[vimeo 53530934 w=470 h=264]

I think the initial choice of colors might have made the new look harder to embrace, but I do like the color variations shown in the video.

But really, how can this logo compete with the good old Anteater of UC Irvine? Now this is a logo (and mascot)!

Just last year, my other alma mater underwent a similar update with its school logo. Joining the traditional, circular seal is this clean, modern logo.

From a visual point of view, the newer UC (and Iolani) logos are much easier to use and see. The details of the crest and seals just aren’t discernible. I think some killer logo items would quickly change opinions about the UC monogram. Can’t wait to see some new UCI gear.

When I walked into Starbucks this morning, I had to stop because of this display.

The entire store had been redone in holiday red, but this display with lime green, silver, and shades of grey hit me hard. What are these? These belong to a design collaboration with Rodarte.

These diffusion, pixelated pattern items are limited to the Holidays and is the first design partnership for Starbucks.

I had to touch each item and stopped myself from buying any of them. There’s a tumbler, a tote bag, a gift card, and a reusable cup sleeve (which was already sold out).

My only salvation from not buying any of the urban camo-like items? The ceramic makeup of the travel tumbler. The Rodarte tumbler is not metal or plastic, and I’m afraid the ceramic just won’t last. Or maybe it’s my will power that won’t last, caving way first.

If you can’t make it down to a Starbucks, you can also purchase these Rodarte items online by clicking on the image below.

Have you tried assembling your own Starbucks Inky Red Cup using the printed template? Here’s mine.

For perfect results, be sure to follow the directions and use A4 size paper. Letter size paper works, but the cutout won’t fit perfectly.

But if you can’t wait one more year, you can assemble your own Inky Red Cup by printing the design and taping it over your grande drink.

This project was a complete commercial tenant improvement of the first floor and attached mezzanine space of the historic Dillingham Transportation Building. Restored for the Hauoli Mau Loa Foundation that supports youth education and local environmental sustainability, the project has targeted LEED Platinum Certification, the highest and most stringent sustainable accreditation certificate in the industry. In restoring the historical space, we worked to retain the critical and timeless accents, namely the historic faux ceiling treatments, while introducing contemporary solutions for partition walls that allowed natural light to pour deep into the space.

In addition to employing translucent eco-resin panels for the partition walls, we also worked with 3-Form to develop a blended fabric and eco-resin panel that functions as an interior light shelf over the main conference room. The material blend in the light shelf reflects 80% of the natural light deeper into the space while diffusing 20% of the light into the conference room ceiling, creating a soft glowing lid. For general purposes, this diffused light precludes the necessity for any artificial lighting during normal business hours.

From the flooring to the paint and framing materials, only sustainable or rapidly renewable materials were considered for the build out. In addition, all of the dated systems (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) were upgraded with energy efficient systems including temperature controlled HVAC systems, natural light and occupancy sensored lighting systems, and efficient low flow plumbing fixtures. Even the reception desk was clad with naturally fallen timber procured by a youth group from Hana who reclaimed the dead timber and created the phenomenal wood mosaic that can be seen at the reception desk.

The ultimate goal however was the resultant product that created a space the client truly enjoys and loves to display as they further their work in promoting sustainable stewardship.

If you like the results, the inspiration, and use of sustainable materials, please vote for this design in this Best Installation Contest.

I love the the dark wood contrasted by the white walls – very dramatic. And to offset the darkness of the wood, translucent paneling allows for Hawaii’s sunlight to naturally brighten the rooms.

If you like what you see, help out the local Hawaii Architecture group as their design has been submitted to 3Form’s People’s Choice Best Installation Contest. Check out Entry #56 and lend this great design a much deserved vote.

Note: Yes, sadly, to vote in the contest, you need to create an account.

Also, fan and follow Hawaii Architecture on Facebook and Twitter.

• Simple layout
• 3D effects, used sparingly
• Soft, neutral background colours
• Strong colour, used sparingly
• Cute icons, used sparingly
• Plenty of whitespace
• Nice big text

I like this statement:

In general, the more white space the better. It’s very rare that I look at a page and think: “Gosh, they really need to cram that page up a bit!”