Design What

Design What featuring great design, architecture, fashion, graphics and innovation from across the globe.

 
Parachute Wall Shelf

Yusuke Watanabe Wall Shelf Furniture Friday, 5 June 2026

Parachute

Parachute is a wall shelf made of sheet metal. When a section is in use, the plank of that section drops down and hangs in place. The hanging plank holds a coat, a magazine or similar items and keeps them from falling. The surface carries colored stripes separated by thin spaces, so the shelf recalls the graphic appearance of a modern parachute and can also be read as wall art. Parachute measures 790 mm in width, 30 mm in depth and 220 mm in height. The name joins the ideas of protecting and falling.

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Translucence Pendant Light

Iestyn Davies Pendant Light Lighting Thursday, 4 June 2026

Translucence

Translucence is a pendant light with a hand-blown glass shade and a hidden light source. The glass is blown into an optic mould, which forms thicker and thinner vertical sections that catch and spread the light. A laser-cut acrylic detail at the centre surrounds the LED module and adds focus. Three variations of the central section and three sizes are offered. Each shade is made by hand, so every piece is slightly different. Translucence can be used on its own or grouped within a larger chandelier.

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Memoria Chair

Sergio Sesmero Chair Furniture Wednesday, 3 June 2026

Memoria

Memoria is a chair made from concrete canvas, a textile that is normally used in civil construction for its durability and resistance. The chair is shaped over a mold that is three-dimensionally printed in recyclable PLA. The concrete canvas is applied to the mold and left to set for at least 24 hours. An epoxy resin is then added to fill the pores and increase solidity. Memoria measures 1100 by 900 by 708 millimeters and is impact resistant and waterproof. The design combines sustainability, function and new sensory experiences.

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Sunac WandaRealm Kunming Nightscape Design

AlexXu&Partners Nightscape Design Lighting Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Sunac WandaRealm Kunming

Sunac Wanda Realm Kunming is a nightscape lighting design for a hotel complex built in an ancient Chinese architectural style. The lighting covers an area of 70000 square meters in Kunming, a historic city with a multi-ethnic culture. A warm white tone is used as the main color, with a uniform color temperature of 3000K. Wall washers, small spotlights and customized luminaires create washing and blooming effects. Brightness is graded by node to avoid a monotonous appearance. The design reflects local culture and keeps the ancient character of the architecture at night.

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Square and Round A Multifunctional Stool

Xu Le A Multifunctional Stool Furniture Monday, 1 June 2026

Square and Round

Square and Round is a multifunctional seat made of beech wood and acrylic. The transparent acrylic surface reveals the internal wooden structure. Placed one way, the surface forms a light seat. Turned upside down, the same surface becomes a side table with a recess that holds keys and other small objects. The parts are joined by a traditional double dovetail key structure, so no metal connectors are used. The seat can be taken apart by hand once the locking key is found. Flat packing reduces the transport volume.

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The Doberman Chair Armchair

Zha Lianghao Armchair Furniture Sunday, 31 May 2026

The Doberman Chair

The design inspiration comes from Doberman dog. The designer chose the mahogany as material due to the similar color to the real Doberman dog. Moreover, The Doberman Chair has a suspended backrest and a long seat size, both covered with black leather. The design is to give people a quiet and comfortable place to relax and work. Like the Doberman dog, The Doberman Chair shows its unique dignity and peace.

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