Yuri Suzuki's Easy Record Maker lets you engrave your own records

Japanese designer and sound artist Yuri Suzuki has created a machine that can be used to make and play records.

Created with Japanese publishing and toy company Gakken, the Easy Record Maker has a recording stylus that engraves sounds onto five-inch plastic disks.

"You simply plug in your iPhone, computer, audio player – any sound source – through the mini audio jack to supply sound to record your own record," Suzuki told Dezeen.

"Put the stylus down on the surface, select 33rpm or 45rpm and start making the record."

The compact record maker is designed to engrave five-inch disks, which Suzuki described as having a "nice lo-fi sound".

Suzuki hopes that the Easy Record Maker will help introduce vinyl records to a generation that has never experienced them.

"This idea has been my dream machine since I was teenager," the London-based designer and Pentagram partner said. "With most of the existing media – CD, tape, and mp3 – it is relatively easy to make a copy or create your own original."

"However, as it's a complicated process with records, there is no way to create them at home," he continued. "Of course professional-use record cutting machines exist, but they are very expensive."

As a teenager in a punk band Suzuki wanted to make his own records, but never did as it was too expensive.

"My life time art projects uses records, as I believe that is the only media to physically make sound – through scratching the groove and the stylus then making sound," said Suzuki. "Records can even playback if we lost electricity in the future."

The designer believes the return of the vinyl record is due to both its warm sound and aesthetic qualities, with album artworks looking better on larger-sized record covers.

"I want to re-introduce how nice the record is, the value of having a physical music media and the sound, the listening experience," Suzuki told Dezeen.

"We are in an extreme time due to the pandemic lockup, but it's easy to call or do an online meeting; we are experiencing alternative ways of communicating," the designer said.

"I hope this device introduces another way to communicate for people – recording your own voice, making a record and sending it to a friend or family via post."

The Easy Record Maker is currently available in Japan and will be available in the UK and US later this year.

Suzuki's previous creations include a re-imagination of a sixty-year-old electronic sequencer and a sonic playground. Suzuki also composed the original music for the Dezeen podcast Face to Face.

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Riverside visitor centre in China built around existing trees

A visitor centre for the village of Xiahuangyu, China, is formed of interconnected pavilions built around existing pine trees by DnA_Design and Architecture.

Called Pine Pavilion, the project in Songyang County is made of wood, with big glass windows and doors looking out onto the Songyin River.

Pine Pavilion includes a tearoom, shop, toilets, viewing platforms and exhibition areas, alongside a pedestrian and cycle path.

DnA_Design and Architecture described Pine Pavilion as "architectural acupuncture".

The studio worked alongside the county government to develop a space for the village to encourage in a more sustainable form of tourism.

Located on a narrow strip of land between the river and a fishpond surrounded by pine trees, the pavilion is part of the wider Songyin River Scenic District Development project.

"As a public facility for both the village and tourists, these facilities will introduce the village's heritage and history, inviting tourism as an effective strategy to regenerate the village and increase circulation," said the studio.

"[Pine Pavilion is] a playful art installation introducing the heritage and the context, a large-scale, miniature landscape bonsai of this pine forest."

Sitting atop a concrete base, a sequence of pine frames form a long, thin run of interconnected volumes.

Pine was chosen as a nod to the area's heritage. Songyang County's has a history of pine resin production dating back over a thousand years.

Many of these frames have been infilled with wood or glass, while others have been left open to the elements.

In some of these open areas, existing pine trees have been built around and brought into the structure.

Full-scale, black and white vinyl images on the glass of workers tapping trees overlay views of the real trees.

Cutting through the structure, a series of narrow passages covered by wooden brise soleil create a connection between the riverside path and the fishpond, across which views of the village are visible.

Slightly higher volumes house the more enclosed elements of the programme.

These are topped with clerestory glazing, and can be opened up to the surroundings with sliding glass doors.

In January, DnA_Design and Architecture presented the Pine Pavilion at The World Around conference in New York, which was livestreamed on Dezeen.

Also in Songyang County, Chinese architect He Wei recently transformed a traditional rammed-earth residence into a youth hostel using a series of polycarbonate-clad rooms on wheels.

Photography is by Wang Ziling.

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Project credits:

Architecture design: DnA_Design and Architecture
Principle architect: Xu Tiantian
Design team: Xu Tiantian, Zhang Longxiao, Zhou Yang

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Take an Eerie Walk Through the Empty Streets of Amsterdam, San Francisco, and New York City

With one-third of the world’s population currently under some level of quarantine, the streets of major cities like Amsterdam, New York City, and San Francisco are an unusual and unsettling sight. Film director and cinematographer Jean Counet, who shot “Meanwhile in Amsterdam,” shows the capital city almost entirely deserted. Public transit is empty and a four-minute walk reveals less than a dozen passersby.

Counet tells Colossal that “Meanwhile in Amsterdam” came together like any other film, except that “this time there was no director, and no plan,” he says. “We walked through the old city centre of Amsterdam between 8:30 (and) 13:30 which is normally teemed by walking people and bicycles. What we witnessed felt like a dream. Sometimes beautiful and mesmerizing, sometimes scary and worrying.”

In a similarly bizarre look at San Francisco, stop lights cycle from green to red with no cars passing through and businesses are boarded up. One with a psychedelic facade even has signs that read “We will survive” and “We will get by,” a hopeful gesture derived from the city’s musical legends that directly contrasts the nailed plywood covering the windows.

To see how the global pandemic is affecting public life in New York City and Rotterdam, check out the videos below. (via Kottke)

 

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"We should use this time to think about how to build a better future"

In this week's comments update, readers are debating how homes will change after the coronavirus pandemic ends and are divided over the Galleria department store in South Korea.

Panic room: Ukrainian architect Sergey Makhno has predicted how our homes will change once the coronavirus pandemic is over, but not everyone agrees.

"I find this article so sad and pessimistic," said Imenda. "We should use this time to think about how to build a better future, not how to build a scary house that reminds us every day that something terrible might happen."

Gerard McGuickin felt similarly: "Most of these 'predictions' read like a list for those with money and means: houses (not apartments), bunkers, self-sufficient power and water, filtration systems, and growing what you eat. Sustaining such notions for a world population that is increasingly moving to urban centres, seems ludicrous."

"This article seems to be about what some affluent people may want to do to their homes after the coronavirus outbreak," agreed Dominic Glover. "What about people who cannot afford to live in a private, spacious, detached home with a garden, a cellar, a separable office, and sophisticated environmental controls?"

"'Life after the Covid-19 outbreak will never be the same as before.' It will be the same. As many times before," concluded Salamoon.

This reader highlighted two potential changes though:

Will our homes be the same after the coronavirus outbreak? Join the discussion ›

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Window shopping: readers are divided over the recently completed Galleria department store in Gwanggyo, South Korea. Designed by architecture firm OMA, the building has a stone facade with a controversial glass passage cut into it.

"At a distance it looks like a musty old tub of mouldy yogurt that's been sitting in the back of the fridge for a year," said Vee. "The shiny bits are the pools of water that separate from the goop and rise to the surface, glinting in the lonely cold light of the refrigerator."

Geof Bob was less harsh: "Hardly beautiful or elegant, but eye-catching, intriguing, possibly fun for the kids, and above all, inviting."

"It's hideous," added Alfred Hitchcock. "But maybe that's appropriate and what the client and local population wanted."

Bubba10 agreed: "This could have been just another forgettable glass and concrete box. I like it and it would definitely make me want to go into the store, which would seem to be the main goal."

This commenter was reminded of something else:

Are you impressed by the Galleria department store? Join the discussion ›

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Box clever: Danish startup Stykka has developed a simple flat-pack desk that can be assembled out of three pieces of folded cardboard, but readers aren't convinced it is a good solution for those working from home.

"Don't tell me that you don't have a normal desk in your dining room," said Salamoon. "There is no need to spend more money on this and add more unnecessary work to delivery companies."

Love Your Hair agreed: "If I'm not repurposing cardboard boxes I have at home and I have to order this cardboard desk, why don't I just order a regular one?"

"A sturdy, beautiful desk that can be resold would be much better for the environment," suggested Robin. "It would even survive a spilled coffee."

Alex was also worried about the environment: "This desk is made of custom cut cardboard, that means material made only for this project, machine cut only for this project, shipping worldwide of a commonly available material – so yes contributing to more global pollution."

This reader had a thrifty idea:

Would you benefit from a cardboard workstation? Join the discussion ›

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Green with envy: a home in Porto featuring original stone walls encased in green metal mesh and plenty of salmon pink has won over most, but not all readers. The house was remodelled by architecture studio Ottotto.

"This recent fad for a salmon-pink and emerald-green colour palette is vomit-inducing," criticised Alfred Hitchcock. "Whoever thought it was a good idea? It might look good for a plate of food, but to live in... "

Felix Etienne-Edouard Pfeifle disagreed: "Yes, the roof slope over the bed on the mezzanine looks problematic and yes, salmon pink and emerald green splashed throughout may not be something I would live with, but the project is beautifully captured here, reminiscent of 1930s Prague."

"Looks all very well thought out," praised Pierre Van Sice. "Combines design, comfort, lots of style and light. Even on a rainy day I picture myself enjoying the fireplace with the garden view. Love it!"

Roger was also impressed: "Even in a small house one can feel inside a cathedral sometimes. Great project, congrats!"

As was this commenter:

Are you a fan? Join the discussion ›

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Goko convert 1920s house in Mexico City into recording studio

Mexico City studio Goko has topped this music studio with a large "skyspace" to flood it with natural light.

Goko renovated a house built in the 1920s to create Chapel Studio with space for recording, meetings, hosting parties and accommodating overnight guests.

The studio, founded by Mexican architect Christopher Koehn, wanted the music studio to be open and bright, instead of dark and confined.

"Music studios have a tendency to be closed, cold clustered, visually saturated, artificially lit spaces," Goko said. "No sunlight, no spacial communication, no inspiration."

A large skylight punctures the centre of the double-height ceiling inside Chapel Studio. The surrounding walls are each angled slightly differently to disperse the light throughout the space.

"On the double-height central room we opened a 'skyspace' over the dome to inject natural sunlight into the core of the project," Goko continued.

At the studio's entrance, the studio designed a dimly lit hallway leading to double doors that open to a luminous area known as The Chapel. It said the interval draws on the Japanese ideal Ma, which can be translated as gap or space.

"You enter through a very dark, acoustically isolated tunnel with an atmospheric sound triggered by the body's movement," the studio added.

Vertical wood slats cover the walls in the main recording area and the smaller control and meeting rooms. The strips of wood conceal bulky wall tiles and acoustic equipment used in recording studios.

"Acoustically, we developed a system to hide all the wooden saturated cubed irregular wall tiles, normally seen at recording studios, to create a visually clean wooden striped space," Goko said.

"Through this system we hid all the acoustic requirements of the project on the back of the walls and the door design integrates the same pattern to unify the space."

Folding acoustic glass doors sound proof the control room, recording booth and double-height room, and allow for visual communication between them.

Large rectangular windows provide views to two courtyard gardens on the ground floor of the building. Plants and a wooden bench line the perimeter of the terrace located on the building's rooftop.

In addition to the recording and editing spaces, Goko has included several recreational rooms with couches and chairs and a full kitchen for entertaining clients.

On the upper level there is a bedroom for accommodating out-of-town guests, as well as a television room and studio.

Goko is an architecture studio located in Mexico City's Polanco neighbourhood. The firm's other projects include a house with eight glass-walled gardens and an office with an upside staircase.

Photography is by Fernando Marroquin.

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Project credits:

Architectural design: Christopher Koehn, Goko
Acoustic design: Omar Saad, Saad Acústica
Project manager and 3D: Jetro Centeno
Drawings:  Gabriel Azuara
Woodwork:  Daniela SantosCoy, Co-Crear Espacios
Landscape design: Florever, Paloma
Lighting design: Martin Leal, Lampe
Construction: Goko
Construction manager: Carlos Ascención
Window work: Grupo CBCA
Steelwork: Frank Carrera
Furniture: La Metropolitana
Table and desk design: Co-Crear Espacios

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RIBA president Alan Jones unexpectedly steps down

The president of the Royal Institute of British Architects has temporarily stepped down from his role due to personal reasons.

Jones, who became RIBA president in September 2019, told the organisation that he needed to "take some time out" from his duties. According to the organisation Jones will not be returning to his position for at least four weeks.

Kerr Robertson, RIBA honorary secretary, has been appointed to oversee the president's duties for the interim period.

Jones grateful for "strong support" from family

In an email to staff seen by UK magazine Architects' Journal, Jones said that a "matter had arisen" in his personal life.

"I'm grateful for the strong support I have from my wife and family," he wrote, adding that he "would be grateful if everyone could respect our privacy".

"I appreciate this comes at a time when there are extraordinary demands on everyone and I can only ask that you reinforce your support to our staff and senior officers during this period," said Jones.

Jones to step away for up to six weeks

RIBA chief executive Alan Vallance confirmed that Jones would not be returning for four to six weeks.

"We will be working as hard as ever during the president's time away to ensure minimum disruption to the RIBA business," Vallance told Dezeen.

"The RIBA is led by a team of dedicated senior trustees and expert staff, who will continue to support our members and represent their interests at the highest levels."

Before he was elected as the first RIBA president from Northern Ireland, Jones was the RIBA vice president for education. He is a senior lecturer at Queen's University Belfast and recently co-edited a book called Defining Contemporary Professionalism for Architects in Practice & Education.

Taking over from previous RIBA president Ben Derbyshire, Jones is the 78th president of the organisation since the role began in 1835.

Under his presidency RIBA launched a sustainability guide for its members, after declaring a climate emergency last year.

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Art Museums and Cultural Institutions Around the Globe are Sending Each Other Virtual Bouquets and Botanicals

“To: @LACMA, @MOCAlosangeles, @hammer_museum, @gettymuseum. We hope this bright splash of color, courtesy of @JeffKoons, brightens your day #MuseumBouquet Love, All the staff at The Broad“

Social media was teeming last week with floral offerings from cultural institutions around the globe. Since many are closed due to COVID-19, museums like the Guggenheim, MCA Chicago, and the New-York Historical Society, which began the botanical trend, exchanged sweet messages paired with virtual bouquets from their current collections. We’ve gathered some of them here, but be sure to check out #MuseumBouquet on Twitter and Instagram for more historical florals. (via Design You Trust)

 

During these difficult times, we think everyone needs a dancing daisy to brighten their day. Today we’re sending a virtual #MuseumBouquet to you, @mitlistarts and @theDavisMuseum

Jennifer Steinkamp. “Dance Hall Girl, daisies,” 2004. pic.twitter.com/BTAXyo1Up0

— MassArt Art Museum (@maamboston) March 24, 2020

 

Hi @Guggenheim and @smithsonian, these ikebana arrangements courtesy of Camille Henrot made us think of you! #MuseumBouquet

: “Camille Henrot: The Restless Earth” pic.twitter.com/UaioP3LhU4

— New Museum (@newmuseum) March 24, 2020

 

“A Klimt for a Klimt! Mäda Primavesi and her flowers send their regards to you, neighbor. Cherry blossomTwo hearts#MuseumBouquet” — The Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

We are thinking of you, @NoguchiMuseum. We hope this Ikebana arrangement from the Denver chapter of the International Ikebana Society brings some joy to you today. #museumbouquet pic.twitter.com/i0a7hByrb6

— Denver Botanic Gardens (@botanic) March 24, 2020

 

“To our Crimson friends @peabodymuseum –a Red trillium (Trillium erectum). These should begin blooming across New England in April. We hope this #MuseumBouquet is a reminder of better, brighter days ahead. #MuseumFromHome” —Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

 

To @agotoronto @VanArtGallery @visitpama @AGMengage – an Owl Bouquet to brighten your day!#MuseumBouquet #MuseumFromHome
Kenojuak Ashevak, CMH 2007-012 pic.twitter.com/J94wlHTktT

— Museum of History (@CanMusHistory) March 24, 2020

 

“Hello to our lovely friends @hirshhorn, we hope this Tiffany lamp #MuseumBouquet shines bright in your feed today. We’re thinking of you! ” —New-York Historical Society

 

Cherry blossoms from our sculpture garden for all of our museum friends, thinking of you this week
Thank you for sending a #MuseumBouquet pic.twitter.com/AuetMkx6B2

— Hirshhorn (@hirshhorn) March 24, 2020

 

“Hi @Hirshhorn! Happy Tuesday. #FlowersforFriends” —Tate

 

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
This #MuseumBouquet
Is for you!@ClevelandArt

Yayoi Kusama, “Les Tulipes de Shangri-La” pic.twitter.com/RmTCFrzxOg

— FRONT International (@FrontTriennial) March 30, 2020

“Dear @mcachicago, Roses are red Violets are blue Your art is modern We love visiting you! #MuseumBouquet Tulip: Robert Thornton, Temple of Flora (1807)” —Field Museum

 

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