Bamboo

red dot
red dot award: design concept 2007

design:

Im Soohyuk

Bamboo is a unique stereo system designed to help alleviate some of the loneliness in our contemporary lives.

Bamboo implies tranquility and companionship. Bamboo’s aim is not only to supply “soothing sonic satisfaction” but also to provide healing and comfort for people in a chaotic and stressful postmodern world. The built-in LED (Light Emitting Diode) on the side of the speakers produces various forms of sound visualisation. Music is transmitted wirelessly from the main system to the speakers. The main component is comprised of a recharging element, a built-in wireless-LAN WIFI, CD player, radio and MP3 player. This unique combination facilitates saving downloaded music automatically from any computer since it has its own IP address (ipv6).

The central component includes a display with a built-in speaker for the mid-low range. The attached parts are connected via elaborate joints that are detachable and strong enough to withstand 2kg of weight, similar to camera lens mounting systems. Each speaker can be programmed automatically into right and left channels, regardless of whether or not they are directly attached to the main component. When fully charged for 2 hours, the speakers can function independently for up to 12 hours.

The remote control is a bangle style control system. If one hugs an assembly consisting of the two speakers and the bangle control while sleeping and listening to the music, one can experience the simultaneous pulsation of both vibration and sound which is akin to one’s heart beat. This combination provides soothing warmth, similar to that of an intimate friend or close family member. In addition, the soft music vibrations enable one to awaken gently in the morning.