If you don’t know about Designboom you should not only check out every category on their extensive site, but also sign up for their fascinating, daily or biweekly newsletters featuring thee roundup of today’s newsmakers from around the world in the field of design. Check out today’s example here just for a sample of all they have to offer.

I love so many things about Designboom – the writing, photos, comprehensive coverage, editorials, compeitions, workshops, the list goes on. But my top two favorites are:

1. Designboom welcomes artists and designers to submit their own works. Encouraging and enabling independent artists to take advantage of their enormous network is one of the most beneficial and generous relationships a website/ newsletter/ authority can offer budding young talent seeking exposure abroad.

2. Designboom seems to love Israeli design and designers – almost as much as I do! I am constantly finding new, known and always exciting Israeli designers on Designboom. Take Ronen Kadushin’s dicast chair above – straight off their blog!

For more about the chair above, including how it was made – hint there’s molten aluminum overflowing – click here. For more about Ronen Kadushin, visit his website here (English).

UPDATE: Even though it appeared yesterday on Designboom, Ronen Kadushin pointed out that the chair was made in 1999.

It seemed like the promise of a clutter-free, airy and design-savvy home was even closer than before – even if our Billy bookcase is among the most expensive in the world (why why why). Then a chance encounter with this article at Apartment Therapy opened my eyes, or rather raised some very challenging questions about the value of ‘design for all’ – which I know is Target’s slogan but holds the same promise as IKEA: affordable, knock-off but just as inspired, accessible design items.

* [IKEA is] …by some measures the world’s third-largest wood consumer. The company declines to pay a premium to ensure that all timber is legally harvested, citing costs that would be passed along to the consumer.
* IKEA furniture is made of particleboard and pine is not meant to last a lifetime.
* [IKEA] positions outlets far from city centers, where taxes are low and commuting costs high—the average IKEA customer drives 50 miles round-trip.
* Designed but not crafted, IKEA bookcases and chairs, like most cheap objects, resist involvement: when they break or malfunction, we tend not to fix them. Rather, we buy new ones.

The full article, “Buy to Last”, by Ellen Ruppell Shell for The Atlantic, regards the need for quality and value, and their effects on consumption and hence the environment. It’s something we all probably think about daily as we assess how we live and better our homes. Where do we strike a middle ground of affordability and quality that is most sustainable?

In her book, Cheap: The High Quest for Discount Culture, Shell, explores the larger questions that, in the coming year, we may want to investigate within ourselves a bit further. What value do we place on art, trained skill, handicraft and artisanship? What are the consequences for local designers, artists and craftsmen if we rush out to the global, mass produced wharehouse and stock up on disposable items, produced in a developing country’s minimum wage-paid factory employees?

I hope the year ahead will be full of meaning in creativity and process; and significance in hand-made and personal. For me, and Designist Dream, I plan to focus this year on Israeli designers and artists who are investing and dedicating themselves to their work. Hopefully, before you head out to IKEA for that pre-fab bed frame, you’ll reconsider visiting Rishon LeZion’s Furniture Design Center where store owners are also the carpenters and craftsmen who customize everything your home needs to your specifications. It may cost more, but you’re supporting local artisans in Israel and the importance of skill and craft. Shana Tova U’Metukah, Happy New Year to all.

1948-58:

Tel Aviv’s distinctive Bauhaus style reflects a strong tradition of art and craft that was brought over from Europe. But the slight alterations – replacing windows with balconies and increasing shaded areas through added cornices – account for the Middle Eastern climate thereby introducing an Israeli element to an International Style. Or perhaps recreating an older aesthetic within a new, Israeli style of living. In 2003, Tel Aviv is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and renamed the “White City“.

1959-68:

Don’t let these bathing beauties distract you from the real excitement of the decade: Gottex. Founded in 1949 by Leah and Ermine Gottleib, Jewish immigrants from Hungary, as a raincoat company, they turned a quick 180 degrees toward the Mediterranean sun – in recognition of our more defining climate. With Gottex’s revolutionary introduction of Spandex (yes, you can blame Israel for that one), bathing suits became lighter and clingier, allowing for Gottex to pioneer two significant swimwear crazes. First, as hemlines rose in the swinging 60s, bathing suits hiked in all directions – thanks to the miracles of Spandex and other light fabrics developed by Gottex. Second, and this relates to later decades of partying and excess as well, Gottex put glamour and fashion onto the beach. And with Gottex the concept of luxury swimwear was born and bred.

1969-78:

If you thought many of Israel’s corporate logos, symbols, posters or advertisements had something in common, you were right. They were either designed or influenced by Israeli graphic artist extraordinaire Dan Reisinger. Born in Yugoslavia in 1934, Reisinger’s talents were quickly identified and he was sent to study at Jerusalem’s prestigious Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. Reisinger’s prolific career has enjoyed incredible hometown and international success. He has designed more than 200 social, political and cultural images and posters in Israel, including 150 logos that have become part and parcel of our everyday living. Together they serve as a visual timeline marking Israel’s most significant historical, social, economic and cultural developments over the decades. In 1971-76, Reisinger designed what we have all come to know and love (or loathe) in the form of ElAl’s corporate logo – the slanted letters, mixed Hebrew and English, blue and white. Above is a destination poster to travel with ElAl which was part of a series from 1968-71. The graphic, abstract and modern-meets-traditional, almost nostalgic but contemporary, aesthetic of Reisinger’s work continues to influence.

1979-1988:

Just like disco its moves and grooves, so too, in a way, did the artwork of Yaakov Agam. And as the excessive and hyperextended 80s took over, Agam’s kinetic, geometric and highly colorful, conceptual art found its place in the middle of Tel Aviv’s bustling metropolis. In the form of a rotating sound and light water fountain that, along with the angular blocks of color – that really change as you look at them from different angles, represent the elements of Water and Fire. Agam’s experiments with optical, kinetic and experiential art left an indelible imprint on our canon. In this case, the spectacle placed within and about Tel Aviv’s most important crosswalk shows the city gaining a self-awareness – or perhaps a self-imposed importance – of its position as the (cultural) center of the country.

1989-1998:

I can’t say enough about Ron Arad. I love, love, love him. He’s an incredible designer. World renown. Amazingly innovative and challenging at the same time. And from Israel. In 1989, Arad’s rapidly increasing fame and reputation for chair and furniture design led him to establish Ron Arad Associates in London. In 1994, again owing to growing success, he added a studio workshop in Italy to increase production of his studio pieces. Seating and shelvingare just some of his more famous designs that are currently either on view at major museums around the world or on sale for respectable (read: incredibly high) prices at prestigious auction houses. But with design gaining mass popularity and media attention these days, its the talent that makes Ron Arad a household name – not just the pricetag.

1999-2008 and beyond:

The Israeli Design Center in Holon where the past, present and future come together and forge ahead. Both the culmination of years of amazing art and design efforts from Israel and the (final) destination for future ones. Designed by none other than Ron Arad, the Museum’s voluminous shapes take on larger-than life presence as it guides the visitor’s experience both inside and out through a range of spirals, swirls and enveloping colored building materials (steel, concrete, stone, glass, etc). Obviously an amazing homage to Arad’s own legacy – since the works to be displayed inside the museum were undoubtedly influenced by him. Headed by Dr. Razi Amiatay, in consultation with Professor Ezri Tarazi, a celebrated designer, teacher and arts advocate in his own right, the Israeli Design Center has been gaining speed and prominence both locally and internationally with a great website (albeit in Hebrew only for now), events and conferences welcoming prominent figures from abroad, and a burgeoning student and independent artists and designers community. It is literally and figuratively the space to watch for our art and design future.

The above post was created specially for 60bloggers.com where 60 bloggers celebrate 60 years of Israel with 60 days of posts on Zionism to politics and everything in between.

The New York Times recently called it, “A Sofa Dr. Suess Might Have Dreamed Up”. Apartment Therapy thought it resembled a “giant cheese” (in the golden yellow upholstery option). And it’s by no other than Israeli design legend Ron Arad. Labeled as Misfit, Ron Arad breaks couch convention with this six-part sectional, comprised of two ottomans, two middle seats and two corner pieces. Gone are the neatly pre-fab L-shaped sectionals that perfectly and conveniently fit into your every-den. Say goodbye to the perpendicular angles of your usual seating options. This unruly couch makes you want to move, slide and sink into conceptual and challenging furniture design.

Featured at the preeminent Milan furniture fair 15 years ago, Misfit was first designed by Ron Arad for high-end Italian furniture house
Moroso. The reason for the delay in its production? “I probably was a bit ahead of my time,” said Arad. But now Moroso feels the market is ready. So its 2008 and now Arad puts the Surreal back into interior design. So open up your unconscious and allow Arad to break away at your automated responses that are telling you to reject that which isn’t neutral, standard or purchased from a catalog or department store. Come on, let him in to your home (and mind) and have some real fun with design. I know I welcome Ron Arad into my home anytime – ‘cept he has a lot of Ikea to contend with.

Lool 82 is an Israeli design collective that creates funky home accessories from benches and end tables to wall hangings to stuffed animals. All bear impeccable attention to detail and a real sense of quality. To say these things can really hold is a double entendre: Not only do they hold real people sitting on them but open the lid and they can hold anything else – and hide it away. We bought a bright red one with a neato retro patterned cushion top – deep chocolate brown with golden flowers – to hide away some of the growing piles of toys and dolls in our living room. I also wanted to buy one of these but we’re maxed out on end side tables.

Lool 82 designer, Naty, who is responsible for designing the crates, customizes the cushions to order by color and fabric. But don’t let it good looks fool you, this is industrial meets design. The price is affordable for the masses – much like the crate’s history. The sturdy factory crate – repurposed simply and creatively – is the real star of the show. Old, factory or shipping standards now reinvented and rejuvenated in your home. The design challenge is environmentally friendly in nature and aesthetic: reuse, recycle and redesign for your life – and look super cool while doing it too.

{Crossposted to Green Prophet}

In no particular order of preference (Mom):

1. I like being organized, but even straight bookshelves have a way of being so… boring. But not with one of these (red please) super cool Bookworm bookshelves by superstar Israeli and international design legend Ron Arad. Sooo cool, I’m drooling (not cool).

2. These beautiful bowls and vases by Israeli ceramicist Marcelle Klein. I love how they reflect the texture and feel of nature despite a smooth marble-like exterior and abstracted organic shape. Simple and clean yet evocative and dreamy. My favorite.

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3. Usher in the age of enlightenment with these gorgeous pendant lamps by (one of) my favorite Israeli designers Arik Levy. The ‘minishakes.mgx’ designed for materialise are similar to Levy’s Shaman pendant necklace. Both are made of epoxy and rendered in a deep amber-brown color. To me, they seem sensual and casual. Arranged in a cluster of three (like in the photo) at different heights it’s an interesting twist on a chandelier-style lighting fixture for a bedroom no?

4. I love the layering of these gorgeous gold ‘Four’ rings by Israeli jewelry designer Orit Ivshin. A modern design within a handmade aesthetic. And it’s four rings in one – practically a beautiful bargain.

5. This amazing pop-goes-digital-references-an-older-classic-work-and-is-awesome print by my friend and Israeli artist Mike Darnell. A redux of the classic and ubiquitous sheep artwork by Israeli artist Menashe Kadisman. This sheep makes me smile.

Thanks to 2Modern for drawing my attention to these amazing modular storage units by the supremely talented and trendy Israeli designer, Arik Levy. I featured Levy’s glamorous approach to Modernism on Designist earlier this year and last, but considering that it’s Valentine’s day today around the world, I figured I’d share some love for a favorite of mine.

The One Square Meter cubes are basically a set of interlocking and sliding compartments that can be disassembled and extended in a variety of directions. When they’re all closed though, they measure one square meter. Hence the name. Brilliant. Now your house doesn’t have to look like a storage facility just so you can store everything you own. Just think of how all those annoying colorful toys would magically disappear in this classy modern-meets-minimal treasure chest. Plus, in black, Levy’s design has the added bonus of looking like the Kaaba in Mecca which lends a spiritual – even holy – component to either your home decor aspirations, your design product/ designer worship or your daily cleaning up chores. How controvertial. Maybe that’s why it seems to lose a bit of its mystique in oak. But either way you stack it, it’s still pretty damn cool.

Fun things are afoot at the Circle K as this week looks to be an exciting one. For starters, I’ll be visiting the Designed in Israel exhibition in Tel Aviv (at the fairgrounds again through Fb. 16th) and checking out the newest and most daring furniture, lighting and jewelry designers coming out of Israel. “Design works” (as the event poster above says) is being run by the Israeli Design Center with The Marker business journal, the exhibition is accompanied by a conference and key lectures focusing on Israeli design and its potential impact in the international scene and market. I know I’m definitely curious to learn more about it – and I hope you are too. I plan on scoring some revealing interviews with student and professional designers on-site and sharing pics of the great works on display. So look for that as we head into midweek.

First though, I’m thrilled to announce that I’m going green – and not with envy but with environmentalism! I always thought I was a visionary but now it’s official: I’m becoming a prophet and joining the esteemed ranks of Green Prophet contributors. I’ll be covering Israel’s eco-friendly design beat which I’m happy to share with talented Greenprophet founder and eco-inspired writer, Karin Kloosterman. Aside from tackling tech issues together, Karin and I are also talking about joining forces for a great giveaway next month, so keep your eyes peeled for that later on. But first, head on over to GP and read more about how to make your life more eco-conscious, in Israel or wherever you are. The poster above is by Israeli graphic designer Aviram Meir for the Designed in Israel exhibition and I think it’s incredibly catchy and memorable – and hopefully will make an impression on some to conserve water or reuse rain water in this case, a process which some cities in Israel, including my home town of Modiin, is trying to put into practice.

And finally, but ironically most immediately, another side project that I’m also excited to tell you about is now taking off over at Modern Tribe. Modern Tribe sells great modern Judaica and Israeli design products from the US and the blog covers everything smart and savvy from new Israeli music to creative Shabbat candlesticks to these cute aleph-taf (or A to Z) Hebrew alphabet bookends. Jennie and I seem to share the same appreciation for cool things so I’ll be piping in with some posts about the latest in Israeli design, fashion and home decor over on MT – or at least pointing you to some great stuff to buy. And she’s kicked off the DesignistDream crossposting bonanza with an interview with yours truly over at Modern Tribe. So head on over and check it out though I’m not sure about the picture… But enough about me, tell me more about you, what do you think of me? (Sorry but I couldn’t resist that one) Looking forward to a great week!

PS. If anyone in Israel wants more information about the exhibition but can’t read the Hebrew-only site, feel free to contact me for info.