ISSUE 13 /

A PLACE TO LEARN, DISCOVER &
EXPLORE THE EVER CHANGING WORLD
WE DESIGN IN!

✍️ Henry Cheney 

We’re here to keep you inspired and informed, with a special focus on the intersection of four key areas:

Why these four? Because together, they define the future of creativity. At HBC Visual, our love for CGI has driven us to explore its transformative power across industries, and the rapid rise of AI is rewriting the rules of design.

Yet, we remain grounded in the timeless principles of creativity: the artist behind the tool will always matter.

MENTAL MUSINGS /

The mind is a constant churn of thoughts, and here are a few that have been swirling in mine lately.

• We crave the familiar rhythm of a well-known song, yet we're captivated by the unexpected twist in a new film. Where's the sweet spot for creators and businesses?

• If an AI can mimic human emotion perfectly, does it become 'authentic'? And if so, what does that mean for human creators trying to stand out?

• Are we building a culture of constant replacement, or can we rediscover the art of creating things that endure?

• Are we becoming curators of our own limited realities? How can we actively seek out perspectives that challenge our assumptions and spark new ideas?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on these.

CGI

In the world of CGI, we’ve been looking into two of our loves, CGI & sport. These days, CGI is so integrated into our viewing experience that it’s hard to imagine life without it. There have been whole industries built around improving our viewer experience. Here’s an interesting dive into the origins and development of this tech from Corridor Crew. The Disney real-time NFL match is crazy! We also enjoyed Marques Brownlee deep dive look at how technology is being used in golf. Where will things go next in how we watch sports on TV.

Architecture

In the world of Architecture, a beautiful example of how in the UK we can transform our Victorian houses into sublime and balanced homes. This project by Thiss Studio in Waltham Forest blends sustainability and playfulness. Recycled materials, like paper-waste panelling and architectural details like the aluminium sun shade, highlight THISS Studio's commitment to existing structures and joyful design, breathing new life into the heritage home.

Design

In the world of Design, Spanish designer Jorge Penadés' unveils 'Uprooted' at Madrid Design Festival 2025 exposes the industrial uprooting of native olive trees in Andalucía's oil production. He champions discarded, 'imperfect' wood, engaging it with 99 questions approach to understand its properties. This "material-led" approach, curated by Seetal Solanki, creates collectible pieces and installations, urging a respectful dialogue with materials, valuing their intrinsic qualities over industrial standardization.

Technology

In the world of Technology, Layer's PiA reimagines AI interaction through an emotionally resonant ecosystem. Comprising a smartphone, biometric earbud, and wearable camera, it discreetly gathers user data. This data fuels an AI assistant offering personalized advice, from health to navigation, enhanced by visual feedback. The smartphone, crafted from recycled glass, features a transparent OLED and edge-to-edge display, acting as a central interface. The earbud tracks vital signs, while the camera captures environmental context. Together, they enable PiA to provide tailored insights, fostering a deeper connection between user and technology. Layer's design prioritizes intuitive, experience-driven innovation, positioning PiA as an emotionally engaged companion. Although still a concept, it seems this will be common integration of AI and our wearable technology soon enough.

Doodle

Instead of relying on AI-generated images, we invite you to doodle! Sketching isn’t just for fun—it’s a way to unlock creativity and explore new ideas. Each issue, we’ll feature one doodle, and soon, we’d love to showcase your creations.

🎨 Grab a pen, unleash your imagination, and get doodling! 🎨

If you found something inspiring here, share this newsletter with a friend!

Stay curious, stay creative.

In every issue, we’ll surprise you with something new and exciting. From quirky discoveries to essential tools, our bonus content will keep you inspired and informed. So, make sure to check back each issue for your dose of unexpected delight.…🧐 

When your eyes don’t quite understand what’s happening. The work by Jacques Monneraud is so meticulous and well crafted, these pieces really do make you think twice!

AUTHOR /

Henry Cheney is the founder of HBC Visual, a visualisation company supporting designers, architects and developers to bring their projects to life.

We value your feedback

And we’d love to hear from you—feedback and ideas are always welcome. Take a moment to let us know how we can make this newsletter even better.