Office Space by Frank Lloyd Wright | Library of Congress via UnsplashSuccess in architecture relies on more than creative vision; efficient workflows simplify processes from concept to completion. Architects often juggle document management, design tasks, and team collaborations while meeting strict deadlines. Professionals can boost productivity, reduce mistakes, and achieve outstanding outcomes using the right tools. Explore how technology can reshape architectural workflows.Understanding the Importance of Workflow EfficiencyEfficient workflows ensure that projects progress smoothly and meet client expectations. In a field where precision and clarity are paramount, the ability to manage designs, revisions, and documentation systematically can significantly impact project outcomes.Disorganized workflows often result in misunderstandings, delays, and increased expenses, emphasizing the need for strategies that improve efficiency. Keeping documents well-organized and easy to access is crucial. Cloud-based tools enable real-time collaboration among team members and clients, ensuring alignment throughout the process.Accessing designs and project details from any location supports a more adaptable work environment, enhancing client satisfaction. Additionally, efficient workflows boost productivity and free up more time for creative design work, reducing the burden of administrative tasks.Leveraging Collaborative Design ToolsCollaboration lies at the heart of architectural practice. The ability to share ideas and receive feedback swiftly is essential for successful project completion. Collaborative design tools facilitate seamless stakeholder communication, helping teams coordinate more effectively. Approaches that integrate shared models improve collaboration by allowing all parties to contribute within a unified framework.These tools support various stages of the design process, from initial sketches to final documentation. Architects can reduce the time spent on back-and-forth emails and revisions using platforms that allow simultaneous editing. This immediacy ensures that feedback is integrated promptly, allowing for a more dynamic design process.Integrating project management applications can further streamline these collaborative efforts. These applications help track progress, assign tasks, and meet deadlines without losing sight of the overall project goals. This cohesive approach keeps everyone informed and engaged, fostering a more productive environment.Another way to enhance workflow is by using platforms facilitating direct document conversion. For instance, converting PDF to Word files allows easy modifications and sharing. This capability maintains clarity and accuracy across project documentation, ensuring all team members can access the most up-to-date information.Streamlining Document ManagementArchitecture Softwares | Lee Campbell via UnsplashArchitects often juggle numerous documents, from initial proposals to final contracts and project specifications. An organized document management system is essential for maintaining clarity and ensuring that vital information is readily available. A structured filing system can prevent chaos and confusion, particularly when multiple projects are managed simultaneously.Digital document management systems offer effective solutions for organizing and accessing files. These platforms often include features such as version control, which allows architects to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed. Keeping a central repository of all documents greatly reduces the risk of errors or miscommunication.Furthermore, a well-defined document management system enables quicker access to essential files, reducing the time spent searching for specific information. Architects can also benefit from using tagging and categorization features within these systems to facilitate faster document retrieval.Integrating automation into document management can increase efficiency. Automating repetitive taskssuch as report generation or remindersfrees up valuable time for architects to focus on creativity and strategic planning.Using templates for common documents streamlines the process, ensuring consistency and saving time across projects.Adopting Project Management SoftwareEffective project management is essential for successful architectural practice. Streamlining project management processes can significantly enhance workflow efficiency by organizing planning, tracking, and execution.Clear visibility into project timelines, resource allocation, and budget management is crucial for maintaining control over deliverables. This oversight allows teams to stay on top of their work and respond effectively to challenges, ensuring that projects are completed on time.Utilizing visualization techniques helps teams monitor progress and identify potential bottlenecks early on. This proactive strategy enables architects to adjust schedules or reassign tasks when necessary, minimizing delays and ensuring projects remain on track.Enhancing communication within project management processes promotes transparency and collaboration, ensuring all team members are aligned with project objectives. This alignment fosters a sense of accountability and encourages everyone to contribute their best efforts.Additionally, the ability to generate detailed reports provides insights into project performance. Architects can analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions that improve future projects and enhance overall design quality.Architects can continually refine their workflows and practices by leveraging analytical insights, leading to better design and execution outcomes. This ongoing improvement is vital for maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.Embracing Continuous Learning and AdaptationContinuous Education | Scott Graham via UnsplashThe architecture industry constantly changes, with new technologies and methodologies emerging regularly. To stay competitive, architects must embrace a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.Keeping abreast of the latest tools and trends enhances individual skill sets and contributes to overall team efficiency. Participating in workshops, webinars, and industry events can provide valuable insights into the latest tools and best practices.Encouraging knowledge sharing within teams fosters an environment of innovation and collaboration, which is essential for modern architectural practice. By prioritizing professional development, architects can ensure they can effectively leverage new technologies.Moreover, architects should not hesitate to experiment with new tools and technologies. Integrating innovative solutions can lead to unforeseen efficiencies and improvements in workflows.By being open to change, architects can continually improve their practices and stay aligned with the demands of their clients and projects.The Role of Data Management in Architectural DesignEffective data management is crucial in modern architecture. Utilizing software that can handle large datasets allows architects to make informed decisions based on concrete evidence.Integrating analytics into design processes can help identify trends and optimize resource use, ultimately enhancing project outcomes. Furthermore, ensuring data security is paramount.Architects often handle sensitive client information and project details, making implementing robust data protection measures essential. Investing in secure cloud storage solutions and regularly backing up files can safeguard against data loss and breaches, providing peace of mind in workflow management.By prioritizing data management, architects can enhance their workflows and bolster their reputation as reliable professionals who handle information responsibly. This approach builds client trust and can lead to more significant opportunities in the future.Architecture SoftwaresTips Leave a comment

Library in Stuttgart, Germany | Mirza Polat via UnsplashIn this guest post for ArchEyes, Dora Bryan shares insights on the best apps to boost student productivity. Her recommendations offer practical tools for navigating academic life more efficiently, from managing time effectively to staying organized and focused.Student life is like an obstacle course. Traditional books and notes are no longer enough. You need to quickly memorize or have easy access to a massive amount of facts and details. With many tasks now being done online, youll need various apps to manage your academic process effectively. Lets check out which apps can boost your productivity and improve your grades.Time Management and Scheduling AppsStudent productivity is all about effective time management. A clear and structured schedule balances coursework, deadlines, and personal commitments. There are apps like Google Calendar and Todoist that are invaluable to helping manage your time, as well as making sure you dont miss out when it comes to deadlines.With Google Calendar, you can set detailed schedules by scheduling events, reminding yourself, and defining different events in different colors. You can access your calendar anywhere and anytime to sync it across devices. Moreover, its easy to organize your life in one place because of its integration with other tools, like Gmail.Sometimes, delegating a few assignments replaces dozens of time management apps because you have more time to work. Just check out what people say about Speedypaper! Its always nice to know you have a backup plan if creating a set of productivity apps takes too long. Its as easy as that!Note-taking and Organization AppsStudying is all about organized and accessible notes. Evernote and Notion are apps that do even more than just note-taking; they provide advanced features to organize, integrate, and retrieve information in just a few ways.Students like to keep their notes in one spot, and there is no lack of apps that do so, but Evernote is one of the most popular choices. It lets users create notebooks for certain subjects, where you can insert images, record audio, and even scan handwritten notes. Its powerful search feature helps you quickly find any data, including images and PDFs.However, Notion is a versatile tool for note-taking and project management. You can create databases, link notes, and more in real time with your peers. At the same time, read some essay writing service reviews to learn about alternative ways of organizing your academic process. Delegating assignments can also, to some extent, be called optimization of the way of obtaining information.Focus and Distraction-Blocking AppsEven the most diligent study session can fall to social media notifications, endless scrolls, and digital interruptions. Apps that help students focus, such as Forest and Freedom, help the students minimize distractions and create a conducive learning environment.The forest is a unique and gamified approach to staying focused. If you begin a study session, plant a virtual tree that grows as you stay focused. For example, leaving the app to check social media or browsing aimlessly the tree withers. You can build a virtual forest as you go, showing your progress and focus over time.Freedom works slightly differently: they allow you to block distracting apps and websites during study sessions. Freedom allows you to disconnect from social media and from whatever websites you do not want to see. These apps encourage students to develop mindfulness and to create better study habits.Collaboration and Communication Apps Austin Distel via Unsplash Farhat Altaf via UnsplashAcademic life involves teamwork, especially for group projects and presentations. These collaboration apps offer Slack and Microsoft Teams, which are intended to make communication faster and increase the efficiency of a group.It is a messaging platform through which students can create different channels for various projects or topics and thus have easy discussions on what the matter is. Slack has features like file sharing, integrations with productivity tools, and search to ensure group members stay connected and up to date.Similar functionality is available for students who use Microsoft Office tools, like Word and Excel, on Microsoft Teams. Teams are designed to help you collaborate on documents in real-time, host video meetings, and share resources all under one roof. These apps reduce the chaos of managing group work by providing a centralized platform for communication and collaboration.Study and Revision AidsTo study like a pro, you need to have a good set of tools and techniques. Apps like Quizlet and Anki are flashcards and spaced repetition apps that make studying engaging and efficient.Students can create digital study sets and flashcards on Quizlet to meet their specific needs. In addition, you can access millions of pre-made study sets created by other users on topics from languages to science. Interactive study modes like matching games and timed quizzes help make learning more fun and effective.Spaced repetition is what Anki focuses on. It is a scientifically proven way to improve long-term memory. It uses algorithms to work out when youre most at risk of forgetting something and sets review dates accordingly. This approach allows students to remember the information as much as possible, especially those exams that need to be memorized.ConclusionAs you can see, the road to productivity involves using various apps. Most are free or freemium, so theres no need to worry. Test all the above apps and list those that best fit your academic routine. Remember, the effectiveness of such tools depends solely on the use cases that matter to you. Go digital and make your academic journey as smooth as possible!Architecture Student Leave a comment

MOD Weekend 2024Architecture SarasotaSarasota, FloridaNovember 1417Around the world, people who live near water are feeling the effects of the climate crisis, and solutions for resilience are desperately needed. Among such communities, Sarasota is unique. Situated south of Tampa on Floridas Gulf Coast, few coastal cities know more about inundation: The city has endured six significant floods in the 18 months due to hurricanes and extreme rainfall. Simultaneously, its the also birthplace of the Sarasota School of Architecture, a style of postwar modern architecture popularized by practitioners like Paul Rudolph, Victor Lundy, and Gene Leedy. Stronger storms threaten this modern heritage. Earlier this fall, Hurricane Helene destroyed Paul Rudolphs Sanderling Beach Club, prompting conversation about whether to rebuild it on the same site. Both Sarasotas architectural future and past are threatened by extreme wind and flooding caused by a hurricane season that grows more destructive each year.This crisis was discussed at the most recent iteration of MOD Weekend, an annual event hosted by Architecture Sarasota, the steward organization of the Sarasota School, which gathers architects, scholars, designers, enthusiasts, and others. Following hurricanes Helene and Milton, which both devastated Sarasota with several feet of flooding, the event was dedicated to the organizations Restoring a Sense of Place disaster response program. The aligned concerns of climate resilience and preservation were at the top of the agenda.MOD Weekend convenes lectures and tours all over Sarasota, Florida. (Alive Coverage/Courtesy Architecture Sarasota)Architecturally, historically significant buildings and our cultural heritage provide a sense of continuity as our communities change and evolve, said Morris Marty Hylton III, president of Architecture Sarasota. When it comes to the recovery from natural disaster, theres even more heightened awareness because theres so much change that happened during that one event, and one thing that we can hold on to are those significant buildings that form a bridge between the past and the future that were working out at the moment. Over the course of the weekend, attendees traversed Sarasota by boat, car, and trolley. Tours covered the citys modernist religious architecture and the more well-known designs of the some of the stars of the Sarasota Schoolthe Umbrella House by Paul Rudolph; the Hiss Studio by Philip Hiss and Edward Seibert; and Victor Lundys 1956 Blue Pagodaas well as the South Gate and Lido Shores neighborhoods.Saturdays main event was the Adaptation By Design symposium. (Alive Coverage/Courtesy Architecture Sarasota)Saturdays main event was the Adaptation By Design symposium. The program focused on resilience at the scale of a neighborhood down to the options homeowners have to make their houses FEMA compliant.One of the symposiums speakers was Jenny Wolfe, a preservation planning specialist with Preservation Design Partnership (PDP). For over a decade, PDP has helped communities across the eastern seaboard adapt to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.There are plenty of mitigation options for homeowners who want to adapt their house to a changing climate, Wolfe said, but with historically or culturally significant buildings, its a bit more complex. These landmarks were designed to look and function certain way, the materials were purposefully chosen, and as a finished product it has served a role in the community beyond mere shelter. Preservationists, therefore, face a challenge of prioritization, explained Wolfe. In the big picture, what do I want to make sure is preserved that really conveys the character of this place? she asked. Then its about identifying what parts of the building might be vulnerable. This way, the spirit of the design can be preserved even if some of the original features are sacrificed. You may lose some material, you may choose to replace some material, but that youre keeping the overall structure, Wolfe offered.MOD Weekend participants paid a visit to the lauded Sandy Hook neighborhood of Sarasota, where myriad midcentury gems are tucked away. (Alive Coverage/Courtesy Architecture Sarasota)Throughout the weekend, Hylton III returned to a critical point about preservation in the age of climate disasters: Its not about restoring, recovering or keeping historically significant buildings exactly how they were made.Theres this misnomer that preservation is about freezing things in time, when its really about managing change, he said. The idea of preservation as change management presents intriguing opportunities, including the chance to document structures that perhaps hadnt been properly assessed in the past. Theres an opportunity to revisit and evoke the design approaches and thinking of the architect in the recovery process. Yes, in part it is that physical artifact, but its also about being the keepers of the flame, of that kind of approach to the built environment, and how we use that to address challenges like changing climate and rising seas, Hylton III explained.Architecture Sarasota is actively working to do this; through its Restoring a Sense of Place program, Hylton III and others are visiting houses across the city affected by flooding to help with assessment, documentation, and recovery, and its newly released Moderns That Matter: Sarasota 100 list highlights 100 places and structures that, due to their cultural value to the community, are especially important to protect from future disasters.Guests were treated to guided home tours (Alive Coverage/Courtesy Architecture Sarasota)The opportunity to recover and restore is partially enabled by technological advancements made in material design and construction. One example in Sarasota is Victor Lundys Galloway Furniture Showroom. (Lundy died earlier this fall at the age of 101.) When it was built, it was an impressive two-story glass pavilion supported by 16 wooden beams meeting at the center and bending outward like a blooming flower. Now, the glass is gone, and the interior is encapsulated by concrete. If it were to be restored in the spirit of its original design, the restoration could do more than just make it climate resilient and honor the vision of the original architect, Hylton III suggested.Lundy was really pushing the boundaries on what was feasible structurally. Now, the technology is there to realize his vision, maybe to a degree that it wasnt even possible at the time, Hylton III said. How we marry these ideas from the late 1950s with contemporary thinking and our current technology, is an exciting proposition.Oscar Fock is a Swedish freelance journalist based in New York City, where he reports on climate change, its effects on humans, and how we are responding.

An exhibition of new drawings by architects was such a hit, curators in Soho have decided to prolong it. At a83, Owen Nichols and Clara Syme have added a few more days to the lifespan of Architectural Drawing III. The group show mounts works by Bureau Spectacular, Drawing Architecture Studio, Gore/Hall, Gus Crain, Michael Robinson Cohen, MOS, and Young Projects. As the title suggests, Architectural Drawing IIIis a83s third iteration in a series of group shows that platform new drawings by architects. Past participants have been Bruna Canepa, Sean Canty, Adam Charlap Hyman, Clement Luk Laurencio, Architensions, Carole Lvesque, Galo Canizares, and Young & Ayata.Architectural Drawing IIIwas supposed to end on November 17. But now, is now on view through December 15. (Olympia Shannon/Courtesy a83)The Architectural Drawing series is devoted to presenting new works by early to mid-career artists and designers with exceptional representational practices working across the disciplines of architecture, art, and design, curators noted. The exhibition series prioritizes the presentation of two-dimensional works, most often on paper, and utilizes a83s printmaking facilities and expertise for the production of new works.Flakes of the Snow Country by Drawing Architecture Studio (Courtesy a83)Drawing Architecture Studios founders, Li Han and Hu Yan, are both visiting critics at Syracuse University. Their offices contribution, Flakes of the Snow Country, takes inspiration from a popular Edo-period origami toy, Tatebanko.The artwork, made with silkscreen printing, is a meditation on small town life in rural Japan.Ongoing Construction by Gus Crain (Courtesy a83)Ongoing Construction by Gus Crain, a recent Cooper Union graduate, renders a quotidian construction artifact, your run-of-the-mill blue tarp, in painstaking detail. Crain has been developing this drawing technique since his thesis at Cooper Union, one which is now on view at a83.Photogenes Architecture After Images by Gore/Hall (Courtesy a83)A drawing from New York office Gore/Hall titled Photogenes Architecture After Images consists of a series of twelve collaged drawings at a scale of 2 inches equals 1 foot. According to Gore/Hall, the paper is impregnated with beeswax to create a diaphanous plane that exposes slight obfuscations of line, texture, and tone, allowing one to measure beyond the depth of what can be seen in a single transection.Housing-as-Housing by Michael Robinson Cohen (Courtesy a83)Michael Robinson Cohen, the cofounder of citygroup, presented a series of embossings called Housing-as-Housing. These embossings portray the floor area of nine housing prototypes designed by Cohen, a83 said. Cohen noted that his contributions title is a riff on a popular mantra by painter Ad Reinhardt, which goes art-as-art. Cohen is currently authoring a book under the same name as his work at a83, Housing-as-Housing, with Black Square, a Milanese publishing house.20240512_droppedfigure_002851.png by MOS (Courtesy a83)MOS, in typical MOS fashion, was very upfront in their title and project statement for that firms work on view at a83.MOSs five drawings are called: 20240514_ droppedfigure_003149.png, 20240512_ droppedfigure_002851.png, 20240512_ droppedfigure_005947.png, 20240916_ droppedfigure_ 001035.png, and 20240926_ droppedfigure_002831.png. (Sincere apologies for the strain this may have put on readers eyes.) As evidenced, the naming convention for MOSs drawings mock those of computer files. They are meditations on time, gravity, totemic sticky figures, virtual velcro, politics, video games, and NFTs.(After) Glitch House by Young Projects (Courtesy a83)(After) Glitch House by Young Projects is a series of prints that oscillate between flat, planar patterns and 3D figures on the page, the artists said.The Densities of Dimensions by Bureau Spectacular (Courtesy a83)Last but not least, Bureau Spectaculars drawings collapse mathematical theory and architecture. Using an unbuilt house by the office in Phoenix as its point of departure, Bureau Spectaculars drawingsThe Densities of Dimensions, Life is a Mess (A Non-Solid Program Diagram), and A Matter of Destinationsare three different representations of said house.Architectural Drawing III is on view at a83 through December 15.

The Jacob E. Spring Mansion, also known as Porphyry Hall, is a high-style estate house located in Danvers, Massachusetts, that is one of the finest and most unique in the state! The house was built in 1880 forJacob Evans Spring (1825-1905), who was born in Brownfield, Maine, and at the age of twenty, he went to Argentina and amassed a fortune in the wool business in Buenos Aires between 1845 and 1865, when he returned to the United States. Jacob and his wife,Sara Duffy, would purchase a large farm in Danvers and began planning for their family country home.Their residence was built on a high hillover two years and constructed of over 40 types of stones of irregular size and color with door and window sills of Nova Scotia freestone with arches of the doors and windows and corners of brick. The mansion was designed by architectGeorge M. Hardingof Boston, and built by several skilled masons over many months. Mr. Spring named his estate, Porphyry Hall with Porphyry meaning an igneous rock with large crystals in a fine-grained matrix; suitable for the walls of their mansion. The Springs lived lavishly at this home and spent nearly all of their fortune, selling the property after just ten years to theXaverian Brothers, who opened it asSaint Johns Normal College. In 1907, the compound was re-organized as a Catholic boys prep school. In 1915,a chapelwas added to the rear of the building, constructed from gray fieldstone to blend with the main house. Have you ever seen a building like this?

Colossals Favorite Art Books of 2024December 4, 2024ColossalAs we get ready to say goodbye to 2024, were celebrating some of our favorite books shared on Colossal throughout the year. We published dozens of articles about spectacular new monographs, photography, architecture, painting, science, history, and more. Peruse our top 10 below, and find many more in the Colossal Shop and onBookshop.Shirin Neshat, Land of Dreams (2019), film still. Shirin Neshat, courtesy of the artist, Gladstone Gallery, and Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and LondonFrom bold black-and-white visages to masters of disguise, identity plays a vital role in many of the practices featured in The Women Who Changed Photography. The tome investigates the trailblazing practices of Lee Miller, Shirin Neshat, and many more, chronicling the individuals, aesthetics, and approaches that have shaped the field.Available in the Colossal ShopDetail of Astrolin Color Card, tablissement Georget Fils Peintures Laques et Vernis, Chantenay-Ls-Nantes (c. 1906). Image courtesy of Bibliothque Forney, ParisFrom chemists plant-derived dyes to consumer paint swatches displayed at the hardware store, the history of color charts reflects a varied relationship between pigments, science, culture, and commerce. Anne Varichon explores the entwined evolution of this categorization through nearly 200 vibrant samples from the 15th century to modern day.Available in the Colossal Shop Two decades ago, Phaidon published the first volume inThe Art Book for Childrenseries, which quickly became beloved by children and parents the world over. To share its legacy with a new generation of readers, this edition pairs a selection of best of artists from the original series with 30 brand-new contemporary entries.This year was a plentiful time for childrens art books, and we also enjoyed the informative narrative, I Am an Artist.Available in the Colossal ShopFrom ancient pyramids to subterranean labyrinths to mountaintop meccas, we have always been drawn to visiting or building sites that inspire reverence and awe. Sacred Sitescelebrates how we traverse and transform the world around us through ritual and art. Compiled by Jessica Hundley, the volume surveys a remarkable array of places and artworks through more than 400 images centered around pilgrimage, performance, and devotion.Available in the Colossal ShopBeth Moon, Heart of the Dragon (2010), archival pigment inks on cotton paper, 32 48 inches. Image Beth MoonSpanning 3,500 years of art, science, culture, and history,Tree: Exploring the Arboreal Worldsurveys the awe-inspiring beauty and romance of trees. The volume includes more than 300 illustrations ranging from ancient wall paintings and botanical illustrations to captivating photography and multimedia work by todays leading artists.Available in the Colossal ShopImage Ivan McClellanEight Secondscomprises 118 images byIvan McClellan, a Portland, Oregon-based photographer whos spent nearly a decade documenting the lives, wins, and losses of the Black rodeo community from Alabama to Los Angeles. He offers an insiders view, capturing the addictive energy of the sport and the rich sense of camaraderie it fosters.Available on BookshopCamois the first publication to chronicle the work of Thandiwe Muriu, celebrating her vibrant portraits that combine cultural textiles and beauty ideologies. Muriu takes us on a colorful, reflective journey through her world as a woman living in modern Kenya as she reinterprets contemporary African portraiture.Available in the Colossal ShopCover of Hidden Portraits: Old Masters Reimagined, featuring Hidden Jacometto (2019), from Portrait of a Young Man (1480s) by Jacometto VenezianoThis monograph gathers a quintessential selection of Volker Hermess works into one volume. Highlighting the artists wry commentary on luxury, social status, and fame, the selection delves into the history of portraiture through a humorous lens.Available on BookshopPresenting a more expansive and inclusive history of sculpture,Great Women Sculptorssurveys the work of more than 300 trailblazing artists from more than 60 countries, spanning 500 years from the Renaissance to the present day.Available in the Colossal ShopArtwork by Christina FongSpurred by the belief that art changes lives, Florence and Elias Katz foundedCreativity Exploredin 1983, a San Francisco-based nonprofit studio and gallery designed for disabled, neurodivergent artists. More than 135 people currently participate in its programming, learning techniques across painting, drawing, clay, textiles, and more. In Art Is Art, Ann Kappes, Creativity Exploreds director of artist partnerships, celebrates the organizations 40th anniversary through hundreds of artworks.Available on BookshopNext article

Losel Yauch. Procession Immemorial. Installation view of Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now at Wrightwood 659. All photos by Michael Tropea, shared with permissionIn Chicago, an Expansive Exhibition Offers a New Vision of Himalayan ArtDecember 4, 2024ArtSocial IssuesGrace EbertSuspended in the atrium of Wrightwood 659 in Chicago is a three-story installation of vibrant prayer flags in yellow, green, white, red, and blue cascading from above. Five sculptural horses emerge through the lush curtain of textiles at varying points, appearing to gallop mid-air.Each flags color refers to the five elements and states of mind in Tibetan Buddhism. Yellow, for example, denotes earth and wisdom, while green references water and equanimity. White is air and purity, blue is space and endurance, and red refers to fire and compassion. Asha Kama Wangdi, VAST Bhutan,The Windhorse (lungta) (2024), cloth and metalBy Bhutanese artist Asha Kama Wangdi, the monumental work utilizes the Buddhist tradition of lungta (wind horses), which are symbols of positive energy and good luck thought to carry prayers to the heavens. For this installation, the artist collected tattered and worn flags that broken loose and scattered across the landscape. This shift from spiritual object to a source of pollution inspired Asha Kama Wangdi, as he explored the contradiction between sacred practice and environmental care.The Windhorse is one of dozens of works included in Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now, a large-scale exhibition curated by Michelle Bennett Simorella of the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art in New York. As the title suggests, the show aims to present a more contemporary view of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and other Himalayan regions.Bennett Simorella tasked 28 artists with pairing objects from the Rubins collection with their works, contextualizing todays aesthetic and making practices within a long history of artists and crafters. Featuring works from across hundreds of miles of the Himalayan region, Reimagine is broad in scope, style, and medium, yet retains several throughlines.For example, New York-based artist Losel Yauch presents a riderless cavalry of woven horses in Procession Immemorial, which similarly draws on the concept of wind horses. Stitched onto their silk coats are images from stories the artists grandfather shared about fighting for freedom in his home of Kham in east Tibet.Shraddha Shrestha, Dus Mahavidyas (Great Goddesses of Wisdom): Kamala (2023), acrylic on canvas. Photo by Dave De ArmasAlso on view is a vibrant collection of paintings Shraddha Shrestha, who reinterprets the doe-eyed Powerpuff Girls as Hindu goddesses. The artist was raised in Patan, one of Nepals most historic cities, and shares in a statement:Growing up in a conservative, patriarchal Newari household meant staying within a lot of cultural, social, and gender boundaries. All the girls and women in my family were used to catcalling, unwanted stares from the neighbors, being scolded by male family members for dressing with our knees showing, getting judged for walking with a male friend, and being shouted at for reaching home after dark.After school, Shraddha Shrestha enjoyed watching American cartoons, particularly the trio with superpowers. These animated characters soon became fixtures in her imaginary world, which combined facets of her home city with the girls strong-willed attitudes. Womanhood should be celebrated. Instead, we need to fight for basic things like education, work, health, and more, she says. Doesnt it contradict the tradition we believe in? Doesnt it disrespect the deities we worship?The second iteration of Reimagine, which was originally shown at the Rubin earlier this year, is on view through February 15.Asha Kama Wangdi, VAST Bhutan,The Windhorse (lungta) (2024), cloth and metal.IMAGINE (a.k.a. Sneha Shrestha), sculpture fabricated and engineered by Black Cat Labs,Calling the Earth to Witness (2023), acrylic on masonite, steelTsherin Sherpa in collaboration with Bijay Maharjan and Regal Studio Metal casting team, including Durga Shrestha, Sajal Siwakoti, and Sangita Maharjan,Muted Expressions (2022), bronze.Tsherin Sherpa in collaboration with Bijay Maharjan and Regal Studio Metal casting team, including Durga Shrestha, Sajal Siwakoti, and Sangita Maharjan,Muted Expressions (2022), bronze.Previous articleNext article

By Fox News Staff Fox News Published December 4, 2024 11:57am EST close Robots outperform human surgeons by just watching videos It's a significant step toward autonomous robotic surgery. Welcome to Fox News Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.IN TODAYS NEWSLETTER:- AI detects womans breast cancer after routine screening missed it: 'Deeply grateful'- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman looking forward to working with Trump admin, says US must build best AI infrastructure- Robots perform like human surgeons by just watching videos split image of a woman have her breasts examined and sheila tooth (SWNS; iStock)MAMMO MISHAP: A U.K. woman is thanking artificial intelligence for saving her life. The technology picked up cancer cells in the patient's screening that were undetectable by the human eye, according to SWNS.READY AND WILLING: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, on Sunday said he is looking forward to working with the incoming Trump administration, adding that he thinks President-elect Trump will succeed at helping to make America a world-leading force in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Robotic surgical system (Johns Hopkins University)SEEING IS REPEATING: In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Stanford University have successfully trained a robotic surgical system to perform complex tasks with the skill of human doctors.'TERRIFYING': Katherine Waterston isnt a big fan of artificial intelligence."Like all technology, there's the potential for incredible innovation and a real threat and obviously needs to be highly regulated," she told Fox News Digital. Actress Katherine Waterston says AI needs to be highly regulated. (Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Paramount+)FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIASIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERSDOWNLOAD OUR APPSWATCH FOX NEWS ONLINEFox News GoSTREAM FOX NATIONFox NationStay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox Newshere. This article was written by Fox News staff.

Join Fox News for access to this content You have reached your maximum number of articles. Log in or create an account FREE of charge to continue reading. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. Please enter a valid email address. Malicious apps are pretty common, and it's easy to accidentally download them if you're not cautious. You'll often find these apps on third-party app stores, shady websites, or through suspicious emails and texts. What you wouldn't expect is to encounter them on the Google Play Store if you're an Android user or the App Store if you're on iPhone.While Apple does a great job of keeping its app marketplace safe, Google doesn't quite measure up.A new report has revealed that over a dozen malicious apps containing SpyLoan malware have been available on the Play Store. These apps have been downloaded by 8 million Android users, putting them at risk of extortion, harassment and financial loss. Below are images of four of the SpyLoan apps found on Google Play. Images offour of the SpyLoan apps found on Google Play (McAfee)What is SpyLoan malware?SpyLoan is malware often hidden in apps that promise instant loans. These apps reel people in with offers of quick, hassle-free loans, boasting low rates and hardly any requirements. While they might look legit at first glance, their real goal is to gather as much personal info as they can.Once they have it, they use it to harass or pressure users into paying ridiculous interest rates. They also use shady tactics like countdown timers or "limited-time" offers to create a fake sense of urgency, pushing people to act fast without thinking it through. Instead of helping with finances, these apps trap users in a cycle of debt and invade their privacy.McAfee's mobile research team hasuncovered 15 apps on the Google Play Store packed with SpyLoan malware. These apps use the same code and systems, targeting users worldwide to steal data and send it to command-and-control (C2) servers. Many of them hide behind fake names and logos that mimic legitimate financial institutions, making them look trustworthy at first glance. You can find the names of these apps in the screenshot added below.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Fifteen apps on the Google Play Store packed with SpyLoan malware (McAfee)McAfee, an App Defense Alliance partner tasked with helping keep the Play Store safe, reported the apps to Google. Google took action, and the malicious versions of the apps are no longer available on Google Play.We reached out to Google, and a rep confirmed that Android users are automatically protected against known versions of this malware by Google Play Protect. However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn't 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android devices.How do these predatory apps work?The goal of these malicious apps is to gather as much data as possible from infected devices, which they then use to extort users. Victims are often coerced into repaying loans at sky-high interest rates, with some even being threatened for delays. In extreme cases, the app operators have harassed victims' families and sent death threats, using stolen personal photos as leverage.These apps request intrusive permissions, giving them access to system data, cameras, call logs, contacts, location, and SMS messages. They justify this data collection by claiming it's necessary for user verification and anti-fraud measures.Users signing up for these services are verified through a one-time password (OTP) to confirm their phone number is from the target region. They are also pressured to share additional details like ID documents, bank accounts, and employment information.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE A woman holding an Android phone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)4 ways to protect yourself from SpyLoan malware1. Have strong antivirus software: Android has its own built-in malware protection called Play Protect, but the SpyLoan malware proves its not enough. Historically, Play Protect hasnt been 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android phones. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of anyphishing emails orransomware scams.Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.2. Download apps from reliable sources: Its important to download apps only from trusted sources like the Google Play Store. You might say I am contradicting myself, but the Play Store is still safer than other options out there. They have strict checks to prevent malware and other harmful software.However, even with the security measures provided by Google Play, downloading apps from the store does not guarantee 100% protection against malware or harmful software. Avoid downloading apps from unknown websites or unofficial stores, as they can pose a higher risk to your personal data and device. Never trust download links that you get through SMS.3. Be cautious with app permissions: Always review the permissions requested by apps before installation. If an app requests access to features that seem unnecessary for its function, it could be a sign of malicious intent. Do not give any app Accessibility permissions unless you really need to. Avoid granting permissions that could compromise your personal data.4. Take loans from legit institutions:Always take loans from legitimate financial institutions like banks or well-known lenders. Avoid sketchy apps or services promising instant cash with minimal requirements. Theyre often too good to be true. Legit lenders are transparent about their terms, interest rates, and fees, and they wont demand access to your personal data or pressure you with scare tactics. If youre unsure about a lender, check reviews, verify their credentials, or consult a financial advisor before committing.Kurts key takeawayIt can be tempting to use apps that promise instant loans, especially when you need the money. But they're often just trying to scam you and push you into a never-ending debt cycle. If you need a loan, go to a trusted bank or lender. Protecting yourself from malicious apps like those infected with SpyLoan malware starts with staying informed and cautious. Always scrutinize the apps you download, stick to trusted platforms, and think twice before sharing sensitive information.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you think Google does enough to protect users from malware on the Play Store? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved.

Liverpools Alder Hey Childrens NHS Foundation Trust has revealed that a shared service operated by itself and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was the source of an INC Ransom intrusion that has impacted patient data at both hospitals, as well as Royal Liverpool University Hospital.The attack, which came to light on 28 November, has seen data exfiltrated from the Trusts IT systems, but is not linked to a separate ransomware attack against Wirral University Hospitals NHS Foundation trust, which unfolded a few days earlier and has been linked to the RansomHub crew.In an update shared on 4 December, Alder Hey said: Criminals gained unlawful access to data through a digital gateway service shared by Alder Hey and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.This has resulted in the attacker unlawfully getting access to systems containing data from Alder Hey Childrens NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and a small amount of data from Royal Liverpool University Hospital.The Trust said its investigation into exactly what data has been stolen is ongoing, and this may take some time. It warned that there was a possibility that the ransomware gang may publish the data before its investigation is complete, an indication that it is standing firm and resisting demands, as is public sector policy in the UK.As soon as we are able to update on the impact to peoples data, we will provide a further update. Work is continuing with the National Crime Agency to secure impacted systems and to take further steps in line with law enforcement advice. We are also following guidance from the Information Commissioners Office and will ensure that anyone impacted by this data breach is contacted directly and supported, Alder Hey said.It additionally emphasised that its core frontline services remain unaffected and are running as usual patients should still attend appointments as scheduled.The Trusts added that its recovery efforts were making strong headway. It said: As part of our response to this threat we have made progress in securing impacted systems and ensuring the attackers do not have continued access. This means that we are in a position to begin to reconnect our systems when it is safe to do so.Alder Heys assertion that a digital gateway service served as the entry point for INC Ransoms operators appears to confirm earlier reports per Infosecurity that the gang attacked a Citrix instance operated by the Trust.If this was the case, the gang likely used a critical vulnerability in Citrix NetScaler Application Delivery Controller (ADC) and Citrix NetScaler Gateway appliances, tracked as CVE-2023-4966, but more commonly known as Citrix Bleed.Discovered towards the end of 2023, Citrix Bleed enables both session hijacking and data disclosure. It is one of the most widely-exploited zero-days of the past 12 months and has been widely used in ransomware attacks notably a number of high-profile incidents involving the LockBit gang. According to Secureworks intelligence, INC Ransom has also targeted it with great enthusiasm.Rafe Pilling, director of threat intelligence at the Secureworks Counter Threat Unit, said: Criminal gangs are opportunistic in the hunt for the next pay-out, the impact of their actions is not their concern. The fact that this is a highly specialist childrens hospital will not cause them to lose any sleep. We have previously seen GOLD IONIC the group that operates INC ransomware hit NHS Dumfries and Galloway. These attacks on front line healthcare underline that this sector, is a vulnerable target and must be protected.INC ransom was one of the most active threat groups the Secureworks CTU observed over the past year, having started operating in July 2023. Its victims are predominantly based in the US, however its global reach is growing. Its victims represent a wide range of sectors, but the most common are industrial, healthcare and education organisations.Read more about ransomwareWe look at ransomware attacks, and the importance of good backup practice as well as immutable snapshots, air-gapping, network segmentation,AI anomaly detection and supplier warranties.Anomaly detection and immutable copies can be frontline tools against ransomware we look at the role storage can play against the latest techniquesemployed by ransomware gangs.Threat intel specialists at Recorded Future have shared details of newly developed techniques they are using to disrupt Rhysida ransomware attacks before the gangeven has a chance to execute them.