Design Stories

Design Stories

Design Stories featuring great design, architecture, fashion, graphics and innovation from across the globe.

 

Suwen

Suwen is a guqin, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument, reinterpreted for modern playing. The form follows the Tang dynasty qin kept at Horyuji Temple. The soundboard is made of aged cedar or paulownia, and the back is made of catalpa. The base layer blends deer antler ash and raw lacquer. An acoustically engineered interior cavity gives the compact body the tone and volume of a full size instrument. A matte grain lacquer finish creates a dry, non slip surface. A widened string anchor at the tail eases finger movement for beginners and for players with smaller hands.

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Lyrion

Lyrion is a hybrid grand piano that combines a classical acoustic action with digital technology. The body is made of high-performance carbon fiber composite and precision-engineered aluminum, which reduce weight and support long-term stability. A rotating monitor reveals an integrated display used for sound adjustment, recording and score reading, with adjustable height, size and viewing angle. Motorized lid and key mechanisms operate through silent calibrated systems, and the ambient lighting can be adjusted. A built-in battery allows up to 20 hours of use.

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Memorial Capsule

This biodegradable pet urn is designed to provide a gentle and continuous farewell. Inspired by Japanese home memorial traditions and natural burials, it offers a sustainable way to honor life. The two-part structure with a threaded lid secures ashes for display or burial, while a small charm remains with the owner as a keepsake. Crafted from bioplastic with powdered oyster shells, the urn naturally returns to the earth. Its matte finish and soft contours invite touch, offering comfort and rituals during grief.

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Whaletone Grand Hybrid Piano

Whaletone Grand Hybrid is a hybrid grand piano made for stage and home use. The instrument is a smaller version of the Royal model, so it needs less space and is easier to transport, while its acoustic qualities remain unchanged. The character, proportions and slender line of the larger model are retained. A new play mechanism joins a classical hammer action with digital sound technology, so the touch stays close to that of an acoustic piano. A Moving Keys function plays back recorded music with visible key movement.

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The Folding Boat

The Folding Boat, located along the shore of the Harlem River, is a multifunctional space serving as a rowing facility for the community college, a small library, and a museum dedicated to sport rowing. Featuring a folded metal roof, this structure defines its interior space by seamlessly blending walls into ceilings. Positioned at the convergence of historical and modern districts, the meticulous placement of elements respects programs, circulation, and the urban landscape.

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Harp E

Harp-E is the world’s most accessible professional grade electro-acoustic harp. With a complete structural rethink and redesign, the ancient, complicated and elitist harp has become a simple, elegant, flat-pack, self-assembly instrument. All you need for assembly is a hex key. It's a paradigm shift, made for all people and settings, from classrooms to festivals. All fragile parts are sandwiched inside the sturdy frame; Harp-E is portable, stackable, customizable, wearable, adjustable, while boasting superior sound, strings and electronics, all at a fraction of the price and weight.

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