Ema is a trained architect, writer and photographer whoworks as a Junior Architectat REX in NYC. Inspired by her global experiences, she shares captivating insights into the worlds most extraordinary cities and buildings and provides travel tips on her blog,The Travel Album.When we think of architecture, the mind often conjures images of towering structures, intricate faades and innovative forms. But beyond the physical structure lies an often-overlooked element that profoundly shapes the experience of these buildings: the landscape. In modern design, landscape architecture should not be an afterthought; it should be an integral component of the overall project that creates harmony between the built spaces and the natural environment. Through careful planning and intentional design, landscapes enhance the architecture they surround, transforming structures into places that tell stories, evoke emotions and encourage engagement.Landscape as an Extension of the Building NarrativeQuinta de Santo Antnio Hotel & Wineryby Atelier Srgio Rebelo, Tabuao, Portugal Landscape design acts as a critical architectural element, extending the buildings design language into its surrounding environment and embedding it within its site. A carefully designed landscape doesnt just frame the building, it amplifies its narrative. For example, a cultural center inspired by local traditions might use native plants, pathways mimicking historical trade routes or water features that reflect regional ecosystems, grounding the architecture in its context. Similarly, a modernist home with sharp angles and minimalist aesthetics might extend its story through a landscape of linear paving patterns, structured hedges and sculptural trees that echo its form. The landscape becomes an active participant in the architecture, reinforcing its themes and ensuring that the story the building tells is fully realized in the interplay between structure and site.Imagine this approach applied to the design of a boutique winery nestled in a rolling hillside a project that I previously tackled. The buildings architecture was inspired by the regions heritage, with a roofline echoing the undulating terrain and materials sourced locally to reflect the earthiness of winemaking. The landscape was deliberately crafted to enhance this narrative, transforming the site into an experiential journey through the story of wine production. We designed terraced vineyards that wrapped around the building, not only for function but to symbolize the layering of time and tradition. A winding pathway was carved into the landscape, guiding visitors through rows of vines before arriving at the tasting room a subtle nod to the journey from grape to glass. Native grasses and wildflowers bordered the site, creating a transition between cultivated land and the surrounding natural landscape, while strategically placed oak trees referenced the barrels used in wine aging. Every element of the landscape was intentional, amplifying the buildings story and immersing visitors in the regions culture and craft.Storytelling Through Landscape: A Cultural and Environmental DialogueNaturpark Amager by ADEPT + LYTTby ADEPT, Copenhagen, DenmarkLandscape design serves as a powerful storytelling tool, allowing architects and designers to weave narratives into the fabric of a place. Through plant selection, materials and spatial organization, landscape design can reflect local history, culture or ecology. For example, the incorporation of native plants not only supports local biodiversity but also anchors the building within its geographical and cultural context. The Japanese tea garden is a classic example of landscape telling a cultural story. Paths, ponds, and plantings guide visitors through a sequence of views and experiences that represent themes of tranquility, harmony, and mindfulness. Each turn in the path, each carefully placed rock or tree, is imbued with cultural symbolism. This storytelling aspect of landscape design enhances the building it surrounds, adding layers of meaning and resonance that connect visitors to a deeper understanding of place.An exemplary project that embodies the storytelling power of landscape design is the Naturpark Amager in Copenhagen, Denmark. This project activates a unique landscape through clear storytelling and subtle architecture that highlights natural qualities, activities and communities. A series of new visitor points ensure visual links throughout the park and make the protected landscape more accessible to its visitors. The landmark design creates an easily recognizable architecture that establishes a strong identity firmly anchored in the context. Each visitor point is located at a transformation pivot from urban condition to nature or from land to water framing the landscape and creating new experiences by breaking down its enormous scale into smaller spaces and stories. The individual designs enhance unique landscape characters and activities, using a simple design vocabulary that strengthens the existing character. The points not only create new experiences for visitors but also stage the landscape and provide a versatile framework for future development in the park.Crafting Visual Harmony: The Landscape-Architecture ConnectionVals Thermal Spa by Peter Zumthor, Vals, SwitzerlandThe relationship between a building and its surrounding landscape is one of visual dialogue. Landscape design has the power to ground a structure within its context, creating a sense of place that feels intentional and complete. A building with sharp, modern lines might benefit from soft, flowing greenery to create balance, while a minimalist, open form might be enhanced by a landscape of simple, clean lines that mirrors its aesthetic.Consider The Vals Thermal Spa by Peter Zumthor. This project exemplifies the profound dialogue between architecture and its surrounding landscape. Nestled within the Swiss Alps, the spa is seamlessly carved into the mountainside, achieving a remarkable integration with its natural surroundings. The design uses locally quarried Valser quartzite, grounding the building in the regions geological identity while reflecting the rugged textures of the surrounding terrain. The spas linear forms and subterranean design create a harmonious interplay between built and natural elements, blending into the topography rather than dominating it. The landscape further enhances this connection, with reflective pools and open-air spaces that frame breathtaking alpine views, inviting visitors to experience the synergy between architecture and nature. This thoughtful integration creates a sense of place that feels both intentional and timeless, where the building and landscape together evoke a dialogue of tranquility and balance.The Experience Factor: How Landscape Shapes Human InteractionNational Assembly Communication Buildingby HAEAHN Architecture and H-Architecture, Seoul, South KoreaOne of the most profound effects of landscape design is its ability to shape how people experience and interact with architecture. Landscape acts as a transitional space, guiding people from the public realm to the private sanctuary of a building. Pathways, for example, can gently lead visitors through a series of environments that prepare them for the experience ahead, whether a quiet garden leading to a meditation center or an expansive plaza framing a museum entrance. Landscape architecture not only shapes physical movement but also evokes emotional responses. A well-designed garden or outdoor courtyard can inspire curiosity, encourage contemplation, or invite relaxation, shaping how people engage with the built environment. Pathways, plantings, seating areas, and interactive elements create moments of pause and reflection, allowing visitors to appreciate the architecture from various perspectives and at different paces. This carefully curated journey through a landscape often transforms a building into a multidimensional experience rather than just a static object.Complementing the Buildings Form and MaterialsArt Houseby Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture, San Francisco, CaliforniaLandscape design enhances architecture not only through aesthetics but also by complementing a buildings physical attributes. Different architectural forms call for different landscaping approaches. A towering skyscraper might feel cold and imposing, but the addition of green spaces at its base, such as gardens or tree-lined plazas, humanizes its scale and invites people to linger. Similarly, materials like stone, glass and concrete are softened by the organic textures of plants, creating a sensory balance that makes a space more approachable and engaging.Water features, garden walls and textured plantings can emphasize architectural elements, adding visual weight to certain areas or drawing attention to specific design details. Situated on a steep hillside, the Art House project in San Francisco is designed to have a terraced garden that mirrors the natural topography while creating a series of intimate, flexible outdoor spaces. This thoughtful design extends the living areas into the landscape, carving out a tranquil connection to nature amidst the dense cityscape and integrating the building with its surroundings. The terraces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the structure but also address the functional challenge of the steep slope, stabilizing the site and making it usable. By integrating the architecture with its environment, the landscape design reinforces the physical attributes of the building, creating a cohesive and harmonious experience.Framing Architecture as Art Through Landscape Design901 Fairfax Hunters Viewby Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture, San Francisco, CaliforniaJust as a frame enhances a painting, a well-designed landscape elevates a building, positioning it as the centerpiece of a curated setting. Landscape design can be used to control sightlines, directing viewers to appreciate certain architectural features or views. For instance, a winding path or strategically placed trees can create a reveal effect, guiding visitors toward an entrance or framing a stunning view of the structure. The landscape thus becomes a canvas upon which architecture is displayed, encouraging people to view it as a work of art. In historic preservation, landscape design also serves to highlight architectural heritage. At Monticello, Thomas Jeffersons residence, the landscape is designed to evoke the agricultural identity of the era, with orchards, gardens, and fields that frame the house within its historical context. By restoring and preserving the landscape, the architectural history is both honored and amplified, creating a harmonious composition that celebrates the sites legacy.The 901 Fairfax Hunters View project embodies how a well-designed landscape can elevate architecture, positioning the building as the centerpiece of a curated setting. This projects landscape is meticulously designed to guide sightlines, framing key architectural elements and creating intentional connections between the built environment and its surroundings. Pathways and plantings are strategically placed to lead visitors through the space, unveiling architectural details and framing views of the structure as though unveiling a work of art. The interplay of greenery, open spaces and hardscaping not only enhances the buildings aesthetic appeal but also creates moments of discovery, encouraging visitors to engage with the architecture as part of an integrated, living composition. Here, the landscape becomes more than a backdrop it is a dynamic canvas that enriches the buildings presence and reinforces its visual and cultural significance.Landscape as an Integral Part of ArchitectureSeattle Art Museum: Olympic Sculpture park by WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism, Seattle, WashingtonLandscape design is not simply an accessory to architecture it is an art form that completes the story, transforming buildings into immersive environments that resonate with every visitor. By uniting architecture with its surroundings, landscape design creates harmony, tells stories and enhances experiences, turning spaces into living, breathing works of art. In a world where architecture and design are increasingly intertwined with sustainability, culture and human experience, landscape architecture plays an indispensable role. It is the bridge between the built and natural environments, enhancing not only the aesthetic qualities of a structure but also its sustainability, functionality and emotional impact. For architects and designers committed to creating spaces that inspire, engage, and endure, landscape design is an invaluable tool a transformative force that brings architecture to life.Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!The post The Groundwork of Great Design: Integrating Landscape into Architectural Narratives appeared first on Journal.

For more ways to supercharge your workflow, check out more articles in ourTech for Architects series, which includes our recommendations of Top Laptops for Architects and Designers.AI technology is becoming indispensable in the AEC industry. BIM use is increasing, particularly for improving project coordination, streamlining workflows and preventing costly mistakes. According to a 2014 report by Dodge Data & Analytics, from data from contractors, the global BIM market has been growing steadily, with construction companies as leading drivers. Parametric design tools further amplify these capabilities, allowing architects to explore complex forms and generate optimized design solutions within specific parameters.Like BIM, AI use varies by company size and sector (design, engineering, and construction), with larger firms leading and smaller firms cautiously incorporating the technology into their practice. A recent report from Bluebeam highlights the significant investment in AI technology by AEC companies. However, this technology-driven approach also has unintended consequences, as indicated in the Bluebeam report, citing a lack of training and skills development among employees (32%), issues related to integration (27%) and technical difficulties (26%).Breaking Down Barriers: The Benefits of Widespread Embrace of AIThirty75 Tech by Verse Design LA, Santa Clara, California. | Photo by Tim Griffith PhotographyAI tools fuel creativity and expand design possibilities across the AEC industry using generative design, where algorithms explore multiple design solutions based on specific parameters. In design and construction, this means pushing beyond conventional forms and building methods to create complex and innovative designs that might be otherwise challenging through traditional means. Not only does generative design boost creativity, but it also optimizes functionality and resource allocation, minimizes waste and prioritizes sustainability. Many AI-driven platforms help AEC companies choose the best option based on targets and constraints.Additionally, AI cost prediction models are transforming financial planning and coordination across architectural design and construction, making budgets more accurate and adaptable to change. AI and BIM tools analyze data to deliver reliable cost estimates, helping firms maintain budget control and optimize workflow.The Thirty75 Tech project in Santa Clara, California, by Verse Design LA, illustrates the transformative powers of AI tools in the AEC industry. This eye-catching office building showcases the capacity of generative design in creating a functional and visually dynamic public space in an urban setting. The buildings most notable feature, a louvered facade, was conceived using a parametric design process that enabled precise adjustments to meet shading and energy requirements. This data-driven approach allowed the design team to optimize material use and structural performance. By working closely with subcontractors, the project team turned a complex, responsive facade into a system that embodies performative and expressive qualities.Asian Games 2022 Hybrid Stadium by Archi-Tectonics NYC. Hangzhou, China. | Photo by SFAP Shanghai.BIM also facilitates the transition from digital design to construction. BIM modeling particularly benefits architectural projects with complex designs, tight budgets, or sustainability goals. Large-scale commercial developments, healthcare facilities, educational buildings, and affordable housing profit from BIM, streamlining design, reducing waste, and controlling costs. Infrastructure and civic projects also leverage BIM to coordinate complex systems and meet budgetary goals, while sustainable designs rely on it for efficient energy and material management.To illustrate the impact of BIM on efficiency and resource savings, architect Winka Dubbeldam, founding partner at Archi-Tectonics NYC, shared her practices experience with the design of the Asian Games 2022 Hybrid Stadium in Hangzhou, China on LinkedIn: Optimizing a 35,000 m, 6,500-seat hybrid in BIM was a real team effort. It did, however, save significant amounts of steel and 20% of construction timeArchi-Tectonics NYCs project exemplifies the growing effectiveness of AI tools and BIM in enhancing project efficiency while creating visually impactful architectural works. AI-powered platforms like Autodesk Revit, Maket.ai, or Graphisoft Archicad contribute to the AEC industrys ability to support project development by analyzing site data, environmental factors, and urban context and rapidly evaluating design options based on project parameters in the early design phase. In construction, tools like Navisworks, Procore, and Buildots drive project efficiency by streamlining coordination, detecting clashes and tracking real-time progress.Creating Barriers: Cautions Against Heedless Adoption of AIAs the availability of generative design and BIM software is continuously increasing, offering the AEC industry a wide array of tools to facilitate design and management, the potential impacts of this technology on the workforce and traditional skills are under scrutiny. Here are the three main reasons:High Implementation and Maintenance CostsHigh investment and operational costs significantly hinder the implementation of AI and BIM tools within the AEC industry. Not only do these expenses encompass the acquisition of licenses, hardware, and software, but they also include the ongoing costs of maintenance, updates, and specialized expertise. As a result, small and medium-sized firms often have limited to no access to these technologies. Only larger firms with the financial resources to afford these expensive tools can fully leverage AI and BIM, gaining efficiency, cost reduction, and competitive positioning. By restricting advanced technologies like AI and BIM tools to firms with generous financial resources, the AEC industry risks reducing growth opportunities among smaller firms.Job Losses and Skill GapsAI tools have a dual impact on the AEC industry. They streamline tasks, from design to construction, enabling architects to focus on broader project goals, thus improving efficiency and precision. Howver, this efficiency comes at a cost. The shift towards AI-driven processes may create skill gaps, as professionals lacking the technical knowledge to use these tools may be in an unfavorable position.Over-Reliance on Technology and Loss of Human CreativityThe skill gap and job displacement situations lead to another question about the role of human insight in an increasingly automated design and construction process. Will AI enhance traditional architecture skills or risk replacing them? This tension between technological advancement and the preservation of human creativity is central to discussions about AIs role in the future of architecture.Striking the Right Balance: Using AI To Enhance, Not Replace, Architectural SkillsAI-generated building | Illustration by GrumpyBeere via Pixabay.AI has the potential to significantly enhance traditional architectural skills, enabling architects to work with more data-driven insights, experiment with generative design, and optimize complex aspects of construction and resource management. As highlighted by the GHD Digital report, Generative AI. Transforming the AEC Industry, AI tools can drive efficiencies and support sustainable design goals by managing complexity and improving workflows. On the other hand, if not integrated thoughtfully, AI risks overshadowing the human touch in design. The GHD report also notes the challenges, ranging from technical hurdles to employment concerns.The AEC industry faces the dilemma of whether AI technology fosters inclusivity and progress breaking down barriers or exacerbates access issues, dependence, and disparities creating new ones.To fully leverage AIs potential, it is crucial to invest in continuous training for professionals and integrate AI education into architecture and engineering curricula. This dual approach would ensure that AI serves as an enhancement to human skills, rather than a replacement, fostering a balanced synergy between technology and human insight.For more ways to supercharge your workflow, check out more articles in ourTech for Architects series, which includes our recommendations of Top Laptops for Architects and Designers.The post Status Update: Is AI Breaking Down or Creating Barriers in AEC? appeared first on Journal.

Carlo Ratti Associati recently completed a company canteen for Mutti Pomodoro, a global leader in tomato-based products. The ground level is sunken below grade, and the roof plane appears as though it was lifted up from the earth.In the province of Parma, Italy, Carlo Ratti Associati (CRA) recently completed a company canteen for Mutti Pomodoro, a global leader in tomato-based products. The canteen is formally called Quisimangia which, in English, means Here we eat. The 3-acre garden outside was designed by Paolo...

Out of the 51 winners from 2024s Best of Design Awards, the jury voted near unanimously for this years top dog. Impact, rigor, sustainability, and use were all considering factors for the winner, as well as the finalists that were in the running.AN's jury sat down to review all winners of 2024's Best of Design Awards, and from this list, chose the project that truly excels above all.

Winter landscapes offer a stunning canvas soft light, snow-covered scenes, and unique textures that create serene, almost magical images. However, photographing these wintery vistas requires planning and technique to capture their full potential. Heres how to elevate your winter landscape photography.Understanding winter lightWinter light is soft and subdued, which can add a quiet, moody quality to images when used effectively. Knowing when and how to work with winter light is key to capturing the seasons beauty. Golden hour advantageIn winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, elongating the golden hour and casting warm tones over frosty landscapes. Use this time to photograph landscapes with rich, warm light that contrasts against the cool tones of snow and ice. Early morning light can also reveal subtle colors and intricate frost details, perfect for close-ups or wider scenes.Overcast skies and diffused lightThough golden hours are magical, overcast skies bring their own benefits. A blanket of clouds acts as a natural softbox, casting diffused, even light over snowy scenes and eliminating harsh shadows. This soft lighting is ideal for emphasizing the texture and contrast in a snowy forest or frozen lake. Aim to capture these scenes around midday when overcast conditions are at their peak brightness.Composition tips for winter scenesSnow and ice transform landscapes into minimalist settings, simplifying the composition but also requiring thoughtful planning. Use leading lines in snowSnow can create natural lines and pathways, especially on trails, rivers, or roads. Leading lines in snow-covered areas can guide the viewers eye through the image toward a focal point, like a cabin, tree, or mountain peak. Footprints, ski tracks, or the edge of a river can also act as subtle leading lines.Focus on foreground elementsAdding layers to a winter landscape brings depth to your photos. Try including a tree, rock, or fence post in the foreground to add dimension. Snow-covered branches or frost-laden leaves in the foreground can create a frame for the main scene, adding context and drawing the viewer deeper into the image.Capturing contrast and colorWinter landscapes are often composed of whites, grays, and muted tones, but incorporating color can make your photos pop and add emotion to the scene. Look for splashes of colorA red barn, orange jacket, or evergreen tree can add a striking contrast to a snow-covered scene. Position these colors thoughtfully within the frame to naturally guide the eye and create balance. Remember that warm colors can evoke comfort, while cooler tones add to the serene, quiet feel of winter.Enhance natural monochromeMany winter landscapes naturally fall into monochromatic color schemes. Use this to your advantage by emphasizing tones, textures, and patterns. For instance, the contrast between freshly fallen snow and dark tree trunks can create a striking, high-contrast effect without needing any additional color.Techniques for working with snowSnow offers unique photographic opportunities but also comes with its own challenges, such as exposure and detail preservation.Mastering exposure for snowSnow can confuse a cameras metering system, often resulting in underexposed images. To avoid gray, dull snow, consider overexposing by +1 to +2 stops to achieve bright, true-to-life whites. Use your histogram as a guide to avoid blowing out the highlights while ensuring the snow retains texture and detail. Play with shutter speedsCapture falling snow by experimenting with different shutter speeds. A faster shutter speed (1/500 or higher) will freeze individual snowflakes, while a slower shutter (1/30 or lower) will create a soft, dreamy effect by blurring the snows movement. Adjust according to the look you want and the intensity of snowfall.Additional tips for winter photographyPolarizing filterA polarizer can reduce glare from snow and ice, enhance sky contrast, and deepen colors, making it invaluable for snowy landscapes.Protect your gearCold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, so bring extra. Also, keep your camera safe from moisture by placing it in a sealed plastic bag when moving between warm and cold environments to avoid condensation.Experiment with minimalismWinter scenes naturally lend themselves to minimalism. Use the open spaces created by snow-covered ground to simplify your compositions and highlight a single focal point. Winter landscapes have a unique, quiet beauty thats unlike those in any other season. By understanding how to work with winter light, mastering composition techniques, and thoughtfully handling snow and exposure challenges, you can capture images that showcase the magic of the season. Remember, patience and preparation are keyembrace the elements, and youll be rewarded with stunning, evocative winter photographs.Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.The post Mastering winter landscapes in photography appeared first on 500px.

First new treatment for asthma attacks in 50 yearsLearn morehttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241127191934.htmImage: lemono/Shutterstock.com

Viking Kill the Horsehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0ic1dMqM5g&list=PLc6NCp8iAPDYMZcYBcEBQRoGidvdi0iPN&index=42 #3d #cgi #animation #animated #shortfilm #short #Artist #DigitalArt #3DArt #Art #2D #Artwork #Games #GameArt #Illustration #DigitalArtist #Drawing #YouTube #cgmeetupCGI VFX Breakdown - Making of VFX shot for feature film "Viking" by Asymmetric VFX. Featured on http://www.cgmeetup.net/home/kill-the-horse-vfx-breakdown/CG ...

Making of Paper World Shorthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxMI-5gDVb0&list=PLc6NCp8iAPDYMZcYBcEBQRoGidvdi0iPN&index=40 #3d #cgi #animation #animated #shortfilm #short #Artist #DigitalArt #3DArt #Art #2D #Artwork #Games #GameArt #Illustration #DigitalArtist #Drawing #YouTube #cgmeetupCGI VFX Breakdown | Making of Paper World by Lszl Ruska & David Ringeisen. Featured on http://www.cgmeetup.net/home/making-of-paper-world/Paper World Short...

Anticipation surroundingMarvel Rivalshas been mounting as we approach its release, and with that hype now at a fever pitch, the free-to-play hero shooter has finally released, which means players on all platforms can now jump in.Inspired heavily by Blizzard EntertainmentsOverwatch,Marvel Rivalsallows players play as 33 different Marvel heroes at launch. Upon release, the game has also kicked off Season 0, titled Dooms Rise, which sets up its central premise, seeing Doctor Doom as the central villain, and the multiverse coming together to fight against a common threat. Check out the trailer below, which shows a story cinematic for the season (and also features the eldritch supervillain Knull).The games first full season is due out in January. Each season will bring new heroes, maps, Team-Up Abilities, and more. As previously revealed by NetEase Games, the game runs on 60-tick rate servers, and also allows for region selection.Marvel Rivalsis available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Halfway through the year, Robot Entertainment announcedOrcs Must Die! Deathtrap, and confirmed that the next instalment in its tower defense franchise would be out sometime in early 2025. Now, it has announced a specific release date, and the game isnt too far away.Orcs Must DIe! Deathtrapwill launch on January 28, Robot Entertainment has announced with a new gameplay trailer, which you can check out below. The trailer also showcases new gameplay footage, plenty of which shows familiar tower defense action that fans of the series will recognize. Meanwhile, new features such as War Mages, new roguelike progression mechanics, and more. You can check out the trailer below.Upon its launch next month,Orcs Must Die! Deathtrapwill be available on Xbox Series X/S and PC. When (or if) we can expect a PlayStation 5 launch remains to be seen, though Robot Entertainment has yet to announce anything on that front.