Researchers at the SEAM Research Center have introduced new applications for Screw Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (SEAM), focusing on its use in construction.At the heart of this development is the Epic3D portal printer, a system capable of producing large-format plastic components for applications such as facade elements, fences, and gates. Using a continuous deposition process and stiffening structures, this technology delivers durable, weather-resistant components tailored for outdoor construction applications.Working with Wirth & Co. GmbH, Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU) is using this approach to produce large-scale facade elements that meet fire safety, UV, and weather resistance standards. According to the team, SEAM technology addresses longstanding challenges in additive manufacturing, including the constraints of small build platforms and reliance on slow, expensive filament-based processes. By adopting granulate as the printing material, SEAM enables faster, more cost-effective production of customized components.Fraunhofer IWU plans to present its latest developments in SEAM technology at the Formnext 2024 trade show. Led by Dr. Martin Kausch Head of the Department of Sustainable Fiber-Plastic Composites, the research team will showcase their work at Hall 11.0, Stand E38, and Hall 11.0, Stand C29, in collaboration with Metrom.Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how granulate-based 3D printing is being applied to construction, including facade manufacturing, and its potential to reshape the industry.Dr. Kausch said, We make sophisticated design affordable. The personal touch in facade design is, of course, also achievable in traditional manufacturing. But only with processes like SEAM is it cost-effective.The new portal printer Epic3D enables the additive manufacturing of large-size components. Photo via Fraunhofer IWU.Customization and versatility in SEAM technologyCustomization is a significant advantage of SEAM, particularly for creating facade elements with intricate textures or unique shapes, such as company logos. This process uses a modified extrusion screw to melt and deposit granulate layer by layer onto the build platform.Unlike traditional methods such as fiber lamination and forming processes, SEAM eliminates the need for molds, reducing costs and production time. The ability to use pre-colored materials also removes the need for additional coating steps, streamlining the overall process.Three systems developed through collaboration with Metrom and 1A Technologies expand SEAMs application potential. These include Epic3D, METROM P1410, and SEAMHex. Among them, Epic3D stands out for its capability to handle large-format production, supported by a build platform measuring 2 meters by 1.7 meters. Complementing this, METROM P1410 brings additional versatility by integrating processing steps such as milling, expanding its application potential.Lastly, SEAMHex employs a unique six-axis parallel kinematics system that provides high dynamics and movement flexibility, ensuring exceptional positioning and path accuracy. This design ensures exceptional positioning and path accuracy while reducing moving mass, resulting in reliable and efficient production of medium-sized components. Together, these systems cater to a broad range of manufacturing needs with precision and adaptability.Florian Stckel, managing director of Wirth & Co. GmbH, underlined the importance of the collaboration with Fraunhofer IWU in enhancing the SEAM process for construction applications. He explained that the Epic3D portal printer plays a crucial role in enabling new design possibilities for facade construction.Stckel noted that the partnership focuses on optimizing various aspects, including design, materials, and the 3D printing process itself. He also highlighted that the companys investment in the Epic3D system represents a step toward making additive manufacturing more suitable for producing building components.The SEAM Research Center: Epic3D (bottom left), METROM P1410 (center), and SEAMHex. Photo via Fraunhofer IWU.Broadening the frontiers of construction researchBeyond SEAM, other research highlights the evolving landscape of additive manufacturing in construction. One notable example includes Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Evenline researchers who studied the feasibility of using glass 3D printing to create interlocking masonry units. Published in Springer Nature, this research highlights how glass AM can enhance design flexibility and reduce tooling costs compared to traditional methods.Using the G3DP3 printer, the team developed modular masonry units tested across three fabrication methods: Fully Hollow, Print-Cast, and Fully Printed. Findings revealed varying strengths and surface accuracies, with Fully Hollow units showing the highest structural performance. As per the team, this study emphasizes glass AMs potential for recyclable, sustainable construction, though further refinement is needed for large-scale applications.Elsewhere, University of Virginia (UVA) researchers developed a sustainable cementitious composite for 3D printing by incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) into limestone-calcined clay (LC2). Led by Professor Osman Ozbulut, this research enhances structural integrity and environmental performance, increasing compressive strength by 23% with just 0.05% GNPs while improving printability.A Life Cycle Assessment revealed a 31% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional cement-based mixtures. Conducted with the Virginia Transportation Research Council, the study positions graphene-enhanced LC2 as a promising material for sustainable construction, particularly in transportation infrastructure.Catch up on all the news fromFormnext 2024.Voting 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 SEAM Research Center: Epic3D (bottom left), METROM P1410 (center), and SEAMHex. Photo via Fraunhofer IWU.

Two-photon polymerisation (2PP) 3D printing company UpNano GmbH has unveiled the NanoOne Green, a new high-resolution 3D printer set to be debuted at Formnext 2024.Adding to the companys NanoOne series, the system features a 515 nm wavelength green laser with a power of 400 nm and targets research and industrial applications.The NanoOne Green reportedly delivers 30% higher resolution than competing 2PP 3D printers, which generally operate at 780 nm. Capable of achieving detail elements below 100 nm in width, UpNano claims its new product unlocks new levels of detail for additive manufacturing.Offering broad material compatibility, the new 3D printer can process transparent, biocompatible, non-fluorescent materials well suited to optics and microfluidics applications. Thanks to its green laser, the system can use existing photochemistries, while also supporting the development of novel materials incompatible with standard 780 nm Lasers.With the NanoOne green, we have extended our NanoOne product line with a tool that delivers ultra-high-resolution features and paves the way for diverse industrial applications, commented UpNano CEO Bernhard Kenburg.UpNano is yet to reveal the price of its NanoOne Green system. The company will showcase the new high-resolution 3D printer next week during Formnext 2024. Visitors can find the company in hall 11.1, booth E40.Read all the news from Formnext 2024.UpNanos new NanoOne Green 3D printer. Image via UpNano.The new NanoOne Green enhances 2PP 3D printingUpNanos new NanoOne Green adds to the companys NanoOne 2PP 3D printer series, which features the NanoOne 1000 and NanoOne 250 systems.These 2PP 3D printers incorporate UpNanos patented adaptive resolution technology. This can dynamically expand the width of the laser beam by up to ten times to accelerate 3D printing in bulk material areas and shrink the beam where more precision is required. According to UpNano, adaptive resolution makes the NanoOne range the highest performing and most adaptable 2PP 3D printers on the market.As with its predecessors, the NanoOne Green is a compact desktop 3D printer, able to fit into most work environments. It features high-performance vibration isolation and a built-in clean room with a HEPA filter.The NanoOne Green comes delivered in a ready-to-use standard configuration. However, users can customize their system with NanoOne accessories to suit specific 3D printing requirements. These include fiber holders, wafer chucks, heatable materials vats, and stage inserts for biological substrates. All upgrades can be retrofitted, allowing NanoOne systems to evolve with changing industry demands.With its new 3D printer, UpNano is targeting a wide range of applications ranging from batch production of end-use parts to bioprinting in native cell environments. This flexibility is supported by the companys broad materials portfolio, which features fully biocompatible and fused silica formulations.NanoOne Green Accessories. Image via UpNano.Technical specifications of the NanoOne GreenSystem typeDesktop multiphoton laser lithography system3D printing processLayer-by-layer 2-photon polymerizationLight sourceFemtosecond fiber laserLaser wavelength515 nmLaser power400 mWScannerGalvanometer scannerStageLong-range piezo stageMaximum travel rangeUp to 120 x 100 x 49 mmStage address grid10 nmSystem dimensions58.5 x 71.0 x 65.0 cmTotal weight124 kgAll the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future 3D printing? Register now to be included in the 2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows UpNanos new NanoOne Green 3D printer. Image via UpNano.

Hey everyone! Ive been using After Effects to create hand drawn effects, without the need to draw frame by frame. Ive made quite a few tutorials and breakdown on how to replicate those techniques, those are mostly on Twitter and Linkedin as of now, but I thought you might find it useful as well.I have multiple videos, for fire, lightning, smoke puffs, water and so on. Since Im a new user I can upload one media, but you can check the other videos by clicking on it.If you have any questions or requests just let me know, I learned a lot from this forum so hope I can feed the community back with those sorts of posts.

Niemeyer Building | Gabriel RamosThe Niemeyer Building, located in the Praa da Liberdade district of Belo Horizonte, is one of Oscar Niemeyers seminal works. Designed in the 1950s, this building was an audacious embodiment of Brazilian modernism, created during a time when the country was eager to establish a unique architectural identity on the global stage. Post-World War II, Brazil was experiencing rapid urbanization and cultural growth. Niemeyers architecture mirrored this eras optimism, advancing a vision of distinctly Brazilian yet universally relevant modernism.Niemeyer Building Technical InformationArchitects1-2: Oscar NiemeyerLocation: Praa da Liberdade, Belo Horizonte, BrazilTopics: Brazilian ModernismArea: 5,000 m2 | 53,820Sq. Ft.Project Year: 1953 1960Photographs: Unsplash & Flickr Users, See Caption DetailsIt is not the right angle that attracts me, nor the straight line, hard and inflexible, created by man. What attracts me is the free and sensual curvethe curve that I find in the mountains of my country, in the sinuous course of its rivers, in the body of the beloved woman. Oscar Niemeyer 3Niemeyer Building PhotographsAerial View | Gabriel RamosAerial View | Marcos Rossi De Cerqueira LeiteTop Aerial View | Marcos Rossi De Cerqueira LeiteExterior ViewStreet View | David GenelhuStreet View | Gabriel FernandesRoof Detail | Gabriel FernandesFacade Detail | Matheus FradeFacade Curves | Gladystone FonsecaFacade Detail | Matheus FradeWindow DetailLiving Room Interior SpaceNiemeyer Building Architectural AnalysisNiemeyers building is embedded within the urban core of Belo Horizonte, an area characterized by colonial and neoclassical structures. The Niemeyer Buildings undulating facade and modernist styling represented a sharp but intentional contrast, revitalizing Praa da Liberdade. While it diverges aesthetically from its surroundings, it respects the public square, offering visual dynamism that complements rather than overwhelms the historic landscape. Niemeyer effectively employed the buildings striking design to make a statement, elevating the architectural landscape and turning it into an enduring symbol of Belo Horizontes modernization.The Niemeyer Building is celebrated for its curvilinear, wave-like facade, a daring departure from the rigid, geometric lines typical of modernist design in the 1950s. Niemeyers use of sensual, organic forms speaks to his design philosophy, prioritizing visual appeal and sculptural quality over purely functional considerations. This bold form broke with the international styles often austere character, embodying Niemeyers desire to use architecture as an art form, celebrating free-form shapes that resonate with the Brazilian landscape and culture.Crafted primarily from concrete, a material Niemeyer embraced for its plasticity, the building reflects his commitment to creating fluid, expressive forms. Concrete allowed Niemeyer to mold the facade into the sinuous lines that define the building, but working with this material in the 1950s presented notable challenges. Brazils warm, humid climate and the limitations in construction technology posed difficulties, especially for durability and maintenance. Nonetheless, Niemeyers innovative use of concrete set a precedent for the materials potential in creating bold, expressive forms.The facades horizontal brise-soleils, placed between floors, are functional yet integral to the buildings aesthetic. These elements provide necessary shading, filter sunlight, and mitigate interior heat an essential feature in Brazils tropical climate. However, these sunshades also enhance the buildings sculptural quality, adding a layered rhythm to the facade that animates it and fosters a sense of movement and fluidity. This approach reflects Niemeyers mastery of balancing form and function, creating an icon thats visually captivating and climatically responsive.Socio-Cultural Relevance and InfluenceThe Niemeyer Building represents a profound expression of Brazilian cultural identity. Its form, flowing like a river, reflects a unique architectural language, celebrating Brazils openness, movement, and free spirit. This building and Niemeyers later projects symbolized a vision of architecture rooted in the Brazilian landscape and way of life, starkly contrasting the more restrained modernism emerging in Europe and North America. Niemeyers work challenged the conventional boundaries of modernism, adding layers of cultural narrative that spoke directly to the Brazilian context.This building also began an era of architectural influence in Brazil, inspiring subsequent architects to explore similar themes. Its credited with igniting a Brazilian modernist movement that prioritized sculptural forms, leading figures like Lina Bo Bardi to adopt and expand Niemeyers themes in her work. The Niemeyer Building has become a symbol, inspiring domestic and international architects to reimagine architectures role as not merely functional but as culturally expressive.Preservation efforts for the Niemeyer Building, however, reflect the complex legacy of modernist architecture. Concrete, though versatile, has posed challenges in terms of maintenance, and the buildings design has experienced wear over the decades. Preservationists face unique challenges in balancing the buildings architectural integrity with necessary restoration, and the task of preserving the brise-soleils and fluid facade presents an ongoing struggle. This preservation process underscores the challenges inherent in maintaining modernist icons, particularly those constructed with experimental materials and techniques.Critical Reception and Lasting ImpactWhen it first debuted, the Niemeyer Building drew both praise and criticism. Many in the architectural community celebrated it as a radical reimagining of urban design, while others viewed its non-linear forms as excessive and impractical. Niemeyers bold aesthetic choices were polarizing, especially as they broke from the more functionalist approach that dominated the modernist movement. Despite the divided initial reception, the Niemeyer Building has achieved a place of lasting importance in architectural discourse, celebrated as an example of modernisms potential to be regionally rooted and globally relevant.The enduring significance of the Niemeyer Building lies in its success in merging form and function without sacrificing aesthetic ambition. Its sculptural design challenges architects to consider the artistic possibilities of architecture, pushing the boundaries of what a building can represent. As an architectural icon, it embodies Niemeyers belief that beauty in architecture has intrinsic value, inspiring a broader understanding of modernism that embraces cultural and artistic expression.In todays architectural practice, the Niemeyer Building is a lesson in balancing innovation with practical considerations. While the buildings curvilinear form and materiality brought logistical challenges, they also left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape, demonstrating the importance of cultural context in design. Niemeyer Building PlansTypical Floor Plan | Oscar NiemeyerRoof Floor Plan | Oscar NiemeyerSection | Oscar NiemeyerModel Oscar NiemeyerNiemeyer Building Image GalleryAbout Oscar NiemeyerOscar Niemeyer (19072012) was a visionary Brazilian architect renowned for his bold use of curves and innovative modernist approach, which defied the rigid lines typical of the movement. Deeply influenced by Brazils natural landscape and cultural spirit, Niemeyer crafted buildings with sensual, organic forms, blending functionality with an almost sculptural beauty. His work includes landmark projects like Braslia, Brazils capital city, designed with fellow architect Lcio Costa, and the iconic UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Niemeyers career, spanning nearly eight decades, was marked by a commitment to social ideals and a relentless pursuit of beauty in architecture, making him one of the 20th centurys most celebrated architects.Notes & Additional CreditsDesign Team: Oscar Niemeyer (Lead Architect), Associated design staff from the Instituto de Arquitetos do Brasil (IAB) during the projects development phaseClient: Government of Minas GeraisOscar Niemeyer: Curves of Irreverence by Styliane PhilippouOscar Niemeyer 1907-2012: The Once and Future byPhilip Jodidio

In late September, The Met gave an early look at the newly renovated Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. Closed since 2021, the 40,000-square-foot wing on the museums south side underwent a $70 million renovation led by WHY Architecture in collaboration with Beyer Blinder Belle. The wing will reopen in May 2025, when visitors can view pieces spanning five continents staged across three sections: Arts of Africa, Ancient Americas, and Oceania. In addition to brightening up the galleries, renovation work also centered on retrofitting the window that envelops the museums south face.A rendering by WHY Architecture of The Arts of Oceania Galleries alongside the angled windows. (Courtesy WHY Architecture)An impetus for creating the wing was American philanthropist Nelson Aldrich Rockefellers 1969 gift of more than 3,000 pieces. Back then, these works were seen as the non-Western, the other, Max Hollein, The Mets director and chief executive, said in an interview with the New York Times, adding, our perspective has evolved.The Arts of the Ancient Americas Galleries in the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at The Met. (Paula Lobo/Courtesy The Met)The wing was named after Rockefellers son, Michael, who was also an avid traveler and disappeared in 1961 while on an expedition in New Guinea. The new wing opened to the public in 1982 with the creation of a new department. It was designed by The Mets master plan architects, Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates. At the time there was a tug-of-war between the design team and Rockefeller over the display of items and the expansive floor-to-ceiling, angled glass wall, a seminal design component of the wing. The Met sought to display 30 percent of the collection, Rockefeller envisioned 80 percent of the collection on display. In the end nearly 2,000 objects were placed on view without it seeming too crowded. These considerations were again integral in the latest Rockefeller wing revamp, but updated with modern application.Within the wing, clean white walls are coupled with curved ribs. (Paula Lobo/Courtesy The Met)Statues, decorative objects, apparel, and other artifacts are staged across the 16 revamped galleries. Within the wing, clean white walls are coupled with curved ribs that span across the ceilings, as seen in the Arts of Africa portion, where the dark, cavernous, and dimly lit galleries of the 1980s renovation have been replaced with stark white walls and new glass display boxes. As one would expect in a museum setting the ribs were crafted to not draw attention away from the pieces on display.The visual connection between the new ceiling structures and the existing architectural conditions is perhaps most prominent in the Arts of Oceania section, where the floor-to-ceiling windows are located. Here, the ribs span downward to line up with the mullions on the angled windows.The iconic angled glass wall in the wing was retrofitted. (Paula Lobo/Courtesy The Met)In a press release The Met noted how the curved ribs recall regional African architecture, specifically the Great Mosque of Jenne in Mali. These ceiling elements offer a distinct difference between the new wing and the adjacent Greek and Roman Art and European Sculpture and Decorative Arts portion of the museum. They create a new backdrop for highlights of the Rockefeller Wings collection.A sculpture on display in the Arts of Africa Galleries in The Mets Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. (Paula Lobo/Courtesy The Met)Kulapat Yantrasast, founder and creative director of WHY Architecture, said working on the Rockefeller Wing affirmed his practices belief that museums are true sites of empathy. He added Through our design with The Met, we hope to highlight the diversity and distinction within these rich collections while providing a welcoming and memorable sense of place.Capital Projects, who led the design and construction process of the renovation, shared the intricate operation used to completely revamp the glass wall in the wing, where Beyer Blinder Bell was the executive architect on the effort. Preserving the integrity of the glazing was a balancing act: how to maintain the original design while shielding the art from UV rays and still allowing ample natural light to seep into the space.The redesign of the wing addresses the most crucial issues of our time, from carbon footprint reduction to the emphasis on local materials and artisanship, said Jhaelen Hernandez-Eli, vice president of Capital Projects. Hernandez-Eli added that the entire design and construction team, prioritized job creation and workforce training, reuse of materials, and the reduction of energy consumption while enduring that the resulting architecture supports our collection and inspires our public.When the Rockefeller Wing reopens in the spring over 1,800 artifacts will be on display. (Eric Petschek/Courtesy WHY Architecture)The Ceremonial House Ceiling created by the Kwoma people, located in the Arts of Oceania Galleries. (Paula Lobo/Courtesy The Met)When the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing opens this spring over 1,800 artifacts will be on view, among these are the ancient American textiles and featherwork spanning over a 3,000-year history; the Ceremonial House Ceiling created by the Kwoma people of Papua New Guinea, located in the Oceania area; and in the African section, clay and wooden sculptures dating back to the 12th century be found, among other artifacts from across the three regions.

The lyrics of Kendrick Lamars 2012 single Poetic Justice express a duality between belief and skepticismIf I told you that a flower bloomed in a dark room would you trust it? When the artist takes the Super Bowl LIX halftime stage in New Orleans this coming February, he will be enveloped by the Superdomes half-billion-dollar renovation, led by Trahan Architects. Significantly, 2025 will mark both the 50th anniversary of the buildings opening and the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrinas landfall. With updates to materiality, accessibility, and user experiences, the landmarked stadium is finally flourishing, albeit within a hard-bitten city still germinating after decades of convalescence. The Superdome is closely associated with New Orleans itself, but when the two are referred to interchangeably, praise for this state-owned building (its leased to the NFL) can misrepresent challenges that still lie ahead for the city. The Superdomes longtime operator exemplified this merger when speaking of the post-Katrina restoration effort: The minute we turn that roof white again, people are going to believe in this recovery. Trahan was chosen to repair the Superdome in 2005 during its temporary closure. However, the most recent improvements required the local project team to safely navigate a busy event schedule that remained active during construction. The undertaking was tackled incrementally, leaving behind freshly finished amenities for spectators, operators, and athletes. Roundly recognized for curated material applications in award-winning theater and museum projects, Trahan Architects made no exceptions for the arena. Extruded aluminum tubes hug the complex forms of three new atria that guide the majority of fans to their upper-level seating. A subtle shift from polished concrete to terrazzo in exclusive club areas maintains a minimal palette while providing a noticeable value-add for VIP ticket holders. Sleek-edged profiles, elegant textures, and dark metal accents take cues from the hospitality world, providing a subdued luxury for premium game experiences.The architects leveraged unused vertical spaces to install escalators and elevators in place of the old ramps.Finish upgrades also coincided with updated branding. Caesars Entertainment doubled down on its investment in the Poydras Street corridor, anchored by the stadium on the lake side and by a freshly pedimented Caesars Hotel & Casino on the river side. Now emblazoned with the silhouette of its imperial namesake, the Caesars Superdome has come full circle, in a manner of speaking. Curtis and Davis Architects and Engineers, the stadiums original designers, paid homage to the Superdomes ancient forebears, proclaiming that the Superdome seeks to do for New Orleans what the great amphitheaters and stadia of antiquity did for their communities. Their implication was that the arena would serve as a civic center rather than a dedicated sports venuean innovative concept at the time. The building can fit 1.5 Colosseums beneath its impressive 9.7-acre roof, providing space for monster truck rallies, Mardi Gras balls, and three consecutive nights of Taylor Swifts Eras Tour. While the 1970s design debuted new ideas like adaptable seating, its circulation eventually became antiquated by contemporary standards. Trahans removal of a space-hogging ramp system allowed the architects to reclaim 100,000 square feet of usable space without expanding the buildings footprinta remarkable example of creative preservation in practice. The operation allowed for concessions to breathe new life into widened sideline concourses, freeing up space in the corners for modernized vertical circulation. Some ramps still remain at each end zone, but new elevators and express escalators now take fans to their destinations in a fraction of the timeall critical infrastructure for ushering in the full-capacity crowd expected for the championship game in February.The clever use of vertical elements in details like these screens draws the eye upward, like in a religious space. (Tim Hursley)Super Bowl LIX and its venue are primed to enter the canon of New Orleanss most storied events, but the Superdome still characterizes many Americans remembrances of the paradigm-shifting storm that flooded 80 percent of the city and claimed 1,392 lives (including six inside the stadium itself). Todays visitors would be hard-pressed to find any acknowledgment of the disaster, partly because of the removal of a small documentary display that chronicled the event during a recent phase of improvements. Decades of work have significantly updated the half-century-old stadium, decidedly encasing troubling histories beneath layers of applied finishes. Is this the same stadium where disempowered and dispossessed New Orleanians were left to languish, or like the Ship of Theseus, did replacing its constituent parts succeed in creating the structure (and, as some suggest, the city) anew?Modern luxe finishes like brass and silver tones offer optical upgrades. (Tim Hursley)To forge ahead or to dwell on the past is a persistent question just behind the tableau of The Big Easy, in which the Superdome gets placed front and center. Which way one leans largely depends upon whether past injustices continue to impact their communities. On opening day 200613 months after 30,000 refugees were abandoned withinESPNs Mark Schwartz reported that perhaps the most daunting task is to scrub away memories of the Superdome as a cesspool of human misery. This view denied its human-made causes while sanitizing its inconvenient juxtaposition with sporting fanfare. At the Saintss 2024 home opener, a Fox NFL commentator again marveled at the efforts being made to prepare the city for the upcoming occasion: They are rebuilding this city for the Super Bowl. Road and drainage projects have certainly accelerated across New Orleans, yet intermittent power outages have spiked in recent months, including one that interrupted the writing of this very article. In August, the entire city was subjected to a multiday boil-water advisory (a frequent hassle for some areas) when a Mylar balloon drifted into power lines near a treatment plant, disrupting the citys potable water system. The state legislature recently denied New Orleans $29 million for a more resilient power station. The state eventually negotiated down to $17 million in matching city funds, amounting to a $55 million state investment in the project to date. Meanwhile, at least $90 million in renovation costs and debt forgiveness have been dispensed to the Superdome, a small example of the stadiums primacy as an economic investment over critical municipal services. For its part, the city government occasionally fumbles its obligations to bolster New Orleanss wider resiliency. This year, a federal watchdog cited the failure of Mayor LaToya Cantrells administration to start on eight green infrastructure projects that were funded back in 2017. Its report, After More Than Six Years, the City of New Orleans National Disaster Resilience Project Activities Had Made Little Impact on Resilience, expressed skepticism that the city could complete any of the designated projects.A section drawing shows how the stadium reaches to meet the street and incorporates modern vertical circulation. (Courtesy Trahan Architects)If recovery is defined as returning something to its former state, then New Orleans may never recover from Hurricane Katrina on those terms. The citys population remains below prestorm levels, and more than 100,000 Black residents found themselves putting down roots elsewhere after the conditions for their return were not equitably facilitated. New Orleans closed 85 percent of its public housing from 1996 to 2007 in favor of mixed-income projects and vouchers, displacing many low-income residents. Housing costs are still trending upward today, but the catastrophic storm and equally catastrophic response did not eradicate the culture of those who were able to return once the water drained.Views of the field are the most important: Even from the nosebleeds, viewers get a full view of the action. (Tim Hursley)The vibrancy of celebrations like Black and Indigenous walking parades on Super Sundays should not be taken for granted but should be protected with requisite investment in the longevity of the communities that perform them. The Superdomes renovation might best be used as a goal rather than a gauge of the citys prosperity. City officials seem to share this sentiment, marking their intention to maintaining improvements beyond the Super Bowl and build on their momentum. Trahan Architects was thoughtful enough to future-proof the building, anticipating the replacement of its elevated entry plinth with street access thats more publicrepresenting the belief that the citys street life will eventually grow outward to meet it. If New Orleanians are provided with equivalent resources, then it just might.Page Comeaux is an organizer, architect, author, and educator.

The Maine State Building is a one-of-a-kind landmark located in the Poland Springs Historic District of Poland, Maine, though it was not originally built in this location! The Victorian structure was built in 1893 at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago (aka the Chicago Worlds Fair) as one of the State Buildings constructed by each U.S. state to highlight their history. Designed byChicago architectCharles Sumner Frost, aLewiston, Mainenative andMITgraduate, the building was constructed ofgranitewith aslateroof. After the close of the fair, the Ricker family of Poland Spring, purchased the building from the state. They had it dismantled, moved to Maine, and rebuilt on their resort, which brought even more visitors to their property. In Maine, it reopened in 1895 as a library and art gallery for their hotel guests. Along with theNorway Buildingin Norway,The Dutch Housein Brookline (a personal favorite), the Palace of Fine Arts(now the Museum of Science and Industry) andWorld Congress Auxiliary Building(now the Art Institute of Chicago) in Chicago, the Maine State Building is one of the few remaining buildings from the 1893 Worlds Fair, and the only State Building remaining. It has been lovingly preserved and operated by the Poland Spring Historical Society, who operate the building as a museum.

All images courtesy of E.D. FilmsReturn to Hairy Hill Hauntingly Renders Family Lore in Black-and-White AnimationNovember 15, 2024AnimationFilmKate MothesIn an isolated home in the tiny, prairie hamlet of Hairy Hill, Alberta, a young girl named Ethel lives with her three younger siblings. She carries the burden of caregiver as the children navigate a dysfunctional relationship with their mother, who cryptically transforms into a bird and flies away. Ethel is then faced with sustaining their livelihood on her own.Director Daniel Gies co-wrote Return to Hairy Hill with Emily Paige, with whom he also co-founded Montral-based studio E.D. Films. The short is based on the true story of a woman named Marie-Anne Ethel GarnierGiess grandmotherwho was born in Hairy Hill in 1940.Rendered in black-and-white, otherworldly paper figures traverse a dreamlike landscape at the foot of a mountain range as winter approaches. Paper was always a key element used throughout the story to convey an impermanence and fragility of the human characters that contrasts with the organic, painterly animals and environments, the studio says. Gies and Paige achieved the analog effect by using three-dimensional computer graphics to create the impression of stop-motion puppets.The studio describes the project as a haunting and deeply personal tribute to family folklore, drawing on stories of what its like to live in remote and often harsh environments. As Ethel watches her siblings transmogrify into woodland creatures, she must carefully consider whether she will join them in her own metamorphosis or defy fate and venture into an entirely new life.Real paper puppets served as models for the evocative characters, and the effects of light and shadow emphasize the fraught relationship between the known and unknown. Enmeshing a variety of styles, the animation includes three-dimensional painterly forests, sculptural details, and classic, two-dimensional techniques. Check out E.D. Films website for a behind-the-scenes look at the process, and follow the studio on Vimeo.Next article

Tech Exoskeleton helps paralyzed people regain independence Wearable robot can actually walk over to person in wheelchair Published November 15, 2024 6:00am EST close The exoskeleton helping paralyzed people regain independence It can actually walk to a person in a wheelchair, solving a major problem. Advancements in technology are continually reshaping the landscape of mobility aids, particularly for individuals with disabilities.Among these innovations, the WalkON Suit F1, developed by KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), stands out as a groundbreaking solution for paraplegic patients.Let's delve into the features, development and implications of this remarkable wearable robot. WalkON Suit F1 (KAIST)What's so special about this suit?Imagine an exoskeleton that doesn't just help you walk, it comes to you. That's right, the WalkON Suit F1 can actually walk over to a person in a wheelchair. This incredible piece of tech solves a major problem that other exoskeletons face. You see, most exoskeletons require helpers to lift users out of their wheelchairs and strap them in. But the WalkON Suit F1? It's got a nifty front-docking system that lets the person put it on while still seated in their wheelchair. Talk about independence.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?The suit features a system "that actively controls the center of its weight against the pull of gravity" to prevent it from toppling over as the person stands up. And get this: The WalkON Suit F1 has been tweaked to allow people to use both hands while standing upright and even take short walks without needing a cane. WalkON Suit F1 (KAIST)Tech specs of the exoskeletonFor those of you who love the nitty-gritty details, let me break down what makes the WalkON Suit F1 tick. This exoskeleton is packed with cutting-edge technology that sets it apart from its predecessors.First up, it's got an impressive balance control system that actively manages its center of weight, ensuring it doesn't topple over when the user stands up. This is a game-changer for stability and user confidence.The team has also made significant strides in motor technology, with the output density of the motors doubling compared to previous versions. This means more power in a compact package, which is crucial for a wearable device.But the innovations don't stop there. The WalkON Suit F1 incorporates AI integration through an onboard neural network application, making the suit more adaptable to different users and situations.And let's not forget about the vision recognition system, which allows the suit to spot and navigate around obstacles, adding an extra layer of safety and independence for the user.The team has made some serious advancements in the components. They've domestically produced all the core parts, including the motor, reducer, motor driver and main circuit. The motor's output density has improved twofold, and the control performance of the motor driver is about three times better than the best overseas technology. Now, that's what I call progress.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE WalkON Suit F1 (KAIST)Putting the exoskeleton to the testNow, you might be wondering, "How do we know this thing really works?" Well, let me tell you about the Cybathlon. It's like the Olympics for cyborgs, and it's where assistive technologies go head-to-head.In the 2024 Cybathlon, the WalkON Suit F1 didn't just participate, it dominated. The team's pilot, Seunghwan Kim, completed all the challenges in just six minutes and 41 seconds, securing first place. We're talking tasks like sidesteps between narrow chairs, moving boxes and even food prep in the kitchen, all without crutches. WalkON Suit F1 (KAIST)The brains behind the exoskeletonLet's give a shout-out to Professor Kyoung-Chul Kong from KAIST's Department of Mechanical Engineering. This guy has been working on exoskeletons since around 2015. The first WalkON Suit hit the scene in 2016, and by 2020, they had the WalkON Suit 4.0 walking at a speedy 1.98 mph. That's practically jogging for an exoskeleton. WalkON Suit F1 (KAIST)Kurts key takeawaysThe WalkON Suit F1 is about giving people with paraplegia more independence and mobility. As Professor Kong puts it, this suit is "the culmination of wearable robot technology for the disabled." It's setting new standards for the entire industry, and I, for one, can't wait to see where this technology goes next. Who knows? Maybe in a few years, we'll see these suits zipping around our cities, helping people live life to the fullest.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhat are your thoughts on how innovations like the WalkON Suit F1 can change the lives of individuals with disabilities, and what future advancements would you like to see in assistive technology?Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

NewsIT leaders raise concerns over IT security overspendHow many IT security products does it take to secure a business? Too many, according to some IT decision-makersByCliff Saran,Managing EditorPublished: 15 Nov 2024 15:00 IT leaders say they are overspending on cyber security tools, a survey of 800 IT leaders from Flexera has found.The poll reported that 31% of the IT decision-makers who took part in the survey ranked IT security tools as the top area of overspending. This represents a six-point increase from last years survey (25%).Even though reducing IT security risks ranked second (28%) behind artificial intelligence (AI) in terms of priorities over the next 12 months, the findings suggest that the conversations around the inflation of security tools and difficulties in integrating separate tooling together are ongoing.Last year, analyst IDC surveyed 503 IT decision-makers in North America looking at cloud-native application protection platforms; data security; endpoint detection and response; extended detection and response; network security; next-generation firewall; security information and event management; security service edge; and vulnerability and exposure management. The respondents had anywhere from 41 to 60 security tools in their environment, with 25% reporting 21 to 40 tools.Beyond IT security tools, the Flexera survey found that 68% of IT leaders say business units are spending far more on cloud and software as a service (SaaS) than they are aware of.According to those surveyed, the estimated average amount of overspending across cloud, software, SaaS and hardware is around 20-25%. When asked about their top IT spending challenges, 45% said it was controlling growth in IT spend; for 40%, the biggest challenge was tackling IT spending efficiency and avoiding waste; and 39% saw their biggest challenge as managing price hikes from their software providers.Flexera said the responses suggest that IT leaders desire more thorough visibility across their entire technology investment, yet are continually juggling unknowns as they seek to determine the best course of action to correct overspending and better balance their piece of the budget.Read more about IT security expenditureEMEA security spend will have another boom year: Cyber security services and technology will once again be the focus of major investment across EMEA during 2024, according to the latest Technology Spending Intentions study from TechTarget and ESG.Budgets rise as IT decision-makers ramp up cyber security: Few IT leaders surveyed in the TechTarget/Enterprise Strategy Group 2024 Technology Spending Intentions study say they are spending less this year.The survey results also suggest that AI is redefining IT leaders priorities. Almost half (48%) of the IT leaders polled put integrating AI as their top priority for the next 12 months.While IT leaders are facing a myriad of challenges and opportunities, artificial intelligence seems to pose the biggest potential gains in the short- and long-term, said Conal Gallagher, chief information officer at Flexera.Theres an extraordinary expense required of AI projects, creating an even greater sense of urgency to not only understand the impact of the investment, but to quickly demonstrate returns that advance core business objectives, he added.AI is not only disrupting and transforming IT for example, creating more focus on compute resources and data quality but planting the seeds to change the way we all work. Its no surprise that IT is at the forefront of recognising and ushering in this disruption, helping to be a guiding force for their organisations.In The Current Issue:Interview: Niall Robinson, head of product innovation, Met OfficeIAM: Enterprises face a long, hard road to improveDownload Current IssueDapr dresses up for CNCF project graduation + Diagrid delights Open Source InsiderPatent troll-busting: CNCF launches Cloud-Native Heroes Challenge CW Developer NetworkView All Blogs