Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Scotty.


Meet Scotty...  just released into this world by Modular.

Designers Courvreur & Devos have worked with Modular to create an architectural luminaire that gets back to bare basics - an asymmetric rotating, homogeneous light source combined with an ingenious hinged joint enhanced by some perfectly executed details.  Wiring and hinges are integrated seamlessly into the design creating an eye catching, refined luminaire that is able to blend into the architecture of each space.

In the past few years technology has changed at an incredibly fast pace - especially in the lighting industry - and Modular are at the front of the pack when it comes to new lighting generations for interior spaces with their LED architectural luminaires.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Ultimate Rube Goldberg machine

The video below shows the ultimate Rube Goldberg in action, I had the lame kids toy version of this when I was younger, complete with dump truck and bucket loader. While I got over my fascination with this toy the creator of the below apparently never did.

My best bits are the Archimedes screw, where he uses a camera to real time sort the balls and walks them up moving stairs without sides.

Simply incredible, a must watch.


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Edinburgh Street







Ed St is a new bar & restaurant located at 27 Edinburgh Street Pukekohe.  Formerly the old Pukekohe Fire Brigade Station built in 1924 Ed St's design is a tribute to the historical nature of the building. The proprietors wanted to retain its character and restore it to its former glory as one of Pukekohe's most iconic historical landmarks. 


Modus created a series of seven individual bespoke pendant luminaires for the two main dining areas at Ed St that reflect the mix of history and contemporary style within the space.  The Edinburgh Pendant design was based upon the simple forms of  pendants created around the turn of the 1900's re-interpreted with modern materials and forms. Small details such as the exposed cord fixings and clear cable work alongside hand spun aluminium, polished chrome and contemporary manufacturing techniques to offer a an echo of the industrial to the refined aesthetic.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Why full cut off luminaires are important.

The below picture is a great example of why we should be aiming to decrease our light pollution in and around our urban spaces.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Lighting features for Unreal Engine 3

Some of you may know me well enough to know that i am an avid gamer.

The below is a trailer for the features of the new Unreal Engine 3 running the new Direct X 11.



Most games these days are made on three different engines. Cry Tech 3 used in Crysis 2. Frostbyte used in the Battlefield franchise and lastly Unreal Engine 3 used in Bulletstorm.

The above video shows some fantastic new realistic features which specifically revolve around lighting and shadows. If your internet connection can handle it turn the HD on and prepare for some stunning visuals.