Metropolis Holiday Gift Guide 2017: Tech

Let’s face it, architects and designers hate to fall behind on the latest technologies. Whether its tools that make their jobs easier or gadgets that are just plain cool, they don’t want to be late to the party. We’ve gathered five of our top picks below.

Surface Book 2, $1,499

Equipped with impressive NVIDIA graphics cards, the Surface Book can render large files even as its detachable touchscreen can be used like a large sketch pad. Plugging the self-sufficient tablet into its keyboard base simply boosts its battery life and computing power.

Original Prusa i3 MK2S kit, $599

While there are countless 3D printers, the widely-used Original Prusa i3 MK2S continues to win accolades as one of the best-valued printers out there. It can handle a wide range of materials, from ABS to Bamboofill, prints quietly, and features a 9.84 in. by 8.3 in. by 8 in. build volume.

MA770 Wireless Speaker, $1,800

We couldn’t resist including this concrete composite speaker designed by architect David Adjaye for Master & Dynamic. Deployable as a single unit or in a stereo pair, its magnetically-affixed steel grill can be removed if you want to revel in its fully-revealed concrete form.

Lumos Helmet, $199

For the designer who wants to lead the way on safe transportation—the Lumos helmet began on Kickstarter but is now available on the MoMA Design Store. It features forward-facing visibility lights as well as rear-facing break lights and turning lights, all of which are controlled by handlebar-mounted buttons.

Google Home Mini, $29

As Metropolis wrote earlier this year, the Home Mini resembles an oversized macaron, but don’t let its small size fool you: the four-inch voice-activated speaker can do everything the original Google Home can do, including hands-free search, voice-command access to music and entertainment, and help from Google Assist. Available in white, red, and black, this compact device can blend in anywhere.

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