DESIGN DISPATCH

Heron Preston Updates Its 3D-Printed Sneaker, and Other News

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Verson 0.81 of the HERON01 sneaker by Heron reston and Zellerfield. Image courtesy of Heron Preston

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Heron Preston and Zellerfield launch an upgraded version of their 3D-printed sneaker.

“Late last year, Heron Preston and Zellerfeld tested the depths of 3D-printed sustainability through their slip-on HERON01 sneaker. The first drop, titled Version 0.8, was released to a group of beta testers by way of a raffle. But after digging deep into the beta tester feedback, the two are ready to present the new and improved HERON01 sneaker known as Version 0.81. Most of the feedback spoke on the shoe’s fit, form, and function, allowing the sneaker’s design and structure to be reimagined in the second round. The updated Version 0.81 has an improved collar shape and roomier toe box that allows for an easier fit. A reduced material usage helps create a shoe that doesn’t weigh you down, and the upper is softer so it won’t irritate your skin if you go sockless.” [H/T Input]

The AIA criticizes SCOTUS’s EPA ruling as a setback in tackling the climate crisis.

“The climate crisis is a crisis of global dimensions, there are no sidelines. AIA believes that the West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency, decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is a setback in the climate crisis fight. AIA also believes that the decision should strengthen our resolve to partner with and support elected leaders that share our sense of urgency to address the climate crisis. AIA urges Congress to give EPA the tools needed to allow the agency, and all of the federal government, to meaningfully and holistically reduce and eventually eliminate greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. The architects’ oath to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public requires nothing less.” [H/T AIA]

An artist impression of the Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall in orchestral mode. Image courtesy of Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House unveils a revamp that modernizes its once-maligned acoustics.

“Far-sighted though he was, Sydney Opera House designer Jørn Utzon’s ideas for a room capable of hosting concerts of all kinds were rooted in the European tradition of opera and symphonic music. But playing the hall has always involved a measure of compromise. All that changes with $150 million renovations. For audiences, the most obvious physical changes to the concert hall are the large petal-shaped fiberglass sound reflectors installed above the stage, the diffusive patterns on wooden panels on the box fronts around the stage and the retractable reflectors on the concert hall side wall. These are all designed to address sound issues that have bedeviled the venue since its inauguration in 1973.” [H/T The Guardian]

The Times Art Center Berlin will soon close due to “sociopolitical turbulences.” 

“The Times Art Center Berlin, one of the few major offshoots of a Chinese museum in the West, will shutter after four years of operation in the German capital. The museum seemed to suggest that it may at some point reopen, although it did not provide a timeline. In a statement released at the end of June, the Times Art Center Berlin blamed a “historic moment of global crises, when socio-political turbulences have already, or will soon, affect every aspect of our lives” as a reason for its closure, which it said was temporary.” [H/T ARTnews]

The drawing room at Gucci’s former headquarters in London. Photography by Beauchamp Estates/Tom St. Aubyn

Gucci’s former London headquarters, a neoclassical gem in Mayfair, hits the market. 

“The home at Grafton Street, W1 has a remarkable history. To name a few, it was the former home of Lord Chancellor Lord Brougham, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, the most expensive property currently for sale in Mayfair, and, most notably, the former headquarters of Gucci. Recently listed through the luxury firm Beauchamp Estates, the property that once housed the offices of the fashion powerhouse is for sale for about $66 million or for rent at a weekly rate of $48,000. The mansion is the last remaining private residence on Grafton Street, a highly affluent area in London. [H/T Architectural Digest]

The up-and-coming British artist Abbas Zahedi wins this year’s Frieze Artist award.

“Just three years after finishing his MA at Central Saint Martins, Abbas Zahedi has already had a solo show at the South London Gallery and had a work acquired by the Tate. Now he will create an ambitious new commission for the upcoming Frieze London (Oct. 12–16), after being named the winner of this year’s Frieze Artist Award. Situated next to the entrance of the fair, Zahedi’s installation, Waiting With {Sonic Support}, will be a wooden structure that will resemble a bus stop. Over the course of the week, it will host a series of live activations, which will also be broadcasted online and into the fair itself.” [H/T The Art Newspaper]

A number of Black artists criticize Philadelphia’s plans for a Harriet Tubman statue.

“The city of Philadelphia wants people to help shape the theme of a permanent Harriet Tubman statue by responding to a public input survey by July 13. But a number of Black artists and historians are criticizing the process as being unfair and insulting. That is because the commission was awarded to Wesley Wofford, the sculptor who designed the traveling statue Harriet Tubman: The Journey to Freedom, that stood outside City Hall earlier this year, without seeking drawings or proposals from other artists.” [H/T The Philadelphia Inquirer]

Simba, a baby Nubian goat from Pakistan with the world’s longest ears. Photography by Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Today’s attractive distractions:

At 19 inches long, this baby goat was born with the world’s longest ears

Safwat Riad is bringing a mood-lit ambience to Brooklyn’s nightlife spaces.

Take a look inside the strange, shadowy world of high-profile book heists.

A doghouse designed by Frank Lloyd Wright reveals his light-hearted side.

All Stories