Awesome Design

Someday a “book” will be but bits of data, just one of the many functions embedded in our gadgets. Here’s a look at the soon-to-be lost art of printing and bookbinding, courtesy of Glen Milner.

This unassuming wall-mounted shelf made from layers of laminated wood is readily transformed into a huge cargo freighter once you stack your books and other whatnots on top.

While most of us would want to hide our mess of gadget cables, Daniel Ballou’s concept uses them to turn a desk into an industrial landscape. We wish there were tiny birds to go along with the towers.

Designed by Stephanie Marin, Livingstones are pillows, floor cushions and chairs that look like oversized pebbles. They’re made from 100% wool and are made to order. Prices upon request.

(NSFW?) While Luciano’ Foglia’s app doesn’t actually include any sexually explicit photos, Apple rejected it for being “objectionable.” It’s just geometry after all. Dirty, dirty geometry.

A simple but versatile two-piece unit that can be used as a one seater with a side table, a chaise lounge or a corner table. The L-shaped cuts on the bigger piece make for comfortable seat backs.

Many architects have proposed towering urban buildings rich with greenery, but this one is actually under construction, and will add 10,000 square meters of plants to Milan, Italy’s skyline.

Using 3D printing tech, this 79-piece set lets you connect LEGO to K’Nex to Tinkertoys and other previously incompatible building blocks. And yes, we know what its name spells out.

Swatch teamed with artist Lorenzo Petrantoni to create these bold black and white watches, with intricate designs cut from old illustrations. Our fave, the Lucky Draw, looks like a roulette wheel.

Each room at Tepoztlán, Mexico’s TuboHotel is made from concrete pipe, outfitted with a Queen bed, fan, lighting, a glass front, and of course, curtains. You’ll have to share a bath, though.

Keep a hand free to hold a meal or another bottle with Kebo. Designed by Rush3, it’s a modern take on the one-handed bottle opener patented in the 1930s. It comes in a gift-ready keepsake tin.

Vadim Kibardin spun off his concept and turned it into the White & White clock. Made of four white LED lamps, the digits serve as their own frame. We wish he kept the night mode option though.

Christophe Robillard’s bold, minimalist bicycle design has a striking matte black frame, offset by skinny whitewall tires and a brown leather seat. No word on if or when it’ll go into production though.

Team iLuminate and Japanese crew Wrecking Crew Orchestra both have the same bright idea, using wearable lighting systems to boost their performances. Teamwork and synergy on display.

Another cheap and ingenious product from Australia’s Dreamfarm. The Tapi attaches to the mouth of any tap with a straight spout, turning it into a drinking fountain with a simple squeeze.

What seems to be a flat piece of wood unfolds into a table. Made by architectural designer Robert van Embricqs, the Rising Table is representative of his fluid and organic design philosophy.

These tiny cinder block magnets are actually made from real cement, but have strong enough magnets on them to hold them to your fridge. Also perfect for simulating mob hits with your action figures.

Luciano Lorenzatti and Alan Wisniewski’s Splice table looks like it’s been karate-chopped in half, making room for magazines. Made from Canadian maple with grey tempered glass top.

An imposing and dramatic showpiece, this post-apocalyptic fire globe is made from 1/4″ thick carbon steel, and measures 36″ in diameter. Hand cut by steel artist Rick Wittrig.

Industrial designer Greg Opatik “set out to design a guitar that made sense.” The result is a guitar that conforms to the player’s body. The frets, pickups and colors of orders can be customized.

Rob Higgs knows how to open a bottle of wine like a boss. Using hundreds of bronzed metal springs, gears and other parts, he built this incredible machine to uncork and pour a bottle of wine.

The Ribbon is a modular baking pan that can be molded into any shape, eliminating the need to buy any more molds. It has magnets that make it stick to the complementary baking sheet.

A luxurious lodge built with environmentally-friendly specs. It can house up to 4 people and has modern amenities, yet can be assembled on-site in as little as 5 days and last up to 15 years.