Being stuck inside at school when it’s cold and wet is something most children have to deal with, but one secondary school in Oporto, Portugal has been fitted with a vibrant outdoor recreational area that creates an exciting space for kids during even the gloomiest of days. Designed by Ricardo Bak Gordon as part of a program to modernize Portuguese secondary schools, other spaces such as the library and cafeteria have also been infused with color to create a more mentally stimulating environment.
Originally built in the 1970s as a series of separate pavilions, the Secondary School Garcia Da Orta’s new addition is a linear building that serves as a central meeting point for students. The recreational area is external, but covered, which means people can experience the changing seasons without having to be subjected to them. Students also have easy access to the cafeteria, gym, and library, areas which all naturally attract gatherings of people and allow for interaction.
Due to its location in the spaces between existing buildings, which is are very unlike the new structure, the architect opted for a roof design that appears to be unstable and unsupported. To make the public areas stand out, and to contrast the dull and lifeless colors of the classrooms, the architect opted for bright orange colors which brings the whole project to life. [photography by Fernando Guerra ]
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Secondary School Garcia Da Orta by Bak Gordon | Gallery
The hallmark of a good invention is that it solves a common problem. The hallmark of a great one is that it solves a common problem no one was even aware existed. That’s what the Normal Earbuds accomplish – they’re a pair of headphones that shape themselves to the ear of the listener.
Tell me something, folks. How many times have you donned a pair of ear-buds, only to realize – likely with no small degree of frustration – that they don’t quite fit you right? That with even a slight head movement in the wrong direction, they’ll fall out. How many of you have found yourselves frustrated at the amount of noise leaking in past your music; just enough that you have to listen to the vagrant on the street corner bellowing about the End of Days?
Most of you, I’ll wager.
The Normal Earbuds solve that problem, primarily by being the snuggest fit you’ll ever get from a pair of ear-buds. After all, each set of Normals is designed for a single individual, thanks to the wonders of 3D printing. Those of you who live in New York can even visit The Factory (where the Normal buds are made) and craft your headphones on-site. As for everyone else, don’t worry – you aren’t out of luck, either. The Normals App uses your phone’s camera to take a snapshot of your ears, at which point it structures an ear-bud shaped to each canal. After that, all you need to do is select the color and order your headphones.
Easy, right?
The Normal Earbuds will be available at a retail value of $199 – which admittedly seems a little steep for headphones. Still, you’re getting a pretty ridiculous level of quality for that price; a pair of Normals will definitely last longer than a pair of $30 ear buds from Future Shop. I’d imagine they’re also boxed with a pretty decent warranty, too. You don’t drop that much money on headphones without some form of protection for them, after all.
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Normal Earbuds | Gallery
