Ground breaking work from Float

Float has some exciting news: They have delivered a user experience and design for RBS Global Banking and Markets PlayBook app. The UK release is scheduled for this June and the tablet is predicted to be a game changer for the corporate market.

Float founder, Dan Bladon says: “Creating an application for a device that hadn’t yet launched was an exciting challenge. As such we adhered to best practice for touch based interaction and delivered this project within a tight but exhilarating seven weeks. It was important to get up to speed very quickly on the project whilst working up detailed and appropriate architecture and design for this intuitive and useful application.”

This richly-featured app has been developed in direct response to feedback from over 1000 clients, and offers instant access to thought-provoking FICC commentary and strategy reports. The first iteration allows users to view and comment on RBS market research and sort views by trends or lists. The app’s built-in algorithm identifies clients’ defined interests and viewing history to present the most relevant research and strategy to them. Naturally the device enables the news hungry user to access this important information on the go.

Dishoom Chowpatty beach created in spirit of Jugaad
The creative and build - Honest Entertainment

This summer, the South Bank is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the original Festival of Britain. As part of this Honest Entertainment were enlisted by Dishoom to take you on a little summer holiday, right here in London. Taking over an old sad portacabin, Honest has injected into the Southbank landscape a magical Chowpatty Beach pop-up bar, named after the eponymous beach in Bombay.

Southbank have installed 48 tonnes of sand in front of the psychedelic pop-up beach bar Dishoom where children build sand castles whilst their parents sip on fresh coconuts from a boat painted by Sam Birch and Rebecca Menzies, Honest's artists in residence.

The design spirit and inspiration evolved from Honest's discovery of the Hindi term 'Jugaad' which means 'making do', ‘reusing’ or ‘creative improvisation’.

Many of the materials are either recycled, found or second hand and have been reinvented and up-cycled creating a welcoming homely and relaxing vibe that is completely in keeping with the growing awareness and opportunity for sustainable design. Honest felt the 'Jugaad' approach appropriate in current climates. It is not sterile or permanent in its conception/execution but clever and accessible to all in its tactile approach. You can sense and appreciate many hands at work in its making... Sid from the Studios made the Irani café style tables and Afroditi who won awards for the design of Dishoom Covent Garden acted as a brand advisor.

It truly is a magical place as expressed by visitors in chalk on the blackboard toilet walls: "Thank you for being so creative" is Honest's favourite so far! They hope you will make it down and leave your own messages. Their cocktail of choice is the Colaba Rum Iced Tea which "we hear" is delicious!

Laura Jacobs TV Days

Laura was chosen from 10000's to be on the TV show "Show Me The Monet". It aired on Monday, May 9th on BBC2. In this brand new show, we witnessed a journey into the art world as aspiring artists attempt to win a chance to sell their work in a prestigious exhibition at the Royal College of Art.

From classically trained professionals to self-taught amateurs, all were invited to apply. To make it through, they had to face the Hanging Committee, a finely tuned panel of art specialists consisting of Charlotte Mullins (Contemporary Art Specialist, writer and broadcaster), David Lee (Art Critic, Editor and publisher of satirical art magazine 'The Jackdaw') and Roy Bolton (Art historian and Dealer). The committee met a vast range of artists from all over the UK and picked just 35 of them to display at the exhibition.

If you missed it, don't worry there's always iplayer.

Moxon Architects

From a total of 1400 expressions of interest, 176 entries were submitted, from which 8 teams were shortlisted, Moxon were awarded third place in this major open international exhibition to refurbish and rebuild the historic Place Yalla Yeddouna in the heart of the Medina of Fez – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural and artisanal capital of Morocco.

Medina is the largest contiguous car free urban zone in the world and the buildings in Place Lalla Yeddouna date from the 10th to the 20th Century. This project, supported by the United States Government, aims to refurbish and rebuild existing historic structures whilst providing a new mixed use urban space for the community as well as visitors to the Medina.

Bridges are Moxon’s specialty. They have completed a number of bridges recently and have another 10 bridge projects at various pre-construction stages. The Taunton Third Way Bridge will be open to road and pedestrian users next month. There are some wonderful photographs of the bridge being lifted into place on their website.

Pip Hackett

As our expert in all things beautiful for hair, Pip Hackett’s exotic head pieces are garlanding magazines this season. You can see Natalia Vodjanova in a cute bunny headpiece on the cover of May’s Tatler and an elegant flowery piece on the cover of Italian Vogue (March ’11) followed by a collection of eerie, romantic bridal wear.

Also in Tatler, her hats have been used in a shoot by Kristian Schuller both for the opening page and in a feature. Bridal (May/June) mentions her hat in a piece on the best country wedding.

For Open Studios (2nd & 3rd July) for the first time, she will be holding a special summer sale – for anyone with a penchant for beautiful headgear, this is not to be missed. More details on her website.

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