Tangram

Tangram designs and builds remarkable environments to present your company and products to the market. Designing for trade, retail and special event, Tangram articulates modern culture through new forms at the intersection of art and technology. Tangram's international capabilities enable us to design and manage in your timeframe and deliver locally anywhere in the world, offering the best of both worlds: creativity delivered.

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Mipcom 2015 - the Show Must go On!

Mipcom has wrapped and let's just say, it was a memorable market. The south of France received two years of rain in less than two days and we were right there installing our client's stands through it all. They labeled this freak weather occurence as a Medicane Storm, sadly, causing 20 deaths and damage to Cannes and surrounding towns. Streets with slopes rapidly became cascades, with cars, street furniture and bins swept away. People had to be rescued from trains caught in the deluge. 

Carpets were soggy, roofs were leaky and there was a good amount of logistical delays leading up to opening day that most were not used to and adjustments had to be made.  As they say, the show must go on and it sure did. Mipcom opened as usual, the meditteranean sparkled and the sun was shining, it was another successful market to remember! 

Below images of the storm, the devastating aftermath and the Palais on opening day!  

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Van Gogh Inspired Giant Flower Floats!

These floats are simply breath taking. The Corso Zundert is held on the first Sunday of September every year, in the narrow streets of Zundert, Netherlands. It is the largest flower parade in the world entirely made by volunteers. This year the work of the legendary Vincent Van Gogh was used as the inspiration behind it all. Each of the floats are hand crafted, using dahlia flowers. 1936 was the first year the parade was ever hosted, and celebrates the region's reputation as a global supplier of the dahlia flower.

SOURCE: http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/09/flower-parade-zundert/?src=footer

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Welcome to the City of Zoom

What went on:

City of Zoom was the pinnacle expression of Nike’s Allstar Weekend product across all categories. It was highlighted by the release of the brand new Kobe X shoe, and celebrated Nike’s basketball athletes and their heritage. There was a special Zoom City launch of sportswear, casual shoes, apparel, and limited addition shoes for both men and women.  There were also celebrity appearances from Swoosh athletes, James Harden, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant.

The Design of the Space:

Tangram, had the opportunity to redesign 2000 square feet of Town Square’s, Niketown at 6 East 57th street, NY. The primary space featured 10ft. tall hanging sculptures of Kobe, Lebron, K.D., and Kyrie Irving, which conquered over the world’s basketball mica in New York City. The East Pavilion space was designed special for Jordan; celebrating the 30th anniversary of the brand, while expressing Michael’s lasting impact on the game. The space also featured a massive automotive finished pearl white jump man, showcasing the 30th anniversary, highlighting the key Jordan players of today, along with their footwear. To bring the environment to a whole new level, there were digital images, which featured mapping of the city, with an exploding basketball effect along with a DJ, who provided a special sound track to set the tone. 

Watch the video above, to see how the inspiration for the new launched sneakers came about and how Basketball and New York City, are united by Nike's four signature shoes, by the best ballers in the world. 

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Industrial Cool- Making its Round in the Marketing World.

We are seeing more and more of this “Industrial cool” style, making an appearance in the experiential marketing world. As apart of Microsoft's strategy to engage their gaming fans, they had an industrial container refurbished, and had it replicate the machine of an Xbox One. 

Kelloggs, is also catching onto the trend. At a recent experiential marketing event, they turned to an old New York City restaurant, and transformed the space into what they called, a Recharge Bar, where they served a thousand bowls of cereal and milk. The ambiance of the space was very rustic and warm, which consisted of reclaimed wood and wood-printed wall coverings. To top it off, there was a whole lot of metal, including bright red metal stools for consumers, which added to the industrial feel.

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Buckle Up... Seriously. The Google Car is Hitting the Road!

Google has just announced their first real build of the Google car, and odds are you’re probably not the only one, who is skeptical about a self-driving car.   Like it or not, they will be arriving sometime in the New Year.  With that being said, do yourself a favor and try to be open minded about this.  Yes, many of us are set in our ways and find It hard to accept change.  But more often than not, change is a good thing.  Think about how great it will be to get in your car in the morning and rather than drive to work, you will now be able to sit back and relax!

http://www.treehugger.com/cars/google-car-ready-hit-road.html

[tangramexhibitions]

Tis' the Season to Quit & Drive Onward!

Habits are hard to nip in the "butt".   Yes, we have heard it before, but not many know why?  It turns out most habits; good or bad, are set off by triggers in our everyday routine.  For most smokers, buying a pack of cigs every time they stop at the gas station to fill up the tank is a habit.  Now that more electric cars are being introduced to the market, smokers are making the claim that simply cutting out this part of their routine is helping them ditch the bad habit!

Source:  http://www.treehugger.com/cars/unexpected-benefit-electric-cars-might-help-smokers-quit-their-unhealthy-habit.html

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Big ideas for small living!

Tiny Houses are sweeping the nation!  This new, minimalist way of living is getting tons of hype and every day, more and more people are wishing to be a part of it.  Ever hear of the expression less is more?  These tiny homes are proof that this is true.  The average home in America is 2,598 square feet but is all that space necessary?  If built efficiently, making every square foot useful and space that is functional, surprisingly 150 to 600 square feet is all you’ll really need.

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#tbt to 2008! Our very clever "relax" campaign! "We'll handle the hassle with award winning exhibition design, exquisite fit and finish, and the worlds most dynamic client team. We know how it is. We've been doing it since the eighties" #frankiegoestohollywood #mugatu #tradeshowlife #exhibitiondesign #boom

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MIND THE GAP.....TROLLS IN LONDON!

We are still recovering from all the excitement had at Brand Licensing Europe 2014! There is never a dull moment at the beautiful London Olympia when BLE is in town. The venue itself is a spectacle and you can count on lots of interesting characters running around. Photo ops galore!

Our new Dreamworks booth was a standout for sure at this year’s show and attracted a lot of attention with its eye-catching color blocking ‘I <3’ campaign graphics.  We outlined all the amazing Dreamworks characters we have come to know and love over the years. Speaking of years….This year marks their 20th anniversary in the biz! Here’s to another 20 filled with more entertaining family favorites.

On Wednesday, Day 2 of the show, Dreamworks was the place to be at cocktail hour! We hosted a TROLL-themed cocktail party to celebrate the announcement of ‘Trolls’, the upcoming computer-animated comedy produced by DreamWorks Animation…..and it’s a MUSICAL!  There was no shortage of spiky pointed hair in all colors!

We can’t wait to see how the booth transforms for BLE 2015! See you there!

[tangramexhibitions]

MIND THE GAP.....TROLLS IN LONDON!

We are still recovering from all the excitement had at Brand Licensing Europe 2014! There is never a dull moment at the beautiful London Olympia when BLE is in town. The venue itself is a spectacle and you can count on lots of interesting characters running around. Photo ops galore!

Our new Dreamworks booth was a standout for sure at this year’s show and attracted a lot of attention with its eye-catching color blocking ‘I <3’ campaign graphics.  We outlined all the amazing Dreamworks characters we have come to know and love over the years. Speaking of years….This year marks their 20th anniversary in the biz! Here’s to another 20 filled with more entertaining family favorites.

On Wednesday, Day 2 of the show, Dreamworks was the place to be at cocktail hour! We hosted a TROLL-themed cocktail party to celebrate the announcement of ‘Trolls’, the upcoming computer-animated comedy produced by DreamWorks Animation…..and it’s a MUSICAL!  There was no shortage of spiky pointed hair in all colors!

We can’t wait to see how the booth transforms for BLE 2015! See you there!

[tangramexhibitions]

Sportel 2014: despite the rain, smooth sailing

Sportel was wonderful this year. We had a total of six clients, with old favorites like the NFL booth, and new favorites like the Fox Sports booth. Again, Tangram, was one of the official builders for Sportel. 

Although there were thunderstorms and crazy rain, the show went smoothly. Our new booth, Fox Sports, was clean and beautiful. It was predominantly white, with pops of color coming from the graphics and large split screens. 

Monaco was beautiful and the food, of course, was delicious. Have to say, Team Tangram is looking forward to next year! 

[tangramexhibitions]

Tangram Travel Tips

Tangramers are always on the go! A substantial part of our work load is on the road, we have some serious mileage under our belts. Traveling can take a toll on the body, mind, and even spirit sometimes. Through our companies travel we have picked up a few tips, habits, and rituals that help us during our work. Now that much of our staff is in Europe, from BLE, Sportel, and Mipcom, we thought we would share some of our coveted secrets to keeping up with the grueling schedule.

Ian Connie (Project Manager, NY): I usually will buy a sandwich or snack at the airport before getting on the plane. The food tastes better and it's nice to be on your own eating schedule rather then the flight crews. 

Bella Swift (Project Manager/Sales, LA): Hydrate!! Planes suck all of the moisture out of me, so my most important rule of thumb is to drink tons of water. It never hurts to pop some emergen -C in there either. I am also in love with Burts Bees Moisturizing Toilettes. Nothing is better then wiping my face, hands and neck off after a red eye or a day on-site. Refreshing!

Cathryn Greenwald (Project Manager/Sales, LA): Find some great hand sanitizer! Also, I always travel with a big scarf/wrap and socks to bundle up in on the planes, and an eye mask to help me get some sleep. My special tip is to spray my scarf with some yummy smelling perfume, so I get to smell that during the flight, rather then the plane.

Tricia Swift (CFO/Co-Founder, NY): A cozy wrap, blanket, or neck pillow can make all the difference when doing an overnight flight. Some nice smelling lotion will also help hydrate your skin and make you feel fresh. 

Chris Martin (Project Manager, NY): I say keep your shoes on for the duration of the flight. If the plan were to ever crash, you would never escape the fiery wreck in socks…. just sayin'…. 

Anna Antonucci (Head of Sales, NY): Noise canceling headphones are great, gum, and a pashmina! You can use it as a blanket or bunch it up and use it as a pillow. 

Steel Swift (CEO/Co-Founder, NY): NEVER eat mexican or indian food the day before flying…. 

Phoebe Lehy (Project Manager, NY): Lifesavers are a family tradition. A big sweater because it's always freezing! And of course, you have to take advantage of the free red wine on international flights!

Paul Curtis (Project Manager, OR): Always be conscious of fellow travelers, especially when traveling in groups for work.

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A Splash of Color can Make all the Difference...

A gorgeous new addition has not only been made to Denmark's ARoS Aahus Art Museum, but also to the city's skyline. Artist Olafur Eliasson has created a rainbow "halo like" walkway that rests atop the famed museum. This piece, called Your Rainbow Walkway, makes a circular walkway at 500 feet long and 10 feet wide. This type of architecture is rare due to the involvement of different colors and the many different view points of the structure throughout the city. While this work is beautiful to look at from various places in the city, the real treat is when one is inside of the colorful walkway. Visitors can look across the walk way to see others enjoying the wonderful architecture and colorful experience. 

This unique piece ads a new feeling of playfulness to the skyline. The design and creativity of Eliasson's work shows that a little unexpected color in a sea of gray buildings goes a long way. 

[tangramexhibitions]

A Splash of Color can Make all the Difference...

A gorgeous new addition has not only been made to Denmark's ARoS Aahus Art Museum, but also to the city's skyline. Artist Olafur Eliasson has created a rainbow "halo like" walkway that rests atop the famed museum. This piece, called Your Rainbow Walkway, makes a circular walkway at 500 feet long and 10 feet wide. This type of architecture is rare due to the involvement of different colors and the many different view points of the structure throughout the city. While this work is beautiful to look at from various places in the city, the real treat is when one is inside of the colorful walkway. Visitors can look across the walk way to see others enjoying the wonderful architecture and colorful experience. 

This unique piece ads a new feeling of playfulness to the skyline. The design and creativity of Eliasson's work shows that a little unexpected color in a sea of gray buildings goes a long way. 

[tangramexhibitions]

When Overlooked Items Become Pieces of Beautiful Functionality

At Tangram we create. It is what drives the company; creativity and creation. What never ceases to amaze us is the ability to take something so simple and mundane, and create an interesting and beautiful piece of art. Even better when it’s functional! For example, these fun, pretty, and functional lights made from beach balls. They cast a romantic light that reminds one of summer evenings and beachy days. They were created by Toby Sanders, using special inflatable balls and LED lights. 

It makes you wonder what other things we use and overlook, that could be something beautiful and creative. Inspiring! 

[tangramexhibitions]

From Shipping Containers to Cozy Homes

Shipping container homes have been popping up all round the globe as the next wave of modern, environmentally-friendly, low-cost housing alternatives. The steel rectangular prisms of shipping containers make for creative approaches to stacking them and attaching them together to make unexpectedly well-articulated domiciles. The simplicity of the structures and ease of modification and customization allows for innovative designs and  eco-friendly additions. All these factors result in very low-impact, undisruptive homes that can blend nicely into the environment.

The "WFH House" (below) in Wuxi, China, for example, covers shipping container steel frames with a bamboo facade and utilizes such green design features such as a rainwater collection system, plenty of skylights for natural light, a roof rife with solar cells. and permeable paving to catch stormwater. 

[tangramexhibitions]

Transform: Tangible Tabletop Touchscreens of Tomorrow

A design team from MIT, the MIT Tangible Media Group, is introducing a working concept for a new wave of futuristic furniture that can move and change shape at a person's touch. The working prototype, a tabletop called Transform, is comprised of 1,152 plastic pins that are controlled by individual microprocessors positioned underneath them. These pins can move up or down as programmed or needed, capable of balancing a ball or providing perfect angles for writing and adventurous eating. The idea is to be extended towards seats and couches that can reposition themselves to perfectly fit someone's posture, tiredness, and purpose.