From modular neighbourhoods to car giants making bicycles, here are some things that made us say “That’s Interesting” in the studio this week.
Cross species inclusivity!
Venus, the women’s shaving brand, has teamed up with Nintendo’s Animal Crossing to release a series of ‘skins’ that allow players of the game to add ‘imperfections’ to their avatars. Cellulite, psoriasis and caesarean scars (to name a few) all feature – hairy legs and armpits have, perhaps unsurprisingly, been left out! With people spending more time on-screen, there’s greater need for brands to come up with creative ways to advertise in digital spaces.
Learn more here
Modular real estate.
Porte de Montreuil, located on the eastern belt of Paris, is in the process of building a zero-carbon neighbourhood. As well as using natural materials, being integrated with plant-life, and looking beautiful, the architects have sustainably future-proofed the buildings by making internal space modular – office spaces can easily be turned into apartments and vice versa. Practical design and sustainability can work together without compromising on aesthetics.
Say salut here
Is the future car a bike?
Say hello to the ‘i Vision ABMW’ – BMW’s ‘high-speed pedelec’ concept that’s aiming to bridge the divide between motor vehicles and bicycles. With three ‘drive speeds’ the ABMW can reach speeds 37mph – and although it probably won’t appeal to typical petrol heads – if released, it’d certainly be a smart alternative in congested cities. But the bigger thing here is that BMW, an automotive leader, is stepping outside of its traditional offering in thinking about its place in the future of urban mobility. With big changes in life underway – both in sustainability and beyond – there are likely more than a few brands that’ll need to adapt.
Start cycling here
Honesty as a policy.
Last week was a cathartic week for Ace & Tate: the eyewear brand came clean and shared with the world poor decisions they’ve made in the past. In trying to gain certification as a B Corporation, they realised they’ve not been as fair and sustainable as they should’ve been. Should other brands be inspired by this and come clean about their mistakes?
Judge for yourself here