Literary Snacks

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Taipei-based web and graphic designer Alice Wang has created the “Quote Vendor” —a novel vending machine that dispenses bottled literary extracts just like snack food. Each plastic bottle contains an individual text quote along with the book’s title and author’s name.

According to Wang, “Qoute Vendor came from the observation that in today’s society we are becoming more accustomed to instant and short messages. Whether through text messages, or online social platforms such as facebook and Twitter, less people are willing to read long paragraphs, let alone having the patience to read though an entire book… What if we read the book for you and picked out the best parts?”

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There’s No Place Like Home

Posted on October 16, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Where would we be without GPS. Cars, phones, tablets and cameras use it to give direction to our travels. Now British designer Dominic Wilcox has created the world’s first GPS enhanced shoes.

Custom mapping software directs the GPS system, which is embedded in the heel and activated, of course, with a heel click. Walking directions are provided by a helpful LED light system.

Routes can be upload to the shoes via a USB connection.

The GPS shoes are not commercially available yet. But I’m sure that we all know someone who could use a pair when the go on sale.

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It Must Be Monday

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

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London By The Book

Posted on October 14, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Daniel Speight is a graphic artist based in East London, UK. His new Book Block project incorporates screenprinting onto discarded books, transforming them into three dimensional art works. Each piece is inspired by London’s distinctive architectural styles from iconic landmarks to lesser known neighborhoods, such as Lower Marsh.

All images © Daniel Speight

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Berlin Lights Up

Posted on October 13, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The annual Berlin Festival of Lights is one of the largest illumination events in the world. For 12 nights every October, Berlin‘s iconic landmarks, historical buildings, cultural sites, streets and squares are transformed by stunning illuminations and lights shows. The admission-free festival, which is running from October 10 through 21 this year, also incorporates tons of city-wide cultural events. It’s well worth a trip if you’re in the region. if not, check-out the photos and videos online.

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All Hallow’s Read Is Coming

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Are you ready for All Hallow’s Read ? Do you even know what it is ? Want to find out more? Then check-out this little video presentation by Neil Gaiman, who created the new “literary holiday” way back in 2010. Afterwards, visit the official All Hallow’s Read website for personal reading recommendations from Neil Gaiman and lots of bonus free downloads for celebrants.

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Are You Having A Laugh

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The British Transport Police call it “vandalism” and “a blight on our society”, but some merry pranksters are bringing a chuckle to Tube riders throughout London. Observant commuters and visitors alike have been noting an uptick in cleverly designed and placed amendments to Transport For London signage.

These guerilla stickers incorporate the same fonts and design themes as London’s Underground network, but add amusing twists.

One enterprising sticker bomber has even started selling removable stickers at the website Mixthemessage . Definitely a step-up from tagging.

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Lost Rivers

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

“Once upon a time, in almost every city, many rivers flowed. Why did they disappear? How? How could we see them again? This documentary tries to find answers by meeting visionary urban thinkers, activists and artist from around the world.”

Fascinated by the “entrails of cities”, writer and director Caroline Bâcle created Lost Rivers/Rivières Perdues for Catbird Films of Montreal, Canada. Take a look at the trailer for the upcoming documentary on the past, present and future of the world’s lost rivers.

There’s even a companion augmented reality app available on iTunes.

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Book Mountain

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

On October 4th, Rotterdam inaugurated the stunning new Boekenberg Bibliotheek and education center in the heart of the Spijkenisse market square. Designed by the prolific hometown architectural team at MVRDV, the Book Mountain project is the dramatic centerpiece for a neighborhood renewal plan that includes public housing, retail space, parking and public spaces.

The glass-enclosed Boekenberg has a continuous set of corriders, staire, tiers and platforms with 480 meters of bookshelves. The path up the pyramid culminates at a cafe and reading area with panoramic city views.

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Containing Writer’s Block

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

London-based LoveJordan is the collaborative artistic endeavor of Jonny Love and Samuel Jordan. They produce a diverse body of work, including the daunting series titled “Writers Block Library”. This set of glass domes packed with blank notebooks, pads, envelopes, paper, books and files is every writer’s waking nightmare.

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