Monthly Archives: March 2024

The Star: MAD Architects’ Visionary Proposal for Hollywood’s Future Work Spaces

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MAD Architects unveiled a visionary proposal for The Star in September 2021, a dynamic creative hub slated for Hollywood. Although the design was ultimately not chosen for realization, its innovative concepts continue to resonate, offering a glimpse into the future of workplace architecture. MAD Architects’ proposal was characterized by a biomorphic form, lush vertical landscaping, and a commitment to integrating the built environment with nature.

Designer: MAD Architects

Drawing inspiration from the city’s rich architectural heritage, including landmarks like the Griffith Observatory, Capitol Records Building, Hollywood Bowl, and Cinerama Dome, MAD Architects envisioned the “Star” as a shimmering addition to the urban landscape. Despite its towering presence, spanning 500,000 square feet across 22 floors, the building’s design aimed to harmonize with its surroundings, seamlessly blending into the fabric of Sunset Boulevard.

What set the “Star” apart was its focus on addressing the needs of the post-COVID reality. Recognizing the importance of physical, emotional, and mental well-being in the workplace, MAD Architects prioritized elements like natural light, ample ventilation, and outdoor spaces. The design incorporated tree-filled gardens, terraces, and sky gardens throughout the building, providing employees with opportunities for relaxation, inspiration, and connection with nature.

Collaborating with local design studio SALT Landscape Architects, MAD Architects ensured that the extensive landscape design complemented the building’s architecture, creating a harmonious environment that fostered creativity and productivity. From the ground level to the uppermost floors, every aspect of the “Star” was meticulously crafted to enhance the pedestrian experience and nourish the community’s spirit.

MAD Architects’ proposal for The Star captivated imaginations with its striking resemblance to three funnels stacked within each other, topped by an elegant glass dome. This distinctive architectural form wasn’t merely aesthetic; it was purposeful, accommodating innovative amenities that set the project apart. Among these features was a remarkable funicular track, providing visitors with an exhilarating journey skyward to an enclosed rooftop restaurant, event space, and observation deck. From this vantage point, panoramic views of Los Angeles would have unfolded, offering a unique perspective on the bustling cityscape below.

Central to MAD Architects’ vision was a profound emphasis on public access and engagement. The inclusion of a rooftop garden and observation deck open to all underscored their commitment to fostering a sense of community within the bustling heart of Hollywood. Moreover, the design of the building’s facade, characterized by tessellated glass, served a dual purpose. Not only did it maximize usable outdoor space, but it also maintained transparency for neighboring residents, ensuring that The Star would seamlessly integrate into its urban context without creating barriers or shadows.

Despite The Star remaining an unbuilt vision, its impact continues to reverberate within the architectural community. It serves as a compelling catalyst for conversations about the future of workplace design. MAD Architects’ deliberate prioritization of employee well-being, public interaction, and environmental sustainability resonates profoundly, offering a glimpse into a future where buildings serve not just as functional spaces but as vibrant hubs of creativity and sustainability.

The post The Star: MAD Architects’ Visionary Proposal for Hollywood’s Future Work Spaces first appeared on Yanko Design.

A Mouse That Enhances Your Gaming Experience Inspired By Star Wars

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As a design website, we’ve had the distinction of covering practically every computer mouse there is. Regular mice, ergonomic mice, vertical mice, gaming mice, inflatable mice, even origami mice… so the BM1 doesn’t come as any massive surprise in terms of the visual design department. Modeled on the Lambda-class T-4A Shuttle from Star Wars, the mouse balances ergonomics with a rather inventive design that pays tribute to one of the greatest cinematic universes of all time.

Designer: Braz de Pina

Crafted by a visionary designer with a profound love for the Star Wars universe, the BM1 Mouse pays homage to one of the saga’s most iconic vessels – the Lambda-class T-4a shuttle. With its sleek contours and unmistakable resemblance to the Imperial Shuttle, this mouse beckons adventurers to embark on a journey through the stars, where every click and scroll resonates with the pulse of interstellar warfare.

For the legions of Star Wars aficionados and gamers alike, the BM1 Mouse offers an unparalleled experience, seamlessly blending the allure of the Galactic Empire with the thrill of virtual conquests. At first glance, the echoes of the Lambda-class shuttle resonate through the sleek contours of the mouse, with its central body mirroring the iconic vessel’s silhouette (if you exclude the wings).

The fusion of form and function reaches its peak with the mouse’s primary features – the left and right clicks, reminiscent of the cannons adorning the front of the Imperial Lambda. Each click resonates with the exhilaration of battle, offering gamers an immersive experience akin to piloting a starfighter through the vast expanse of space.

Beyond its striking resemblance to the Imperial Shuttle, the BM1 Mouse boasts a visual identity that exudes sophistication and ergonomic brilliance. Chamfered edges provide not only aesthetic appeal but also enhance grip and comfort during prolonged gaming sessions. The streamlined shape evokes a sense of speed and agility, reminiscent of the starships that dominate the Star Wars universe.

Not to be overlooked is the mouse’s scroller – a distinctive feature that commands attention with its futuristic design. Easy to spot and effortless to use, the scroller serves as a tool for navigation in the digital realm, guiding users through galaxies far and wide with precision and ease.

Moreover, the visual cues and font selection evoke a sense of futurism, drawing parallels to the technological marvels of the Star Wars universe. The color palette, a delicate fusion of greys, whites, and vibrant primary hues, further accentuates the mouse’s futuristic appeal, transporting users to a realm where technology and imagination converge.

A closer look at the mouse’s underside reveals a flat base adorned with sleek depressions, reminiscent of the underbelly of a spaceship preparing for flight. This attention to detail not only enhances the mouse’s aesthetic appeal but also reinforces its identity as a vessel for digital exploration and conquest.

The post A Mouse That Enhances Your Gaming Experience Inspired By Star Wars first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tekken director apparently keeps getting requests to add a Waffle House stage

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Waffle House is one of those uniquely American institutions-turned-meme. The 24/7 chain is not only a place where you can order a breakfast combo at 3AM, but where unruly customers have been known to show up ready to throw hands (and sometimes chairs). Given its notoriety for late-night brawls, it’s exactly the type of setting that would make for a perfect backdrop in a fighting game like Tekken 8 — and apparently, fans have been inquiring. Longtime Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada posted on X this weekend asking what the deal is with all the Waffle House requests.

Obviously, the question was posed in the days before April Fools’ Day, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there turned out to be some jest baked into it all. But now that we’re having the conversation…

“Ok, I will only ask once about this request,” Harada posted. “Why do some communities send me requests for ‘Waffle House’? Please be sure to explain the basis for the request, including the original story, history and background. I look forward to an explanation from someone who knows more.”

Harada followed it up with another post thanking everyone who explained it and saying he understands, but went on to say, “The restaurant has both the trademark and the rights to the restaurant, so if the restaurant chain's headquarters refuses to accept my proposal, it will not happen.” Waffle House now has an opportunity to do something pretty funny here.

But that shouldn’t come before Waffle House adequately addresses the concerns of its employees, some of whom have been vocal in the last year about low wages and a lack of security. Employees from some locations are on strike, and the Union of Southern Service Workers has put together a petition demanding Waffle House implement changes to improve working conditions. Until that's resolved, any collaboration with the fighting game would just be in poor taste. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tekken-director-apparently-keeps-getting-requests-to-add-a-waffle-house-stage-211913943.html?src=rss

Tekken director apparently keeps getting requests to add a Waffle House stage

Posted on by

Waffle House is one of those uniquely American institutions-turned-meme. The 24/7 chain is not only a place where you can order a breakfast combo at 3AM, but where unruly customers have been known to show up ready to throw hands (and sometimes chairs). Given its notoriety for late-night brawls, it’s exactly the type of setting that would make for a perfect backdrop in a fighting game like Tekken 8 — and apparently, fans have been inquiring. Longtime Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada posted on X this weekend asking what the deal is with all the Waffle House requests.

Obviously, the question was posed in the days before April Fools’ Day, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there turned out to be some jest baked into it all. But now that we’re having the conversation…

“Ok, I will only ask once about this request,” Harada posted. “Why do some communities send me requests for ‘Waffle House’? Please be sure to explain the basis for the request, including the original story, history and background. I look forward to an explanation from someone who knows more.”

Harada followed it up with another post thanking everyone who explained it and saying he understands, but went on to say, “The restaurant has both the trademark and the rights to the restaurant, so if the restaurant chain's headquarters refuses to accept my proposal, it will not happen.” Waffle House now has an opportunity to do something pretty funny here.

But that shouldn’t come before Waffle House adequately addresses the concerns of its employees, some of whom have been vocal in the last year about low wages and a lack of security. Employees from some locations are on strike, and the Union of Southern Service Workers has put together a petition demanding Waffle House implement changes to improve working conditions. Until that's resolved, any collaboration with the fighting game would just be in poor taste. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tekken-director-apparently-keeps-getting-requests-to-add-a-waffle-house-stage-211913943.html?src=rss

Designed after a serpent, the Craighill Sidewinder pocket knife is an eye-candy for the collector

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Some of us have an uncanny love for knives, and in them, foldable knives. Not many, but of course a few of these foldable knives are created to get the toughest job done, and then there are a few amid them that are crafted for the collectors. An eye-candy for the latter is the Sidewinder, which is also an impending workhorse from Craighill.

Born to a brand “rooted in curiosity, ingenuity, and satisfaction” designing knives that are “beautiful and intriguing,” the Sidewinder draws its name from a namesake serpent known for its characteristic sideways gait. The knife has a unique handle and opening mechanism that mimics the Sidewinder slithering smoothly on the sand.

Designer: Craighill

Crafted to disrupt the appearance and functioning of the traditional pocket knives, the Sidewinder is the idea of Craighill but it was designed in a years-long collaboration with Chen Chen and Kai Williams. The outcome is a knife with little focus on functioning and longevity and more on style and substance, which may not make it the best option as an EDC for the outdoor, but would be a perfect conversation starter.

The opening mechanism that is high on ingenuity is easy to open with one hand. The handle is made in a two-piece hinge – one comprises stone-washed finish and the other has black PVD-coated stainless steel – that moves like the Sidewalker over to separate and join when the knife is opened and closed respectively.

The Sidewalker knife weighs 5.6 ounces to let you feel slight heft in the hand or your pocket. The knife measures 2.5 inches long; it has a fine tip and deep belly for everyday usage. But it’s the interlocking opening and closing mechanism that makes the biggest and most defining highlight of the knife. The interesting thing also is that even though the foldable knife is highly portable, it will make a great décor item on the desk or shelf where it is going to attract everyone.

The post Designed after a serpent, the Craighill Sidewinder pocket knife is an eye-candy for the collector first appeared on Yanko Design.

These Pendant Lighting Designs Are Made From A Leather Alternative Derived From Plants

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Something that designers have been focusing on when it comes to the arena of lighting is sustainability in their use of materials and different techniques. Pretty lighting designs that illuminate well can be found generously, but ones with a splash of sustainability aren’t always easy to come by. And even if you do find an eco-friendly one, they aren’t always the most visually pleasing ones on the market and can mess up your interior decor style. But this is where Spanish designer Ceci Ferrero has come to the rescue with his Couro collection, created for the handmade decor brand Let’s Pause.

Designer: Ceci Ferroro for Let’s Pause

Now what makes Ferroro’s Couro collection special? Well, these distinctive pendant lamps are made using a leather alternative derived from plants! The lighting range for Let’s Pause is crafted from couro – a leather-like material made from the dry waste leaves of American palm trees. The material has a unique translucent appearance which softly diffuses light, creating a wonderful and ethereal-looking effect.

The collection includes the Couro 8 Leafs lamp shade, where the leaves’ shapes are preserved, and artfully draped into a mesmerizing artichoke-esque arrangement, or in the words of Let’s Pause in an “elegant skirt of spikes”. According to the decor brand, the pendants will look stunning over a dining table or even at the entrance to a hotel, making it a perfect fit for personal and commercial spaces. The lighting designs can be hung in groups of varying heights or individually.

“The texture of the leaves, with their compact fibers, evokes aged leather and provides a unique tactile element,” said Let’s Pause. The shades are offered supported by a brown frame crafted from aluminum and paired with a black plug, and a 2.5 meter-long matte black cotton electric cord. The Couro collection has a natural look to it with a touch of wilderness that adds some personality to the pieces. They perfectly complement various interior decor styles, adding a spark of style and whimsical elegance to different spaces, whether it is your own living room or the reception area of your office.

The post These Pendant Lighting Designs Are Made From A Leather Alternative Derived From Plants first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $20 off at Amazon

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Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite is an ereader you can bring with you anywhere thanks to its glare-free display and water resistant build, and it’s currently down to the best price we’ve seen this year so far. The 16GB Kindle Paperwhite with lock screen ads, normally priced at $150, is down to $130 in a deal from Amazon. It’s not an all-time low, but it’s the cheapest the ereader has been since Black Friday. If you’d rather not see ads on the lock screen, the ad-free version is $20 off too, at $150 compared to its usual price of $170.

The discount is for the newest version of the Kindle Paperwhite and applies to three color options: Black, Agave Green and Denim. The Paperwhite is nicely sized for readability and a comfortable fit in your hand, with a 6.8-inch display. The backlight is adjustable and can be shifted from bright white light to warm, amber light that’s easier on the eyes. With a 300 ppi glare-free display, the words should be crisp and clear on the screen, and easily readable even if you’re sitting in the sun.

Amazon says this model of the Kindle Paperwhite can last up to 10 weeks on a charge, though that will certainly depend on how heavily you’re using the device. It has a USB-C charging port. The Paperwhite is poolside-friendly, too, with an IPX8 water resistance rating. It’s not only durable against splashes, but should be able to withstand immersion in freshwater as well, within reasonable limits. Amazon says it’s protected for up to one hour in freshwater as deep as 2 meters. It’s a bit different for seawater, though, and only rated to withstand submersion for 3 minutes in .25 meters.

If audiobooks are more your vibe, the Kindle Paperwhite supports that format too, and pairs with Bluetooth headphones or speakers. It doesn’t have built-in speakers or an audio jack, so you’ll need an external device for listening.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-kindle-paperwhite-is-on-sale-for-20-off-at-amazon-164057689.html?src=rss

The Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $20 off at Amazon

Posted on by

Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite is an ereader you can bring with you anywhere thanks to its glare-free display and water resistant build, and it’s currently down to the best price we’ve seen this year so far. The 16GB Kindle Paperwhite with lock screen ads, normally priced at $150, is down to $130 in a deal from Amazon. It’s not an all-time low, but it’s the cheapest the ereader has been since Black Friday. If you’d rather not see ads on the lock screen, the ad-free version is $20 off too, at $150 compared to its usual price of $170.

The discount is for the newest version of the Kindle Paperwhite and applies to three color options: Black, Agave Green and Denim. The Paperwhite is nicely sized for readability and a comfortable fit in your hand, with a 6.8-inch display. The backlight is adjustable and can be shifted from bright white light to warm, amber light that’s easier on the eyes. With a 300 ppi glare-free display, the words should be crisp and clear on the screen, and easily readable even if you’re sitting in the sun.

Amazon says this model of the Kindle Paperwhite can last up to 10 weeks on a charge, though that will certainly depend on how heavily you’re using the device. It has a USB-C charging port. The Paperwhite is poolside-friendly, too, with an IPX8 water resistance rating. It’s not only durable against splashes, but should be able to withstand immersion in freshwater as well, within reasonable limits. Amazon says it’s protected for up to one hour in freshwater as deep as 2 meters. It’s a bit different for seawater, though, and only rated to withstand submersion for 3 minutes in .25 meters.

If audiobooks are more your vibe, the Kindle Paperwhite supports that format too, and pairs with Bluetooth headphones or speakers. It doesn’t have built-in speakers or an audio jack, so you’ll need an external device for listening.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-kindle-paperwhite-is-on-sale-for-20-off-at-amazon-164057689.html?src=rss

Our favorite air purifier is $30 off right now in a limited time deal

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As clean as your home may be, there are plenty of factors at play that can contribute to the accumulation of pollutants indoors. An air purifier is an easy way to freshen things up and improve the air quality in your home — and one of our favorites, the Levoit Core 400S, is currently 14 percent off. In a limited time deal on Amazon, the Levoit Core 400S in white is down to $190 from its usual price of $220.

The Levoit Core 400S is a standard air purifier in terms of its design, with a cylindrical body that has vents at the top and a simple display that offers touch controls and air quality readings. A color-changing ring at the center of the device surrounding the pollution measurement provides quick information at a glance; it’ll be either blue, green, orange or red depending on the air quality. It has a 360-degree filtration system and is stated to capture over 99.9 percent of pollutants as small as .3 microns, including dust, pollen and pet dander.

The Core 400S is one of our top picks for the best air purifiers you can get this year. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls, and can perform automatic purification duties. When running on auto, it’ll adjust its fan speeds based on changes in the surrounding air quality. The smart air purifier also connects to an app, where you can check the air quality reports even if you’re not home. It also has a sleep mode for quieter performance at night, and it’ll dim or turn off the display so you aren’t disturbed by bright lights.

The Levoit Core 400S combines pre-filter, activated carbon and HEPA into a ring-shaped filter that can be replaced for $50. The company claims it can purify an area of 1980 square feet once per hour. It may not have a standout design, but it gets the job done.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/our-favorite-air-purifier-is-30-off-right-now-in-a-limited-time-deal-150709388.html?src=rss

Even More iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Specs Leaked

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iPhone 16 and 16 Pro

With the iPhone 16 series on the horizon, excitement bubbles over the raft of enhancements poised to elevate the user experience. If you’re intrigued by what’s in store for Apple’s next-generation smartphones, you’ll be pleased to know that a trove of new details has emerged, shedding light on significant upgrades across the board. Let’s delve […]

The post Even More iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Specs Leaked appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.