TSMC denied reports that the semiconductor giant was in active discussions with Intel regarding a chipmaking joint venture.

More than 60,000 federal workers were dismissed during the first two months of the Trump administration with more staff reductions expected in the coming months. Many are mid-career employees who have worked for the government for a decade or more, making it more challenging for them to make the case that their skills are transferrable to the private sector. “It’s an identity shift,” says Arianny Mercedes, founder of Revamped, a New York City-based career consultancy. For many of these professionals, their roles weren’t just jobs; they were commitments to public service, she says. “When someone’s identity is deeply tied to government service, being laid off or pivoting into a new industry can feel like losing a part of themselves,” she adds. However, experts agree that mid-career, federal employees who suddenly find themselves looking for new roles have much to offer the private sector, including institutional knowledge and emotional maturity. Here are five ways they can position themselves for private sector jobs. Related: 3 tips for federal workers who are scrambling to find new jobs Translate the jargon Many federal employees have robust leadership, policy, operations, and compliance experience, but most need help translating what they do into private sector language, says Carol Kaemmerer, president and principal at Kaemmerer Group LLC, an executive branding and coaching firm in Minneapolis.    Federal employees have valuable skills, but they are often hidden behind their bureaucratic titles and government jargon, Mercedes says. For instance, federal employees with titles like procurement officer, program manager and policy analyst possess valuable skills like critical thinking, risk mitigation and stakeholder navigation.   When writing a resumé, it’s essential to replace bureaucratic jargon with business-friendly terms. For instance, talk about your experience with “strategic operations” instead of “policy execution,” or refer to your “cross-functional leadership” or instead of “inter-agency collaboration,” says Caroline Geraghty, a client account manager at 110 North, The Creative Agency in Charlotte, N.C. Business-friendly terms will help hiring managers and recruiter connect the dots between your experience and their hiring needs, she says. Leverage your unique skill set Spend some time identifying the types of problems you’re highly skilled at solving and then research which private sector company roles seek to solve the same types of problems, says Becca Carnahan, founder of Next Chapter Career, LLC in Boston. For example, if in your federal job, you created processes to improve efficiency then you might want to look at operation manager roles. If you were known for building unexpected partnerships, then perhaps look at business development roles. Identify and then leverage your unique skill set, Kaemmerer says. As a former federal employee, your superpower might be helping companies to navigate federal regulations and government relations, she says. “Clarify the one thing you do better than 95% of people—and articulate how that fills a pressing need in the team or project you’re targeting,” says Sylvana Rochet, an executive and transition coach at Elan Vital. For instance, federal employees often excel at building consensus among stakeholders with conflicting agendas. That mix of diplomacy and influence is highly valued by the private sector, she says. Focus on outcomes Rather than listing job duties and tasks on your resumé, emphasize the outcomes you achieved at your federal agency. “Private employers don’t understand the skill-coding system that is pervasive in the federal workforce, but they do understand outcomes,” says Jason Leverant, president and COO of staffing firm AtWork Group. State your key accomplishments in plain language and highlight the impact those achievements had on your organization’s success, he says. For instance, instead of saying you updated 70 Standard Operating Procedures, explain how you helped to improve operational efficiency or saved the agency time and money. Many mid-career federal employees manage multi-million-dollar budgets, lead teams and navigate complex compliance issues. “All of these skills are highly transferable when framed properly,” says Tristan Layfield, principal career coach at Career Clarity Solutions in Detroit. Talk about the size of your team, the dollar value of your budget and the number of strategic partners you worked with, he says. Become a better storyteller In the private sector, storytelling is strategic currency, Mercedes says. Practice telling hiring managers your story by creating narratives around your impact and adaptability, she advises. Private sector hiring managers often assume federal candidates can’t keep up in faster-paced environments, when the reality is most government professionals have been doing more with less for years but they haven’t had to tell that story, according to Mercedes. Layfield agrees that one of the biggest challenges facing federal workers is combating the perception that they are too siloed or inflexible. Position yourself as an adaptable, data-driven problem solvers with a unique understanding of policy and systems thinking, he says. Leverage your professional networks Networking is essential when seeking private-sector jobs. About 70% of jobs are found through social and professional networks, so it’s important to engage with industry groups, be active on LinkedIn, and attend networking events. Connect with former government colleagues who may have already transitioned into the private sector to ask for guidance and referrals, Geraghty suggests. “With the right guidance and strategic positioning, federal professionals can make powerful transitions,” Kaemmerer says.

In recent years, the allure of off-grid living has captivated many seeking a lifestyle that embraces sustainability, independence, and a closer connection to nature. Whether driven by environmental concerns, the desire for self-sufficiency, or simply the appeal of minimalism, more people are exploring innovative housing solutions that allow them to live outside the bounds of conventional infrastructure. Here we have curated a collection of the top ten homes that are perfect for off-grid living. From mobile tiny homes equipped with solar power to expansive treehouse-inspired retreats – these dwellings offer creative and practical approaches to sustainable living. These impressive homes will transform how we live and interact with our environment, providing alternative living solutions for everyone. 1. Tiny House On Wheels (THOW) When it comes to off-grid living, portability and functionality often take center stage. Dwellii’s Tiny House On Wheels (THOW) is an embodiment of these principles, measuring a compact 6.6 meters (21.7 feet) in length. This tiny house is designed for those who love the freedom of movement without sacrificing essential amenities. Built on a double-axle trailer and weighing 3,500 kg (7,716 lb), it’s an ideal choice for couples or solo adventurers seeking a minimalist lifestyle. The green sheet metal exterior provides durability and protection against the elements, while the interior of 13.5 square meters (145 square feet) offers a cozy yet functional living space. The use of birch plywood throughout the interior gives it a warm and inviting atmosphere, while rock wool insulation ensures comfort regardless of the season. What we like Easily towed, allowing for a flexible lifestyle with the ability to change locations as desired. Clever storage solutions and a compact design make it highly functional. What we dislike The small size may not be suitable for larger families or those needing more living areas. 2. House Dokka House Dokka, designed by the renowned Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, is a masterpiece of off-grid living that draws inspiration from treehouse architecture. Perched on wooden columns over the scenic Norwegian landscape, this three-bedroom home offers an unparalleled connection to nature. The house spans 2045 square meters and is constructed using locally sourced cross-laminated and glue-laminated timber, ensuring both sustainability and structural integrity. This design environmental impact, and also allows for easy deconstruction and recycling of materials at the end of their lifecycle. The absence of nails in its construction further facilitates material reuse. House Dokka’s design philosophy focuses on harmony with the environment, making it a perfect retreat for those who seek solitude and tranquility while living sustainably. What we like Built with sustainable materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The treehouse-inspired design offers a peaceful living experience connected to nature. What we dislike The elevated design may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. The unique design and materials may require specialized maintenance. 3. Konga Konga’s prefabricated tiny home is a testament to sustainable design and minimalist living. Created by Lithuanian kitchen maker Konga, this dwelling utilizes offcuts to construct a stylish and functional kitchen, making it both eco-friendly and economically accessible with a starting price of US$59,000. The home’s charred wood exterior adds to its visual appeal and also offers protection against pests and weather. Inside, the 28 square meters of space are efficiently used, with an open-plan layout that includes a living area, kitchen, and ample glazing for natural light. This tiny home is designed to withstand cold climates, thanks to its excellent insulation and impressive construction, making it a year-round residence for off-grid enthusiasts. What we like Utilizes surplus materials, reducing waste and environmental impact. Offers a budget-friendly entry into off-grid living. What we dislike Not designed for relocation, limiting mobility. Prefabricated design may not suit all personal preferences. 4. Elouera The Elouera tiny house is designed for off-grid family living, with a focus on sustainability and comfort. Spanning 9 meters (nearly 30 feet) and featuring a spacious covered porch, it encourages indoor/outdoor living. Built on a triple-axle trailer with an aluminum frame, the Elouera is both durable and lightweight. Its power comes from solar panels, which are linked to an inverter and battery system, ensuring a consistent energy supply. With customization options available, including additional bedrooms and material choices, this tiny house can be tailored to meet the specific needs of its residents, making it an adaptable and eco-friendly home for those seeking an off-grid lifestyle. What we like Provides a sustainable energy source, reducing reliance on traditional utilities. Offers options to personalize the home according to family needs. What we dislike Solar setup and customization options may increase the overall expense. Lack of detailed pricing may hinder planning for potential buyers. 5. McKinnon’s DIY Camper For those who dream of a mobile lifestyle with an off-grid touch, Christopher McKinnon’s DIY camper conversion offers a unique and creative solution. Built on a 1990 Ford F-350, this truck camper combines the ruggedness of a traditional vehicle with the comfort of a cabin. It features a wood-paneled interior and panoramic windows and provides a cozy and inviting space for off-grid living. The camper includes essential amenities like a kitchenette, sleeping area, and weather-resistant siding, ensuring comfort in various conditions. This conversion is ideal for travel enthusiasts seeking a personalized and adaptable mobile home that allows them to explore the great outdoors with ease. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and seeking an off-grid life on the road, then this camper is what you need. What we like Allows for travel and exploration with the comforts of home. Offers the opportunity to tailor the space to personal preferences. What we dislike Limited floor space may not accommodate all amenities or multiple occupants. Building and maintaining a DIY conversion requires time, effort, and skill. 6. Vigia Designed by Portugal-based Madeiguincho, the Vigia exemplifies expert timber craftsmanship in a compact, off-grid package. The 23-foot-long dwelling is set on a double-axle trailer, combining mobility with the charm of a traditional wooden home. Its design features extensive glazing to flood the interior with natural light, while wood shutters offer control over light and privacy. The central kitchen, complete with an electric cooktop and custom cabinetry, is the heart of the home, leading to a cozy living area with an L-shaped sofa and wood-burning stove. This tiny house is not just a home – it’s a testament to the beauty and functionality of expertly designed timber structures. It perfectly combines, aesthetics, craftsmanship,p and functionality, to create a comfortable and efficient full-time dwelling. What we like High-quality woodwork throughout ensures durability and aesthetic appeal. Extensive glazing brightens the interior and connects occupants with the outdoors. What we dislike Compact size may not accommodate larger furniture or multiple occupants comfortably. Wood exteriors require regular upkeep to prevent weather damage. 7. Kookaburra The Kookaburra tiny house, designed by Unplgd Tiny Homes, is a versatile living space perfect for off-grid adventurers. Measuring 8 meters (26 feet) in length, it features a bright and spacious interior with a full kitchen, home office, and optional deck. The triple-axle trailer and wood-metal accents ensure durability and style. Customization options allow for the addition of a second bedroom or deck, catering to growing families or entertaining guests. With sustainable living solutions like solar panels and water tanks, the Kookaburra is equipped for a self-sufficient lifestyle, making it an excellent choice for those seeking flexibility and comfort in a compact package. What we like Customizable options allow for adaptability to changing needs. Equipped for off-grid living with renewable energy and water solutions. What we dislike Compact size may not be suitable for larger families or extended stays. Upper areas accessed by the ladder may not be convenient for everyone. 8. Grand Sojourner Layout 3 The Grand Sojourner Layout 3, designed by Häuselin, offers a unique blend of compactness and luxury in the realm of tiny homes. Its innovative slide-out section transforms the home from a towable model to a spacious dwelling when parked, maximizing living space. Built on a triple-axle trailer, it includes two bedrooms and a solar power system for off-grid capability. The master bedroom, accessible via a storage-integrated staircase, and the second loft-style room, offer flexibility for families or additional storage. This design ensures that residents enjoy both the convenience of mobility and the comfort of a larger home. It is the true definition of compact luxury, offering comfort while supporting an off-grid lifestyle. What we like The slide-out section provides extra space without sacrificing portability. Equipped with solar power and water systems for self-sufficiency. What we dislike The slide-out mechanism may require additional maintenance and setup time. Loft bedrooms may have limited ceiling height, affecting comfort. 9. The Pego The Pego, another creation by Portugal’s Madeiguincho, is a compact yet functional tiny home designed for off-grid adventures. Despite its small size, this home packs a punch with its efficient use of space and resources. The solar panel setup ensures energy independence, while the interior features a combined living and kitchen area with a large L-shaped sofa and wood-burning stove. The loft-style bedroom is accessible via a wooden ladder and provides a cozy retreat. With the addition of a bathroom featuring an outdoor-access door, the Pego is a perfect companion for those who love exploring the wild without sacrificing the comfort of home. It helps you easily achieve an off-the-grid lifestyle, without compromising on necessities. What we like Ideal for travel and adventure, offering the comforts of home on the go. Solar power setup supports sustainable living. What we dislike Small living space may not suit long-term residency for multiple occupants. Ladder access to the bedroom may not be practical for all users. 10. Vipp Tunnel The Vipp Tunnel, designed by Australian studio Room11, is a stunning addition to our exploration of homes perfect for off-grid living. Nestled on Bruny Island in Tasmania, this architectural structure embodies the seamless integration of luxury and independence. Its design draws attention with a robust brutalist aesthetic, crafted as a sturdy concrete tunnel that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. This home offers a remarkable off-grid experience, appealing to those who seek the tranquility of nature without relinquishing modern comforts. Measuring 30 meters (98.5 feet) in length, the Vipp Tunnel provides 160 square meters (1,722 square feet) of living space on a single level. The expansive glazing, including floor-to-ceiling windows, floods the interiors with natural light and frames breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. Inside, the design is sophisticated, with furnishings from Vipp that complement the home’s sleek and minimalistic style. What we like The Vipp Tunnel combines brutalist architecture with luxurious interiors, offering a unique living experience. Seamlessly blends with the landscape, providing privacy and stunning natural views. What we dislike The extensive use of concrete might not appeal to everyone’s aesthetic preferences. Accessibility may be limited due to its island setting, requiring travel by ferry. The post Top 10 Homes Designed To Be Sustainable Retreats For Off-Grid Living first appeared on Yanko Design.

Art director Andrew Tsai on the appeal of a style that embraces limitations.

BondiBoost’s blowout brush is well priced and delivers results on par with more expensive brushes. But will it last?

Macworld If you just updated to iOS 18.4.1 this week, you may have noticed that Safari on your iPhone or iPad has started showing a list of your recent search queries. The feature was added in iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, with the goal of making it quick and easy to look for something again (a common occurrence). Even though your search history was always just a couple of taps away, Apple has changed the way it behaves, opting to show your recent searches every time you tap into the search bar. If you don’t find it useful or if you’re worried about privacy, here’s how to disable this feature. How to turn off Safari recent search list When looking at the recent search list, you’ll see a small “Clear All” label in the upper-right. You can tap that to clear the list, but it won’t stop new searches from appearing in the future. To disable this feature entirely, follow these steps: Open Settings. Scroll to the bottom and select Apps. Select Safari. Disable the toggle for Show Recent Searches. Foundry Of course, this will only disable the list of your recent searches, but won’t stop Safari from saving your history. if you want to stop searches from being saved, you’ll want to open a Private Browsing window (tap the Tabs button in the toolbar, then swipe over to the Private section). Finally, to delete your existing browser history, open Settings > Apps > Safari and scroll down to the History and Website Data section. Select Clear History and Website Data, and then select which option for how far back you want to delete.

As a child of an electronic engineer, I spent a lot of time in our local Radio Shack as a kid. While my dad was locating capacitors and resistors, I was in the toy section. It was there, in 1984, that I discovered the best toy of my childhood: the Armatron robotic arm.  A drawing from the patent application for the Armatron robotic arm.COURTESY OF TAKARA TOMY Described as a “robot-like arm to aid young masterminds in scientific and laboratory experiments,” it was the rare toy that lived up to the hype printed on the front of the box. This was a legit robotic arm. You could rotate the arm to spin around its base, tilt it up and down, bend it at the “elbow” joint, rotate the “wrist,” and open and close the bright-­orange articulated hand in elegant chords of movement, all using only the twistable twin joysticks.  Anyone who played with this toy will also remember the sound it made. Once you slid the power button to the On position, you heard a constant whirring sound of plastic gears turning and twisting. And if you tried to push it past its boundaries, it twitched and protested with a jarring “CLICK … CLICK … CLICK.” It wasn’t just kids who found the Armatron so special. It was featured on the cover of the November/December 1982 issue of Robotics Age magazine, which noted that the $31.95 toy (about $96 today) had “capabilities usually found only in much more expensive experimental arms.” JIM GOLDEN A few years ago I found my Armatron, and when I opened the case to get it working again, I was startled to find that other than the compartment for the pair of D-cell batteries, a switch, and a tiny three-volt DC motor, this thing was totally devoid of any electronic components. It was purely mechanical. Later, I found the patent drawings for the Armatron online and saw how incredibly complex the schematics of the gearbox were. This design was the work of a genius—or a madman. The man behind the arm I needed to know the story of this toy. I reached out to the manufacturer, Tomy (now known as Takara Tomy), which has been in business in Japan for over 100 years. It put me in touch with Hiroyuki Watanabe, a 69-year-old engineer and toy designer living in Tokyo. He’s retired now, but he worked at Tomy for 49 years, building many classic handheld electronic toys of the ’80s, including Blip, Digital Diamond, Digital Derby, and Missile Strike. Watanabe’s name can be found on 44 patents, and he was involved in bringing between 50 and 60 products to market. Watanabe answered emailed questions via video, and his responses were translated from Japanese. “I didn’t have a period where I studied engineering professionally. Instead, I enrolled in what Japan would call a technical high school that trains technical engineers, and I actually [entered] the electrical department there,” he told me.  Afterward, he worked at Komatsu Manufacturing—because, he said, he liked bulldozers. But in 1974, he saw that Tomy was hiring, and he wanted to make toys. “I was told that it was the No. 1 toy company in Japan, so I decided [it was worth a look],” he said. “I took a night train from Tohoku to Tokyo to take a job exam, and that’s how I ended up joining the company.” The inspiration for the Armatron came from a newspaper clipping that Watanabe’s boss brought to him one day. “It showed an image of a [mechanical arm] holding an egg with three fingers. I think we started out thinking, ‘This is where things are heading these days, so let’s make this,’” he recalled.  As the lead of a small team, Watanabe briefly turned his attention to another project, and by the time he returned to the robotic arm, the team had a prototype. But it was quite different from the Armatron’s final form. “The hand stuck out from the main body to the side and could only move about 90 degrees. The control panel also had six movement positions, and they were switched using six switches. I personally didn’t like that,” said Watanabe. So he went back to work. The Armatron’s inventor, Hiroyuki Watanabe, in Tokyo in 2025COURTESY OF TAKARA TOMY Watanabe’s breakthrough was inspired by the radio-controlled helicopters he operated as a hobby. Holding up a radio remote controller with dual joystick controls, he told me, “This stick operation allows you to perform four movements with two arms, but I thought that if you twist this part, you can use six movements.” Watanabe at work at Tomy in Tokyo in 1982.COURTESY OF HIROYUKI WATANABE “I had always wanted to create a system that could rotate 360 degrees, so I thought about how to make that system work,” he added. Watanabe stressed that while he is listed as the Armatron’s primary inventor, it was a team effort. A designer created the case, colors, and logo, adding touches to mimic features seen on industrial robots of the time, such as the rubber tubes (which are just for looks).  When the Armatron first came out, in 1981, robotics engineers started contacting Watanabe. “I wasn’t so much hearing from people at toy stores, but rather from researchers at university laboratories, factories, and companies that were making industrial robots,” he said. “They were quite encouraging, and we often talked together.” The long reach of the robot at Radio Shack The bold look and function of Armatron made quite an impression on many young kids who would one day have a career in robotics. One of them was Adam Burrell, a mechanical design engineer who has been building robots for 15 years at Boston Dynamics, including Petman, the YouTube-famous Atlas, and the dog-size quadruped called Spot.  Burrell grew up a few blocks away from a Radio Shack in New York City. “If I was going to the subway station, we would walk right by Radio Shack. I would stop in and play with it and set the timer, do the challenges,” he says. “I know it was a toy, but that was a real robot.” The Armatron was the hook that lured him into Radio Shack and then sparked his lifelong interest in engineering: “I would roll pennies and use them to buy soldering irons and solder at Radio Shack.”  “There’s research to this day using AI to try to figure out optimal ways to grab objects that [a robot] sees in a bin or out in the world.” Burrell had a fateful reunion with the toy while in grad school for engineering. “One of my office mates had an Armatron at his desk,” he recalls, “and it was broken. We took it apart together, and that was the first time I had seen the guts of it.  “It had this fantastic mechanical gear train to just engage and disengage this one motor in a bunch of different ways. And it was really fascinating that it had done so much—the one little motor. And that sort of got me back thinking about industrial robot arms again.”  Eric Paulos, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, recalls nagging his parents about what an educational gift Armatron would make. Ultimately, he succeeded in his lobbying.  “It was just endless exploration of picking stuff up and moving it around and even just watching it move. It was mesmerizing to me. I felt like I really owned my own little robot,” he recalls. “I cherish this thing. I still have it to this day, and it’s still working.”  The Armatron on the cover of the November/December 1982 issue of Robotics Age magazine.PUBLIC DOMAIN Today, Paulos builds robots and teaches his students how to build their own. He challenges them to solve problems within constraints, such as building with cardboard or Play-Doh; he believes the restrictions facing Watanabe and his team ultimately forced them to be more creative in their engineering. It’s not very hard to draw connections between the Armatron—an impossibly analog robot—and highly advanced machines that are today learning to move in incredible new ways, powered by AI advancements like computer vision and reinforcement learning. Paulos sees parallels between the problems he tackled as a kid with his Armatron and those that researchers are still trying to deal with today: “What happens when you pick things up and they’re too heavy, but you can sort of pick it up if you approach it from different angles? Or how do you grip things? There’s research to this day using AI to try to figure out optimal ways to grab objects that [a robot] sees in a bin or out in the world.” While AI may be taking over the world of robotics, the field still requires engineers—builders and tinkerers who can problem-solve in the physical world.  A page from the 1984 Radio Shack catalogue, featuring the Armatron for $31.95.COURTESY OF RADIOSHACKCATALOGS.COM The Armatron encouraged kids to explore these analog mechanics, a reminder that not all breakthroughs happen on a computer screen. And that hands-on curiosity hasn’t faded. Today, a new generation of fans are rediscovering the Armatron through online communities and DIY modifications. Dozens of Armatron videos are on YouTube, including one where the arm has been modified to run on steam power.  “I’m very happy to see people who love mechanisms are amazed,” Watanabe told me. “I’m really happy that there are still people out there who love our products in this way.”  Jon Keegan writes about technology and AI and publishes Beautiful Public Data, a curated collection of government data sets (beautifulpublicdata.com).

All Meta apps for the iPhone have been updated to take out the option to use the Writing Tools in Apple Intelligence.Writing Tools are not available in Facebook on iOS, nor in any of Meta's other apps.It's unlikely that Meta will ever reveal the reasons behind its decision — even if it's happy to spill other firms' confidential details — but it is now blocking the use of Writing Tools. It's not clear when the change was made, but at time of writing, Writing Tools are unavailable across Facebook, Threads, Instagram, and WhatsApp.Or at least they are on the iPhone and the iPad, although Instagram does not yet have a native iPadOS app. It's still, of course, possible to use Apple Intelligence Writing Tools in a browser. Whether on the Mac, iPhone, or iPad, accessing Meta services online can't prevent Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools from being provided. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Got a project that’s too contemporary for your client? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards, launching this spring! Stay updated by clicking here. Positioned at the intersection between the arts, humanities and sciences, architecture is nowadays viewed as a discipline that requires rigorous training and a lengthy academic education to become a practicing architect. Still, throughout time, there have been many stories of individuals who succeeded within the profession without completing a formal education. These autodidacts (i.e., self-taught) architects were driven by pure curiosity, discipline and a desire to create, carving their own path into the built environment. Before introducing these unique figures, let’s look more closely at the concept of autodidacticism. This art of self-directed learning challenges the idea that mastery involves institutional validation. Even though architecture as a profession requires the obtainment of specific qualifications to become a licensed architect, the design itself remains a more fluid and open territory. In ancient times, architects were trained through the act of building and mentorship as well as through observation and practice. Today, the democratization of information through web platforms allows the dissemination of knowledge that was inaccessible in the past. Consequently, we need to ask a bigger question: is architecture a profession you can learn, or is it something you become? Frank Lloyd Wright Hervé GREGOIRE, Frank Lloyd Wright – Seacliff House, CC BY-SA 4.0 Perhaps the most famous American architect without a formal degree, Frank Lloyd Wright officially dropped out of the University of Wisconsin after completing only his first year. He was taught architecture mainly by working for other firms, most notably pursuing an apprenticeship in Adler & Sullivan, which provided the bedrock for later establishing his own future practice. His approach to formal education was always skeptical, claiming it was based primarily on past knowledge, thus encouraging self-discovery and a more individualistic approach toward architectural understanding. Tadao Ando Rory Hyde, Tadao Ando – Vitra Conference Pavilion, 1993, CC BY-SA 2.0 The Japanese Pritzker Prize-winning architect essentially self-directed his education by observing old Kyoto buildings. In his early years, mathematics and carpentry sparked his interest, thus inspiring him to pursue a path in architecture. However, because he could not afford architecture school, he decided to embark on a journey of self-education. By reading books, attending night classes, and studying buildings all around the world, he developed his own approach to architectural practice, eventually opening his own office in 1969. Peter Zumthor Gunnar Klack, 2005-08-06-Therme-Vals-Peter-Zumthor 08, CC BY-SA 4.0 The 2009 Pritzker Prize laureate “began” his education as a cabinetmaker, learning the craft next to his father. In 1963, he went to the Basel Arts and Crafts School to study, being taught “all the basics of design” by numerous Bauhaus teachers. He was introduced to concepts such as negative and white space, line and surface, color theory and the practice of drawing. He also attended New York’s Pratt Institute for a short amount of time to study industrial design and finally, he established his own practice in Switzerland in 1979. Similarly to Wright, Zumthor took pride in never receiving a formal architectural education, claiming that institutions now push for a more philosophical or artistic approach regarding the discipline, disregarding the actual business of making buildings. Eileen Gray ArtStor, ARTSTOR 103 41822003780648, CC BY-SA 4.0 The Irish furniture and interior designer and architect had a very sporadic educational experience. Apart from taking some painting classes at the Slade School of Fine Art, she learned the ropes of design through multiple collaborations and work opportunities. Specifically, in 1912, her lacquer-based work was informed by the owner of a lacquer shop in London, who showed her the tricks of the trade. Initially, she designed furniture and interiors; however, in her later years, she partnered with Jean Badovici to design the E-1027 house in France and eventually proceeded to create several other architectural works, such as the Tempe à Pailla in the French Riviera. Carlo Scarpa Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, Carlo Scarpa (Fondation Querini-Stampalia, Venise) (4200318180), CC BY 2.0 Known for his distinct approach towards design and space-making, the Italian architect attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, refusing to sit the required professional exam to become accredited. Not wanting to associate himself with another architect, he chose a solo career path at the Royal Superior Institute of Architecture, teaching architectural drawing. He then collaborated with glassmakers in Murano, designing jars and chandeliers for 15 years. Eventually, the renovation of the Museo Castelvecchio in Verona became the turning point for his architectural “status,” finally receiving formal recognition for his work. Exceptionalism and Exceptions These five “exceptions” serve as great inspiration in today’s professional setting. During the past decade, the relationship between formal architectural education and professional practice has been heavily criticized, potentially making these autodidactic paths more attractive than ever. The high educational costs, coupled with the uncertainty of the market and the low architecture salaries, have prompted many aspiring designers to seek alternative routes, which, in turn, acts as a wake-up call for the established institutional and professional system. Accessible knowledge, flexible learning, and the stories of self-taught architects remind us that mastery does not always require official validation but rather the ability to think critically and engage deeply with the world through observation and experimentation. Got a project that’s too contemporary for your client? Submit your conceptual works, images and ideas for global recognition and print publication in the 2025 Vision Awards, launching this spring! Stay updated by clicking here. Featured Image: seier+seier, Carlo scarpa, palazzo steri entrance, palermo 1973-1978 (3578045838), CC BY 2.0 The post Alternative Credentials: How Self-Taught Architects Changed the Course of Design appeared first on Journal.

With the building hype behind CD Projekt RED’s next major title, The Witcher 4, it was inevitable that we would start seeing scams and phishing happening around the title. The studio has taken to social media platform X to warn fans of The Witcher about one such scam. In its post on X, CD Projekt RED has been warning fans of The Witcher franchise to disregard any “invitations” they might be getting for beta tests for The Witcher 4. While the company itself has said that it is taking the necessary steps it can to stop this scam from perpetuating, it is still warning fans to be careful about the kinds of links they click on with regards to the upcoming RPG. “Recently, we’ve been getting reports from some community members that they’ve been invited to a beta test of The Witcher 4 — this is a scam,” wrote the company. “We’ve been taking the necessary steps to take this fraudulent messaging down. That said, if you receive any invites to or stumble upon news of one, we kindly ask you to report the scam using the tools available to you in your email client or the social media platform you are using.” The studio also warns players that any beta tests it would hold for its games would be first announced through official channels like its social media accounts and official website. “Remember: professional monster slayers don’t fall for scams; they see right through them and slay them,” wrote the studio. The Witcher 4, currently in development for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, was announced back in December 2024 during The Game Awards. The title was announced with a trailer, which also revealed that Ciri would be taking over as Geralt as the protagonist of the series going forward. While the game doesn’t yet have a release date, CD Projekt’s quarterly fiscal briefing from back in March indicated that the company is looking at a 2027 release window for the title at the earliest. Since the game’s announcement, CD Projekt RED has been quite active in revealing how it is developing the RPG through various interviews and videos. Earlier this month, during one of its AnsweRED podcasts, senior communication manager Paweł Burza, along with game director Sebastian Kalemba, environment art director Michał Janiszewski and engineering production manager Jan Hermanowicz spoke about building the world of The Witcher 4. According to Janiszewski, the believability of the world in The Witcher 4 is one of the most important aspects of the game. “We have a huge team that is taking care of the believability, because, like you were saying, even the line of the trees need to be specifically created,” he said. “So we have some tools that they are supporting us, and we are building inside of our worldbuilding team, tools that will make our work a little bit faster, and a little bit more, I would say easier, to populate the whole world.” For more details about The Witcher 4, check out the comparisons between Ciri’s gameplay and that of Geralt by CD Projekt RED. Recently, we've been getting reports from some community members that they've been invited to a beta test of The Witcher 4 — this is a scam! 🚨 We've been taking the necessary steps to take this fraudulent messaging down. That said, if you receive any invites to or stumble… pic.twitter.com/nVmHnDSH2M— The Witcher (@thewitcher) April 16, 2025