GE Appliances Universal Design Initiative
Company IA Collaborative
Introduction Date September 15, 2018
Project Website https://iacollaborative.com/work/ge/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
GE Appliances Universal Design Initiative: A range and refrigerator concept designed not just for people with disabilities, but for all people. Together with our client, GE Appliances, IA Collaborative worked to create “universal design” refrigerator and range concepts that would – as defined by The Center for Universal Design at NC State University, “..be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design.” We designed the Mod Refrigerator and the Slide Range to be GE’s first appliances to go beyond ADA requirements and exceed the needs of people with disabilities, yet deliver a modern aesthetic and functionality that is truly desirable for all. With the range and refrigerator concepts, we solved some of the most glaring issues that people with a disability face when using appliances: - Problem: Hot oven doors swing down and create a 400-degree barrier to accessing the inside. Solution: The Slide Range maximizes accessibility and utility with a sliding induction cooktop, downdraft extraction, and a changeable oven compartment. - Problem: Many refrigerators have a bias towards “easy access” zones beyond the reach of a wheelchair user, with large doors that require force to swing open. Solution: The Mod Refrigerator concept uses a modular platform to maximize adaptability and approachability in its design and ease of configuration. IA Collaborative designed beautiful, modern, intuitive and adaptable range and refrigerator concepts, many features of which will be incorporated into future product releases. Materials and finishes on both The Mod Refrigerator and the Slide Range were meticulously selected to create a timeless aesthetic that effortlessly integrates into both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
At its core, this is beautiful design – for all. Inspired by some, but appealing to all. The doors get out of your way, not the other way around. The cooktop comes to you; you don’t have to lean over it. Simple things that make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities, yet are appealing to all people. GE Appliances’ first universally designed range and refrigerator concepts deliver the most intuitive appliance experience possible for users of varying needs and abilities. The experience starts before the user walks or wheels towards the Mod Refrigerator. The transitional smart glass panel reveals what’s inside upon approaching. Then, the door gets out of your way, not the other way around, by sliding vs. swinging open. This one simple feature would change access for anybody using a wheelchair. As you engage the Slide Range, you can pull the cook top towards you so you don’t need to lean over the burners. The non-slip material embedded into cooktop enables one-handed stirring and prevents cookware from slipping. Finally, an easy-access slide-down and pull-out door replaces the typical drop-out door included in most ranges. To truly design for the needs of all people, the team conducted extensive immersive research across a broad spectrum of ages, abilities and life stages. From visiting people's homes to observe their dinnertime routines to hosting team cooking immersions in our own kitchen, we lived and uncovered the challenges, preferences and unmet needs of our future customers. Additionally, combining an immersive research approach with industrial design prowess, IA Collaborative created specific design directives to guide all Universal Design product development efforts at GE Appliances, including: - Adaptability: Meeting the unique physical and sensory needs - Usability: Making appliance use more efficient and effective - Communication: Driving awareness and understanding through clear cues and feedback - Accessibility: Providing access and control - Universal Safety: Promoting (conscious and subconscious) awareness of risks
Who worked on the project?
IA Collaborative, for GE Appliances
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/268667648/aa0d7e3ac5
Gemma Observatory
Company Anmahian Winton Architects
Introduction Date October 1, 2016
Project Website http://aw-arch.com/projects/current_work/gemma-observatory/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Gemma Observatory deserves an Innovation by Design Award (Experimental), for challenging expectations of what an astronomical observatory can be. By bringing equal, rigorous attention to architectural design, constructability, sustainability, and functionality, Gemma becomes a unique expression of its surroundings and a forward-thinking re-consideration of scientific practice. The Observatory’s architectural form developed as a reflection of its austere environment, its materiality and structure referencing both geological and celestial landmarks. Construction assemblies borrow from pre-fabrication construction methods as well as high-precision manufacturing, and are merged with a contemporary architectural aesthetic. The building evokes curiosity, draws the observer in, offers unexpected opportunities. Gemma is molded by its surroundings, integrating environmental, geological, and celestial influences into a nexus connecting earth and sky.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
Located on a remote mountain summit characterized by granite outcroppings, Gemma Observatory is centered in a dark landscape ideal for sky observation. The building rejects a traditional dome in favor of a synthesized architectural form that maximizes usable space and responds to the stark geographic context. Its faceted shape reflects the surrounding landform, while terraced concrete platforms transition between bedrock and building foundation, knitting natural and man-made landscapes together. An unconventional pattern of lock-seamed zinc cladding mediates between irregular site topography and the building’s geometry, reflecting orientation to both geological and celestial landmarks. Its dimension, color and patina evoke a material relationship to the granite outcroppings, while its heat transfer capability facilitates sky observation by minimizing temperature differential distortion. The innovative design’s development focused on technical performance, sustainability and operational efficiency. Technical design employs high-precision components typically found on manufacturing facilities’ robotics floors, the first such use in North America. Assemblies for the observation hatch and rotating turret accommodate the structure’s substantial weight, are hand-operable by a single person and are long-life components that will not degrade over decades of use. Cladding panels were custom cut from digital files that graphically unfold all sides of the complex geometry into flat surfaces, eliminating on-site fabrication and facilitating construction. Sustainability goals are met by using maintenance-free cladding, structural panels whose fabrication conserves natural resources and whose use drastically reduces operating costs and a photovoltaic array that allows the building to operate off-grid. Foundation systems conform to underlying bedrock, eliminating displacement of natural geography. Operations focus on minimizing impact of temperature differentials, which cause building movement and air distortion that impede astronomical viewing. Structurally isolated, vibration-dampened concrete piers support both telescopes. Super-insulated structural panels minimize heat transfer from conditioned spaces. Metal cladding efficiently dissipates solar gain. Formally, Gemma integrates traditional observatory components with influences of its remote surroundings, creating a unique architectural expression. Typically domed observation space becomes faceted, eliminating the sloped ceiling to provide more usable space that is comfortable to occupy. The rectangular building’s southeast corner pulls out of alignment to accommodate the exterior telescope’s radius, while its northeast corner points toward the Appalachian Trail and National Forest. The cladding’s pattern and orientation refer to geological influences and easily adapt to the building’s form. In counterpoint to its stark context, the Gemma’s interior is lined with fir plywood, creating a haven of refuge and warmth from the harsh surroundings. A helical, plywood-and-steel stair leads to a fissure in the cladding that opens to the exterior observation deck. Continuing, it arrives at the primary viewing platform inside the faceted turret, characterized by high ceilings and a sliding hatch that opens the telescope to the sky. A rift in the zinc cladding creates a corner window, framing Polaris when the turret is locked into the southern cardinal position.
Who worked on the project?
Architect: Anmahian Winton Architects Alex Anmahian AIA Nick Winton AIA AW Project Manager: Mazen Sakr AW Project Team: Anika Gramsey Travis Williams General Contractor: Patriot Builders Structural Engineers: RSE Associates, Inc. Technical Motion Engineers: Gillespie Corp. Rotating Rail Mechanism: THK Metal Installers: Crocker Architectural Sheet Metal Co., Inc. Steel: Quinn Brothers Iron Works Structural Insulated Panels: Foard Panels Inc. Decorative Steel: Concentric Fabrication LLC Tresfort Metal Works Solar Panel Design: SunBug Solar
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/231080221
Germo, Cultivating Curiosity
Company FLAMINGO, Making Products
Introduction Date May 16, 2017
Project Website https://www.yonatanassouline.com/#/053204149098/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Bacteria are the biggest biomass on the planet; more than all living things exist together and still their presence remains obscure in our lives. Bacteria are often perceived as negative, as a pathogen or as a purely scientific issue. Germo answers a simple question, ‘how is it optional to play with germs’ , literally. Germo is a digital-biological platform, enhancing children’s scientific knowledge and interest of the biological field, bringing children together through science, technology and fun. Germo is a set composed of a kit - with which children can perform hands-on experiments, accompanying App to document the growth and to explore and learn what’s hidden from the naked eye, and an Internet based platform so children can share their experiments with other children from around the world, like real scientists.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The physical kit is composed of front and back covers which function as the Germo Stand, 4 Germo Plates, 2 Agar Tubes, Tweezers, Swabs, Tube Stand and Smartphone holder. The germo plates are safe to use and cannot re-opened after been closed, unlike traditional petri dishes. Agar is the common growth medium used in microbiology laboratories worldwide. We’ve developed a propietrery version which is adjusted to use by children, with colour changing additives which respond to the presence of germs, much like Litmus Pape On the digital end, The Germo-App supports the experience in two ways: It enables the child to document the bacteria cultivation and turn the pictures into a stop-motion animation. Germo has been developed in collaboration with Microlab ltd. a leading lab specialising in microbiology analysis. This collaboration between design and science yielded a new platform for hands-on educational experiences.
Who worked on the project?
Yonatan Assouline, Developer. Naty Moskovich, Chief Designer
View the project video:
Get Pumped: The Gym of the Future
Company Gensler
Introduction Date January 17, 2018
Project Website https://www.gensler.com/research-insight/in-focus/the-gym-of-the-future-is-closer-than-you-think
Why is this project worthy of an award?
About a century ago, as cars became common in American homes, gas stations popped up on the corner of every community — even the smallest towns needed a place to fuel up. Fast forward to present day, and we’re seeing more and more cars rely on electricity rather than gasoline as their energy source. Industry experts predict that more than 71 million autonomous vehicles will be on the road by 2030. As gasoline becomes a relic of the past, how can we repurpose all of those perfectly-placed fuel stations in every community? We can turn them into fuel for our bodies instead. We’ve put together a “Get Pumped” concept – an innovative reuse of gas stations across the country as Fitness Hubs where people can improve their mental and physical wellness. Consumers may not need gas stations anymore, but instead of letting them go to waste and become community eyesores, we’re recycling them. We believe that instead of fueling our cars, gas stations can now fuel our wellness through creative use of space and a holistic approach to fitness. It’s the gym of the future. Our vision is a country in which a healthy gym is no more than a few miles away. We recognize the need for accessible, high-quality facilities that promote health and wellness, and we believe gas stations can provide the necessary space on every highway and street corner. With the growing popularity of autonomous vehicles, we see a chance to transform the gas stations of old into fitness sanctuaries so that these same buildings will still serve as integral components of our communities. Our concepts aim to get ahead of the problem of dormant gas stations and maximize the space to provide access to wellness at every turn.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
We’re presenting this concept as a collaboration between Gensler, a global architecture and design firm, and Reebok, a global fitness brand. Gas stations have become a ubiquitous part of our culture – they are on every highway and in nearly every small town. These gas stations already play an essential role within our urban context, and we want to redesign the space and its function so that they remain staples of our cities and towns. As gasoline becomes less necessary and our urban spaces evolve, we have a chance to creatively transform the traditional gas station into a sanctuary of wellness for communities, commuters, and travelers of all kinds. This concept will provide our cities with a network of fitness oases between home and work where people can recharge their cars and their energy. We’ve created a series of concepts that repurpose gas stations to function as much-needed spaces of fitness and wellness. The Network: We’ve imagined the major, interstate rest stops as the power grid of the future – a place where travelers can stop and boost their energy through spinning and boxing, Crossfit, and running trails. The Oasis: The larger gas stations that commuters pass on small, local highways will be turned into recharge zones: places that provide the type of mental and physical rest that commuters need. There are real food offerings from a farm-to-table eatery to a juice bar, as well as yoga and meditation pods. The exterior will feature an herb garden and outdoor wheels where people can run in the fresh air. These health and wellness hubs will become an essential stop for daily commuters. The Community Corner: The local, small town gas stations will be transformed into community spaces to help people enhance their quality of life. Visitors can charge electric cars in the auto repair shop and take advantage of nutrition classes. The minimart will provide local, healthy food and pop-up trucks will offer rotating Crossfit and spinning classes.
Who worked on the project?
Gensler and Reebok collaboration
View the project video:
"Giudizio Universale. Michelangelo and the Secrets of the Sistine Chapel"
Company Balich Worldwide Shows
Introduction Date May 7, 2018
Project Website https://www.giudiziouniversale.com/
Why is this project worthy of an award?
Created by Marco Balich with the scientific advice of the Vatican Museums, this long running show is the first example of an innovative format that combines the narrative of the origin of a masterpiece with the most sophisticated and technologically advanced instruments of live entertainment.
What else would you like to share about your design? Why is it unique and innovative?
The protagonist of this new live entertainment format is the Sistine Chapel. One of the most amazing places in the history of world art is at the center of a show that is born from the influence of many different forms of art: on the one hand the physical action of the theatrical performance meets the immaterial magic of the special effects and, on the other, the most advanced technology is at the service of a story told with words and images never seen before. The 270° immersive projections lead the viewer to the very center of the event.
Who worked on the project?
Marco Balich - Creative Director, Lulu Helbek - Co-director, Sting - Main Theme Song, Susan Sarandon - Voice of the Bible, Pierfrancesco Favino - Michelangelo's Voice.
View the project video: https://vimeo.com/259839750
