New Zealand's Definitive Design Destination

It’s an exciting time for space fanatics everywhere as construction begins on the world’s first commercial space launch pad, Spaceport America. Designed by Foster + Partners, the facility is located in southern New Mexico near the White Sands Missile Range (we hope not too close!) and will serve as a launch site for private space travel. Built into the side of a hill, the Spaceport will meet LEED building standards and includes some high-tech green building strategies including a solar roof, excellent use of thermal mass, and a highly efficient HVAC system.

Thomas Jacobsen has mixed Danish furniture classics with his own designs, to re-created a utilitarian space with a touch of luxury. Every detail is considered by the designer, from the tables and chairs, right down to the ashtrays and cutting boards for the large outdoor bar. The Beresford Hotel is located in Sydney's Surry Hills.

For more information on the hotel go here.

To find the classic Danish furniture featured locally go here.

The Human Printer is a group of people who create photographic images in both CMYK and black & white by hand. The painstaking process produces the most incredibly realistic outcomes. They accept photographs on their website that they will turn into your own handmade work of art.

To send your own image, or to learn more go here.

There was a lot of talk surrounding Brad Pitt's attendance at this years  Art Basel. Pitt is relatively well known for his love of architecture and design, so his interest in Art Basel is no surprise. It has been reported that he bought this Fossil Chaise Lounge from Atelier Van Lieshout (AVL) at the show.

Daisuke Hiraiwa presented his “Skin of Spaces 02″ installation at the IMM Cologne 2009. Constructed entirely from 1400 hand perforated disposable plastic knives, it's a great example how everyday throw away items can be transformed in to beautiful masterpieces.

Russian designer Egor Myznik has created the wall mounted Soft Clock with the idea of reconsidering time. Rather than using clocks to hasten or hurry you along, the Soft Clock's artistic design allows you to admire every minute as it gracefully passes under the canvas surface. The piece acts as both a useful instrument and an art piece.

For more information go here.

Sharing the same birthday as the late great Michael Jackson is something I have always been proud to admit. The guy was the undesputed King of popular culture in the 80' and 90's, and his influence on the music and dance scene is never questioned. However we should also not forget Michael Jackson's design legacy.

His taste in clothing (dictator chic), accessories (a crystal-studded white glove), and typefaces (script fonts used in favour serifs) all had an undeniable impact on design culture at the time. But it's was his lesser known interest in securing patents for his anti-gravity footwear that perhaps show his passion for design.

Jackson is listed as the first of three inventors granted a patent in 1993 for a "method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion.". Which basically translates to special loafers fitted with heels that can slot into the stage floor to allow the wearer to lean forward, Smooth Criminal style, at gravity-defying angles.

The man was a genius!

Giving the appearance of gold leaf sheets, these gold wall tiles make a strong yet beautiful statement. Perfect for the entrance way of your own personal palace.

Available locally here.

Recently inducted into the Design Hall of Fame after being acquired for the Museum of Modern Art's Architecture and Design Permanent Collection, the Lomak light operated mouse and keyboard, has received global acclaim.

Invented by Mike Wattling and developed between 2003 and 2005 by Creativelab's Peter, Andrew and David Haythornthwaite along with Dean Edgington, the system has won numerous international design awards for it's ability to enable people with severe physical impairments to easily and effectively operate a computer.

The system comprises a keyboard that employs light sensor technology and a hand or head pointer to control a beam of light that enters and then confirms key or mouse functions.

The Lomak system's design  considered such factors as the geometry of the keyboard to limit the range of head movement required to operate it. The outcome is a system that is easy to function and greatly liberates the lives of people otherwise trapped by physical disabilities.

For more information go here.

A reckless student from North Carolina has been arrested for asserting his creative prowress. Joseph Carnevale identifies himself as an "Urban Explorer" which basically means he trespasses in all those cool places that citizens aren't supposed to go like construction sites, sewer drains and abandoned buildings.

Carnevale is currently soliciting compassionate parties to write on his behalf to the prosecutor. Let's hope the DA doesn't browse his blog, as it's filled with evidence of trespassing, vandalism and the like. Though some public property was damaged in the case of Carnevale's Barrel Monster, surely they'll see the harmless and humorous side to this artist's work.

Visit his blog here.

Due to arrive in New Zealand any day now, the Stack drawer system by Shay Alkalay for Established & Sons is a genius little number.

The stacking drawer system can be open from both sides, and is available in both an 8-drawer and 13-drawer system.

Available locally here.

The Naturofantastic collection by Lladro reflects the dreamlike side of nature with it's fantastical interpretations in porcelain and  gold.

The candelabra, vase and bowl featured above are all available locally here.

Comet Lamp by Tom Dixon

Chaise Lounge by Front Design

Champagne Cellar by 5.5 Designers

At the Milan Furniture Fair earlier this year French champagne house Veuve Clicquot invited three top designers to create an innovative piece of furniture based on their new DesignBox. The outcomes were on display in the Zona Tortona area of Milan.

English designer Tom Dixon's Comet Lamp referenced the comet that was sighted in the Champagne region of France in 1811; the same year that produced an exceptional vintage and the first year that the modern champagne style was pioneered by Veuve Clicquot.

Swedish collective, Front Design created a pixelised landscape that form their static sculpture. The grid work of boxes join together creating a comfortable seating arrangement.

5.5 Designers Champagne Cellar referenced the traditional brick walls that form the walls of cellars. Each DesignBox "brick" contains a bottle, with the entire storage unit holding just enough champagne to keep the enthusiast satiated.

For more information visit the Veuve Clicquot website here.

Based on traditional African, Asian and South American  techniques of woven reed beds, Brooklyn designer Bruce Marsh has created the Lauren Daybed. The soft one inch thick nylon robe supports each contact point of the body; using only a single piece of rope allows each strand to give and take with your body.

For more information go here.

Belgium based designer Casimir Meubelen has created a unique storage system based on shopping carrier bags. Constructed from a solid oak with leather the system is available either free standing or fixed to the wall.

For more information go here.