Public Art Heritageis calling on urgent submissions to protect the iconic artworks in and around theCity-to-Sea Bridgeand Te Ngkau Civic Square, Wellington. The public artworks currently under threat are some of the most recognisable artworks in TeWhanganui-a-Tara.In theTe Ngkau Precinct Development Plan now being consulted on, the strengthening and retention of the City-to-Sea Bridge (by artists Paratene Matchitt, Rewi Thompson and John Gray, 1993) isnt presented as an option and is to be demolished. The Council is only consulting on new options to access the waterfront from Te Ngkau. It is also consulting on what it should prioritise during the development of the remaining parts of theprecinct.The retention of the City Gallery Wellington and refurbishment of the Town Hall and Library are already well underway, however, theMichael Fowler Centre byWarren and Mahoney is potentially underthreat.Says Public Art Heritage of the legacy of the Square and surrounding publicartworks:Conceived as a huge outdoor room with its large, purposefully designed bricked area as a gallery/stage floor, public art was at the heart of this vision. Kara Puketapu from theTenths Trust was consulted on the new square and it was decided bi-culturalism would be best reflected in the commissioned artworks by three senior Mori artists working at the height of their powers. Integrated into the precincts design, the resulting works are a tangible connection with the past, and an embodiment of thiskaupapa.Our research has clarified that the entire site encompassing the City-to-Sea Bridge, Te Aho a Maui Capital Discovery Place (including Thompsons elevated plaza maunga and paving that serves as its roof), the steps with Matt Pines Prow and Capital and forecourt of the square can be considered one integrated architectural and sculpturalinstallation.AffectedworksCity-to-Sea Bridge, currently scheduled to be demolished, by Paratene Matchitt, Rewi Thompson & John Gray, 1993.Image: Wood Wall 3 by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UKCity-to-Sea Bridge (x1) and connected artworks(x3):Paratene Matchitt,Rewi Thompsonand John Gray, City-to-Sea Bridge(1993)Rewi Thompson, Te Aho a Maui(1991)Matt Pine, Prow & Capital(1992)Athfield Architects, Nikau Palms(1992)The main plaza of Te Ngkau Civic Square showing Toi te Rito Maihis paving work.Image: Canuck85 via Wikipedia CommonsTe Ngkau Civic Square precinct artworks(x6):Toi Te Rito Maihi, title unknown (ptiki whriki pattern in brick work, main part of Civic Square), (c.1991)Neil Dawson, Ferns(1998/2018)Mary-Louise Brown, Seven Steps to Heaven(1999)Bruce Campbell, Axis of the Gate to Serendipity(1997)Alan Hobbs, Pig(1995)Jim Allen (TBC), Gibbs Memorial Fountain(1956)Artist unknown, triptych, Michael Flower Centre.Image: SuppliedMichael Fowler Centre artworks(x4):Gordon Crook, wall hangings(1983)Gordon Crook, banners(1983)Jock McEwen with Prisoners of Rimutaka Prison and Students of Petone (Hutt Valley) Technical Institute, Te Pou o Tauiwi me Te Pou o Wi Tako(1983)Artist unknown, triptych (refer to the image above). (If you have any information about this artwork please contact Public Art Heritage).Public Art Heritage has also reported that, within the Square, Charlotte FishersReflecting Pools (1991), Chris BoothsSilent People (1991) and Robert FrankensThe Sun Sets the Stage to the Day and Naga, Protecting the Ancient Knowledge (both 1992) were also commissioned for the precinct but have since beendecommissioned.How to make asubmissionComplete an online submission form, download a submission form, or collect one from any library. Emailyour submission to[emailprotected]before5pm Wednesday 13 November 2024. You can also send an inquiry for an oral submission via the same emailaddress.Public Art Heritagehas prepareda sample submissionformhere, which can be borrowed from, altered, amended or adapted for furthersubmissions.The Architectural Centre Inc.has been following this closely. Follow@architectural_centre_incon Instagram forupdates.

Submitted by WA ContentsStaggered volumes define educational and cultural centre shaped around the pond in China China Architecture News - Nov 12, 2024 - 15:47 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"A new educational and cultural centre, defined by staggered volumes, was undertaken as a nonprofit endeavor by students at the University of Hong Kong, guided by professionals through the platform of Project Mingde.Named Duling Educational and Cultural Centre, the 500-square-metre building is located in the quaint Hakka village of Duling, nestled in the verdant countryside of Guangxi, China.Time seems to slow down in Duling, where the sounds of rural life fill the air. This village, which is home to about 3,000 Hakka people, is a living example of the values of education and hard work that are woven throughout daily life.Situated in an area that receives a lot of rainfall but lacks fresh water, the village was faced with a conundrum. Due to the lack of a water infrastructure, the villagers, who frequently experience rain showers, were forced to rely on a limited supply of well water.The community's health and well-being, especially that of the younger generation, were at risk due to hygiene issues that arose from this deficiency.Culturally-respectful sustainable designThe project aims to meet community needs while honoring the Hakka culture's core values. The design concept, which was based on sustainability and respect for tradition, aimed to turn a struggling village into a setting that would provide a safe place for kids to play and learn as well as a gathering area for the community.The project was completed in two stages. The existing school building was first renovated, strengthening its structural integrity and adding a new roof structure to protect it from additional weather-induced deterioration.In order to address the urgent hygiene problems that plagued the school community, a sustainable restroom facility was also implemented.The village's cultural center and kindergarten were built during the second phase. In order to alleviate the community's freshwater shortage, this design made the most of the difficulty posed by heavy rainfall.With a cascading form that culminates in a series of tiered roofs, the building takes into account the topography, airflow, landscape views, and culture of the site. Rainwater from these roofs is directed into an underground recycling system and then into a collection lotus pond. After that, the building's clean water is eventually pumped up for use.An embrace of cultural incluenceThe lotus pond, which doubles as a rainwater reservoir and an educational symbol, is at the heart of the building's design, which was inspired by the Hakka culture's significance of the water pond.This pond seamlessly incorporates sustainability into the architectural narrative while evoking memories of intrinsic cultural heritage.Throughout the design process, the space's openness and adaptability were crucial factors. In order to maintain a flexible arrangement while optimizing airflow and thermal control, the interior classroom spaces were designed to blend in with the outdoor areas.Without being limited by a set arrangement, users can modify these highly configurable spaces to suit their needs.This strategy places the users' demands first, enabling an interactive experience in the area.Fostering bonds and removing cultural barriersIt is crucial to consider the actual purpose of the project that has been started when concluding this phase of the journey.The philosophical underpinnings of the physical structures are what give them intrinsic value, even beyond their usefulness. These values, which are rooted in empathy, humanity, and cultural awareness, are what motivate these initiatives.Through this project, the significant influence of the built environment on creating strong community ties and overcoming geographical and cultural barriers has been recognized.These moral considerations have made it possible to design environments that reflect respect and understanding between people, demonstrating the tenacity of the human spirit.Project factsProject name: Duling Educational and Cultural CentreCompletion Year: 2024Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2):500m2Lead Architect: Elisabeth LeeAll images Jin Weiqi (Macau University of Science and Technology).All drawings Lokz Ng.> via Project Mingde

Submitted by WA ContentsOPEN Architecture completes double-shell concrete Sun Tower in YantaiChina Architecture News - Nov 12, 2024 - 13:46 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Beijing-based architecture studio OPEN Architecture has completed a double-shell concrete tower in Yantai, China.Named Sun Tower, 50-metre-tall structure features outdoor theater, digital exhibition spaces, library, cafand bar. Atop the summit is a unique semi-outdoor "Phenomena Space".Sun Tower facing the oceanEncompassing a total of 4,960-square-metre area, the movement of the sun as seen from the site's vantage point shapes the geometry of Sun Tower. Sun Tower is an oceanfront public cultural facility in Yantai Yeda Development Zone.Yantai was one of the first locations in China where an ancient sun-worshiping culture developed, according to archeological findings.Frontal viewIn addition to providing much-needed cultural and communal amenities to the new urban district, OPEN designed the Sun Tower to capture and celebrate natural phenomena, reestablishing people's connection to nature's spiritual power.The library and digital exhibition spaces aim to increase environmental awareness and promote conversations about coastal community collaboration.Sun Tower between Sea and City. Image Iwan BaanOn the equinoxes, the northern edge of the building's outer shell runs parallel to the noon sun. On the summer solstice, the axis of the outdoor theater faces the sunrise over the fabled Zhifu Island, and on the winter solstice, the entrance tunnel faces the setting sun.On the summer solstice, the circular shape of the roof is situated on a plane perpendicular to midday sunlight.Sun Tower at Autumnal Equinox. Image Iwan BaanDuring the summer, the majority of the building's spaces lack air conditioning. Rather, the design makes extensive use of passive techniques to preserve interior comfort while drastically cutting down on energy use.These tactics, which effectively increase people's comfort zone through improved indoor airflow, include using tunnel cooling for fresh air supply, using thermal mass to reduce indoor temperature fluctuation, inducing cross ventilation, and using the chimney effect to remove hot air.Ramp exhibition gallery. Image Iwan BaanDesigned with a shell structure, the main body is made up of two layers of white concrete shells that are joined and supported by ramps and slabs.The building's concave inner shell, which faces the sea, serves as a sound collector by absorbing and enhancing marine sounds. Its base features a semi-outdoor theater that doubles as a spot to unwind and watch the sea.The library and the Phenomena Space are located inside a smaller inverted shell that sits on top of the inner shell. Both print and digital books are available at the library. It's a very special experience to read above the sea and beneath the sky.Sun Tower, In Between Space. Image Iwan BaanThe phenomenon space is a purposefully ill-defined semi-outdoor void area. A breathtaking view is framed by its horizontal opening that faces the ocean.Rainwater can enter through the oculus opening in the middle of the roof and collect in a tiny pool. As a unique time device, the pool's water swirls for nine minutes every hour, from five in the morning to nine in the evening.The Digital Exhibition Space, which zigzags upward along the ramps, is located in the center of the building, between the inner and outer shells.Sun Tower, Kissing Shells. Image Iwan BaanThe exhibition's contents can be readily changed thanks to new technologies. To allow for the hanging of objects, some of the tie holes in the interior walls have been meticulously treated but left unfilled. Pairs of hanging points are also thoughtfully incorporated into the ceilings.The structure is situated on a plaza shaped like a seashell. The outdoor theater's stage and the tower's footprint make a complete circle. The stage is transformed into a space with mist and fountains when it is not being used for performances. From the stage, the plaza's floor rises toward the sea, creating a sizable outdoor amphitheater.Sun Tower, Outdoor Theater. Image Iwan BaanA set of elliptical rings that resemble planetary orbits radiate out from the plaza's center. Time is marked on the equinoxes by a water channel that is tangent to the tower and carved into the stone plaza; on the hour, the shadow of the tower's northern edge crosses each elliptical ring precisely along the channel.Fountains honoring the 24 Solar Terms of the conventional lunar calendar are set into a section of the outer ring. The sprays from the fountains match the high and low tides of the sea on typical days.Sun Tower, Phenomena Space. Image Iwan Baan"Sun Tower is special as a building typology, it is a cultural lighthouse where ancient wisdom in respecting nature is integrated with contemporary urban cultural life," said OPEN Architecture."The architecture frames and transforms invisible energiesair, light, sound, and natural phenomenainto tangible and visceral experiences, allowing people to establish moments of connection with the universe and otherwise endless cycles of nature," the studio added.Sun Tower night viewIn between spaceIn between spaceIn between spaceLibraryLibraryLibraryMain entranceMist and fountains on the plazaOutdoor TheaterPhenomena SpaceRamp exhibition galleryThe upper partTwo layers of white concrete shellsViewing platformEntrance tunnelSite planGround floor planUpper Level Digital Exhibition Floor PlanLibrary floor planSectionPhenomena Space SectionFirst idea sketchSun and Sea & Far and NearOPEN Architecture revealed plans for Sun Tower in 2022. In addition, the studio unveiled the design for a partially floating theater overlooking the Yangtze River in China. Moreover, the Chapel of Sound is one of significant built projects of the studio in Beijing.Project factsProject name:Sun TowerArchitects:OPEN ArchitectureInterior and Landscape design: OPEN ArchitectureLocation:Yantai, China.Design year:2019-2024Client:YEDA City Development GroupBuilding area:4,960m2Site area:9,850m2Principals In Charge: LI Hu, HUANG WenjingProject Team:Design phase: CAO Mengxing, LIU Xiaoyang, Daijiro NAKAYAMA, LU Di, WEN Peng, WEI Zihao, ZHANG Ziyao, LIN Jingran, Crystal Kwan, BI Shunjie, Giovanni ZORZI, Anastasia MASLOVA.CA Phase: LU Di, Daijiro NAKAYAMA, WANG Dongsheng, LIU Dandi, TANG Junhan.Structural & MEP: ArupLocal Design Institute: Shandong Pulaien Engineering Design Co., Ltd.Landscape Construction Document: Yantai Urban Planning and Design InstituteSpecial Fireproof Design:Institute of Building Fireproof System, CABRScenographer: dUCKS scnoCuratorial Consultant:Aric ChenLighting Consultant: Ning Field Lighting DesignAll images Jonathan Leijonhufvud unless otherwise stated.All drawings OPEN Architecture.> via OPEN Architecture

First phase planning application includes two residential schemes, one by M Architects with Studio Multi and another by Archio LtdA rendering of Studio Egret West's Lewisham masterplanSource: WAXA rendering of Studio Egret West's Lewisham masterplanSource: WAXA rendering of Studio Egret West's Lewisham masterplanSource: WAX1/3show captionLewishams 1970s shopping centre is set to be reimagined as a vibrant, landscape-led town centre under a 17-acre masterplan developed by Studio Egret West in collaboration with Landsec U+I. The proposal, submitted last week, seeks to integrate 1,700 new homes, enhanced public green spaces, and a 500-person live music venue to boost the local cultural scene.The redevelopment plan, which includes detailed applications for the first two residential buildings designed by M Architects Studio Multi and Archio Ltd, aims to transform Lewisham into a sustainable, pedestrian-friendly district. Key features include eight acres of accessible green spaces, including a central urban meadow, along with wildflower planting and over 300 new trees to promote biodiversity.The scheme seeks to prioritise sustainability and resilience, with designs centred around pedestrian zones, local retail spaces, and community areas that have been designed to reflect Lewishams character.Plot N1, designed by Mae with Studio Multi, will deliver 445 co-living studios with retail space at ground level. N2 by Archio Ltd will provide 119 homes in a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments.N1 by Mae and Studio MultiSource: Mae / Studio MultiN1 shown within the site wide illustrative planSource: Mae / Studio MultiN1 shown within the site wide illustrative planSource: Mae / Studio MultiN2 by Archio LtdSource: Archio LtdN2 by Archio LtdSource: Archio Ltd1/6show captionLucas Lawrence, Director at Studio Egret West, commented: Lewisham Shopping Centre dramatically redefined the Lewisham town centre in the 1960s. Sixty years later, we feel very fortunate to be charged with redesigning its future, both as an improved neighbourhood town centre but also as a major new place for South London.The development will bring homes, shops, restaurants, public realm and a music venue into the heart of Lewisham, all focused around a new multi-levelled landscape that offers a greener, healthier place to be. Lawrence added that the project emphasises retaining and retrofitting existing structures where feasible, including notable buildings such as Lewisham House and sections of the high street.Community engagement was prioritised during the projects development, with over 3,000 residents involved in shaping the masterplan. Landsec U+Is CEO, Mike Hood, highlighted the significance of local involvement, stating: This submission marks an important milestone to create a new green centre for Lewisham. A place that people will love, that brings immense social and economic change, thousands of much-needed homes, and a beautiful green meadow on top of a revived shopping centre.Jon Watson, Development Director at Landsec U+I, echoed this, describing the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the lives of millions of people who live in and around Lewisham town centre and across the wider Borough.Watson added, Right from the start of our journey to rethink the centre, we heard loud and clear from thousands of locals what mattered most to them: Better housing, for everyone; more green spaces; music and culture; more places to eat and hang out; a better mix of shops with more choice; a place where everyone can feel welcome and safe. The final designs reflect all of this and more.

Two practices to work with UK engineering firm Mott MacDonald on first three modules of controversial Saudi megaprojectNeoms vision for the first phase of The LineGensler and Vienna-based practice Delugan Meissl Associate Architects have been handed key roles on the first phase of The Line in Saudi Arabia.The two firms will collaborate with UK engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald on the first three modules of the 170km-long megaproject, itself part of a much larger developing region called Neom.Scheduled to complete in 2045, The Line is envisaged to have a total of 140 modules, each measuring 800m long, 200m wide and flanked by two parallel 500m high walls with the completed scheme expected to house nine million people.Delugan Meissl Associate Architects (DMAA) has been appointed as urban designer by Neom and will lead the concept and detailed masterplan for the first phase.The practice will also continue to support Neom on later phases of the project to maintain its design vision on the first phase as further architects are appointed.> Also read:Saudi Arabia to scale back plans for The Line, say reportsGensler has picked up a role as city planning consultant on the first three modules and will lead on city design coordination and city planning while leading on governance across the project on areas including planning policies, frameworks, land use and design compliance.The worlds biggest practice has also been appointed as city asset design architect for critical city infrastructure, including transport hubs and public realm.Source: NEOMThe linear city will be flanked by two 500m high walls covered in mirrored claddingMott MacDonald has joined as city infrastructure engineer, tasked with driving management and control of the schemes vertical and horizontal structures and utility systems.The Lines chief development officer Denis Hickey said the project had established a unique partnership that brings world-leading city design and engineering expertise to deliverphase one.He added: Collaboration is at the core of this, with a city-wide best practice group that will showcase how innovation can change the way we consider, design and build cities forever. This reflects NEOMs vision and global ambition.Other developing projects in Neom, which will stretch across 26,500sq m of desert in Saudi Arabias north western Tabuk Province, include a floating octagonal industrial complex and the Arabian peninsulas first outdoor ski resort.Neom, Gensler, DMAA and Mott MacDonald have been contacted for comment.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook and Office for Place interim chair Nicholas Boys Smith Source:&nbsp House of CommonsThe Office for Place, the government body set up in 2021 to champion good design and placemaking, is to be scrapped, housing minister Matthew Pennycook has announced In a statement made today (Tuesday, 12 November) in the Commons, Pennycook announced that the arms-length body would be dissolved and its staff reabsorbed back into the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).He said it was being wound up in order to make housing design and placemaking more efficient and fully integrated.In its place, the minister said he would be setting up quarterly steering boards to support the delivery of more high-quality, well-designed homes with expert design and placemaking guidance, which he said would be particularly relevant to new and larger sites including new towns.AdvertisementThe Office for Place was set up in the wake of the 2020 Living With Beauty report by the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission, which was co-chaired by Nicholas Boys Smith, founding director of pressure group Create Streets. Boys Smith was then appointed as the Office for Places interim chair.Boys Smith was one of a small number of candidates who had been interviewed for the position of permanent chair along with former RIBA president Ben Derbyshire and property expert and broadcaster Kunle Barker. The candidates had been left in limbo over the outcome since March.The body had continued operating since Julys general election with Boys Smith acting as interim chair. Labour initially said it planned to retain both the Office for Place and the role of chair.Boys Smith was paid 500 per day for a two-day week in this role, equating to 52,000 between September 2023 and September of this year. The AJ understands the decision to scrap the office came as a surprise to the candidates.Pennycook said: I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the interim board, led by Nicholas Boys Smith as chair, and the Office for Place team for their exemplary work on this important issue.AdvertisementIn putting design and quality at the heart of the housing supply agenda and establishing the principles of design coding and embedding them in practice across the planning and development sectors, Nicholas and the team have made a significant contribution.Pennycook said that, following the resetting of departmental budgets, he and deputy prime minister Angela Rayner had concluded that support to improve the quality and design of new homes and places can be more efficiently and effectively delivered by the department itself.The minister insisted the government was not downgrading the importance of good design and placemaking, or the role of design coding in improving the quality of development. He added: We want exemplary development to be the norm not the exception.He said: Rather, by drawing expertise and responsibility back into MHCLG, I want the pursuit of good design and placemaking to be a fully integrated consideration as the government reforms the planning system, rolls out digital local plans and provides support to local authorities and strategic planning authorities.He said the decision would not affect wider government commitments to Stoke-on-Trent, where a headquarters for the Office for Place was being established, including the 19.8 million the city had been promised in Levelling Up funding.Elsewhere in his speech, Pennycook said the MHCLG intended to update the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code next spring, and reaffirmed the governments commitment to continue to bolster design skills and capacity through the 46 million package of capacity and capability support provided to local planning authorities.'Without the Office for Place we must hope that design quality is not forgotten'Former RIBA president Ben Derbyshire Without the Office for Place we must hope that design quality is not forgotten in the new homes that the government has committed to build, and in the re-use and renovation of existing buildings it must also deliver if the nation is to meet its climate commitments.The New Towns Task Force has been asked to ensure that quality and design are integral to its agenda, and it does have an architect amongst its number.Its good to see that Office for Place personnel are to be brought back into MHCLG where quarterly Steering Boards on design and placemaking are intended to ensure work is guided by those with relevant professional and practical expertise.Any future Office for Place equivalent must eschew populist rhetoric and follow in the footsteps of the late, lamented CABE as a champion of good, contemporary design. It provided excellent guidance, research and exemplary design review processes. Local planning departments still desperately need an accessible central resource such as that.Now we must think again.2024-11-12Anna Highfieldcomment and share

Patrick Bellew Source:&nbsp Astrid Eckert / PhotographieEnvironmental engineer Atelier Tens founding director Patrick Bellew is stepping down after 34 years Bellew will leave the environmental design, building services and lighting design consultancy at the end of the year, Atelier Ten confirmed.The award-winning engineer founded the company in 1990. It now employs more than 350 staff in 11 different countries.As of January, Bellew will step into a new role as senior sustainability adviser at the Surbana Jurong Group (SJ Group) the global design collective which Atelier Ten joined in 2020. There he will continue to provide mentorship and ambassadorship of SJs sustainability, according to Atelier Ten.AdvertisementThe SJ Group is a Singaporean government-owned consultancy whose 16,000-strong workforce includes architects, designers, planners, engineers, facilities managers and other specialists. It has more than 120 offices in 40 different countries.The other member companies in the group are AETOS, B+H, CHIL, KTP, Prostruct, Robert Bird Group, SAA and SMEC.Bellew will also be reprising a former role as visiting professor at Yale Universitys School of Architecture, where he will run a design studio, and embracing a second educational role as a royal designer for industry at theRoyal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).Nico Kienzi, a founding director of Atelier Tens New York City office, who has worked with Bellew for 21 years, took over as senior executive director of Atelier Ten internationally in 2023.Meanwhile, Duncan Campbell, a director of the London office since early 2023, will become Atelier Tens UK executive director.AdvertisementThe consultancy has collaborated on projects including Googles new London HQ with Heatherwick Studio and BIG, the National Theatre in London with Haworth Tompkins, Singapore's Gardens by the Bay with WilkinsonEyre and Grant Associates, and Zaha Hadid Architects Beeah HQ in Sharjah, in the UAE.Atelier Ten said Kienzi and Campbell will be working closely to bring forward a new generation of leadership to take on the environmental challenges of the next decade while ensuring Atelier Ten continues to work on the most exciting, interesting and cutting-edge construction projects in the UK.Bellew said: After 34 years leading Atelier Ten, four years of which have been within SJ, it is the right time to hand over the baton so I can take on a strategic advisory role and pursue other interests including teaching and writing.I have had the immense privilege of working with some incredible people from colleagues to clients, collaborators, and peers who have each played a vital role in our ambition for a greener future.I am confident that both Atelier Ten and SJ will continue to drive forward innovation in the built environment to create a more sustainable world.Campbell said was is delighted that Bellew would continue to support [Atelier Ten] in his new role, adding: The opportunity to work with a pioneer in this field is what attracted me to work at Atelier Ten, and we will continue to use his positive, proactive approach to develop the next chapter of Atelier Ten in the UK and Europe.2024-11-12Anna Highfieldcomment and share

Goodbye, October!Our teams around the globe got festive to mark the end of last month! From costume contests and spooky movie marathons to joyous Diwali celebrations, enjoy some photos of our favourite moments now.In LondonOur London crew dressed to impress this year with a spook-tacular range of costumes!In CanadaIn Montreal and Vancouver, our crews celebrated with all-day spooky movie marathons, karaoke competitions, and amazing costumes!In SydneyOur Sydney crew showed off their egg-celent costumes (sorry, couldnt resist!) and amazing artistry.In IndiaTo celebrate Diwali, our CEO Namit Malhotra hosted a Diwali Puja in our Santacruzoffice! Huge thank you to all our incredible employees who joined the festivities!

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H&R Block has agreed to a $7 million proposed settlementby the Federal Trade Commission, following a lawsuit filed against the tax filing service by the agency in February.The FTC accused H&R Block of deceptively marketing its do-it-yourself tax filing services as free to customers who didn't qualify for its Free Online tier. And even if they did qualify, H&R Block nudged users into upgrading to paid tax-filing products they didn't need."American taxpayers who seek tax-filing help should be able to choose the services they need -- and know the truth about how much they'll pay," Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement.The $7 million payment will be used to pay customers impacted by the H&R Block's business practices, according to the FTC.Similar to FTC's legal battle with TurboTax, H&R Block will be required to disclose in its free advertising the "percentage of taxpayers who are eligible" for the tier or if the "majority of taxpayers do not qualify.""H&R Block prides itself in providing consumers with quality online tax preparation products, which has never been an issue in this matter," an H&R Block spokesperson told CNET in an email. "We will continue to work through this process with the Commission."Read more: TurboTax Can't Call Its Services Free Anymore, Unless They're Free to AllH&R Block software changes in 2025 and 2026As part of the settlement, H&R Block will implement changes to its software by 2026 to fix a few pain points of using the service.Previous versions of H&R Block software made it difficult for customers to downgrade from a paid tier to its free service. If you were to start your return with H&R Block Deluxe (which currently costs $55 for a federal return and $49 per state return) and realize you can file for free, you'd have to call H&R Block to downgrade or contact a customer service agent via live chat.If you were to reach out to customer service and downgrade, you'd have to start your tax return over -- and the information you already entered wouldn't be saved.Starting on Feb. 15, 2025, H&R Block will be required to allow customers to downgrade tiers without needing to contact customer service. This includes providing an "easily noticeable and always available way" for consumers to downgrade online, the FTC said. By 2026, H&R Block will also have to return customers to the same point of their tax return after downgrading so they can continue.