School of Technology and Management,

MONTENEGRO Architects 

Is this not one of the most beautiful architecturally designed buildings you've seen in recent 21st century, if not please stop reading. We instantly became awestruck when we stumbled across this beauty whilst online surfing.

The key feature is the Portico which hangs seamlessly across the university gardens. The structure derives from the need to create a clean corporate image as well as incorporating an amphitheatre. The result is one of the largest concrete porticos in the world.  The project started in 2003 and was completed in 2013, the school is located in the polytechnic institute of Beja, Portugal.

Image credits: FG & SG Architectural Photography, Fernando Guerra

What is Design?

Today we would like to explore what DESIGN really is. Many people affiliate themselves as being designers whether it is though education or experience. In the 21^st century it is a word that has been diluted to appoint, where everybody claims to be a designer whether it be in fashion, architecture or interiors. 

According to the Oxford English dictionary design is defied as: “a plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object before it is made”

Here at Akua Designs London we like to defy design as: “An innovative creation, of a concept, object or theory which creates a platform for people to talk about”

Design has the ability to break through cultural & political boundaries, bringing communities together, design is the celebration of  innovative theorists.

Enjoy our selection of images, and join us in our discussion in: What does Design mean to you?

Jackson Pollock action painting- Influential American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. He was well known for his unique style of drip painting.

Daniel Libeskind Westside interiors- Daniel Libeskind is an American architect, artist, and set designer of Polish Jewish descent. Libeskind founded Studio Daniel Libeskind in 1989 with his wife, Nina, and is its principal design architect.

Joseph Joseph Arena dish drainer- Twin brothers Richard and Antony Joseph founded Joseph Joseph a decade ago in 2003, combining their respective experience in product design and business.

Lebbeus Woods Berlin Free zone 3-2- American architect and artist.

Rod Arad Voido Freeform Rocking- Israeli industrial designer, artist, and architect.

Fashion editorial

Riverside Museum

It's Monday so it means it's time for a fresh burst of something creative, something innovative, so yes we bring you the Riverside Museum. Now you would think by now we would have grasped the concept that anything architecturally insane and beautiful all at the same time belongs to Zaha Hadid.

The museum is the home for transport, with over 3,000 exhibits and is sculpted by a zinc clad roof. The zig zag panels cuts through the skyline with its 36 metre high glass panels creating what can only be described as a mesmerising work of art. 

Images copyright of Dezeen & Martin Currie

Winter wonderland

As the crisp winter mornings sets in, and and the fresh wind cuts the air, we bring winter inspired shoots to warm your insides, so sit back grab a hot coco and enjoy the warming sensation that is the winter wonderland.

Emerald desire

Poppy go red

Champagne flute

Ice Queen

Yellow Dust

Ardmore Residence skyscraper

Please tell me you have seen the incredible images circulating of the Ardmore Residence skyscraper by the UNStudio in Singapore. Do not stress as we bring you the latest in cutting edge design.
Singapore has a great reputation of tackling its housing problem by penetrating the sky and creating an all encompassing public space. Singapore prides itself on protecting it's greenery and public space for its population of 7 million.

Ardmore Residence is a 36 storey apartment block which was designed to accommodate 58 homes. The curved details of the facade replicates organic forms in the environment, whilst still providing double height balconies to provide a view to the skyline.
One would hope the British government would follow the lead of Singapore and tackle the housing crisis, with such elegance and beauty.

All images copyright of Iwann Bann

Roberto Lazzeroni

Today we look at the incredible body of work by Roberto Lazzeroni, his work spans well over a decade, we pick a handful which truly inspires. Roberto Lazzeroni is an Italian designer who's background lies within art & architecture. He made his professional debut by entering the world of Interior Design which was published internationally, in a number of magazines. Lazzeroni deems Interior Architecture as a necessary discipline as it encompasses all fields and creates spatial awareness.

Interiors

 Furniture

Lighting

 Kitchen

All images copyright of Roberto Lazzeroni

Modelesque figures inspired by Architecture

Life is filled with inspiration, and can be taken from just about anywhere from fashion, design or simply just walking down the street. Today we look at modelesque figures which seemed to be inspired by architectural planes. The angles and position of the body evokes a sense of movement creating an incredibly powerful image.

MUUTO

Have you ever come across leading Scandinavian designers MUUTO, well today is your lucky day, were bringing you the latest design pieces from the Finnish side of the pond. The name derives from the ethos new perspective.

Muuto hand pick their talent from Scandinavia, giving them a platform to showcase their work. Designers are often encouraged to look at their work objectively and translate it to us the consumers.

Name: Muuto

Discovery: Spring/Summer 2013 Collection

Brand Conept: New perspective

Thomas Bernstrand, Pendant Lamp

JDS Architects, crushed Bowls

Mattias stahlblom, E27 Pendant lamp

Michael, Geersten, Closely seperated vase

JDS Architects, Stacked shelf system

All images copyright of Muuto

Rothschild & Bickers

As we sit here making samples for our up coming lampshade collection we take a look at our competitors & boy do we love Rothschild & Bickers, Pick-n-Mix collection. Rothschild  is unique in it's kind as their one of the few studios who specialise in hand blown glass for lighting purposes. In fact it requires no further words dive into the world of hand blown glass in a brush of autumn winter colours.

Brand concept: Passionate about the process in which the lights are made, Rothschild and Bickers are driven to ensure all process and techniques are kept within the UK's manufacturing industry, keeping these iconic 1950's style lights beautifully British as they should be.

Materials: Glass, Brass, Copper

Discovery: Design Junction

All images copyright of Rothschild & Bickers

We LOVE Joined + Jointed

We LOVE Joined + Jointed, a collective of celebrated designers and artisans  from across the world working together for one purpose to create original, exclusive and contemporary furniture pieces. This exclusive hub has been brought together by award winning designer Samuel Chan his aim to share his artisan product knowledge and reach the masses at an attainable price.

Concave Bookcase by Simon Pengelly  

 Willow Chair by Sean Yoo

Hans long legged  Mirror by J+J Studio

Frame coffee Table by J+J Studio

Trapeze cosole Table by J+J Studio

All images copyright of Joined + Jointed