Design News is your tiny dose of design, technology and other important news, curated monthly by Interwoven Design. In this series we share the latest on our favorite topics, including women in design, technology and architecture, and sustainable design. In this issue: a tribute to women in the fields of design, science, and technology, a Nigerian architect and designer to watch (and follow!), a historic moment in plastic policy, and a cute new audio device with a retro design that takes us back to the 80s.
If/Then she can!
The Smithsonian will commemorate Women’s History Month in March by displaying 120 life-sized neon orange statues depicting women who have excelled in the fields of science and technology. Over 3 million visitors have experienced the installations since they started popping up in 2020, and the IF/THEN website features a biography of each woman showcased in the piece. The 3D-printed statues are the largest 3D printed project of its kind, and will be displayed in the museum’s gardens and in select museums in the Smithsonian network from March 5th to March 27th.
Oshinowo x Sharjah Architecture Triennial
Nigerian architect and designer Tosin Oshinowo has been appointed to curate the 2023 Sharjah Architecture Triennial. The aim of the Triennial is to highlight architecture across western Asia, southern Asia and the African continent, and this second edition will focus on “sustainable architecture, urbanism and infrastructure.” Oshinowo, a socially conscious voice in the field, intends to offer a new perspective on sustainable architecture with an emphasis on adaptability. She is the principal designer at the Lagos-based architectural firm cmDesign Atelier, a firm known for socially and environmentally responsive projects throughout Nigeria and the African Continent. She describes herself as an “Architect, Designer, Curator, Creative Entrepreneur, History-Junkie & Mummy!” on her instagram profile, an account well worth following for those interested in art, fashion, architecture, and design.
via Dezeen
Plastic pollution from source to sea
World leaders from 175 countries have agreed to draw up a legally binding UN treaty that will regulate plastic production and pollution on an international scale for the first time. Passed at the UN Environment Assembly in Kenya, the resolution calls for participating nations to determine a set of universal rules and timed targets to work toward the end of plastic waste.
via Dezeen
Playful tech device for kids
The Yoto Mini is a screen-free audio device with retro styling that evokes classic 80s designs. The form is a small white box with cheerful red knobs and a card slot on the top where kids insert a card of their choice to make a music selection. The cards themselves have a clean, jaunty styling that uses bold color and charming illustrations to engage the user. The playful system, designed by Pentagram, includes hundreds of diverse audio options for kids to explore, bringing an analog interaction back to what can so easily be screen-obsessed lives.
via Designboom
Pratt presents: Woman Made
This special panel discussion will feature distinguished designers included in Phaidon’s recently published book Woman Made: Great Women Designers. The text provides a comprehensive overview of some of the most influential and iconic designs created by women. The talk is free and open to the public, and a video recording will be available after the event.
via Pratt Institute
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