Back in 2000, Carl Martens designed Balance: a cup that reacts to its contents. It’s a bit of kinetic sculpture, really. As the user fills the cup, the cup slowly turns from laying on its side to sitting more upright. The effect is that even when slightly full the cup always appears to be completely full because of its changing angle. To me this is a pretty deep concept. The cup is about optimism, and how no matter what level you are at, you are still at the top. It’s a little bit like a menorah or drinking from the cup at church. It’s a miracle of sustainability and abundance. I don’t think the Scientologists have any good icons for this in their faith, right? This cup is very Sci-Fi looking. Maybe it would have a chance as a lasting object in their ceremonies?