From a new local showroom and robotic cats to reimagined in-flight meals and fun stamp kits, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 279.

1. Build Your Own Robotic Cat

“This programmable cat, called Nybble, can walk, jump and bat its paws!” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “The project, which can be found on Indiegogo, was designed by Rongzhong Li of Petoi, who built it on an open source platform. I want one!”

Images via Indiegogo / thisiscolossal.com

2. New Sealand Showroom

Award-winning local brand Sealand, recognised globally for making high-end upcycled accessories and apparel, has opened a brand-new split-level flagship store located at the exciting Dock Road Junction development in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town,” shares Features Editor Amelia Brown. “A showcase for the brand’s sustainable products and ethos, the store was designed by Marco Simal (who also designed Tiny Empire). It features bespoke pieces from Wiid Design and MotherCityHardware, and incredible attention to detail, including elements like the staircase handrail, which mirrors the form and contours of the Sealand logo.”

Images courtesy of Sealand

3. DIY Stamp Bug Kits

“Designed by illustrator Barbara Dziadosz, these fun stamp kits from Princeton Architectural Press allow you to imagine and create your own critters,” says Senior Account Manager Cecilia du Plessis. “The kits come with 25 stamps and two ink pads. So fun! You can buy them online at colossalshop.com.”

Images via thisiscolossal.com

4. Sunburst Cushions by Lebohang Molefe

“Inspired by spirituality and a desire to uplift spaces and people with her designs, Lebohang Molefe started her scatter cushion brand Sunburst in 2017,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “You can shop the brand’s four colourful collections online at sunbursthub.com.”

Lebohang Molefe

Images via sunbursthub.com

5. Youmeus Design’s Reimagined In-flight Meals for Virgin Atlantic

“London-based design studio Youmeus Design has reimagined Virgin Atlantic’s in-flight meal experience, from cupholders to clever holders for cutlery,” says Deputy Editor Annemarie Meintjes. “Amazing!”

Images via yankodesign.com

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From a rainbow-inspired installation and noise-cancelling kennels for dogs to Tom Dixon chairs and an all-in-one kitchen design, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 275.

1. Colourful Bookstore Installation by WUtopia Lab

“I absolutely love this colourful installation in a bookshop in Suzhou, China, created by architectural designers WUtopia Lab,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “Entitled ‘Xanadu of Rainbows’ the installation is made up of colourful 1 cm-thick aluminium sheets. Not only does it look beautiful, the design is also functional in that it separates the shop into sections.”

Image credit: Yijie Hu via thisiscolossal.com

2. Ford’s Noise-Cancelling Kennels

“Using the car brand’s noice-cancelling technology to mask engine noise, Ford has now developed a noise-cancelling kennel to protect dogs from the sound of fireworks,” says Features Editor Michaela Stehr. “I know how much loud noises can freak out puppers, so this is a brilliant invention.”

Image via dezeen.com

3. Tom Dixon’s Slab Chairs

“Renowned designer Tom Dixon, who we interviewed here, has reworked and redesigned his SLAB chairs,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen. “The design of the chairs aims to celebrate the natural beauty of Oak.”

Image via tomdixon.net

4. Kook Kitchen by Rastelli

“This kitchen is quite something!” says Editor-in-Chief Sumien Brink. “Designed by Karim Rashid, Kook features wall cabinets equipped with motorised rolling shutters, LED lights, built-in appliances and a spacious worktop.”

Images via rastellicucine.it

5. Illustrations by Frei Design Studio

“Joburg-based design studio Frei, headed up by designer Liandri Fouché, is behind the creation of these fun, colourful illustrations,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “Love!”

Image via @mrs_l.f

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From striking hotel rooms and jewellery made from vintage china to locally made ceramics and trendy firewood storage, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 274.

1. Tree House Hotel

“Peter Pichler Architecture is behind the design of these striking hotel rooms,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “The idea behind the design is for guests to connect with nature. Dreamy!”

Image via dezeen.com

2. Gésine Hackenberg’s Jewellery

“Amsterdam-based jewellery designer Gésine Hackenberg creates incredible pieces out of ceramic dinnerware,” says Content Producer Michaela Stehr. “I love the twist of taking something traditional and transforming it into something fresh and original.”

Image via thisiscolossal.com

3. Pedersen + Lennard’s Firewood Storage

“Local design studio Pedersen + Lennard has launched a new firewood storage unit, the perfect addition to any lounge this coming winter,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen.

Image credit: pedersenlennard.co.za

4. Sandile B Cele Ceramics

Sandile B Cele’s work is inspired by Zulu earplugs and calabashes,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “Nothing is more exciting than seeing local art fusing contemporary design with traditional inspiration.”

Image credit: S B C Design Studio on Facebook

5. Carl August’s Illustrations

“I love the line work used in these original illustrations by local artist Carl August,” says Features Editor Amelia Brown. “They would make amazing custom tattoos, pet portraits or prints!”

Image credit: carlaugust.co.za

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From a dreamy alpine chalet and a local plant producer to woven lampshades and a new Michelle Ludek store in Rosebank, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 272.

1. Alpine Chalet

“This cosy Oregon cabin, designed by Keystone Architecture and Casework, was partly inspired by Amsterdam and its canal houses,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “Just dreamy!”

Image credit: Mikola Accuardi of Portland Supply Co. via dezeen.com

2. Mother City Jungle

“I absolutely love this local plant company,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “Such a clever concept to expose the roots as part of the display.”

Image credit: mothercityjungle.co.za

3. Pierre le Riche at SXSW

“Local artist Pierre le Riche was commissioned to create a colourful installation at international festival SXSW,” says Art Director Lené Roux. “It’s always great to see local talent representing across the globe.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/But-UneBqD9/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuuMsveBAsh/

Image credit: pierreleriche on Instagram

4. Woven Lights by Kamaro’an

“I’m obsessed with these intricately woven shades by Taiwanese studio Kamaro’an,” says Content Producer Michaela Stehr. “They’re made from Umbrella Sedge, a plant associated with traditional indigenous weaving culture.”

Image credit: designboom.com

5. Michelle Ludek’s Rosebank Store

“I love the sophisticated design of Michelle Ludek’s new Rosebank store, which she designed in collaboration with interior designer Jean-Pierre de la Chaumette,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen. “I especially like how Mid-Century elements were incorporated throughout the space.”

Image credit: Sarah de Pina / michelleludek.co.za

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From Nordic treetop cabins and a Mid-Century home to whimsical outdoor lamps and the world’s largest 3D printed bridge, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 271.

1. Elevated Treetop Cabins

“Architect Espen Surnevik is behind the design of two elevated PAN Treetop Cabins, located in the middle of a forest in Norway,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “The 40 m² cabins, which are accessible via a spiral staircase, can sleep up to six people.”

Image credit: Rasmus Norlander via dezeen.com

2. Mid-century House by Coppin Dockray

“I could easily live in this modernist home, built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon,” says Content Producer Michaela Stehr. “After a stunning facelift by architecture studio Coppin Dockray, it looks fit for any modernist movie set. Dream home.”

Image credit: James O Davies via dezeen.com

3. Fila Outdoor Lamps by Michel Charlot for Kettal

“I’m fascinated at how this lamp completely transforms when the sun sets,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “When the fabric lampshade is lit up, it projects a colourful shadow display into the night. How cool?”

Image credit: kettal.com

4. Kim Watermeyer’s Masking Tape Paintings

“Is there anything more satisfying than masking off a wall with masking tape and pulling it off once the paint is dry? Well these pieces created by South African artist Kim Watermeyer are made entirely from strips of masking tape and take that humble painting prop into the fine-art realm,” says Features Editor Amelia Brown. “Kim doesn’t use knives or scissors, instead choosing to tear the strips individually to give each piece an organic touch.”

Image credit: facebook.com/KimWatermeyer.Art

5. World’s Largest 3D Printed Bridge

“The world’s largest 3D printed concrete bridge, which spans 26.3 m, with a width of 3.6 m, was recently completed in Shanghai,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen. “Modern technology is truly growing in leaps and bounds!” 

Image credit: JCDA via designboom.com

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From a graphic courtyard and a cool local collaboration to proudly South African camera straps and a flamingo lamp that transforms itself into a table, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 270.

1. Confetti Courtyard by Endemic Architecture

“This site-specific installation is so bright and colourful,” says Deputy Editor Annemarie Meintjes. “I am a huge fan of the graphic shapes and contrasting colours.”

Image credit: David Salpeter

Image credit: Lauren Moore

Images via archdaily.com

2. Yinka Shonibare Exhibition at The Norval Foundation

“The Norval Foundation Sculpture Garden has a new permanent installation, the incredible Wind Sculpture (SG) III by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, which I can’t wait to see,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen. “Another highlight of the Shonibare exhibition is his African Library, the most recent iteration of his Library series, which honours immigrants who have shaped a country’s social, political or cultural life.”

Wind Sculpture (SG III) by Yinka Shonibare

Boy Balancing Knowledge II by Yinka Shonibare

African Library by Yinka Shonibare

Image credit: davesouthwood.com

3. ZANAxGG Collab

“Local textile brand Zana has collaborated with Cape Town-based pin, patch and print design studio Ghost Goods on a fun new range of accessories, which you can browse and buy online,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “Love!”

Image credit: Ghost Goods on Facebook

4. Lunar Straps

“I really like local brand Lunar Straps’ hand-made, custom-designed camera straps,” says Content Producer Michaela Stehr. “You can even use them for binoculars.”

Image credit: lunarstraps.co.za

5. Seoul Sang Il’s Flamingo Table Lamp

“How quirky is this flamingo lamp designed by Seol Sang Il?” asks managing editor Samantha Charles? “Better yet, it converts into a table once the lampshade has been removed. So clever!”

Image credit: designboom.com

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From a holiday home celebrating small spaces and a cool ice cream store collab to sneakers made entirely of paper, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 269.

1. Tiny Holiday Home

“This compact 55 m² house near Amsterdam was designed by Chris Collaris and i29 Interior Architects,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “The home, which is clad in black pinewood, is divided into four volumes of different sizes to maximise the use of space.”

Image credit: Ewout Huibers via dezeen.com

2. BHC Student Lights

“Specialist local interior design and decorating school BHC’s latest project tasked their students with creating a series of lights,” explains Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “Each floor lamp manufacturing cost was briefed to be under R1 500, using only natural finishes limited to three materials. Job well done!”

Nicole Jayne Anderson

Leah Marie Sanders

Shaun Taljaard

Image credit: designschool.co.za

3. Unframed Ice Cream X MUTI

“I love a collaboration, especially if it involves ice cream and good design,” says Content Producer Michaela Stehr. “This cute stall by design studio MUTI for Unframed can be found at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town – a visual and literal feast.”

Image credit: unframed.co.za

4. Paper NIKE Sneakers by Lydia Kasumi Shirreff

“This incredible sneaker, created by Lydia Kasumi Shirreff, is made entirely out of paper and took six months to create,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen. “I doubt anyone could bring themselves to wear such a work of art.”

Image credit: designboom.com

5. FOOD XX

“I had the privilege of attending the inaugural FOOD XX Symposium and Awards held last week in Cape Town,” says Features Editor Amelia Brown. “Founded by food design studio Studio H, FOOD XX aims to be a platform and movement that delivers empowering content for women by women in the South African food and drinks industry. The awards celebrate local women across the industry and this year’s winners in the 15 categories received fabulous hand-crafted trophy’s created by artist and ceramicist Ben Orkin.”

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In the Kitchen Award — Karen Dudley of The Kitchen

Burger King Fresh Voices in Food Award — Ishay Govender-Ypma

Food Heritage Award — Mpho Tshukudu and Anna Trapido

Woolworths Future Food Award — Zayaan Khan

Food Icon Award — Dorah Sitole

Image credit: courtesy of Studio H

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From a beautifully designed store and stylish public benches to a video game set in Cape Town and limited-edition bubbly, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 268.

1. Camper Store by Kengo Kuma

“Renowned architect Kengo Kuma has designed a mesmerising new store for footwear brand Camper in Barcelona,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “I love the way he’s used terracotta tiles to form patterns on the walls – just beautiful!”

Image credit: Miguel de Guzman and Rocio Romero from ImagenSubliminal via dezeen.com

2. Folk for Vestre by Front

“I love this new range of furniture and objects for public spaces, developed by Swedish brand Front for Vestre,” says Editor-in-Chief Sumien Brink. “The intention is for the designs to fit into landscapes and urban areas with different architectural styles.”

Image credit: frontdesign.se

3. Berni Searle at the Maitland Institute

“This new project at the Maitland Institute in Cape Town, titled Press II Pause, is artist and Michaelis School of Fine Art Associate Professor Berni Searle’s largest local showing in years,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen. “You can view the exhibition from 11am – 2pm between 15 – 17 February, after which Berni will begin her residency at the Institute.”

Documentation: Structures set up in Parkwood, Cape Town. 23rd May 2018 (visual material for work in progress). Photograph: Berni Searle

Gateway (video still). 2010. From the Black Smoke Rising series Single channel HD video projection 4 min.

4. Moët Limited-edition Rosé

“What better excuse than Valentine’s Day to look at the world through rosé tinted glasses?” laughs Features Editor Amelia Brown. “I’d choose this limited-edition Moët & Chandon Rosé Living Ties bubbly over chocolates any day.”

Image credit: moet.com

5. Cape Town Features in Video Game

“A series of new games have been created, all based on real-life locations across the globe,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “A new campaign saw three game designers, including Éva Kedves, re-imagine 10 overlooked cities around the world as game locations – one of which includes Cape Town.”

Image credit: techtalk.co.uk

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From portable micro-housing and a cool collab between MRP and fashion graduate Tinyiko Khoza to a vegan hotel suite and cute bookends and pegs, these are the top VISI Picks of the Week Series – Week 267.

1. Joshua Woodsman’s Pin-Up Houses

“I have a thing for tiny spaces,” explains Content Producer Michaela Stehr. “With small homes gaining momentum as a solution to low-cost housing, I love seeing the concepts designers come up with. This portable version by Joshua Woodsman is a winner.”

Image credit: designboom.com

2. MRP X Tinyiko Khoza Collab

“MRP has collaborated with fashion graduate Tinyiko Khoza on a new limited-edition collection, as part of the brand’s creative collabs series,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “I love the bright, colourful prints and fun use of ruffles.”

Image credit: mrp.com

3. Bompas & Parr’s Vegan Hotel Suite

“This hotel room at Hilton London Bankside is completely decked out in plant-based materials,” says Copy Editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen. “The vegan guest suite inside this London hotel, designed by food design studio Bompas & Parr, omits the use of leather, wool and feathers throughout its interiors.”

Image credit: dezeen.com

4. Fun Designs by Hachi+Tegs

“These sweet mountain bookends and pegs, designed by Australian brand Hachi+Tegs, are perfect for a child’s room,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles.

Image credit: etsy.com

5. Love Milo’s Grey Minerals Collection

“I just love the neutral tones of Love Milo’s new marble-like colourway,” says Art Director Lené Roux. “Grey goes with everything!”

Image credit: lovemilo.com

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From a colourful courtyard artwork and art that creates awareness to an amazing aquaponic multipurpose structure and bowls inspired by mushrooms, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 266.

1. High School Courtyard by HENSE

“Artist Alex Brewer (aka HENSE) has created a colourful courtyard for a high school in Sicily,” says Online Editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “The 14- x 45-metre artwork, titled Ragusa Sun, is named after the city in which it is located.”

Image credit: Piero Sabatino via designboom.com

2. Aude Bourgine’s Coral Sculptures

“These beautiful embroidered and beaded works by French visual artist Aude Bourgine really highlight the plight of our oceans,” says Content Producer Michaela Stehr. “Her work is built from the guilt she feels in humanity for the damage we have done, which I can identify with. These striking coral pieces will hopefully be a gentle reminder of the underwater life that we are potentially losing.”

Image credit: designboom.com

3. nendo’s Fungi Collection

“I love the simplicity and minimalism that Japanese brand nendo brings to the table,” says Art Director Lené Roux. “This new tableware collection is made up of several bowls that can be stacked in a variety of ways, much like how mushrooms can grow from one another.”

Image credit: Akihiro Yoshida via dezeen.com

4. Geyser Accessories from LAVO Bathroom Concepts

“I’m very excited about this new bathroom accessories range,” says Managing Editor Samantha Charles. “Geyser, which is manufactured in Spain, comes in a variety of colours and is now available locally through LAVO Bathroom Concepts.”

Image credit: lavo.co.za

5. VAC Library by Farming Architects

“This ingenious library and city farm hybrid in Vietnam was designed by Farming Architects as a way for children to learn about self-sustaining ecosystems,” says Features Editor Amelia Brown. “The large wooden climbing frame uses solar powered aquaponics to grow veggies and keep chickens and koi carp, and acrylic boxes house lights, planters for growing vegetables, and shelving units containing children’s books.”

Image credit: Thai Thach and Viet Dung An via dezeen.com

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