Category: Design

  • CreativeMornings/Edinburgh: Ian Sharman

    CreativeMornings/Edinburgh: Ian Sharman

    CreativeMornings is a free, monthly breakfast lecture series for creative communities started in NYC by Tina Roth Eisenberg aka swissmiss,. Each event is free, and consists of an inspiring 20-minute talk plus free coffee.

    The first CreativeMornings/Edinburgh kicked off last month with a lecture by Ian Sharman, designer and tutor at Edinburgh College of Art. Ian tackled the theme of Education, expoloring how future graduates view the transition from “creative education” into “industry” and how continuous learning is fast becoming a key requirement to their creative happiness.

    We’re excited to be involved in organising CreativeMornings in Edinburgh and filming the lectures. We invite you take a look at the video from Ian’s talk below, especially the very interesting Q&A and discussion at the end.

    Photos by Gemma Lord

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  • Buying Office Furniture

    If you take a look on the Internet today you will see that there is a massive choice available when it comes to office furniture. This article will discuss contract furniture further and touch upon the flexible choices available to businesses in the current day and age. Along with the furniture, the office walls stand at equal importance, get some ideas for the office walls here.

    Finding the perfect furniture for you is easy

    The wealth of choice available these days ensures that businesses are able to find the perfect furniture for them. Furniture that matches in with their budget, which coincides with the design of their offices and which that reflects their business aptly. You can even choose to brand with the furniture you buy through matching it with the colours incorporated into your company’s logo. The great thing about the vast choice available is the fact that it allows businesses to be individual and stand out from the crowd. You don’t have to worry about walking into one office space and finding furniture which looks identical to yours. For instance, If you are looking for serving carts for your office, check Nathan James.

    Quality and flexibility are essential

    Nevertheless, you do need to be careful when it comes to purchasing contract office furniture. Just because the choice is diversified does not mean you should go for the most unusual pieces of furniture you can find. Instead, you should be looking for pieces that provide with flexibility. What if you move offices? What if you redecorate? Will these pieces of furniture still look ok? The answer to this should be yes. Furthermore, you do need to remember that you have to generate a professional vibe, and the typical sophisticated office chairs and desks allow you to do this. You may want to think about hiring an art consultant for the perfect finishing touch, creating a show-stopping yet professional and branded vibe.

    In addition to this, one attribute you should always be looking out for is quality. Make sure the furniture boasts a high-quality fabric for example. You may even want to consider going for stain resistant covers as well. After all, your furniture is going to be utilised on a daily basis. It needs to be able to withstand any general wear and tear. Moreover, if your furniture is compromised i.e. someone spills something on it, then you need to make sure the stains and alike can be dealt with easily. This is why people tend to go for dark colours, such as black, because any dirt or stains do not show. Furthermore, this is why material like leather is recommended – it is easy to clean. This flexibility offers you greater ease and convenience.

    To finish, if you take a look on the internet then you will see that there is a huge number of different contract office furniture pieces to choose from. Nevertheless, you need to ensure your choice is flexible; both in terms of design and maintenance too. The last thing you want to do is limit yourself because you have picked an awkward style and design of furniture.

     

  • 10 Awesome Construction Material Innovations 2022

    Construction materials are an integral part of construction projects. They provide the foundational aspect of a building.  Construction cost estimating firms are a valuable asset to have on your construction management team to prepare future costs. This helps ensure material selection.  As engineers learn more, they develop newer concepts to make it easier to build or renovate buildings. The trend in construction materials is that they are becoming lighter, stronger, and more durable than their predecessors. Here are some amazing innovations in construction materials that have helped revolutionize the construction industry in 2022.

    Image via Unsplash

    1. Carbon Fiber

    Carbon fiber is one of the most amazing materials used in construction projects. Fiber-reinforced polymer panels were commonly used as cladding for residential buildings in earlier years. Nowadays, engineers are using them as structural support for buildings instead of steel. This is because they have a higher tensile strength and a longer lifespan than steel. This material is also more resistant to temperature variation, corrosion, and chemical action.

    2. Self-Healing Concrete

    Concrete is a time-tested construction material that has been used for decades. However, engineers have discovered that it loses its properties when cracked. Therefore, they have found the need to improve upon its characteristics. As such, they have come up with self-healing concrete.

    This type of concrete is composed of capsules of a certain polymer that, under the influence of moisture and sunlight, swells up and fills up cracks. While it may sound like science fiction, self-healing concrete is a real thing that has already been used in many construction projects. It’s also not overly expensive. If you would like to estimate the cost of using this cement for your next construction project, use CostCertified.

    3. Hydro Ceramics

    This new technology is used to construct walls that can react to outdoor temperatures. Commonly known as smart walls or thermo-sensitive walls, these walls are made of water capsules and clay panels that help them absorb water. This increases humidity and cools the building. This absorbed water can also evaporate under extreme heat, cooling the building even more.

    4. Aerogel

    Aerogels are a special type of building material that is made from a gel. The liquid component of this gel is replaced by a gas, making the material ultralight. Aerogels are ideal for construction projects where weight reduction is essential. They have a porous structure which makes them ideal for thermal insulation and noise reduction.

    5. Pigmented Concrete

    This is a newly developed concrete that has color pigments added to it. This type of concrete is common in constructing walls, floors, and basements. The conventional white color of concrete can be a major drawback in cases where the building needs to blend in with its surroundings. The use of colored pigments helps solve this issue. This concrete also helps protect the building from abrasion as a result of sunlight.

    6. Hollow Clay Bricks

    In traditional buildings, sturdy and solid concrete blocks are used. However, due to the high demand for energy conservation, using concrete blocks is no longer efficient. Hence, clay bricks are widely used as a substitute for solid bricks. These bricks are perforated and lined with an insulating material.

    Hollow clay bricks have high thermal performance, high resistance to weather conditions, and low water absorption. They also have better aesthetic value and good compressive strength. This makes them ideal for use in partition walls and projects with a short completion time limit.

    7. Wool Bricks

    This is another type of building material that is versatile, lightweight, and sustainable. It is made by combining wool and clay. Wool bricks have a similar texture to natural clay bricks. These bricks provide better thermal insulation than most concrete products.

    8. Martian Concrete

    Martian concrete is made from sulfur and phosphates. These chemicals are found on Mars, and as such, space agencies like SpaceX believe that one day astronauts will be able to use them for construction projects on Mars. Martian concrete is ideal for this purpose as it is made from the same materials found on Mars.

    9. Pollution Absorbing Bricks

    These bricks are made from a mixture of fly ash and silica sand. They are used in construction projects that require air pollution control equipment. This is due to their ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the environment.

    10. Allusion Panels

    Allusion panels are made from stabilized aluminum foam. This component helps create a solid and light cladding that resembles metallic sponges. The most outstanding features of this material are soundproofing, fire resistance, durability, and ease of installation. They are the ideal choice for constructing buildings for theaters and recording studios. They can also be used to construct ceilings, wall panels, facades, and floorings of homes.

    Composite materials have unique properties, such as insulation and thermal conductivity. This makes them ideal candidates for many kinds of construction projects. If you are wondering how much it would cost to build a home or a commercial project using composite materials, be sure to use CostCertified. This software will give you the most accurate cost estimation for your project.

  • Family Activities to Have the Best Christmas Ever

    Christmas can be a difficult time, and especially this year as lots of families are having to spend time apart. For those who are able to connect this Christmas, it will be a time to reflect and bond if you haven’t seen each other in a while. 

    Christmas can be a reflective time when smells and activities take us back to our childhood, reminding us of the easy going days of growing up. Below are some activities you can do this Christmas, which will be fun and create memories and reconnect with family members.

    Setting aside time over the holiday period will help you reconnect and bond with family members to help you have the best Christmas ever. Remember though, it is also a time to meet your own emotional and physical needs, especially if you have been dealing with a lot due to the current global pandemic.

    Image source

    1.Play Board Games

    Research suggests that every household holds at least one board game, with others owning up to 25. While some of these will be firm favorites, opting for something a little different such as 1920s murder mystery game will have you occupied for hours. Why not have a prize for the winner too? Board games are great for engaging family members and spending time together.

    2. Have a Secret Santa

    To eliminate an expensive Christmas instead, opt for holding a secret Santa. You could choose clothing essentials or opt for a more fun gift. Limit the amount to be spent on the present to ensure you stay within budget.

    3.Watch a Christmas movie

    Nothing says Christmas more than sitting down to a film with the whole family. Why not have a vote to choose which film to watch?

    4. Read Christmas stories

    Spent time with your family reading your favorite Christmas stories. This is an excellent way of spending time cuddled up on the sofa.

    5. Look through family photos

    Not many people take the time to print out family photos. Printing them out and spending time together looking through them is an excellent way of bonding over Christmas.  

    6.Share Christmas traditions

    Ask older family members to share stories of their Christmas growing up. It is a wonderful way of hearing and understanding how Christmastime has changed over the years. You may also start a new tradition!

    7.Baking

    Why not have a family bake off – just like the TV program. Opt for easy to follow recipes, especially if you have children, such as gingerbread or fairy buns. 

    8.Sing

    Why not choose some Christmas songs and sing together? You could even buy a karaoke machine, which makes knowing the words easier! 

    These are just some of the activities to make this the best Christmas ever. All it takes is a little planning and follow through. It can be one of the busiest times, but the effort you put in now will pay off on the day. All you will have to do is sit back and enjoy the time you spend with your family.

  • Add Some Magic To Your Corporate Event

    A magician is something you may be in need of for a whole host of occasions, and it can bring the wow factor to corporate events. For most people, magic starts off as a hobby, and then it can often become a profession for those who find they are good at it. The professional magician you hire should have had years of training and experience to perfect their craft. A magician must ultimately be good at pleasing an audience. This is the essence of magic, which is one of the most ancient entertainment professions. Continue reading to discover more about hiring a magician for different occasions.

    Image via Pexels

    Close Up Magic

    The meat and drink of most magician performers is close-up magic. This is something that wows any audience, and it adds a personal touch to the occasion. A good corporate magician can do more to impress a crowd than almost any other entertainment profession, and the increasing popularity of celebrity magicians like David Blane attests to this fact. The most unique element of magic, and of close-up magic, in particular, is its interactivity. Very few magic shows or performances can function without some degree of audience participation. The audience must feel involved in the magician performance for close-up magic to be effective. Close-up magic is perfect for occasions like cocktail parties or dinner events. The magician can mingle through the crowds, and their tricks are a great icebreaker. The magician allows guests to share and bond over a wonderful experience, one that puts them in a great mood to socialize. Put a close-up magician and an icy crowd in a room together, and several minutes later, everyone will be discussing the magician’s latest trick. Close up magic is also incredibly versatile; it can be performed anywhere. No stage is needed, and only the magician’s own personal equipment is required. Close up magic can be performed in practically all locations, from on the street to the finest banquet halls. The magician in question will simply move around with the audience; no matter whether they are seated, standing, or milling about themselves.

    Magicians For Corporate Events

    An event at which you might find guests sitting, standing, and in between, is a corporate occasion. If you are looking for a magician for a corporate event, you might want to consider a magician adept at close-up magic. Corporate events can often seem dull, and a magician is an ideal way to spice things up a bit, and also get people involved. A close-up magician will be able to bring people together and encourage mingling. Those at a corporate event might not necessarily know each other, and the interactive element of a close-up magician’s performance provides the ideal talking point. Moreover, this is a great way to make your events & exhibitions memorable, which is ideal for branding and marketing purposes. Your company will stick in your guests’ minds for weeks and months to come, which is the aim of any event. This is why it is advisable to look for a magician with corporate experience. Looking for a close-up magician is not essential; you may want the magician to put on a show in a seated environment. This all depends on the type of event you are hosting. Moreover, when looking for magicians, discuss the tricks they can perform. They may be able to incorporate your business into the show somehow, so it’s worth discussing if this is possible.

    The Difference Between A Good And Bad Magician

    If you take a look at the Internet, you will see that you have a huge number of options available to you when seeking a magician. However, this does not mean that all of the options are worth considering. You should never simply go for the cheapest magician or the first magician you lay your eyes on. You need to know the difference between good and bad magicians, and you need to choose with care.

    So, what is a bad magician? Of course, a bad magician is someone that has not mastered their skill yet, and thus they may trip over themselves when performing tricks or make mistakes. However, a magician is not all about their tricks – it’s about their personality and the performance they give. Poor quality magicians can be lacking in terms of professionalism, which could mean that they don’t arrive on time or that they are rude to guests. It could also mean that their performance is not polished, or that they don’t know how to hold a crowd. 

    Needless to say, you will want to know what makes a good and bad magician before you get to this point. You don’t want to find out the hard way. So, what differences should you be looking for?

    Well, a good magician will have a lot of experience, and they will have performed for a diverse selection of clients over the years. They won’t hesitate to name people that they have performed for. This information will be vague for a bad or inexperienced magician. A good quality magician will also have plenty of positive reviews from guests, exclaiming how delighted they were with the magic. Inexperienced magicians may not have any reviews at all, and if you come across a lot of bad reviews, you know to look elsewhere.