Picks Of The Week

picks of the week
Image credit: Tuomas Uusheimo

From a cute design that creates sculptures shaped like cats and a mesmerising library in Helsinki to street artists celebrating the life and vision of Dr. Maya Angelou and an installation promoting dialogue, these are VISI’s top picks of the week.

1. Oodi Central Library in Helsinki

This striking building, featuring a curved wooden facade made using local materials, is home to the new Helsinki Central Library. Designed by ALA Architects, the library had already welcomed its one millionth visitor in March 2019 – it was completed in December 2018.

Image credit: Tuomas Uusheimo

Image credit: Tuomas Uusheimo

Image credit: Tuomas Uusheimo

Image credit: Iwan Baan

Images courtesy of v2com-newswire.com

2. Neko Cup by h-concept

Yuka Morii of Japanese design brand h-concept has created a cat-shaped bucket that lets you make little sand or snow sculptures that look like napping cats. Made from biomass plastic (a combination of bamboo and scallop shells), they also function as a cute decor object when not in use.

Images via spoon-tamago.com

Maya Angelou Mural Festival

Organised by Branded Arts, street artists from across the globe, including JR, Shepard Fairey, and renowned South African artist Faith XLVII, came together to create a series of wall murals at the Dr. Maya Angelou Community High School in Los Angeles, in tribute to the iconic poet.

Rabi of Cyrcle and JR. Image credit: @wiseknave

Shepard Fairey. Image credit: Jon Furlong for @obeygiant

Faith XLVII. Image credit: @staticmedium

HUGE. Image credit: @wiseknave

Shawn Michael Warren. Image credit: @staticmedium

Images via news.artnet.com

The Best Weapon Bench

Designed by architecture and design firm Snøhetta, in collaboration with Hydro and Vestre, The Best Weapon is a “peace bench” that was unveiled on Mandela Day on 18 July at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The installation, which will be on the plaza until September, is according to Snøhetta, a symbol of dialogue and diplomacy. Nelson Mandela’s quote, “The best weapon is to sit down and talk” is engraved on the surface of the bench.

Images via snohetta.com

New Matte Black Ceramics Collection From Carrol Boyes

Carrol Boys has released a matte black bone china collection, based on the original Sketchbook range. The collection includes mugs, bowls, platters and plates and is available in store and online.

Images via carrolboyes.com