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    Watch Live as SpaceX Attempts Another High-Stakes Starship Booster Catch
    By Passant Rabie Published November 19, 2024 | Comments (9) | A fully stacked Starship at Starbase ahead of its sixth test flight. SpaceX SpaceX is preparing for its second attempt to catch a massive rocket booster using its giant chopstick arms, as the company gears up for Starships sixth test flight. Starship is set to launch on Tuesday, November 19, with a 30-minute launch window that opens at 5:00 p.m. ET. Just over a month since its groundbreaking booster catch, the rocket will lift off from SpaceXs Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, for another suborbital flight designed to test Starships reusability. SpaceX will broadcast Starships sixth test flight on its website and through the companys account on X, with a livestream scheduled to begin around 45 minutes before liftoff. Just ahead of the scheduled launch, President-Elect Donald Trump arrived at Starbase to attend Tuesdays launch. Recent events indicate that he and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk could collaborate closely on shaping future spaceflight policy, particularly regarding regulations.A few days before liftoff, SpaceX transported the Super Heavy booster to the launch mount at Starbase, preparing it for stacking with the Starship upper stage. The sixth test flight will mark the fastest turnaround for a Starship rocket, having launched just over a month ago. Happily for SpaceX, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted the company approval for integrated flight test 5 that would also allow its Starship rocket to fly a sixth time under the same license. Previously, SpaceX would have to wait for the FAA to grant it a new license. Starship lifted off for its fifth time on October 13, but for the first time, Starships Super Heavy 232-foot-tall (71 meters) booster gently came down towards a special tower, named Mechazilla, which caught the rocket with its extended mechanical arms like a giant pair of chopsticks.For its sixth launch, SpaceX will attempt another Starship booster catch, while the upper stage will reignite one of its Raptor engines in space for the first time and carry out maneuvering tests for reentry and descent.With each test flight, Starship moves closer to packing useful payloads and reaching orbital heights. SpaceX launched its Starship rocket for the first time in April 2023, but its debut was less than ideal as the vehicle entered into a fatal tumble that forced ground controllers to issue a self-destruct command right before the four-minute mark of the mission. Things slowly improved for the rocket each time it took off. Starships fourth liftoff in June broke new grounds compared to its previous test flights, with the rocket largely surviving peak heating and max aerodynamic pressure during its controlled reentry. That paved the way for its reentry and booster catch earlier in October, an impressive feat that SpaceX is hoping to repeat for a second time.Ultimately, SpaceX plans on retrieving and reusing both Starships booster and its upper stage. The companys founder and CEO Elon Musk recently expressed SpaceXs goal of catching the upper stage using Mechazilla by early next year. SpaceX is also moving towards more frequent launches of Starship, with Musk aiming for 25 launches in 2025. Whether or not the rocket can keep up with the space billionaires ambition timelines remains to be seen. Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that SpaceX moved the Super Heavy booster for stacking atop the upper stage. Its the other way aroundthe upper stage is placed atop the booster.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Passant Rabie Published November 19, 2024 By Passant Rabie Published November 14, 2024 By Passant Rabie Published November 11, 2024 By Passant Rabie Published November 8, 2024 By Passant Rabie Published November 8, 2024 By Passant Rabie Published November 4, 2024
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    Miniature Architecture: 17 Projects that Explore Interior Design for Children
    Miniature Architecture: 17 Projects that Explore Interior Design for ChildrenSave this picture!NUBO Kindergarten / PAL Design. Image Michelle Young, Amy PiddingtonThe world certainly looks different through the eyes of a young child; enormous, intriguing, and somewhat overwhelming, and it has long been believed that what we encounter as children shapes our perspective of the world. When asked about his childhood memories in Switzerland, Peter Zumthor shared that the memories of his youth contain the deepest architectural experience, which has become reservoirs of the architectural atmospheres and images that he explores in his work as an architect today.Having a complete understanding of how children change and grow physically and psychologically throughout their childhood requires an in-depth observation of different factors, such as their hereditary traits and genetics, the interactions they have with other children and adults, as well as the environment they are living, playing, and learning in. In celebration of World Children's Day on November 20th, we look at how architects and designers stimulated children's autonomy and promoted their mental and physical well-being through architecture and interior design. This initiative aligns with the theme of World Architecture Day 2024: "Mobilizing the Next Generation for Urban Transformation," emphasizing the crucial role that thoughtful design plays in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for our cities and the communities within them.Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, began to develop her educational method at the beginning of the 20th century. The famed Montessori pedagogy provides techniques and methods that contribute to the healthy development of children by setting up an environment that caters to their physical and mental well-being and stimulates their autonomy, self-esteem, and socialization skills. Related Article Learning Through Play: Architecture for Kids in Educational Spaces and Playgrounds Save this picture!The method tackles three pillars: the child, the conscious adult, and the prepared environment, all joined together and codependent on one another. This implies that a conscious adult who is well knowledgeable of child development is required to design the environment, one that is calm, peaceful, patient, welcoming, harmonious, and respectful for both the children and adults equally. With that being said, most architects started with the bedroom since it is where the child spends most of their time, and created spaces that follow through with the Montessori methodology, combined with other kid-friendly architectural features.Save this picture!Curved FormsSafety is perhaps one of the topmost priorities when designing children's spaces, and one of the most dangerous features is sharp edges and angles, especially when they're aligned with kids' eye levels or near their heads, hands, and legs. To avoid having to add protective extensions or stickers on the corners of furniture pieces, designers have resorted to designing curved forms with rounded and/or smoothed edges. In terms of aesthetics, curved silhouettes give spaces a young, fun, and modern look that "takes us back to our childhood" as explained in ArchDaily's 2020 Interior Design Trends. WeGrow / Bjarke Ingels GroupSave this picture!Sarreguemines Nursery / Michel Grasso + Paul Le QuernecSave this picture!Safe Materials and Fit-outsIt is very critical to keep kids zones bacteria-free, which is why parents often prefer to have surfaces that are easy to clean, harsh-chemicals free, and not prone to housing small insects, such as antibacterial glossy or semi-glossy surfaces, microfiber, or vinyl. In terms of fit-outs, interior designers have replaced handles and knobs on drawers and cabinets in kitchens and bedrooms with invisible hardware, ranging from magnetic push latches to integrated handles with concealed beveled edges. Initially, the objective was to have a minimal space with a seamless and sleek look, but designers found them to be appropriate and safe for kids' furniture as well.Save this picture!Lolly-Laputan Educational Restaurant / Wutopia LabSave this picture!Blue and Glue / HAO DesignSave this picture!ScaleIn his seminal text Towards a New Architecture, Le Corbusier stated that "a man looks at the creation of architecture with his eyes, which are 5 feet 6 inches from the ground" and not from the standpoint of a young child's eyes, which are on average, about 3 feet 6 inches from the ground. Interior spaces built for children should be scaled down to match their height and spatial needs so that they can move around and interact with the space without the intervention or help of an adult. In addition, being in smaller-scaled spaces removes the feeling of being overpowered by regular-sized rooms and furniture pieces, allowing kids to feel more safe and unrestrained. Michelberger Hotel, Room 304 / Sigurd LarsenSave this picture!Ouchi / HIBINOSEKKEI, Youji no Shiro, Kids Design LaboSave this picture!Interactive Spaces that Promote Physical ActivityTo further promote healthy physical and mental growth, architects have designed spaces that enable natural creativity and freedom of playing and exploring, whether it's through stacked geometric structures or built-in games and entertainment since kids learn best through physical engagement in the form of games or physical exercises. While some parents prefer to refrain from using digital screens and technology at such a young age, others like to engage their children early on through interactive screens built into their playrooms.Save this picture!Na School / Sulkin AskenaziSave this picture!Surfaces that Enable the Use of SensesIn addition to the digital screens mentioned above, the use of textured surfaces has proved to further enhance children's sensory receptors. Surfaces that create sound with friction or change colors help stimulate kids' senses. The same can be said for chalk or whiteboards, which help children improve their motor skills through drawing and painting. Mirrors, for instance, stimulate children's recognition of their own body and face and help them learn how to identify facial expressions and emotions.Save this picture!Charles House / Austin Maynard ArchitectsSave this picture!Accessibility and AdaptabilityOne of the most important characteristics of child-oriented architecture is child-only features, allowing them to rely solely on themselves. Similar to scale, accessible architecture gives room for children to explore and navigate the space themselves, however, no child is the same, and each age group has a different set of spatial needs. This is why it is recommended that spaces be flexible,evolving in parallel to children's growth.Geometrical Space for a Two Kid Family / Atelier D+YSave this picture!My Secret Garden / YestudioSave this picture!Openness to the OutdoorsChildren are not meant to be confined to one particular space; It is at this age that they get to use all their senses to explore the world around them. Taking into account the importance of the outdoors, architects incorporated access to nature through direct sunlight, extended landscapes from the outdoors, or water features. Projects built on the ground floor benefit from direct access to adjacent landscapes, giving children room to be out in the open.Act for Kids / m3architectureSave this picture!AKN Nursery / HIBINOSEKKEI + Youji no ShiroSave this picture!Color PaletteAccording to the Montessori method, having a lot of colors and textures in the same environment can cause confusion and irritation for children, especially those in the younger age spectrum. Therefore, the method recommends selecting very few options to facilitate the development of decision-making capacities. Save this picture!Hangzhou Neobio Family Park / X+LivingSave this picture!This article is part of an ArchDaily series that explores features of interior architecture, from our own database of projects. Every month, we will highlight how architects and designers are utilizing new elements, new characteristics, and new signatures in interior spaces around the world. As always, at ArchDaily, we highly appreciate the input of our readers. If you think we should mention specific ideas, please submit your suggestions.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on November 17, 2021, and updated on November 20, 2023. Related Article Learning Through Play: Architecture for Kids in Educational Spaces and Playgrounds Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorDima StouhiAuthorCite: Dima Stouhi. "Miniature Architecture: 17 Projects that Explore Interior Design for Children " 20 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/971939/miniature-architecture-15-projects-that-explore-interior-design-for-children&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save? 17 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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    Transforming Portland: How a Demolished Highway Became a Pioneering Waterfront Park
    Transforming Portland: How a Demolished Highway Became a Pioneering Waterfront ParkSave this picture!Aerial View of Portland Steel Bridge Over Calm River. Image Nicholas J Klein via ShutterstockUrban landscapes are shaped by the infrastructure we prioritize, reflecting the needs and values of society at a given moment in time. One striking example of this evolution is Portland's Harbor Drivea highway that was once an artery of heavy automobile traffic but was later demolished to make way for a waterfront park. This transformation not only reshaped downtown Portland, Oregon, United States but also marked a significant milestone in urban planning: the removal of a major highway in favor of public space. Harbor Drive's story set the stage for a growing trend of reducing urban traffic infrastructure and reimagining cities for people rather than cars.The United States started the construction of a new interstate highway system which was mainly completed between 1956 and 1973. The construction boom expanded from the approval of the 1956 highway legislation. It was supported by lobbyists from businesses like automobile manufacturers, oil companies, makers of cement and steel, construction firms, and other businesses, who all recognized the significance of modern, high-speed highways. These roads were going to connect all the nation's major cities and would speed long-distance travel by truck and automobile. Along with the interstate lines, there was also a system of urban expressways that linked the central cities with the surrounding suburbs and facilitated commuting.Save this picture!Portland, like all the other big American urban centers, was part of this trend and embraced highway construction. That is why in 1942, Harbor Drive was built as a solution to its growing traffic congestion and a means to support the city's economy. Positioned along the west bank of the Willamette River, the highway was a vital link between the industrial heart of the city and the expanding suburbs. It represented the prevailing urban planning philosophy of the mid-20th century, which prioritized cars as symbols of modernity and progress. Related Article The Rose Kennedy Greenway: How Boston Unpaved its Way to a Greener City Center This was further reinforced by the decision in 1943 to hire New York City's most famous city planner, Robert Moses, to develop a blueprint for Portland's future. Even though Moses's plans were well received by the local government, they were dropped by 1945 due to high costs. However, some pieces of his proposal survived, notably the Interstate 405/I-5 loop around downtown composed of Stadium Freeway which would be joined to the East Bank Freeway through the Fremont Bridge.Save this picture!This raised the question of whether Harbor Drive would remain essential to Portland's connectivity once the new loop was constructed around it. By the 1960s, Harbor Drive began to show its limitations. Portland's population and the city's dependency on cars had grown. As traffic volumes increased, the highway became clogged, causing delays and frustration for commuters. At this point, Harbor Drive was a continuous scene of elevated passes and upgrades which never completely solved the traffic problem. Meanwhile, the central city's waterfront had become an unappealing backdrop of asphalt and concrete.Save this picture!This problem was not exclusive to Portland. Throughout the United States, many cities had been implementing highway projects passing through the central parts of downtown, leading to the increasing dissatisfaction from local communities. Entire neighborhoods, as well as parks and historic districts, were being demolished to make way for these central arteries. This caused a general discontent nationwide which is known today as the Freeway Revolt. It saw its first expression in San Francisco, specifically revolving around the construction of the massive double-decked Embarcadero Freeway that ran along the city's historic waterfront. In Portland, it rose under the name of "Riverfront for People". While most of the efforts focused on avoiding planned freeway construction, Portland's revolt was the first to actually achieve the destruction of an existing highway.Save this picture!The turning point for Harbor Drive came in 1974 when Governor Tom McCall boldly decided to close it. Later, Harbor Drive was demolished, and in its place, the city developed the waterfront park as a green space that reconnected downtown with the River, and commissioned the architecture firm Wolff Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF) to draft a $20 million Master Plan in 1975. This decision was radical for its time, as Harbor Drive became the first major highway in the United States to be permanently removed. Nonetheless, the project faced significant opposition from some business leaders and suburban commuters who feared that removing the highway would lead to increased congestion and economic decline.Save this picture!The removal of Harbor Drive and the creation of Tom McCall Waterfront Park symbolized a broader shift in urban priorities. Officially opened in 1978, the park spans approximately 30 acres and features walking paths, open lawns, and access to the river. By prioritizing green space over highway infrastructure, the city pioneered in creating a more livable urban core that attracted residents, businesses, and tourists. The removal of Harbor Drive did not lead to the catastrophic traffic problems some had predicted; instead, traffic was absorbed by other routes such as Moses' Freeway loop, and people adapted to new transportation patterns. It was a transformative moment that showed Portland's willingness to prioritize public space over automobile infrastructure. Save this picture!In the decades that followed, other cities in the United States and around the world began to take examples from the Tom McCall Waterfront Park project. San Francisco's Embarcadero Freeway was demolished after it was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, leading to the creation of a waterfront boulevard. Another example is Boston's Rose Kennedy Greenway, which in the 1990s started the Big Dig. It replaced the Central Artery highway with a network of tunnels and a green belt of parks, reconnecting the city with its waterfront. Similarly, in 2004 Seoul, South Korea, removed a major elevated highway to restore the Cheonggye Stream, creating a linear park right in the heart of the city's downtown. Finally, in 2016, Taipei City in Taiwan, demolished the Zhongxiao overpass which crossed a historic area that included the last surviving Qing dynasty-style North Gate, restoring the monument to its former dignity and creating a plaza around it.Save this picture!This trend toward highway removal reflects a growing shift from car-centric urban planning inherited from the 20th century, into urban trends that take a more thoughtful approach toward their impact on the fabric of their cities. Throughout the decades, highways have been recognized for dividing neighborhoods, contributing to air and noise pollution, and occupying valuable land that could otherwise support housing, parks, or other community assets. In most cases, removing them has allowed cities to reclaim urban space and promote sustainable modes of transportation like walking, cycling, and public transit.Save this picture!Save this picture!The story of Harbor Drive's removal is one of pioneering transformation and innovation. By demolishing a highway and replacing it with a park, Portland not only reconnected its downtown with the river but also paved the way for a new approach to urban planning. Harbor Drive's legacy extends far beyond Portland, influencing cities worldwide to rethink the role of traffic infrastructure and embrace a more human-centered vision for urban life.This feature is part of an ArchDaily series titled AD Narratives, where we share the story behind a selected project, diving into its particularities. Every month, we explore new constructions from around the world, highlighting their story and how they came to be. We also talk to the architects, builders, and community, seeking to underline their personal experiences. As always, at ArchDaily, we highly appreciate the input of our readers. If you think we should feature a certain project, please submit your suggestions.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorMoises CarrascoAuthorCite: Moises Carrasco. "Transforming Portland: How a Demolished Highway Became a Pioneering Waterfront Park" 20 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023649/transforming-portland-how-a-demolished-highway-became-a-pioneering-waterfront-park&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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    Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl - How To Complete The Poppy Field Quest
    Numerous dangers await you in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. You'll have to contend with nefarious bandits and hostile factions, as well as a slew of rabid mutants and unstable anomalies. In one particular instance, you also need to fight off drowsiness that leads to death. Here's our guide on how to complete the Poppy Field quest in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl.How to complete the Poppy Field quest in Stalker 2: Heart of ChornobylThe Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Poppy Field quest takes place in the Lesser Zone, the initial area where you begin the campaign proper. Our guide discusses the mission objectives, the eerie location itself, and the rewards that you can receive. Poppy Field location and quest startThe Poppy Field mission comes from an NPC named Mityay. You can find him the building with your personal quarters and stash in the village of Zalissya. Mityay tells you about a Religious Icon that he's left behind and the Poppy Field should appear as a point-of-interest.The Poppy Field is located northwest of Zalissya, at the border's edge of the Lesser Zone region. Before you head there, make sure you have a couple of Non-Stop Energy Drinks. You're gonna need these for what comes next. Fighting off drowsiness in the Poppy FieldWhen you approach the Poppy Field in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, your first impression might be that it's a quaint and scenic place, especially with the red flowers all in bloom. Don't let the majestic beauty of this location fool you, because walking in the fields actually causes your character to get drowsy. At first, Skif's vision will go dim, and you'll even hear voices at certain areas. At certain points, you might even get teleported to odd locations, such as rooftops.To combat drowsiness, you need to drink a Non-Stop Energy Drink. However, the effects are only temporary, and you really can't stay out in the open for long. Otherwise, your character will collapse and die, and you have to reload your last save. Meeting with PomorAt the eastern edge of the village, there's one house that's occupied. Inside, you'll find a fella named Pomor. He has the following proposition:He can tell you the exact location of the Religious Icon if you pay him 2,000 coupons.Alternatively, you can help him with a task, which involves delivering some weapons and items to him.You don't need to pick either of these, since we can just tell you the location. Religious Icon locationTo get the Religious Icon, you need to find the cellar in the Poppy Field. Here's what you need to do:From Pomor's house, cross the field until you reach the gap between the two abandoned buildings.At the gap, walk straight ahead going west.In this sea of red flowers, you should spot a hole in the ground.Climb down the ladder to reach the cellar and pick up the Religious Icon. Rewards: Should you give the Religious Icon to Pomor or to MityayNow, you have to choose who gets the Religious Icon:If you pick Pomor, he'll give you the Unknown Stalker's AR416. This assault rifle, sadly, has low durability, and the repair might cost a bit much. A notification will also tell you that you can sell the Religious Icon to Pomor, though this step seems to be bugged so you can just ignore it. The quest will be completed automatically anyway.Alternatively, you can return all the way back to Zalissya so you can give the Religious Icon to Mityay. You'll receive 1,000 coupons for your efforts.That does it for our guide on how to complete the Poppy Field quest in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. This is just one of many side quests that lead you to all sorts of odd locations in the Exclusion Zone.
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    Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl - Where To Find Richter In A Minor Incident Quest
    The missions in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl take you all over the Exclusion Zone. Some of these might even have confusing steps, which can lead to headaches. One, in particular, involves your good pal, Richter. Here's our guide on where to find Richter in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. This is part of a main quest called A Minor Incident.Where to find Richter in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl - A Minor Incident main questThe Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl A Minor Incident main quest happens several hours into the campaign. We don't want to spoil all the details, but this is occurs after a couple of failed assaults on a well-guarded facility. You're tasked with learning the whereabouts of scientists to aid you in your mission. Heading back to Wild IslandSurprisingly, only Richter seems to know where the scientists are. You'll find him lounging around in Rostok Base, which is due west of Slag Heap. However, Richter won't share the details unless you obtain a certain item first.That item is a collar, which should appear marked on your map. It's in the Wild Island region (as you can see in the image above). Getting the collar from the PsydogOnce you reach the location in Wild Island, you'll notice an abandoned building. Your goal now is to take out the Psydog that appears in this area.The Psydog is a mutant with psionic capabilities, allowing it to create clones of itself. You don't want to waste high-caliber ammo on the clones, so just shoot them with a pistol or submachine gun. One bullet is enough to cause them to explode. Once enough clones have been taken out, you'll notice the real Psydog among the pack. Blast it quickly before it creates more clones to confuse you. An issue with Richter's locationLoot the Psydog for the collar. This will cause Richter to call you via radio, saying that you should "swing by [his] location." Now, this is where things get a bit tricky, as we've experienced in our playthrough:We're not sure if it's a user interface (UI) bug, but the quest marker for Richter doesn't appear at all. It's not in the compass or the world map (as you can see in the image above).Moreover, Richter's comment about his coordinates implies that he might be anywhere in the Exclusion Zone. It's going to be a hassle to search for him if that's the case. Hey, Richter's hiding in the shedFunnily enough, Richter is actually inside the shed that's just west of the main building. He's basically a few meters away from where you killed the Psydog. It's a bit weird that he'd contact you via radio when he's fairly close by.As you approach the shed, Richter's quest marker should appear once you're just a few meters away from him. Hand over the collar to complete this quest step. Once you're done, you can tackle the next objective which, thankfully, appears properly on the map.That does it for our guide on where to find Richter in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. If this is a UI bug, then we hope the issue is fixed in due course to alleviate any confusion.
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    Baldur's Gate 3: Best Jaheira Build
    Jaheira is a companion the player will be able to recruit by the end of Act 2.
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