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

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

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

The Black & White Obessesion

It's no secret at Akua Designs ... HQ theres an obsession with black & white, something about the cut clean lines is tantalising. Today we have a look at the globe from high fashion models to powerhouses such as Vogue, still remaining constant and current, in taking our breath away.

Name: Black & White Obsession

Concept: Depicting the clean cut lines of perfection

Discovery: Social Media

Plessi Museum

Simply blown away by the innovative architecture of the Plessi Museum. Noted as one of the first museums to be built by a motorway in Italy, the Plessi Museum is dedicated to the life works of Fabrizo Plessi the Italian artist often described as an alchemist for his use of light & sea water colours. It seemed only right that the interior should reflect the work of the famous artist.

Name: Plessi Museum

Brand Concept: To become a symbol to tie the Mediterranean to middle Europe. The complex works at transforming traditional rest areas to consecrated culture.

Materials: Wood & concrete

Discovery: Trust me I'm an Architect

All images © Oskar Da Riz – courtesy of Archivio Autostrada del Brennero S.p.A