The latest gem to be concocted in MIT's Media Lab is the FingerReader. Billed as "a wearable interface for reading on the go," the device: is a tool both for visually impaired people that require help with accessing printed text, as well as an aid for language translation. Wearers scan a text line with their finger and receive an audio feedback of the words and a haptic feedback of the layout: start and end of line, new line, and other cues. The FingerReader algorithm knows to detect and give feedback when the user veers away from the baseline of the text,...
Transforming Moscow’s Libraries; All 448 of them!
Dostoyevsky Library Interior Before and After Renovation. Image © Frans Parthesius A beautiful thing is happening to the public libraries of Moscow. Armed with extensive research on the benefits of a vibrant public library system a group comprised of the architectural firm SVESMI, lead by Sverdlov, urban designer Paola Viganò, and the Muscovite bookseller Boris Kupriyanov got the ear of Moscow’s Culture Minister. In a nutshell: the number of libraries per capita in Moscow rivals other European cultural capitals yet, prior to the inception of this project, were unpopular and disproportionately underpopulated public places. The vast majority of them remain dense with unfulfilled potential...
Calgary’s New Public Library will be one for the ages
The latest entry in the elite coolest libraries on the planet club comes from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The competition-winning design from Snøhetta and DIALOG rings in the new while melding into the surrounding communities. The new design will realize the city’s vision for a technologically advanced public space for innovation, research and collaboration while embracing the city’s diverse urban culture and unique climate. Upon entering the library, visitors encounter a lobby awash with natural light. Your eye is drawn up through the sky lit atrium where clear visibility of the library’s public program and circulation along the atrium’s perimeter serve as a wayfinding...
Books in the hands of Shannon Moore
Mini Bookroom Since the 1970's Shannon Moore has been making small things. Furniture, containers, various scenes and books have all fallen under her miniaturist touch. Here's a taste: Bookbox: Golden Home 9 1/8" x 7 3/4" x 10 1/2" Inside view of Golden Home Bookbox: Blue Britannica. 11 1/2" x 8 1/2" x 11 1/8" And check out the jewel called The Potting Shed, it's a biblio-diorama! side view rear view front view Moore's website where there are a number of bookboxes and scenes available for sale. Previously on Book Patrol: The Really Small World of Tim Sidford The Return of Mother Nature: The...
Ruetemple’s outdoor book spaces
Here are some Russian-made products worthy of importing. Ruetemple is an amazing architectural studio working out of Moscow. Their three book-related projects are each beautifully designed, incredibly functional and fit perfectly in an outdoor environment. They have at times, been placed in parks around Moscow. The Gazebo Features a small table for lunch or tea, and easy-to-clean slatted wooden floors. Pavilion Features a bar, a stage and plenty of event seating. Pop-up Bookshop The glass doors become a suspended awning and once you choose your book there is bench seating on the opposite side of the shelves. via Dwell: Slideshow: 3 Innovative Outdoor...