Heatherwick Studios:Innovation You Won't Believe

While in LA recently to take care of my grandson Calvin, my mom and I visited the Hammer Museum in Westwood. 

Known worldwide for its cutting edge exhibits, the design exhibit from the studios of Heatherwick in London was an unexpected treat.

In 1994, Thomas Heatherwick established a studio of architecture, urban infrastructure, sculpture, design and strategic thinking.  Today a team of 160 architects and designers work in London, creating some of the most imaginative and innovative buildings, bridges, boats, parks and just about anything else you can imagine throughout the world.  The studio focuses on large scale projects throughout the world, like the UK Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010, the Olympic Cauldron for the 2012 Olympic Games, and the New Bus for London.  I encourage you to go to the Heatherwick Studio home page to view some of their fascinating projects.

The exhibit had mock ups of many of the most important projects Heatherwick has created.  Some have been developed and finished, others have not yet actually been made.  The materials are often not something you'd expect.  An aluminum bench had been made by putting aluminum through an extruding machine to create something truly unique.  Another project I loved was a table that could be pulled apart to make different shapes.  You've got to see these designs.  If anyone is going to LA before this show closes, you must see it.  The new London Bus was on display, which will replace many of the old London buses next year.  It is sleek and gorgeous, fuel efficient and quiet.  Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of the fantastic work being done by Heatherwick Studios in London.