Trendbook San Francisco
San Francisco San Francisco is an unique and breathtaking city. From the famous icon of the Golden Gate Bridge to the exquisite art galleries, the City takes pride in its unrivaled attractions, renowned museums, and its unique neighborhoods which are treasures of its own. San Francisco is the leading financial and cultural center of Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area. It is the most densely settled large city (population greater than 200,000) in the state of California and the second-most densely populated major city in the United States after New York City. Each district of San Francisco carries its own unique and distinct culture. Some districts of particular interest to travelers have been broken up into popular neighborhood groupings, while others, mainly residential districts, have been merged together. Golden Gate, Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob HillRussian Hill, Chinatown-North Beach, Union Square-Financial District, Civic Center-Tenderloin, SoMa (South of Market), Western Addition, Haight, The Avenues, Twin Peaks-Lake Merced, Castro-Noe Valley, MissionBernal Heights, Southeast San Francisco. Is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and is renowned for its cool summers, fog, steep rolling hills, ecletic mix of architecture, landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, the former prison on Alcatraz Island and its Chinatown. Despite of all the diversity that we can find in the city, I’m going to discover what interesting and creative the city has to offer us.
Relation between Trends and Zeitgeist’s topic Trends, can be diverse and identified by the multiple networks, in an international way. Along this Trendbook, some of those trends are going to be associated to the diverse Cool examples presented. Trends introduce complementary views, diverse points of view and help us to understand the changes of mentality. Some of those trends are: |Trend – Network| Bottom Of The Social Pyramid – Trendwatching; Clanning– BrainReserve; Love Thy City – Trends Research Center; Modular Retail – Trend Hunter; Connected Society– Trends Active. San Francisco
Cool Examples
San Francisco
Ocho Candy Ocho Candy is a San Francisco based outfit that provides candy lovers a delicious, organic alternative to traditional candy bars. They use the finest ingredients and handcraft bars so that customers can taste the difference in every bite. The candy bars are made with organic, wholesome ingredients and have no preservatives, additives, or artificial flavors. They offer four flavors of bars: Caramel and Peanuts, Coconut, Peanut Butter, and Mocha. Their motto is: “Candy bars are fun, life is short, have an OCHO bar and enjoy your day.�. Why it is Cool? Sugar is everywhere! There are some people that may have a hankering for the traditional, mass-produced Mars bars and bionic sours on every corner, or wish to hold out for a more sophisticated free-trade 70% cacao gourmet morsel with enough antioxidants. What about having a little bit of both? Ocho Candy is a company that makes organic traditional candy bars, an alternative to the waxy, mass produced bars made by the candy giants. The candy bars have no preservatives, additives, or artificial flavors; are a bit smaller in size, but bigger in taste, freshness and fine ingredients. This kind of healthy alternative candy bars are perfect for those who want to eat chocolate and at the same time feeling healthy and in shape, but also for dads who want to let their kids have some candy but without feeding them with lots of sugar. For those who loves chocolate, like me, it also seems to be a tasty and interesting alternative to the regular candy bars. Associated Trends: Eco-Sustainability, Experience Economy, Benefit Brand. Related Trends: Wellthy, Being Alive, Bottom Of The Urban Pyramid.
San Francisco
Star Wars Matryoshka Dolls Traditional russian matryoshka dolls have always been fairly feminine, but the Star Wars Nesting Dolls turns them into a manly collectible that any sci-fi lover would want to get his hands on. Created by Andy Stattmiller, an illustrator and graphic designer based in San Francisco, the Star Wars Nesting Dolls focus solely on characters from “Episode IV A New Hope”. These dolls are made out of wood and painted with acrylic. Comprised of two sets of seven characters, the first represents the good guys by way of Chewbacca, Han Solo, Obi Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, C3PO and R2D2, while the second is all about the bad guys with Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, Grand Moff Tarkin, Tie Fighter Pilot, Tusken Raider, Greedo and Jawa. Why it is Cool? Matryoshka dolls are known as russian traditional nesting/nested dolls. Traditionally the outer layer is a woman and because of that these dolls have always been seen as fairly feminine. The dolls often follow a theme, aside from the typical traditional peasant girls, the themes vary, from fairy tale characters to Soviet leaders. Following this idea and its tradition Andy reproduced these dolls in a completely different way using an original and creative theme: the Star Wars. It’s a must have for those who like Star Wars and that want to have everything related to its characters. It’s an excelent and cool idea! Associated Trends: Identities Narrated, Clanning, Men. Related Trends: Experience Economy, Meaningful Nostalgia, Nostalgic Escape.
San Francisco
Knitted sculptural installations Sarah Moli Newton Applebaum is an artist that lives and works in San Francisco and creates meta-knitted sculptural installations that emphasize an overwhelming array color patterns using mostly knitted fabric and blankets. Her work grows into its surroundings like plants in the rain forest, and the gallery is at once transformed into a living space. Why it is Cool? Sarah’s work is full of colors and patterns. Bursting animated forms engulf and transform a space into a heavenly spectrum and in their geometric abstraction suggest a homey environment that you would only find in happy induced dreams. The costumes are inventive, creating imaginative and quirky characters that seem innocent enough to cuddle with but with a guarded stance that can be quite intimidating. Using mostly knitted fabric and blankets Sarah creates very colorful, funny, creative and inspiring sculptural installations. It’s an excellent example how with daily and simple elements a great and interesting environment can be created. Sarah’s work is wonderful! Associated Trend: Identities Narrated. Related Trends: Experience Economy, Design = Wow + How + How Good.
San Francisco
Color-changing shopping mirror The Uniqlo Magic Mirror is an extra special feature of the brand’s new San Francisco store that virtually changes the colors of clothes. It makes shopping all the easier by eliminating the need to try on multiple colors and patterns of the same garments. Made by Dai Nippon Printing, this virtual dressing room lets you changes the color or pattern on your clothing by simply using the touchscreen that is built into the mirror. The Uniqlo Magic Mirror uses Kinect's color-changing engine and a half-mirror touch panel to make its magic. Why it is Cool? The idea is simple, but very useful. This technology will save people time, as long as they don't end up spending extra time just playing with it, and facilitate a more thorough shopping experience. Not only that, many will be enticed to go into the store just to see it in action. It’s perfect for those who don’t have the patience to try a lot of garments or don’t have a lot of time to go shopping. This technology is excellent because allow costumers to try a lot of colors and patterns of the same garment without the need of changing it. Associated Trends: Experience Economy, Physical Virtual. Related Trend: Fantasy Adventure.
San Francisco
Living table Designed by Habitat Horticulture, a studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Living Table is made for urban settings. Virtually maintenance free, it simply needs to be watered once a month. The Living Table might not be the first piece of furniture to showcase a refreshing indoor garden, but it is one of the more modern designs. Made out of wood, steel and tempered glass, the Living Table may boast a basic construction, but the addition of lush plant life brings it to another level. In fact, the simplicity of the Living Table allows the focus to remain on the greenery as it should. Why it is Cool? Who said you had to have a garden or room for planters to have some greenery? This Living Table solves the problem of adding greenery to your home without the need for a garden, balcony, or even wall space! Also delivers a fresh take on the idea of ‘Garden to Table’ by integrating a flush of unexpected greenery into home or office tables. This idea is perfect for those who like to have some greenery at home but don’t have enough time to take care of it. It also brings a new and interesting look to the interior design of the spaces. Associated Trends: EcoSustainability, Relaxed and Spiritual. Related Trends: Bottom Of The Social Pyramid, Experience Economy.
San Francisco
Shipping Container Store Located in San Francisco, this store is made from three standard containers placed on top of one another, just a bit unevenly. Windows were created by cutting off sections of the crate's sides and putting glass in them. They avoided making the place appear too industrial by installing hardwood floors in it. Most interestingly, there's a conveyor belt system inside the structure that moves clothing through all three floors. Why it is Cool? It's tough for a small business to get an impressive-looking storefront, but clothing company Aether Apparel has figured out a way to create a visually distinct, low-cost space, by constructing it entirely out of shipping containers. It’s a completely different, interesting and attractive way of shopping. It turns the act of shopping into a cool experience, something completely different from the usual and, at the same time, gives life to the city. In the featured video, you can check out the construction process of this store: http://vimeo.com/57937172 The store: http://vimeo.com/58214743 Associated Trends: EcoSustainability, Experience Economy, Modular Retail. Related Trends: Design = Wow + How + How Good, Love Thy City.
San Francisco
Pizza on wheels The first food truck with a traditional Italian wood-fired oven, a behemoth mobile pizzeria is a project that was launched by former Flour + Water chef Jonathan Darsky. They are commited to deliver “rustic Neapolitan-inspired pizza using ingredients sourced from small, generational producers.“ Why it is Cool? Travelling across San Francisco they tweet their current location and the food truck will have no trouble drawing in a crowd. Del Popolo is housed in a twenty-foot transatlantic shipping container that's been repurposed and modified into a kitchen. A wall of glass doors exposes the interior, including the traditional Italian-made wood-fired oven. It’s an excellent idea for those who like pizza and don’t mind to eat it on the street or to follow the truck wherever it is to have a good slice of pizza made at the moment. It also allows foodies to see all the entire pizza making process.
Associated Trends: Experience Economy, Love Thy City, Urban Nomads, Modular Retail. Related Trends: Meaningful Nostalgia, Fantasy Adventure.
San Francisco
Mosaic staircase Inspired by the world-famous staircase in Rio de Janeiro, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps boast a colorful mosaic that will enliven the area for San Francisco residents and visitors alike. The 163 steps of this outdoor staircase has become a canvas for a stunning natureinspired scene. The names of over 220 sponsors were actually woven into the sweeping sea-to-sky design and, amazingly, over 2,000 handmade tiles and 75,000 fragments of tile, mirror and stained glass went into the finished piece. There were a total of 163 separate mosaic panels created, one for each step riser. Why it is Cool? The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps project has been a neighborhood effort created by Irish ceramist Aileen Barr and mosaic artist Colette Crutcher, with the help of over 300 community volunteers. The project took over a two and a half year to finish. This staircase was described as "The steps paint a picture of the sea flowing into the sky. A colorful twist of water and sea life swirl up the steps to land with flowers, plants, birds, and frogs and ends with a beautiful sky with stars and even a massive sun.“. Rich in jewel tones, it makes the climb up and down much more whimsical and adventurous. The project is absolutely fabulous! Apart from gathering people from the community, it also brings color to the city. Associated Trends: Experience Economy, Love Thy City, Connected Society, Crowd Everything. Related Trends: Bottom Of The Social Pyramid, Meaningful Compassion, Design = Wow + How + How Good, Clanning, S.O.S. (Save Our Society).
San Francisco
Dog Share Program
Have you ever wished you had a dog to walk on a crisp evening but can't commit to full time pet ownership? A revolutionary new dog share program allows full time owners to share their doggy time with others. While some may scoff at the idea of sharing man's best friend, if the alternative is the animal being caged in a shelter or neglected by a devoted but busy owner, it could be great for the animals. Why it is Cool? The program could be especially effective for people who have pet restrictions in their homes, want to experience different breeds, or just have some puppy love to give, but can't make the full time commitment. The idea that the pet share program can help alleviate concerns of overburdened and overcrowded shelters is an undeniable benefit of the programs as well. People with or without dogs are encouraged to join. If you are looking to foster or adopt a dog, but still not sure which type of dog is right for you, maybe meeting up with someone and sharing their dog can help. They will help guide you with all the tips and tricks that are best for your dog. And maybe that can help you find a dog that's right for you. I love dogs and I think the idea is just perfect! Associated Trends: Experience Economy, Connected Society, Crowd Everything. Related Trends: Identities Narrated, Excess Therapy, Meaningful Compassion, Meaningful Nostalgia, Clanning, Bottom Of The Social Pyramid.
San Francisco
The Mad Tea Collection
Design students at the University of San Francisco were asked to create an exclusive brand and product line that celebrated the work of a literary author. Nena Hattangdi selected the late great Lewis Carrol as her muse and created the magnificent Mad Tea Collection in his honor. Why it is Cool? The fictional brand produces blends of whole leaf teas and combines them with fresh cut herbs and flowers. The set includes three flavors of tea leaves each adorned with illustrations of characters from Alice in Wonderland. The box also contains a bar of extra dark chocolate, reusable tea bags, a strainer and a brochure. Clever, whimsical and well-executed to boot, the Mad Tea Collection is so alluring it makes you wish it were real. It’s a “back to the past” collection that remind us (well reminds the older ones) of our childhood and our magical and wonderful stories. Associated Trends: Identities Narrated, Experience Economy. Related Trends: Design = Wow + How + How Good, Meaningful Nostalgia, Anchoring, Clanning, Down-Aging.
San Francisco
Heavy Metal Quilts The San Francisco – based artist, Ben Venom, has handsewn a variety of Heavy Metal Quilts. The graphics are a collage of popular metal band images that form what you see before you. With this genre, you can expect skulls, devil horns and a sinister goat, the latter of which represents how Satan was depicted in medieval literature.
Why it is Cool? Quilts are probably the last thing you'd expect metalheads to receive as a reflection of their personality, but as Venom puts it, “even the beasts of Metal need a warm blanket to sleep with.” He makes gigantic and cozy quilts out of vintage Alice Cooper, Twisted Sister and Kiss t-shirts. With old t-shirts Venom creates these amazing and crazy quilts. Fans who love heavy music will sleep happy at night with the Heavy Metal Quilts courtesy of Ben Venom. It’s an encouragement to throw up the devil horns while you sleep. Let’s rock and roll… even while sleeping! Associated Trends: Identities Narrated, Experience Economy. Related Trends: Design = Wow + How + How Good, Meaningful Nostalgia, Clanning.
San Francisco
“Mr. Spray” STRANGEco. is a San Francisco-based company that creates and distributes unique, high-quality design-oriented consumer products. Working closely with contemporary artists from a variety of subculture art genres – pop surrealism, graffiti & street art, independent comics, illustration, graphic design and other, takes original character design and transforms it into beautiful three dimensional art objects. STRANGEco. has teamed up with artist Shepard Fairey to produce “Mr. Spray”, a vinyl spray can figurine. Why it is Cool? The vinyl spray can figurine is a snarky-looking, self-assured little can with a sharp taste in footwear. One gets the sense that Mr. Spray is out to tag something. Perhaps this is a case of the artist speaking through his work. The figurine would look great on a bookshelf, desk or street corner. It would also make an excellent gift for any friends who enjoys writing on walls. It’s an amazing art toy that is perfect for all the graffiti lovers. Associated Trends: Identities Narrated, Experience Economy. Related Trends: Design = Wow + How + How Good, Meaningful Nostalgia, Clanning.
San Francisco
Armstrong Senior Housing Armstrong Senior Housing is a complex designed by David Baker + Partners in San Francisco’s BayView district, with four levels of affordable senior apartments atop groundlevel retail, a community center, and a library. The 116 rental residences (predominantly studios and one-bedrooms) surround a courtyard wrapped in blocks of colors -- indigo, brown, orange, and yellow drawn from traditional African textiles to reflect the historically African-American population of the neighborhood. The landscaping, which includes vegetated bioswales and a courtyard rain garden, not only provides healthy patches of green space but creates mini wetlands that manage stormwater runoff, easing the burden on the city’s sewage system. Other green features: photovoltaic arrays that will provide solar electric power and domestic hot water, a carshare pod with two available vehicles, as well as secure bicycle parking. Why it is Cool? The Armstrong Senior Housing it’s being built alongside a family townhouse development, so senior residents won’t be living in isolation; the projects are separated by a landscaped public pedestrian way. In addition to that heart-warming fact, the bold colors and playful design instill a sense of life in the structure that can often be missing in traditional old age homes. When I get old and require assisted care living, I wish I have the option of staying somewhere like the Armstrong Place Senior Housing. Completely stylish with a retro twist and amazing facilities it’s a perfect place to spend the last days of our lives. Associated Trends: EcoSustainability, Meaningful Compassion, Experience Economy. Related Trends: Design = Wow + How + How Good, Wellthy, Love Thy City, Being Alive, Clanning, Cocooning, S.O.S. (Save Our Society), Seniors.
San Francisco
Levi’s Wardrobe The heritage brand, Levi’s, builds a functional workwear wardrobe for the staff at San Francisco eatery Saison. While the wardrobe was designed with a singular aesthetic, they offered variations on fit for the cooks. The female servers were offered a tunic, a dress and two different pant styles, whereas the partners of Saison, have completely custom-made garments based on their respective trades and day-to-day functions. Consistent details were used such as a trupunto stitch detail, natural horn and corozo nut buttons, and a fabric and color scheme that reflected the restaurants interior. Why it is Cool? Levi’s, a heritage brand known by its famous denim jeans and other characteristic garments partnered with an acclaimed restaurant to build something completely different from what they use to design. They based both the men’s and women’s designs on a coupling between their brand’s workwear heritage and the modern approach to function needed in a restaurant. It’s very cool to see brands with a characteristic style doing something completely different from the usual and adjusting their own style to create different designs. Associated Trends: Design = Wow + How + How Good, Experience Economy. Related Trend: Identities Narrated.
San Francisco
Cat Tube Because We Can is an architectural design-build studio that designed the creative interior of an unique home office in San Francisco featuring an integrated tunnel system that allows cats to freely and easily move throughout the room, the Cat Transit System. This specially designed cat mobility tube is equipped with viewing ports, has hidden access points and some cool details like an operable wheel. It was installed so a cat can land on top of the custom made armoire (which was built with secret storage compartments).
Why it is Cool? The Cat Transit System is the first cat friendly transportation. Let’s make a cat happy and have fun! The tube system travels over the desks, around three of the four walls, allowing cats to access the top of the Maker armoire. There are viewing ports for engaging with humans though and hidden access points. As well as lots of details to make it aesthetically pleasing. Including this operable wheel! The first step to greater cat mobility throughout the room is here! It’s for sure a delighful play for cats! Associated Trends: Design = Wow + How + How Good, Experience Economy. Related Trend: Clanning.
San Francisco
Trendbook done by: Ana Isabel Figueira San Francisco