NIKE floats aero-static dome with flyknit technology

NIKE floats aero-static dome with flyknit technology
all images courtesy of NIKE

coinciding with milan design week 2014, NIKE — in collaboration with taiwanese founder of miniwiz, arthur huang — presents ‘aero-static dome’ a monumental installation towering over the city’s palazzo clerici, serving as the centerpiece for the world premier of the KOBE 9 elite low HTM. interconnected mesh knitting becomes an anchor for a massive, metallic, inflated form overhead. at its base, nine glass capsules support the aerial form, each containing the new enclosed NIKE shoe within. the visual influence for the massive, floating structure is motivated by the flyknit technology and its core features: lightweight, form-fitting, optimal performance and enhanced sustainability. inspired by the aerodynamics of leonardo da vinci’s triangular parachute and alexander graham bell’s tetrahedral kite, the floating structure embodies strength and wind resistance, and is supported solely by vertical buoyancy.

the floating form hovers overhead at palazzo clerici

interconnected mesh anchors the floating form

the base is supported by glass cases, which hold sneakers within

the illuminated NIKE installation

NIKE KOBE 9 low HTM
image © designboom

the new generation of nike flyknit fulfills the latest athlete insight: to create a seamless connection between the mind, body, and shoe by knitting unbelievably lightweight yet incredibly strong threads into a second skin fit. on the pitch or court, this groundbreaking technology eliminates distractions and empowers the world’s top athletes to unleash their intuition and create their attack.

NIKE KOBE 9 low HTM
image © designboom

lightweight strength
enhanced with dynamic flywire, cables that loosen and tighten with the natural motion of the foot, flyknit provides kobe with power, strength, and speed. knitted from resilient, nearly weightless threads, flyknit and flywire technologies provide tension where strength and support are most needed.

NIKE KOBE 9 low HTM
image © designboom

magista
image © designboom

tactile connection
nearly as sensitive as the bare foot, the magista’s incredibly light and responsive footplate combines with its flyknit upper for natural movement, allowing the player to better control the game. by linking lightweight threads to an ultrathin web outsole. printed with the pressure mapping of kobe’s foot, the kobe 9 low htm removes distractions and enhances perception. connecting the nervous system to the court. it boosts his ability to outmaneuver opponents. 

 
magista
image © designboom

brain to boot
by eradicating all distractions and obstructions, the magista – with its mid-cut dynamic fit collar – enables seamless brain-synapse-to-boot communication, empowering the player to move and manipulate the ball instinctively and instantaneously.

magista
image © designboom

athlete intuition
designed to enhance andrés iniesta’s prophetic vision, emanating from the middle of the pitch, the magista transforms from a boot into an extension of his body. flyknit moves seamlessly with his feet, translating his athletic intuition into a deadly reality.

more details on the NIKE KOBE 9 elite low HTM here »