Norwegian design firm Snøhetta unveiled a custom bench commissioned by the Nobel Peace Center at the United Nations Headquarters Plaza, in New York, as a tribute to former Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Called the Best Weapon, the 20-foot-long arched bench draws its name from Nelson Mandela quote, "The best weapon is to sit down and talk." Because of its pitched design, the bench encourages visitors to interact. "We believe in using design as a tool to create lasting symbols that foster fruitful communication,” says Snøhetta founder Kjetil Trædal Thorsen. Made of anodized aluminum, the bench is carbon neutral. [Snøhetta]
Construction technology company Katerra announced the launch of Kova, its own line of building products, which includes kitchen and bath fixtures, lighting, and interior finishes. [ARCHITECT]
British appliance technology company Dyson now offers an air purifier that can trap and destroy formaldehyde particles in residential environment. Named the Pure Cryptomic, this range of purifiers features sensors and a catalytic coating to detect and collect the pollutant, breaking it down into water and carbon dioxide. Pure Cryptomic will retail for $749.99. [Dyson]
The Lego Ideas branch of the beloved toy manufacturer has revealed the top 10 ideas for new Lego sets that were pitched by fans and are currently in development. Announced in video on Facebook, the ideas include a Sesame Street set, a playable Lego piano, scenes from the television series The Office, and Machu Picchu, Peru. [Lego]
In his second post examining the inefficiencies of project delivery despite advancements in technology, Autodesk fellow and Yale University associate dean Phil Bernstein, FAIA, pinpoints inherent flaws in the construction workflow. [ARCHITECT]
The co-working and real estate company WeWork, under the umbrella of its parent the We Co., officially withdrew its bid for an initial public offering after investors grew wary of its valuation and corporate governance. [The New York Times]
