Thing #13: An assortment of architectural oddities, intriguing interviews and forgotten worlds
They say a thing of beauty is a joy forever, an expression which is definitely applicable to all of the lovely things that we’ve been sent in the post this week. This monochromatic bundle will take you on a variety of adventures: from the forgotten worlds of Nintendo, to architectural oddities in Tempico, to colourful, bull-themed nooks and crevices in Barcelona. And if you like striking typographical experiments, intriguing interviews with the very best, and images that have great stories to tell, then these are definitely the things for you!
Stephen Maurice Graham: Forgotten Worlds
This little zine and fold out poster takes a look at the games, peripherals and devices which have lapsed into relative obscurity, and now look like things that kids from The Flintstones might play video games on. The fold out poster is playful and evocative without being nostalgic, and features childhood favourites like ZELDA and METROID. A lovely dedication to the forgotten world of the Nintendo Family, which might even get you digging in the cupboard looking for your old Disk System Base Unit.
James Dolence, Logan Myers & Parker Sprout: Conflict Published
Conflict Published, both in print and online, is an incredible visual experience, and feels a bit like being on a typographical roller-coaster. The design evokes conflict and confusion, and specifically refers to the tension felt after the success of the Sochi Olympics, when Russia invaded Crimea, Ukraine. A striking visual poem that is difficult to get your head around, but in the most wonderful and intriguing way.
Manu Rodriguez: Templos
This is the first issue of a publication which looks to archive “Architectural Oddities,” specifically buildings that are made up of a weird blend of styles from the past. It’s the kind of architecture that Rem Koolhaas describes as “13% Roman, 8% Bauhaus and 7% Disney (neck and neck), 3% Art Nouveau, followed closely by Mayan.” The first issue looks at buildings in Tampico, Mexico, and seeks to “spot, collect and select imagery to tell a bigger story.” An interesting insight into a city, which uncovers the stories that exist amongst the buildings and brick.
Jose Poroche: Keeping Barcelona Weird is Not a One Man Job
Another city related Thing, this publication of Jose Porroche’s witty and occasionally poignant photographs focuses on Barcelona. We love the bright, bold and very Spanish colours of Jose’s images, and the subtle bull motif that runs throughout the series.
Dezeen Book of Interviews: Architecture, Interiors, Design
The Dezeen Book of Interviews reads like a who’s who of architecture, graphic design, fashion, product design and technology. It includes fascinating interviews with many of the greats, such as Rem Koolhaus, Richard Rogers, Paul Smith and Imogen Heap. The book is laid out with real precision and style, as to be expected from the renowned design website, and is perfect reading material to keep in your backpack as you go about your day – ready to be whipped out whenever you’re in need of a little design inspiration.