Since this summer, an Italian website has been hosting a year-long on-line vote to determine the most beautiful object in the world. Right now the front-runner is this exquisite minimalist fireplace. This competition is not strictly for best in design, however, but the winner will be representative of the best mankind can create--the fireplace is very nice but a little johnny-come-lately compared to a van Gogh or a Miro; I guess an object is not catagorically the smae as a work of art--and put in a time-capsule for prosperity. A diamond and a sleek coffee-maker are also in serious contention. Voters are also invited to send the website their messages to the future for inclusion in the time-capsule.
