Sunday 24 January 2010

Copenhagen Comp: Open Bike & Myloop

Here is a super cool idea for a bike by LOTS Design, Koucky & Partners & Green Idea Factory. Joint 1st place winner of the CPH Bike-Share Competition, Open Bike is designed for an intelligent, floating shared bicycle scheme in Copenhagen (where else!). We hope it gets manufactured, takes off and reaches our shores very soon.

Image Copyright: LOTS DesignFrom: Erik Nohlin on Industrial Design / Behance
"IMAGINE a bike share system that...is floating and does not need any special parking installations, so you can leave the bike where you want...will learn, adapt and evolve according to needs and user patterns ...makes full use of modern technology for locating, booking and payment, but is as easy to use as ones own bicycle ..facilitates and rationalises bike management, maintenance and redistribution... defines a new level in bike sharing and strengthens Copenhagen’s position as a leader in modern urban transport solutions. This is OPEN bike!"

Image Copyright: LOTS DesignThe CPH jury were clearly delighted with the Open Bike design:
"As a user you only need to relate to the bicycle and the individual technology you can choose to use in reserving a bicycle. In relation to the bicycle’s design the jury wishes to highlight the technological, user-friendly interface, as well as details such as clever placement of lights and seat post. The latter, with its height guide, gives the user excellent odds for adjusting the height of the saddle correctly on the first attempt.

In addition, OPENbike leads us on a beautiful and elegant journey back in time. The basic idea of a floating system sends a tip of the hat back to the white bicycles in 1960’s Amsterdam and the bicycle’s aesthetic qualities relate well to Copenhagen’s bicycle history with its visual connection to our past (and perhaps revitalised) bicycle messenger culture prior to the 1960’s.

These aspects of OPENbike are brought perfectly into play in an exciting, forward-thinking project that elegantly contributes to the branding of Copenhagen and, with its dynamic approach to systems, reminds us that cities, as well as the mobile behaviour of people, change over time."
More here

The Myloop design by Thomas Coulbeaut was joint winner of the competition with another clever design incorporating a stacking system to minimise pavement space when not in use and ability to power up with electricity at the docking system.

Image Copyright: Thomas Coulbeaut
Here's what the judges had to say:
"...the jury notices that the bicycle’s size and the way it is stacked respects the urban landscape in Copenhagen as well as the challenges of mobility and logistics in the city. Therefore the project distinguishes itself in the way that it is aimed at the future with a point of departure in the reality of the city of Copenhagen.

The end user has been thought into the process in many ways. Myloop has a simple and user-friendly interface where the technology is a help and not a challenge.

Furthermore, Myloop introduces, along with a host of other entries, the possibility of locking the bicycle - outside shops, for example - so long as the bicycle is registered as in use by the system. This angle is commendable because it offers the user of the bicycle the same flexibility that other cyclists enjoy on their route around the city."
More here

Check out the other winning designs here

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Attention Brighton Crafters

Image Copyright: Leftover DesignThe new year provides inspiration for us to make better use of our current or potential creative talents. But where to start? Well, if you live in Brighton, Leftover Designs may be able to help. Join one of their new creative weekly sessions and get practising your art(s) whilst making new friends and contacts. Whether you're a beginner or already have skills you'd like to develop get in touch with Sibel at Leftover Designs.

From: Sibel Lagerdahl, Leftover Designs, 5Jan09
"I am organising a weekly get together for everyone in Brighton who is having the creative DIY urges, but doesn't want to do it on their own, or lacking the skills.

With professional advice and guidance, you can now learn:
* Dressmaking (advance or beginners)
* Customising and alterations
* Bag making
* Knitting and crocheting
* Accessory and jewellery making
* Card making
All from 100% reclaimed and recycled materials.

It will all start at the end of this month if it all goes to plan. Please let me know if you are interested, and what particular skills and what day of the week that would suit you."


Suggested hours: 6-9pm on either Mon, Tues or Wed evening
Cost: £10 per 3hr workshop if paid in advance for 4 sessions | £15 for drop-in

Email: sibel@leftover.co.uk
Post: Shabitat, Saunders Park, Lewes Rd, Brighton BN2 4AY

Further Info:
Leftover Designs