Submitted by WA ContentsMVRDV's experience centre features rotated volumes offering expansive views in Rotterdam Netherlands Architecture News - Mar 20, 2025 - 15:03 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"MVRDV has completed a new visitor and experience centre with a stack of rotated volumes offering expansive views at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.Named Portlantis, the 3,533-square-metre experience centre consists of exhibition spaces, restaurant, and caf. The city of Rotterdam and its port have coexisted in a mutually beneficial relationship for generations.The Port is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history in the twenty-first century as it moves toward low-energy, ecological operations.How can the general public feel this transformation while understanding the port's complexity? The harbor of Rotterdam's visitor and exposition center, Portlantis, which was designed by MVRDV and is situated at the westernmost point of the harbor, opened yesterday.On March 22, 2025, Portlantis will open to the public after yesterday's grand opening ceremony.Portlantis establishes a beacon that may be seen from a distance by taking up a prominent position on the beach of the port's artificial land expansion, Maasvlakte 2.With its straightforward operation, striking appearance, and industrial materials, it captures the spirit of the port while approaching its instructional mission with a pragmatic, no-nonsense attitude.Each floor has a big panorama window that frames a varied view of the surroundings, and the building's design is a direct response to the activity occurring both within and outside.Each floor's orientation and the direction of its main window match its purpose: the caf on the ground floor has a window facing west, offering a close-up view of the dunes, while the restaurant on the fourth floor offers views of the North Sea sunsets as well as the nighttime illuminated skyline of the port.In this industrial setting, the Kossmanndejong-designed permanent show is dispersed among the three levels. Each level of the exhibition focuses on a distinct theme, and the panorama windows highlight aspects of the port that complement the show's content.A 22-meter-tall atrium that serves as a stand-alone exhibition space is located in the middle of the structure. A model of the Port of Rotterdam greets guests on the bottom floor, while a kinetic sculpture hangs in the center.The mirrored ceiling, which doubles the space's apparent height, and the ground floor entrance, where a revolving door hides the exhibition until guests enter the expansive center of the building, highlight this dramatic area.On the exterior, the various levels of the building form platforms on each floor, which are connected by bright red staircases that wind up the stack, emphasizing the public, free route to the roof, which enables the building to serve as a viewing tower over the port."Portlantis is a beacon, its eye-catching, but its also a kind of watchtower," said MVRDV founding partner Winy Maas."When you live in Rotterdam, the port sits on the horizon its over there and many people dont really know what goes on there.""Portlantis gives people a way to investigate, to see how things are changing in the port, how that relates to the city, and how it affects the life they live in the city. It does this extremely efficiently like a machine for storytelling," Maas added.The structure uses simple, industrial materials in an effort to be sustainable by conforming to the ideas of the circular economy.The faade panels will be returned at the end of their useful life in accordance with a contract with the manufacturer, and the structure is demountable to make it easy to reuse its components. Even the base of the structure is made to be undetectable, avoiding the usage of concrete piles.In addition to using sustainable materials, Portlantis operates more efficiently than energy-neutrally. The building uses relatively little energy thanks to a heat pump and effective insulation.As the MVRDV team stated, the project locally produces 30 per cent more energy than it consumes, largely due to a dedicated on-site windmill.Ground floor planFloor plan 1Floor plan 2Floor plan 3Floor plan 4SectionConcept diagramsConcept diagramsMVRDV recently unveiled design for a shopping mall made up of a stack of colorful boxes in Chengdu. In addition, the firm completed an installation that presents a story of plastic waste and recycling at the heart of Bangkok Design Week in Thailand. Moreover, the new Tiffany & Co. store in hand-crafted ceramic elements in the shape of diamonds in Stuttgart.Project factsProject name:PortlantisLocation:RotterdamYear:2020-2025Client:Port of RotterdamArchitect: MVRDVFounding Partner in charge: Winy MaasPartner:Fokke MoerelDesign team:Arjen Ketting, Klaas Hofman, Pim Bangert, Jonathan Schuster, Samuel Delgado, Duong Hong Vu, Monica di Salvo, Efthymia Papadima, Luis Druschke, MaximilianSemmelrock, Antonio Pilz.Sustainability advisor: Arjen KettingStrategy and Development:Magdalena DzamboPartnersExhibition designer: KossmanndejongStructural engineer:van RossumMEP, Building physics, & Environmental Advisor:NelissenCost calculation: LaysanAll images Ossip van Duivenbode.All drawings MVRDV.> via MVRDV

Source: Gensler / The Vinyl FactoryGenslers proposed redevelopment of a former Gillette factory site has been approved by Hounslow councils planning committee.Councillors on MondayThe proposals, for developer The Vinyl Factory, include new film production facilities, virtual production spaces, and digital content creation studios, alongside production offices, workshops, and a public caf within the adjacent grade II-listed former NatWest Bank.Hounslow councillor Salman Shaheen said the scheme would play a vital role in Hounslows future, supporting the boroughs ambition to become a hub for film production and creative industries.The scheme proposes the retention and refurbishment of several historic buildings, including the Gillette Factory itself, a former NatWest Bank, and part of the Campbells Building.However, a number of non-listed structures, including the north wing of the Campbells Building, and a multi-storey car park, are set to be demolished. New sound stages and production facilities will be constructed on the site.The scheme also includes a new six-storey car park with 413 space.Source: Gensler / The Vinyl FactorySource: Gensler / The Vinyl FactorySource: Gensler / The Vinyl Factory1/3show captionThe Gillette Factory, which previously served as the European headquarters for Gillette before production moved to Poland in 2006, has been used for film production since 2013.The Vinyl Factory has previously repurposed historic and listed buildings, including 180 Studios at 180 Strand, which houses digital and film production facilities alongside event and exhibition spaces.Engineering and planning consultancy WSP provided planning advice.

University of Leeds Source:&nbsp Image by Alastair Wallace ShutterstockThe University of Leeds has named the winner of its procurement competition to find a masterplanner to rethink its 40ha main campus A team led by Prior + Partners featuring AHMM, branding agency DNCO, engineers Alan Baxter, Expedition, Gardiner & Theobald, Evolve Digital Workplaces, Kate McLaren Design, re-form landscape architecture and Civic Engineers has been selected for the commission.The appointment follows a six-month, three-stage competitive public procurement process, which attracted a longlist of 54 applicants. The winning team will draw up a strategic masterplan framework for the universitys city-centre campus, which features a range of Gothic Revival, Art Deco and Brutalist architecture.The 18-month study will review existing facilities and space utilisation, evaluate high-level constraints and opportunities presented by the existing campus, set development principles for the framework, anticipate future space needs and create a conceptual vision for the future of the site.AdvertisementKey aims include enhancing the physical environment of the universitys 40ha main campus to deliver a more compelling student experience, and support the Universitys active role in the cultural and social capital and economic growth of the wider city and region.Jen Wilson director of masterplanning, asset management and sustainability at the University of Leeds said: Reimagining our campus will deliver long-term change that will benefit the university and wider city. But, most importantly, it is about creating a welcoming campus that supports the needs of students for years to come, invoking a sense of belonging and opportunity.Were excited to be working with Prior + Partners, who bring a wealth of experience and creativity to the project.Elise Baudon, director of masterplanning at Prior + Partners, said: As placemakers, were inspired by the fundamental role of universities in underpinning the identity of their home cities, helping to create dynamic economies, stronger communities and better futures.In the case of Leeds, our enthusiasm is only made greater by the many opportunities and assets this historic university and city has to offer.AdvertisementThe University of Leeds is the fifth largest university in the UK, with around 33,300 students. Its main 40ha campus features a variety of buildings, including the Grade II*-listed Roger Stevens Building by Chamberlin, Powell & Bon.Irish practice ODonnell + Tuomey won a competition to design a statement building for the University of Leeds in 2019. Recent schemes delivered by the university include a 16 million library on Woodhouse Lane by ADP.The university adopted an earlier 10-year, 200 million regeneration masterplan draw up by ADP in 2015. As part of the regeneration programme, a listed building management strategy was created by Avanti Architects for the universitys nine listed post-war buildings.Nicholas Hare Architects, Associated Architects and DLA Architecture were picked for the University of Leeds 15.8 million construction consultancy services framework five years ago.2025-03-20Merlin Fulchercomment and share

March 20, 20254 min readMouse-to-Mouse Resuscitation: Rodents Try to Revive Unconscious BuddiesThree studies show that a mouse will try to rouse an unconscious companionBy Gennaro Tomma edited by Gary StixA mouse tries to pull out the tongue of an unconscious social partner, perhaps to clear its airway in an attempt to revive it. Wenjian Sun, Guangwei Zhang, et al.Mice in animated movies and shorts do the weirdest things, from cooking starred dishes to piloting steamboats. But sometimes real life exceeds the most feverish Disney-esque imaginings. Consider recent research highlighting a mouse version of CPR. This study found that when mice see an unconscious peer, they seem to perform first aid, apparently aimed at rescuing their companion, although not all experts are convinced.It all started from an accidental observation, says Li Zhang, a systems neuroscientist at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC). While conducting laboratory experiments, Zhang and his colleagues noticed that when a mouse encountered an unconscious partner, it suddenly started to interact intensively with it.This caught our attention because this hasnt been reported before, how animals in general respond to unconscious conspecifics, Zhang says. While there are anecdotes of wild animals such as elephants, chimpanzees and dolphins trying to help others of their species in need, such rescuing behavior has never been carefully studied.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.To probe further, Zhang and his colleagues designed different experiments to analyze how a mouse behaved when it encountered another mouse that had been knocked out with anesthesia.Videos filmed with high-resolution cameras revealed that the first mouse performed a set of behaviors toward its unresponsive partner. First, it sniffed the unconscious mouses body and then started grooming the animal. Then it took more vigorous action: biting the mouth of its immobile partner and pulling its tongue out, clearing the airway opening. These actions resembled what humans do during first aid procedures, the team reports in a study published on February 21 in Science. When the researchers put an object in the mouth of the unresponsive mouse, the rescuer removed it most of the time.The team then designed additional experiments to rule out whether this behavior was motivated by a desire for social interaction with the unconscious mouse or curiosity about something new. The results were really a shock to us, Zhang says. We realized, Wow, this is a revival.The mice were more likely to administer this rescuelike behavior to familiar partners than to strangers, suggesting their actions were not motivated by aggressive impulses. For their part, the female rescuers sometimes went through this routine with strangers, suggesting they might have a higher level of empathy compared with males, the researchers say. The mice rescuers had no previous experience of interacting with an unconscious peer, suggesting the behavior is innate.While the recipients of the first aid behaviors revived more quickly from their unconscious states, the researchers remain cautious about whether such resuscitation attempts are intentional. It is possible that such rescuers actions arise from innate impulses that may have evolved because they enhance the chances of an animals survival, says study co-author Huizhong Tao, a professor of physiology and neuroscience at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.A closer look at the brains of these mice showed that neurons in the hypothalamus that release the hormone oxytocin play a key role in the expression of this first-aid-like behavior, Tao says.Another study investigating mouse first aid published in the same issue of Science produced similar results. The researchers found that a brain structure called the medial amygdala plays a part in the recognition of the unconscious animal and in regulating the rescuing behavior. These two different findings can complement each other, suggesting that both of the structures may be required for helpinglike behaviors toward unresponsive companions, Tao says.Yet another study, published on January 22 in Science Advances, reached similar conclusions while highlighting a different brain region that might be involved in this behavior.The behavior seems to be super surprising, says Inbal Ben-Ami Bartal, a neuroscientist at Tel Aviv University, who studies helping behavior in rats and was not involved in the new research. For a long time, we were trying to explain whether behaviors for others are something that is automatic or ... something that is more acquired. For example, in humans, Bartal says, so-called prosocial behaviors are thought by many to be culturally based, skills that are learned from others.But this result, Bartal says, points toward a different view proposed by some scientiststhat we also have an innate automatic circuit that is intended to act prosocially for others.I think its definitely relevant to humans, Bartal adds. I think it helps us to realize that there is something automatic about prosociality in us that is very evolutionarily ancient.But not all scientists are convinced. I completely disagree with the interpretation, says Peggy Mason, a professor of neurobiology at the University of Chicago, who also wasnt involved in the new research. While she agrees that the rescue behavior indicates that the mice are disturbed by their unresponsive peers, Mason believes they are not actually attempting to rescue the animals but are just curious about them and engaged in investigation. I think the behavior is fine, she says. I just think you got to name it differently.Overall, the findings raise new questions, and further studies could lead to a better understanding of the brain circuitry that controls these rescuelike behaviorsand the empathy toward other animals that underlies them. Once the brain pathways that control these behaviors become clear, the authors say, it could reveal the underlying causes of deficits for certain neurological disorders ranging from Alzheimers to autism.

Of course The Last of Us' recap trailer includes that infected kissSimply the Tess.Image credit: HBO News by Victoria Kennedy News Reporter Published on March 20, 2025 Regular Eurogamer readers may know I am rather fond of The Last of Us, and if anything to do with the series is due to pop up online, I am already eagerly awaiting it. So it was with some surprise this morning that I saw a new trailer for HBO's The Last of Us series had dropped. I immediately Clicker-ed to watch.It turns out this trailer isn't for the show's upcoming second season, however. Or more specifically, it is a handy recap of season one in advance of that second season, packaged up into a video that lasts a little over five minutes. As you would expect, it covers all the essential plot points to get you up to speed - you know, the start of the outbreak (and the emotional impact behind that fateful night), Ellie's immunity, David (shivers) and the hospital finale.Oh, and yes, that kiss between Tess and an infected. Oh my word. It still makes me feel all funny even though I knew it was coming the moment the Capitol shots started showing up. Anyway, if you want to refresh yourself on the events of The Last of Us season one for yourself, you can do so below.HBO's The Last of Us Season 1 recap video. Watch on YouTubeThe second season of The Last of Us will kick off next month, on 13th April, and will comprise seven episodes, with one of those episodes being "quite big" in length.Returning cast members include Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy and Rutina Wesley as Maria. New faces for season two, meanwhile, include Kaitlyn Dever as Abby and Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, with a role that has been expanded upon from the game in the style of the first season's award winning Bill and Frank episode.Meanwhile, spores have been confirmed for The Last of Us' second season, with the showrunners promising viewers "a different evolution" of infection.Will you be watching?

Square Enix accuses Front Mission developer BlackJack Studio of stealing assets for its own gameSeeking rip-off's shutdown and $150k.Image credit: BlackJack Studio News by Tom Phillips Editor-in-Chief Published on March 20, 2025 Final Fantasy publisher Square Enix has launched legal action against a developer it had partnered with to make a new Front Mission game.Front Mission, the company's classic mecha battle franchise, was set to be revived by BlackJack Studio via a new game titled Front Mission 2089: Borderscape. After two years of development, Square Enix cancelled the project in October 2024, and walked away from BlackJack Studio for reasons unknown. Shortly after, BlackJack Studio announced its own "Front Mission-style game", known as Mecharashi.Xbox currently has more first-party games coming to PlayStation 5 this year than Sony.Watch on YouTubeSquare Enix's lawsuit (uncovered by Polygon) claims Mecharashi uses the work BlackJack Studio undertook for its own project. Indeed, Mecharashi's own Steam page describes the game thus: "Mecharashi is a mecha-themed tactical turn-based game. The game adopts a Front Mission-style combat system, where you can assemble mechas however you want, equip a wide selection of weapons, and choose your favorite pilots to engage in battle."Court documents filed by Square Enix include pages of screenshots comparing the unreleased Front Mission prototype made by BlackJack Studio and the developer's new project. The similarities are obvious. Front Mission 2089: Borderscape prototype images, compared with Mecharashi. | Image credit: Square EnixSquare Enix is seeking $150k (115k) in compensation for copyright infringement, and an immediate removal of the game's listing from storefronts.In the meantime, Mecharashi has already disappeared and reappeared from Steam as Square Enix and BlackJack Studio squabble over a DMCA notice.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereAfter spending years creating the new game, Monster Hunter Wilds director Yuya Tokuda has continued to play the action RPG after launch. Unfortunately, his attempts to join the fanbase in their quest to slay millions of monsters have not gone well.While players are actively trying to make the game harder and start speedrunning every element of the game, Tokuda tried and failed to save players online.Monster Hunter Wilds developer carts before everyone elseIn a recent video, Monster Hunter Wilds director Yuya Tokuda explained that he recently played online multiplayer with fans for the first time. After answering an SOS flare for a quest involving Gore Magala, the director quickly left the quest.I recently joined a Gore Magala hunt via an SOS flare, only to promptly cart before anyone else, the director revealed. I felt bad about that, but we did manage to clear the hunt!Alongside the fun anecdote, the hilarious game director revealed that there are massive plans in store for the future of the franchise. While the expected post-launch support for the game is coming in the form of continued updates and, likely, an eventual expansion, Capcom already has plans for the rest of the series as well.In the video, Tokuda and others tease that there is lots in store for the series as a whole. With Wilds now taking care of the massive AAA side of the series for years to come, I could there be another Rise-style adventure in the works? Perhaps for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2? Hmm.For more Monster Hunter Wilds coverage, be sure to check out why some players are being banned for using mods online. Additionally, read about how the games launch sales prove that console dominance is leaving the games industry in favour of PC.Monster Hunter WildsPlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action RPGSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereMarvel Rivals, in the ever-evolving world of hero shooters, continues to attract gamers with its dynamic gameplay and diverse cast of Marvel characters. The title, developed by NetEase Games, has taken a risk with its game systems, putting accessibility and enjoyment ahead of rigorous competitive frameworks.Since its release, the creators have concentrated on creating a fast-paced, 6v6 game that thrives on intricate settings and team-based mechanics such as Team-Ups, in which heroes combine skills to produce spectacular results. Unlike its competitors, Marvel Rivals does not use a standard role queue, giving players the freedom to experiment with unique team compositionsa decision that has attracted both praise and disagreement among its burgeoning community.Recent improvements, such as the Clone Rumble mode and Season 2 content scheduled for April 11, 2025, demonstrate the teams dedication to keeping the game fresh and entertaining. With a roster of 37 heroes and promises to add two more each season, NetEase is merging fan favorites like Spider-Man with unique curveball additions like Jeff the Land Shark, ensuring that variety remains a cornerstone of the experience. Furthermore, in a recent PC Gamer interview, Executive Producer Danny Koo explained their philosophy behind balancing heroes, emphasizing a casual-first approach.This game is built to be more acceptable for casual play, says Marvel Rivals dev on balancing heroes for competitive modesIn an interview with PC Gamer, Marvel Games Executive Producer Danny Koo revealed why the game prioritizes casual players over its expansive competitive player base. So every character we balance for fun, first and foremost, as in if the character is fun or not [to play], thats always number one. And then the team has data on win rates, making sure that no one character is too painful and oppressive so that everybodys still having fun. But thats secondary.Human Torch and Storms abilities were intended to make the game more fun. Image by VideoGamer.While there are numerous exploits the game has, right from Penis invisible mines to Rockets Ammo Invention exploit, all these elements according to devs are just adding to the fun of the game. This game is built to be more acceptable for casual play, Koo revealed. People just want to have fun at the end of the daythat balance for fun is always the key number one priority of anything.At the same time, Koo also said that players like to feel like theyre playing as unique a character as possible in each match and the team has strived for the exact same goal. I mean, the latest content with Human Torch and Storm, the flame and whirlwind combination, becomes a firestorm. That in itself is visually spectacular. But then I think the graphic team also needs to make sure that it doesnt kill your entire graphic resources, especially if youre in the eye of the storm.When asked about his reasons for prioritizing Casual Play over Competitive, Koo says, [Casual and competitive] co-exist, but the majority of the players will not play competitive anyway, thats for sure, Koo says. They just want to have fun with friends and go, Hey, lets queue and do a quick play. But competitive is also important, right? Because [players] also want an avenue to show off their mastery.At the same time Koo also commented on how the devs balance heroes and matchmaking queues across both lobbies, including the absence of a Role Queue in the game, We always look at it and balance it, if necessary, each season to see how fast players progress, and in terms of matchmaking, we always pair you with people with the same level and the same rate as you to make it a comfortable experience. No role queuethats what makes this game so unique.Since theres a drastic division in Marvel Rivals between casual vs competitive players, the Rank Distribution data proves that most players are still sitting at the Bronze III-tier and are mighty comfortable with their spot without having to prove their grind.Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterRelated TopicsMarvel Rivals Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

The best rugs on Amazon are buried among what feels like (and might actually be) millions of options. And the search is important: Think of the rug as the great equalizer of the room. No matter how pretty your hardwood floors may be, no living room is going to feel completely in balance without something soft to dig your feet into. In fact, the perfect rug can have such a weighty interior design impact that it can turn a ho-hum room into your favorite space.No matter your price point, a new area rug can satisfy your craving for a home decor refreshbut before you get too excited about that beautiful low-pile dining room rug you just added to your cart, we have one word of advice: Do not forget the rug pad. Not only will it help prevent slipping and sliding in high-traffic areas, itll also help protect your floors.Now that weve taken a moment to play rug parent, lets get to the good stuff. We pulled together all sorts of styles, from some of the best area rugs for covering large swaths of flooring to washable rugs that will anchor your entryway. P.S. Nows the perfect time to snag one of our selections at a discount during Amazons Big Spring Sale.Our Top Picks for the Best Amazon Rugs:Best Round Rug: Safavieh Round Jute Area Rug, $73Best (Faux) Hide Rug: Loloi II Grand Canyon Collection Area Rug, $280 $266Best Pattern: Ruggable x Morris & Co Washable Rug, $139Best Natural Fiber Rug: Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection Area Rug, $428 $394Browse by Category:Best Amazon Rugs, OverallThese top picks excel in quality, material, price point, and style, making them some of our favorite brands to shop from Amazon. Both Ruggable and Loloi stand out to us for their creative patterns and palettes, inspired by major works of art, as well as collaborating with designers to create high-quality contemporary styles that look a lot more expensive than they are. Safavieh gets five stars for the breadth of their catalog, featuring every pattern, style, and shape under the sunmany of them handmade and sourced from around the world.Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection Round Area RugLend your home a boho touch with Safaviehs circular rug adorned with jute medallions. Its ultra-durable, so its ideal for areas that get high foot trafficand comes in seven different colors, from the natural hue seen here to navy.Loloi II Grand Canyon Collection Area RugIf you want the look of animal hide without springing for the real deal, consider another faux option. This cowhide-inspired one is soft and about as low-pile as it gets.Ruggable x Morris & Co Washable RugWere major Ruggable fans over here (have you seen ADs Ruggable collaboration yet?). Their collection with William Morris decor brand Morris & Co., featuring the Pimpernel Vintage Green rug shown here, is another favorite thatdoesnt skimp on style in the name of stain resistance. With a design that nods to Morris & Co.s wallpaper, this machine-washable rug is nonslip and created from over 50% recycled materials.Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection Area RugDrawing inspiration from coastal- and farmhouse-style homes, this rug is made with sisal fibers for a textured look and feel. Purchase it as a rectangular, square, or round rug, or as a runner. While sisal rugs are typically suitable outdoors, this particular one is recommended for indoor use only.Wool RugsWool rugs maintain their shape and texture more easily than any synthetic blend due to their durable fiber quality, which also naturally repels dirt and dust. Its hypoallergenic quality makes it a suitable choice for playrooms. Plus, apartment dwellers will love to hear (or recommend to their upstairs neighbors) that wool fabric excels in sound absorption.Dash & Albert Paint Chip Moss Wool RugThere are nine colors/patterns to choose from (we vote for the moss green!) for this area rug, which could pass as an abstract painting. This low-pile option is made of 100% wool, but the best part is the variation in colors throughout the design: This makes it super easy to match it up with your homes color palette.Loloi Chris Loves Julia Briggs Collection RugHome renovation phenoms Julia and Chris Marcum teamed up with rug brand Loloi on a collection that features, like this style, understated and muted rugs designed for living. The minimalist design is hand-tufted from 100% wool in India and is GoodWeave-certified too. There are a few neutral colors to choose from, but were partial to the wheat and ivory combo.Jute RugsWhile some love jute for its earthy design quality, it also serves as a durable and low-maintenance base for high-traffic areas that might damage a rug with higher pile or more fragile fabric. For hallways, mud rooms, kitchen runners, or entryways, jute brings a minimal and bohemian decor aesthetic while also delivering on functionality.Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection Area RugInfuse a beachside vibe into your abode or outdoor space with this jute rug courtesy of Safavieh. Layer it for a distinctly boho feel, or let it ground the room in all its textured glory. As AD100 interior designer Virginia Tupker told AD PRO last year, jute is a natural fiber that is a great option for more intimate spaces like bedrooms, thanks to its lighter feel.nuLOOM Daniela Jute Tassel Hand Woven Area RugThis handwoven, tasseled area rug is a natural pick for a more rustic interior design. Its more delicate than alternative, machine-washable rugs, however, so you should shake off any dirt or debris and avoid vacuuming.Indoor-Outdoor RugsWhile an outdoor rug might seem hard to maintain from season to season, they create welcome boundaries to your outdoor space, making the placement of your patio furniture seem intentional. Believe it or not, they can be stylish and easy to keep upnot to mention affordable and thoughtfully designed. Just take these Amazon options as proof.Hauteloom Djugun Outdoor RugSure, you could go with a classic jute rug or another natural fiber for your outdoor rugbut dont shy away from color or pattern. This cream and grey geometric design keeps a simple color palette while introducing a little pizzazz (and it comes in seven colors).AmazonRachel FletcherJoanna Gaines x Loloi Charlie Accent RugCommerce director Rachel Fletcher loves this rug from Lolois collaboration with Joanna Gaines brand Magnolia Home. Chocolate brown stripes decorate a light charcoal gray background, and the low-pile weave made from recycled polyester gives it an ryimpermeable, easy to clean surface. Itd look very at-home in a space sporting her signature farmhouse style, a cozy cabin, or a Scandinavian space, says Fletcher.Statement RugsA simple seating area sometimes needs a dose of personality, and a statement rug can provide it. A bold rug can center a room, ground an interior, and set the visual tone of a space. These four picks (some of them machine washable!) run the gambit from boho to shag, with deep colors and patterns that can help define your interiors.Abani Nuevo Collection Area RugThere are a lot of neutral rugs out there and opting for a graphic design can help add some drama. Pair this simple design with furniture in a bold color for a perfect balance. Its stain-resistant, non-shedding, and requires spot cleaning when necessary. Vacuuming is also A-okay. Customer reviews also say its a durable rug suitable for homes with kids and pets.Hauteloom Satu Shag Area RugSoft and shaggy, the subtle cross pattern adds some texture in a slightly unexpected space (the ground). Made in Turkey, were envisioning this rug fitting in nicely around some neutral furniture and some statement art. Wed also consider it for a tummy time-friendly nursery rug, which comes in three soothing colors: beige, light gray, and mustard.Revival Rugs Soloba Washable Area RugGo green, both literally and figuratively with this 100% recycled, Oeko-Tex-certified washable area rug in a moody, muted sage from Revival Rugs (its also available in a rich cream color). Thick and cushiony, the medium-pile rug features a geometric, horizontal ladder pattern well suited for spaces from minimalist to midcentury modern. You can also conveniently throw this rug in the wash with like colors on a delicate cycle with cold water. Larger sizes, however, will require a larger, 60-pound washing machine.Rugshop Bohemian Stripe Stain Resistant RugThe striped boho design gives this area rug a bit of an edge, and there are 20 different sizes and shapes to choose from. It comes in five colors, too, so you can match it to the rest of the decor in your living room, kitchen, bedroom, or home office. Its also made of 100% polypropylene, so its considerably more durable than other options on the market. Keep in mind that it has a jute backing, so a rug pad is recommended. Polypropylene is essentially plastic and flammable, so keep that in mind when youre placing it in your home!How We Chose These RugsThe Amazon catalog is a behemoth, so we knew we had to go in with high-quality brands in mind and peruse from there. We searched for Ruggable, Loloi, and Safavieh to start, pulling some of our favorite designs from these top contenders. We prioritized rugs with high-quality materials like wool, jute, and cotton, and/or ones that denoted easy cleaning or machine washability. We made sure these designs conformed to standard sizing3 x 5, 5 x 8, 8 x 10and read through positive customer reviews for those we hadnt personally tested to make sure reviewers were satisfied with the quality, material, durability, and design.

13 years after the first Hunger Games movie hit the big screen, one of the franchises iconic filming locations, Henry River Mill Village in Hickory, North Carolina, is up for grabs at $1.95 million, per the New York Post.The 70-acre property is split into two separate listings. One offers a 43-acre parcel of land for $800,000, while the other, which consists of 28 acres and multiple buildings (including a fully renovated rental home that has operated as an Airbnb), is available for $1.15 million.The village is an hour northwest of Charlotte. It appeared onscreen as District 12 in the first installment of the Hunger Games films, which hit theaters in 2012. There are 30 residential properties across both listings, including 20 mill homes built in 1905 that are ripe for restoration, as the area is one of the last, if not the last intact mill village in the state and is on the National Register of Historic Places, per the Charlotte Observer. The mill village is perched above a private U-shaped river and sits adjacent to the 189-acre Bakers Mountain Park.The mill reportedly shut down in 1970. It burned down seven years later. Over the decades that followed, the abandoned village became a ghost town, with 14 mill houses lost to decay and the local boarding house demolished. The site remains unoccupied for now, with the last resident vacating the secluded estate in 2000. With an exception of their Airbnb rental, there is no running water or toilets in the majority of the homes.Join NowFlash Sale: Become an AD PRO member today and unlock your design potential.ArrowSince the debut of The Hunger Games, which starred Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, and Josh Hutcherson, the Henry River Mill Village became a tourist attraction, garnering $50,000 a year from its visitors for daily tours, special events, and Airbnb reservations, per the Charlotte Observer. The listings were posted ahead of the series prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping written by Suzanne Collins, which hit the shelves earlier this week. The movie adaptation is slated for release in November 2026.