Above: images from Asif Khan and David Knight's blog

Khan begins by showing the first of five images, a composite of pictures including amusing signage at an east London market and a vapour trail from a u-turning plane, posted onto the blog he shares with designer and author David Knight. "It started as a place where we could post images for each other to look at," Khan explains. "It's a pot where I harvest ideas from quite often."

As an example of using his vicinity as stimulus, he describes how while struggling to come up with an idea for his 2010 residency at London's Design Museum he used a plant growing on the route to his studio as inspiration for his Harvest furniture collection. "It was staring me in the face, this thing, so I thought why don't I ask the lady who owns the garden if I can take a bit of this and see what we can make from it."

Above: gypsophilia plant (left) and a table from the Harvest furniture collection

He proceeds to recount the instance he began to think of architectural applications for soap bubbles while bathing his children. "Why can't we make a wall out of a material like this which you could sculpt? Why can't it be a roof? What would it mean?" This lead to experiments with helium and soap to create floating cloud-like forms, as shown in his next pair of images.

Khan then shows the Coca-Cola Beatbox pavilion at the London 2012 Olympic park that he designed with Pernilla Ohrstedt, which has elements that play sounds of performing athletes recorded by music producer Mark Ronson.

Above: clouds (left) and an experiment with helium and soap bubbles (right)

He finishes by showing his design for this year's Designers in Residence exhibition, inspired by fabrics used to keep flies away from rubbish in Tokyo. "You can see the impression that the cardboard boxes have left on the fabric; it's got this memory. We used a fabric quite similar to this with electrical conductivity to form booths around each designer's work."

"I'm interested in new ways of doing things and the future of what the space around us might look like," he concludes.

Above: a journey (left) and the Coca-Cola Beatbox pavilion at the Olympic Park (right)

Dezeen Live was a series of discussions between Dezeen editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs and a number of designers and critics that took place as part of the talks programme at design exhibition 100% Design during this year’s London Design Festival.

Each of the four one-hour shows, recorded live in front of an audience, included three interviews plus music from Dezeen Music Project featuring a new act each day. Over the next few weeks we’ll be posting all the movies we filmed during the talks.

Above: netting used to keep flies from bins (left) and this year's Designers in Residence exhibition at London's Design Museum (right)

Movies we've already published from the series include talks with IDEO UK design director Tom Hulme, architect and writer Sam Jacob and designer Katrin Olina.

The music featured in this movie is a track called Snotty by Reset Robot. You can listen to more music by Reset Robot on Dezeen Music Project.

See all our stories about Asif Khan »
See all our stories about Dezeen Live »
See all our stories about London Design Festival 2012 »

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look like" - Asif Khan at Dezeen Live appeared first on Dezeen.

Above: photograph by Steve Benisty shows Parhelia at night

Asif Khan designed the artificial Parhelia, which means "beside the sun", as a house-shaped structure with honeycomb walls filled by over a million Swarovski crystals.

Above: photograph by Steve Benisty shows Parhelia at night

Real ice halos appear when billions of ice crystals, each only 0.1 millimetres in size, are suspended in the air at low temperatures. The crystals then refract and reflect light from the sun to produce geometric shapes such as arcs and halos.

"Having not had the chance to go to the north of Norway to see one, I had to try and recreate it," Khan told Dezeen at Design Miami, explaining that he created a real ice halo in a laboratory at the University of Manchester as part of his research.

In Parhelia, light from a single LED bulb inside the structure interacts with the geometry of the crystals to create a halo effect, which appears to move and change in size as you walk around the space.

The walls contain both clear crystals and "aurora borealis" crystals, which have a special coating to refract light differently. Some of the cells have been left empty to allow more light to pass through the space.

"From a technical level we had to figure out how to reproduce the kind of refraction and light amplification," said Khan. "On the other hand, from an emotional perspective, I really wanted this structure, or the piece of architecture we’re creating, to bring people closer to light.

"There is a sort of intimate connection that we all have with the sun, even though it’s a million miles away," he continued. "So I thought if our work could bring people closer to light, make light tangible, make the experience of light something intimate, that it's kind of disarming in a way. So the relationship between a person and the piece of architecture becomes a kind of emotional one, and the light is a conduit to make that happen, a tool to make that happen."

Visitors can crouch underneath the raised structure and pop up inside to see the LED light source. Khan also persuaded Design Miami to cut a hole in the roof of the tent to bring more light into the space.

"This stooping and popping up somehow disarms you and it makes you feel for some reason quite happy," he explained. "As you go in, you look up and you see the clouds passing above you – it’s completely unexpected, the rest of the fair is completely dark – and you see a single light source inside."

The installation takes on a different character at night, added Khan. "At night it’s crazy, it’s so bright. It becomes more about staring at the halo, as opposed to absorbing the room and the Miami sun."

Dezeen has been reporting from Design Miami all week and so far we've published a Louis Vuitton hammock inspired by pasta ribbons, an installation by Glithero inspired by the damp, chalky cellars of a champagne house and a lamp shaped like the Eiffel Tower by Studio Job – have a look at all of our stories from Design Miami.

Other work by Khan we've published on Dezeen includes a pavilion for the Olympic Park in London that can be played like a musical instrument and a tiny beachside cafe in Sussex, UK.

See all our stories about Asif Khan »
See all our stories about Swarovski »
See all our stories from Design Miami 2012 »

Photographs are by Dezeen except where stated.

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Asif Khan appeared first on Dezeen.

Designed by London architects Asif Khan and Pernilla Ohrstedt, the Coca-Cola Beatbox invites visitors to make a musical collage of sporting sounds by touching parts of its structure.

The sound samples, including a human heartbeat and trainers squeaking on a court, are taken from the Olympic song 'Anywhere in the World' recorded by British producer Mark Ronson.

The sounds are embedded in 200 interlocking ETFE plastic pillows which are sensitive to movement and touch.

The pavilion opens to the public on 27 July.

We first published images of the project proposal back in March.

See all our stories about the London 2012 Olympics »

Above: photograph is by Getty Images

Photography is by Hufton + Crow, except where indicated.

Here's some more information from the event organisers:

Coca-Cola reveals spectacular Olympic Park pavilion that will inspire visitors to Move to the Beat of London 2012

Coca-Cola has today unveiled the Coca-Cola Beatbox, its iconic pavilion for the Olympic Park, at a private view event ahead of the official opening of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games next Friday 27th July.

The Coca-Cola Beatbox, designed by Asif Khan and Pernilla Ohrstedt, is an experimental fusion of architecture, sport, music and technology that creates a stunning multi-sensory experience. The visionary pavilion has been inspired by Coca-Cola's global campaign for London 2012 - Move to the BeatTM - that aims to connect young people to the Games by bringing together their passions for music and sport.

Its giant crystalline structure is made up of over 200 interlocked translucent air cushions, each the size of a billboard. Visitors will be able to 'play' designated cushions as they ascend the exterior of the pavilion, remixing 'Anywhere in the World', the uplifting track featuring sounds of five different Olympic sports created for Coca-Cola by GRAMMY award winning producer Mark Ronson and 2011 Mercury Music Prize nominee Katy B.

Integrated within the 200 cushions is groundbreaking audio, lighting and responsive sensor technology, which has been used by the architects to upload the rhythmical sport sounds into the structure of the Coca-Cola Beatbox. Recordings, which include athletes' heartbeats, shoes squeaking, and arrows hitting a target will be triggered and remixed by the gestures and movements of an estimated 200,000 visitors during Games time as they make the 200m journey to the pavilion's rooftop.

The pavilion forms part of Coca-Cola's Future Flames campaign for London 2012, which aims to recognise and reward the best of the nation's youth and shine a spotlight on emerging talent to inspire other young people to pursue their passions. Coca-Cola appointed London-based designers Asif Khan and Pernilla Ohrstedt following a formal commissioning process administered by the Architecture Foundation. The company wanted to identify the best single emerging talent in British architecture and reward them with a showcase at London 2012, handing over creative control of its pavilion.

Coca-Cola has spent two years working with other partners including the Royal College of Art and interactive theatre company London Quest to bring together the best in emerging talent across design, performance and technology who will all play a role in bringing the pavilion to life during the Games. The result is a pavilion that is created by, embodies and celebrates the passions of thousands of Coca-Cola Future Flames who make a positive contribution to their local communities every day.

Maxine Chapman, Director of Showcasing, London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Project Team, the Coca-Cola Company, said:

"Coca-Cola's sponsorship of London 2012 is rooted in celebrating and recognising young people and we're delighted to give so many young talents the chance to showcase their skills and passions on the world's stage. Our team of emerging architects, artists, sound and light technicians - led by Asif Khan and Pernilla Ohrstedt - have all played a crucial role in creating a pavilion that is hip, fresh and energetic. The Coca-Cola Beatbox is unlike anything else on the Olympic Park. Over 300 young performers from London will help to bring it to life during Games time, and it will stand as a testament to the millions of young people who use their passions in areas like sport and physical activity, music and dance to spread happiness in communities all over the UK."

Asif Khan and Pernilla Ohrstedt, said:

"The Coca-Cola Beatbox is our largest commission so far and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our distinctive brand of architectural design at London 2012. We have created a structure that fuses architecture, music, sport and technology in a completely unique way. The beat will draw people in and allow them to personally experience sports through sound away from the main Games venues. Coca-Cola has really allowed us to push the boundaries and we're looking forward to unveiling the pavilion to the world when London 2012 opens its doors next week."

Visitors will enjoy spectacular views of the Olympic Park from the top of the Coca-Cola Beatbox. The ramp then plunges down into the heart of the pavilion which will feature an interactive light installation.

Within the Coca-Cola Beatbox pavilion visitors will discover Jason Bruges Studio's Aerial Dynamics installation. A living, breathing light show that has been designed to emulate the energy released when a bottle of Coca-Cola is served and shared. 180 bespoke mechatronic 'bubbles' glow rhythmically in time with Mark Ronson's track. Controlled with individual code, each bubble has eight polypropylene blades that fold in on themselves. Special sensors embedded in the three 'cheers in celebration' kiosks at the base of the Beatbox detect when Coca-Cola bottles are clinked together, triggering the blades and bubbles to glow with red and white LED lighting. These light patterns become increasingly intricate as the number of participants grow.

Jason Bruges, Creative Director, Jason Bruges Studio, based in Hackney, said:

"Our installation captures the celebratory aura that surrounds the Games and is itself a living, visual, dynamic performance. We worked closely with students Coca-Cola chose from the Royal College of Art who helped create the final design through a series of design workshops. A unique mix of architects, lighting designers, industrial designers, programmers and engineers have all collaborated to bring this extraordinary installation to life."

The Coca-Cola Beatbox was brought to life at the private view event by young performers from across London boroughs. These talented young people from part of a group of 300 who have been selected to perform within the Olympic Park and London's Hyde Park following six month audition process with the support of the interactive theatre company London Quest. Whether it's re-enacting a medal winning performance or encourage visitors to recycle they will help to bring the magic of London 2012 to life in the Captial.

Tim Morgan, Director of London Quest, said:

"We at London Quest have thoroughly enjoyed the last year working in partnership with Coca-Cola. In awarding us a theatrical consultancy contract for their Olympic Games showcasing activity, Coca-Cola has given us a massive opportunity to promote our company to the world and it's great to know that we have helped to give some very talented young performers a once in a lifetime opportunity to shine."

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Design Miami/Basel 2011: here are some images of installations at Design Miami/Basel by this year’s W Hotels Designers of the Future award winners Studio Juju, Asif Khan and mischer'traxler.

Above: In the Clouds by Asif Khan

London designer Asif Khan created floating clouds of foaming bubbles by filling soap suds with helium and forcing them through fishing nets.

Above: Dyadic Conversations by mischer'traxler

Thomas Traxler and Katharina Mischer of mischer'traxler present mirrors that only work when more than one person is standing in front of them, alongside their Relumine lights (see our earlier story).

Above and top: Juju Has Us Talking by Studio Juju

Singapore designers Timo Wong and Priscilla Lui of Studio Juju have created a meeting place with flexible metal strips that frame little blue chairs.

Above: In the Clouds by Asif Khan

Design Miami/Basel continues until 18 June.

Above: Dyadic Conversations by mischer'traxler

See last year's W Hotels Designers of the Future installations here.

Here are details from Design Miami/Basel:

W HOTELS 2011 DESIGNERS OF THE FUTURE REVEAL INNOVATIVE WORKS AT DESIGN MIAMI/ BASEL

Winners of the Coveted Award Display Their “Conversation Pieces” at the Global Forum for Design

Continuing its dedication and passion for innovation in design, W Hotels Worldwide today unveiled the works of the 2011 W Hotels Designers of the Future award winners during Design Miami/ Basel.  Now in its second year, the successful alliance between W Hotels and Design Miami/ seeks to expand the benefits that the award brings to the winners, giving the emerging designers a global platform on which to showcase their work.

“W Hotels DNA stems from innovative design and we are always looking toward the future at what is new and next,” says Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Design Miami/ and celebrate these three forward-thinking design studios as they present their work to the world.”

The 2011 W Hotels Designers of the Future Award looks beyond traditional product and furniture design, seeking work that is truly groundbreaking and innovative.  This year, the recognized designers were commissioned to draw inspiration from “Conversation Pieces,” a theme provided to the design candidates by Design Miami/ Basel and W Hotels.

The 2011 W Hotels Designers of the Future Awards winners were announced during Salone del Mobile in Milan and include:

• Asif Khan
• Mischer’Traxler - Thomas Traxler & Katharina Mischer
• Studio Juju - Timo Wong & Priscilla Lui

These three winners were chosen by a selection committee comprising of Wava Carpenter, Associate Director, Design Miami/; Aric Chen, Beijing Design Week; Li Edelkoort, Edelkoort Inc.; Marcus Fairs, Editor-in-Chief, Dezeen.com; Alexis Georgacopoulos, Director of the Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne; Constance Rubini, School of Decorative Arts, Paris; Kenya Hara, Creative Director, Muji; Konstantin Grcic, KGID; Zoe Ryan, Art Institute of Chicago; and Mike Tiedy, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Design & Innovation, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.,  the parent company of W Hotels Worldwide.

“Being at the forefront of design is an ongoing goal for W Hotels,” says Mike Tiedy, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Design & Innovation, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “To identify and connect with these emerging designers will continue to drive design forward at W Hotels across the globe.”

The “Conversation Pieces” created by the 2011 award winners are three distinct designs that showcase each studio’s range of talent.  Asif Khan turns foaming bubbles into an architectural yet whimsical element of design, while Studio Juju constructs a social space where people can convene.  Mischer’Traxler creates conversation by using mirrors that work only when two or more people stand in front of them.  All of the pieces trigger an immediate response in the viewer, from serious to fanciful, creating conversation that is sure to last beyond the Design Miami/ Basel exhibition halls.

The winners of last year’s W Hotels Designer of the Future Awards - Beta Tank, Graham Hudson, rAndom International, and Zigelbaum + Coelho - are continuing to celebrate their successes.  W Hotels created a global platform for these designers, helping them take their work from a conceptual stage to a level where they can expose their work to consumers and design enthusiasts alike.  The winners traveled to W locations across the globe during key design weeks, setting up on-site installations at W Barcelona, W Doha and showcasing their work during Istanbul Design week.  Zigelbaum + Coelho and rAndom International were also integrated at the W Taipei premiere event in March 2011, where rAndom International had also created a permanent installation for the hotel. Zigelbaum + Coelho was commissioned to create installations for the W St. Petersburg premiere event, which took place earlier this month.

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at Design Miami/Basel 2011 appeared first on Dezeen.

Architect Asif Khan has completed West Beach Cafe, a beach cafe at Littlehampton in England.

The cafe is the sister of East Beach Cafe designed by Thomas Heatherwick, which opened last year. See our story about East Beach Cafe.

The following is from the cafe owners:

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WEST BEACH CAFE – fish & chips

Hot on the heels of the multi-award winning building at East Beach, fantastic fish & chips will be served every day of the week in the WEST BEACH CAFE designed by Asif Khan.

Khan, 28, is a brilliant graduate of London’s world renowned avant-garde architectural school, The Architectural Association – alumni include Zaha Hadid and Richard Rogers.

The cafe is at the mouth of the River Arun and right on West Beach, Littlehampton - a beautiful, unspoilt beach and a designated area of Special Scientific Interest.

West Beach Cafe offers eat-in or take-away fish & chips, home made fishcakes and local ice cream plus one of the best views on the South Coast.

Created by East Beach Cafe head chef, Ritz-trained David Whiteside, the menu includes: fish & chips, salmon & parsley fishcakes, fried smelts, scampi, home made pea puree, toasted sandwiches, toasted fruit bread, local farmhouse cakes, locally roasted coffee & local ice cream.

All fish is from sustainable sources.

Even the cafe itself has been made locally –from the furniture to the lighting, the signage, the steelwork and the window frames – each item has been hand made by local craftsmen, many based in Littlehampton.

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