This week’s links swing between the rusty, dilapidated scenes of abandoned gas stations, through to delicate collages of type and image. There’s also some amazing work form studio KXX, some images that will bring back memories for many, the original iPhone and some of the best newspaper design in the world.

Abandoned Gas Stations by Eric Tabuchi

Strangely intriguing shots of abandoned gas stations taken by French photographer Eric Tabuchi over a six year period. Tabuchi’s work captures abandoned, rusting, toxic-leaking architectural ruins that blight the landscape and roadscapes of France.

Mary Virginia

Mary’s collages are so beautiful I want to throw away my MacBook and grab a pair of scissors, a stick of glue and my pile of old magazines and go hog-wild for a rainy afternoon. Some of the illustrations have too much going on for my tastes, but the quieter ones take my breath away.

Studio KXX

Studio KXX has been getting a lot of attention on image collection sites like ffffound lately but when they really knocked me out was when they did the splash page for Fabien Barral’s Graphic-Exchange. Exploring their folio deeper, you find yourself in a world of detailed illustration that spans many mediums and truly inspires.

The iPhone, circa 1983

Designed by Hartmut Esslinger, the man behind the first portable computer, the 1984 Apple IIc, this is what appears to be a semi-touch screen attached to a phone. I say it looks something the Doc brought back to him to show Marty, but Biff stole and claimed the patent on it only to make himself millions and create an alternate 1983 (therefore, an alternate 1985.. it’s all on the blackboard!).

The Posters of LucasArts

Over at a LucasArts forum, a collection of posters from some of their legendary (and damningly addictive) games are being collected. Brings back some memories! There are large (60x80cm) copies available for download too.

A Library Full Of Dead Trees

The CR Blog has a great article on typographic engravings that have taken root as part of a new library. These logs and their words were the brainchild of Gordon Young and a group of collaborators. The elegance of some of the curves is astounding when contrasted with the texture and grain of the wood – especially when a crack in the wood cuts through a beautiful R.

Society for News Design
Announce World’s Best-Designed Newspapers

The Society for News Design has recently announced the best newspaper design from around the world. The winning entries hail from Russia, Greece, Portugal, Mexico and Germany, ranging in circulations from 10,000 to 400,000. Check out the SND produced video where I originally found this info at FontFeed and enjoy a slideshow of some of the award-winning design here. Who would have thought that the paper on the bottom of tomorrow’s birdcage would be so well designed?