Apple's decision to place the power button of the M4 Mac mini underneath has been questioned by users. In some cases, they've come up with their own "solutions" to the problem.Mac mini power buttonThe introduction of the M4 Mac mini was welcomed by critics, with the already small Mac made to be even smaller. Getting to that size meant there had to be a compromise, and that took the form of an awkward power button placement.Rather than at the rear, the button is instead underneath the corner of the Mac mini's enclosure. It's in a position that you have to lift or tilt the Mac mini to access it, which can be awkward for people with larger digits. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Grant Associates landscaping for the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Birmingham, England, supports wellbeing and recoveryhttps://www.e-architect.com/birmingham/midland-metropolitan-university-hospital-birmingham#universityhospital #birmingham #england #architectureGrant Associates' landscaping for the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Birmingham supports wellbeing and recovery

House by the River, by Polish architects STOPROCENT, uses simple materials to create a refined aesthetic throughout the proposalhttps://www.e-architect.com/poland/house-by-the-river-poland-property#poland #buildingmaterials #BuildingProposal #architectureHouse by the River, by Polish architects STOPROCENT, uses simple materials to create a refined aesthetic throughout the proposal

Discover architecture that breathes! Plan Bs permeable designs in Medelln bring nature and urban life together #SustainableDesign #Architecture #UrbanInnovation #Medellin #GreenArchitectureExplore how this stunning hotel and hybrid shelter/event venue transform urban spaces into lush, accessible sanctuaries.

Architecture firms face continued decline in billings, as shown by the latest AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). September marks the 20th month of this downturn, with a score of 45.7. Despite economic improvements, clients remain cautious about new projects. However, firms report an average backlog of 6.4 months, suggesting some resilience in the pipeline.Key Insights: Regional ABI: South (49.5), Northeast (46.4), Midwest (45.0), West (42.6) Sector Performance: Institutional (48.5), Multifamily Residential (41.7)Stay informed on the economic climate affecting the architecture industry. #Architecture #EconomicOutlook #Design #AIA #BusinessConditions #ArchitectureBillingsIndex #Deltek #Resiliencehttps://bit.ly/4e55N0qClients remain cautious on new projects, leading to continued revenue declines, yet strong backlogs provide a glimmer of hope for architecture firms.

NEOM has announced three new architectural partners who will participate in its ongoing planning and design development process for The Line megacity component. The press release names Delugan Meissl Associated Architects (DMAA), Gensler, and Mott MacDonald as additions.DMAA (the Phase One master planners) and Mott MacDonald will each be responsible for engineering and infrastructure project management, with thecity asset design architectGensler being tapped to lead "city design coordination and city planning, providing leadership and governance across the project on crucial areas, including planning policies and frameworks, land use and design compliance."The announcement mentions the start of planning for individually-designed neighborhoods in Phase One, which will be created by a different "suite of architects" beginning in early 2025. A British ITV documentary film crew recently reported on the growth of human rights concerns at The Line site after construction began....

The newly updated AIA Firm Survey Report 2024 from the American Institute of Architects has been published, revealing the dynamics at play for firms in a rapidly consolidating market and increasingly fragmented profession.The report assesses answers from more than 1,200 firm respondents and provides insights into factors such as the flight of new projects toward the commercial and institutional sectors and a subsequent decline of involvement with new single-family and manufacturing sector designs nationwide.Incumbent trends such as higher rates of diversity amongst the youngest employee age groups, the decline of single-discipline firms, and cascading average firm age relative to their sizes (e.g. older firms tend to be larger) remained as constants in the firm and staff profile subsection.Related on Archinect: Quality-of-life benefits increasing in architecture firms, but compensation lags behind inflation, says AIA reportThe financial picture for firms generally is framed by th...

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The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.In the not-too-distant past, homes were our sanctum static spaces that were ours and ours alone. Spare rooms were reserved for friends, family members, untouched gym equipment and once-worn clothes. Fast forward, and today, the idea of a home as a purely personal space is almost quaint. The side hustle era, like its adopters, is showing no signs of slowing down, and owning a property is one of the most popular income generators in this evolving economy.Despite some recent criticism and regulatory crackdowns in certain cities, the short-term rental platforms continue to grow, supported by a demand for flexible, temporary accommodation and an understanding that short-term rentals, while potentially problematic in cities, are a lifeblood to smaller communities that rely on tourism to boost economic growth. The Airbnb effect, if we can call it that, has been seismic. In 2024 alone, the platform boasts 7.7 million active listings globally, with hosts earning over $9.9 billion in revenue in 2023 a 19.2% increase from the previous year. In 2023, Airbnb saw 448 million bookings worldwide, up 13.9% from the year before. Although often the case, this success is not entirely about homeowners looking to make a little extra income. The way we work and live is changing, with many workers and, therefore, homeowners opting into a nomadic lifestyle, working from their devices while moving from place to place.According to a 2022 survey, 45% of new home buyers in cities like London and New York are factoring potential Airbnb rental revenue into their buying decisions. Thats nearly half of all new buyers purchasing their homes with an imaginary revolving door of guests in mind. As a result, architects and designers are faced with new challenges when thinking about how these properties should look and function. How do you create spaces that work just as well for a family of four as they do for a group of travelers who booked a spare room after one too many beers and missed their flight home? Well, thats where things get interesting. Designing a home for potential short-term rental means factoring in a whole new set of requirements: adaptability, durability and the ability to disguise the fact that youve hosted fifty people in the past six months while somehow maintaining a feeling of home when you return.Kalrav Villa Design by VPA Architects, Ahmedabad, India | Photos by Inclined StudioPossibly one of the most vital things to think about when designing a home that will be used for short-term rental is materiality. Not all spaces are treated equally, and unfortunately, how a person treats a home that is not their own is often significantly different from how they treat a space they rent. According to a 2023 survey by AirDNA, guests in short-term rentals are, on average, 30% less likely to take care of property maintenance issues compared to long-term tenants, and that translates directly into the wear and tear a home will experience. Durability is a friend here. Laminates are prone to damage from standing water and spills, an inevitable outcome in any sort of rental. While an owner might be meticulous at wiping up, a guests probably wont be. Using materials that are easier to maintain or repair is a good idea. Solid wood is great but often expensive. Timber veneers offer a resilient compromise. They can be repaired, stripped and restained, providing much-needed longevity to furniture. Again, a solid surface like marble is excellent for high-interaction areas due to its strength and heat resistance, but it can stain if not sealed properly especially when exposed to wine, coffee or acidic substances. A granite or manufactured solid surface can often be the smarter choice.Similarly, flooring takes a heavy beating in short-term rentals, especially from suitcases, spills and high heels. Once more, laminates and softwoods are not the best options unless the plan is to replace them frequently. Instead, engineered hardwood, which offers the look of solid wood with more resilience to scratches and moisture, is a more durable option. For even more durability, tile or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring is a top choice. Both are waterproof, scratch-resistant and becoming more budget-friendly by the day.Sydney Harbour Apartment by Brooke Aitken Design, Sydney, Australia | Photos by Prue RuscoeWhile picking the right materials is essential, one thing that can really help keep a rental looking fresh is including patterns. Busy surfaces, like terrazzo or speckled granite, can cleverly hide stains and minor scratches, making them perfect for high-traffic kitchens and bathrooms. Carpets and fabrics that have a lot going on will hide a multitude of sins. A hair iron burn on a busy carpet is a lot less obvious than on solid cream.Now, heres where things get intriguing. Designing a home for an individual is one thing, but designing a home for everyone and anyone well, thats a whole new ball game. Short-term rentals mean different people with different needs coming and going, so adaptability is the name of the game.To get the most out of a rental space, it should be able to shift between being a cozy family haven one week to a buzzing party pad the next. Movable partitions, fold-out beds, or multifunctional furniture like storage ottomans and expanding tables are all practical solutions. The furniture should work harder than normal, opting for pieces that can transform a single space into multiple configurations, a bedroom into an office, or a dining room into a playroom. This way, a listing will appeal to a much broader audience.Apartment in Prague by ATELIER 111 architekti s.r.o., Prague, Czechia | Photo by Veronika RaffajovHowever, adaptability shouldnt mean moving things around all the time. It should also consider where things go when not in use. Thats where storage and, even better, hidden storage becomes essential. Not only is it comforting for an owner to know their personal belongings can be hidden away safely, but having dedicated places for things keeps the mess at bay a place for everything leaves no ambiguity for where something should go. Built-in storage solutions like floor-to-ceiling cabinets, false-backed wardrobes, pull-out shelves and even under-bed storage are lifesavers in spaces that need to accommodate a steady flow of people. When not in use, these features virtually disappear, keeping the home sleek and tidy.Finally, when seeking out a property with the idea of turning it into a short-term rental, considering what the building itself brings to the table can lead to offering something special. Properties that come with built-in character add intrigue without additional stuff. Exposed beams, decorative cornices, or feature doorways do a lot of heavy lifting in terms of visual appeal. These features create focal points and add texture to a room without the need for excessive dcor. Dont underestimate the power of decorative tiles. Whether its in the kitchen or bathroom, tiles with intricate patterns or bold colors can give a property personality. In older properties, keeping or restoring original tilework can add a sense of history and craftsmanship thats difficult to replicate.Ka-Ma-Ra by Z-LEVEL architecture, Greece | Photos by Mariana BistiBy focusing on the structural features of a building things that are part of its very fabric not only is value added to the property, but also a lot of headaches can be avoided. Decorative items become targets for wear and tear, or worse, they mysteriously disappear into the luggage of a departing guest. So, by leaning on the structure to be the decoration, the chances of issues arising become much less. The not-so-honest guest would find it significantly more difficult to pop a 100-year-old oak door in their suitcase than a hand-woven throw. The fewer personal items or accessories, the less likely things are to be damaged or stolen. Meaning guests get to enjoy a space that feels thoughtfully curated, and owners have the peace of mind knowing they dont need to constantly replace decorations or worry about clutter.The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.Title image: Meditation Duplex by Sim-Plex Design Studio, Hong Kong. Photograph by Patrick Lam | The projects in this article, although not expressly designed to function as both homes and AirBnbs, offer vivid examples of the concepts discussed in this article.The post Designing for Airbnb: Crafting Spaces That Adapt and Endure appeared first on Journal.

The Main Entry Deadline for Architizer's 2025 A+Product Awards is Friday, December 6. Get your brand in front of the AEC industrys most renowned designers by submitting today.In 2024, the idea of workplace and what that represents has significantly shifted. Whether spaces for permanent, hybrid or freelance workers, over the last five years, the office as a concept has undergone a massive transformation. The high expectations and shifting requirements of employees and employers are being researched and understood better than ever before.Offices are no longer designed with ultimate productivity at the core of their ethos. Today, the workplace has become somewhere that is expected to nourish creativity, nurture its inhabitants and adapt to the unique needs of every individual. This years Architizer A+Product Awards winners capture this ambition brilliantly, offering solutions for workspaces that are adaptive, intuitive and unapologetically innovative.Enter the A+Product AwardsWhat makes an office the best in the world? Its not bean bags, beers or bland breakout spaces. Today, the office is a balanced ecosystem of both products and people thoughtfully considered, seriously sustainable, highly inclusive and at the forefront of design strategy. Each product on this list shapes the experience of being at work in a positive way to help architects and designers create the best environments possible for the workforce of tomorrow.Solatube SolaMaster 750 Tubular Daylighting Device (TDD)By Solatube International, Inc.Jury Winner, Best of the Year, Health and Wellbeing, 2024 A+Product AwardsSolatubes SolaMaster 750 is designed to fill workplaces with natural light. Circadian rhythms are vital for health and using Spectralight Infinity Tubing Solatube International, Inc. can reduce reliance on artificial lighting while blocking UV and heat. In addition to being deal for multi-use spaces, the ICC 500-compliant system is shown to decrease eyestrain, improve focus and enhance overall well-being, acknowledging that daylighting is a practical health feature for todays best offices and making it simple to incorporate it.Qwel Acoustic Ceiling TilesBy Genesis ProductsJury Winner, Finishes, Ceiling, 2024 A+Product AwardsQwel Acoustic Ceiling Tiles are a combination of bold aesthetics with quiet function, using sustainable PET fibers to bring sound-absorbing serenity to otherwise busy and noisy workplaces. Available in a number of rich, calming tones, the tiles aid in bringing both acoustic comfort and visual interest to office ceilings, creating spaces that help to enhance focus and support well-being across open-plan environments.Universal Series Window WallBy Cascadia Windows & DoorsPopular Choice Winner, Faades & Openings, Glass & Glazing, 2024 A+Product AwardsWindows can make or break a good office environment, so why not have the best you can get? Cascadias Universal Series Window Wall is a sustainable powerhouse of a product, featuring a high-performance fiberglass frame that enhances thermal efficiency while elegantly framing expansive views. With Passive House-level ratings and options for double or triple glazing, these windows bring energy savings for employers and an abundance of natural light for workers, creating a comfortable, well-lit environment that aligns with todays wellness-focused workplace design strategies.ModwallBy KovaJury Winner, Best of the Year, Flexible Design, 2024 A+Product AwardsKOVAs Modwall is an innovative product. Offering a modular alternative to drywall that is routed in the modern need for flexibility. With plant-based insulation and panels that can be easily demounted and reassembled, the integrated plug-and-play system adapts to shifting office layouts and locations. Ultimately reducing construction waste and delivering optimum flexibility for workspaces and workforces that evolve with their businesses.Seem 1 Acoustic LouverBy Focal PointJury Winner, Lighting, Recessed & Mounted Lighting, 2024 A+Product AwardsThe Seem 1 Acoustic Louver does double duty. The beautiful product brings light and sound control together in one sleek package. Deep-set louvers with a choice of felt colors help to shape the ambiance of any office space, providing calm, focused lighting while enhancing acoustic comfort a solution that makes every ceiling work harder in the modern office.New Framery Smart Pod FamilyBy FrameryJury Winner, Furnishings, Furniture Systems, 2024 A+Product AwardsFramerys Smart Pod family is the peak of both privacy and sustainability in office design. Each futuristic pod is 100% recyclable and 23% lighter than before. Equipped with radar-based lighting and ventilation that adapt to the number of occupants, the soundproof pods combine high-tech and eco-friendly in a way that few products manage to doa perfect place for focused work or confidential meetings while hitting those all-important climate targets.ForyuBy KeilhauerJury Winner, Best of the Year, Commercial Design, 2024 A+Product AwardsForyu are built to blend in while standing out. With a self-weighted mechanism that adjusts invisibly, these elegant office chairs, designed by Martin Ballendat, allow users to experience comfort and support. Ergonomic contours, breathable backrests and custom textile options make it a perfect fit for any collaborative space or boardroom, proving that when design is intuitive, comfort becomes effortless.GradientBy PairPopular Choice Winner, Furnishings, Furniture Systems, 2024 A+Product AwardsDesigned with the future and the unknown in mind, Gradient by Pair and Gensler allows workspaces to evolve without limits to help workers connect, collaborate, and socialize with other people. The exposed Beam at the center of the design acts as a power and data exoskeleton, giving teams the flexibility to create focus zones, lounge areas, and collaborative hubs with ease at any time. Its intuitive design and simple functionality make Gradient a true reflection of todays connected office.Beam Lounge CollectionBy NienkamperPopular Choice Winner, Furnishings, Contract Seating, 2024 A+Product AwardsThe Beam Lounge Collection marries playfulness with practicality. An innovative seating collection that is compact and curvaceous with an exposed wood beam to add warmth and a touch of sophistication. This unexpected collection is available in single, double, or triple-seat options with bold, low-sheen tables. Beam is perfect for lobbies, lounges and breakout spaces delivering a relaxed, contemporary style with just enough structure.CapasBy Davis FurnitureJury Winner, Furnishings, Contract Furniture, 2024 A+Product AwardsThe Capas Table by jehs+laub is the latest occasional table collection to join Davis Furniture. The sophisticated design captures both balance and contrast, visually from light and ethereal to solid and grounded, depending on how the viewer approaches the piece. Crafted from seamless aluminum and supported by two elegantly curved legs, each table can nest together or stand alone to create a sculptural form of functional pieces that add a distinctive aesthetic to any workspace.Admix TablesBy AllsteelJury Winner, Best of the Year, Commercial Design, 2024 A+Product AwardsAdmix Tables bring unmatched flexibility to the modern workplace. With its modern yet playful design, Admix could comfortably belong in a conference room, breakout lounges or even a cafe. The lightweight tables with telescoping legs, wheelbarrow feature, and integrated storage ensure these tables adapt effortlessly, turning every workspace into a versatile environment with plenty of style.WashBarBy Bradley CorporationPopular Choice Winner, Best of the Year, Commercial Design, 2024 A+Product AwardsThe WashBar is a stunning solution for any workplace environment. Combining soap, water and drying functions into one sleek, touch-free unit, it is stylish and highly practical. Engineered for reliable and precise activation, with LED guidance and an array of six finishes, it turns handwashing into an elevated experience that keeps shared restrooms clean and clutter-free. An excellent option to upgrade from institutional to inspired.R.U.M. ChairBy WehlersJury Winner, Best of the Year, Positive Impact, 2024 A+Product AwardsThe Wehlers R.U.M. chair is a full Circular Economy solution and a true champion of circular design. Made entirely from recycled materials, Wehlers R.U.M. is a sustainable chair with a plastic shell made of recycled plastic waste from three different waste streams: fishing nets, e-waste or insulin pens. Nothing is added, and the waste steam decides the color of the seat and back. Fishermans green, keyboard black or Pharma blue. Additionally, each chair is equipped with a tracking chip to monitor its lifecycle. This B-Corp-certified chair is built to be reused and refurbished, setting a new standard for responsible, transparent office design.Space Theorys Interior Drawer ComponentsBy Space TheoryJury Winner, Furnishings, Accessories, 2024 A+Product Awards Sometimes, it is the little things that make office life better, and Space Theorys Interior Drawer Components are one of those products. Offering modular, precision-fit storage for kitchens, Space Theory has made organization both beautiful and simple. With stackable hardwood inserts and stainless-steel trays that lift out or suspend from the Opencast system, these pieces are designed for todays meticulous, design-conscious office spaces that value cleanliness and efficiency, so everything has its place.SketchUpBy TrimbleJury Winner, Technology, Architecture Software, 2024 A+Product Awards A champion of every architecture office, this year SketchUp goes beyond the basics, introducing tools like PreDesign for climate-specific insights and a beta Scan-to-Design feature that transforms real-world spaces into 3D models instantly. Paired with its intuitive iPad functionality and AI-driven 3D Warehouse Image Search, SketchUp 2024 allows architects to sketch, iterate and visualize from studio to site across teams and even continents.Vectorworks Architect 2024By Vectorworks, Inc.Popular Choice Winner, Technology, Architecture Software, 2024 A+Product AwardsYear after year, Vectorworks steps up. This year, Vectorworks Architect 2024 expands the creative toolkit, enabling architects to sketch, model and document in a fully integrated workflow with the worlds most design-centric BIM solution. New features include the ability to save custom viewport settings as styles and robust parametric objects redefined to address your specific needs, allowing designers to experiment and innovate without losing efficiency built for architects who demand both freedom and precision.Follow in the footsteps of these sixteen innovative brands by entering this years A+Product Awards and receive major industry recognition from architects and designers worldwide:Enter A+Product AwardsThe Main Entry Deadline for Architizer's 2025 A+Product Awards is Friday, December 6. Get your brand in front of the AEC industrys most renowned designers by submitting today.The post The Worlds Best Office: 16 Products for the Workspace of Tomorrow appeared first on Journal.