During his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump had a pointed tagline for his energy policy: Drill, baby, drill.That statement is emblematic of where Trump is poised to focus his efforts in a second term: Hes pledged US energy dominance and everything from new pipelines to new refiners that amp up fossil fuel production. This approach marks a stark shift from the Biden administrations and puts the USs emphasis more heavily on producing oil and gas than on attempting a transition to clean energy sources. In addition to touting the need to boost fossil fuels, Trump has disparaged subsidies for clean energy investments and called for terminat[ing] the funds that were allocated for those subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act. His stance ignores the role that burning fossil fuels has played in climate change and could cause considerable harm to US efforts to address the issue. Related:Several of his nominations are indicative of these goals. Hes chosen oil industry executive Chris Wright a fracking evangelist to head up the Department of Energy. Hes named North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum who connected Trump to oil executive donors during the campaign as the lead for the Interior Department and as an energy czar. Hes also tapped former Rep. Lee Zeldin whos emphasized his commitment to deregulation as his chief of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Theres only so much the administration can control, however. Although Trump can take notable steps to try to increase fossil fuel production, actual upticks in oil and gas extraction will depend heavily on the private sector and the economics of the industry. Still, while Trump faces some constraints, he has significant policy levers he can pull to encourage production of fossil fuels. Wright, Burgum, and Zeldin have also signaled theyre prepared to execute on the president-elects vision, including changes to drilling on public lands and speedier permitting for oil and gas projects. President Trump and his energy team Mr. Burgum, Mr. Wright, Mr. Zeldin can go to considerable lengths to make expanded production attractive and relatively easy, Barry Rabe, a University of Michigan environmental policy professor, told Vox. How Trump could increase fossil fuel productionTrump has two key avenues he can utilize to boost fossil fuel production. One, he can open up more public lands and waters for exploration, development, and extraction. Two, he can ease the regulatory processes that govern fossil fuel work.Trump could offer more oil and gas leases on public landsAs president, Trump will oversee the Interior Department, which includes the Bureau of Land Management as well as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, both of which manage a substantial fraction of the countrys public lands and waters. Hell also oversee the Agriculture Department, which contains the Forest Service, another body that has oversight of some public lands. The Bureaus of Land Management and Ocean Energy Management, as well as the Forest Service, are the three main entities that issue oil and gas leases on public spaces. These leases effectively allow fossil fuel companies to rent parcels of public land from the federal government so they can extract resources from these areas. Once land is designated as available for lease, leases are typically auctioned off to the highest bidder.Those bureaus, and the Forest Service, have major discretion to determine if more leases can be issued and where. But the president can issue an executive order instructing them to prioritize the subject: Trump could call on agencies to make identifying suitable public lands a top agenda item, for example. If you have an administration that says we want everything that could be leased to be leased, theres a lot of discretion to be able to do that, says Stan Meiburg, the executive director of the Center for Environment and Sustainability at Wake Forest University. Trumps first term, during which he also made moves to expand the acreage of public lands available for oil and gas drilling, is likely a sign of whats to come. Per a study from Science, he mounted one of the largest reductions in protected public lands in history, rolling back the acreage of Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to allow for additional oil and gas exploration in these places.Data from the Bureau of Land Management shows that there was an increase in total acres offered for oil and gas leases during Trumps first term compared to President Barack Obamas second term and Joe Bidens current term. Though Trump could again expand the number of leases available, its important to note that wont necessarily translate to more production. Leases are subject to environmental rules that means new leases could well be challenged in court for potential violations of the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, or other federal laws. Another factor could limit production too: corporate interest. Companies may not be interested in these new leases since many of the parcels might not be home to fossil fuels. And businesses could also lease the land but fail to utilize it. The White House could make expanding production easier for the private sectorThe second avenue Trump could pursue is rolling back regulations to make fossil fuel production easier and faster for the private sector.Much of this will involve undoing policies the Biden administration put in place like the pause on permits for liquefied natural gas exports and expediting federal approvals for oil- and gas-related projects. Trump could use the executive branchs authority to rescind certain proposals. For other rules, the White House could need Congresss help. By utilizing whats known as the Congressional Review Act, Congress has the ability to roll back rules that agencies have recently put in place. In other cases, it might need to pass new legislation: The EPA has just begun imposing a methane fee on oil and gas companies, and because that fee was included in the Inflation Reduction Act, it would need an act of Congress to undo. Under it, these businesses must curb their methane emissions or suffer a financial penalty. Repealing policies like the methane fee and the natural gas export permit pause would curb the restrictions oil and gas companies currently face, creating more opportunities to export products abroad and making fossil fuel production less costly. Another area where both the administration and Congress have power to ease regulation is on the issue of permitting reform. Currently, any oil and gas project such as building a new pipeline must go through many layers of approval by federal agencies like the EPA. (Many clean energy infrastructure projects also need to go through this process.) For these projects, companies have to obtain a hefty number of permits, slowing their ability to execute on these plans. The Biden administration managed to outstrip the pace at which the Trump administration issued permits for drilling on public lands. Under Trump, federal agencies could try to further streamline such approvals, says Mark Squillace, a University of Colorado-Boulder Law School professor and former staffer at the Interior Department. We certainly could see some efforts to pull back on environmental standards, to make it easier to permit different kinds of facilities, Squillace told Vox. Trump could also take executive action to direct agencies to cut as many unnecessary steps as possible and to simplify their processes. More expansive permitting reforms, like policies that put firm limits on the time needed for legal challenges and federal approvals of a project, would need the backing of Congress, however, and have had bipartisan support in the past.The combination of loosening restrictions currently placed on oil and gas companies and making new projects easier to pursue all tie back to Trumps pledge to slash the red tape on the industry. As is the case with expanding access to public lands, its not clear that these policy changes will result in more fossil fuel production since much of that will depend on how private companies respond.Trump can make production a little easier, but the market for fossil fuels is also a factorDuring the Biden administration, the US produced more oil and gas than any country in the world. Companies incentives to increase production will depend on whether they think its financially sound for them. As more countries including the US have invested in clean energy sources, there is more competition in the market, which could factor in to whether businesses see it as a smart move to dial up their fossil fuel output if given the chance.As we watch a movement toward more solar and wind development, there is less demand for the oil and gas products that weve been producing, Squillace says. Though the administration has stressed that its all-in on fossil fuels, its not evident that it can turn away from clean energy investments to the degree that Trump has urged. Defunding the subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act, for instance, would prompt legal challenges, short of an actual repeal by Congress. The administration could well take some contradictory stances, too. Although Trump has long denigrated energy sources like offshore wind and subsidies for electric vehicles, his allies include Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whos the head of an EV company. Musk is among the tech leaders whove attained notable influence in the administration and who also has deep ties with the government due to his role leading SpaceX. All of this means that, ultimately, even though Trump will have the power to try making good on this campaign pledge, it may not work out the way he promised. Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

It's Wednesday, which means a whole host of new Team of the Week players are coming to EA FC 25. From Haaland to Ronaldo, here are the biggest upgrades for EA FC players in TOTW 10.

Why we still havent begun our Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 reviewNick GillettNick GillettPublished November 21, 2024 8:58amUpdated November 21, 2024 8:58am Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 itd be nice if it worked before 2025 (Xbox Game Studios)Two days after it first launched and its still impossible to play Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, as it suffers server and other technical problems.Its easy to be cynical when publishers withhold review copies until a games day of release. The immediate assumption is that they know theyve got a dud on their hands and are trying to hide it until the last possible moment.Often thats exactly why it happens but sometimes there are mitigating circumstances, especially if its an online-only game or a developer has been rushing to get it ready to hit an inflexible release date.In the case of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 its non-availability before launch was explained, by Microsoft, as being due to the online services not being ready and a planned day one patch update for Xbox and PC. As excuses go, that one didnt sound too worrying. The problem is those online services are still not working and as we write this the game has already been out for two days.The reality of Flight Simulator 2004s situation has turned out to be something wearyingly familiar, especially as it comes only a few days after the fourth anniversary of Cyberpunk 2077s nightmare launch.On trying to start Flight Simulator 2004, which despite being single-player requires an always-on Internet connection to play it, we were greeted with a static Login Queue screen explaining, Too many users are trying to connect at the same time. Apparently having a large number of players trying to play a triple-A title on launch day was a situation nobody had considered in advance.The queue later changed to a server error, and the following day gave way to downloading several gigabytes of assets, which seemed positive until the download froze at 97%. Restarting the game the same thing happened.Later in the day we were able to complete that process, only to have the game freeze in the set-up menus. Rebooting our Xbox Series X, we got to the same screen in set-up before it froze again. And again. And again.A number of PC players have managed to load the game, and theyre already complaining of a litany of glitches, broken textures, and performance issues. The fact that its been review-bombed down to 1/10 on Steam is perhaps understandable given the scale of disappointment.Reader Saints Stickman summed it up nicely in Wednesdays Inbox: So, Microsoft want us all to believe that cloud gaming is the future. Yet they release Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 today and all you get is a message saying, too many users are trying to connect at the same time.Thats the software installed locally on an Xbox Series X just trying to connect to the servers. If the infrastructure cannot handle that, then how are they ever going to handle streaming the game down too! The only cloud they are in is Cloud Cuckoo Land!It also raises the long-standing concern of whether you actually own a game when you buy it digitally, especially when, through no fault of your own, you then cant play it. The rise of digital purchases shows no sign of stopping and yet Flight Simulator 2024 makes a very clear argument against it.More TrendingReader Cassius2K alludes to exactly that in the same Inbox: In a world where people buy digital and never actually own it, the top version is 199.99. Thats a lot of money.It certainly is, and its a reminder that rules around digital ownership may need to be tightened up to prevent companies we buy from being able to withdraw rights to a game, film or piece of music whenever they feel like it or happen to be experiencing technical difficulties.It would be different if there were a built-in compensation process if your train doesnt run on time you get a partial refund but despite prices for games that stretch well over 100, gamers have no recourse except venting their anger on Steam. If you cant play the game you bought, tough luck. Nothing about that seems fair.We look forward to reviewing Flight Simulator 2024 and will do so as soon as its in a playable state. Unfortunately, we have no idea when that will be. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 flights have been delayed (Xbox Game Studios)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Retro rivalries: Tomb Raider vs. UnchartedSteve BoxerSteve BoxerPublished November 20, 2024 6:00pmUpdated November 20, 2024 6:01pm Tomb Raider vs. Uncharted a battle of equals? (Sony Interactive Entertainment/Embracer Group/Metro)For over a decade, Tomb Raider and Uncharted have slugged it out for the affection of gamers but how did things start and what is the future for both series?Even the greatest rivalries can take years to develop and when Tomb Raider was released (initially only on the Sega Saturn) in 1996, there was no hint that it would end up as one half of a double act. Even so, its difficult to overstate the impact it made on a previously unsuspecting game-playing public. It may seem incredible now, but it was the first successful action adventure game to feature a female protagonist. And what a protagonist: Lara Croft was blue-blooded, seductive, totally kickass, and able to wield a gun in each hand while pulling off gymnastic moves.By the time Tomb Raider 2 was released in 1997, Lara Croft had appeared on the cover of The Face and been the subject of a feature in The Economist. She was also famously co-opted into Tony Blairs Cool Britannia circus. Ian Livingstone, at that time CEO of original Tomb Raider publisher Eidos Interactive, later told me the company had only pressed 100,000 copies of the first Tomb Raider at launch and ended up selling 5 million.Eidos was not slow to capitalise on its hit: Tomb Raider 3 followed in 1998 and Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation in 1999. The series became associated with the parallel success of the original PlayStation, with Eidos negotiating a console exclusivity clause with Sony that made Lara Croft a de facto console mascot.But Eidoss eagerness to milk its cash cow and the aforementioned affinity with the PlayStation nearly bred disaster. Things went pear-shaped when original developer Core Designs failed to get to grips with the complexities of programming for the PlayStation 2 (launched in 2000), which led to the disastrous release of Tomb Raider: Angel Of Darkness originally slated for a 2002 release but delayed until 2003.Angel Of Darkness was a hot mess not only was it hopelessly buggy (then Sony Europe boss Chris Deering subsequently told me that had it not been a Tomb Raider game he would never have allowed it to be certified for release) but its attempt to redefine the well-worn Tomb Raider format, placing Lara in a near-empty Paris that was supposed to function as a sort of world hub, fell hopelessly flat.Tomb Raider survived the disaster that was Angel Of Darkness, but Core Design did not. Eidos subsequently entrusted development duties to San Francisco-based Crystal Dynamics and one of the games industrys first successful franchise reboots was the result. Crystal Dynamics first effort, 2006s Tomb Raider Legend, got things back on track in fine style and Lara was reborn, with a less anatomically infeasible figure and a generally more realistic tone. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is still plenty of fun today (Aspyr)And at that point, one of the games industrys great rivalries was born. In 2007, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune was released to the world. One of the first major first party releases for the PlayStation 3, it was published by Sony and developed by Naughty Dog, who were then best known for Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter.In Nathan Drake, it may have had a male protagonist, but Uncharted: Drakes Fortune had more than a mere whiff of Tomb Raider about it to the point where some nicknamed it Dude Raider. Third person action adventure gameplay involving gunplay, platforming, and puzzle-solving with an Indiana Jones style archaeological bent? Check. Exotic locations? Check. Rock-climbing? Of course.Playing Drakes Fortune felt like playing a Tomb Raider game, albeit with the best production values a mid-2000s video game could muster. There was also a strong cast of supporting characters, who were interesting and complex (Laras cohorts are rarely anything less than annoying) and some equally involving storylines. Indeed, story-wise, Drakes Fortune had much more to offer than any previous Tomb Raider game and in graphical terms it felt more state-of-the-art.Laras fierce fanbase would counter that it lacked Tomb Raiders more complex platforming and puzzles, while also accusing Uncharted of copyism: Tomb Raider, of course, was already a decade old as a franchise, before the first Uncharted was released.Discerning gamers, with no particular bias, would contend that two quality action adventure franchises, however similar, were surely better than just one. And for the next decade the rivalry raged in the best possible way for gamers: with a steady stream of great games.In 2007 Tomb Raider: Anniversary a well-received remake of the original Tomb Raider went up against Uncharted: Drakes Fortune. It was swiftly followed by Tomb Raider Underworld in 2008, the final game in Crystal Dynamics initial trilogy of titles.Naughty Dog hit back with Uncharted 2: Among Thieves in 2009, which was showered with both critical praise and a hatful of awards. Still considered by many to be the best in the series, it was the point at which Uncharted became one of Sonys most important new franchises and Naughty Dog was recognised for their storytelling and character work, as much as for their gameplay and graphics.We then had to wait until 2011 for Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception, which was very good, even if it never eclipsed its predecessor. But Tomb Raider wasnt done yet: 2013s gritty reboot, simply entitled Tomb Raider, sparked a new trilogy which clearly borrowed some elements from Uncharted. Most notable was a new-found ability to drop into first person mode and free aim bows and guns, plus a multiplayer element as seen in Uncharted 2. Its still unclear what the reboot trilogys legacy will be (Square Enix)The Tomb Raider reboots depiction of a young Laras origin story breathed a new lease of life into the legendary franchise and Crystal Dynamics, unsurprisingly, capitalised on it. Next up in the new trilogy was 2015s Rise Of The Tomb Raider and then in 2016 Naughty Dog released the last mainline entry in the Uncharted series and the first not to involve co-creator Amy Hennig.Uncharted 4: A Thiefs End had a slightly more serious tone, and no supernatural elements, and was followed up by half-sequel Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, in which players controlled the female character Chloe Frazer, making it the most Tomb Raider-like Uncharted game of all.Crystal Dynamics second trilogy, begun in 2013, was concluded in 2018 with Shadow Of The Tomb Raider, which again garnered critical praise, and sold well, although not spectacularly.And then nothing. Since 2018, both franchises have been dormant and their hugely enjoyable rivalry, lasting over a decade, has evaporated. Will we see either franchise resurrected? Currently, its hard to say, and there are worrying reasons why.As far as Tomb Raider is concerned, its most recent publisher, Square Enix (which subsumed Eidos in 2009) sold Crystal Dynamics and the Tomb Raider intellectual property to Embracer Group in 2022. 2024 was an annus horribilis for Embracer Group; after an overoptimistic bout of expansion, it was forced to restructure and laid off more than 4,500 employees. Tomb Raiders future has been assured but still nothing has been shown of the game and fans are understandably worried.Meanwhile, Uncharted 4 was a very purposeful ending for the franchise, at least as far as protagonist Nathan Drake Is concerned. Naughty Dog has made it very clear theyre not returning to the series but, especially after the release of the live action movie, theres been persistent rumours of Sony getting a different developer to work on a new entry.More TrendingHowever, away from video games, both franchises continue to exert major cultural influence. The rivalry between the two moved into a new arena in 2022, when an Uncharted film was released, starring Tom Holland as Nathan Drake and Mark Wahlberg as Sully. A sequel is already underway.Tomb Raider, of course, has existed in the movie space since 2001s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, in which Angelie Jolie portrayed Lara, returning for a sequel in 2003, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider The Cradle of Life. More recently, Alicia Vikander took over celluloid Lara duties in 2018s Tomb Raider.Head to Netflix and youll find a newly released anime series entitled Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft and Phoebe Waller-Bridge is reportedly working on a new live action Tomb Raider series for Amazon Prime, possibly involving Sophie Turner in the lead role.While both franchises live on via TV and film there almost certainly will be new entries in both series within the next couple of years. In fact, given the timings involved theres a good chance theyll come out at roughly the same time, opening up a new era in their mutually beneficial rivalry. Nathan Drake may have had his last starring role, in games at least (Sony Interactive Entertainment)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

It has thus far shed light on everything from organ formation to the causes of inflammation

Cephalopod ink propulsion is inspiring an alternative to syringes

By Todd Feathers Published November 20, 2024 | Comments (9) | The social media company Bluesky isn't publicly traded. Anna Barclay/Getty Images Bluesky is having a moment. No, not that Bluesky, the other one. The Canadian crypto company Bluesky Digital Assets Corp has seen its stock take off, in a manner of speaking, over the past week as investors buy up what they almost certainly think are shares of the other Bluesky, the social media platform that has been scooping up X-iles and recently hit 20 million users. First spotted by Bloomberg, Bluesky Digital Assets Corps stock value has increased eightfold since the beginning of November. On November 1, it was trading at 5 cents a share. As of Wednesday, it was going for 41 cents a share, having come down from a peak of 49 cents last week. Given that its a penny stock, its unlikely anyone is getting rich off the misunderstanding, unless some intrepid meme stock junkies made a big bet that their fellow investors wouldnt do an iota of homework.What exactly does Bluesky Digital Assets Corp do? Vague crypto things. It offers a complete ecosystem of value creation with a nice helping of advanced development of proprietary based technology inclusive of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) based methods for the creation of cutting edge intelligent solutions. Bloomberg reported that Bluesky Digital Assets Corp released a press release stating that it wishes to confirm that the Corporations management is unaware of any material change in the Corporations operations that would account for the recent increase in market activity. That press release appears to have been removed from the companys website.The social media platform Bluesky is not publicly traded. Created by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, Bluesky began growing in popularity after Elon Musk bought Twitter, renamed it X, unceremoniously gutted its staff, and made a series of terrible decisions that drove users to seek out other social media platforms. Bluesky enjoyed sporadic growth spurts over the past two years, reaching 12 million users as of October 18. But the platform has really taken off in the weeks following Donald Trumps victory in the U.S. presidential election which, new research suggests, was preceded by months of Xs algorithm heavily promoting Musk and conservative viewpoints.For now, Bluesky relies on investor capital to keep the lights on and hasnt publicly announced a plan for how it intends to make a profit. Since Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion in 2022, the companys value has tanked to around $9.4 billion, according to a recent estimate from the investment firm Fidelity.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Lucas Ropek Published November 20, 2024 By Matt Novak Published November 18, 2024 By Matt Novak Published November 14, 2024 By Matthew Gault Published November 12, 2024 By Thomas Maxwell Published November 11, 2024 By Lucas Ropek Published November 9, 2024

Yesterday, Universal Pictures released the first official teaser trailer for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon film. Although the trailer hit all the referential high marks moviegoers have come to expect of Hollywoods trend of making live-action remakes of beloved animated classics, a very vocal majority of folks online rebuffed the films entire existence. Now, a full 24 hours after the trailers release, the animated film and live-action films director has broken his silence, justifying the upcoming film as a worthwhile adventure. In a YouTube first-look featurette, director Dean DeBloisadorned in the worlds most comfortable-looking sweatercuts straight to the chase, addressing why he was helming a live-action remake of the beloved DreamWorks animated film. I decided to revisit How to Train Your Dragon because it felt like an amazing opportunity to not only direct a live-action movie but to be jumping back into a world that I frankly miss, DeBlois said.The three-time Oscar nominee and Golden Globe award-winning director continued to express his fondness for the series, noting his appreciation for films that weave a poignant message into their captivating adventures. My hope is that those who had seen and loved the How to Train Your Dragon films will be keen to see what weve done because it comes from a place of love and it comes from a place of respect, he continued. This whole thing is just one big giant adventure and I wake up every day feeling so thankful that I get to do it. In tandem with DeBlois justification for the live-action films existence was a heartwarming moment capturing the moment he revealed actors Mason Thames and Nico Parker got the roles of Hiccup and Astrid.When it comes to Nico and Mason, these two just sort of came alive in the room and suddenly I felt that they both embodied the core characters of Hiccup and Astrid live in a way that nobody else could, DeBlois said. DeBloiss co-signing of the two young leads couldnt have come at a better time, considering social media has already spawned racist hate campaigns against Parker for being cast in a film about flying dragons while being Black. The first animated How to Train Your Dragon movie, based on Cressida Cowells best-selling book, was released in 2010. It follows a young Viking named Hiccup who befriends a dragon named Toothless. Together, they embark on a clandestine journey, deepening their friendship while hiding their newly forged bond from Hiccups tribeknown for dragon slaying. The series then received two sequel films, five short films, and two TV series. Time will tell if the live-action film will measure up to the original animated films high bar or if it will become yet another drop in the bucket of Hollywoods obsession with making live-action films.How to Train Your Dragon releases in theaters June 13, 2025. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Save this picture!Al-Imam Al-Shafi'i. Image Courtesy of Megawra - Built Environment CollectiveCairo, often called the "City of a Thousand Minarets," boasts one of the richest cultural and architectural tapestries in the world. Its heritage reflects centuries of diverse influences from Pharaonic monuments to Islamic and Mamluk architecture. However, preserving this legacy is an ongoing challenge in the face of urban pressures, climate change, and socio-economic dynamics. Heritage conservation in Cairo is not just about safeguarding these structures; it's about integrating them into the lives of local communities, ensuring they remain dynamic and accessible spaces.At the forefront of this mission is Dr. May al-Ibrashy, an architect and conservationist whose innovative and community-driven approach has redefined how heritage is preserved. As the founder of MegawraBuilt Environment Collective, she has worked tirelessly in neighborhoods like Al-Khalifa, Al-Hattaba, and Sayyida Zeinab to restore historic monuments while creating vibrant public spaces. Her work bridges the gap between architectural preservation and urban regeneration, ensuring that these historic districts serve both as cultural landmarks and as living, functional spaces for their residents.Through initiatives like Athar Lina, al-Ibrashy has championed a participatory model of conservation, engaging local communities and fostering a sense of ownership over their heritage. Launched in 2012 in Al-Khalifa District, this initiative aims to translate the concept of heritage as a socio-economic resource into tangible actions. As a pioneering woman in architecture, her efforts extend beyond the physical restoration of monuments; she also advocates for inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment in a field where women's contributions are often overlooked. Her work highlights how heritage can inspire not only cultural preservation but also social and urban transformation in Historic Cairo. Related Article Exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum Through Photography: Bridging Past and Present in Cairo Spiritual Significance and Cultural MemorySave this picture!Between 2016 and 2021, the Megawra collective undertook the comprehensive renovation of the Al-Imam Al-Shafi'i Mausoleum, a 13th-century architectural and spiritual landmark in Historic Cairo. As a major destination for pilgrims, the Al-Imam Al-Shafi'i Mausoleum now stands as an example of how sensitive architectural restoration can bridge the past and present, preserving its significance for future generations while maintaining its role in the living cultural and spiritual fabric of Cairo.Save this picture!Save this picture!Restoration efforts included leveling the floors, stabilizing load-bearing walls, and conserving the intricate wooden ceilings and coffins. The team also restored the colored marble and tiled flooring, adding to the site's visual and historical integrity. Key discoveries were made during the project, including a previously undocumented Fatimid-era dome, which was meticulously recorded and integrated into the conservation plan. The project also introduced modern interventions, such as improved lighting design and wayfinding systems, to enhance the visitor experience without compromising the site's historical and spiritual character.Community Engagement in Heritage ConservationSave this picture!Another project that MegawraBuilt Environment Collective initiated was the Yahya al-Sabih Mausoleum, a significant monument from the Fatimid era in Cairo. The project centered around restoring the mausoleum and reestablishing its role within the community. Through fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among local residents, the collective aimed to transform the monument from an isolated relic into an active component of the urban fabric of Historic Cairo. Key conservation efforts included the structural stabilization of the building, which faced a high risk of collapse due to advanced deterioration.Save this picture!Furthermore, emergency documentation missions were conducted to record the mausoleum's fragile state, including the evacuation and preservation of priceless 9th-century inscription panels. In addition to the technical restoration, the project prioritized community engagement. Local residents were actively involved in the process, contributing their perspectives and building a shared responsibility for the mausoleum's upkeep. This participatory approach not only built trust but also integrated local knowledge into the conservation strategy. Through this collaboration, the site was reopened to the public, allowing the community to reconnect with a critical piece of its heritage.Adaptive Reuse of Heritage SpacesSave this picture!The Safiyy al-Din Jawhar Dome, a Mamluk-era monument in Cairo's al-Khalifa district, faced significant structural challenges due to climate change, including groundwater rise, temperature fluctuations, and pollution. These issues led to material loss, erosion, and critical cracks, rendering the site unsafe and inaccessible to the public. Under the leadership of May al-Ibrashy, the MegawraBuilt Environment Collective initiated a comprehensive conservation project to restore and adapt the dome for contemporary use. The restoration process, which is still ongoing, encompassed several key interventions: addressing groundwater infiltration through dewatering and drainage, stabilizing the stonework through masonry repairs, and conserving decorative elements like wood, stucco, and stone to maintain historical authenticity.Save this picture!Acentral aspect of this project was the adaptive reuse of the dome. By transforming the historic structure into a functional space for community and cultural activities, the initiative ensured the site's sustainability and relevance within the urban fabric. Additionally, local residents were actively involved in the conservation process. The project also included training programs to build local capacity in heritage conservation and climate adaptation, ensuring the long-term preservation of the site. This approach exemplifies al-Ibrashy's philosophy of integrating historical spaces into contemporary urban life through adaptive reuse, providing both utility and cultural resonance.Addressing Public Space Deficits Through Heritage ConservationSave this picture!The transformation of Al-Khalifa Park exemplifies the intersection of urban regeneration and heritage conservation in Historic Cairo. Located in the heart of the Al-Khalifa district, the site was once a neglected urban space surrounded by significant heritage landmarks. Through the efforts of May al-Ibrashy and the MegawraBuilt Environment Collective, the area was reimagined into a vibrant public park, addressing the lack of accessible green spaces in this dense urban environment.The project involved careful landscaping and subtle architectural interventions to respect the historical context while creating a functional and inviting space for residents. By incorporating community input throughout the design and implementation phases, the initiative ensured that the park met local needs and fostered a sense of shared ownership. The revitalized park now serves as a hub for communal activities, such as cultural events, art workshops, and heritage walks, bridging the gap between heritage preservation and modern urban life.Save this picture!In her transformative work across Historic Cairo, May al-Ibrashy aims to redefine heritage as a dynamic resource for urban regeneration, integrating cultural, social, and economic dimensions into conservation efforts. Her participatory approach ensures that local communities are active stakeholders, creating a sense of ownership and connection to their heritage. By combining disciplines such as archaeology, history, and urban planning, she tackles complex challenges with innovative, interdisciplinary solutions. Through adaptive reuse, she ensures that historical sites are not only preserved but reintegrated into contemporary life as vibrant and functional spaces. Ultimately, her work exemplifies how heritage conservation can be a powerful tool for building sustainable, equitable, and inclusive urban futures in historic Cairo, Egypt.This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Women in Architecturepresented by Sky-Frame.Sky-Frame is characterized by its empathic ability to take on different perspectives and points of view. We are interested in people and their visions, whether in architecture or in a social context. We deeply care about creating living spaces and in doing so we also question the role of women in architecture. From the arts to the sciences, women shape our society. We want to shed more light on this role, increase the visibility of Women in Architecture and empower/encourage them to realize their full potential.Initiated by Sky-Frame, the "Women in Architecture" documentary is an impulse for inspiration, discussion, and reflection. The film's release is on November 12, 2024.Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.

Bung Binh House / NH Village ArchitectsSave this picture! Trieu ChienHousesThi Bnh, VietnamArchitects: NH Village ArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:450 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2022 PhotographsPhotographs:Trieu ChienManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: BETONLAB, Rng ng, Toto, Viglacera More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Keywords - Traffic roundabout, triangular site, house in the city, buffer zone as vertical garden, Rice shape concrete block, natural light and shadow, natural ventilation, security, family communication. The site is characterized by a triangular shape located at the corner of a traffic roundabout in a new urban area in Thai Binh province - a region famous for rice cultivation in the North of Vietnam. This place is predicted to increase traffic density. The family consists of 3 generations: grandparents, parents, 2 young children.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The challenge with the design was to create an urban living space that takes advantage of natural elements while still ensuring privacy in the triangular shape and location of the site. The solution was to create a buffer space between the outside and the living space inside the double skin faade system consisting of 2 layers: the outer concrete block bricklayer to block the view with security functions and an atrium and garden space. The living spaces are pushed back to the inside to avoid the direct influence of traffic and solar radiation on the facade.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The concrete block system has a hollow section that simulates the 3-D shape of a grain of rice, a figure inspired by the pride of the region as a major part of Vietnam's rice production area. The block has a 3D grain-shaped concave and is stacked together to create a facade. Blocks have 2 types: solid and hollow, the blocks are arranged in appropriate positions on the facade to get wind, and light, and block the view from outside in accordance with the function of the interior spaces.Day and night light penetrates through these voids and casts shadows around the surroundings, creating the image of a garden of rice grains imprinted in space, moving according to the time of day and the different seasons during the year. Experience with this shimmering dynamic garden will create positive emotions and energy for the family every day.Save this picture!Save this picture!A corner of the triangular atrium garden is created in connection with the kitchen area on the first floor; the garden can be accessed through a long narrow space buffer corridor without going into the house. Thus, the space of the kitchen, dining, and guests has an open and airy feeling from the inside. This buffer space is also a place for air convection to both protect and cool the interior space. The 2nd and 3rd floors have balconies overlooking the garden, where the family can relax.Save this picture!The space used inside is planned to ensure communication between family members and the connection with the surrounding green space and garden. Stairs are arranged in the inner atrium. On the 2nd floor, the common space is like a small open library in contact with the garden and buffer space, where the family can study and work. The private bedrooms are arranged mainly on the 2nd and 3rd floors, interspersed with small courtyards. The front-facing bedrooms are arranged with another layer of doors inside the concrete Block layer, creating a sense of security. and ensure proper ventilation and natural light in the room.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!A skylight with a glass roof is placed in the middle of the house to ensure that the interior spaces are always bright enough. The stairs connecting the floors are in this atrium space, connecting the common spaces from the 1st floor to the 3rd floor.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeMaterialConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on November 21, 2024Cite: "Bung Binh House / NH Village Architects" 21 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/992426/bung-binh-house-nh-village-architects&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