The Crystal

This has been a long time coming, we was simply transfixed when we first came across this building  the sharp angles, creating the shape of a butterfly made purely of steel & glass unique in its kind, but yet sitting comfortably in the cosmopolitan skyline that is London. You can imagine our happiness when we found out it was a green building, built purposely for sustainable urban environments. If your ever down that way be sure to check it out.

Name: The Crystal by Wilkinson Eyre Architects for Siemens

Brand Concept: A multi-faceted urban world, its shape represents the many facets of sustainability and the complexity of urban life. Inspired by the Great Exhibition in 1851 at Crystal Palace.

Materials: Steel & glass

Discovery: on the banks of Royal Victoria Docks

Images courtesy of The Crystal.org & Wilkinson Eyre Architects

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

The Q Jonathan Segal

Casually stolling through Facebook as you do and we came across this bad boy The Q by Jonathan Segal. The Q is a seven-story mixed-use residential, office, and commercial development in district of downtown San Diego. The building integrates all of these uses within a small 50×200 foot infill lot. 

Name: The Q

Brand Concept: The Q promotes a green live-work environment, the absence of necessity for automobile. This  urban neighbourhood leaves many tenants avoiding the use of the car altogether as their residences also become their offices and the adjacency of immediate needs fulfils any of their day to day requirements.

Materials: Glass & Steel

Discovery: Trust me I'm an Architect

All images copyright of Jonathan Segal FAIA

Deirdre Dyson

Here at Akua Designs ... we have the luxury of attending various exhibitions & seminars, we were thrilled when we came across these luxury handmade & commercial rugs by Deirdre Dyson. The bold prints makes any space have that sumptuous feel of luxury. Attention to detail is created by Nepalese hand craftsmen's each individually tailored to the clients needs. These rugs are great for any complimentary furniture piece.


Name: Deirdre Dyson

Brand Concept: This unique combination offers you an involving, exciting and personal experience resulting in a totally bespoke textile artwork, which will provide years of pleasure.

Material: Tibetan Wool

Discovery: May Day Series

Papillion

Borboleta

Attitude

Falling Ribbons

All images are copyright of Deidre Dyson

Vlisco

We bring you the powerhouse that is Vlisco. Vlisco was established in 1846 it is one of the only African textile companies that is constantly creating innovative designs, which connect with the mainstream international market. It takes the rich colours and materials from Africa to create unique bespoke prints. We take a look into its current campaign Homage à l’Art collection.

Name: Vlisco

Brand Concept: Vlisco is the only brand in the world creating authentic dutch wax fabrics and is recognizable for its unique design, colours and wax craquelé

Materials: Dutch wax 

Discovery: On the streets of London

Homage à l’Art collection honours Vlisco’s art by placing iconic drawings in the spotlight. The focus for this particular collection is craftsmanship. The expressive drawings have always kept consumers coming back to the brand, the campaign pays homage to florals and batiks. 

All images are copyright of Vlisco

Whitehorn

Always keeping our eye on the ball, we always on the lookout for whats new & trending check out this modern marbling brought to you by Whitehorn. Mesmorised by the creative use of colours through the marbling effect was just simply pure bliss.


Name: Whitehorn

Brand concept: Modern Marbling, British textile design company specialising in the art of hand dyeing fine silks. it aims to bridge the old and the new, through the use of creative colours. Bringing the fusion of interiors and fashion textiles.

Material: Silk

Discovery: Pulse London

Pink Pop Shade

Ipanema pleated Lampshae

Lemon Pinch Pleat

Camel Parchment drum

All images copyright of Janey Whitehorn

Yinka Ilori

After a long break Akua Designs... is back with a bang exciting things are happening at HQ. The great thing about Akua Designs... is many of its designs and inspirations come from fashion as well as design.

We welcome you back with Yinka Ilori, please do enjoy and feel free to comment.

Name: Yinka Ilori

Brand Concept: Regeneration of old furniture, to be loved & housed again.

Materials: Mainly Dutchwax

Discovery: Pulse London 

Odd One Out

Africa at Soboye

Kekere

 Oba

All images are copyright of Yinka Ilori