How to make a cityscape

Take 40 meters of stunning 4mm felt, two topographical maps, several large print outs, preparation, diet coke, two boxes of scalpels and a few litres of Copydex and… Voila!

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They’re beautiful.

The rugs are taking shape

I’ve spent the last month in my dream job! Working intensively on these beasts has all been worth in and they’re beginning to take shape.

Mapping Moscow

At hive we’re making two ‘Cityscape’ rugs for a Russian bank; one of London and one of Moscow. They’ve done a London rug before, but the biggest hurdle so far has been finding a topographical map of Moscow – a detailed one.

Why work the weekend?

Working on a Sunday… Ahh, the life of a freelancer.

Why work the weekend? Well, I’ve been thrown in the deep end somewhat.

I’ve been working with a social enterprise called [re]design since I left college last year – the day after I left college as it happens. Anyhow, as a non-profit organisation we’ve been struggling to get funding for as long as I can remember. However, there’s hope for us yet: on Friday I got a call to say that we’re through to the final round of applicants for the Stanley Picker Fellowship. Hoorah! Progress and recognition at last!

But every silver-lining has a cloud… Next Wednesday, the five finalists will be grilled for 35 minutes, under high pressure to persuade a panel of judges that their research proposal is the most delicious dish on the menu.

It turns out that everyone’s on holidays next week.No prizes for guessing who’s getting cooked next Wednesday at 9.45am.

Day two at hive

Double-clicking day in day out has been driving me to distraction.

I need to make things.

In an attempt to get my practical and enthusiastic hands dirty, I’ve been in touch with a company I did work-experience with once called hive.

Hive is… ‘an award winning interdisciplinary design partnership specialising in furniture, lighting, interior accessories and design.’

I used to work weekends in their Oxo Tower studio. They’ve now relocated to brand spanking new premises in New Cross and taken me on part-time to do a spot of product development and model-making for their latest range. Hoorah!

Anyhow. Yes. Today. Day two was productive, as was day one. I’ve been developing ideas and mocking up models for new lighting designs, a modular shelving system/ room divider type thing, and a new range of packaging. Phew.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

The first venue for Climate Cool! Impressive venue.

SSTM Set Up

Efficiency! The production team here in Shanghai is spot on. The exhibition was set up with hardly a hiccup. White gloves, labeling, floor plans and more labeling. Great stuff.

The Bund

Shanghai’s Southbank. Yes, these boats are equipped with video billboards – it’s like Bladerunner.

A room with a view?

China is crazy! This city is vast. Just got back from our welcome meal with the British Council team. Yummy, delicious and… interesting food. Jellyfish: tastes good, feels like skinny, boney slug. Odd

The scale of the city is certainly impressive and construction work seems to continue through the night. Disconcerting amount of smog and a worrying juxtaposition of poverty and wealth. For more photos go here.

Off to Shanghai with the British Council, China

A few months ago the [re]design team were commissioned to curate an exhibition for the British Council: Climate Cool By Design. It’s a touring exhibition, showcasing the very best in British sustainable design. Today I’m traveling to Shanghai with Sarah Johnson, Jason Allcorn and Milly (the little Maker) to oversea proceedings. It’s only a thirteen hour flight!