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The POSEIDON Patio Heater, a 6.5 feet tall device that is completely made from metal, is ideal for both domestic and commercial use. Its best part is the built-in media player that is intended for recreation. Apart from employing a latest carbon fiber heating technology to produce ‘far infrared heat’ for a pleasant using, the heater also allows the users to conveniently adjust its head from four different positions. Poseidon is eco-friendly, greatly reducing carbon dioxide emissions by at least 50% compared with gas patio heaters, as a result of the adoption of its patented carbon fiber heating tubes.

Though the company says it won’t hit the market until March, you can pre-order here. [Read the rest of this entry...]

Can these shelves be used for any other purposes, apart from decorating the streets? [Read the rest of this entry...]

The ‘Marguerite Bike Parking’ designed by Yoann Henry Yvon Lopez may be the most poetic bike stand we’ve ever come across. It consists of several white movable parts that are described as “an array of petals swaying along with the breeze” when used to stabilize the bike. Moreover, the innovative form also means little space occupying and an elegant parking. [Read the rest of this entry...]

Conventional fire alarms work effectively to warn people of the danger by sounding an alarm. But that means nothing to hearing-impaired people as they could hear nothing. So what could wake up hearing-impaired people in time? The unusual fire alarm designed by Kobe-based fire extinguisher company- Air Water Safety Service and the Tokyo-based Bioventure Seems looks like a practical solution. It is based on hearing impaired people’s keen sense of smell and warns them by releasing wasabi stench. The new fire alarm also works effectively, for example, one 8 in x 3 in unit could alarm people within an area of up to 50 square feet in less than three minutes. The smelly fire alarm is bit of expensive at present, each costing about $560. But a reasonable price of $225 will be possible after further improvements.

You think shower drains are too ugly? You won’t think so after checking out these ones. Designed by California Faucets, these shower drains seem more like an art work with their stylish patterns. The four impressive shower drains each comes with an impressive name- Mission, Waves, Deco Line and Deco Swirl. Hopefully we could see them hit the market soon. [Read the rest of this entry...]

Created by Young-Min Kim, Hyeon-Jeong Woo and Kyung-Goo Lee, the P+ Bicycle System is a multi-purpose bike rack that not only ensures bike riders to keep their bikes in a safe and convenient way, but allows people to rest in the public area. It includes three parts, a signpost that shows information about the racks, several racks for locking bikes, as well as some benches for people to sit on.

See how the system works after the jump. [Read the rest of this entry...]

A lamppost powered by trash? Well, I have to say that it’s really a considerable progress in developing natural energy-powered and environment-friendly lamps. Doubling as a trash bin, the lamppost then uses the methane, a byproduct of trash, as a fuel to power the lamps. Really ingenious idea! [Read the rest of this entry...]

Say, what is the biggest trouble you may face when you’re in the library with all your stuff spread out? Bingo, it’s the bathroom problem, because you could neither take all your stuff along nor bear to stay with them. Okay, thanks to Choi Minaa, and we could make sure that our stuff and laptops are safe by using a “Desk Guard” library desk system. It works with your RFID (Radio-frequency identification) card, therefore allowing nobody but only you to open and use the desk. [Read the rest of this entry...]

Are you lost again? Turn to the nearest manhole for help then. I’m not kidding as we’re showing you an innovative design here, the ‘Eco Sign’. It is a digital manhole that provides information about location of public transportation. Simply put your left or right foot on it for 2 seconds, the manhole will then refer you to the nearest train station or bus stop. More amazingly, it is powered by rainwater. [Read the rest of this entry...]

Though everyone wants to contribute to the eco-business, most of us really couldn’t find the right way to it. So what should we do now? Probably the compost dustbin will answer you, because it ensures you to promote compost by just sorting garbage into different dustbins. Based on a biodegradable technology, bio-reactive substances in the dustbin will start working to degrade certain trash while leaving out the non-available dust. Isn’t it encouraging that you can recycle waste in such an easy way? Join us right away.

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Made from metal brackets and covered with artificial grass, these lounge chairs are designed for public spaces such as their current owner, the Breda Park in Netherlands. Lie on the arc-shaped lawn chairs, we can stretch our exhausted bodies totally to enjoy a wonderful time closet to the nature. Mm, really comfortable!

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Displayed at the exhibition during “Tokyo Design Week”, the multifunctional bicycle stand drew much attention for its refresh design that integrates a street stand and rest area to save more space. You can lock your bike in the stand and work on the handy table, isn’t it utilitarian?

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Public toilets are often damaged or illegally used, but now the situation can be changed. This toilet is made of transparent liquid walls, which allows people to see inside it. But when you press a button, the walls will then turn black to protect your privacy. With detectors in it, the toilet walls can turn transparent automatically under abnormal situations.

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It looks like a tumbler, but you can sit on it to take a rest.