Marco Balsinha - Designer

Marco Balsinha in Madrid

Marco Balsinha presented an academic research paper titled "A Ipseidade criativa deixa-se mostrar em projeto" (Creative Ipseity Revealed in Design Project) at the 2º Foro Ibéri americano deseña, held in Madrid from November 5th to 8th. The event gathered over 180 researchers in the field of Design, providing an important platform for sharing ideas and innovations within the field. Balsinha's presentation addressed issues of creative identity and how it can be revealed through design projects.

Year:2024
Press:Iberoamérica Diseña

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Marco Balsinha on 2º Foro Ibéri americano deseña

Marco Balsinha on UD24

Marco Balsinha participated as an author and speaker at the 2024 edition of the UD conference. As part of the Doctoral Program in Aveiro, Marco Balsinha was a member of the organizing committee for the UD24 conference, where he submitted and presented a new paper titled 'From Idea to Object: Drawing as a Design Tool and Metaphor in Portuguese Industry'.

Year:2024
Press:UD24

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Marco Balsinha on UD24

Marco Balsinha on Research Summit 2023

Marco Balsinha take part the Research Summit 2023 to deliver a public presentation on his PhD topic. the presentation took place on the 14th of July 2023 at the University of Aveiro

Year:2023
Press:researchsummit2023

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Marco Balsinha on Research Summit 2023

KIOSQUE ESTARREJA

“Fashion kiosque in Estarreja”

A compact shop was designed by Marco Balsinha in Estarreja - near Aveiro city
The challenge was to optimize a small space with comfortable circulation between the customer and the worker.

Visit it on Pingo doce - Estarreja

Year:2021

Key materials:Wood, Glass
Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: Modeling and assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering

PRODUCT
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Kiosque

MOSK CHAIR

“Simple and useful”

In an era of logistical challenges, the Mosk chair was designed to be optimally stacked up for easy transportation. This project was made in partnership with F. Preto.
Released in 2020, and approved by CATAS, the Mosk chair comes in 6 different compositions. With or without arms and three different sets of backs: flat. Grid, and bars.

Available for purchase in different colors at Tensai Furniture.

Year:2020

Producer: TENSAI FURNITURE
Key materials:Polypropylene - PP
Technology: Molding injection

Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: Modeling and assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering
- Photoshop: Post production

#mosk; #tensai; #tensaifurniture; #marcobalsinha; #balsinha

PRODUCT
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Mosk chair

TUVIE

DUponix project design by Marco Balsinha was recently published on TUVIE: “uncovering and sharing the best in concept and design from industrial .. design”.
Year:2021

Link:http://www.attitude-mag.com/

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TUVIE

DUPONIX PROJECT

DUponix enables the practice of aquaponics in a typical household setting.
The design was inspired by Marco Balsinha's previous project, UROBORO, and evolved from its original objective of promoting self-sustainability in urban housing to the creation of a living entity within our homes.
The research project was developed by Marco Balsinha in collaboration with MARE IPL (Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre) and LIDA IPL (Design and Arts Research Lab).

The project was recently published on virtual magazines such as:
- TUVIE: Link

Investigation center: MARE + LIDA
Key materials:Ceramic, Glass
Technology: Multiple

Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: Modeling and assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering
- Video:ADOBE Premier/ADOBE After effects

PRODUCT
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DUponix

BARS CHAIR

“Simple and useful”

In an era of logistical challenges, the Bars chair was designed to be optimally stacked up for easy transportation. This project was made in partnership with F. Preto.
Released in 2020, and approved by CATAS, the Mosk chair comes in 6 different compositions. With or without arms and three different sets of backs: flat. Grid, and bars.

Available for purchase in different colors at Tensai Furniture.

Year:2020

Producer: TENSAI FURNITURE
Key materials:Polypropylene - PP
Technology: Molding injection

Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: Modeling and assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering
- Photoshop: Post production

#bars; #tensai; #tensaifurniture; #marcobalsinha; #balsinha

PRODUCT
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Bars chair

GRID CHAIR

“Simple and useful”

In an era of logistical challenges, the Grid chair was designed to be optimally stacked up for easy transportation. This project was made in partnership with F. Preto.
Released in 2020, and approved by CATAS, the Mosk chair comes in 6 different compositions. With or without arms and three different sets of backs: flat. Grid, and bars.

Available in different colors.

Year:2020

Producer: TENSAI FURNITURE
Key materials:Polypropylene - PP
Technology: Molding injection

Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: Modeling and assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering
- Photoshop: Post production

#grid; #tensai; #tensaifurniture; #marcobalsinha; #balsinha

PRODUCT
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Grid chair

The WINE COOLER PROJECT , redesigned by Marco Balsinha, offers a line of wine coolers that combine a service glass door and a solid door for maturing wine cooling.

The Mixed version is a 3D concept proposal.
During HOST FAIRE MILANO 2017, the single service glass door version was presented in all three variations. The wine cooler is available for purchase in different sizes at Tensai industry.
Year:2017

Producer: Tensai Industria, SA.
Key materials:Sheet metal+Glass + ...
Technology: Multiple

Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: Modeling and assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering
- Photoshop: Post production

PRODUCT
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WINE COOLER

OBLONG CHAIR

"Embodying the feminine elegance"

Elegant and comfortable, the Oblong chair features feminine lines that enhance the flexibility of its shell, adapting to the contours of any human anatomy.
The Oblong chair was showcased at SPOGA GAFA 2018 in Cologne.
It is available for purchase at Tensai Furniture in various colors and combinations, allowing customers to select their preferred style.

Year:2018

Producer: TENSAI FURNITURE
Key materials:Polypropylene - PP
Technology: Molding injection

Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: Modeling and assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering
- Photoshop: Post production

Video Key Softwares:
-Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Premiere

PRODUCT
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Oblong chair

COOLING TABLES it is an approach to expand the TENSAI portfolio in new business areas.

Participation in 3D projection and rendering

Year:2020

Producer: Tensai Industria, SA.
Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: Modeling and assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering
- Photoshop: Post production

IMAGE
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COOLING TABLES

3D RENDERS Image to promote OBLONG chair produced by TENSAI FURNITURE.

Year:2019
Producer: Tensai Industria, SA.
Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: Modeling and assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering
- Photoshop: Post production

IMAGE
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OBLONG chair

3D RENDERING Image to promote BILROS chair produced by TENSAI FURNITURE.

Year:2019
Producer: Tensai Industria, SA.
Key Softwares:
-Keyshot: Rendering
- Photoshop: Post production

IMAGE
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BILROS chair

TENSAI RITA is an electronic system specifically designed for chest freezers.
To provide a realistic visualization of the product, several renders were created showcasing the system in a 3D environment as well as an isolated 3D representation.
The graphics on the panel were meticulously designed to meet the specific requirements of the company, ensuring a visually appealing and functional interface.

Year:2018

Producer: Tensai Industria, SA.
Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: Modeling and assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering
- Photoshop: Post production

IMAGE
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RITA CHEST FREEZER

3D RENDERS 3D renders were created to promote the SICC freezer shopping experience with customizable options, including digital printing solutions.
These renders were produced by TENSAI to showcase the various design possibilities and highlight the versatility of the freezer.

Year:2017
Producer: Tensai Industria, SA.
Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering
- Photoshop: Post production

IMAGE
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SICC freezer shopping

Marco Balsinha on JARDINS ABERTOS FESTIVAL 2018

Marco Balsinha presents Uroboro projecto on JARDINS ABERTOS FESTIVAL 2018 last May 26, 2018 promoted by Câmara Municipal de Lisboa in partnership with IPL.

Year:2018
FOTOS BY:Luís Pessanha
Press:Jardins Abertos

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Marco Balsinha on JARDINS ABERTOS 2018

Uroboro in exhibition - 12_12

UROBORO in exhibition at the collective event - 12 conversas em torno de 12 projetos em cerâmica - from 2th March to 9th April, promoted by ESAD.CR/IPLeiria and Research Laboratory of Design and Arts (LIDA) in Espaço da Concas no Centro de Artes das Caldas da Rainha.
The event also had talks about the products exposed, during the period of the event and visited by several ministers.

Year:2018
FOTOS BY:Liliana Gouveia
Press:e-cultura

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Uroboro in exhibition - 12_12

Uroboro awarded - FARIA FRASCO SPCV

UROBORO winner of 2nd edition FARIA FRASCO CONTEST / PORTUGUESE CERAMIC AND GLASS SOCIETY.The ceremony took place on Centro Cultural Congressos AVEIRO last 8th Novembre 2017.
The project was recently published in several platforms, such as:Gazeta das Caldas.

Year:2017
Link:http://spcv.org.pt/spcv/

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Prémio Faria Frasco

GEOstage - SCHOTT CERAM

GEOstage is a Ceran cooktop with radiant heat that revolutionizes the cooking experience. It was initially developed for the SCHOTT CERAM® DESIGN AWARDS 2017. By organizing the different cooking phases in a time-like structure and leveraging digital technology, GEOstage encourages users to learn alongside a virtual chef.
Equipped with five distinct cook points, each with its own temperature, GEOstage activates individually upon detecting a metallic object. Its smooth glass surface ensures effortless maintenance, while the interactive display at its center offers suggestions to enhance the cooking experience.
Users can choose from a wide range of recipes known by the virtual chef or teach the chef their own unique recipes. Multiple cook points can be utilized simultaneously, with the virtual chef accurately timing each one. This guided experience helps users unlock their full cooking potential.
But there's more! By connecting GEOstage to the internet, users can upload and download new recipes, share their culinary adventures with friends, and showcase their skills as the ultimate chef.

GEOstage incorporates a unique combination of different cooking phases, all within a structured timeline, supported by digital technology.
Year:2017

Key materials:glass + sheet metal + Technology

PRODUCT
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GEOstage

3D RENDERING
An image was created to promote the TENSAI DUAL CHEST FREEZER, manufactured by TENSAI INDUSTRIA.
A 3D ambient render was produced to offer a realistic visualization of the product, allowing customers to envision it in a lifelike setting.

Year:2018

Producer: Tensai Industria, SA.
Key Softwares:
-Autodesk inventor: Modeling and assembly
- Keyshot: Rendering
- Photoshop: Post production

IMAGE
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TENSAI DUAL

ECO.NOMIA

Marco Balsinha presented Uroboro to the Portuguese Minister of the environment João Pedro Matos Fernandes on IV WORKSHOP ECO.NOMIA last 20th October in Leiria.

Year:2017

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ECO.NOMIA

Second - FLOOR CLOCK

"Second" is a tribute to Anne Boleyn (1501-1536), the second wife of King Henry VIII of England. This extraordinary longcase clock delicately captures the essence of time, inspired by the captivating story of the controversial British queen. The clock's sleek design combines golden accents with the coolness of gray aluminum, harmonizing with the rhythmic movement of its components that mark the passage of time.
No entrance hall would be complete without "Second," a truly mesmerizing clock that informs and surprises even the most skeptical observers. This remarkable timepiece was produced by the Design Mind team and is available for purchase at the Duquesa e Malvada Brand.
Year:2016

Key materials:glass + sheet metal
Website: http://www.duquesaemalvada.com

PRODUCT
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Second

Anne

Inspired by the elegance and delicate femininity of Anne Boleyn (1501-1536), historically renowned as the most seductive wife of King Henry VIII of England, this modern and luxurious piece was brought to life.
Designed for exclusive interiors, Anne is a perfect fit for luxury entrance halls or central bars, seamlessly blending in with stylish and contemporary furniture. Crafted from brushed cold aluminum, its shape evokes the graceful curves of a woman's silhouette, while the interior is coated with gold, symbolizing Anne's soul.
Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, this extraordinary table and bar commands attention in any space, much like the powerful and influential Queen Anne would have during her time.
Anne was produced by the Design Mind team and is available for purchase at the Duquesa e Malvada Brand, catering to those seeking a unique and remarkable piece for their interiors.
Year:2016

Key materials:glass + sheet metal
Website: http://www.duquesaemalvada.com

PRODUCT
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Anne

EPICUR

Marco Balsinha interviewed for EPICUT (Nº IX).
EPICUR is a Portuguese magazine with a seasonal periodicity that publish projects in areas such as gastronomy, wines, cigars, travel, culture, design, decoration, fashion, automobile market and multiple universes of luxury.

Year:2017

Link:http://www.epicur.pt/

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EPICUR

GREENFEST

Marco Balsinha presented Uroboro project on Green Fest® Centro de Congressos do Estoril - Lisbon last 9th October 2016.
See all program on official website of the festival.

Green Fest is "It is the country's largest sustainability event and annually celebrates the best of what you do in terms of sustainability in its three environmental, social and economic aspects."

Year:2016

Link:http://www.greenfest.pt/

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GREENFEST

ATTITUDE

Uroboro project was recently published on ATTITUDE - Interior Design Magazine.
Year:2016

Link:http://www.attitude-mag.com/

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ATTITUDE

I home

Uroboro project was recently published on I home - a Chinese Lifestyle, Archi-design, decoration and community magazine - 2016 - Nº84.
Year:2016

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I home

OlivYsense

Azeite da Ordem is a brand of a fully natural and biological olive oil made in Portugal. It is associated to Vinho da ordem® brand and share the same ancestral history. All brand mark was created by Marco Balsinha and is inspired in the crusaders of the 12th century . The product is available to the public on the website and at several points of sale (including in the Netherlands).
Year:2016

Producer: Vontadefoturo,Lda.
Website: http://www.vinhodaordem.pt/

IDENTITY
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Azeite da Ordem

Uroboro awarded

Uroboro winner of LCiP (Life Cycle in Practice) Portugal 2016 By LNEG - Category "environmental performance, social and economic product and / or services".
More info soon.

Year:2016
Link:http://www.lifelcip.eu/
http://www.lneg.pt/

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Uroboro awarded

Zawód:Architekt [Profession:Architect]

Uroboro project recently published on Zawód:Architekt [Profession:Architect] #49: "a magazine of the Architects® Chamber of the Republic of Poland which is distributed to all professionally active architects in Poland"

Year:2016
Link:http://www.zawod-architekt.pl/

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Zawód:Architekt

Core77 Design

Uroboro project recently published on Core77 Design: "Core77 publishes articles, discussion forums, an extensive event calendar, hosts portfolios, job listings, a database of design firms, schools, vendors and services. Core77 provides a gathering point for designers and enthusiasts alike by producing design competitions, lecture series, parties, and exhibits." (core77)
Year:2016

Link:http://www.core77.com/

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Core77

Cfile Online

Uroboro project was recently exhibited on Caldas Design week,a design show on Caldas Da Rainha. Caldas da Rainha will be candidate for ceramic Town - UNESCO.
Year:2016

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Caldas Design Week

Cfile Online

Uroboro project was recently published on Cfile Online: "a news and review journal edited by Garth Clark, receives over 720,000 visits a year"
Year:2016

Link:http://www.cfileonline.org

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Cfile Online

Tree Hugger

Uroboro project was recently published on Tree Hugger: Green is the new green.
Year:2016

Link:http://www.treehugger.com/

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Tree Hugger

Designboom

Uroboro project was recently published on Designboom website.
Year:2016

Link:http://www.designboom.com/

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Designboom

ECO123 Magazine

Uroboro project was published on ECO123 Magazin (Edition Nº 13) - A magazine focused on ecology and environment issues. See also a digital supplement
Year:2016

Link:http://eco123.info/

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ECO123 Magazine

EXPERIMENTA Magazine

Uroboro project was published on Experimenta Magazine, an online Spanish Design Magazine focused on Architecture, Industrial Design, Graphic Design and all related to Culture Project.
Year:2016

Link:http://www.experimenta.es

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EXPERIMENTA Magazine

ICON Design Magazine

Uroboro project was published on ICON Design Magazin (Edition Nº 1) promoted by AND (Associçãoo Nacional de Designer - A magazine about investigation in design.
Year:2016

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ICON Design Magazine

Uroboro

Uroboro was the final project for the Master in Product Design at ESAD - IPL, Caldas da Rainha, developed by Marco Balsinha and presented in December 9, 2015.

It's a domestic vermicomposter that is sensitive to the issues related to environmental sustainability by diverting urban waste from landfill sites and transforming them into useful matter for floriculture. The design was inspired by the typology of trees and it creates conditions for the practice of safe vermicomposting, thus forming a living system within the home and bringing man closer to nature. Earthworms are used as an accelerating agent in the process of transforming domestic organic waste into humus.

Uroboro is a modular system with 4 different pieces of red clay that can be extended by adding further pieces up without conditioning the mobility of earthworms throughout the whole system and it uses the properties of clay as a mediator of odour, moisture and temperature.

The prototypes were produced in Portugal and have been tested in several households with families from different backgrounds (nutrition habits, knowledge on the subject). The results proved to be surprisingly positive and significant.

Mentor: Prof. José Frade
Co-Mentor: Prof. Luís Pessanha

AWARDS:
- 2017 UROBORO winner of 2nd Edition Faria Frasco Contest by PORTUGUESE CERAMIC AND GLASS SOCIETY;
- 2017 Finalist of 9th Edition of GREEN PROJECT AWARDS Category "Prémio Inovação Social Green Project Awards - Sociedade Ponto Verde" (Social Innovation Green Projects Awards - Sociedade Ponto Verde);
- 2016 Winner of LCiP (Life Cycle in Practice) Portugal 2016 by LNEG - Category "environmental, social and economic performance of product and / or service"

The project was recently published in several platforms, such as:
- EPICUR #IX: Link
- I-CON Design Magazine #0
- ECO123 Magazine #13: Link
- Zawód:Architekt Magazine #49: Link
- Experimenta Magazine: Link
- design-inspiration: Link
- Designboom: Link
- ATTITUDE - Interior Design Magazine: Link
- treehugger: Link
- Mdolla: Link
- Tuvie: Link
- Mexicodesign: Link
- Cfile: Link
- Core77: Link
- 6sqft: Link

Year:2015

Producer: Val do Sol Cerâmicas, SA.
Key materials:Terracotta
Technology: Mould with liquid clay
Key Softwares:Solidworks, AutoCAD
Fotos:Pedro Cá and Luís Pessanha

PRODUCT

Uroboro

OlivYsense

Olivisense is the brand of a fully natural and biological body oil made from olive oil. The corporate image was inspired in the words - natural - and - recyclable - represented by the corporate colours and patterns.
The package got an award received an award from - Favourite DesigNº in September 24, 2015 (Link) and it uses fully recyclable materials in line with the brand's original concept. The product is available to the public on the website and at several points of sale (including in the Netherlands).
Year:2015

Producer: Vontadefoturo,Lda.
Key materials:Cork, cardboard, Aluminum
Key Softwares:Solidworks, AutoCAD, 3DS Max, Photoshop
Website: http://www.olivysense.pt/

PACKAGING

OlivYsense

Uroboro

Marco Balsinha had his final project for the Master in Product Design approved with appraisal in December 9, 2015 at the Escola Superior de Artes e Design, Polytechnical Institute of Leiria - Caldas da Rainha. The Project was entitled Uroboro - a domestic vermicomposter in red clay. The prototypes, produced in the company Val do sol Cerâmicas (Portugal), were tested by several families with amazing results that validated the feasibility of the project.

It gave birth to three Papers that are available to the public (UD15, Design I-COM and PAR).
Year:2015

Photo:Pedro Cá

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Uroboro

UD15: PERIPHERY AND PROMISE

Under Development is a doctoral programme in Design that aims at the diffusion and exchange of ideas between the participants and the public. It is organized alternatingly by the universities of Oporto and Aveiro and it's an event whose presentation is followed by the submission of a paper).
Under the theme" "Bio-sistema: Desenvolvimento de um vermicompostor doméstico" (Bio-system: Development of a domestic vermicomposte) - (The programme), Marco Balsinha presented his research project in Product Design, that focused on the development method and research used, in October 20, 2015.
The programme is organised alternately by the university of Oporto and the university of Aveiro.

Bio-system, which later was formalised under the name Uroboro, is the Master's dissertation in Product Design at the ESAD CR, presented to the public in December 9, 2015.
Year:2013

Organization: PHDDesign U.Porto ID+
Website: http://www.ud15.org/

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UD15: PERIPHERY AND PROMISE

DESIGN Icon

DESIGN Icon is an international congress of Design promoted by AND (National Association of Designers). Under the theme Inquiry & Industry, DESIGN Icon united professionals from the fields of design, economics, marketing, culture and education - to demonstrate that research in design is at the forefront of innovation and economic growth.
Marco Balsinha took part in the event on September 23, 2015 - (The programme)as a guest speaker presenting his research project in Product Design which focuses on the partnerships between academies and the industry.

Following the presentation, his findings were published in the first edition of the Design ICON magazine.
Year:2013

Organization: PHDDesign U.Porto ID+
Website: http://www.designicon.eu/

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DESIGN Icon

Conferências PAR

The Conferências PAR (PAR conferences) are a series of events promoted by ESAD, Caldas da Rainha, that aim to disseminate knowledge in the context of academic research. Each participant has their work/findings published in the annual - Cadernos PAR® (PAR Notebooks). Last year, 2015, Marco Balsinha presented a part of his Master's dissertation research, focussing on the search for concepts and working in the lab. The Paper will be available in Cadernos PAR® 2015.
Year:2015

Organization: ESAD CR | IPL
Website: http://cadernospar.blogspot.pt/

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Conferências PAR

Vinho da Ordem

Vinho da Ordem is a wine brand produced in Portugal. Its ancestral history dates back to 12th century and the cultivation of land by several religious orders. Located in the area of Valhelhas, Guarda (Portugal), the papal bull undersigned by King Sancho the 1st (The Settler) by Alexander the 7th in 1503 served to nominate a council of judges whose task was to settle a dispute between the land lord and the religious order.
These vines had first been harvested by templars and were recently recovered by the Vinho da Ordem brand. Marco Balsinha created the corporate image inspired by the papal bull codices.

The products are available to the public through the brand's website and in several specialised stores.
Year:2013

Producer: Vontadefoturo,Lda.
Key Softwares:Illustrator, Photoshop
Website: http://www.vinhodaordem.pt/

IDENTITY
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Vinho da Ordem

Origem

Origem is conceptual project developed under the scope of the Master in Product Design at the ESAD CR. The reasoning starts with the identification and recognition of raw materials and its potential within the domestic territory in what comes to easy access and environmental sustainable value. Later, its applicability in product context was developed. The biggest challenge was the conformation of matter into useful forms, disclosing its organic and natural side.
The name of the project suggests the use in outdoor spaces and closes the product cycle by returning to its origins: The tree.
It was also nominated for Favourite Design in April 19, 2014.(Link)
Year:2013

Key materials:resin

PRODUCT
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Origem

Forest

Forest is a Packaging design created under the scope of the simulation of a business strategy developed for the advanced entrepreneurship and innovation programme promoted by ISCTE - IUL. The team project aimed at presenting the detailed set of specifications for the business.
As a designer, Marco Balsinha created the project's brand image by focussing on natural food items that are proven to strengthen the brain, the muscles and the heart, which are recognisable by a colour code. The package contains an energy indicator that enables the user to be aware of their food intake.
Year:2014

Key Softwares:3DS Max, Illustrator, Photoshop
In association with: Joao Cadaval, Pedro Jerónimo, Sara Chang Yan.

PACKAGING
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Forest

Inuctis Manibus

Inuctis manibus is a suitcase that keeps in its interior the possibility to manufacture felt gloves. This small machine enables the user to make the gloves themselves, which can then be produced anywhere, anytime with ease. Carried out under the scope of the "Man Machine" exercise, launched in the Atelier I subject, Master in Product Design at the ESAD CR.
Year:2012

Key materials:Wood, felt
In association with: Rita Frutuoso, José Gomez.

PRODUCT
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Inuctis Manibus

Vacuum

Vacuum is a packaging design project for transporting takeaway food.
The packaging consists of 3 separate ceramic parts and is vacuum sealed using a rubber sealant. The briefing for the project, launched in 2013 in the Atelier I subject, Master in Product Design, at the ESAD CR. It was subsequently presented to Pach, a restaurant in Caldas da Rainha.
Year:2013

Key Softwares:3DS Max, Photoshop

PACKAGING
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Vacuum

Hold

Marco Balsinha created Hold, one of the finalists in the competition - Just Mobile® Design competition 2011 - promoted by the brand Just Mobile, that enables an effortless use of an Ipad without the danger of falling from the user's hands. It's a simple support made from aluminium and rubber and is available in several colours. The aluminium design allows flexibility and therefore the product is able to accommodate other sizes such as the Ipad mini. The project is pending and awaiting production.
Year:2011

Key Softwares:3DS Max, Photoshop

PRODUCT

Hold

Cform

Cform is a project that meets the briefing demands in the Cabin Shower Design Contest | ITALBOX® 2012, organised by the CPD - Portuguese Design Centre. This project developed by Marco Balsinha uses the C form as the fundamental idea and design.
The glass and aluminium components allow the screens to take on multiple forms.
Year:2012

Key Softwares:3DS Max, Photoshop

PRODUCT

Cform

Balanced

The Balanced project was created to fulfil a brief of an internal competition at ESAD CR, promoted by OLI, Oliveira & Irmão S.A, who aims at the creation of exposed flush cisterns with integrated liquid air freshener.
The concept of Balanced focuses on the use of a single upper part, creating two discharge options as needed. The indicator for the amount of water to be discharged is indicated in yellow and displayed on the left side (7 Lts).
The central part where the personalised logo is visible allows access to the freshener's reservoir.
Year:2013

Key Softwares:solidworks, 3DS Max

PRODUCT
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Balanced

Carpintaria

Carpintaria (carpentry) enables the child to become acquainted with the process of carpentry from the beginning and represented by the tree on the back, up to its transformation into a workbench. This arouses curiosity for where objects come from. It includes accessories in solid wood that make the contact with real raw material possible. It also includes a lathe in PEAD, storage pouches and support for tools. A project that is sensitive to environmental issues in line with the concepts that Marco Balsinha constantly insists on including in his projects.
Year:2012

Producer: Abrakadabra, material didáctico Lda.
Key materials:MDF
Technology: CNC
Key Softwares:Solidworks, AutoCAD
Website: http://www.abrakadabra.pt/

PRODUCT
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Carpintaria

Bazar

This compact market stall allows children to experience situations related with the commercial exchange. They can assimilate their personality and achieve a deeper knowledge of food by relating those situations with a healthier and diversified eating. Its MDF covered with a HPL makes its surfaces washable and therefore hygienic, a necessary feature for any child's toy.
The parts have been designed to allow flat-pack transportation and easy assembly. It comes with assembly instructions.
Designed for the use in day-care centres, it is a part of the exclusive Abrakadabra products catalogue. Produced in Portugal, project Bazar was presented at the largest toy fair in the world - Nuremberg ToyFair, in 2011.
It was also nominated for Favourite Design in March 17, 2013.(Link)
Year:2011

Producer: Abrakadabra, material didáctico Lda.
Key materials:MDF
Technology: CNC
Key Softwares:Solidworks, AutoCAD
Website: http://www.abrakadabra.pt/

Second version of the project.

PRODUCT

Bazar

Casa de bonecas

In the Casa de Bonecas (Doll House) the child develops creativity through games and role-play of the family's daily life. Its leisure side enables the child to experience situations similar to their own environment. The drawings on both facades of the house represent situations of the agricultural daily life that are complemented with parts external to the project.
This project stirred great interest by the LEGO education.
Year:2009

Producer: Abrakadabra, material didáctico Lda.
Key materials:MDF
Technology: CNC
Key Softwares:Solidworks, AutoCAD
Website: http://www.abrakadabra.pt/

PRODUCT
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Casa de bonecas

Cavalete

An easy-to-use double easel with a frame that enables easy transport. It includes a detachable base to hold pencils or markers and another one with cups for paint. The springs on each side serve as a support to hold paper sheets. The surface is in washable laminated plastic and finishings include an edge in ABS.
Year:2011

Producer: Abrakadabra, material didáctico Lda.
Key materials:MDF
Technology: CNC
Key Softwares:Solidworks, AutoCAD
Website: http://www.abrakadabra.pt/

PRODUCT
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Cavaletes

Edwin

This car with padded seats and easy-to-clean upholstery allows the child to recreate a specific situation from its everyday life. A dashboard with steering wheel, gear system and dynamic buttons to stimulate the hand rotation movement. The frontal part contains a toy storage box.
It is provided in red or in blue
Year:2010

Producer: Abrakadabra, material didáctico Lda.
Key materials:MDF, HDPE
Technology: CNC
Key Softwares:Solidworks, AutoCAD
Website: http://www.abrakadabra.pt/
In association with: Emanuel Moita

PRODUCT
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Edwin

Pinguim

A penguin-shaped mirror with an integrated 110 cm ruler allows monitoring of a child's growth. The innovation of this project is the combination of laminated plastics with different colours and the incorporation of a cut acrylic mirror for a rigorous fitting in the MDF posing no risks to children.
Year:2012

Producer: Abrakadabra, material didáctico Lda.
Key materials:MDF, HDPE, acrylic
Technology: CNC
Key Softwares:Solidworks, AutoCAD
Website: http://www.abrakadabra.pt/

PRODUCT
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Pinguim

Cidade Abrakadabra

The Cidade Abrakadabra (Abrakadabra Town) and Veículos Abrakadabra (Abrakadabra vehicles) allows the child to recreate situations from daily life in a stimulant and playful manner. There are several panels drawn in the two faces that make possible to experience different scenarios. By sharing, the child learns society's norms and becomes acquainted with situations related with commercial exchanges. The panels are supplied with two pairs of multi-angle adapters that are compatible with different Abrakadabra equipments. They can also work as space limiters for day-care centres. The surface is in washable laminated plastic and finishings include an edge in ABS.
The texts are provided in any languages.
Year:2012

Producer: Abrakadabra, material didáctico Lda.
Key materials:MDF, HDPE
Technology: CNC
Key Softwares:Solidworks, AutoCAD
Website: http://www.abrakadabra.pt/

PRODUCT
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Cidade Abrakadabra

Teatrinho

The perfect stage for children to develop their dramatical expression. Equipped with fixed legs and a storage pouch for puppets and curtains. It enables a combination with Abrakadabra Barriers, also developed during Marco's collaboration in the company. Its design uses the Abrakadabra multi-angle system. This project's innovation is the combination of two MDF sheets with HPL multicoloured laminated plastic, which are joined to the junction of the arc with the base. This is a resilient system and with an intelligently imperceptible junction.
Year:2009

Producer: Abrakadabra, material didáctico Lda.
Key materials:MDF, HDPE
Technology: CNC
Key Softwares:Solidworks, AutoCAD
Website: http://www.abrakadabra.pt/
In association with: Emanuel Moita

PRODUCT
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Teatrinho

Abrakadabra assembly instructions

The production of the assembly instructions of Abrakadabra's furniture, not available before, was the first work produced by Marco Balsinha as a collaborator.
This comprehensive and thorough work was part of the company's internationalisation strategy. It encompassed the 3D designing of the 80 existing catalogue entries for the transport and assembly by international representatives and/or end users. From then on all projects included assembly instructions in the design, logistics and production processes.

Below some samples of the assembly instructions created.
Year:2009

Producer: Abrakadabra, material didáctico Lda.
Key Softwares:Solidworks, Illustrator
Website: http://www.abrakadabra.pt/

PRODUCT
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Abrakadabra assembly instructions

Squash

A proposal for a vertical table intended for the tasting of express coffee meets the demands of the international competition promoted by Nespresso in 2007.
The magnetic table developed under the scope of the B.A. at the Faculty of Fine Arts - University of Lisbon allows for the ceramic coffee cups combined with metallic particles to hold magnetically. The interior contains a sugar sachet dispenser.
Year:2007

Key Softwares:3DS Max, Illustrator, Photoshop
In association with: David Anastacio, Tiago Almeida and Rute Luzio

PRODUCT
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Squash

Jumper

A proposal for a reusable beer cup for summer festivals developed for the - Greener Mug Challenge® competition promoted by Ativism under the scope of the B.A. degree programme at the Faculty of Fine Arts - University of Lisbon.
A cup with a silicone coated spiral spring structure. The cup is stored in the base, hygienically sealing the cup when it is collected and placed in the pouch for a new use.
Year:2008

Key Softwares:3DS Max, Illustrator, Photoshop

PRODUCT
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Jumper

Knot

The Knot project intends to meet de demands of the briefing for the - vico magistretti® prize in collaboration with DEPADOVA and under the theme - living simplicity in furniture desigNº.
The proposal resizes the simple rope knot as a solution adapted to the couch needs, Chaise-longues or a simple bench combining a definition of a free form to the particular situation.
Year:2007

Key Softwares:3DS Max, Illustrator, Photoshop

PRODUCT
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Knot

Curva

Curva (Curve), a typology for dynamic whisky glasses developed under the scope of the B.A. degree programme at the Faculty of Fine Arts - University of Lisbon. The intelligent design of the cardboard packaging safely houses up to three glasses for both storage and transportation.
Year:2007

Key Softwares:3DS Max, Illustrator, Photoshop

PACKAGING
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Curva