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Every year, the Nazi Party used to hold large annual rallies in Nuremberg, which was at that time the center of the German Reich. These rallies were grandiose propaganda events, carefully orchestrated to reinforce party enthusiasm and to showcase the power of National Socialism to the rest of Germany and to the world.

Every year in Japan, spring’s cherry blossoms burst into summer's colorful flames known as “hanabi taikai,” which partially translates to “flowers of fire.” The 200 fireworks shows are part of an annual tradition dating back to the 18th century. Pyrotechnics across the country compete to create the best spectacle, lighting up the nighttime skies with utter beauty.

Hugging for even 20 seconds a day can make you live longer, say the researchers at the University of North Carolina. It absolutely makes sense. Hugging releases chemicals (Oxytocin, Dopamine, and Serotonin) in the brain that make you feel happier, more valued, and help lower the heart rate and relieve stress and depression. It doesn’t even need to be interpersonal. Hugging animals has the same effect, and hugging inanimate objects does wonders for the brain too. Perhaps that’s why children hug their teddy bears, and adults hug pillows in their sleep.

A majority of the occupations we humans carry out are human-centric… and almost everything designers do revolves around human interaction and emotion; and while most products we design today have evolved from physical to digital, there’s always one key binding factor. The user… and the user hasn’t physically changed much (or even at all) in the past century, and probably won’t for the foreseeable future. Because design as a practice inhibits human evolution i.e., it changes circumstances so that we, without changing the way we are, can achieve the great feats.

Inspired by the Greek mythological creature of a similar name, the Hippokamp chair is an abstract interpretation of a seahorse’ iconic shape. Intentionally intricate, this artistic take on lounge seating almost looks more instrument than furniture. Its many taut cords of the seat, back and footrest, which support the user, give it an interesting harp-like look that’s sure to garner second glances.

Qua is a nightlight for children that exude a soothing effect thanks to its textured glass and looks. It even doubles up as a natural humidifier because of the water that you need to load in for the effect.

“Our cities are a assembly of steel, concrete and glass,” says Penda partner Chris Precht. “If you walk through the city and suddenly see a tower made of wood and plants, it will create an interesting contrast.” He couldn’t be more right. We’ve seen how alluring vertical forests are. A building devoted to being a celebration of everything natural would make a great urban as well as ecological landmark. That’s what Penda’s Toronto Tower aims at being.

Did you know that your fire extinguisher has an expiration date? That’s icing on the cake for a product that so few of us actually know how to use in the first place! The Ramifire is a modern, smart extinguisher that’s designed for more than just enhanced ergonomics and intuitive use.