Architects and designers love a great sketching pencil and a great fountain pen. These are the main tools used to quickly communicate and pin down ideas. Drawings remain the genesis of ideas, which are later developed with the use of computer software.

In the world of fountain pens, there are very few options for a retractable nib. A retractable nib is one that comes out of the pen without the need to remove a cap- like a push-button ballpoint pen. It is very convenient because you can have the writing experience of a fountain pen, with the readiness of a ballpoint pen. You can start writing and sketching immediately without the need to remove a cap. For many years, the only two options available were the Vanishing Point fountain pen designed by Pilot in the 1960’s and the Lamy Dialog designed in 2009.

In early 2024, ēnsso unveiled the BOLT a new retractable fountain pen alternative with an innovative silicone seal at the tip that keeps the nib chamber air-tight. The silicone seal has an ‘X’ cut that allows the nib to go through and naturally seals off when the nib is retracted. For quick, one-hand operation, this pen relies on a bolt-action mechanism in which a knock at the end of the pen is pushed forward to extend the nib. As soon as the knock is moved away from the lock position, the spring automatically retracts the nib. This simple solution is ideal and has minimal components.

The BOLT is entirely precision-machined from grade-5 titanium for durability and lightness. It also comes equipped with an ink converter for bottled ink. Its nib system is interchangeable and nibs in fine point and medium point are offered. The pen is currently available to preorder on Kickstarter for $84.

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2023 Skyscraper Competition

Bartosz Pszczółkowski
Poland

We live in a world of connections. A world of relational networks designed to ensure security and peace in a reality in which the decisions of individuals can determine the fate of millions of people. In the light of recent events in eastern Europe or prior ones in the Middle East, we can infer that maybe we should not rely as fully and as blindly as we have so far on interdependencies such as the international supply chain and mutual assured destruction. It seems increasingly important to strike the right balance between reliance and autonomy, especially in a world where so many voices count for so little.

The project is an attempt to write the first chapter of a new, better future for Iraq, a country facing a rapidly deepening water crisis—yet another hurdle after a history of severe injustice, military conflicts, religious and political extremism, and international social and economic alienation.

The main idea is to create an oasis, an almost completely independent system capable of meeting all of the basic needs of the Iraqis. Its focal point would be a kilometer-tall, non-habitable tower, pumping and purifying water from the underground. It would be used for the production of food and electricity, which would then be distributed to the surrounding settlements, and all people in need.

The system is intended to use underground waters, in particular those that are currently unfit for human consumption, primarily in areas where drilling, due to the depth of water-bearing layers, is especially difficult and generates exponentially high costs It is estimated that by 2030, Iraq’s water demand will reach nearly 70 cubic kilometers, with agriculture accounting for up to 60 percent of the total demand. The project is based around the use of modern vertical farms for more efficient food production. A solution that allows for the saving of up to 95% of the water used for irrigation.

The aim is to raise the standard of living of the Iraqi general public to at least an acceptable minimum and enable them to embark on a new path of development for their country after years of dependence on their neighbors, distant foreign powers, and the natural conditions of the region. It has been known for a long time that the basis for a healthy and prosperous country is the comfort and freedom enjoyed by its citizens in their everyday lives. The Sovereignty is to be a foundation for building a better future for Iraq. Read the rest of this entry »