HBL Technology: 3M Noise-Cancelling Headphones

3M - Wave Sound from Grey Digital on Vimeo.

3M's arresting new ad campaign, by Brazilian brand Grey Digital, uses the skylines of iconic cities to demonstrate the benefits of their newly-launched, noise-cancelling headphones.

HBL Analysis: Window treatments

Lara Meissen and Lara Cixi by Jakob Schlaepfer

The development of digital printing and high-res photography has produced a wealth of macro-scale imagery, and window treatments are a great way to bring larger-than-life photography into home interiors. Smaller-scale digital designs include symmetrical pattern, juxtaposed flowers, butterflies and other details that create a hyperreal explosion of form and vivid colour.

The making of 19 by Bocci

19.0 from Bocci on Vimeo.

This video by Vancouver-based design studio Bocci shows how each of their '19' bowls is creating, using the process of sandcasting. Bocci explains: "19's are made of recycled brass at the oldest foundry on the West Coast of Canada. The overspill oxidizes instantly during the pour, producing a highly textured surface which stands in contrast to the interior of the bowl surface, which is polished to a near mirror finish."

Gaetano Pesce at the Venice Biennale

L'Italia in croce by Gaetano Pesce; photo by Marilia Pederbelli

The Italian pavilion at the Venice Biennale welcomes visitors with this sculpture by Gaetano Pesce, shown in collaboration with Italian design brand Cassina. Entitled L’Italia in croce, or The Crucified Italy, the 7.5 metre high sculpture depicts a blood-red Italy nailed to a black cross; Pesce hopes it will prove "able to shake up feelings”.

The Venice Biennale runs until 27 November 2011.

Qubique, Berlin's new furniture fair

Booth preview, Qubique 2011. Image by A. Bröckel

This October will see the launch of Berlin's newest furniture fair, Qubique, which will be held in a decommisioned airport, and promises to take a "holistic approach" to the tradefair experience.

Senior Design Factory

Senior Design Factory

Zurich-based association the Senior Design Factory teams up groups of people, young and old, to take part in creative projects together. The first branch of the project, comprising a studio, workshop and retail space, opened in March, while the second branch is set to include a small restaurant and is scheduled to open this summer.

Assemblage 2 by Studio Toogood

Element Table in resin, from Assemblage 2 by Studio Toogood

Studio Toogood have sent us photos of their latest collection, Assemblage 2. The pieces were first unveiled at a series of experimental dinners during Milan Design Week (read WGSN-homebuildlife's account here).

Drawing Water by David Wicks

Midwest, Winter 2011, from Drawing Water by David Wicks

These images by California-based artist David Wicks have been digitally created using mapping software, generated from US water consumption and rainfall data.

Bianco Latte, Milan

Bianco Latte, Milan

Milanese latteria and gelateria Bianco Latte is a charming combination of cafe, restaurant and shop. Featuring an all-white interior and a menu centred around milk, the aim is to be "pure and genuine; milk as we remember it from our childhood".

HBL Retail News: Walmart Wireless concepts

Walmart is planning to expand its instore mobile phone shops to a total of 350 Supercenters this year, reports Twice. Last autumn a trial was launched in 200 stores and will currently be expanded to 150 outlets throughout the year.

Click here to read the full article.

HBL Retail News: Starbucks aims to use 100% recycled cups

Planet Retail reports that Starbucks is aiming for 100% of its cups to be either reusable or recyclable by the end of 2015. Currently, the US-based coffee chain uses paper cups are made from 10% post-consumer recycled paper and the cup sleeves are produced from recycled cardboard.

Click here to read the full article.

HBL Retail News: Ikea Ireland posts €11.4m profit after first full year

Swedish Furniture giant Ikea boasts €11.4 million profit as consumers spend €2 million a week; making Irish Ikea amongst the most profitable in Europe, reports The Irish Times and Planet Retail.

“We continue to invest in our prices in the long term and to improve the shopping standards for our customers, and believe we can further strengthen our position in the market as a value for money retailer during these difficult times." (The Directors' report filed with Companies Office, Ikea)

Click below to read the full articles.
Planet Retail: IKEA generates profit after first full year in Ireland
The Irish Times: Ikea Ireland posts €11.4m profit as shoppers spend €2m a week