Robot JoxSwitch eShop - New Releases6 in 1 Racing Games Collection (Baltoro Minis, 14th Mar, $2.99) - Hit the streets, tracks, and dirt roads in this power-packed racing collection. From midnight drifts through Miami to state-of-the-art Formula races, each game brings its own flavor of speed and style. Jump between go-karts, supercars, dirt buggies, and sport bikes - there's always another racing twist waiting for you. The bundle includes: Adrenaline Rush: Miami Drive, Real Drift Racing, Motorbikes Pro 2025, Formula Racing Pro 2025, Go Kart Mania, Buggy Off-Road Racing.Aero Cosmos (Gametry, 15th Mar, $1.99) - Take control of your spacecraft and dive into a cosmic odyssey where speed, precision, and exploration collide. Navigate surreal, gravity-defying landscapes filled with twisting asteroid rings and radiant celestial structures. With every level, push your reflexes to the limit as you dodge obstacles, collect vital energy cores, and uncover hidden mysteries of deep space. Only the sharpest pilots will survive the challengeare you ready to conquer the cosmos?Arcade Archives Juno FIRST (HAMSTER, 13th Mar, $7.99) - "Juno FIRST" is a shooter released by KONAMI in 1983. Operate your own aircraft to defeat countless approaching enemy UFOs and conquer the WAVE. In an emergency, you can use warp to evade enemy attacks.Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute (Clear River Games, 21st Mar, $19.99) - In the year 2123 AD, space colonies facing the threat of over population, rebel against orders from Earth, intent on becoming ever more independent. With the political turmoil at an all-time high, the sudden assassination of the Prime Minister of the Zenes federation, plunges the region into all-out war with the neighbouring Republic of Sanraal. The western release of Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute arrives with a host of quality-of-life features designed for a modern audience.Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land (KOEI TECMO AMERICA, 21st Mar, $59.99) - Walk the forbidden path, no matter where it leads. People gather memories as they live their lives, thus developing their souls. This is the story of a young woman traveling across a ruined continent to find the path toward the future. The theme of this game is "memory." There are moments when everyone must confront the past and their own memories. All memories, including both successes and failures, become nourishment for the future and help shape people. - Read our Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land review A new day dawnsBeyond Hanwell: Nintendo Switch Edition (SteelArtsSoftware, 20th Mar, $29.99) - Beyond Hanwell comes to Nintendo Switch. Taking you on a terrifying journey through the twisted locations of open world Westminster, London, in a world where Anomalous Entities are a fact of life. Return to Hanwell and discover the truth about yourself.Birdie Up (EntwicklerX, 14th Mar, $2.29) - It is finally springtime! The first flowers and grasses awaken from hibernation and a cute little birdie too. After the long winter it is hard to make the first flight attempt. Push a button to flap! Birdie Up is a simple but addictive game. With a pushing a button on your controller, the tiny bird makes a flap with its wings. As faster you tap, the faster the bird flies above and you get bonus score. Try to get as high you can to beat your own high score and dont be so angry if you lose.Boomerang of Destruction (NOSTRA GAMES, 20th Mar, $1.99) - Learn to use the boomerang - one of the best and most unique weapons available. Feel the awesome experience and use it for your victories! Throw the boomerang at your enemies, trying to choose the best trajectory and speed to cause the most damage. You will see just how dangerous this weapon can be. Complete all the levels with this wonderful tool of war and become the most skilled boomerang warrior in the world. Just throw it again and again. It will return to its master each time.Breakout Beyond (Atari, 25th Mar, $13.49) - In this neon-infused twist on the classic 1976 arcade game, players smash through each puzzle by clearing bricks to reach the final goal. However, the script has been flippedliterally! Players now progress sideways, breaking through barriers and building up combos that ramp up the intensity of the effects, rewarding the most skilled players with a dazzling light show. Breaking special blocks offers powerful advantages, like massive brick-clearing blasts, a protective barrier to shield the ball, and a laser cannon to carve a path forward. Each one unleashes stunning dynamic effects, delivering dazzling visuals never seen before in Breakout.Chess Grandmaster: Ancient Egypt Battle (Megame, 20th Mar, $9.99) - A classic board game with an ancient Egyptian flavor and updated rules. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient pyramids, where every move is a step towards victory over your opponent. Develop your strategic skills, anticipate your opponent's actions, defend your positions and lead your pieces to victory to checkmate the pharaoh! In the game, you can fight both with a virtual opponent, who offers three difficulty levels, and with friends on one device. The goal is simple - outwit the enemy, destroy his pieces and seize the throne of the pharaoh.Cozy Meadow (Downmeadowstreet, 22nd Mar, $5.99) - Step into the peaceful world of Cozy Meadow, a walking simulator designed for those who love to explore at their own pace. Wander through two beautifully crafted levels, each offering a unique atmosphere filled with hidden locations, stunning scenery, and quiet moments of discovery.Croaktopia (Marginalact, 21st Mar, $9.99) - Your house is under attack, and only you can stop the evil construction company by gathering different groups in your forest and punching the CEO who wants to destroy your forest.Desktop GOLF (SAT-BOX, 21st Mar, $9.80) - Play on colorful courses made of stationery! Enjoy a refreshing game of golf right on your desk! Relive the nostalgia of your school desk in this golf game for Nintendo Switch.Dog Spotting Challenge! (MASK, 20th Mar, $2.99) - Which One Is the Pomeranian!? A Fun and Relaxing Brain-Training Game. Enjoy adorable dog photos while testing your knowledge in this fun and easy brain-training quiz game!Dye The Bunny (Vidas Games, 20th Mar, $2.99) - "Dye the Bunny. Ellie, you have to dye the Bunny."Little Ellie goes on an Easter Egg Hunt, exploring her garden and wandering off a little too far from home, where she meets a mysterious Bunny. Her dad is calling her for dinner already, but she keeps going further into the rabbit hole.EGGCONSOLE Gulkave MSX (D4 Enterprise, 20th Mar, $6.49) - A side-scrolling shooting game with a unique power-up system. Instantly assess the numbers on the items and power up skillfully! This game is a shooting game released in 1986. The game screen is presented in a side view, and the weapons are limited to just shots, making it a simple gameplay experience.Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark (PQube, 26th Mar, $22.49) - Servants of the Dark moves the setting from a single demonic castle to the entirety of the demon world. Players will control two demon maids as they explore the underworld: Kirika and her younger sister Masha. They each have different attacks and abilities, requiring players to switch between the two as they explore each area, upgrade their weapons, defeat demonic bosses, and revive their master, the Demon Lord Maxim.Jumble Quest (PlayZilla, 20th Mar, $4.99) - Are you an English language genius and a terminology expert? If youre looking for the perfect word game to play - youve found it! Jumble Quest is a simple and addictive word game where you tap for clues and hints and arrange the given letters to compose a word. Youll learn how to spell tons of new words and impress all of your friends with your expanding vocabulary! If youre looking for a new spelling game to challenge yourself with - youve found it!Lost & Found Spot It Fast! (MASK, 20th Mar, $2.99) - This is a fun and easy brain-training game where you search for the target pose among many pictogram characters within the time limit.By spotting the correct figure, you can sharpen your observation skills and train your brain in a simple and enjoyable way!Ludo Party (Silesia Games, 20th Mar, $1.99) - Destroy enemy tokens in this modern Ludo. Play it alone, or with friends and family on one device. Roll the dice and go through the entire playing field with all the tokens. Will you come to the home area first? The main goal of the game is to take all 4 tokens inside the home area before the other opponents. Roll the dice and move forward. Watch out, don't let your opponents kick your token back to their starting position. Let's roll the dice!Masters Tennis (Pix Arts, 21st Mar, $9.99) - Masters Tennis Real Tennis, Real Challenge Step onto the court in Masters Tennis, a 1-player or local 2-player split-screen tennis game built for realism. With smooth gameplay, lifelike animations, and authentic tennis action, every match feels real. Compete in tournaments, refine your skills with a training ball machine, and rise to the top.Meow Delivery: Fish Frenzy (Grizzly Games, 22nd Mar, $4.99) - Step into the fantastical realm of Meow Delivery: Fish Frenzy, where adventure awaits in every level of this cooperative platformer. Youll control one or two characters tasked with transporting fish from point A to point B through intricate landscapes filled with obstacles and traps. Each level presents a new challenge, whether youre navigating a traditional chocolate factory, braving the icy corridors of a snow-covered confectionery, or exploring a whimsical forest where trees are edible and mushrooms resemble chocolate fly agarics.Odd Shape Out! (MASK, 20th Mar, $2.99) - This is a fast-paced brain-training game where you must find the one shape that stands out from the restbefore time runs out!PICROSS S Doraemon & F Characters edition (JUPITER, 26th Mar, $10.99) - The Picross S series for Nintendo Switch welcomes characters from the world of FujikoFFujio! From universally adored classics like Doraemon and Kiteretsu Encyclopedia to the more mature SF Short Stories, this collaboration features an incredible lineup of 28 works in total. Solve Picross puzzles to bring iconic characters and memorable scenes to life as charming pixel art.Picture the Difference! (MASK, 20th Mar, $2.99) - This is a fun brain-training game where you must find the one mistake hidden in an adorable illustration before time runs out!Sand Legends (Entity3, 22nd Mar, $1.99) - A Heroic Adventure Awaits! Enter the sun-scorched deserts of Sand Legends, where courage, strategy, and skill collide in an epic quest to rescue the princess and defeat endless hordes of zombies. Will you rise to become the hero this world needs?Station platform 42 (HUNTERS, 13th Mar, $2.07) - Station platform 42 is a 2D horror action ADV. Find the evil spirits lurking on the station platform and exorcise them with amulets. Sometimes the evil spirits attack you! Let's clean up the station ruled by evil spirits by confronting various weirdness.Swarm Madness (NOSTRA GAMES, 20th Mar, $2.99) - Your fortress is under constant attack, and you must save everyone who counts on you. Keep the walls strong and keep the mutants from getting inside. Roll out all the powerful weapons you have and start harvesting the evil souls. No time to think. The waves of zombies can come crashing down all around you. Shoot, reload and repeat. Repeat as many times as necessary to keep everyone safe. Clear and protect each level you enter. It's not as easy as you think. The zombies are getting smarter and always looking for new tricks.Tales of Autumn (RedDeer.Games, 20th Mar, $2.99) - Tales of Autumn is a wild farming RPG with an emphasis on animals and terrain management. Develop the abandoned ranch, befriend the wildlife, build relationships and earn the trust of the town.The Exorcist: Gravebound Horror (Evgheni Carasiov, 20th Mar, $9.99) - In The Exorcist: Gravebound Horror, you take on the role of an experienced exorcist called to a forsaken village plagued by mysterious disappearances. Entire families vanish overnight, leaving behind only whispers of terror. The villagers suspect the church is the source of the darkness, but their fearful glances and half-truths hint at something far more sinister.The Last Hero: Journey to the Unknown (Ratalaika Games, 21st Mar, $4.99) - Voidgem, a powerful wizard, has stolen all the magical relics of the ancient world, and then created evil minions and monsters to begin a reign of terror. The relics of the ancient world are scattered across various parts of the world. As a lone knight armed with only a sword, a shield, and incredible courage, set out for adventure in search of the lost relics and face all enemies in your way.United Assault Final Stand (Polygon Art, 20th Mar, $9.99) - United Assault - Final Stand is an open-world rogue-lite FPS set in the final days of World War II, deep in the Obersalzberg region of Germany, 1945. As the war nears its end, you are part of a daring mission to infiltrate this heavily fortified mountain stronghold, which includes the mountain residence of the Fhrer himself.World Flag Master (MASK, 20th Mar, $2.99) - This is a fun and interactive game that helps you learn the flags of the world while playing!What will you be downloading this week? (2 votes)Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition 0%6 in 1 Racing Games Collection 0%Aero Cosmos 0%Arcade Archives Juno FIRST 0%Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute 0%Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & The Envisioned Land 0%Beyond Hanwell: Nintendo Switch Edition 0%Birdie Up 0%Boomerang of Destruction 0%Breakout Beyond 0%Chess Grandmaster: Ancient Egypt Battle 0%Cozy Meadow 0%Croaktopia 0%Desktop GOLF 0%Dog Spotting Challenge! 0%Dye The Bunny 0%EGGCONSOLE Gulkave MSX 0%Jumble Quest 0%Lost & Found Spot It Fast! 0%Ludo Party 0%Masters Tennis 0%Meow Delivery: Fish Frenzy 0%Odd Shape Out! 0%PICROSS S Doraemon & F Characters edition 0%Picture the Difference! 0%Sand Legends 0%Station platform 42 0%Swarm Madness 0%Tales of Autumn 0%The Exorcist: Gravebound Horror 0%The Last Hero: Journey to the Unknown 0%United Assault - Final Stand 0%World Flag Master 0%Nothing for me this week100%So that's your lot for this week's North American Nintendo Download. Go on, be a sport and drop a vote in the poll above, and comment below with your hot picks!Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 before joining the site full-time the following year, rising through the ranks to become Editor. He can currently be found squashed beneath a Switch backlog the size of Normandy. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesPokmon Scarlet & Violet: Mystery Gift Codes ListAll the current Pokmon Scarlet and Violet Mystery Gift codesSakurai Says Japanese Developers Should Avoid Trying To Appeal To Western Tastes"I think that they seek the uniqueness and fun of Japanese games"Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters Land New Update As Series Passes 200 Million SalesHere are the full patch notes

Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube799kSpeedrunners are absolute machines; doubly so when they also whack a blindfold on. We simply can't imagine the amount of work that goes into memorising a game to a degree where you can play through the whole thing without actually looking at the flippin' screen, but that's exactly what Bubzia has achieved with yet another record-breaking achievement.As reported by GamesRadar+, Bubzia has broken his own Super Mario 64 70-star speedrunning record by more than 3 minutes, reaching the end credits in 1:16:41. After beating the game, he states "I'm done. I'm done with this s***. I'm completely, honestly done with this s***. Oh, god, dude, my heart. I had like a 150 heart rate for the past half-hour, I think. I'm completely dead. What did I just do? Well, this is, I guess, a sub-1:20 what we wanted by a bit of a margin. A bit of a margin, dude."BLINDFOLDED Super Mario 64 - 70 Star is DEAD!!! New world record by more than 3 minutes, absolutely obliterated it! I am done with this, 120 Star Blindfolded NEXT 1:20:12 -> 1:16:41 Bubzia (@bubzia.bsky.social) 2025-03-19T15:26:37.727ZGranted, reading those words makes it sound like he's been waterboarded for over an hour, but if you check out the video above, you can see just how happy he is. That said, he states that a mistake in Rainbow Ride will have definitely cost him come time, and he reckons he could have potentially beaten the game within 1:15:00 otherwise, but he seems pretty satisfied nonetheless.So what's next? Well, the 120-star challenge, of course. Bubzia states that he'd like to beat his own record here again, which currently stands at 11:22:42. So yes, while he may be "done with this s***", as he says, it sounds like he's got a lot more work to do. A crash course in 'Carpetless'What do you make of this blindfolded speedrun record? Would you ever attempt anything like this? Let us know with a comment.[source bsky.app, via gamesradar.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:01 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Museum Launches Keychains That Play Your Favourite Console JinglePortable nostalgiaSwitch 2 Predicted To Cost "$400 Or More"It could also be the "biggest console launch ever"

Norwegian robotics startup 1X plans to start early tests of its humanoid robot, Neo Gamma, in a few hundred to a few thousand homes by the end of 2025, according to the companys CEO, Bernt Brnich.Neo Gamma is going into homes this year, Brnich told TechCrunch in an interview at Nvidia GTC 2025. We want to invite early adopters in this year to help us develop this system. We want it to live and learn among people, and to do that, we need people to take Neo into their home and help us teach it how to behave.In recent months, the hype around humanoid robots for the home seems to have reached new heights. Figure, a Bay Area-based competitor to 1X with an active social media presence, announced in February that it would also begin home tests of its humanoid robots in 2025. Weeks later, Bloomberg reported Figure was in talks for a $1.5 billion fundraise at an eye-watering $40 billion valuation. OpenAI a 1X investor is also reportedly exploring building its own humanoid robots.But putting heavy metal robots into peoples homes raises the stakes for the nascent industry. Its not unlike autonomous vehicle startups putting their robotaxis on the road. It can turn south quickly.However, Brnich is quite open about the fact Neo Gamma is a long way off from commercial scaling and autonomy.While Neo Gamma uses AI to walk and balance, the robot is not fully capable of autonomous movements today. To make in-home tests possible, Brnich says 1X is bootstrapping the process by relying on teleoperators humans in remote locations that can view Neo Gammas cameras and sensors in real-time, and take control of its limbs.These in-home tests will allow 1X to collect data on how Neo Gamma operates in the home. Early adopters will help create a large, valuable dataset that 1X can use to train in-house AI models and upgrade Neo Gammas capabilities.While backed by OpenAI, Brnich says 1X trains its core AI technology in-house today. The company also occasionally co-trains AI models with partners including the aforementioned OpenAI and Nvidia.Collecting data from microphones and cameras inside of peoples homes and then training AI models on it raises a whole host of privacy concerns, of course. In an email to TechCrunch, a company spokesperson said customers can decide when a 1X employee can view Neo Gammas surroundings whether for auditing or teleoperation. Unveiled in February, Neo Gamma is the first bipedal robot prototype that 1X plans to test outside of the lab. Compared to Neo Beta, its predecessor, Neo Gamma features an improved onboard AI model, and a knitted nylon body suit that aims to reduce potential injuries from robot-to-human contact.During a demo at GTC, 1X showcased Neo Gammas ability to do some basic tasks in a living room setting partially powered by a human operator. The robot vacuumed, watered plants, and walked around the room without bumping into people or furniture. However, it wasnt flawless. At one point the robot started shaking, then collapsed into Brnichs arms. A 1X employee blamed spotty Wi-Fi in the conference hall and low battery.Much like Figures plans, details about 1Xs early adopter program are far from clear. 1X has yet to reveal its go-to-market strategy for Neo Gamma, although it does have a waitlist on its website. Its also hard to imagine how using Neo Gamma at home will work without teleoperation. The spokesperson said 1X will provide a more thorough explanation at a later date.While a few hundred or thousand people might get to try an early, human-assisted version of Neo Gamma this year, it seems were still many years away from autonomous humanoid robots that you can just buy off the shelf.

Commercial services tech hasnt historically been considered sexy, but the need for innovation in the space is enormous.That need has translated into a large fundraise for a company focused on streamlining commercial contracting processes. On Friday, BuildOps, which develops software for commercial services contractors, announced that it has raised $127 million in a Series C round led by Meritech Capital that values the company at $1 billion post-money.That valuation is more than double the valuation BuildOps reached in its last financing a $50 million Series B round announced in May of 2023 and a follow-on top up $36 million raise for existing investors only, according to Alok Chanani, co-founder and CEO. The latest capital infusion brings the companys total raised to over $250 million.Founded in 2018, Los Angeles-based BuildOps has built field service management software that helps commercial contractors in the U.S. and Canada with project management, service, dispatching, and invoicing via what it describes as AI-powered automation. The company claims that its software helps contractors including HVAC, plumbing, mechanical and electrical, and fire and life safety increase efficiency, make fewer costly mistakes, reduce downtime, and achieve higher profitability.I talk to contractors every day [] and theyre busting their backs keeping our world running, but the decks stacked against them with short staffs, skyrocketing costs, and tech thats stuck in the Stone Age, Chanani told TechCrunch in an interview.Chanani, an Iraq Army veteran, previously founded a commercial real estate group called USA Commercial. Co-founder Neeraj Mittal formerly was director of engineering at ServiceTitan. As for BuildOps third co-founder, Steve Chew, he did stints at Microsoft, Nextag, and Fundly.Mittal is no longer with the company, according to his LinkedIn.BuildOps operates on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model with per-user pricing structured as part of an annual contract. The company has over 1,000 commercial contractor customers, including J.H. Kelly, Haynes Mechanical, Dynamic Systems Inc., and Baker Electric.Chanini declined to reveal hard revenue figures, but noted that since the company launched its platform in 2020, BuildOps has grown exponentially, surpassing seven figures in revenue in the first year and then tripling that figure in 2021 and 2022. Revenue subsequently doubled in 2023 and 2024.BuildOps is not yet profitable as it is focused on aggressive scaling and investment in the future, according to Chanini.Looking ahead, BuildOps plans to use the new capital to expand its headcount and invest in products and technology development, particularly its API architecture. Its also eyeing what Chanani described as strategic acquisitions.Currently, BuildOps has about 375 employees, up 50% compared to a year ago.For Meritech Capital general partner and co-founder Paul Madera, commercial services is a massive and critical segment of our economy that has been woefully underserved by modern software.Alok and the BuildOps team saw this opportunity early and built the most complete commercial services operating system in the industry, said Madera, who is joining BuildOps board as part of the financing. What we hear from contractors large and small is that BuildOps has done nothing short of transforming their business operationally and financially. Most importantly, it allows them to better serve their customers.He told TechCrunch that his firm was also drawn to the fact that BuildOps is exclusively focused on the commercial sector.Every customer [] does things a little differently, meaning the software needs to be highly configurable, like any other core system of record, he said. BuildOps has nailed this balance of product depth, flexibility, and usability in a really unique way.Interestingly, TechCrunch Editor-in-Chief Connie Loizos pegged BuildOps to be one of 2019s most notable young startups in this piece.New backers Bond Capital and Schneider Electrics SE Ventures also participated in BuildOps Series C round, as well as existing backers Fika Ventures, Next47, StepStone Group, and Titanium Ventures. Earlier investors in BuildOps include 01A (formerly known as O1 Advisors, founded by former Twitter execs Dick Costolo and Adam Bain), Founders Fund, MetaPrio B Capital, 137 Ventures, and Liquid2.Topics

Breakdown & ShowreelsSenna: The Making of by Scanline VFXBy Vincent Frei - 21/03/2025 A special tribute to Ayrton Senna! Celebrate the racing legends birthday with a deep dive into the visual effects of Senna by Scanline VFX. Production VFX Supervisors Craig Wentworth and Marcelo Siqueira share insights into the stunning VFX work that honors his legacy!WANT TO KNOW MORE?Scanline VFX: Dedicated page about Senna on Scanline VFX website.Craig Wentworth and Marcelo Siqueira: Heres my interview of Production VFX Supervisors Craig Wentworth and Marcelo Siqueira. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Hello! This is my first time publishing here.I decided to practice projectile creation, so I made this magic attack skill in Unity.Also, you may notice few post-processing effects, that I built entirely in engine: dark overlay (for highlighting transparent part), radial blur, hue split, planar reflections.This 2D artwork I found on Pinterest inspired me to create my own version of effect.Please, leave a feedback, or support me on Artstation if you are interested,Thank you!Artstation

Portlantis by MVRDV | Ossip van DuivenbodeAs Rotterdams port undergoes a significant transition toward sustainability, Portlantis, designed by MVRDV, emerges as both a visitor center and an urban observatory that engages the public in this transformation. Located at the edge of the Maasvlakte 2 land extension, the building is not merely an exhibition space but a machine for storytelling, offering curated views of the industrial landscape while serving as a dynamic interface between the city and its port. With its stacked, rotated volumes and bold public circulation, Portlantis makes the often-distant world of logistics, industry, and ecological transition tangible and accessible.Portlantis Technical InformationArchitects1-14: MVRDVLocation: Rotterdam, NetherlandsClient: Port of RotterdamArea: 3,533m2 | 38,000 Sq. Ft.Construction Years: 2020 2025Photographs: Ossip van DuivenbodePortlantis is a beacon, its eye-catching, but its also a kind of watchtower. 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. Winy Maas, MVRDV founding partnerPortlantis PhotographsAerial View | Ossip van DuivenbodeNight View | Ossip van DuivenbodeNight View | Ossip van DuivenbodeFacade | Ossip van DuivenbodeVolumes | Ossip van DuivenbodeStair Entrance | Ossip van DuivenbodeFacade Details | Ossip van DuivenbodeRooftop | Ossip van DuivenbodeInterior | Ossip van DuivenbodeInterior | Ossip van DuivenbodeInterior | Ossip van DuivenbodeInterior | Ossip van DuivenbodeInterior | Ossip van DuivenbodeArchitectural Concept and Spatial ConfigurationThe formal strategy of Portlantis is a direct response to its function: a layered, rotating stack of exhibition spaces, each aligned to a different view of the port. Unlike the conventional single-volume museum or visitor center, this approach creates a spatially diverse experiencewhere architecture and content are deeply intertwined.Visual Framing as Narrative ToolEach floor is square in plan and oriented according to its internal program. The large panoramic windows on each level frame a specific element of the landscapewhether the industrial infrastructure, the coastline, or the distant city skylineeffectively making the port part of the exhibition. The building curates views in much the same way that an art museum frames paintings.Circulation as a Public InterfaceA defining feature of Portlantis is its external red staircases, which coil around the building, offering an alternative public route that extends the visitor experience beyond the enclosed exhibition spaces. This urban-scaled gesture transforms the building into an accessible public infrastructure rather than an exclusive, ticketed space. By allowing free access to its rooftop, Portlantis reaffirms its civic role, giving citizens a literal and metaphorical vantage point over the ports transition.The Atrium as an Internal MonumentAt the heart of Portlantis is a 22-meter-high atrium, a voluminous space that acts as both an exhibition element and a spatial anchor. A kinetic sculpture suspended within this void visually connects the levels, while a mirrored ceiling enhances the perceived height of the space.This strategy of internal monumentality echoes industrial typologies such as shipyards or storage silos, reinforcing the buildings dialogue with its context.Portlantis Materiality and Sustainability: A Circular ApproachMaterial selection in Portlantis is driven by a commitment to circular economy principles, aligning with the ports broader ecological transformation. Unlike conventional visitor centers that often rely on expressive or ornamental materials, MVRDV opts for an industrial material palette that speaks to the pragmatism of the surrounding infrastructure.Industrial Aesthetic and Structural HonestyThe buildings raw, functional materialssteel, prefabricated faade panels, and exposed structural elementsdirectly reference the ports mechanical and logistical identity. Formal excess is intentionally rejected; instead, the architecture embraces a utilitarian beauty, reinforcing the idea of Portlantis as a functional machine rather than a decorative object.Demountable and Reversible ConstructionSustainability in Portlantis extends beyond energy efficiency. The structure is designed to be fully demountable, meaning its materials can be disassembled and repurposed. The faade panels, for example, are part of an agreement with the manufacturer to be returned at the end of their lifespan. Even the foundation avoids concrete piles, ensuring the building leaves no permanent trace on the landscape.Beyond Carbon Neutral: Energy-Positive DesignThe building operates at better-than-net-zero energy performance, generating 30% more energy than it consumes through an on-site wind turbine and high-efficiency insulation. A heat pump system further minimizes operational energy demands. Rather than treating sustainability as an afterthought, Portlantis integrates environmental strategies as a fundamental architectural parameter.Portlantis in the Broader Urban and Cultural ContextBeyond its architectural qualities, Portlantis catalyzes rethinking the relationship between Rotterdam and its port. Historically, ports have been places of exclusionclosed industrial zones that exist on the horizon, out of reach of the urban population. Portlantis disrupts this paradigm by inviting public engagement, bridging the physical and conceptual gap between city and industry.Comparisons with Other Industrial-Urban InterfacesSimilar projects worldwide have sought to redefine public interaction with industrial landscapes. For instance, HafenCity Hamburg has integrated public spaces into a formerly industrial waterfront, while projects like the Oslo Opera House have made urban infrastructure a civic experience. Portlantis follows a comparable trajectory, transforming an industrial backdrop into a participatory urban space.Architecture as an Educational ToolPortlantis is not simply a museum of port history but a device for real-time observation of industrial transformation. The buildings transparencyboth in spatial organization and intentsuggests a new model for didactic architecture, where the environment itself becomes the subject of exploration. This raises a crucial question: Can architecture be a medium for ecological and industrial discourse?Portlantis PlansDiagram | MVRDVConcept | MVRDVFloor Plan | MVRDVFloor Plan | MVRDVSection | MVRDVPortlantis Image GalleryAbout MVRDVMVRDV is a Dutch architecture and urban design firm founded in 1993 by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, and Nathalie de Vries. Based in Rotterdam, the firm is known for its bold, experimental, and context-driven designs that challenge conventional architectural norms. MVRDVs work spans many typologies, from cultural institutions and mixed-use developments to urban masterplans, often incorporating sustainability and data-driven design strategies. Their projects, such as the Markthal in Rotterdam, Valley in Amsterdam, and Tianjin Binhai Library, exemplify their commitment to creating visually striking and socially engaged architecture.Credits and Additional NotesFounding Partner in Charge: Winy MaasPartner: Fokke MoerelLead Designers: Arjen Ketting, Klaas Hofman, Pim Bangert, Jonathan Schuster, Samuel Delgado, Duong Hong Vu, Monica di Salvo, Efthymia Papadima, Luis Druschke, Maximilian Semmelrock, Antonio PilzSustainability Advisor: Arjen KettingStrategy and Development: Magdalena DzamboExhibition Design: KossmanndejongStructural Engineer: van RossumMEP, Building Physics & Environmental Advisor: NelissenCost Calculation: LaysanEnergy-Positive Design: Generates 30% more energy than it consumesDemountable Structure: Designed for future material reuseCircular Faade Materials: Faade panels returned to the manufacturer at the end of lifespanConcrete-Free Foundation: Leaves no permanent traceProgram: Visitor and Exhibition Center (Exhibition Spaces, Restaurant, Caf)

Brought to you by:Architect: Moto DesignshopLocation: PhiladelphiaCompletion Date: 2024In a dense city like Philadelphia, residential architecture maintains a precarious relationship with privacy, which is often difficult to achieve. On a site in Center City, local office Moto Designshop faced this challenge head on, designing a new row house across the street from a busy and unsightly gas station. To conceal the home and obscure the eyesore from the interior, the firm added a screen of angled brick pilasters to the buildings street-facing facade, a feature that led to the projects name: Cadence House. The row house is Moto Designshops latest experimentation with masonry, a material that defines much of its previous residential work. Earlier projects, such as the Filigree House and Urban Oasis, have similarly employed brick screens as a means of providing privacy and shading, while staying true to Philadelphias urban vernacular. However, as the firm notes in a project description, Cadence House avoids the flat brick facades and punched double-hung window openings of a conventional Philly row house, seeking to elaborate on the typology.The building is referential to both a historic bank building and the traditional row houses located to its east. (Todd Mason)The proportions of the facade were drawn from its western neighbor, a historic bank building located on the corner of Broad and Kater Street. Reaching roughly the same height as the bank, Cadence House is composed by five horizontal shelves that roughly correspond to the historic structures cornice and moulding lines. In addition to formal continuity, these shelves, which are actually painted steel plates, provide structural support for the brick screen system. Post-tensioned rods were threaded through each of the brick fins and connected to the plates. While the screen largely adheres to the compositional lines established by the bank, Cadence Houses window openings break the alignment, spanning between the horizontal plates. In this way, the building is referential to both the bank and the traditional row houses located to its east.Cadence House is clad in dark gray masonry. (Todd Mason)Our site became a mediator between two distinct uses and architectural languages, said Adam Montalbano, founding partner of Moto Designshop. The arrangement of the fins and the horizontal steel bands breaks down the punched window facade arrangements of typical Philadelphia buildings, blurring the understanding of window placement and floor line. This moveboth horizontally and verticallycreates a dynamic new facade which references both structures while replicating neither, he added.The buildings brick screen shifts views towards Broad Street, away from the gas station. (Courtesy Moto Designshop)The impact of the brick screen is twofold: It shifts interior sight lines away from the adjacent gas station while also blocking sunlight coming from the south. Light conditions and time of day also impact the appearance of the facade. The color of the brick darkens with the sunset and throughout the day the building is draped in complex shadows owing to the depth of the facade.In total, Cadence House rises 4 stories, including a basement and roof level. The dark color palette established by the brick screen is continued on the interior furnishings. Accordingly, Moto Designshop refers to the project as a moody residence.Project SpecificationsArchitect: Moto DesignshopStructural Engineer: Orndorf & AssociatesCivil Engineering: Maser ConsultingGeneral Contractor: Image General ContractorClient Representative: Jason CutaiarFacade Installation: Image General ContractorWindows: Pella WindowsBrick: WestBricksWaterproofing: BlueSkinInsulation: CertainteedFixtures: Kohler

Jacopo Ligozzi, A Groundhog or Marmot with a Branch of Plums. (1605), brush with brown and black wash, point of the brush with black and brown ink and white gouache, and watercolor, over traces of graphite on burnished paper, sheet: 13 x 16 5/8 inches. All images courtesy of The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., shared with permissionLittle Beasts Is a First-of-Its-Kind Museum Collaboration Reveling in Art and the Natural WorldMarch 21, 2025Kate MothesDuring the 16th and 17th centuries, major developments in colonial expansion, trade, and scientific technology spurred a fervor for studying the natural world. Previously unknown or overlooked species were documented with unprecedented precision, and artists captured countless varieties of flora and fauna in paintings, prints, and encyclopedic volumes.Marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World pairs nearly 75 prints, drawings, and paintings with around 60 objects from the NMNH collection.Jan van Kessel the Elder, Insects and a Sprig of Rosemary (1653), oil on panel, 4 1/2 x 5 1/2 inchesIn major cities like Antwerp, artists such as Joris and Jacob Hoefnagel and Jan van Kessel created highly detailed drawings, prints, and paintings of these insects, animals, and otherbeestjes, or little beasts in Dutch, says the National Gallery of Art. Their works inspired generations of artists and naturalists, fueling the burgeoning science of natural history.Natural history has been a focus for scholars since ancient times, albeit early commentary was a bit more wide-ranging than its definition today. The largest single work to have survived from the Roman Empire is Pliny the Elders Naturalis Historia, which consists of 37 books divided into 10 volumes and covers everything from astronomy to zoology and mineralogy to art.Studying the natural world in ancient and early modern times was predominantly a philosophical pursuit until a discernible change during the Renaissance. By the 16th century, attitudes had shifted. The humanist learning tradition, centered on literature and the arts, began to give way to more advanced explanations for natural objects, describing their types and transformations and grouping them into classes.Private collections played a fundamental role in founding many natural history archives. The popularity of Wunderkammers, or rooms of wonder, transformed a pastime of the wealthy into exercises in scholarly prestige. By the late 17th century, more rigorous and formalized classification systems emerged as the philosophical component waned.Wenceslaus Hollar, Shell (Murex brandaris) (c. 1645), etching on laid paper, plate: 3 3/4 x 5 3/8 inchesThroughout this time, artists like Albrecht Drer, Clara Peeters, and Wenceslaus Hollar created works that responded to new discoveries. From biologically accurate renderings of shells and insects to playful compositions that employ animals and plants as decorative motifs, paintings and prints were often the only means by which the public could see newly discovered species.Artandsciencehave been closely aligned throughout the 175-year history of the Smithsonian, says Kirk Johnson, director of the NMNH. Even today, researchers at the National Museum of Natural Historydepend on scientific illustrators to bring clarity and understanding to the specimens they study.Little Beasts opens on May 18 and continues through November 2 at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Find more on the museums website.Clara Peeters, Still Life with Flowers Surrounded by Insects and a Snail (c. 1610), oil on copper,overall: 6 9/16 x 5 5/16 inches; framed: 10 x 9 x 1 1/2 inchesRobert Hooke, Micrographia: or, Some physiological descriptions of minute bodies made by magnifying glasses. / With observations and inquiries thereupon (1665), bound volume with etched illustrations height (foldout illustrations significantly larger): 12 3/16 inchesJan van Kessel the Elder, Artists Name in Insects and Reptiles [bottom center] (1658), oil on copper, overall: 5 5/8 x 7 1/2 inches; framed: 9 7/8 x 12 1/8 inchesJan van Kessel the Elder, Noahs Family Assembling Animals Before the Ark (c. 1660), oil on panel, overall: 25 3/4 x 37 3/16 inches; framed: 32 3/4 x 44 1/4 inchesAn Elephant Beetle (Megasoma e. elephas) from the Department of Entomology collections at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural HistoryWenceslaus Hollar, Two Butterflies, a Wasp, and a Moth (1646), etching on laid paper, plate: 3 3/16 x 4 3/4 inches; sheet: 3 1/4 x 4 13/16 inchesNext article

Published March 21, 2025 10:00am EDT close 'Decoding Broken Hearts': Artificial intelligence used to advance heart health research Fox News anchor Bret Baier has the latest on the Murdoch Children's Research Institute's partnership with the Gladstone Institutes for the "Decoding Broken Hearts" initiative on "Special Report." Its becoming more common for images to be made with AI tools.As the artificial intelligence generation gets more advanced, its getting trickier to tell the difference between AI-made and human-made images. However, there are still signs to look out for.Here are some key indicators that an image was created by AI.GET EXPERT SECURITY ALERTS, MUST-KNOW TECH TIPS AND THE LATEST DIGITAL TRENDS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.SIGN UP FOR KURTS THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW Example of an AI-created image (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)1. Detail problemsWhen it comes to photos of people, AI still has trouble mastering fine details like faces, textures and hands. Keep an eye out for inconsistencies such as extra fingers, strange skin tones or too many teeth.2. Glossy or fake-looking texturesAI cant always get textures right, so images may look too smooth or shiny. This shows up a lot in things like skin (which might look unnaturally poreless) or in nature scenes where trees or grass look kind of plasticky. If everything looks just a little too perfect, its probably AI.3. Lighting and shadow issuesOne of the easiest ways to spot AI is by looking at how lighting and shadows work. You might see shadows in odd places, or the lighting could look flat or inconsistent.4. Background irregularitiesAI struggles with depth and perspective, so check the background for anything that seems off. For instance, you might see blurry objects or a distorted skyline. Sometimes, the background wont even correctly match the image subject.5. Messed-up wordsIf there are words in the image, they might look jumbled, misspelled or nonsensical. This is because AI has a tough time making legible text, especially in more complex images.6. Hidden biasesAI learns from existing data, which can have a lot of built-in biases. As a result, AI images can showcase forms of discrimination. For example, most AI images of prestigious jobs will automatically feature White males.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Example of an AI-created image (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)7. Unrealistic elementsSometimes, AI images will incorporate things that simply dont make sense. This might include animals in bizarre colors, impossible gadgets and other truly unbelievable settings. If youre questioning whether something is real, theres a good chance it isnt.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Example of an AI-created image (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)8. WatermarksSome generative AI tools automatically add a watermark to the image. This will either be included in the lower corner of an image or be embedded in the background.9. Missing metadataWhile you might not be able to see it right away, AI images usually lack metadata. This is the information thats attached to an image file, such as photo resolution or copyright details.To view image metadata in Windows:Right-click theimage file and selectPropertiesClick theDetails tab in the windowTo find it on a Mac:Right-click the image fileSelectGet InfoOn real photos, metadata will be displayed. This information is missing when a photo is generated by AI.10. Reverse image searchFor the more deceptive photos, try doing areverse image search to track down where one came from. If its all over social media but not on trusted sites, be wary.Think you can spot the fake? Put your skills to the test with my "Find the Fake" games here.Kurts key takeawaysAI-generated images are becoming increasingly popular. While the technology may be useful in certain situations, it can also bring up big concerns around trust and security. Thats why its crucial to know how to spot AI images to help stop misinformation and protect brand credibility.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhat other types of AI content would you like help identifying? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Alert:Malware steals bank cards and passwords from millions of devices.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.