April 12, 20252 min readThis Robot Copies Life—By DecomposingA new soft robotic arm and its controller break down naturallyBy Saugat Bolakhe edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Thomas FuchsPicture a robot. What do you see? A rugged, steel-clad machine built to transcend living beings’ organic fragility? Unfortunately, this very quality now threatens to drown the planet in extremely durable e-waste. What if, instead, our increasingly prevalent machines were designed to decay and disappear—like life does?For a study in Science Advances, researchers crafted a robotic arm, and a joysticklike controller to operate it, from pork gelatin and plant cellulose—materials sturdy enough to function yet delicate enough to degrade in backyard compost. After testing, both origamilike structures disintegrated in soil within weeks.Biodegradable robotics often falls under the umbrella of soft robotics, which draws inspiration from nature’s more pliable creations. “The field originated from materials science and chemistry rather than conventional robots that come from mechanical engineering,” says materials scientist Florian Hartmann of the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, Germany. But a lot of early soft robotics prototypes still relied on synthetic polymers that linger as pollution.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.Pingdong Wei, a materials scientist working with natural polymers at Westlake University in Hangzhou, teamed up with his friend Zhuang Zhang, a robotics engineer now at Fudan University in Shanghai, to assemble robots for the new study. Wei had long been intrigued by robotics, Zhang recalls, and raised the idea of creating a robot himself. “That’s when I thought, Why not use the materials he works with to build one?”They started with cellulose layers derived from cotton pulp, then added glycerol for flexibility and dried the layers for strength. “Cellulose is also cheap and easy to assemble,” Wei says. To build sensors, the researchers used a conductive gelatin extracted from pork, in which the flow of ions changes when the material is stretched, bent or pressed. They then folded the flat films and sensors into 3D structures.Wei and Zhang found that the controller and robotic arm stood up to both heavy use and a week of inactivity. Finally, they buried them both in a 20-centimeter-deep hole near their campus. Within eight weeks the machines were almost entirely gone.“The way the researchers were able to engineer something so rigid yet so soft is impressive,” says robotics engineer Ellen Rumley, who is also at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. Neither Rumley nor Hartmann was involved in the study.Wei and Zhang envision bots like these handling hazardous waste and then dissolving; they also propose robots that aid surgeries and then safely break down inside the body. But it’s important to note that the technology is in very early stages.“If we truly want to have a sustainable robot that goes outside in nature,” Hartmann says, “we also need to think of electronics or power supplies, or even batteries, that are biodegradable.”

Phasmophobia turns to its community to make this Easter event the most terrifying yet "Our community is everything, and we're always looking for ways to improve." Image credit: Kinetic Games News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on April 12, 2025 Phasmophobia developer Kinetic Games has outlined what's coming up in the first event of 2025, Cursed Hollow, when it launches on 17th April. Fans can expect "new bone-chilling challenges and secrets to uncover", as well as a number of "exciting changes from previous events" including new reward categories, daily map rotation - nine of which have been seasonally decorated - and gameplay modifiers as you unearth mysterious Jackalope totems. Let's Play Phasmophobia! SOLO ZOE TRIES THE NEW UPDATE & ALREADY REGRETS THIS.Watch on YouTube Players can also expect "additional reworks" recommended by the Phasmo community itself, including two different types of rewards: Community and Personal. Completing the former will grant points that go towards the wider community pool, whilst personal rewards are precisely that. However, to unlock personal objectives, players have to work together to reach the Community goal first. "During Cursed Hollow, Ghost Hunters will need to work together to identify ghosts, complete objectives, and search for Jackalope totems hidden across the game’s maps," the developer teased. "But beware: interacting with the totems will have eerie effects, some helpful, and some that may hinder even the most experienced of teams." "We're really excited for Cursed Hollow to launch next week, and once again have our players join together to tackle this season's Community goals," said lead developer and director of Kinetic Games, Daniel "Dknighter" Knight. "We've made some changes this year following direct feedback from our previous events; from the new reward split, to some interesting new gameplay modifiers. Our community is everything, and we're always looking for ways to improve - we hope everyone enjoys what 'Cursed Hollow' has in store for them this Easter, and keeps the feedback coming on what they want to see in the future." Cursed Hollow will kick off on 17th April and run for three weeks. Phasmophobia is available on PC via Steam, PS5, PS VR2, and Xbox Series X/S The ghost-hunting sim has sold two million copies on console since it came out of early access last October, bringing the total sales across all platforms to 22 million. The development team recently outlined the road ahead for the spooky sim in 2025, confirming map reworks, new ghost-hunting equipment, "thrilling seasonal events", and a brand-new location, too.

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 here NetEase’s decision to introduce Lord icons in Marvel Rivals was certainly a great move. While these icons primarily showcase a player’s proficiency level, they aren’t necessarily a reflection of skill, but rather of the time and dedication spent mastering heroes, as most of these icons require playing a hero for approximately 20 hours. According to Danny Koo, executive producer at Marvel Games, Lord icons will soon take on an additional purpose. Koo recently revealed a few more things coming to the game, including Legendary skins for everyone. Lord icons will be added to the Marvel Rivals hero selection wheel At the beginning of every match, players need to select their heroes. This is done through a selection wheel, which is the first thing everyone sees after the loading screen. For now, the selection wheel has default icons for every hero. However, NetEase will add Lord icons to it, Danny Koo revealed on X (formerly Twitter). The executive confirmed that the feature is on NetEase’s to-do list, though its release date remains uncertain. It may be introduced with the release of Season 2.5, which is expected to come in late May. While not a groundbreaking addition, this feature will provide players with added motivation to enhance the proficiency rank of their favorite heroes. Default icons can be upgraded after completing hero-specific quests. Image by VideoGamer Since the game has been out for more than four months, many players have earned Lord icons for their favorite heroes. Due to this, it will be interesting to see if NetEase will add another proficiency level to Marvel Rivals in the future. For now, we have a lot of new content to enjoy with the release of Season 2. Besides the new map and Emma Frost, the season also brings seven free skins that are available to everyone. Marvel Rivals Platform(s): macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X Genre(s): Fighting, Shooter Subscribe to our newsletters! By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime. Share

The moment you find yourself Googling the best dinnerware sets, you know you’ve transitioned into a fully grown adult. That level of maturity comes with the expectation of having a few domestic things in order, like a fresh set of bath towels that haven’t been with you since your college days, bed sheets without holes and stains, or a mattress that’s not on the floor—who doesn’t love a bed frame?! Once you finally graduate to this stage in life, your kitchen should have a full set of matching plates and bowls that can be proudly displayed right next to your color-coordinated cookware sets.We’re not talking about cobbling together a collection in different colors and sizes spanning appetizer to platters, amassed over many moves with many different roommates. Nor do we suggest laying out random pieces of bone china from a relative; these are fully grown-up dinnerware sets that’ll last you a lifetime. If you were under the impression that proper place settings are something you’d receive as a gift for your wedding, anniversary, or starter home, think again.From matte, minimalist tableware and everyday dinnerware to hand-painted porcelain sets that double as home decor, check out our favorites below.Our Top Picks for the Best Dinnerware Sets:Back to Basics: Made In Tabletop Set, $168 $149Best Timeless Set: Our Place Serving Set, $355 $215Americana Set: Crate & Barrel Mercer Blue Rim Bowls, $50Best Stoneware Set: Stone Lain Lauren Stoneware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $90 $80Personality Pick: Porta Vino Dinner Plate (Set of 4), $240Made In Tabletop SetAnother cookware brand gone tabletop, Made In is preparing for dining domination. Available with place settings for four, the plate-ware is made in England and Italy and designed to be restaurant-quality. Not only are they chip-resistant, but the brand offers a one-year no-chip guarantee if it doesn’t live up to your dinnertime demands. It’s an elevated take on simple white dinnerware with a twist and is surely nice enough for special occasions or everyday use.Our Place Serving SetDon’t forget to give your serving pieces an upgrade if you’re tackling the rest of your dining tablescape. This eight-piece set includes two serving platters, two serving bowls, and a set of four smaller bowls. It’s perfect for grown-up dinner parties, snack attacks in front of the TV, and feeling really put together as you dig into your third girl dinner of the week. These designs can stand the heat (and cold) as long as you avoid super-extreme temperature changes. And yes, they’re dishwasher safe.Crate & Barrel Mercer Blue Rim BowlsIf subtle pops of color are your thing, this set from Crate & Barrel should catch your eye. A delicate ribbon of color tops every bowl, anchored with a rich, creamy porcelain. Also available with a black strip, these bowls are dishwasher-, oven-, and microwave-safe and can be purchased alongside other dinnerware essentials that match the design.Stone Lain Lauren Stoneware 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4Sometimes a simple hint of color can make all the difference on your dinner table. This nearly sage green set and its ribbed texture will accommodate all of your last-minute dinner guests with full dinnerware setups for four people (16 pieces total). Plus, they’re dishwasher safe and attractive enough to work as serving pieces.Porta Vito Dinner Plates (Set of 4)Porta is our resource for dinnerware no one else has or maybe even knows about. The NYC-based store exhibits untouchable taste, and while we had to pick a single dish to portray in our lineup, we actually recommend all of them. These hand-painted Portuguese plates make every meal feel like a European feast. Plus, they’re microwave- and dishwasher-safe.Henry Holland Studio Brown & White Check Side PlateHenry Holland Studio SSENSE Exclusive Green Pasta BowlFor more enviable dinnerware, SSENSE has a surprisingly large dinnerware collection with unique and artistic picks from small creators like Henry Holland. The checkerboard plates, paired with his marbled bowls, make for a dinner party tablescape no one can rival.Staub Ceramic Dinnerware 12-pc Set - WhiteStaub has a cult following, and it’s not hard to understand why—the iconic cookware brand makes some durable (and shabby chic) stuff that you hope and pray someone buys off your wedding registry. So it makes sense that this cereal bowl set pulls the right nostalgic strings. You can go all in and buy matching plates, too, if matchy-matchy is your vibe.Juliska Berry and Thread Melamine Salad PlateThese antique-inspired melamine salad plates have just enough detail to make white dishware interesting. A threaded trim and elegant berry motif make these suitable for a dressed-up dinner, as well as a special occasion set. If you’re not sold on the white, try this bright baby blue.Fiore Dinner Plates in Terracotta (Set of 4)These Fiore dinner plates are made by a brother duo in Southern Italy. The terra-cotta and small floral motif couldn’t look more suited to outdoor dining in a lemon grove. Or inside, on a rustic wooden table, some linen cloth napkins and a beautiful set of pewter silverware. Looking at these, you’d think they were more artifact than dishwasher-safe, but you’ll be happy to learn these are artifacts that can, in fact, withstand the dishwasher.Maison Madison Riviera Hand-Painted Dinner Plates (Set of 4)On the topic of Italian dining, these plates, aptly named Riviera, bring a Mediterranean vibe to your tabletop. The bold blue stripe and scalloped edge are perfect for making a regular old meal into a European occasion. We’re also after their soup bowls and dessert plates.Corelle Vitrelle City Block 18-Piece Dinnerware SetThere’s something wonderfully postmodern happening on this Corelle set. There are more than a few reasons to love this dinnerware brand—and you’ve likely spotted it in your parents’ (or grandparents’) kitchen at some point. First, it’s really hard to chip these pieces. Next, the patterns are durable; this isn’t one of those situations where you’ll get further and further from the original design every time you pull these out of the dishwasher.East Fork Shallow Dinner SetMade in Asheville, North Carolina, East Fork’s earthenware set has a down-to-earth vibe in refined silhouettes. There’s something special about the colors the potters are able to achieve; they’re rich in a way that feels like they came directly from the center of the earth. We’re into this mossy green, a collaboration with Momofuku. The exposed rims are a nice texture not only to look at but also to grip when you’re transporting everything from the kitchen to the table.

Massive 3D Character Generator in Blender By Semy on April 12, 2025 Models & Rigs Characterz 5 is a modular 3D character multi pack consists of 9 separated 3D packs featuring diverse body types, ages, ethnicities, pets and 3D rooms. Easily swap outfits and pose characters and integrate them into games, animation, AR/VR, or Three.js projects. With ARKit blend shapes and animation-ready rigs, Characterz 5 makes custom character creation effortless.Massive news & Massive update! 🎉Brand new CHARACTERZ 5 is here!The most extensive 3D pack in the world just got bigger It has more than 3,000,000,000 (3 Billion) combinations.Sooo, what is inside? 📦 New body types, age groups, ethnicities (adultz, tallz, overweight auntz & unclez, elderz, teenz, babiez, fit body, petz, and roomz which fit our 3D characters) Character generator version 2 -> generate hundreds of various 3D characters in seconds Fully rigged with Blender 3D source files 50,000 PNG files, and I am not kidding (most of them are 4000px * 4000px) Tons of beginner-friendly tutorials on our YouTube channel 300+ 3D objects 280+ predefined poses With optimized mesh - easy to use in VR/AR. three.js, games, UI, animation, or marketing materials Lipsync, Expressions & various types of eyes included ARKit BlendShapes & Vicemes included for easier integration as talking 3D characters ... and much more!Check the pack here.

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Yes! No! Maybe?Last weekend, following the blowout of Switch 2 news with the Direct, we asked you which Switch 2 launch games you were wishlisting.Looking specifically at the launch lineup and Nintendo's first-party slate thereafter, we were interested to take the temperature not only for the big games (no surprises that there's a lot of excitement for MK and DK!), but also the smaller titles.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

When Elon Musk announced that his AI startup, xAI, had acquired his social media company, X (formerly known as Twitter), in an all-stock deal, it raised some eyebrows. But in many ways, the deal made sense. xAI’s chatbot, Grok, was already deeply integrated with X, X was floundering financially, and Musk needed a way to make his $44 billion Twitter acquisition look less like an impulsive takeover and more like a strategic play for AGI dominance.  It also pointed to something deeper about how Musk’s empire works: investing in any one of his companies isn’t about a quick return on investment. It’s about buying into the mysticism around Musk and swallowing whole a narrative of success that outpaces the actual numbers.  Some call it a grift, pointing to Musk’s history of overpromising and underdelivering. But the market is increasingly more tolerant – welcoming, even – of narrative-led investments, particularly when the thread that ties the tale together is one of the president’s right-hand men. “All of Elon’s companies today are basically one company,” Yoni Rechtman, a principal at Slow Ventures, told TechCrunch. “It’s all already Elon, Inc. There are people who work across multiple companies simultaneously. They share a web of capital connections. They do business with one another, and he treats them all effectively as one company. So [the xAI-X merger] just ends some of the fiction that the two businesses were separate.” The thinking among Musk bulls like Ron Baron, the founder of investment management firm Baron Capital, is that “every single thing [Musk] does is helping everything else he does,” as Baron phrased it. Other businesses under Musk’s control include Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company, and Neuralink – some of which reportedly share resources. “When [Musk] bought Twitter, did he have in his mind that there’s an opportunity to have this data, a tremendous value for licensing? When he decided he wanted to go to Mars with SpaceX, did he really think initially that there’s a real opportunity here for the internet around the world, and there’s gonna be hundreds of billions of dollars of revenue opportunity? When he started off with EVs for Tesla, did he really think that this is gonna merge into self-driving, where you can make hundreds of billions of dollars a year of extra profits, and Grok […] and you’re gonna have connected cars all around the world? […] All these businesses link up. It’s the ecosystem. It’s the Elon ecosystem, and I think it’s really interesting when you look at it that way.” Baron Capital has invested across Musk’s ecosystem, an example of the investor crossover between the billionaire’s various companies. Firms like 8VC, Andreessen Horowitz, DFJ Growth, Fidelity Investments, Manhattan Venture Partners, Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Sequoia Capital, Vy Capital, and others also hold positions throughout Musk’s corporate web.  That brings us back to the xAI-X deal. Pundits questioned how the acquisition could value X at $33 billion, more than triple its valuation just a few months ago, and how it could value xAI at $80 billion considering the AI company reportedly has little in the way of revenue. But valuations aren’t always based on what exists today. Rather, they take into account what investors are hoping for – and that’s particularly true when it comes to Musk’s ventures.  Just look at Tesla. The electric vehicle maker has been treated like a tech stock for years despite the fact that it has automaker margins, based largely on the belief that Tesla will one day unlock groundbreaking autonomy in the form of self-driving cars and humanoid robots.  “The reason why [Tesla’s] stock trades at 80 times earnings and the comp group trades at 25 times earnings is that people are making a bet on the long term, and it’s not about what happens to numbers this year,” Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, told TechCrunch. “That’s one of Elon’s superpowers, this ability to keep investors engaged for the long term.” Munster’s firm has invested in X, xAI, and Tesla. It’s exactly the type of all-in Musk backer that stands to benefit the most from a deal like xAI buying X, assuming Musk can indeed deliver on his pledge of marrying X’s real-time data trove and distribution platform with xAI’s infrastructure and AI expertise. Of course, consolidated value also comes with increased risk.  Dan Wang, a professor at Columbia Business School whose research lies at the intersection of business and society, told TechCrunch that the biggest immediate risk factor for investors is the ongoing lawsuit that X is facing from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The suit accuses Musk of misleading investors by delaying the disclosure of his previous investments in Twitter. The SEC has argued that this allowed Musk to buy more Twitter shares at artificially low prices. Wang listed a few other risk considerations, such as anticompetition and user privacy concerns, particularly regarding how X quietly opted all users into data collection for AI model training. The opt-in change has already raised the ire of one regulator, Ireland’s DPC, which recently began investigating it as a potential breach of Europe’s GDPR law.  “Another kind of risk here is that there isn’t a consensus framework for how the AI market is going to be regulated, but you’re already seeing traces of this in Europe and, up until recently, in California,” Wang said. “A lot of these frameworks have to do with how AI models are deployed in terms of distributing information […] They ascribe responsibility to the companies that are creating AI models, as well as providing access to those models.”  Musk might also simply lose interest in a project, Rechtman said.  “I think that is what a lot of Tesla shareholders are feeling right now,” he said, “where for the last several months, Elon’s number one company has been the Trump campaign, and his other projects have languished.” When asked about some of these risk factors, Munster appeared nonplussed. He suggested they’re inconsequential given the enormity of, for example, xAI’s value proposition and potential to become a dominant player in AI.  “We’re betting the firm on the belief that AI is going to be more transformative than what people think,” he said. “What is the value […] of one of the four brains that the world is going to run on?”  Rechtman said that Musk bulls aren’t blindly loyal, per se, but simply trust in Musk’s superpower to “bend capital markets to his will” in a way that allows him to do things and build businesses that nobody else can. “The people who are in these businesses have just gone long Elon, and they will continue to go long Elon,” Rechtman said. “So it’s not surprising to me that they will just continue to tell you that the emperor is wearing clothes.” Not for nothing, buying into Musk’s more speculative bets, like X, is one way to potentially unlock more investment opportunities in the Muskverse, Rechtman said.  “SpaceX is a real thing, and it will never go public,” he said. “So the only way to invest in SpaceX is to get access to the tenders. And the only way to get access to the tenders is to be in Elon’s good graces.”

The Best Interior Design Books, Curated by ArchEyes Editors At ArchEyes, we understand that great design is rooted in a deep understanding of form and function. While our previous article, The 20 Best Architecture Books Every Architect Must Read, delved into the foundational texts that have shaped architectural thought, it’s equally important to explore the literature that informs the spaces within these structures.​ Interior design is more than just aesthetics; it’s the thoughtful crafting of environments that respond to human behavior, comfort, and experience. For architects and designers alike, books remain a timeless source of inspiration, theory, and technical guidance. From iconic modernist interiors to cutting-edge contemporary spaces, the following selection of 20 interior design books has been highly recommended by professionals in the field.​ by Frida Ramstedt by Charlotte and Peter Fiell  Few publications have had as enduring and comprehensive an impact on architecture and interior design discourse as Domus. Founded in 1928 by the visionary Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti, Domus chronicled the evolution of 20th-century design with unmatched breadth and sophistication. This monumental compendium, curated by Charlotte and Peter Fiell, distills over 70 years of the magazine’s archives into a richly illustrated, 12-volume box set (or, in some editions, a condensed single volume), offering readers an invaluable window into the shifting tides of modernism, postmodernism, and beyond.Each decade reflects a distinct aesthetic and cultural moment—documenting the rise of Bauhaus, the rationalism of Italian interiors, the playful provocations of Memphis, and the digital experimentation of the 1990s. Through its editorials, project features, and critical essays, Domus shaped not only how designers thought about interiors but how they understood their role in shaping modern life. For architects and interior designers, this book is more than a historical archive—it’s a design encyclopedia. It reveals how furniture, lighting, color theory, and material culture have intersected with architecture across generations. It’s especially relevant for those interested in the interplay between editorial curation and design evolution, making it both a collector’s object and an enduring professional reference. Square, Circle, Triangle by Bruno Munari by Anne Massey Anne Massey’s Interior Design Since 1900 is a scholarly yet accessible chronicle of the socio-cultural, technological, and artistic forces that have shaped interiors over the last century. Unlike many interior books focusing solely on aesthetics or individual designers, Massey contextualizes design within the broader framework of modern history, revealing how interiors reflect shifting values, ideologies, and ways of living. Structured thematically and chronologically, the book explores how movements like the Arts & Crafts, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Modernism, Postmodernism, and Minimalism influenced domestic, commercial, and institutional interiors. It draws connections between political developments—such as post-war reconstruction, consumerism, and globalization—and the spaces that emerged in response to these forces. This book is essential for architects because of its analytical approach to interior spaces as designed environments that both shape and are shaped by society. Massey does not reduce interiors to decoration but treats them as architectural and cultural artifacts. Her inclusion of lesser-known figures, women designers, and non-Western influences further enriches the narrative, offering a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the field. With over 200 illustrations and case studies, Interior Design Since 1900 serves as both a reference and a critical lens to reconsider the interiors we design, inhabit, and critique today. by Alain de Botton by Deborah Needleman In a world saturated with curated perfection and aspirational minimalism, Needleman, former editor-in-chief of Domino and T: The New York Times Style Magazine, builds the book around a series of playful yet insightful chapters—A Bit of Quirk, A Touch of Glamor, Useful Things, and Cozifications—which serve as building blocks for creating warm, character-rich spaces. Her writing is informal yet sharp, guiding readers to value authenticity and intuition in their design choices. This book’s implicit critique of over-designed environments makes it particularly valuable for architects and interior designers. Needleman reminds us that true comfort and beauty often emerge from contrast, irregularity, and personal expression. She argues that design is not just about harmony and visual logic but also cultivating a sense of belonging and joy. Illustrated with whimsical watercolors by Virginia Johnson rather than high-gloss photography, the book reinforces its message: homes should be felt, not staged. It’s a handy reminder for those working at the intersection of architecture and interior design, encouraging a balance between professional rigor and emotional resonance. by Rosemary Kilmer and W. Otie Kilmer by Junichiro Tanizaki “In Praise of Shadows” is an eloquent and thought-provoking essay by Junichiro Tanizaki, first published in 1933. The work explores the aesthetics of darkness and shadows and their integral role in traditional Japanese architecture, arts, and culture. Tanizaki contrasts the subdued, nuanced beauty found in the soft shadows of Japanese design with the bright, stark illumination favored in the West. He delves into various aspects of Japanese culture – from lacquerware, interior design, and theater to cuisine, paper, and even complexion – illustrating how the interplay of light and darkness is cherished and capitalized upon. This insightful essay is a reflection on the cultural differences between East and West and a lament for the fading of traditional Japanese aesthetics in the face of rapid modernization. by Nathan Williams by Steven Holl Steven Holl’s House: Black Swan Theory is a profoundly introspective and conceptual exploration of domestic architecture. Unlike traditional interior design books, this work sits firmly within architectural thought, blending poetic speculation with rigorous design methodology. It offers a rare look at how one of the most philosophical architects of our time approaches the most intimate scale of architectural intervention: the home. The book combines drawings, watercolors, photographs, and reflective essays documenting thirteen of Holl’s house projects, both built and unbuilt. Each project is treated as a theoretical investigation—sometimes into light, other times into topography, tactility, or memory. Holl’s “Black Swan Theory” (a term borrowed from Nassim Nicholas Taleb) represents his embrace of the rare and unpredictable in design: the spatial anomaly that disrupts the expected and introduces meaning through surprise. This book is invaluable for architects. It challenges readers to rethink the house not just as a programmatic container but as a site of phenomenological experience. Holl’s interest in perception, movement, and atmosphere transcends conventional stylistic categories, proposing that interior space be sculpted as carefully as any façade. House: Black Swan Theory also emphasizes drawing as a medium of design thought, making it an inspiring read for architects who still value hand sketching and conceptual diagramming as part of their process. It’s not a book for clients or decorators—it’s for architects and spatial thinkers seeking to deepen their understanding of domesticity through theory and imagination. by Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty by Dominic Bradbury Modernist Design Complete by Dominic Bradbury is an authoritative compendium that captures the full scope of modernist thinking across architecture, interior design, furniture, lighting, and decorative arts. Rather than isolating modernist interiors as a niche category, Bradbury positions them within the broader sweep of 20th-century design ideology—showing how interiors evolved with technological innovation, social reform, and shifting modes of living. Structured as both a reference and a visual archive, the book covers seminal figures such as Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, Eileen Gray, Marcel Breuer, Charlotte Perriand, and Mies van der Rohe. It also highlights important regional movements, from Scandinavian modernism to the Bauhaus, the International Style, and American mid-century. Through hundreds of photographs and richly annotated entries, the book reveals how interiors became sites of radical spatial experimentation—where form followed function, ornament was stripped away, and space was engineered to enhance clarity and freedom. This book is a foundational resource for architects and interior designers alike. It connects material choices and spatial planning to ideological frameworks, illustrating how furniture and interiors were never afterthoughts in modernism but integral to architectural vision. Bradbury also includes lesser-known designers and artisans, making this an inclusive and nuanced look at the era. Whether used for research, inspiration, or curatorial thinking, Modernist Design Complete is essential for any designer engaging with modernism—not as a style to imitate, but as a philosophy to reexamine and reinterpret in contemporary practice. by Axel Vervoordt by Phaidon Editors The Phaidon Atlas of Interior Design is an ambitious global survey of over 400 contemporary interiors, making it one of the most comprehensive resources available for professionals and students in architecture and interior design. As with Phaidon’s acclaimed architectural atlases, this volume prioritizes breadth, diversity, and critical documentation over stylistic homogeneity, offering readers a rich panorama of spatial innovation across typologies, geographies, and design philosophies. Each project featured, from private homes and hotels to boutiques, galleries, and institutional spaces, is accompanied by high-resolution photographs, concise project descriptions, and essential data, including architect/designer credits, location, year of completion, and floor plans. This atlas is particularly valuable because it doesn’t merely celebrate aesthetic spectacle; it showcases interiors that reveal a more profound logic of use, materiality, and context. For architects, the Atlas is a vital reference. It allows for comparative spatial reading across cultures and climates, highlighting how different traditions, constraints, and narratives shape interior architecture. The inclusion of projects by emerging voices and established studios also makes it a dynamic reflection of the field’s current landscape. More than just a source of visual inspiration, this book functions as a professional tool—ideal for benchmarking, programming, and design strategy. Whether used in the early concept phases of a project or as an academic reference, the Phaidon Atlas of Interior Design is a must-have in any serious design library. by Mihoko Iida by Charlotte Perriand This landmark volume—Charlotte Perriand: Complete Works, Volume 1—is the first in a meticulously documented series that traces the life and work of one of the most influential yet long-underrecognized figures in 20th-century design. Spanning Perriand’s formative years up to 1940, this book offers a richly illustrated and academically grounded account of her pioneering approach to interiors, furniture, and integrating design with everyday life. Best known for her collaborations with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, Perriand’s vision was anything but subordinate. Her work brought a sense of softness, tactility, and user-centered thinking to the otherwise austere vocabulary of early modernism. This volume includes her iconic tubular steel furniture—such as the LC4 chaise longue—and documents her role in shaping some of the most iconic interiors of the interwar period, including the interiors of the Unité d’Habitation prototypes. But the book goes beyond objects and rooms. It includes photographs, drawings, letters, and essays that reveal Perriand’s political convictions, deep appreciation for craft, and early interest in Japanese aesthetics. Her commitment to egalitarian design and modular functionality prefigures many concerns that still define socially conscious architecture and interior design today. For architects, this book is more than a historical record—it’s a call to reconsider modernism’s gendered authorship and to recognize interiors not just as applied art but as architectural acts in their own right. It’s essential reading for those seeking to understand how modern interior spaces came to be and how they can evolve. by Francis D.K. Ching by Peter Zumthor Atmospheres is Peter Zumthor’s poetic and philosophical reflection on the sensory and emotional impact of architecture, particularly the interior experience. Based on a lecture delivered in 2003, the book is not a manual or a catalog of work, but rather a stream of meditative insights that explore how buildings feel, how they move us, and how the invisible qualities of a space can be designed with great intentionality. Zumthor unpacks what he calls “atmospheres”—those intangible qualities that make a space resonate with memory, sensuality, silence, or presence. He discusses the orchestration of light, materiality, acoustics, proportions, smells, and even the patina of age as tools that shape emotional perception. His reflections are grounded in practice but expressed with the cadence of poetry, making this book a rare hybrid of architectural treatise and artistic manifesto. For interior designers and architects alike, Atmospheres reminds them that beyond technical precision and spatial logic, the true power of design lies in its capacity to elicit feeling. It’s a book about how we experience space—not in theoretical abstraction but in the tactile and temporal unfolding of real life. Zumthor doesn’t offer diagrams or floor plans—he offers sensibilities. This book invites readers to slow down and reflect on the spaces they’ve loved and why. It encourages designers to think beyond composition and functionality and consider architecture as a vessel for lived experience. Essential for architects who strive to design spaces with soul, Atmospheres is a timeless meditation on presence, intention, and the essence of spatial beauty. by Caitlin Flemming and Julie Goebel by Norm Architects Published in 2024, Stillness is a contemplative and exquisitely composed work by Copenhagen-based Norm Architects. It explores how Japanese aesthetic principles have shaped not only their design language but also a broader global movement toward introspective, mindful spaces. Rooted in wabi-sabi, shibui, and ma, the book bridges the Danish design ethos of restraint and naturalism with Japanese philosophies of stillness, imperfection, and spatial silence. Visually, the book is as meditative as the spaces it showcases—warm wood tones, diffuse light, and meticulously framed emptiness. But what elevates Stillness beyond a photobook is its philosophical core: essays and reflections delve into how architecture and interiors can foster mental clarity, emotional equilibrium, and a deeper relationship with the everyday. This is not merely inspiration for architects and designers—it’s a guide to designing atmospheres rather than objects. Norm Architects emphasize tactility, acoustic softness, sensory modesty, and material aging as tools to foster well-being. It’s also a subtle critique of overstimulation in contemporary life, advocating for spaces inviting pause, contemplation, and slowness. Stillness belongs alongside works by Axel Vervoordt and Peter Zumthor, but with a distinctly Nordic-Japanese synthesis. It’s essential reading for those working on hospitality, wellness, or residential projects that seek to go beyond form into emotional and psychological experience. Explore More Essential Reads: If you enjoyed this list, you might also be interested in exploring our other curated reading selections tailored for architects and designers. Don’t miss: Each article offers a focused deep dive into essential literature that complements and expands your knowledge of the built environment, from foundational theory to practical application. Disclosure: ArchEyes participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This means we receive a commission on items purchased through our Amazon links. However, please rest assured that this does not influence our editorial integrity. We are committed to providing honest and unbiased content, and the items we recommend are chosen independently by our editorial team.

Tech Hackers find a way around built-in Windows protections How Windows Defender Application Control is exploited and what you can do to stay safe Published April 12, 2025 10:00am EDT close Windows Defender Security Center scam: How to protect your computer from fake pop-ups Tech expert Kurt ‘CyberGuy’ Knutsson says a tech support scam used a fake Windows Defender pop-up, tricking the victim to call and download software. All Windows PCs come with a built-in security feature called Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC), which helps prevent unauthorized software from running by allowing only trusted applications. However, despite its purpose, hackers have discovered several ways to bypass WDAC, exposing systems to malware, ransomware and other cyber threats. As a result, what was once considered a strong layer of defense may now serve as a potential vulnerability if not properly managed.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS — SIGN UP FOR KURT’S THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW Image of a Windows laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What is Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) bypass?Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) is a security feature in Windows that enforces strict rules about which applications can run. It helps block unauthorized software, but researchers have found ways to bypass these protections.Bobby Cooke, a red team operator at IBM X-Force Red, confirmed that Microsoft Teams could be used as a WDAC bypass. He explained that during Red Team Operations, they were able to get around WDAC and execute their Stage 2 Command and Control payload.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERETo find and fix these security gaps, Microsoft runs a bug bounty program that rewards researchers for reporting vulnerabilities in WDAC and other security components. However, some bypass techniques go unpatched for long periods. Teams Electron API Surface revealed. (IBM)How hackers bypass Windows Defender Application ControlOne of the key ways attackers get around WDAC is by using Living-off-the-Land Binaries, or LOLBins. These are legitimate system tools that come pre-installed with Windows, but hackers can repurpose them to execute unauthorized code while avoiding security detection. Since these tools are trusted by the system, they provide an easy way to slip past defenses.Some bypass techniques involve DLL sideloading, where attackers trick legitimate applications into loading malicious DLLs instead of the intended ones. Additionally, if WDAC policies are not enforced properly, attackers can modify execution rules to allow unauthorized software to run.Hackers also use unsigned or loosely signed binaries. WDAC relies on code signing to verify an application’s authenticity. However, attackers sometimes exploit misconfigurations where loosely signed or unsigned binaries are mistakenly allowed, letting them execute malicious payloads.Once an attacker bypasses WDAC, they can execute payloads without being flagged by traditional security solutions. This means they can deploy ransomware, install backdoors, or move laterally within a network without triggering immediate suspicion. Since many of these attacks use built-in Windows tools, detecting malicious activity becomes even more difficult. Image of a Windows laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)3 ways you can protect your PC from WDAC hackersSince this attack exploits a vulnerability within WDAC, there is little you can do to fully protect yourself. It is up to Microsoft to fix the issue. However, here are three best practices you can follow to reduce your risk.1. Keep Windows updated: Microsoft regularly releases security updates that patch vulnerabilities, including those related to WDAC. Keeping Windows and Microsoft Defender up to date ensures you have the latest protection against known threats. If you’re not sure how to do that, see my guide on how to keep all your devices and apps updated.2. Be cautious with software downloads: Only install applications from trusted sources like the Microsoft Store or official vendor websites. Avoid pirated software, as it can come bundled with malicious code that bypasses security protections like WDAC.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?3. Use strong antivirus software: Based on the report, it does not appear that hackers require user interaction to bypass WDAC. The methods described suggest that an attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities without direct user input, especially if they already have some level of access to the system.However, in real-world scenarios, attackers often combine such exploits with social engineering or phishing to gain initial access. For example, if an attacker gains access through a phishing attack, they might then use WDAC bypass methods to execute further malicious payloads. So, while direct user input may not be necessary for some bypass techniques, attackers often use user actions as an entry point before exploiting WDAC vulnerabilities. The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to have a strong antivirus software installed. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.Kurt’s key takeawaysWhile Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) offers a valuable layer of security, it isn’t foolproof. Hackers are actively developing and using WDAC bypass techniques to exploit gaps in system defenses. Understanding how WDAC bypass works is essential to protecting your devices. By keeping your software up to date, using trusted applications, and relying on reputable security tools, you can significantly lower your risk.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you think Microsoft is doing enough to patch these vulnerabilities, or should it take stronger action?  Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk 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 Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.