Edition No.5

AI: CAN OUR DESIGN FANTASIES EXIST IN THE REAL WORLD?

From houses balancing between cliff faces, to fluffy exteriors on ski lodges, we’ve been so intrigued by the limitless design possibilities that AI has presented. Obliterating the confinements of design that have haunted us in the past, this new technology allows the mind to wonder to new heights, where anything can exist.

We are seeing more and more studios turn to AI to help support their design work, so much so that a recent survey conducted by RIBA, reported that as many as forty-one percent of architects are now using it. Here at OBS we consider how these designs can truly exist. Can it be a tool to help us conceive designs for our clients, or will it be used purely for inspiration to help push the boundaries of our creativity?

 THE BILLION-POUND SUBMARINE MAKING WAVES  

Taking the super yacht industry to new depths (quite literally), private submersible yacht design studio, Migaloo, have designed a 165-metre luxury submarine that offers guests the highest level of privacy. With its ability to be submerged for up to four weeks at a depth of 250 metres, the submarine has been designed to respond to owners’ desires for ‘privacy, security and protection.’ Estimated to be worth £3 billion, the sub boasts amenities such as a helipad, swimming pool, art gallery, cinema, DJ booth, and spa. We’re imagining an impressive under water backdrop for late night parties.

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LUXURY UNDERGROUND BUNKERS

Talking of isolated locations… we head back on dry land where luxury amenities such as theatres, spas and wine vaults are being built to withstand natural disasters, nuclear attack or even an apocalypse. Planning for the unknown, individuals around the globe are building luxury bunkers that can not only protect them, but also provide all the comforts of their modern-day living. It’s been reported that clients are asking for everything from gardens with fake skies that mimic natural light, to art galleries constructed with the same safety standards as bank vaults.

RAISING A GLASS… OF ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE

The start of Spring has us dreaming of sunnier climes when we can begin to enjoy al fresco dining and a glass of sparkling wine or Rose. We have witnessed significant growth in the production of English wines over the last ten years, with some predicting the market to be worth as much as £350m by 2040. Some argue that the quality and texture at vineyards in places like Kent and Sussex are similar to those in the Champagne region, and even Champagne houses are buying vineyard land here. We recommend trying Gusbourne’s Blanc de Blancs – our current favourite!

WHAT CAUGHT OUR EYE AT DESIGN WEEK

As always, the Design Centre was filled with a creative buzz for London Design Week. We popped into some gorgeous new showrooms, as well as touring the Pop-up House Guests in the Design Avenue. Watch our reel over on our Instagram account @oliver_burns to see how we spent our day.

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