01. Manifesto House / James & Mau, for Infiniski

“Infiniski designs and builds eco-friendly houses and buildings based on the use of recycled, reused and non polluting materials and the integration of alternative and renewable energy. The Infiniski projects are designed by James&Mau – Architects and designers, Jaime Gaztelu and Mauricio Galeano, founders and partners of Infiniski. James & Mau offer Innovative and contemporary designs based on bioclimatic and modular architecture. Infiniski is not only green, it is cheaper and faster … it tries to think the values of architecture and construction differently; a contribution to the needs of our changing environment.” (archdaily)

02. Dumpling Dynasty (above)

“Created by illustrator, Fiona Hewitt, and expert in Asian Kitschology, Andy Tainton, the Dumpling Dynasty brand was inspired by years spent living in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, endlessly trawling the flea markets and junk shops for inspiration.” (dieline)

03. Aisle One 2010 Calendar Wallpaper

“Beautifully laid out 2010 calendar desktop wallpapers by Antonio Carusone, featuring the year written out in English, Italian, French and German. Available in pink and white at 1920×1200.” (ianc)

04. Leica Hermes Edition Camera

“Leica has today announced a very special limited edition of its classic 35mm rangefinder system camera: the Leica M7 Edition Hermès. As the successor to the Leica MP Edition Hermès launched in 2003, this is the second series of cameras created in co-operation with Hermès, the Paris-based company renowned throughout the world for its exclusive products.” (highsnobiety)

Barton Brooks has turned a passion for travel into a mission to make a difference through grassroots international age. He founded Global Colors, an organization that undertakes projects ranging from educational resource in Cambodia to creating vegetable gardens near African hospitals. In their efforts, Global Colors provides both financial and volunteer aid in collaboration with other organizations. The end goal is geared toward creating immediate change while teaching individuals, families, and travelers to do the same in their own environs.

Barton’s personal story began when he sold his only real asset (a hand built Shelby Cobra replica) to aid children in Agnkor Wat. The proceeds of his sale provided an education, and a launching pad for Global Colors. Since then Barton has been an advisor to the United Nations, developed projects for First Lady Laura Bush, and launched a corporate reforestation volunteer vacation program in Africa. These are just a few examples of his work and the work of Global Colors. The organization continues to create self-sustaining grass roots projects for the communities it serves.

Read the full interview with Barton Brooks after the click.

Purple Magazine’s Olivier Zahm just dropped some interesting new on his blog. “This is the first issue of 31 RUE CAMBON, the first CHANEL magazine which I have art directed and designed for KARL LAGERFELD, to be distributed worldwide in all the CHANEL stores.” More to come as we hear it.

As a lefty, much of my student life was spent trying to comfortably position myself in furniture created for the majority. My excitement over finding a left handed desk left classmates amused… consistently from grade school through graduate school. The experience, I believe, has created a fierce interest in writing chairs, student desks, and other combo furniture.

Wurk, a Dutch design firm with strong pedigree in office furnishings, has released images of several pieces offering variation on the classic pupils chair. The Wurkchair turns the seat back parallel to the floor transforming it into a writing slab. Playful, and “recession friendly,” the chair is born from designers reversing their own chairs to write. Another item in Wurk’s working of the Pupil’s Desk takes cues from a children’s wheeled toy horse. Not all work then, an obvious nod to play helping form an amusing new piece of design. Named Antilope, this piece is seen above.

Head to the jump for an image of Wurkchair. (via Core 77

From Curated.

This teaser for the “Blue Gold” documentary was made available in the latter end of the summer, but we’re visiting it again in hope of finding a release date for the film. Their main site looks down at the moment. Any reader help on this one?

Nick pointed me at this article over on the excellent site, Design Observer. While this story would usually be relegated to the Roundup post, I found it deserving of some more shine. “The multitiered, fully enclosed mall (as opposed to the strip mall) has been the Vatican of shiny, happy consumerism since it staked its claim on the crabgrass frontier — and the public mind — in postwar America. The nation’s first enclosed shopping mall, the Southdale Center, opened its doors in Edina, outside Minneapolis, in 1956. Southdale was the brainchild of the Los Angeles– based architect (and Viennese refugee from the Anschluss)Victor Gruen. A socialist and former student of the modernist designer Peter Behrens, Gruen saw in the covered mall a Vision of Things to Come.”

A must read over on Design Observer.

As accessories become more the norm with the average man, we hope to bring you some of our favorites. These stopper knot key rings from Hobo are well made and affordable. They measure 6inches end to end and come with D ring closures. They look great too. Get them now from oki-ni.

More looks at the Hobo Stopper Knot Key Rings after the click.

Q-A has stock in this wonderful deck length jacket from Ma.Strum. Designed by Lorenzo Osti, son of Mossimo Osti, Ma.Strum is a newer outwear line pushing some very acceptable looks into your wardrobe. “Button up with Ma. Strums Deck Length Jacket, with detachable faux fur collar to create two different looks and keep you warm this winter.”

More looks at the Ma. Strum Deck Length Jacket after the click.

PF knows how to pull the gems out of their archives. The PF Flyers Rambler, originally released  in 1943 sneaker is no exception. “PF has taken the original designs and colors and updated the fit and comfort to represent the modern sophistication people expect from the brand. Its bold sport details of high-visibility hash mark foxing and pronounced diamond toe bumper are balanced with vintage style of two-tone stitching, fine weave canvas, striated toecap and inner webbing stripe.” They’ll come well priced at around 80$US.

More looks at the PF Flyers Rambler Sneakers after the click.

Unpacking My Library provides an intimate look at the personal libraries of twelve of the world’s leading architects, alongside conversations about the significance of books to their careers and lives.” Through photographs of workspaces and bookcases (which we all love, right?) we get a glimpse of the architects lifestyle, personality, and intellectual leaning. Some of the architects included are Henry Cobb, Peter Eisenman, and Michael Graves. Each subject also provides a top ten of influential titles.

Eisenman’s list features writing from Rem Koolhaas and James Joyce.

The book is edited by Jo Steffens, features an essay by Walter Benjamin, and is published by Yale University Press.

Available now from Amazon.