GUERILLAS AND WEETUS

WEETU COMES READY TO PLAY AT THE 7TH ANNUAL GUERRILLA TRUCK SHOW on June 14, 2011 

Weetu will unveil three new products in the “WEEINVENT” truck. Leading the pack is the newest line of “Weetree WallsTM”, illuminated, self-watering indoor/outdoor wall gardens perfect for restaurant installations. Planted with herbs and edibles during the warmer months, and maintains visual beauty during the colder months.

Next up is "Plant-Lamp" glowing diamond, the first-prototype in a collection of flat-pack snap-together, dual-function home accessories. Despite packing a big illuminated punch, this table-top dynamo canʼt ever be mistaken for itʼs outdoor cousin, “Big Daddy Diamond” steel planter, who sits at almost 3-feet in length with a sparkling car paint finish.

Bringing up the rear in more ways than one are “Fuk'n Frok'n Positional Bedsheets” available in “Dog-E” and “On-A-Mission” styles. A collaborative experiment with photography and graphic design, these digitally printed, eco-friendly bedsheets are a hinted surprise when the cover comes off.

Founded on a model of inventiveness, weetu brings together seasoned creative leaders from multiple disciplines and backgrounds to generate new ideas and products. Core to its design is the concept of “collaborative play” fueling weetuʼs overall environment and creative processes. It is through this hands-on approach where weetuʼs design teams are encouraged to explore ideas and inspirations free of limitations.

AND THE WINNER OF THE ICFF THROWDOWN IS...

TEAM HELLS KITCHEN!!!!

Thank you all for humoring us and taking the time to vote... even if you weren't sure what it was for (Mom). When asked what the taste of victory is like, weetu president Carly Cannell exclaimed, "I was really convinced that we'd come in 3rd place per tradition. So this is a momentous occasion!"

Thanks to both our teams for a job well done.

Astoria Queens: T & T Mallory

Hells Kitchen: Cannell & Estrada

BEST AMERICAN DESIGN CATEGORY

Solar powered chicken coop with dancing chickens. Hell yeah America!

Wood and concrete bench with wood (and original decking screws still attached) from the old Coney Island Boardwalk. The whole piece is soaked in the echoes of hotdog-eating contests, cotton candy and nervous first-kisses at sunset.

BEST EUROPEAN DESIGN CATEGORY

Designed with children in mind, it's a play rug that you can climb into. Like a cushy slanket for the floor. The interior was very plush and comfortable- which made us think it should be modified as small urban guest "environments.

I don't know what the Velvet Underground will think of this product, but I'm giving the designers props for the name alone.

<a href="http://www.zoomerang.com/">Online Surveys</a>

BEST IN SHOW CATEGORY

I thought that the designboom mart was the best part of the show and this "Make a Wish" ring was part of those selections. Some may call this section of artist sold design items "gimmicky", but I call it damn refreshing. It was the most soulful, enthusiastic and fun part of ICFF and could teach the larger manufacturers a thing or two. Also part of this section were jewelry wax molds entitled "historical disasters" and rubber eraser "brass knuckles". I had to have the yellow "Make a Wish" ring and look forward to burning my knuckle hair at the next special occasion.

I have no idea what they'd go with, but I am totally compelled by these corrugated cardboard light spheres. Calm and soothing with a subtle reference to The Death Star.

<a href="http://www.zoomerang.com/">Online Surveys</a>

GENERAL PRODUCT CATEGORY

Let's face it, there was a plentitude of plywood products this year. However, this high-end plywood veneered sex chamber certainly seemed like the most interesting

Custom textured, undulating wall surface. A vertical ocean.

<a href="http://www.zoomerang.com/">Online Surveys</a>

SEATING CATEGORY

Aside from being one of the ugliest things we saw, it looked dirty and would certainly require a trip to the hospital if you sat down on the edge. Though the seat looks safe enough for a bare bottom... we imagine if you stand up too quickly it would sound like ripping off a piece of packing tape.

Clear lucite dining chair: Not only is there no way I'm sitting on that naked, there's no way I'm letting anyone else sit on that naked.

<a href="http://www.zoomerang.com/">Online Surveys</a>

ICFF BIG APPLE THROWDOWN

Well it all started something like this, "Hey Mallory, it's Carly. I'm challenging you to a photo throwdown at ICFF. You in?" And, indeed he was...

This weekend weetu's Carly Cannell and Tyler Mallory will go head-to-head in a photo contest covering ICFF in New York. Jorge laid down the challenges and both contestants accepted the assignments. Images will be posted on the weetu blog and weetu facebook next week so viewers can choose who will take home the glory– umm, bragging rights.

Here is the full list of challenges and stay tuned for an update early next week:

  1. Give me shiny, shiny objects. (Objet d'art Category)
  2. The most interesting use of plywood. (General Product Category)
  3. Now that's a designer! (People Category – Voted Most Über-Design-Person)
  4. There is no way I'm sitting on that naked. (Seating Category)
  5. I want this more than anything, ever! (Best in Show category)
  6. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. (Coolest Lighting Category)
  7. Just one generation away from walking on its own. (Anthropomorphic Category)
  8. Oh those crafty Europeans. (Best European Design Category)
  9. USA, USA, USA! (Best American Design Category)
  10. This is a general interpretation project as it relates to categories. Composition matters but content is important too. So, make it pretty but keep the context. We'll let the people of facebook decide which image set best exemplifies the statement/category.

###

WEETHREE

weetu was so amused at Architizer's Design Challenge: NYC's Worst Bathroom Competition that wee just had to submit. Kenny Lao and his disgusting "Trainspotting" inspired bathroom needed some magic! Led by weetu designstar Carmen Cervantes, the team submitted "Kenny's BathBox" in the final few moments prior to the deadline. The effort paid off, as today we were awarded 3rd place In lieu of a bronze metal, we won recognition on Architizer’s site and a super cool Brizo kitchen touchless faucet.

WHERE WEE WERE 2010

January presents a time where WEE spend a few moments reflecting on the year past in order to learn and celebrate as WEE seize a new year. 2010, not a lot of tears are being shed at your passing, but along with the exciting challenges you presented, WEETU was fortunate with client projects while exploring new ideas and places. WEE got our hands dirty, got our pictures taken, got to travel around and Martin even got a decent haircut!

Already just 2 weeks old, 2011 is gearing up to be one full of inspiring projects and special reveals. Make sure to keep watch on WEETU and have a look at a year in review:

*Good People was in The Maryland Film Festival in April. Martin co-produced, re-wrote, edited, mixed, color corrected, powdered and diapered this creepy little short all the way to five festivals in the last two years. See the trailer. See a scene. See Martin's own neglected blog. See yah.

ORGANIC 2010 - THE BOXES THE CAME IN

Showrooms provide the ambience to every show, which is part of the excitement of traveling to different countries to attend them. Though companies continue to spend less each year, parallel to the global economy, trends are not absent from Orgatec.

Boxes were a common theme, made of the packaging the furniture came in - or so it was implied.

A. The Vitra exhibit seemed to be construction of raw palettes, while

B. Ersa boasted of their "box in a box" idea. It was a little reminiscent of the early 90's, but reflective of getting back to basics. Ersa says that "their retail concept consists of natural, deliberately un-designed factory look that are both casual and polished".

C. The perimeter of Wagner's exhibit was comprised of one of their wood chairs. It created a warm, sophisticated look and complex texture. A dark rich wood bar was located in the center of the interior space, along with a small hospitality dining area serving elegant cuisine. A huge departure from the typical tradeshow booth.

D & E. Fringe also dominated a lot of exhibits these past days. Seriously, the same white fringe, sometimes longer than others. Sometimes in contrast to raw building or shipping materials.

F. All we can wonder about this one is, "which automotive manufacturer went under and sold you their car show booth?"

G. Interstuhl was a rare, yet successful, example of intentional wandering. It was approachable from all angles while providing a complementary backdrop to their products. Nicely executed.

H. A definite tree and apple fetish was present at the show, as mentioned in our earlier post. This showroom went the extra mile by branding their apples. These will not be included in our pie.

I. Hall of mirrors... this was the best. Several manufacturers left the fringe on the side to make room for mirrors. Some reflected the product on the ceiling, others went full blown circus- fun! We spent a little too much time in this showroom for the wrong reasons.

This showroom was just asleep. Well, to be fair, that one guy just woke up.

ORGATEC 2010 - FURNITURE, FELT, FAKE TREES, FREE APPLES

Welcome to the weetu view of orgatec 2010 - Modern Office and Facility. Orgatec is not unlike NeoCon in the states, a tradeshow that we are all too familiar with, only it occurs every other year here in Cologne. There was a lot of the familiar, but a few things grabbed our attention... not always for the right reasons.

If you've every been to a tradeshow, you know one of the few perks are the free giveaways. There were a few offerings of traditional gummy treats... but there was rarely a booth without a bowl full of apples. Apples everywhere! Piiiiie tonight!

A. Weetu is trading in all of our studio desks for these babies. Sure, we've seen this one before - Sonic Chair - but this was the first time we tried it out. It rocked AND was convenient to work at.

B. The 2 biggest differences between NeoCon and Orgatec: Orgatec is covered in felt and the male attendees have much cooler suits. Check out buzzispace.com for some amazing acoustical additions to any office space. Specifically the buzzihood, buzzibooth and buzzilight.

C. More felt, a lot of work cubbies, but Vitra's has a sexy zipper.

D. Ersa, out of Turkey, offers this cool donut lounge. The cool part is the magazine rack in the center which would also be convenient for displaying records.

E. Also from Ersa, these simple angular sofa sectionals offset from one another.

F. More of a showpiece, Frau Schneider enjoyed a 5 minute nap in Vitra's 15 minute nap lounge.

G. Every big manufacturer, and even a few small ones, have one. This is Vitra's electrically operated table. Stand up, sit down, fight fight fight.

H. Interstuhl introduced a new chair called the AirPad. (I guess all the negative feedback on the new IPad's name didn't hit Germany). Aside from comfy and ergonomic, the sheer panels were a little bit sexy.

I. A more modern, less office-like design for a transformable table. This one had a hand crank, but it's peppery counterpart was electric.

J. Herman Miller also debut their new ergonomic task chair -Sayl ... starting with the wood and string model prototypes.

K. Not the best photo angle to demonstrate it, the SAYL is named after it's "sail" like back structure. The rubber webbing was really quite elegant and architectural in it's structure, much like that of a beautifully designed bridge.

L. Certainly not a looker, this chair is deluxe for the super exec who's worker-bee by day and lazy-boy by night. This is the mPosition by Profi.m

M. More felt? These transformable loungers got people in suits onto the floor in public... reminiscent of Vitra's lap belt we saw at both Salone Mobile and NeoCon this past year.

O. We've seen these in craftpaper, but now we see them in fluorescent plastics by Vange.be

P. Vange also showed this intelligent, economical, 100% recycled fold out chair called Desile, after designer Christian Desile.

Q. Interstuhl also has an industrial side... and we like it! Helen was determined to try on the model's size 10 yellow shoes. I seriously need these stools in my kitchen.

R. Drumroll please!!! The official ugliest chair of the show: This one. What's scary is not so much the supply, but the thought this chair is at all in demand in 2010. Yikes!