XDefiant another ex-game (Ubisoft)The Thursday letters page doesnt think theres any point in making a PlayStation 6, as a reader has an apparently obvious idea for Mario Kart 9.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukFamiliar problemVery sad to see even more jobs lost in what is very much beginning to seem like a sick and broken video games industry. That said how were there 277 people working on XDefiant? I played it a bit, and it was okay, but it was basically just a generic first person shooter. It seemed like the sort of thing a fairly small team could make with existing graphics and know-how, since it didnt do anything new or unusual.I dont know how many people were working on Concord but Im going to guess its a similar number. The were apparently working on it for eight years and that it is a long time to be paying for hundreds of employees, none of which are generating any profit.The amount of people, money, and time needed to make these games is extreme even by modern standards and I do not understand why Ubisoft and Sony keep banging their head against the wall, trying to do the same thing again and again and failing again and again.But the biggest issue, to my mind, is that not only are these things monstrously expensive but that is causing the publishers to be ultra conservative about their designs, which means they turn out to be super generic and not appealing to anyone. XDefiant is just Call Of Duty but not as good, while Concord is Overwatch but not as good.Its a Catch-22 situation: live service games are too expensive and risky to make, so the publisher insists on something as familiar as possible, and then no one plays it because theyve seen it all too many times before. Ubisoft should just give up.Taylor MoonNobodys listeningIm beginning to think the reason that PlayStation is in a slump at the moment is because Shawn Layden isnt working there anymore. I never paid any attention to him at the time but everything hes said since has been 100% accurate and I can sense his frustration that he knows nobody is ever going to take his advice.There is no point in a PlayStation 6 or a next gen Xbox. Youd need a two hour Digital Foundry video to even tell the difference in the graphics and ordinary people are not going to care at all, just like he says.I can just imagine that Hermen Hulst reading why Layden has been saying and thinking he must be full of it, but I know whos making more sense at the moment and it aint him, not after that bizarre AI explanation.KoffeeThe latest buzzwordI really do not understand what Sony is trying to achieve by talking about AI. As GC points out, nothing they say seems to make any kind of sense, to the point where you genuinely dont know what theyre talking about. How is AI going to innovate anything? All AI can do is copy, thats the whole point of it. Do they mean theyre just going to have it put random ideas in a blender and come up with whatever combination? If theyre thinking of something that wacky, I really think they shouldve explained it better.All the really mean, I assume, is that theyre going to sack a bunch of low-level developers and make games with as few people as possible, until they realise that it was all a terrible mistake and they have to go back to doing things the way they did originally, back when everything worked.Weve seen it with NFTs, weve seen it with live service games, and Im sure itll be something else again after AI. I get it, they have to use buzzwords to attract investment money but at least with NFTs you werent constantly slashing your staff numbers in a way thats going to be very difficult to reverse if you ever feel you need people, and not robots, to make your games again.CranstonEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukCampaign for changeA lot of interesting speculation about Mario Kart 9 recently but Im surprised that no one has mentioned what seems to me to be the most obvious solution of what to do next: a story mode. It was the one thing that Diddy Kong Racing did better than Mario Kart and yet Nintendo has never tried to do something similar.At this point, given modern tech, it wouldnt be hard to do it better on the Switch 2, so Id be surprised they dont go that route. Itll seem so different and new that they can then get away with the multiplayer not changing that much, apart from whatever new gimmick they add.Im going to be honestly surprised and disappointed if this is not what happens.ZeuckerJudgment DayIm not sure where this sits in the spectrum of legally grey areas, and I have no appetite for upsetting Nintendos famous army of IP protectors. However, I found this AI generated (I know), 1950s style movie trailer for a fake Super Mario Bros. film fascinating.I actually like the retro style its going for not too lifelike and with a mix of people and puppetry and some of the character designs are great. Well, if you can see past the objectification of every female role. Although perhaps that just makes the trailer authentic to the general video game industry.With AI in its infancy its easy to see how creative types across all forms of the arts would be concerned about where AI could go in just 5 to 10 years.retro_gaming_san (PSN ID)GC: One thing you can say for AI is that its going to keep Nintendos lawyers in gainful employment for the foreseeable future.Low priorityI didnt realise that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 still isnt working properly, that is shameful. I guess weve always known it, but publishers didnt learn a thing from Cyberpunk 2077 and nothing has changed. Everything has to be pushed out when the deadline says and whether it works is always secondary.A lot of the blame for this falls on us gamers, as we buy the games anyway (often pre-ordering them, for no reason) and seem to forgive failures a bit too quick for my liking. Everyone accepts Cyberpunk 2077 as a classic now and I have seen some fans get quite angry when the failures of its launch are brought up, as if its unfair to mention it.If the problems from the Cyberpunk 2077 launch didnt make publishers think twice then I dont think anything will. Maybe it would have been better for the games industry as a whole if CD Projekt had gone under as a result of the problems.Beyond something of that scale happening I think publishers will aways take it as worth the risk of a game not working as long as they get it out in whatever financial quarter theyre aiming for.Its sad that whether a game is finished or not, and whether it works, is such a minor consideration but unfortunately that never seems like its ever going to change.PinkyNostradamus writesI emailed in a few times saying I cant see Nintendo changing much about the Switch 2, Ive got a feeling they will pretty much keep everything the same, just a bit more power. Its not going to be a Switch 2, its going 2 be a Switch 2.5 and judging by the leaks I was right.Nothing much will change, and Ive got a feeling everyone is going to be let down by it its going to basically be a Switch Pro and if thats the case Ive got a feeling its going to be a massive flop.DavidGC: Do you also have a feeling what the lottery numbers are going to be this week? Asking for a friend.Dynamic duoSo another live service game (another first person shooter at that) has crashed and burned and the first thing Ubisoft thinks to say is: Dont worry, were still going to make more! This was exactly what Sony did after Concord was shut down, but who are they talking to? Certainly not us gamers, who made it very clear exactly how interested we are in such games.Its investors, I guess, but surely if theyre only interested in money the one thing they wouldnt want more of is live service games, because they know how difficult they are to make profitable. Not unless you want to wait another 20 years for the law of averages to give Sony and Ubisoft a hit.These two really do seem the outliers at the moment, with everyone else having got the memo that live service games are too unpredictable to spend vast amounts of money. You dont see more financially sensible companies like EA or Take-Two doing them. Heck, not even Microsoft has got involved.If even the people that have brought Xbox to its knees have worked out its not a good idea to waste time and money on a game thats going to cease to exist in just a few weeks or months then you know youre doing badly. Wake up Sony!SousballInbox also-ransJust a quick thing that popped into my mind, why no Strontium Dog film? Series? Jonny Alpha. It screams out for the treatment, then Rebellion can make a game of it because they bought 2000 A.D. Oh my god, Im having a fit imagining it. Also, VC Troopers and Halo Jones. I dont ask for much. Calm down.ZombiekickerIm an older gamer and Ive never known or even just met anyone in real life that owned a 3DO.P.EllaGC: Thats not surprising. It only sold a little more than 2 million units worldwide, which is less than the N-Gage.More TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.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

Grand Theft Hamlet interview Shakespeares magnum opus brings GTA 5 to cinemasHenry RobertsPublished December 4, 2024 6:00pm Who said thered never be a GTA movie? (Tull Stories)A performance of Hamlet in GTA 5, with input from fans from around the world, is the subject of a new documentary in theatres now.Remember that project you started during lockdown? The novel that didnt manage to get past chapter one. Or the screenplay thats still sitting unfinished on the laptop.Whilst the rest of us were baking banana bread and doom-scrolling Twitter, Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane were doing something very special. They mounted a production of Hamlet within the world of Grand Theft Auto 5. And, if that wasnt impressive enough, they documented the whole process and turned it into a feature-length film.Suddenly my banana bread doesnt seem so impressive.Grand Theft Hamlet was born in lockdown. Written and directed by Pinny and Sam (who are also married), the documentary follows Sam and his friend Mark Oosterveen, as they walk around the streets of a make-believe version of Los Angeles, attempting to perform Shakespeares most famous play in one of the worlds most iconic games.I was incredibly trepidatious about it, Sam admits. First of all, because I thought, what if no one comes?Getting a play onstage is tricky enough at the best of times, but mounting Shakespeares longest play in a virtual space during a pandemic, and trying to get players from around the world to participate and commit to rehearsal schedules? The whole idea sounds too ridiculous to be true.But then one person turned up, and then two people, Sam told me. It was kind of amazing. It was like, wow, people want this.Its fair to say Pinny and Sams lockdown was more productive than most. (The only person I can think of who had a more creative quarantine was Shakespeare himself, who supposedly wrote both King Lear and Macbeth during the plague epidemic of 1606.)Granted, this was hardly the couples first artistic project. Pinny is a documentary filmmaker and Sam is an actor (you may have seen him in The Crown or playing Harry Potter on the West End in The Cursed Child). Nor was it the couples first foray into the world of Hamlet. The first time Pinny laid eyes on Sam was at university, when Sam was playing that most famous and stubborn Danish prince.Cut to January 2021. When lockdown reared its ugly head yet again, the creative couple found themselves out of work, but not ideas.Though admitting lockdown was largely awful (he was out of work and worried about how to support his family), Sam found the creative freedom liberating. It was time, he said, to stop caring about getting things right and to start playing.The play was certainly the thing, and it paid off. Not only was the production of Hamlet they launched a success (it won The Stages Innovation Award in 2023) but the resultant film all shot entirely in-game far exceeded the filmmakers expectations.Its been amazing, Sam admits. The films been at festivals, its won awards, its going to be released in cinemas that was never remotely on the cards when we were making it. Maybe they can do Macbeth in GTA 6 (Tull Stories)Grand Theft Hamlet isnt the first movie to be made from video game footage. Machinima a category of film made using video game graphics has been around for decades at this point.Hardly Working, from 2023, focuses on four characters from Red Dead Redemption 2, exploring the alienation of late-stage capitalism in just over 20 minutes. Another film that used Red Dead Redemption, The Grannies from 2022, is about a group of players seeking out glitches in the outer edges of the games playing space.But Grand Theft Hamlet is unique in its scale and its collaborative nature. Players from around the world joined the production of Hamlet and we see the trials of the rehearsal period in the final film. Moreover, whilst there are lots of videos online of gameplay, Grand Theft Hamlet feels more akin to traditional filmmaking than simply recorded video game footage.Pinny used her documentarian brain to structure the project into something that could sustain a feature length running time. There are plenty of recordings of video games online, but Pinny felt these films are only fun to watch for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. We wanted this to be a cinematic documentary, she said.The challenge, therefore, was to balance having something that was cinematic, but also a true representation of what its like to play that game, she said.One creative decision, to mirror the experience of playing GTA, was keeping the map of the gameplay in the corner of the screen. Although there is a director mode, where you can remove the map, Pinny decided to keep it in, not wanting the audience to forget that this project was taking place in a game. Though this be madness, yet there is method int.The world of Middle Ages Denmark and the pixelated Los Angeles/Los Santos of Grand Theft Auto may seem alien to one another, but the two are closer than you might initially think. Both are worlds where the main currency is violence. Both are obsessed with reputation and prestige. Both expose the fragility between life and death. In many ways, Grand Theft Auto is the perfect setting for Hamlet. Something is rotten in the state of San Andreas. The documentarys creators having a virtual selfie (Tull Stories)Whilst playing the game, Sam found parallels between the animated visuals and Shakespeares text. I remember, quite early on playing the game, seeing these incredible, beautiful sunsets, and thinking, this is what Hamlet said! This majestical roof red with golden fire like, this is it! Here in this world!Violence and isolation aside, the multi-layered world of Hamlet (which famously contains a play within the play) is well-suited to the online world of avatars and non-player characters. Hamlet is about pretence, Pinny said. Its about masks, its about not being what you seem. You have the non-playable characters, who are sort of like a Greek chorus, and theyre audiences to our story. That was really interesting for me.Shakespeare and GTA are surprisingly well-suite, but will audiences make the connection? Particularly when the films two biggest camps gamers and Shakespeare fans are often siloed from wider pop culture. After all, both creators admitted to not being big gamers before undertaking the project.I definitely wasnt into gaming, in fact I was very negative about gaming, Pinny confessed.But the couple is keen to dismantle many peoples prejudices about both theatre and video games: namely, that one is high art that must be revered and the other mere mindless entertainment.More TrendingThe idea that Hamlet is the greatest example of British culture is ridiculous, Sam said. I mean, I personally love it. I think its an amazing play, but its very problematic. Its misogynistic, actually.As well as not wanting to put Shakespeare on a pedestal, the couple also want to dismiss the notion that gaming is a lesser art, a snobbery often perpetuated in self-appointed cultural circles. The experience of playing Grand Theft Auto is extraordinary, Sam said. Its an incredible piece of art. And yes, its problematic in some ways, but I think its basically down to a snobbery about the respective media that people consider one low art and one high art.Grand Theft Hamlet is an ambitious and impressive project, inviting the viewers to reconsider preconceptions of cinema, theatre and video games. Proving once again that Shakespeares humanism can be adapted anywhere, the film is a visual and emotional whirlwind. Nowhere else will we see an animated avatar deliver To Be or Not To Be before getting blown up by a rocket.Grand Theft Hamlet opens in select UK cinemas from Friday, December 6 Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder (Tull Stories)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

And if its boss now tries to kill NASAs own heavy lifter, will that matter?

By Matt Novak Published December 4, 2024 | Comments (0) | Screenshot showing the laughing emojis on a Facebook post by UnitedHealth about the death Brian Thompson. Screenshot: UnitedHealthcare / Facebook When the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was killed in a targeted shooting Wednesday morning in New York, politicians from his home state of Minnesota posted sympathetic messages on social media. But those responses of support were soon drowned out by a very different tone, as people shared horror stories of being denied covered by the health insurance company and made morbid jokes comparing the CEOs death to the ways theyve been mistreated by the U.S. health care system. A Facebook post by UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, said it was deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson. But that post has garnered over 11,000 laughing emojis as of the time of this writing, far outweighing the more somber emojis used to express condolences. Comments have been turned off for that post, but shares included comments like I would offer thoughts and prayers but they are not covered as they are out of network. An Instagram post from the company was similarly locked down, stopping average users from commenting directly, but other posts on the platform also had scathing comments. On a post from last week, which discussed ways to manage holiday stress, commenters didnt hold back: My empathy is out of network for this one.Sorry. But my insurance and Medicaid dont cover Thoughts and Prayers, read one comment with hundreds of likes, echoing the sentiment that had turned into a meme. Judging by the public reaction I think the bigger story should be why this doesnt happen more often, read another comment.Other comments got more personal, with people sharing their stories of being denied coverage by UnitedHealthcare and having to pay large sums of money to survive: My uncle paid you guys for 22 years without missing a single payment and then when he died you denied his life insurance claim. You even had the nerve to cash a check from him the week he died. Scum bags. Sometimes you get what you deserve. I hope all of you suffer the way my mom has for the past year she has had to endure the nightmare of losing her brother and then almost filing for bankruptcy due to your denial of a life insurance claim paid punctually and faithfully for 22 years. Then you turn around and spit on his corpse. Your empathy claim has been denied. I hope you all get whats coming. Others made dark jokes: seems like that hole in his chest was a pre-existing condition. You gonna have to deny coverage.UnitedHealthcare insures over 49 million Americans, and the company generated $281 billion in revenue last year, according to the Associated Press. The insurance giant is notorious for denying coverage, deploying an artificial intelligence tool that has an error rate of roughly 90%, according to a lawsuit filed last year. There were also videos on Instagram making note of the fact that the UnitedHealth conference in Manhattan started on time at 8:00 a.m. ET, despite Thompson being killed around 6:45 a.m. The conference was eventually stopped a little after 9:00 a.m. And some tweets on X outright celebrated the death of the CEO, with videos promoting the killers fashion choices and backpack.But the reactions werent all gleeful. There were plenty of people who objected to celebrating a murder. Thompson reportedly had two children and a wife, who told NBC News that he had been getting death threats recently, possibly related to a lack of coverage. For those people who laughed at this post shame on you that family has lost a love one and yet you have to be a dick just remember karma is a bitch, one comment on Facebook read. The reactions feel like a significant shift in the tone of the country, however imperfect a barometer social media comments might be. Normally, trolling and sadistic glee over a persons death are relegated to the margins on extremist sites like 4chan or X ever since Elon Musk purchased the platform. But Wednesdays wave of anger and frustration at the health care system could be seen openly across the internet. It makes sense that Americans might be more loose with their sense of decorum these days. The re-election of Donald Trump to the presidency signaled a kind of right-wing populist nihilism as the Republican leader embraced conspiracy theories, threatened to go after his political enemies, and demonized immigrants in wildly racist ways. The sometimes celebratory attitude of such a broad swath of Americans on Wednesday felt like an embrace of that same sort of nihilism.The history of the U.S. is one of tremendous violence, but the past two decades have been relatively stable when it comes to blood being spilled domestically for political purposes. The U.S. was averaging about five bombings a day in the early 1970s, according to the FBI, a simple fact that isnt often remembered here in the 21st century. And a century ago, it was completely normal for dozens of people to be killed at once during labor actions in the U.S., as workers and bosses fought for control. All of which is to say this is likely the beginning rather than the end of people embracing political violence, especially as Trump prepares to take power with promises of retribution. Peace and stability are not the norm. The person who shot Brian Thompson is still at large, and the NYPD is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. But even that news made for another opportunity for people on social media to point out how theyve been harmed by UnitedHeaths policies. As one user wrote on Bluesky, The reward out for the person who shot United Healthcares CEO isnt even enough to cover 1/9 of the bill we got for 28 days of radiation.unitedhealthcare Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Matt Novak Published December 4, 2024

By Ed Cara Published December 4, 2024 | Comments (1) | Two views of the slingshot spider; the the right image shows the webs cone shape with a spider at the tip. Reproduced with permission of The Company of Biologists. Han, S. I. and Blackledge, T. A. (2024) Just like some people, there are arachnids out there that prefer to pick up their takeout meals, including the aptly named slingshot spider (Theridiosoma gemmosum). Scientists have just figured out how these crafty spiders know exactly when its time to launch themselves and their web toward prey. Researchers at the University of Akron in Ohio conducted the study, hoping to confirm a hunch. By meticulously watching slingshot spiders as they were approached by a potential snack, the researchers found evidence that the spiders likely use air vibrationsa.k.a. soundas their cue to strike. The findings not only shine a light on these mysterious creatures, but also suggest that sound is more important to spider hunting in general than we currently assume. Spiders are well known for the variety of methods they use to capture prey. Some are agile jumpers that pounce on their unsuspecting victims; others build clandestine traps on the ground to set up an ambush; and some even go fishing for their food. But slingshot spiders, also called ray spiders, are especially showy in how they hunt.These tiny arachnids (smaller than one centimeter) build webs that at first glance look like a typical static orb web. But they also weave a tension line that connects the center of the web to a rock or other nearby structure. When theyre on the prowl for food, the spiders will go to the center and pull forward on the line while facing backwards from the web, causing it to stretch and form into a cone. Once they spot a possible meal, the spider will release the line, rapidly flinging the web and itself in the direction of its prey. While scientists have known about these spiders for over a century, theres still much we dont get about how they and their webs work to catch prey. Unlike other catapulting spiders, for instance, the slingshot spiders dont seem to rely on their prey actually touching the web to spring an attack. So researchers Sarah Han and Todd Blackledge decided to look closer for themselves.As previously observed, slingshot spiders will release their webs in response to cues like people snapping their fingers nearby [research that co-author Blackledge had taken part in], but no one had studied this in detail, nor their response to nearby, contactless prey, Han, a biologist studying the mechanics of spider webs at Akron, told Gizmodo in an email. Based on this observation we set out to explore if sound figured into the spiders web release and prey capture. The scientists collected spiders from the wild (theyre widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere) and took back them to the lab, where they rehomed them in terrariums that mimicked the spiders naturally moist environment. Once the spiders got cozy and began building webs, the researchers presented them with two kinds of stimuli: wing-flapping mosquitoes stuck to a thin strip of black construction paper (allowing them to move the bugs as they saw fit), and a tuning fork set to vibrate at a frequency matching the typical winged insect prey.Across nearly 100 experiments with the bugs and tuning forks, the researchers observed a clear pattern: the spiders most often seemed to depend on their hearing to find the opportune moment to quickly attack (the spiders and their webs were measured accelerating up to 50g and moving at the speed of nearly three feet (one meter) per second). Two short video clips of the spiders catapult trick, provided by the researchers, can be seen below or via this YouTube link. During one experiment, for instance, the spider did nothing when a motionless mosquito was clearly in the cones capture zone, but it then immediately sprung once the mosquitos wings began flapping. The tuning forks were enticing to the spiders as well, further supporting the idea that sound is key to their hunting. And their vision probably doesnt play much, if any, of a role, since these spiders face away from the cone and they dont even have the more developed eyes seen with some spiders. Unlike people, a spiders hearing doesnt come from having ears, but from tiny specialized hairs on its legs called trichobothria. These spiders hold their webs in tension, like a slingshot, and will release their webs in response to the sounds of approaching flying insects, releasing webs before the insects make contact with the web, Han explained. Spiders preferred to release their webs when insect prey were close enough to the front of the web that they would be hit by silk upon the webs release.The teams findings were published Wednesday in the Journal of Experimental Biology. While the researchers work may have solved the biggest question about the slingshot spider, there are plenty more curiosities left to untangle. Though they dont depend on having prey touch their webs, for instance, their bodies might still pick up and use sound transmitted through the web as well as through the air to determine when to strike (this could help them know when the prey is actually in front of the cone). Slingshot spiders probably also arent the only arachnids that primarily use sound to hunt, which leaves open the possibility that sound is much more crucial a tool to spiders than currently understood by scientists.A broader implication of this work is that sound may be a very important and understudied factor in how spiders perceive their environment, Han said. Recent studies have explored how spider webs can detect sounds from across a room. And how spiders construct and tension their webs may be influenced by the prey (and other things) they can hear. Han isnt sure if shell personally do more work studying the intricacies of the slingshot spider and how they sense their flying prey, but she hopes that others can look into it.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Ed Cara Published October 20, 2024 By James Whitbrook Published October 9, 2024 By Ed Cara Published August 19, 2024 By Isaac Schultz Published March 13, 2023 By Isaac Schultz Published April 25, 2022 By George Dvorsky Published March 10, 2022

The Science of Design: How Neuroscience can Help Architects Shape the Built EnvironmentPresented by:Save this picture!Lombardini22 and Salone del Mobile's People-Centric Approach to Fair Design. Image Ludovica Mangini Salone del Mobile.MilanoIn recent years, the integration of neuroscience and architecture has revolutionized our understanding of how built environments influence human well-being, behavior, and cognition. This interdisciplinary field, known as neuroarchitecture, explores the connections between spatial design, brain function, and psychology, offering insights into creating environments that promote health, creativity, and emotional resilience.In that context, we begin this round-up with 3 articles talking about how architecture relates to the subconscious mind. The first one was written by Ann Sussman, who, along with Justin B. Hollander, has written 2 books on the subject: Cognitive Architecture and Urban Experience + Design. They suggest that once you "see" how we look at buildings, you'll never look at architecture the same way again. The other categories deal with how architects use this knowledge to design with a more human-centered approach, foster equitable access to green spaces, and create architecture for therapeutic benefits. These are just examples in which designers leverage neuroscience to craft spaces that resonate with human needs.Read on to discover a selection of editorial articles exploring the connection between architecture and neuroscience. Related Article Designing for Happiness: Exploring the Connection between Architecture and Mental Health Technology and the Subconscious MindEmerging technologies, like eye-tracking studies, deepen our understanding of human interactions with architectural spaces. The articles explore how subconscious responses to design elements such as contrast, texture, and layout influence behavior and navigation. Finally, the third article deals with the subconscious processes that might have influenced architects like Le Corbusier to develop their architectural styles.Here's What You Can Learn About Architecture from Tracking People's Eye MovementsSave this picture!Neuroarchitecture: How Your Brain Responds to Different SpacesSave this picture!What Neuroscience Says About Modern Architecture ApproachSave this picture!Human-Centric Design and CreativityAs a more human-centric approach has gained momentum in recent years, there is an incentive to understand scientifically how people perceive and respond to their surroundings. This category focuses on how neuroscience informs the design of spaces that enhance creativity, productivity, and emotional well-being. They discuss the role of architectural elements like natural light and spatial layout, and how these environments impact biological processes, the brain, and the nervous system. From workplaces to public spaces, the emphasis is on creating adaptable and supportive environments that align with how people think and feel.Neuroscience and Architecture: Designing for the Human ExperienceSave this picture!Lombardini22 and Salone del Mobile's People-Centric Approach to Fair DesignSave this picture!Neuroarchitecture and the Potential of the Built Environment for Brain Health and CreativitySave this picture!Neuroarchitecture Applied in Children's DesignSave this picture!Equity and Urban DesignEquity in architecture addresses the need for inclusive and accessible spaces that cater to diverse populations. Articles in this category study the impact of social and physical environments on brain processes and behaviors, emphasizing the importance of equal access to green spaces and their profound effects on mental health. This quantifiable impact can have implications for the design of working environments or the urban settings of educational facilities. Similarly, they explore how urban design can mitigate cognitive decline and foster community support.How Environmental Neuroscience is Shaping Architecture and Urban PlanningSave this picture!Architecture for Preventing Cognitive Decline: Contributions from Neuroscience to Healthy AgingSave this picture!The Healing Potential of Architecture Healing environments prioritize mental and physical well-being through architectural design. This category includes discussions on sensory gardens, calming interiors, and restorative urban parks. These spaces use the knowledge of neuroscience to create designs that alleviate stress, enhance recovery, and provide a sanctuary for mental rejuvenation. They also explore how integrating natural elements and thoughtful spatial organization creates environments that promote health.Designing Care: The Importance of Humanization in Healthcare SpacesSave this picture!Neuroarchitecture and Landscaping: Healing Spaces and the Potential of Sensory GardensSave this picture!New Research: The Built Environment Impacts Our Health and Happiness More Than We KnowSave this picture!This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Year in Review, presented by Gira.Minimalism with character and clear shapes reduced to the essentials. The Gira design lines are suitable for a variety of furnishing styles, in different colours and materials. With the introduction of the Gira E2 light grey recycled material, Gira is setting a strong example for sustainability and innovation in switch design.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.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorMoises CarrascoAuthorCite: Moises Carrasco. "The Science of Design: How Neuroscience can Help Architects Shape the Built Environment " 05 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024242/the-science-of-design-how-neuroscience-can-help-architects-shape-the-built-environment&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

Cultra Taproom Cafe Bar / Idee architectsSave this picture! Trieu ChienRestaurants & Bars, RenovationHanoi, VietnamArchitects: Idee architectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:100 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Trieu Chien Lead Architects: Tran Ngoc Linh More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The Cultra Taproom project in Hanoi breathes new life into a century-old colonial house on Hang Da Street, blending Hanoi's cherished architectural heritage with modern vibrancy. The old houses of Hanoi, with their narrow alleys and courtyards, are more than just structures; they are nostalgic symbols of the city's history and the spaces where generations of its people grew up. For the new owners, this rich history is a foundation for their vision of blending youthful energy with the timeless elegance of the past.Save this picture!The building, constructed over 100 years ago during the French colonial era, had undergone significant changes over time. Following historical upheavals and multiple ownership transitions, the building had deteriorated. Fragmented by the period of subsidies, common areas had shrunk and were poorly maintained, with beautiful architectural details hidden beneath corrugated metal roofs, iron fences, and makeshift floors. A narrow alley running through the center of the ground floor, only about 60cm wide, split the building's faade into two distinct sections. Given the shared ownership of the building, this alley could not be removed, presenting a challenge for connecting the spaces within and creating architectural focus.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The design brief called for a multifunctional space that would embody the cultural essence of Hanoi while serving diverse functions: a restaurant, shop, caf, bar, kitchen, and various ancillary areas. The architects' goal was to preserve the building's historical charm, while also meeting the demands of contemporary use. Thus, the project was developed with a dual approach of restoration and modern adaptation.Save this picture!The building's front faade is divided into two sections. The upper part was carefully restored, preserving the original design, including intricate details, brickwork, and natural greenery. The iconic balcony and windows, symbols of Hanoi's architectural identity, have been rejuvenated while maintaining the original charm. In contrast, the ground floor, split by the narrow alley, was reimagined. The alley was softened with a new design that created an inviting display space for Cultra's Kombucha tea products. The resulting contrast in scale between the alley and the broader space adds an element of surprise and discovery for visitors, evoking the intimate alleys and courtyards that have long characterized Hanoi's old streets.Save this picture!The flow between spaces was carefully planned to enhance connectivity, from inside to outside, seamlessly guiding visitors through the building. The old wooden floors and bricks were repaired and preserved, retaining their original textures and emotional appeal. The original wooden staircase, which had collapsed, was replaced with a new one crafted from materials that reflect the building's historical and modern elements, acting as a central architectural feature. This area also serves as a light well and circulation point between the different sections of the building.Save this picture!A unique feature is the small rooftop bar, where the original roof tiles were restored and replaced with carefully selected new tiles to blend with the old ones, preserving the building's nostalgic feel. The lighting system was strategically placed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the roof, while a new glass and stainless steel skylight above adds a minimalist, modern touch. A skylight was introduced to bring in natural light amidst the old, weathered walls, where nature had taken root inside the building. The design integrates contemporary materials and elements, reflecting the youthful spirit of the new owners, while respecting the historical context.Save this picture!This project represents a beautiful fusion of past and present, a journey through different periods of social development embodied in a single architectural space. It is an example of how modern life can coexist with tradition, creating a dynamic, multi-functional environment that celebrates the richness of Hanoi's architectural identity.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Hanoi, VietnamLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePublished on December 05, 2024Cite: "Cultra Taproom Cafe Bar / Idee architects" 05 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024322/cultra-taproom-cafe-bar-idee-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

Join acclaimed graphic designer and illustrator Javier Jan on a conceptual journey from ideas to images as he showcases how creativity informs societal conversations. From book covers to movie posters and ad campaigns, his unique approach embodies a fusion of simplicity with deeply profound messages, addressing social and cultural issues with humor, wit, and imaginative flair. Javier will offer a glimpse into the transformative power of art in editorial illustration and cultural communication. In this session, youll: Explore the intersection of art and social commentary Discover the process behind Javiers iconic work, from inception to final execution Gain an understanding of how to convey ideas effectivelySubscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud: https://adobe.ly/48Y1QJ1 Learn more about Creative Cloud: https://adobe.ly/3RTndnp About Adobe Creative Cloud:Unlocking creative potential goes beyond tools it's about cultivating inspiration, fostering innovation, and mastering artistic expression. On the Adobe Creative Cloud YouTube channel, discover stories, concepts, and trends that ignite your creativity. We are your hub for creativity, connecting you with Adobe channels for detailed tutorials and product insights. Adobe Creative Cloud brings together everything you need to create your greatest work. One membership gives you access to all Adobe professional creative desktop applications, plus new features as soon as they're available. Cloud storage ensures file access anywhere, even on mobile, streamlining concept sharing. Cloud-based services let you build websites, mobile apps, and content for any medium/device. With Behance integration, you can publish your portfolio on your own URL and plug into the world's largest creative community to get inspired, get feedback, and find new opportunities.Connect with Adobe Creative Cloud:Twitter: https://twitter.com/creativecloud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/adobe-creative-cloud/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adobecreativecloud Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adobecreativecloud/ #Adobe #AdobeYouTube #AdobeCreativeCloud

With competition ramping up across all industries, its crucial to be remembered and recognized and to evoke emotional resonance as you shape your legacy in business. Join Kristy Campbell, brand identity specialist and founder of Pink Pony Creative, as she reveals why seamlessly integrating your personal brand with business can underpin success. Discover innovative methods to cement your brands presence in the hearts and minds of your audience, crafting an unforgettable and instantly recognizable identity in todays fiercely competitive market. In this vibrant session, youll delve into: Creating your vulnerable character Carving your brand into peoples minds Why people buy from people Taking risks, one step at a timeSubscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud: https://adobe.ly/48Y1QJ1 Learn more about Creative Cloud: https://adobe.ly/3RTndnp About Adobe Creative Cloud:Unlocking creative potential goes beyond tools it's about cultivating inspiration, fostering innovation, and mastering artistic expression. On the Adobe Creative Cloud YouTube channel, discover stories, concepts, and trends that ignite your creativity. We are your hub for creativity, connecting you with Adobe channels for detailed tutorials and product insights. Adobe Creative Cloud brings together everything you need to create your greatest work. One membership gives you access to all Adobe professional creative desktop applications, plus new features as soon as they're available. Cloud storage ensures file access anywhere, even on mobile, streamlining concept sharing. Cloud-based services let you build websites, mobile apps, and content for any medium/device. With Behance integration, you can publish your portfolio on your own URL and plug into the world's largest creative community to get inspired, get feedback, and find new opportunities.Connect with Adobe Creative Cloud:Twitter: https://twitter.com/creativecloud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/adobe-creative-cloud/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adobecreativecloud Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adobecreativecloud/ #Adobe #AdobeYouTube #AdobeCreativeCloud

Project Files: https://www.patreon.com/posts/117344949 . This is the 140th episode of the new tutorial series on Action RPG game using Gameplay Ability System. Here we are going to work on how the hitbox based damage system identify shields when the attack is blocked with a shield and avoid the victim receive any damage. Also, we will create and spawn a suitable Niagara effect to show the attack was deflected by the shield. Animations are sponsored by: https://www.ramsterzanimations.com/ https://www2.unrealengine.com/marketplace/en-US/product/greatsword-anims Full Playlist : Action RPG series with gameplay ability system: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNTm9yU0zou7XnRx5MfBbZnfMZJqC6ixz // ! https://www.patreon.com/codelikeme Patrons will have access to project files of all the stuff I do in the channel and other extra benefitsJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClb6Jh9EBV7a_Nm52Ipll_Q/join Like my facebook page for more content : https://www.facebook.com/gamedevelopersclub/ Follow me on twitter : https://twitter.com/CodeLikeMe2 Follow me on reddit : https://www.reddit.com/user/codelikeme #CodeLikeMe #unrealengine #ue5 #ue4 #indiegamedev