Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)You may not have heard of Little Big Adventure, but if you have, its likely you remember it fondly. It popped up on PC in the last months of 1994, then found its way to PlayStation and other platforms. It didnt shift millions, but it gained cult status for its unique atmosphere, inventive controls, and memorable story of a despot, a rebellion, and a chosen one. Understanding Twinsens Quest really means understanding its origins, so its worth a recap.Little Big Adventure was the first game from French studio Adeline Software, followed a few years later by a sequel. Developer [2.21] has brought back some of the original team for this remake including composer Philippe Vachey, revisiting a memorable theme tune as well as new creatives drawn from the LBA fan community. Designer Didier Chanfray has said that the Little Big Adventure series was always intended to be a trilogy: now the goal is to remake both of the original games in a modern style, before finally completing the set. Exciting stuff for long-time fans.Twinsens Quest mostly follows the story of the original game, adding on a little prologue and switching a couple of characters around to modernise the damsel-in-distress narrative of 1994. The hero Twinsen starts the story proper incarcerated in an asylum by the evil Dr. Funfrock (seriously). His crime: having prophetic dreams about the end of the world. Twinsen must break free and discover his own role in the prophecy while setting out to rescue his little sister, travelling the planet across a colourful range of biomes, from the streets of Citadel Island to the icy Hamalayi Mountains via the sands of White Leaf Desert.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)But what was so magical about this game back in 1994? The first thing to strike you were the graphics. High-resolution (640x480 pixels) 2D isometric backdrops were populated by characterful, low-poly 3D figures. Twinsen was beautifully animated, skipping sportily, tiptoeing about, and throwing weighty punches. The second thing to note was the controls: Twinsen was able to change his mood, enabling different actions. When normal he would walk around and chat to people, when athletic he would run and jump, an aggressive mood enabled fighting, and being discreet meant sneaking about, with each footstep sounding out a curious note on a double bass. Ingenious and now kind of awful.You see, Adeline originally went with tank controls. Partnered with some fairly tight spaces to navigate, an unwieldy running mode, a dangerously slow walk, and the need to stop play briefly while changing moods not to mention the loads between separate, non-scrolling screens the experience was terribly stilted. At the time, it was inventive and new; unfortunately, it now seems like a dead end in the evolution of control schemes. If youre still clinging onto the nostalgia, have a quick look at a video of the original game and it wont take long for the rose-tinted glasses to slip off your nose.All of this is to say that [2.21] had quite a challenge on its hands in revisiting a cult favourite after all this time. Some big design decisions were needed, and they have been made. Tank controls are gone, and it might sound like sacrilege, but the whole mood system is gone, too.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)Now, you might expect, you could push the stick a little bit to sneak, a medium amount to walk, and the whole way to run, covering three of your moods instantly. But expect all you like: thats not how it works. However much you move the stick, Twinsen always runs. Clicking the stick will toggle a walk, but its completely useless, and now were back to moods anyway! We sought all over the controller for a way to tiptoe about and hear that double bass, but it seems the discreet mood has simply vanished. It feels like a missed opportunity, but it must be said that the big call here was allowing jumping and punching without having to switch between special states and that alone justifies saying goodbye to the eccentric control system of the original.In the end, then, we have a fairly normal means of navigating the world and the game has to stand or fall on the charm of its exploration and story. Fortunately, these are mostly intact. The new visuals 3D backgrounds rather than isometric pixels are all a bit jaunty and jokey compared to 1994. The sound effects were always in exactly that style, full of boings and squeaks, so the visual revamp works. Popping anthropomorphic robot elephants with your magic ball or dodging soldiers rifle shots as you charge past is more fun than it ever was. Sadly, it does feel like there are some gaps in the animation especially how Twinsen just stops dead when you release the stick, jolting back to a standing position.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)Progress through the game is mostly a long trail of fetch quests and passing messages from one humanoid rabbit or talking ball-person to another. Finding the last bit of dialogue that will unlock the next section can be infuriating when it involves travelling between multiple locations, and we had our fair share of just-try-everything moments. But the story that eventually unravels is somehow compelling. Combat is not the games forte so its just as well there isnt too much of it until later stages. Throwing your magic ball is clunky and unreliable and throwing punches is the same. Platforming is equally poor but equally rare, with jumps being unwieldy and certainly not feeling in any way satisfying.But the real bad news on this one is that Twinsens Quest is severely lacking polish. We hit multiple bugs where we had to reload; various NPCs prompted dialogue then didnt say anything; Twinsen spent hours of the game asking everyone he met about the Pirate LeBorgne, even after we had solved that part and moved on; critical progress points were easily missable it was tough going at times.

Image: Nintendo LifeThe Pokmon Company has revealed a new range of merch based on Pokmon Gold And Silver in celebration of Gen 2's 25th anniversary.We're going to be honest, we're quite jealous. A lot of merch can look pretty grim and tacky, but the selection on offer here is really quite nice. You've got bomber jackets, heat-changing mugs, keyrings, stickers, chocolate, slide puzzles, pens, plushies, backpacks all sorts! It's a neat way to commemorate such a momentous milestone for Gold and Silver. Well, outside of releasing the games on Nintendo Switch Online, that is. Grumble...Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube785kWatch on YouTube The range will become available via Pokmon Center stores in Japan from 23rd November 2025, with online outlets such as Amazon Japan no doubt offering international shipping if you're desperate to pick something up.We're particularly enamoured with the trash can. It's based on the Vermillion Gym from Gold and Silver in which you search a bunch of trash cans to find two hidden switches. There's even some text at the bottom of the can that roughly translates to "Nope, there's only trash here". Delightful stuff.Let's take a look at some of the goodies on offer:Images: The Pokmon CompanyImages: The Pokmon CompanyImages: The Pokmon Company Now, how about those mainline classics?But the leakers intend to share more "at a later date"Is there anything here that catches your fancy? Will you he heading to Japan anytime soon? Let us know with a comment down in the usual place.[source pokemon.co.jp, via nintendosoup.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:83 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesZelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Devs Explain The Method Behind The Menu MadnessIt even took Aonuma a while to 'get it'Video: New Switch Online Trailer Highlights Classic Pokmon GamesNow, how about those mainline classics?Nintendo Has Seemingly Taken Possession Of The Ryujinx Switch Emulator WebsiteAfter being taken offline last monthNintendo's Lawsuit Against Palworld Is "A Clear Case Of Bullying", Says AnalystThe drama continues

High-quality data may be the key to high-quality AI. With studies finding that data set curation, rather than size, is what really affects an AI models performance, its unsurprising that theres a growing emphasis on data set management practices. According to some surveys, AI researchers today spend much of their time on data prep and organization tasks.Brothers Vahan Petrosyan and Tigran Petrosyan felt the pain of having to manage lots of data while training algorithms in college. Vahan went so far as to create a data management tool during his Ph.D. research on image segmentation. A few years later, Vahan realized that developers and even corporations would happily pay for similar tooling. So the brothers founded a company, SuperAnnotate, to build it.During the explosion of innovation in 2023 surrounding models and multimodal AI, the need for high-quality datasets became more stringent, with each organization having multiple use cases requiring specialized data, Vahan said in a statement. We saw an opportunity to build an easy-to-use, low-code platform, like a Swiss Army Knife for modern AI training data.SuperAnnotate, whose clients include Databricks and Canva, helps users create and keep track of large AI training data sets. The startup initially focused on labeling software, but now provides tools for fine-tuning, iterating and evaluating data sets.Image Credits:SuperAnnotateWith SuperAnnotates platform, users can connect data from local sources and the cloud to create data projects on which they can collaborate with teammates. From a dashboard, users can compare the performance of models by the data that was used to train them, and then deploy those models to various environments once theyre ready.SuperAnnotate also provides companies access to a marketplace of crowd-sourced workers for data annotation tasks. Annotations are usually pieces of text labeling the meaning or parts of data that models train on, and serve as guideposts for models, teaching them to distinguish things, places and ideas.To be frank, there are several Reddit threads about SuperAnnotates treatment of the data annotators it uses, and they arent flattering. Annotators complain about communication issues, unclear expectations, and low pay.For its part, SuperAnnotate claims it pays fair market rates and that its demands on annotators arent outside the norm for the industry. Weve asked the company to provide more detailed information about its practices and will update this piece if we hear back.There are several competitors in the AI data management space, including startups like Scale AI, Weka and Dataloop. San Francisco-based SuperAnnotate has managed to hold its own, however, recently raising $36 million in a Series B round led by Socium Ventures, with participation from Nvidia, Databricks Ventures, Play Time Ventures and Defy.vc.The fresh capital, which brings SuperAnnotates total raised to just over $53 million, will be used for augmenting its current team of around 100, for product R&D, and for growing SuperAnnotates customer base of roughly 100 companies.We aim to build a platform capable of fully adapting to enterprises evolving needs and offering extensive customization in data fine-tuning, Vahan said.

U.S. space technology and satellite giant Maxar has confirmed a data breach involving the personal information of its employees, according to a filing with state regulators.The Colorado-headquartered Maxar operates imaging satellites and manufactures spacecraft, and claims to operate one of the largest commercial satellite constellations on orbit. Maxar has long been a significant provider of commercial satellite imagery to the U.S. government, which uses the imagery for mission-critical planning, intelligence gathering, and disaster response.In a required data breach notice filed with Californias attorney general last week, Maxar said a hacker using a Hong Kong-based IP address compromised its network on October 4 to access files containing employees personal data.Its not yet known if the alleged hacker is located in Hong Kong, or used a server in Hong Kong to hide their real location.Maxar said it discovered the breach a week later on October 11 and took immediate action to prevent further unauthorized access to the system. Nevertheless, according to our investigation, the hacker likely had access to the files on the system for approximately one week before this action was taken, Maxar said in the disclosure.The information contained within the compromised files includes employees names, gender, physical addresses, Social Security numbers, business contact information, employment status, employee number, and job information, according to Maxar.According to the companys website, Maxar has 2,600 employees more than half of which attained U.S. security clearances. These are required to perform classified work for the U.S. government, such as national security missions.Maxar, which last year completed its $6.4 billion sale to private equity giant Advent International, hasnt said how many of its employees were impacted by the breach.Maxar spokesperson Kristin Carringer didnt immediately respond to TechCrunchs questions.

Breakdown & ShowreelsThe Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 2: VFX Breakdown by MPCBy Vincent Frei - 18/11/2024 Ever wondered what a zombie apocalypse would look like in Paris? Thanks to MPC, the second season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon brings that terrifying vision to life!WANT TO KNOW MORE?MPC: Dedicated page about The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 2 on MPC website.WATCH IT ON Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024

Ceramics 3D printing OEM and process provider 3DCeram has introduced CERIA, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tool crafted to elevate ceramic 3D printing processes, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving precision across industrial applications.Tailored for 3DCerams Ceramaker range, CERIA is built to meet the rigorous requirements of industries like aerospace, defense, and semiconductors, which demand high-resolution ceramic parts that maintain integrity at a large scale, challenges that CERIA is designed to overcome.Visitors at Formnext tradeshow this week can explore CERIAs capabilities at 3DCerams booth in Hall 11.1 D21. The demonstration will highlight CERIAs potential to reshape ceramic additive manufacturing for high-performance, technical applications.3DCerams C1000 FLEXMATIC. Photo via 3DCeram.Modular AI system to streamline productionStructured around two core AI modules, CERIA provides a comprehensive solution to streamline the entire 3D printing workflow. CERIA Set customizes printing parameters for each project, analyzing part designs and generating configurations that maximize productivity and precision.Meanwhile, CERIA Live delivers real-time monitoring and adjustments, maintaining an uninterrupted production flow. Together, these modules harness the benefits of stereolithography, enabling large-scale, automated production that suits the industrial scale and intricate demands of technical ceramics.CERIAs color-coded visualization optimizes part placement and detects slurry issues in 3D printing. Image via 3DCeram.According to the company, CERIA also integrates seamlessly with 3DCerams existing tools, Build-It and CPS 2.0, forming a complete ecosystem for managing every stage of ceramic 3D printing. CERIA Set provides targeted support from conception to production, guiding users in optimizing part placement and tank layout, and generating custom scraping parameters that meet exacting standards.By including a color-coded visualization system, CERIA Live enables real-time monitoring of each layer during the print process. Each color serves a purpose: white highlights the part being printed, yellow signals fixed slurry zones, and red marks potential slurry leaks, helping users identify and address issues quickly to ensure production success.Versatile applications across technical ceramics manufacturingCompatible with high-precision models like the C101 EASY FAB, C1000 FLEXMATIC, and C3601 ULTIMATE, CERIAs adaptability extends to a wide range of technical ceramics applications.3DCerams C1000 FLEXMATIC enables immediate reuse of recycled formulations, streamlining the next production cycle. Photo via 3DCeram.This versatility allows manufacturers to minimize material waste, reduce time to market, and achieve consistent, high-quality results. Efficiency is particularly crucial for technical ceramics, where streamlined production can make or break the ability to meet tight deadlines in industries like aerospace and semiconductors. A large build platform enhances this by allowing large parts to be printed as a single piece.With over 20 years of experience in ceramic 3D printing, CERIA underscores 3DCerams focus on refining AM for complex applications. Equipped with AI-driven design guidance, an emphasis on material efficiency, and real-time monitoring, CERIA provides a scalable solution aimed at enhancing the capabilities of ceramic 3D printing.As manufacturers look for dependable and cost-effective production methods, CERIA aims to contribute to the broader adoption of ceramic 3D printing across various industries.Catch up on all the news from Formnext 2024.Voting is now open for the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the 2025 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 CERIAs color-coded visualization optimizes part placement and detects slurry issues in 3D printing. Image via 3DCeram.

Massachusetts Institute of Technologys (MIT) based fashion designer Ganit Goldstein showcased a collection of garments integrated with advanced sensor technology during Boston Fashion Week 2024.Hosted at The Foundry in Kendall Square, Cambridge the event was part of the Cambridge Science Festival in collaboration with the MIT Museum. Visitors experienced the garments interactive capabilities firsthand, exploring their novel sensor-embedded designs and a Virtual Reality (VR) application that emphasized advanced engineering in wearable technology.Goldsteins Electric Skin collection featured four garments equipped with sensors and conductive materials capable of responding to environmental stimuli, such as touch and proximity. These garments demonstrated adaptive features like color and texture changes, highlighting the potential for interactive textiles.Alongside the garments, a VR application used motion tracking to transform recorded body movements into an interactive dance performance, expanding the scope of wearable systems beyond fashion.Goldsteins interactive clothing collection on display at Boston Fashion Week 2024. Photo via Goldstein.Combining tradition with technologyBuilding on her history of integrating traditional craftsmanship with 3D printing, Goldsteins earlier projects have demonstrated her continuous innovation in wearable technology.In 2018, Goldstein combined 3D printing with traditional weaving techniques to create a pair of shoes using Stratasys Connex3 multi-material 3D printer and GrabCAD software. Inspired by the Japanese ikat weaving technique, known as Kasuri, Goldstein integrated vibrant colors and intricate patterns into her design at the voxel level.These shoes were first showcased at the Arts of Fashion Foundation Fashion Show in San Francisco in 2018 and were set to appear at the Internationale Handwerksmesse in Munich in March 2019.Alongside fashion designer Julie Koerner, Goldstein collaborated with Stratasys showcasing the companys direct-to-textile PolyJet Technology as part of the EU-funded Re-FREAM project. Goldsteins work combined traditional craft methods with 3D printing to produce a Japanese-style kimono inspired by Asian embroidery and the ikat coloring technique.Using a 3D body scan and an algorithm, the design was directly mapped onto the garments surface during printing, enabling intricate patterns not achievable through conventional techniques.Expanding 3D printing in fashionAs fashion 3D printing is on the rise, many designers have been able to create sustainable designs and unique accessories.A recent example includes that of students from Arts University Plymouth and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) working together to design a 3D printed dress inspired by Coccolithophores, microscopic plankton vital to the carbon cycle. Named The Plankton Lady, the dress highlights the impact of ocean warming and acidification on marine ecosystems.Made from plant-based polylactic acid (PLA) and assembled by hand, the dress was created in just ten days using the universitys Fab Lab. Showcased at prestigious venues, it is now part of The Boxs Planet Ocean exhibition, sparking conversations about climate change and ocean health until April 2025.Used on the entertainment front, Coperni introduced its iconic Swipe Bag at Disneyland Paris, produced using Rapid Liquid Printing (RLP), a process developed by MITs Self-Assembly Lab. Unlike conventional 3D printing methods, RLP allows objects to be created directly within a gel suspension, enabling soft, stretchable, and durable designs without the limitations of gravity.Made from recyclable platinum-cured silicone, the bag reflects Copernis focus on sustainable design. Moreover, this project demonstrated how advanced manufacturing techniques can blend seamlessly with creative design, demonstrating the potential for sustainable, functional fashion design.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 Goldsteins interactive clothing collection on display at Boston Fashion Week 2024. Photo via Goldstein.

The Chapel of St. Ignatius | Sarahehthomas, Flickr UserThe Chapel of St. Ignatius at Seattle University, designed between 1994 and 1997, is an architectural embodiment of Jesuit spirituality. Designed by Steven Holl, the project transformed the principles of Ignatian worship into a tangible form, creating a sacred space that harmonizes light, material, and purpose. With a modest building area of 6,100 square feet and a budget of $5.2 million, the chapel fosters unity, reflection, and spiritual connection on campus.The Chapel of St. Ignatius Technical InformationArchitects1-13: Steven HollLocation: Seattle, Washington, United StatesTopics:Sacred SpacesArea: 567 m2 | 6,100 Sq. Ft.Construction Cost: $5,200,000Project Year: 1994 1997Photographs: Paul Warchol, Flickr UsersThe concept of Seven Bottles of Light in a Stone Box is expressed through the tilt-up method of construction Steven Holl ArchitectsThe Chapel of St. Ignatius Photographs Paul Warchol Jonathan Brown, Flickr User Paul Warchol Slider, Flickr User Paul Warchol Paul Warchol TRANIMAGING, Flickr User Paul WarcholA Unity of Light and SpiritAt the core of this design is the concept of Seven Bottles of Light in a Stone Box, a metaphor that encapsulates the interplay of light and structure. The chapels ability to weave together symbolic, functional, and aesthetic elements has made it a masterpiece of modern religious architecture.Rooted in the Jesuits spiritual exercises, unity of differences. The concept of Different Lights is both literal and metaphorical. Various light volumes emerge from the roof, each corresponding to a unique aspect of Jesuit Catholic worship.The south-facing light symbolizes the procession, an essential part of the Mass.The north-facing light toward the city aligns with the community outreach mission and houses the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.The main worship space integrates east and west light, signifying the cyclical nature of spiritual practice.Each bottle of light features a complementary interplay of colors: a pure colored lens and a reflected field of color. This visual phenomenon animates the chapel as light shifts throughout the day. The dynamic interaction of natural light and reflected color reinforces the chapels spiritual vitality. At night, the illuminated volumes shine outward, transforming the building into a luminous beacon for the campus.Innovative Materiality and ConstructionThe Chapel of St. Ignatius exemplifies the ingenuity of tilt-up concrete construction. The buildings outer envelope is formed from 21 interlocking concrete panels, each cast on-site and lifted into place by a hydraulic crane. These panels, weighing up to 80,000 pounds, were designed with precision to achieve structural integrity and aesthetic simplicity.The panels integral color eliminates the need for additional cladding, creating a cost-effective yet visually striking facade. The subtle interlocking details of the slabs allow for narrow, precise windows, further enhancing the interplay of light and shadow within the chapel. Bronze-capped pick pockets, used to lift the panels during construction, now serve as subtle decorative elements, blending utility with artistry.A Dialogue with Context and SpaceThe chapels site placement was carefully chosen to enhance its role within the Seattle University campus. Positioned to define a new quadrangle, the buildings elongated rectangular plan provides structure and order to the surrounding green spaces while emphasizing its processional interior layout.Directly south of the chapel lies a reflecting pond, described as a thinking field. This water feature enhances the contemplative atmosphere, offering visitors a space for reflection both literally and metaphorically. At night, the chapels glowing volumes extend this meditative ambiance outward, connecting the building with its broader community.The Chapel of St. Ignatius Architectural Critique and LegacyThe Chapel of St. Ignatius succeeds brilliantly in merging concept with execution. Holls innovative use of light as a narrative device transforms the space into a living embodiment of Jesuit spirituality. The tilt-up concrete construction is a pragmatic solution and a poetic gesture, reinforcing the chapels sense of permanence and simplicity.While compact in scale, the chapel achieves a profound spatial and symbolic impact. The interplay of color and light elevates the interior experience, offering worshippers a space that feels both intimate and expansive. If any critique can be leveled, it may lie in the limited flexibility of the design for non-liturgical uses, though this does not detract from its primary function as a place of worship.The Chapel of St. Ignatius remains a seminal work in modern religious architecture. Its innovative integration of light, material, and space has inspired countless architects and continues to serve as a spiritual and architectural landmark.The Chapel of St. Ignatius PlansSite Plan | Steven HollFloor Plan & Section | Steven HollThe Chapel of St. Ignatius Image GalleryAbout Steven HollSteven Holl is an acclaimed architect known for his innovative use of light, material, and space to create evocative and experiential designs. Born in Bremerton, Washington, in 1947, Holl founded Steven Holl Architects in 1976, establishing himself as a leader in contemporary architecture. His work often explores the intersection of concept and context, blending philosophical ideas with cutting-edge construction techniques. Holls notable projects include the Chapel of St. Ignatius in Seattle, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, and the Linked Hybrid in Beijing. Notes & Additional CreditsDesign Architect: Steven HollProject Architect: Tim BadeProject Team: Janet Cross, Jan Kinsbergen, Justin Korhammer, Audra TuskesLocal Architect: Olson Sundberg ArchitectsStructural Engineer: Monte Clark EngineeringElectrical Engineer: Datum EngineeringMechanical Engineer: Abacus Engineered SystemsLiturgical Consultant: Bill Brown, AIA P.C.Lighting Consultant: LObservatoire InternationalAcoustical Consultant: Peter George and AssociatesGeneral Contractor: Baugh ConstructionArtists: Linda Beaumont, Dora Nikolova BittauCommissioned By: Seattle University

Good FormBryan Costello and Raleigh Architecture combine curves and grids for North Carolinas restaurant, MadreByKelly Pau November 18, 2024Interiors, Southeast (Keith Isaacs)SHAREWhat people love about Madre, a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in North Carolinas Raleigh is, yes, the food helmed by executive chef Matt Bounous, but even more than that: It doesnt feel like its in North Carolina. The immersive and romantic ambiance isnt expected of the area, much less the heavy, multi-use building its slotted in.Raleigh Architectureand designerBryan Costellowere challenged with turning the giant concrete box into a warm and inviting restaurant which they carried out with a transportive effect using what Costello calls a curves-meets-grid concept. The clients wanted an interior that feels welcoming, lush, and romantic and that also tied to the menus Mediterranean roots. This is where the curves came in. The duo rounded out any wall corners, soffits, and pre-existing columns. Then, they covered it in lime-wash which local painters spent two weeks adding abstractly circular texture to by hand. Even the backs of the wooden dining chairs, edges of the tables, and wood and velvet banquettes were rounded out to continue this motif. It brings to mind the arches and curves in architecture along the Mediterranean.Read more on aninteriormag.com. North CarolinaRestaurants

With an international portfolio of cultural projects, Asif Khan Studio negotiates multiple identities from its London baseAsif Khan Studio was shortlisted in the AR Emerging awards 2024. Read about the full shortlist hereIn 20212022, Dubai hosted the World Expo, the first time the universal exhibition had been held in the WestAsia. Surrounding the site and welcoming the events 24 million visitors into the fair were three colossal portals designed by Asif Khan Studio. The striking ultra-lightweight mesh gates, with doors each 21 metres high, were inspired by mashrabiya the latticed oriel windows used in vernacular Islamic buildings, which studio founder Asif Khan describes as extraordinary devices which provide shade, air flow and privacy. Further references abound: the latticed pattern of the portals bring to mind arish(palm leaf) construction techniques employed throughout the region, while the inspiration for the general approach to the site came from the oldround plan of Baghdad, Iraq.In the west, Islamic architecture is commonly viewed as wholly decorative; Khan argues that it is also highly engineered, sophisticated and performative. The Dubai Expo entry portals are all these things; robotically wound from carbon fibre (and therefore zero-waste), and constructed in collaboration with an aircraft engineer, they connect with the past while, says Khan, charting a direction for the future, much like Joseph Paxtons Crystal Palace or Buckminster Fullers geodesic dome ofprevious World Expos. The Arab world hasa lot to offer, says Khan. It was at the forefront of renewability long ago; all we have done is reinterpret it and show how itmight be applied at scale in the future, withmodern materials.Khan trained at the Bartlett School ofArchitecture in London and set up his practice in 2007 following postgraduate studies at the Architectural Association. Hehas taught in Japan and worked in China, Kazakhstan and West Asia, and describes home as everywhere but nowhere. Khans own identity is layered and complex: his father was from Pakistan (he was forced to leave India during Partition) and his mother East African Indian; they relocated to the UK andtrained as social workers. The studio is working on transforming a Soviet-era cinema into acultural centre in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Ironically, the Kazakh name of the centre, Tselinny, translates to virgin lands. Here, Asif Khan Studios proposal creates space for new art forms that seek tochallenge Kazakhstans post-Soviet legacy. The existing cinema hall, with a height of 18m, will be restored as a multi-use arts space, while a small cinema, caf and rooftop restaurant will be added. The most striking element is the preservation of amural by theSoviet illustrator Evgeny Matveevich Sidorkin, which depicts traditional nomadic life in Kazakhstan inastereotypical style. The mural an instrument of colonialism isilluminated bya large glass facade. Rather than erasing the remnants of the Soviet empire, the proposal strives to provide a reminder ofamoment in time, explains Khan. He hopes that this project, and his studios work in general, can negotiate multilayered identities and provide a space for people to anchor themselves in.