The Living Cube | Bern (SWZ)

If your living space is on the small side, it's likely that you've tried all manner of arrangements to challenge dimensional dilemmas. However The Living Cube, created by Swiss designer Till Könneker and constructed by Remo Zimmerli provides an antidote to cramped living and limited storage.

Functional, useful and minimal, the Living Cube combines form with function and the unit boasts the capacity to hold a flatscreen television (up to 42” inches), as well as shelving units, coat hooks, a queen-sized bed and plenty of interior storage. Custom built, this handcrafted furniture for the discerning urban dweller remedies the confines of city living with a sustainable, eco-friendly construction using the finest materials and craftsmanship.

Photography by Rob Lewis.

Ai Weiwei Evidence Exhibiton | Berlin (GER)

Acclaimed international artist Ai Weiwei recently opened his latest solo exhibition in the 1881 Martin-Gropius-Bau hall in Berlin. Weiwei has installed 6,000 wooden stools across a vast, cavernous space in the former arts and crafts museum; an enormous undertaking, the exhibition displays works that have never before been shown in Germany. Stools (2014) contains many references to Chinese dynastic history and the installation is part of the Evidence exhibition that showcases many new works by Weiwei; it runs until Monday 7th July.

Making Truck | Osaka (JAP)

Founded in Osaka by designers Tokuhiko Kise and Hiromi Karatsu in 1997, TRUCK has continued to develop products in line with a commitment to 'design the kind of furniture we want ourselves, regardless of fashion'.

Alongside the creation of TRUCK furniture, Tokuhiko and Hiromi have also curated a series of publications and catalogs that document their work as well as the culture and lifestyle that surrounds their brand. Making TRUCK is one such publication; featuring beautiful photography it is an interesting peek behind the scenes of the TRUCK brand and offers insight into the playful personalities behind the products. 

Available from Alder & Co.

Den Plettede Gris Cafe | Copenhagen (DK)

Papirøen, a former paper mill harbourside plot in the Christianshavn neighbourhood, has a new coffee shop by Danish designer Henrik Vibskov. The creative talent who is largely known for his eponymous fashion label opened Den Plettede Gris (The Spotted Pig) after a condition on his nearby office lease stated that the land must include a public coffee bar. The social hangout occupies a nineteenth century farmhouse style building and is painted black with the exterior design said to be inspired by the interior of a piano.

Vibskov, who regularly hosts his Copenhagen Fashion Week shows in Papirøen's industrial surround, ensured that the cafe is filled with natural light and features homemade furniture and improvised sitting solutions in order to create a comfortable environment not overpowered by the dark facade. If you get the chance to visit, take a moment to enjoy the view of the tranquil harbour.

Patatap by Jono Brandel | San Franciso (USA)

Patatap is a simple yet amusing interactive instrument that builds compositions (animations and melodies together) with your computer keyboard or tablet device. Co-created by San Francisco based Jono Brandel, the instrument relies on a clever combination of graphic design and computer programming.

Brandel co-created the project with music composers Lullatone, the melody design unit of Shawn James Seymour and Yoshimi Seymour who are based in Nagoya, Japan. The duo devised compelling sounds to accompany the animations that feature a colour palette unique to the sounds. The sounds encourages users to tap away in the most melodic manner possible, similar to playing a keyboard or drum pads.