Over the next months we will be highlighting award-winning projects and ideas from this year's Core77 Design Awards! For full details on the project, jury commenting and more information about the awards program, go to Core77DesignAwards.com

Designer: fuseproject - Yves Behar
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Category: Furniture/Lighting
Award: Winner

Herman Miller SAYL Chair

The Herman Miller SAYL chair combines innovative technology and high design in an affordable breakthrough chair that sets new standards of performance, quality and appearance. SAYL has a full-suspension back that is literally frameless, giving it both unique support and an iconic form.

We took an eco-dematerialised approach, removing excess materials while maintaining a high level of quality. In completely re-thinking every design element, we created a better, smarter chair that sets a new standard for performance and aesthetics. By eliminating as much material as possible, we shaped each functional piece to be beautiful, expressive and tactile, revealing structural innovations like the Y-tower and ArcSpan as critical elements in the ergonomics and design aesthetic.

One of the distinguishing elements of SAYL is its frameless full-suspension back. Different degrees of tension are infused into the injection-molded back's proprietary material, providing comprehensive support. The 3-D intelligence that this design provides lets the chair adapt to individual shape and movements.
The arc of the suspension back also gives SAYL its unique shape. The elegant form easily slips into any space giving a sense of visual lightness and transparency. With a sense of humility, it attempts to achieve high-tactility design rather than a visual statement.

Eco-dematerialization contributed to the chair's aesthetics, but also reduced the process' impact on the earth. Producing the chairs on three continents decreases the distance between factory and buyer. Chairs ship ready to assemble in half-size boxes, reducing waste. The materials used in production are sustainable and the SAYL chair is targeted to achieve MBDC Cradle to Cradle Silver, BIFMA level 2 and GREEN GUARD certifications.

Core77: What's the latest news or development with your project?

The SAYL chair family is currently available, both online and at retail, in many colors and finishes. The translucent back, a huge material innovation, will soon be available, along with other new material offerings. We are also working towards upgrading our current Cradle to Cradle Silver level to Gold!

What is 1 quick anecdote about your project?

"Build it, Break it, and repeat until it is right" This is a mantra we used throughout the design process of SAYL. Instead of simply approaching this project as another chair design for Herman Miller, we wanted to do it differently. By growing the chair from the ground up and using the build, break, repeat mantra, we were able to innovate all parts of the SAYL chair. The frameless suspended back material is an innovation that reduces material used, increases dynamic comfort, encourages movement, and is lower cost too.

Read on for full details on the project and jury comments.

Here comes the next generation of innovators revolutionizing batteries. Per-Ivar Sellergren is helping Volvo put energy storage--both batteries and high-power supercapacitors--in the body panels of cars.

Photo by Christian Aslund

Per-Ivar Sellergren Senior Research and Development Engineer Volvo Car Corp., Goeteborg, Sweden Sellergren, 60, is helping Volvo put energy storage--both batteries and high-power supercapacitors--in the body panels of cars.

"We're developing two types of storage: a battery, mainly for electric vehicles, and supercapacitors, designed primarily for hybrid vehicles. Both can go in the panels of a car, in the door or the hood, for example. Our battery is very, very thin. Each fiber could be a battery cell, and about 5,000 fibers fit in a human hair. Because this technology can spread across a large surface area, it opens up a lot of possibilities for the amount of energy it can store. One potential application is airplanes. If you put batteries in the wings and bodies, you can run a plane with electric power and a small hybrid engine. When the plane is climbing, it would use battery power; when landing, the battery can be recharged with the propeller as the generator."

A version of this article appears in the September 2011 issue of Fast Company.

More Fast Talk: Battery Power Brian Parsonnet

re-interpreting an old foldable wooden structure found in an antique market in scotland, fabrica designers re-imagine it for contemporary contexts - essentially developing a movable room that can be carried from place to place.

resembling an oversized hurdy-gurdy, the mechanical instrument changes its tones based on the growth of cucumbers, to which the device's strings are attached.

the innovative system for windows and building surfaces includes a photovoltatic cell and an OLED screen on opposite sides of a rotatable panel, for use in energy collection, lighting, media playback, and displays.

So we have the office shredder that shreds paper to bits and then we dump it for recycling. Now how about adding a twist to the process? Let the shredded paper fall into this self-sealing clear cushion cover; fill it up to become a beautiful cushion. Agreed it may not have a very long life, but as a stress buster or a kitsch pillow it will add a dash of excitement. This is one cool upcycle idea!

Designer: Gyeongwan Koo (Oliver)

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Rollerblading RobotRobot powered by solar energy

After Dubya Bot Chariot , Bob Schneevis is back with something he calls the Solar Electric Robot Chariot. A robot has taken over the place of the chariot driver in this new design. The new chariot was unveiled at the Maker Faire Bay Area. The robot makes good use of renewable solar energy, which is its main source of power. The onboard solar panels provide energy to a set of batteries, which are then used to power the robotic legs. The robot moves its legs by gliding around a pair of rollerblades; it’s similar to the way we humans walk, but with the exception of rollerblades.

The chauffeur ride is guided with the help of cameras for mechanized movement, so that chariot can move in any direction. Actually this is the one of the best way for traveling around in an eco-friendly manner. It’s going to be fun for one and all. After all it provides you an emission-free ride, acquaintance with fresh air and scene of happening around you.

Via: Engadget

Solar ChargerInexpensive solar charger

Building a solar powered charger to fuel small appliances can be structured by using some basic equipments. Increased use of solar panels has made its availability easier. Solar panels are available in all possible sizes from bigger to a smaller one and that too at affordable prices.

It is not a very complicated procedure to structure a solar powered charger.

Here are the steps to make a solar powered charger:

1. Collection of the required tools
There are certain specific tools which are required for making a solar powered charger. So the first step is collection of the required tools. The required tools include AA batteries, Battery holders, a USB extension a/a cable, electrical tape, glue gun or tape to hold the pieces in place,terminal strip or soldering iron, blocking diode, a drill, a 6 volt solar panel.

2. Selection of the diode
Standard diodes drop the voltage by 0.6 V, while the Schottky diode drops it by 0.2 V which can be a deciding factor in whether the charger works or not. So it’s better to choose a standard diode which will ensure quality of the functioning of the charger.

3. Cutting the USB cable
To build the kit, cut the USB cable at the end which has the jack and remove everything except the red and black wire. This cable will be used in constructing the circuit.

4. Testing the solar collectors
Check the solar collectors before connecting it to the circuit to be sure that it is working. It should yield the output of 2 volt inside the room and 2.5 volt in bright sunlight.

5. Soldering
The next step is soldering to make a circuit. Solder the red wire of the cable to the diode and then the diode to the red wire from the solar panel. In the next step solder the black wire from the solar panel to the cable. This completes the step of soldering. Soldering creates a serial connection which adds the voltages together, giving an output between 4 and 5 V, which is the required voltage for operation of a standard charger.

6. Drilling
The next step is drilling. Drill a hole for the cables, to make it pass through the solar panel. This completes the step of drilling.

7. Finalizing the setup
The next step involves the fitting of the components of the solar charger into the project box. It should be done with caution as recklessness in final step could disturb the whole model.

8. Testing the finalized solar charger
Connect any one of the gadgets with minimal power requirement to the finalized solar charger to test it out. Ensure that solar panels are exposed to bright light and allow the charger to charge the gadget. It’s better to turn off the gadget while charging.

Caution while using solar charger

1. Place the charger in an open area where the solar panel gets enough light to convert it into electrical energy. If the solar panel does not gets ample light, it will not function appropriately.

2. Don’t connect the charger to a gadget with higher energy demands as solar charger has its own limit as it should be used in accordance with the outermost capacity.

3. Don’t cross connect the charger to any other source of electric charge as it may damage the charger. It should be ensured that the charger is properly connected to the gadget .

4. Use the charger to charge the gadgets in switched off condition. It will increase the life of the solar panel.

5. Give appropriate time to the solar charger to charge the connected gadget as it depends on the intesity of light hitting the solar panel.

Green Achitecture marvelsview of a proposed architecture

Mega structures are large self supporting man made buildings or monuments whose sizes are not specifically defined. Structures like Great wall of China that stretches for a distance of over 6000 Km is considered to be one of the oldest mega structures in the world.

Need for change

The concept of mega structures have changed over the last few years. Most designs now give a lot of emphasis on conservation of energy. Green technologies have developed rapidly that can stop the overuse of resources and make the construction of ecofriendly mega structures possible.

What’s Next

1. Tirana to get an all new grandiose parliamentary complex

What’s new

Tirana would soon get an epitome of green mega structure that would encompass an area of 28 000 sq m. The design for a parliamentary complex would be a state of the art complex that would be nothing less a contemporary wonder in the field of modern architecture. Starting from the facade on the interior to the spacious public space in the interiors, the structure on the whole would be a landmark not just in the capital of Tirana but for Albania itself.

What difference will it make

The design brings passive solar concepts to the advanced building structure that would enhance the energy efficiency. The Ventilation system would be enhanced too saving a lot of energy during day time. Apart from this noise control, solar glare protection and a thermal insulation would be incorporated to the design.

2. Masterplan for Nanjing, China by CK Designworks

What’s new

An Australian firm named, CK Designworks have proposed a 20 Sq Km green city in the Pukou district of Nanjing. The mega structure would be home to a population of 200,000 people which will have well defined commercial, industrial, and residential zones. This project has been touted as one of the largest design projects in the world which will be made a reality by combination of green fields integrated with the already existing industrial low lands.

What difference will it make

One of the landmarks of this whole project would be a set of 10 important structures like a five star hotel that would achieve the highest LEED certification. That would necessarily mean that a good amount of green technology would be implemented with a huge scope of energy production for the renewable sources of energy.

3. City-like Voronoi Skyscraper

What’s new

Portugal’s Voronoi skyscraper designed by a team of five members won the 2001 eVolvo skyscraper competition. The Voronoi basically depicts diagrams in geometry where the spaces are split into the spheres of influence. The mega structure would be a thriving city in itself comprising of offices, entertainment areas, residential complexes all connected with transportation that would be installed within the skyscraper.

What difference will it make

The transportation is taken care by a spiraling system that would allow easy access to all the levels of the building thus there would be no need of the conventional cars inside the complex. This would reduce the emission to zero percent inside the complex.

4. SOM Architects to design Green Tech City in Hanoi

What’s new

Green Tech city is designed by SOM, which is one of the most popular construction companies of the world. The Green Tech city is likely to be constructed in Hanoi, which is one of the important cities in Vietnam. It is proposed that more than 20000 residents would occupy the mega structure that would be built using some of the best technologies available to us.

What difference will it make

Several green technologies would ensure that there is a considerable reduction in the emissions that might affect the environment. Various projects like rain water harvesting would make sure that water is not wasted and recycled back to the building so that it could be used again. Also comfortable micro climates would be created which would reduce the operation cost considerably.

Electric trike designsDesigns of three-wheeled vehicles that are sustainable and green

Most modern-day, futuristic vehicles are highly dependent on non-renewable sources of energy. Awareness towards using alternate sources of energy has increased and people are switching to eco friendly rides to keep the deterioration of the environment at bay. Here is a list of electric trike designs that offer a sustainable ride. You can feel the comfort of a car and the excitement of a bike while riding these electricity-driven trikes.

1. E-Trike concept electric vehicle by Onno Fridrich

E Trike concept electric vehicleE Trike concept electric vehicle is a zero emission ride by Onno Fridrich

Onno Fridrich has created the E-Trike concept, which is electric driven. The zero emission ride is a three-wheeled creation and vows to keep the streets free from pollution. The rear of the features a single wheel and the front has two wheels that have been placed close to each other. The concept has been fitted with a windscreen that will shield the rider from bad weather conditions. Electric batteries will make it a great vehicle that can be used by one person at a time.

2. P. I .E.T

P.I.E.TP.I.E.T (Plug-In Electric Tricycle) has sloping system of wheels

Two environment lovers, Laurent Hompesch and Lorenz Nasdal, have crafted P.I.E.T, Plug-In Electric Trike. The eco friendly vehicle is perfect for an urban setup and makes good use of plug-in electric power. The eye-catching trike has a sloping system of wheels that guarantee the turning radius remains small. P.I.E.T occupies less space on the road and even while parking. The length can be shortened by moving down the back wheel, which ensures that the electric trike consumes less space. The frame that surrounds the head of the driver can be folded upwards. This makes it easy for the driver to get in and out of the vehicle. A battery pack is nicely placed under the seat that makes sure P.I.E.T gets enough power for the embedded wheel hub motor.

3. Eco friendly Amantide Electric Trike

Amantide Electric TrikeAmantide Electric Trike by Florentin Hortopan has a handlebar that can double as a brake

Amantide Electric Trike, designed by Florentin Hortopan and has been draped with unique looks. It fetches all its power from a rechargeable battery. The Trike has a seating capacity for one person only. It is theft proof as it can be easily folded and carried anywhere. It has two wheels in the front and one at the back, that provide ample support. Additional support is provided by the leg rests that are connected to the extension. The eye-appealing trike has a handlebar that extends out from the seat base. It has an accelerator on the right. To bring the electric creation to an immediate halt, the entire handlebar has to be pulled. Amantide Electric Trike has shock absorbers placed under the seat that ensure a comfortable ride.

4. Deliver-E Electric Trike

Deliver e-trikeDeliver e-trike specially made for mailmen

Deliver-E Electric Trike is the result of the hard work and undying passion of Simon Williams from Australia. The electricity-run creation has been fitted with two electric motors that have been placed in each wheel at the back. Apart from the motors it is powered by 16 Li-Ion batteries. It has a reverse gear for easy backing of the vehicle. Deliver-E Trike can touch a maximum speed of 50 mph and has a range of 37 miles. It has been designed keeping in mind the needs of a mail man.

5. BMW i1

BMW i1BMW i1 comes draped in attention grabbing looks

BMW always manages to make heads turn and the BMW i1 is no exception. The three wheeled creation by Amadou Ba Ndiaye for BMW is an all-electric ride. The single seater is wedged with three powerful motors that manage to send in thrill chills. A computer regulated hydraulic system controls the wheel tilt that ensures necessary safety of the rider. The chassis of this energy efficient ride has been crafted from carbon fiber and moves on three wheels with panache.

6. E-3POD Antistatic e-trike

E-3POD Antistatic e-trikeE-3POD Antistatic e-trike has two front wheels that are placed at an angle

The E-3POD Antistatic e-trike, designed by Heikki Juvonen, was declared winner for the Double Challenge sponsored by Citroen. Heikki, a student of Royal College of Art has crafted the ultra compact electric vehicle which will awe onlookers with its good looks. It features a hubless back wheel and two wheels at the front, placed at an angle. The lightweight creation comes wedged with a small battery pack and has space for just one passenger.

7. The Honda 3R-C

The Honda 3R-CThe Honda 3R-C is a futuristic concept for the year 2050

The Honda 3R-C is a practical vehicle that has been crafted keeping in mind the future. The trike has been fitted with a lithium battery that will be placed under the chassis. The eco friendly trike has ample storage space in the form of lockable trunk and is a noiseless creation. The door-like sides provides protection from water and wind, while the canopy acts as a windshield.

8. Bemblis Trike

Bemblis TrikeBemblis Trike is lightweight and cost effective

Marouane Bembli’s Electric Trike cares for the environment and is also cost effective. It is light in weight and has an aluminum-crafted chassis. The body is a single module, which can be easily placed over the chassis in a desired color and material. The inside has been caked with plain looks that reduces the overall cost. Bemblis Trike has a single wheel at the rear, just like a motorbike.The practical bike is easy to maintain and can be used every day.

9. IKONE Shoe-Shaped EV

IKONE Shoe-Shaped EVIKONE Shoe-Shaped EV looks like a shoe and has a great mileage

IKONE Shoe-Shaped EV, as the name suggests, looks like a shoe. The three-wheeled trike has been conceptualized by Karim Guelmi and will fetch a lot of attention when it rolls on the road. IKONE promises to deliver a high mileage and a pumped up range. It has storage space for a 18.5 liter container. The concept has been fitted with lithium batteries that will power the engine and can be easily charged from any electric outlet. Its sleek and dainty facade will set eyes widening in surprise.

10. Roadrunner Electric-Assist Trike

Roadrunner electric-assist trikeRoadrunner electric-assist trike can move with electric power as well as paddle power

Roadrunner Electric-Assist Trike weighs 26 kg and has a body crafted using carbon fiber. The light weight, three-wheeled ride is an ingenious creation by Cikaric Dragan. The space saving Trike has a lithium-ion battery pack that give juice to the electric motors. Roadrunner comes wedged with a carbon storage box, which has been placed in the front and can be used to carry stuff weighing up to 25kg. A mud visor and a wind guard will make sure that the rider doesn’t feel uncomfortable during bad weather conditions. It can also be operated by using paddle power.