View this post on Instagram

We quickly hit our goal for the Hygiene Hand on Kickstarter yesterday, and wanted to say thank you to all past and present backers. More importantly, we're grateful that we have the ability to utilize our resources from our design team, to local manufacturers to produce a tool that will minimize the spread of germs in your everyday life. In these uncertain times, we're doing what we can to contribute, and hope you're able to do the same. Help cannot (and should not) be measured in size, but in the simple act of helping. Something as small as listening to a friend/loved one, and even the act of isolating yourself is a positive contribution. Please know we're also doing our best to speed up production to get these into your hands sooner than later. We hope you're all staying safe and are well. - The Hygiene Hand is an EDC tool which fits on your keychain and is used to help decrease the spreading of germs while performing some of your everyday tasks. When thinking about the everyday tasks we encounter, we wanted to help "flatten the curve" by making a tool which allowed you to touch buttons, sign digital screens, and even open doors WITHOUT the use of your finger/hand touching the same surfaces as 100's of other people! The Hygiene Hand is made from solid brass which is inherently anti-microbial, meaning viruses are unable to naturally thrive. In addition, it's eco-friendly, durable, and beautiful (this will develop a beautiful patina over time). It's also proudly made in the USA 🇺🇸 - *Please note we're not making any specific medical claims that the Hygiene Hand will completely protect anyone from coronavirus or other pathogens, but are stating the fact from a lot of published research that copper and its alloys such as brass are inherently antimicrobial where viruses will naturally be unable to thrive. - Please visit our campaign to learn more! (link in bio) - - #statgear #hygienehand #doctor #nurse #paramedic #emt #ems #coronavirus #covid19 #virus #flu #germs #science #everydaycarry #edc #edcgear #nyc #newyorkcity #bushcraft #prepper #prepping #preparation #safety #kickstarter #usa #usamade #america #american #americanmade

A post shared by StatGear (@statgear) on

Brooklyn, N.Y.–based survival and tactical gear company StatGear has launched a Kickstarter to fund the production of an antimicrobial handheld brass tool that can be used to limit the spread of germs when completing everyday tasks. Called the Hygiene Hand, the tool is is small enough to hang from a keychain and can be used for everything from pushing elevator buttons to pulling doors open. With 20 days left in the campaign, StatGear has far exceeded its initial fundraising goal of $5,000 with more than $220,000 pledged as of press time. StatGear hopes to have initial products available by May. [Kickstarter]

Danish startup Stykka is now selling its StayTheF*** Home desk to encourage professionals to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Available in natural or white cardboard, the desk is shipped flatpacked and can be assembled using supplied zip ties or string. Each desk costs $85. [Stykka]

LPA is the largest firm to meet the energy reduction goal of the AIA 2030 Commitment. In this podcast episode, Irvine, Calif.–based principal and design director Keith Hempel, AIA, details the approach, process, and tools used by his firm to achieve the momentous accomplishment—and whether LPA is ready to take on the 2030 Commitment's uptick to an 80% pEUI reduction this year. [ARCHITECT]

AutoCAD Drawing History screenshot
AutoCAD Drawing History screenshot

Autodesk has launched the 2021 edition of its AutoCAD software for architects, designers, and engineers, which features seven industry-specific tool sets that can help automate tasks and save time. With AutoCAD 2021, users can track the evolution of their designs with the Drawing History functionality; compare two versions of an Xref and implement changes without leaving a drawing file; and navigate files with smoother and faster panning, zooming, and orbiting capabilities. The software developer has also released the 2021 edition of 3ds Max. [Autodesk]

CannonDesign

CannonDesign has released plans for modular urban COVID-19 testing facility designed specifically for walk-in patients. The system can be erected on any flat outdoor service and can be fully powered by a single household electrical outlet. "The dual-booth system is designed to accommodate alternating patient flow," CannonDesign explains in its project description. "While one booth is occupied by a patient, the adjacent booth can undergo a 10-minute disinfection process in preparation for the next patient." [CannonDesign]

SoftBank, the Japanese conglomerate largely responsible for stabilizing WeWork after its failed IPO last year, has pulled out of its agreement to spend $3 billion as part of a bailout plan to purchase stock from former CEO Adam Neumann and other shareholders. According to a Bloomberg report, SoftBank notified stockholders that the deal's conditions, including regulatory concerns and ongoing investigations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department, had not been met. WeWork is reportedly considering legal action. [Bloomberg]