MINIMALISSIMO EDITED
This newsletter is supported by aprile, the hanging chair
Design should be better than what existed before (not always easy or even possible, but worth a try). I like to design in an evolutionary way, to look at what came before, not to throw away the collective effort that may have taken hundreds of years. The moment you bring something new into a room, it has an effect on the atmosphere—that effect has to be a positive one, not just for a few weeks but over the years.
– Jasper Morrison
What's happening?
My partner in crime code Manu has helped me redesign my personal blog. Although I've been a bit absent with my writing there for the past few months, this super minimal design has given me the motivation to begin again. And with it, a new domain name and a new blog post discussing my design ethos, which is strongly reflected in the site and newsletter design of Minimalissimo, among other projects I'm involved in. It's not fancy, but it is incredibly lightweight and still has character. Collaboration is one of the most rewarding things for me, and working with Manu is always an efficient, honest, and no-nonsense experience.
– Carl
Features
NOTHING PHONE (2)
Nothing, led by Carl Pei, is back with the unveiling of Phone (2) where greater focus has been paid to the software capabilities and simple UI, improved details with the LED lighting strips integration, and USB-C compatibility. There is an updated glyph interface, which includes a new ringtone pack and glyph composer based on synth-like sounds from Swedish House Mafia.
SONDEK LP12-50 TURNTABLE
The turntable marks the fiftieth anniversary of Scottish audio brand Linn designed in collaboration with Jony Ive and Marc Newson's company, LoveFrom. The sonic improvement comes by way of Linn's all-new Bedrok™ plinth technology; formed of orthogonal layers of beech placed under extreme pressure to create an entirely new, solid, and massive material. LoveFrom has applied their design expertise to the new, precision-machined power/speed control button and hinges—providing delightful and precise interaction with the turntable.
INSIGHT HOUSE
A small-budget remodelling project of an end lot in the terrace houses located just outside Kuala Lumpur, made to house a young couple and their dog. Designed by Malaysian architecture firm Core Design Workshop, the primary goal was to express the richness of what lies inside, redefining the spatial experiences of the home.
WANDER LIGHT PORTABLE
Wander Light, designed by Jonas Wagell (JWDA), takes inspiration from rice paper lanterns of the Orient, yet it has a minimal, contemporary design made of elemental materials, powder coated steel and opal white glass. In the paper lantern tradition a handle sweeps over the glass shade and provides handy functionality in a playful manner. The design has been updated as a smaller and portable variation of the original.
LITHODEME RESIDENCE
Lithodeme is located in one of the most southern parts of Europe on the Greek island of Crete. Designed by akra studio, the residence features a linear, monochromatic, and austere geometry emerging between the complex rock formations and the dry seashore, translating their main principles in a structure that seeks to become a part of them.
SEOUL BIRD
South Korean design studio BKID, led by industrial designer Bongkyu Song, were commissioned to craft various objects that symbolise the country's capital Seoul. In Korea, there is a tradition of wishing for harmony and well-being in the family by gifting mandarin ducks or geese to Seoul Birds when they get married. BKID's simplified design is a beautiful representation of such a tradition.
Supply spotlight
minimal product design made to own (and made by us):
M–IM-V2: EBOOK
Inside Minimalism Vol.2 is a series of 50 short exclusive essays on simple living. This ebook is a continuation of Minimalism Life's first volume and discusses minimalism as a tool to help you be more focused and feel more fulfilled, covering many topics such as slow and quiet living, curation, consumerism, and family.
Where next?
Discovery
other things for you to read, explore, and maybe even admire:
013 t-shirt: a beautifully crafted minimal mockup by 099
Fiat Panda 4x4: an upgrade on the classic with configurable options (matt black everything please)
invisible details of interaction design: exceptional essay by Rauno Freiberg
the story of stuff: a 20-minute movie about the way we make, use, and throw away all the stuff in our lives while exposing the causes of our sustainability issues
This monthly edition of the Minimalissimo newsletter was supported by aprile, the hanging chair
inspired by spring days and designed by Matteo Modica, aprile is a simple suspended chair that oozes elegance—a floating seat, shaped after spring petals, swinging gently. designed and handcrafted in Italy with artisanal love.
whether you're looking for visual inspiration or design insights, you can visit our gallery to discover the very best of minimalism in art and design.
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