules: beopensocial.com

Travisio-based architect Claudio Beltrame has developed Pigna tree houses for DomusGaia , an Italian manufacturer of wooden prefabricated houses, as a part of a retreat in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage area. As their names suggests, the three-storey structures are inspired by the shape of pinecones. To enhance this similarity, the exteriors is clad in larch wood shingles mimicking pinecone scales. Described by the architect as "houses without foundations", they are raised about 10 metres off the ground, anchored to the surrounding fir trees and accessible via a bridge or outdoor stairs. More resorts inspired by treehouses in our blog.beopenfuture.com

American firm Modus Studio has developed a tree house for the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden in Arkansas, which looks like a mysterious figure in the woods. Through an interactive educational experience it offers, the project aims to encourage modern children to spend more time in the natural surroundings. The curving structure is mainly made of southern yellow pine, which was previously thermalized for better durability and weather-resistance, and is lifted 4 to 7.5 metres above the ground on six pairs of steel columns. The treehouse has several apertures providing views of the forest around. The larger is covered with a perforated metal screen decorated with a pattern reminiscent of tree branches and leaves, while the smaller one is only protected by metal mesh, which creates an intentional feeling of danger – risk being a part of playing in the tress. More modern takes on a treehouse in our blog.beopenfuture.com

Gramazio Kohler Research, an architectural robotic lab at ETH Zurich, has found an architecturally beautiful way to improve the acoustic qualities of a cafeteria in Switzerland. Three computationally designed and built walls are composed of 8,500 identical fir timber blocks, which are positioned according to the principals of the ‘Schroeder diffusor’. The varying gaps between the blocks improve the cafe’s acoustic absorption and enhance speech eligibility. On top of that, the asymmetric cut of the front side of the blocks and their different orientations create ever-changing shadow patterns on the wall. More designer acoustic solutions in our blog.beopenfuture.com

Lufthansa has commissioned product designers and recycling experts to develop their brand new Upcycling Collection, a series of lifestyle accessories and home furniture made from defunct aircraft parts after retiring one of the airline’s Airbuses. Made of high-quality durable materials, the parts are too valuable to be disposed of. A wall bar made from two windows is a part of the series, together with a coffee table crafted from the side of the airplane, and a piece of fuselage panel that is reused as a table sculpture. Smaller items include a key ring made from the aluminum cladding, a clock made from the window fronts, a gym bag made from the remains of a business class blanket, and other accessories made from retired safety cards and headrest covers. If you too support UN’s SDG 12 devoted to responsible consumption and production, join our #BEOPENThinkFuture Instagram open call. Share the visuals on the topic to win €300. worldshop.eu

314 Architecture Studio from Greece has designed a futuristic residential project in Athens. The architects explore the idea of creating spaces using physical transparency, with frosted glass panels as a prominent feature of the building. Named H1002, the building is composed of five different properties, each one a blurred transparent cell, which creates a warm lantern-like effect on the outside. Internally, hidden lights are placed behind the glass panels on each wall creating the feeling of natural light, the transparency producing ambiguous spatial perception. Read more about buildings with luminous facades in our blog.beopenfuture.com

The Netherlands-based interdisciplinary artist Suzanne Jongmans recycles packaging materials to create a modern interpretation of Renaissance costumes. After she finishes her elaborate creations of Styrofoam, plastic sheets, polystyrene beads and bubble wrap, she photographs them on models recreating portraits of the 15-17th centuries. Working with packaging and residual materials, the artist reflects on the mass consumption that surrounds us, with mass disposal of the present being a stark contrast to an age when clothes were made to last. suzannejongmans.nl If you too support UN’s SDG 12 devoted to responsible consumption and production, join our #BEOPENThinkFuture Instagram open call for visual responses. The winning post with art, photo or video on the topic will receive €300.

Inspired by the problem of homelessness he witnessed at a train station in Seoul, Korean designer Chiho Cheon has created a set of sculptural furniture pieces made from corrugated cardboard and concrete – the contrasting materials that he thinks best express the very difference between homeless people and those who have a home. Speaking about the project, Cheon explains, “The people who live in cement walls are ordinary people, the people who live outside cement walls are homeless”. He explores even further suggesting that “to the homeless, people who live in the box are homeless and people who walk out of cardboard boxes are the ordinary people.” The stools, chairs and shelving with their rough textures, primitive shapes and dark colours are the designer’s attempt to bring a physical reflection of homelessness into the home. chihocheon.com