Fast & Furious 9 writer Daniel Casey will executive produce and pen the script for the first adaptation of the fan-favorite sci-fi video game.

In space, no one can hear you scream But on November 21, the terror of Alien: Romulus is coming to Hulu and Disney+. Beware, the Xenomorphs and Facehugger are unleashed!The VFX are made by:ILM (VFX Supervisor: Nelson Sepulveda, Associate VFX Supervisor: Justin van der Lek)Fin Design + EffectsImage Engine (VFX Supervisor: Robin Hackl)Tippett Studio (VFX Supervisor: Chris Morley)Weta FX (VFX Supervisor: Daniel Macarin)Wylie Co. (VFX Supervisor: Elliott Brennan)Atomic Arts (VFX Supervisors: Marco Rolandi, Rupert Davies)Metaphysic (VFX Supervisor: Jo Plaete)The Production VFX Supervisor is Eric Barba.The Production VFX Producer is Annemarie Griggs.Director: Fede AlvarezRelease Date: August 16, 2024 (USA) Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024The post Alien: Romulus appeared first on The Art of VFX.

Breakdown & ShowreelsWhite Bird: VFX Breakdown by Rodeo FXBy Vincent Frei - 08/11/2024 Step into the world of White Bird and experience the awe-inspiring wolf pack created by Rodeo FX. This visual effects work highlights the teams skill in blending art and technology to bring natures fiercest creatures to life!WANT TO KNOW MORE?Rodeo FX: Dedicated page about White Bird on Rodeo FX website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024

5 Time-Saving Cinema 4D Tips EVERY User Should Know!In this video, Ill give you 5 simple but powerful tips to speed up your Cinema 4D workflow and save you valuable time on your projects. Whether youre a beginner or a seasoned pro, these tricks will help you work faster, smarter, and more efficiently.Speed Up Your Cinema 4D Workflow with These 5 tipsIn this C4D tutorial you'll learn: Use your right, left, up, and down arrows to move or rotate your objects in 5 cm increments. Perfect for quickly nudging objects around your scene.Use the Object as Cameras feature to quickly set up your 3-point lighting or position objects easily in your scene. This is a perfect tip for lining up your spotlights perfectly.Quickly Duplicate and Offset your objects by simply holding Ctrl and dragging. Will save a lot of time when trying to populate your scene.Reset PSR. Ill show you a few ways to quickly reset an object to the world center or to another objects position/rotation/scale. You can use Reset Transform or use the shortcut Alt+0. Also, a quick tip showing how to quickly reset any parameter in Cinema 4D to its default settings by simply right-clicking on the little left and right arrows on any parameter.A reminder that you can switch between all of your 5 camera views with shortcuts F1-F5. If you make this part of your workflow it will save you SO much time.Want More Quick Tips?If you want more of these, head to our YouTube channel, leave a comment, and subscribe!Leave a Comment and Subscribe Here

A recent advance in bioprinting from the Collins BioMicrosystems Laboratory at the University of Melbourne could significantly reshape tissue engineering. Researchers at the lab, led by biomedical engineer David Collins, have introduced a new 3D bioprinting approach called Dynamic Interface Printing (DIP). Unlike traditional methods that slowly build tissue layer by layer, DIP employs acoustic waves to guide cells into precise configurations, producing complex human tissues in secondsa process previously hindered by speed and structural limitations. This breakthrough offers the potential for customized, high-fidelity tissue structures with applications across regenerative medicine and disease modeling. The approach can reportedly achieve 3D printing speeds around 350 times faster than those of traditional bioprinters, reducing the chances of cell damage while maintaining high structural accuracy.Most current bioprinters rely on layer-by-layer construction, which often compromises cell viability due to prolonged exposure times and complex post-processing steps. Once printed, tissue structures typically require delicate handling to avoid damage, which can be difficult when transferring the constructs to lab plates for imaging. DIP, however, addresses these issues by using acoustic waves to position cells at a much faster rate, allowing structures to form directly onto lab plates without additional handling. This innovation protects cell cultures and enables greater customization for various tissue types, from brain tissue to cartilage.Close-up of the DIP System in Action. Photo via University of Melbourne.David Collins, head of the Collins BioMicrosystems Laboratory, explains, Current 3D bioprinters depend on cells aligning naturally without guidance, which presents significant limitations. Using DIP, cells are guided by soundwaves that vibrate microscopic bubbles in specific directions, enabling precise cell placement and eliminating many of the risks associated with conventional bioprinting. Advantages of Dynamic Interface Printing: Versatility and EfficiencyThe DIP process is distinct for its capacity to handle opaque materials and its compatibility with a range of biomaterials without the need for complex optical systems. For instance, DIP can print directly onto lab plates, thereby avoiding steps that may compromise cell viability. This feature not only enhances the integrity of the printed structures but also improves scalability for research and medical applications. Additionally, the acoustic modulation aspect of DIP creates an environment where cells experience minimal mechanical stress, preserving their function and viabilityan essential factor for building effective tissue models.Beyond preserving cell integrity, the process allows for unique biofabrication capabilities, including the creation of intricate multi-material structures and functional components. Acoustic waves within the DIP framework can create hydrodynamic fields, enabling precise 3D particle patterning that proves beneficial in assembling cell-laden constructs. By sidestepping the limitations of traditional volumetric printing, DIP achieves a degree of detail and functionality that broadens its applications in tissue engineering.With the potential to produce patient-specific tissue models rapidly, DIP may soon revolutionize research and personalized healthcare. Researchers at the Collins BioMicrosystems Laboratory are already investigating enhancements for the platform, such as refined control over acoustic fields for even more precise cell arrangements. In the future, DIP could allow medical facilities to bioprint hundreds of miniature tissue models from a patients own cells, boosting the possibilities in diagnostics, drug testing, and regenerative medicine.Illustration of the Dynamic Interface Printing (DIP) Process. Photo via University of Melbourne.Innovations in BioprintingRecent bioprinting developments aim to improve tissue fabrication by more closely mimicking natural cellular environments. Ronawks Bio-Blocks, for instance, create cellular conditions that allow cells to grow in three-dimensional forms. By replicating tissue conditions, Bio-Blocks enhance cell viability and function, enabling insights into cellular processes like protein production and cell signaling, which are crucial for developing new biological therapies.Additionally, BIO INXs collaboration with Readily3D has introduced volumetric 3D printing methods focused on precision and efficiency. Their READYGEL INX bioink uses low-light dose printing to create cell-compatible structures rapidly and with high resolution, offering an optimized solution for fabricating complex biological models while minimizing cell stress. These advances reflect a shift toward biofabrication systems that support viable, detailed tissue structures for research and medical applications.Bio-Blocks allow researchers to observe how a tissue-mimetic environment impacts processes like cell proliferation, extracellular vesicle (EV), and protein production. Image via B9Creations.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured Images showcase A close-up of the DIP System in Action and an illustration of the Dynamic Interface Printing (DIP) Process. Photo via University of Melbourne.

In alliance with IPEX Technologies, JuggerBot 3D has introduced the Tradesman Series P3-44 ASTRA, a large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) system designed specifically to manage the challenges of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing in industrial contexts.Equipped with pellet-fed extrusion technology, this system is developed to enhance the scope of industrial 3D printing opening up new approaches for creating PVC-based components and end-use parts. Valued for properties like chemical resistance, flame retardancy, and mechanical strength, PVC is produced globally at rates exceeding 50 million tons per year, according to the company.Despite these advantages, AM has seen limited application of PVC due to the need for strict fume management and specific material handling controls. As a result, Juggerbots P3-44 ASTRA directly addresses these requirements through advanced process controls and robust safety systems, prioritizing both operator safety and equipment protection while ensuring environmental care.This project represents an important step forward in additive manufacturing for industrial materials, said Brian Zellers, Product Development Manager at JuggerBot 3D. We take pride in proclaiming that we can process a wide array of performance thermoplastics, including PVC. By advancing preexistent process controls in our base P3-44, weve developed a system that offers safety and performance, enabling operators to leverage PVCs material benefits through reliable 3D printing technology.Tradesman Series P3-44 Astra model. Photo via Juggerbot 3D.Advanced safety and fume control for reliable PVC processingIncorporating JuggerBot 3Ds expertise in material testing and control processes, the ASTRA model is based on the Tradesman Series P3-44.It includes corrosion-resistant components and an enhanced fume extraction system precisely positioned at the point of print deposition, maintaining the structural integrity and core features of the original unit. Such adaptations allow it to handle the distinct needs of PVC, making it effective in scenarios where consistent processing and protection against fumes are essential.Designed with advanced safety protocols, the P3-44 ASTRA utilizes corrosion-resistant materials that not only prolong the systems life but also ensure steady control over PVC processing. Additional hardware has been integrated to prevent corrosion and regulate extrusion temperatures accurately.To manage the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during production, sealing has been added to keep fumes within controlled areas, while the dual-stage extraction system actively captures emissions throughout the printing cycle. Chamber access remains restricted until emissions clear, helping to protect operators from premature exposure.Industries requiring materials with PVCs durability and chemical stability, such as those producing body molds, ducting systems, and medical enclosures, are ideal sectors for the P3-44 ASTRA.By supporting high-demand environments where material performance is critical, the system enables these industries to benefit from the unique properties of PVC within additive manufacturing.Tradesman Series P3-44 Astra pipe comparison. Image via Juggerbot 3D.Technical specifications and pricingInterested customers can request a quote from Juggerbot to learn about the ASTRA models price.Build Volume36 x 48 x 48 in (914 x 1219 x 1219 mm)Machine Footprint73 x 125 x 101 in (1854 x 3175 x 2565 mm)Machine Weight4,400 lbs (1,996 kg)SafetyMachine Access Sensors, Lockout/Tagout on PowerPower Requirements Printer208V / 100A / 60Hz / 3Ph w/Neutral and GroundPower Requirements Dryer208V / 30A / 60Hz / 3Ph w/Neutral and GroundAir RequirementsMin 95psi, 4CFMExtruder ThroughputUp to 15 lbs/hr (6.8 kg/hr)Max Nozzle Diameter 0.24 in (6 mm)Max Extruder Temperature752F (400C)Max Platen Temperature248F (120C)Max Chamber Temperature203F (95C)Dryer Capacity100-150 lbs (45 68 kgs)Travel Speed (XY)Up to 19.7 in/sec (500 mm/sec)Suggested Layer Height0.030 0.089 in (0.75 2.25 mm)ConnectivityUSB, Wi-Fi, EthernetOperating SystemWindows 10Machine ControlJuggerBot 3D Control CenterTool Path GenerationORNL Slicer 2Remote Login ControlPre-installedAdditive Manufacturing ProcessFused Granulate Fabrication / Pellet-fed 3D PrintingVoting is now open for the2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows the Tradesman Series P3-44 Astra model. Photo via Juggerbot 3D.Ada ShaikhnagWith a background in journalism, Ada has a keen interest in frontier technology and its application in the wider world. Ada reports on aspects of 3D printing ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical and dental.

Dmitry Kropachev via UnsplashEffective pest control is crucial for maintaining the integrity of any structure. Architectural pest control solutions use diverse strategies to safeguard buildings from infestations, ensuring longevity and safety. By integrating preventive measures into the design and maintenance of buildings, architects and homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of damage caused by pests.These are not just simple remedies but proactive measures involving proper material selection, consideration of structural design issues, and maintenance practices. The holistic approach ensures an environment unconducive to pests yet safe for architectural aesthetics and functionality.Incorporating architectural pest control solutions into buildings at the design stage allows for effective, integrated management of potential problems. Critter Stops professional pest control services in Coppell and surrounding areas provide expertise in implementing these solutions, ensuring that properties are protected from pests right from the start. Understanding these architectural pest control solutions would eventually empower property owners with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions, leading to healthier, resilient living and working spaces.Principles of Pest-Resistant ArchitectureDesigning pest-resistant architecture rests on knowledge regarding how design decisions can be used as a deterrent to infestation. Strategic approaches to building design that aim to achieve minimal vulnerabilities to pests are applied.Understanding Architectural Pest ControlArchitectural pest control integrates various principles to fend off infestations. It involves using multiple principles to prevent the respective infestation problem. It also includes using design elements to limit or restrict access points for pests and environmental deterrence.The most common methods include sealing cracks and gaps, installing mesh over screens, and using materials that repel pest infestations. Concrete, for example, greatly reduces the termite attack rate compared to wood.Moreover, a design allowing for good drainage ensures that water does not collect since water is an attraction to pests. By doing this, architects contribute to making the structure pest-resistant.Strategies for Pest Prevention in Building DesignSeveral techniques can be used to avoid pests in the design process. One should be able to employ integrated pest management (IPM) in design. This comprises selecting materials that will resist pest infestation. The orientation of buildings may also be constructed in such a way as to avoid attracting pests.Designers often advocate for the following:Landscaping Choices: Pest-repelling plants and maintaining a distance between plants and structures reduces pest access.Foundation Treatments: Employing treated wood or alternative materials can deter many common pests.Ventilation and Insulation: Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup while sealing insulation materials effectively keeps pests out.These strategies and regular maintenance create a sustainable approach to architecture that prioritizes long-term pest resistance.Integrated Pest Management in Construction Tonodiaz via FreepikIntegrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential in construction. It focuses on effectively preventing and controlling pest problems. By incorporating strategies from their inception, building projects can minimize risks associated with pest invasions while enhancing sustainability.Incorporating IPM Into ArchitectureDesigning IPM into architecture is considered one with various steps taken in the proactive direction. Architects can use materials resistant to pests and design buildings with features that discourage pest habitation. For example:Material Selection: Selecting materials naturally resistant to pests, such as treated wood or metal screens, can prevent infestations.Landscape Design: Using pest-repelling plants and outdoor barriers can help keep pests out.Building Orientation: Positioning structures away from pest-prone areas, like standing water, boosts prevention efforts.These measures make the environment less conducive for pests and reduce the reliance on chemical application.Role of IPM in Sustainable Building PracticesIPM aligns well with sustainable building practices because it focuses on prevention rather than reactive pest control, offering several benefits such as:Reduced Chemical Use: IPM significantly reduces environmental impact by minimizing chemical applications.Resource Conservation: Continuous monitoring in IPM helps address potential invasions early, conserving resources.Healthier Indoor Environments: With fewer chemicals, IPM improves indoor air quality and promotes healthier spaces.In sustainable architecture, IPM addresses more than pest issues; it fosters a broader commitment to environmental responsibility.Innovative Design Solutions for Pest ControlEffective pest control can be integrated into architectural design using specific materials and innovative construction techniques. Additionally, landscaping and exterior design significantly impact pest prevention strategies.Materials and Construction TechniquesUtilizing pest-resistant materials is crucial in building design. Treatments for wood, such as borate, can prevent termite infestations, while concrete, metal, and glass offer more resistance to pests than traditional wood structures. Critter Stop provides expertise in identifying and applying such treatments to ensure lasting protection.Employing advanced construction techniques also helps mitigate vulnerabilities. For instance, sealing potential entry points with caulk can reduce access for ants and rodents. Installing mesh screens on vents and openings further enhances protection while ensuring adequate drainage, which can prevent standing water, a common attractant for pests.Landscaping and Exterior Design ConsiderationsLandscaping | Zanda Photography via UnsplashLandscaping plays a key role in pest control through thoughtful architectural design. Plants such as marigolds are popular for repelling mosquitoes and nematode roundworms. Avoiding organic material near the foundation, regularly trimming trees and shrubs, and using gravel in hardscape beds further discourage pests from nesting around structures. With Critter Stops professional guidance, property owners can implement these design choices to create a pest-resistant, aesthetically pleasing environment.Frequently Asked QuestionsThis section addresses common inquiries regarding pest control solutions in architectural environments. It covers management methods, professional approaches, customer concerns, investmentworthiness, scheduling, and integrated strategies.What are the best ways that pests can be managed in buildings?Some of the most common methods used in pest control include physical barriers, traps, and chemical treatments. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines all these methods to ensure efficiency. Regular inspections and maintenance help spot and prevent infestations early.What approaches do professionals take to handle pest problems in buildings?The pros will conduct an in-depth evaluation of the property to determine the types and locations of the pests. With this information, they can develop a focused plan that includes exclusion, sanitation, and treatment. The treatment plans will be monitored and continuously adjusted to ensure long-term effectiveness.How often does architectural pest control have to be performed?The frequency of pest control depends on several factors, including the use of the building and the types of pests. In most cases, quarterly treatments would normally work for ongoing management. However, more frequent attention may be necessary for new constructions or locations with a history of infestations.Can integrated pest management strategies be applied to architectural structures?The principles of Integrated Pest Management are highly applicable to architectural structures. It employs all available methods in a compatible combination tailored to specific pest and site problems. There is a strong emphasis on prevention and long-term solutions, reducing chemical use and enhancing overall effectiveness.Known for delivering exceptional service, Critter Stop is highly rated by customers, with five-star reviews for its reliable work and outstanding customer care. For their expert assistance, call (214) 234-2616.Leave a comment

Carrara Marble in Italy | Gianluigi Marin via UnsplashFew materials rival marbles timeless beauty and appeal, a stone cherished since antiquity.From ancient Egypt to Renaissance Europe, marble has symbolized human creativity, craftsmanship, and resilience. Choosing marble is an aesthetic decision that connects todays builders and designers with a tradition of elegance and strength that has shaped civilizations across continents.The Origin and Formation of MarbleEtymology and Geological FormationThe term marble finds its origins in the Greek word marmaros, translating to shining stone. Geologically, marble is a metamorphic rock that emerges from the transformation of limestone through extreme heat and pressure over millions of years.This geologic process reshapes calcium carbonate into interlocking crystals, creating a stone of refined strength and beauty.Marbles signature veining patterns, colors, and textures arise from the various minerals trapped within the original limestone, offering unique characteristics to each slab.Geological CharacteristicDescriptionFormation ProcessMetamorphism of limestone under intense heat and pressurePrimary ComponentCalcium carbonate (CaCO)Veining and Color VariationsResult from mineral inclusions (e.g., hematite for reds, serpentine for greens, calcite for whites)DurabilityHigh compression strength, but prone to acid etching and scratching without sealingKey QuarriesCarrara (Italy), Paros and Naxos (Greece), Makrana (India), Danby (USA), Anatolia (Turkey)Table 1: Geological Characteristics of MarbleMarble Through the AgesAncient Foundations: The First Use of MarbleThe use of marble dates back over 2,500 years, making it one of the earliest building materials used by ancient civilizations. Marble was treasured by Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for its beauty and strength.In ancient Greece, marble from Paros and Naxos became prominent for building and sculpting, used in the construction of temples, statues, and sarcophagi that honored deities and the human form. Greek artisans mastered marble, creating masterpieces like the Venus de Milo, which endures as a symbol of classical beauty.The Marvel of Carrara, Italy Gianluigi Marin Henry CoCarrara marble, a pristine white marble sourced from Italys Apuan Alps, has left an indelible mark on architecture and art. It was Michelangelos stone of choice for his renowned works, including the David and the Piet.Carrara remains a focal point for sculptors and architects who seek marble with both historical gravitas and unrivaled purity. Carraras marmisti, or marble artisans, carry forward a tradition of craftsmanship that dates back centuries.Calacatta: The Bold Statement StoneCalacatta marble, characterized by its thick, bold veining on a stark white background, is a luxurious variant often used for statement pieces. With a striking visual impact, Calacatta adds elegance and drama to any space, and its rarity elevates its status. This marbles grandeur makes it ideal for applications where its veining patterns can be showcased, such as in fireplaces, bathroom walls, and grand entryways. Today, you can find Calacatta marble from reputable vendors, maintaining this lineage in modern design.Comparison:TypeColorVeiningPrimary UsesCarrara MarbleLight to medium graySoft, fine, and feathery veinsKitchens, floors, bathroomsCalacatta MarbleBright whiteBold, thick, and dramatic veinsCountertops, wall panels, bathroomsStatuario MarblePure whiteDelicate, light veiningHigh-end sculptures, luxury spacesTable 2: Comparison of Marble TypesCultural and Artistic ImpactMarbles influence extends beyond architecture, penetrating the realms of culture and fine arts. In Renaissance Italy, marble became the medium through which artists expressed spirituality, beauty, and human emotion.Michelangelo, Bernini, and other sculptors immortalized their visions in marble, allowing their works to endure for centuries. Modern sculptors like Henry Moore and Isamu Noguchi have similarly explored marble, drawn to its organic texture and timeless appeal. The reverence for marble across cultures and periods underscores its role as a bridge between human expression and natures grandeur.Architectural Impact of MarblePantheon | Yana marudovaTower of Pisa | Nina DescheresThe Role of Marble in Architecture and Home DesignMarbles physical properties make it a versatile and valuable material for architects, from large-scale buildings to intricate interior details.It is employed as a load-bearing material and as a decorative finish, lending buildings a timeless, standing quality.Its resilience under compressive stress and its aesthetic versatility have made it suitable for floors, columns, facades, and countertops. The influence of marble reaches beyond these functional uses, leaving an indelible mark on some of the worlds most celebrated structures.The following table provides a closer look at marbles contribution to some of the worlds architectural masterpieces:StructureLocationMarble TypeSignificanceLeaning Tower of PisaPisa, ItalyWhite and gray marbleDemonstrates Gothic architecture, with luminous marble enhancing its tiltTaj MahalAgra, IndiaMakrana white marbleSymbol of love; marble changes color with the lightWashington MonumentWashington, USAMarble from different quarriesTallest obelisk, symbolizing unity, with marble representing enduranceRome, ItalyMediterranean marblesMarble columns support one of historys largest unreinforced domesAthens, GreecePentelic marbleEmbodies Greek architectural mastery; luminous marble glows in sunlightTable 3: Marble in Architecture MasterpiecesIs Marble Right for Your Home?The Versatility of Marble in Interior DesignMarbles adaptability makes it an excellent choice for a range of applications in home design. It is a stunning countertop material, enduring under high temperatures in kitchens while maintaining its cool, touchable surface. In bathrooms, marble adds sophistication to vanities, shower walls, and flooring. As a flooring material, marble creates an atmosphere of elegance, complementing both traditional and contemporary spaces.Home ApplicationBenefitsConsiderationsKitchen CountertopsHeat-resistant, cool to touchRequires sealing to prevent stainsBathroom VanitiesWater-resistant, visually appealingMay etch with acidic productsLiving Room FlooringElegant, timeless aestheticCan scratch; periodic sealing recommendedFireplace SurroundsHeat-resistant, classic design appealPotential discoloration over timeOutdoor Seating/AccentsWeather-resistant, natural patinaMay require more frequent maintenanceTable 4: Applications of Marble in Home DesignHow to care for itWhile marble can last generations, it benefits from consistent and diligent care. Here are a few essential maintenance tips to preserve its beauty and functionality:Daily Cleaning: Wipe surfaces with a soft cloth and mild, pH-neutral soap. Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners to prevent etching.Seal Regularly: Sealing marble surfaces helps reduce porosity, protecting against stains and etching. A water drop test can determine if resealing is neededif water no longer beads on the surface, its time to reseal.Avoid Acidic Substances: Marble is prone to etching from acids found in vinegar, citrus, and some cleaning products. Use coasters and placemats to prevent these substances from direct contact.Marbles Timeless Role in Architecture and DesignMarble is a tribute to natures artistry, merging raw beauty with architectural purpose. From its origins in the ancient world to its place in contemporary design, marble reflects our aspirations for beauty and permanence.As a material that embodies history, elegance, and strength, marble remains a choice for those who value aesthetic grandeur and structural resilience. Whether used in monumental public works or intimate residential spaces, marble endures, offering a tangible link between past civilizations and the architectural dreams of the future.We love it.Construction MaterialsMarble Leave a comment

TEN TEN Landscape Architecture and Urbanism is based in Minneapolis, but it has projects all over that demonstrate a keen sensitivity to materiality, context, ecosystems, storytelling, and ethics. Whether negotiating dilapidated brownfields in Pittsburgh or contributing to the upcoming 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, TEN TEN practices what it preaches. The office, founded in 2015 by Maura Rockcastle and Ross Altheimer, lists what it believes in on its website: We acknowledge that land is an expression of power and believe that it can be redistributed. This is one of their several guiding values. This commitment to the pluriversal nature of landscape architecture saturates each of the firms works. Mill 19 in Pittsburgh (Corey Gaffer)Mill 19, 2023A 1,300-foot-long historic factory on Pittsburghs Monongahela River was the last standing steel mill in the city of Pittsburgh until 1997, when Mill 19 closed. After, the 5-acre property wasted away, a somber reminder of Pittsburghs once thriving industrial base. TEN TEN, MSR Design, D.I.R.T. Studio, Atelier 10, and other offices gradually transformed the brownfield into a sustainable, high-tech innovation district. So much of the site had been erased, Rockcastle said. We were really interested in capturing its memory, so we did a survey of all the materials we wanted to repurpose from the site. There was so much steel, clay, and crushed rubble. Altheimer added: We had to transfer a lot of this material from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh. One day, airport security stopped us and asked why we had so much clay and wire, essentially bomb making materials. [Light chuckling.] For us it was really important to keep the sites spirit, and memory, alive. Mill 19, I think, demonstrates our interest in tactility. Treetop Trail at Minnesota Zoological Gardens (Corey Gaffer)Treetop Trail, 2023Together with Snow Kreilich Architects, TEN TEN recently completed a 1.25-mile elevated walking path that meanders through Minnesota Zoological Gardens. The serpentine trail gives visitors vantage points of the zoo and its creatures that the ground plane just cant afford. This new way of looking at things, TEN TEN noted, is meant to accelerate ones own dedication to activism. It was a retrofit of existing infrastructure, Altheimer said. We were tasked with repurposing a defunct monorail from the zoos original design in the 1970s. Rockcastle, who grew up in Minneapolis, likely visited the monorail when she was a kid. It was decommissioned in the 2010s. Altheimer continued: John Frawley, the zoos director, had this vision for repurposing the monorail. He was really inspired by the High Line in New York City. Theres been a lot of excitement surrounding the project since it opened last year and the perspectives it offers.Louise B. Miller Memorial + Pathways Gardens (Courtesy TEN TEN)Louise B. Miller Memorial + Pathways Gardens, UnbuiltGallaudet University is considered the worlds premier higher education institution for students who are deaf or hard of hearing; its verdant campus was completed in 1866 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Despite its altruistic beginnings, Gallaudet had a disturbing history: It didnt admit a single Black student until 1950. And even after Brown v. Board of Education, Black students were barred from studying and living with white students, so Black students were sequestered in a building called the Kendall School, a far less attractive abode compared to the milieu ideated by Olmsted and Vaux. In 2016, TEN TEN was a finalist in a competition with MASS Design Group to tell this story, and create a Black Deaf centric space named after Louise B. Miller, the mother of a Black deaf student who filed a class action lawsuit against the Washington, D.C., Board of Education so her son could receive an education. Millers case was a big civil rights story thats not very well told, Rockcastle said. So this is a memorial in her honor, and to honor those first 24 Black deaf students at the Kendall School. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Wellness Center (Courtesy TEN TEN)Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Wellness Center, OngoingFlandreau, South Dakota, is a city of 2,000 people about 100 miles southwest of Minneapolis. There, the studio is partnering with Gensler and the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe to deliver a new wellness center, landscape design, and more. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Wellness Center is a critical community hub for recreation, health, and social connection, TEN TEN shared. An iterative engagement process resulted in the design team recognizing and uplifting three foundational goals: Connect, Gather, and Heal are the guiding principles for the new campus. The design team was challenged by tribal members while developing the center, said TEN TEN. Throughout the process they asked: Does it bring life?The response is the co-creation of a site design and larger landscape framework, the team said. It acts as a connective thread throughout the 20-acre tribal grounds interconnecting the water, land, and community.

News broke this week that an office building in Houston designed by I. M. Pei sold at a bankruptcy auction for $27 million. The 11-story building, completed in 1980, features a striking glass-enclosed atrium. TwentyFour25, its official name that refers to its numeral address along West Loop Street, is a 285,000-square-foot office building. For many years it housed department store Stage Stores, the retail conglomerate that owned now-shuttered brands such as Bealls, Goodys, Gordmans, Peebles, and Palais Royal. Positioned in the heart of Houstons premier retail district, TwentyFour25 is close to the Galleriathe largest mall in Texas. The surrounding area is more than just a retail paradise, over 2,000 companies and more than 11 percent of Houstons total office space are concentrated in the area.The Pei-designed commercial building filed for bankruptcy in December 2023. Hilco Real Estate Sales (HRE), was engaged by Galleria 2425 Trustee, Jones Murray, to manage the sale of the property. It was put up for auction in May with a tight bidding period that lasted just 30 days. In addition to its glass-enclosed atrium, TwentyFour25 boasts expansive windows with views out toward the Houston skyline. Building amenities include, a fitness center on-site cafe, and a multi-level parking garage.The building recently underwent renovations. In its listing HRE said the upgrades pay homage to Peis visionary work. They include the new fitness center and lounges, as well as new signage throughout and a revamped reception area and courtyard. La G Studio, a design and branding agency, was tapped to create a visual identity for it that aligns with the buildings architectural significance and its future purpose, whatever that may be.