Image: Nintendo LifeCast your minds back: its January 2017, and while the Switch isnt on store shelves yet, were beginning to get a taste of what to expect on the hybrid console. As part of the build-up to the console, Square Enix announces a brand new IP from the team behind the Bravely Default series Project Octopath Traveler.I, and many others, immediately fell in love. In the short 40-second clip, we got a glimpse at a stunning new art style, one that blends HD visuals with gorgeous pixel art and dynamic lighting. This is the first time we ever saw HD-2D.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube788kFast forward to 2024, and we have six different games using the HD-2D style the original Octopath Traveler (as it was later renamed), the mobile game Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, Triangle Strategy, the Live A Live remake, Octopath Traveler II, and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. That total will grow to eight (seven?) with Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake.I love HD-2D. I love the way the sunlight kisses the pixeled cobblestones of the streets and the beautifully detailed gigantic boss sprites. I love how it evokes the classic era of RPGs but with new depth and scope. Everything feels more grand.But and I say this with hesitation I think its time to stop, or at least slow down, with HD-2D visuals.Initially, HD-2D, to me, felt like a way of re-interpreting the past. Taking ideas from the SNES era and retexturing them not just visually, but musically and mechanically so they're fit for modern-day audiences. Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy, the only two new IPs using this art style, fit this memo to a tee. One takes the traditional turn-based RPG and gives it a Canterbury Tales-style structure, with unique combat mechanics and job classes; the other builds on the classic Final Fantasy Tactics-style strategy formula and gives you more dialogue and narrative choices through the Scales of Conviction. I absolutely do not want either of these series to go away.Images: Nintendo Life, Square EnixMy bigger concern with HD-2D comes in the form of remakes. Live A Live's return was, honestly, a dream come true. It felt like a fantastic way of delivering a truly unique game in this shiny new art style. And Dragon Quest III HD-2D is excellent, a traditional RPG wrapped up in new clothes. It does feel a fair bit different from all the other HD-2D games due to its polygonal 3D backdrops, and even the character sprites feel distinct from your Octopaths, Live A Lives, and Triangle Strategies, but Ive loved the time Ive spent in Aliahan so far.But were at a point where now everyone expects Square Enix to remake every single pixel art game in its back catalogue in HD-2D. Xenogears. Final Fantasy VI. Even other unlocalised titles like Bahamut Lagoon. Oh, and a little gem called Chrono Trigger. No. Stop.It works here, so well, we admit! Image: Nintendo LifeIts hard for me to say no to all of it, and Ive even been guilty of asking for HD-2D versions of other games. Admittedly, the idea of playing as Crono, Marle, Lucca, and friends as they travel through time in stunning HD-2D visuals sounds irresistible. But also, Chrono Trigger doesnt need it. It shouldnt need it. Even if that fan-made tribute looks amazing. I know Chrono Trigger would look great in HD-2D, but it still looks great now, and would look great in myriad different styles. 2D or not 2DThere are so many other fantastic pixel art styles out there. You might have looked at that list earlier and asked, Where is Star Ocean: The Second Story R? Well, its not HD-2D. Its similar, but its not the same at all the lighting is different, the camera angles are different, and the pixel art is just different enough. Im glad Gemdrops went down a different route for what was a brilliant remake.One of my favourite retro HD styles in recent years Image: Nintendo LifeBut looking outside of Square's oeuvre, you only have to look at the variety of indie titles to see how wide-ranging pixel art can be. Sea of Stars best asset is its visuals theyre stunning, a true SNES-style kaleidoscope of pixels and colour thats just above 16-bit.Team Ladybug is another developer who delivers incredible pixel art, particularly in Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth and the upcoming Blade Chimera. The fluid animations coupled with these highly detailed sprites and backgrounds make for some incredible-looking games. Look at our list of the best pixel art games on Switch to get a sense of the variety Im talking about elsewhere.The indies can do it Images: Nintendo Life, PLAYISMIn most cases, Id be happy with Square Enix simply remastering a lot of its classics. No, I dont want Vaseline filters over the pixels (looking at you, Grandia HD), I want something that lovingly preserves and enhances the art we already got. The Pixel Remasters are a good example I know theyre not for everyone, but I love the way the colours pop in these versions. Even if Final Fantasy VIs Opera scene sort of bleeds into the HD-2D 'style'. But a better example might be the I, II, and IV rereleases on PSP, which I think are the best-looking versions of those games.HD-2D is meant to evoke the past and, at the moment, it feels like people want it to redeliver the past, the classic games as they thought they remembered them. Theres nothing wrong with that, but some visual variety would be nice. They dont all have to be Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, fully 3D, new music, new writing, etc., but Id love to see some different styles. Remasters, reimaginings, remakes, whatever else.I know you look good, Hero, don't worry. Image: Nintendo LifeRemaking and remastering games isnt cheap or easy, and HD-2D itself is expensive Octopath and Triangle Strategy producer Tomoya Asano said so himself in an interview a few years ago, which is why you dont see it absolutely everywhere. But it is pretty prevalent at this point.HD-2D should be reserved for Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy. These are two games that, to borrow something Lena Raine said about music and nostalgia, bring [retro] into a conversation with the present day so that you're still taking in inspiration, but you're bringing it forward.I have no doubt Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is going to be wonderful. Im going to play it. And Im probably going to love how it looks. But I dont want Square Enix, or other developers, to lean on a single visual style. Give us something else. You could even just port Chrono Trigger or Xenogears to Switch Id be very happy with that, and Im sure many other people would, too.What do you think of the HD-2D style nearly eight years on? Do you want to see Square Enix remake more games with it, or do you think there are enough already? Vote in the polls below and share your thoughts in the comments.Do you think HD-2D should take a break? (123 votes)I don't want to see it ever again!5%Yes, for a few years13%I'd rather it stuck to newer IPs11%Nah, it's fine as it is46%No, remake EVERYTHING in HD-2D!25%Do you like HD-2D visuals? (117 votes)Absolutely love them, my favourite visual style right now28%They're great - not my favourite, but I like seeing it57%Not bad, prefer other pixel art10%Absolutely hate it3%I don't like any pixel art (*gasp*)2%What's your favourite HD-2D game? (99 votes)Octopath Traveler (Switch)15%Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent1%TRIANGLE STRATEGY (Switch)18%Live A Live (Switch)24%Octopath Traveler II (Switch)16%Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (Switch)25% Our pick of impeccable pixelsThe wait is finally overRelated GamesSee AlsoShare:01 Alana has been with Nintendo Life since 2022, and while RPGs are her first love, Nintendo is a close second. She enjoys nothing more than overthinking battle strategies, characters, and stories. She also wishes she was a Sega air pirate. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesRate Your Favourite Switch Games Of The Year 2024Bring out your GOTYs!Reaction: The Game Awards Left Us With One Big Question: Will Any Of This Run On Switch 2?How would you rate the show?Poll: Okay, It's Time To Ask The Obvious - Will We Get Donkey Kong 64 On NSO?The game turns 25 in EuropePoll: It's Almost Time For The Game Awards, But Are You Expecting Much Switch News?No, not that - and definitely not THATPoll: Box Art Brawl: Wario Land 3Who's-a gonna win?

Update: New info has surfaced.At this year's Game Awards show, SEGA announced it would be releasing a new racing game officially titled Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.We've only got a cinematic trailer so far, but as you can see, Shadow the Hedgehog features. It will be "coming soon" to the Nintendo Switch and multiple other platforms. Sega has also shared some more information about this upcoming release in an official PR:Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital, announced Friday that her role at the firm she started in 2015 will evolve.After 12 years of being deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, Ive decided to transition into a chairperson and advisory position, she wrote in a statement released online. She was previously a managing partner at the firm. This move will allow me to focus on what I do best amplifying Backstages mission, hosting office hours with founders and investors, chairing the advisory board, and bringing new opportunities to the table through my platform.She also wrote that the firm will enter a strategic partnership with 360 Venture Collective, which will be acquiring a significant stake in Backstages management entity and joining in co-managing operators, providing capital, and helping the firm scale.Together, were launching a $200 million fund in 2025, Hamilton said. Weve reached out to Hamilton and Backstage Capital for comment.Backstage Capital has weathered some stormy winds these past few years. The firm has invested in more than 200 companies, according to Pitchbook, including the fintech Guava and information platform Career Karma. It has around $20 million in assets under management, with 56 exits. But we reported back in 2022 that even then there seemed to be a slowdown at the firm. It announced at the time that it would back only existing portfolio companies, and that it would substantially downsize its team from 12 to three people.Hamilton also noted in her podcast at the time that she was frustrated with limited partners, saying the firm found itself in a purgatory kind of position, because some investors believed it already had enough support, even though that wasnt the case. The landscape for firms like Backstage and for founders like the ones it backs has only become more fraught since 2022. Funding and support to diverse founders and operators has somewhat stalled, especially for Black founders.Hamilton wrote in her online statement that the firms partnership with 360 Ventures would ensure the firm remains sustainable while multiplying our ability to support underestimated founders and create a lasting legacy, she said.Im confident that this next chapter will take us to incredible heights and Im honored to continue being part of the journey in this new capacity.

After famed investor Marc Andreessen met with government officials about the future of tech last May, he was very scared and described the meetings as absolutely horrifying. These meetings played a key role on why he endorsed Trump, he told journalist Bari Weiss this week on her podcast.What scared him most was what some said about the governments role in AI, and what he described as a young staff who were radicalized and out for blood and whose policy ideas would be damaging to his and Silicon Valleys interests.He walked away believing they endorsed having the government control AI to the point of being market makers, allowing only a couple of companies who cooperated with the government to thrive. He felt they discouraged his investments in AI. They actually said flat out to us, dont do AI startups like, dont fund AI startups, he said.Obviously, we dont know how the other folks in the meeting would recall such discussions, or even who he met with. But we can understand why such thoughts would be frightening for Andreessen in particular: His firm has backed AI startups like Elon Musks xAI, Mistral AI, and Character.AI.Its worth noting that in June 2023, long before these meetings, Andreessen published an AI manifesto called Why AI will save the world in which he warned against AI regulation. So this is an area thats been on his mind for a while.Publicly, the administration has enacted less drastic measures around AI than what Andreessen recalled. In October 2023, President Joe Biden issued an executive order that contained a series of voluntary commitments for AI companies to follow. This included asking companies to share safety test results with the government and called upon Congress to evaluate how AI companies were gathering data.The order got mixed reviews from Silicon Valley at the time. OpenAIs Sam Altman tweeted that, while there were some great parts to the initiative, it will be important not to slow down innovation by smaller companies/research teams.The next administration is, so far, indicating its plans to play especially nicely with AI startups. Earlier this month, Trump declared that investor VC David Sacks would be his AI and crypto czar, after which both Altman and Perplexity confirmed they would donate $1 million to Trumps inaugural fund. President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead, Altman said in a statement to Bloomberg News.Andreessen himself has spent about half his time in Mar-a-Lago since the election. He confirmed to Weiss the speculation that he was involved in Elon Musks DOGE initiative, describing himself as an an unpaid volunteer. He also said that, at Mar-a-Lago, hes been involved in some of the interviewing process for some of the officials coming in.Andreessen said he felt hopeful about Trumps approach to tech, saying Trump told him, I dont know much about tech, but I dont need to, because you guys know a lot about it. You guys should go build tech companies. The American tech companies should win.

Theres plenty to gawk at in Netflixs animated feature Ultraman: Rising, from explosive inner-city battles to adorable baby kaiju Emis cheeky smile and her explosive poops.But another mesmerizing feature in Emmy Award-winning director Shannon Tindles latest animated achievement up for Annie Awards consideration with voting this week is Ken Satos hair. As if the heartthrob character needed yet another feature for viewers to drool over.VFX supervisor Hayden Jones sure thought so.One of the things we knew we didn't want was a full hair simulation, where every strand is there, he says. It would break the effect of the stylization.The animation design on the film, produced by Netflix Animation, Tsuburaya Productions and Industrial Light & Magic, falls somewhere between comic and cartoon, hand-drawn 2D and 3D graphics. The film centered around main character Ken Sato whos trying to live up to his fathers legacy as Ultraman while balancing his celebrity status and sudden promotion to adoptive kaiju father is full of highly emotive characters with defined 2D face lines and superhero fight sequences with plenty of hand-drawn effects layered onto more traditionally rigged 3DCG animation.So, it makes sense that, when it came to the characters hair, fluffy and soft textures werent going to cut it. We had these solid surfaces, and we got them to move correctly, so they felt right, shares Jones. But, still, the look was really elusive. Shannon brought forward quite a lot of great Japanese actor references where they all had these beautiful hairstyles that were quite slicked over, and they had these highlights that ran down the parting. We were like, That's it. Thats what weve got to create.Just because the hair had to fit into this manga-adjacent animation, didnt mean it couldnt stand out, as Jones puts it, with some hot highlights.It was an interesting challenge, but the look dev team worked with the composite team and we just all pulled together, says Jones. We were really pleased by the end. I would love to have hair that is that beautiful.As stylized as it is, Ultraman, a property that created in 1966 by Eiji Tsuburaya, also has deep roots in Japans history and Jones felt it was important to connect their feature films style with not only something visually delicious, but something authentically Japanese. And the line work on both the characters and background settings was a massive part of that push. When you start investigating how manga and anime have informed each other over many, many years, you start projecting it into, Where can we take it? Where can we push that technique next? says Jones. And you always want to know where historically it's been, so that you can start innovating from a set point. With line work, it's very specific. Sometimes there's hard outlines, smaller, thinner lines to define smaller structures. Getting that balance right, when you pay attention to it, instantly looks like you've brought a manga or an anime to life. If you get it slightly wrong, it starts looking more like an American comic. We really wanted to make sure we were being as culturally authentic as we possibly could, so we put a lot of care into all the really small details like that.The contact shots that launch sequences from 3D to quick 2D frames when Ultraman gets hit or hits back was another detail pulled from fight sequences in many anime series that Jones wanted to incorporate into Tindles film.We started out working with the lighting and compositing teams to see if this kind of transition was something we could do automatically, notes Jones. And, actually, you cant do it automatically because its so dependent on performance. Sometimes its two frames, sometimes its three, sometimes its even four. It depends on how you want to adjust the contrast. Sometimes we invert the whole image. It really has to play to the action and the story beat.But even though each scene had to be art directed, Jones says the transitions, while tedious, were extremely enjoyable.Because youre trying to shock the viewer with this visual stimulus that connects the punch or whatever is happening, he says. It was great fun. Another small detail that gathered inspiration from classic Japanese anime like Akira and Cowboy Bebop, which Jones became known for on the team, were the lens flares used in film. Of course, pulling from 2D references and then translating that lens flare tradition into 3D, like most things with Ultraman, required balance.Its a big part of the story and was just as true for all of us working on the films style, says Jones. We were looking at the TohoScope lenses developed in the 50s by Toho Studios and how they deal with lens flare. They have these beautiful anamorphic lens flares. Thats the real world. And then we were looking at Akira on the other side where you have these hand drawn, super stylized lens flares. We thought, How do we merge these two worlds together?Jones and his team created a toolset with massive geometric shapes that moved in a way that reflected aspects of both TohoScope and Akiras lens flares. Jones was even given the production team title, Emperor of the Lens Flare.Every lens flare was art directed by me and it was an absolute joy to direct every single one of them, says Jones, I pride myself on my lens flare. Theres a shot where Ken's approaching the camera on the motorbike and the lens flare does the full Akira where it just radiates out. I love that shot.He adds, There's a kind of DNA of anime and manga that runs vividly through the whole film. It is a love letter from all of us at ILM to the thousands and thousands of talented artists who have been creating these films for years. Victoria Davis is a full-time, freelance journalist and part-time Otaku with an affinity for all things anime. She's reported on numerous stories from activist news to entertainment. Find more about her work at victoriadavisdepiction.com.

The speed, the adrenaline, the legacy. Picma Creative Post from So Paulo delivers really cool visual effects in Netflixs Senna, bringing the legendary racers world to life with stunning realism!WATCH IT ON Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024The post Senna: VFX Breakdown by Picma Creative Post appeared first on The Art of VFX.

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Christmas Lights in London | Luke Stackpoole via UnsplashFinding the perfect Christmas gift for an architect can be a delightful challenge. Architects value items that combine form, function, and inspiration, making thoughtful gifts essential. Whether theyre practical tools, stylish accessories, or inspiring reads, these gifts will resonate with their passion for design. In this ultimate holiday guide, weve curated the best gift ideas for architects, drawing from popular articles on ArchEyes. Lets explore these timeless and meaningful suggestions to make this holiday season unforgettable.Article Index1. Timeless Gift Ideas for ArchitectsChristmas Gifts for Architects: Home Decor | ArchEyesDrawing from the article The Best Gifts for Architects & Designers, weve compiled a selection of classic gifts that never go out of style. High-quality sketchbooks, table lamps, and design-inspired home decor are always appreciated. Minimalist desk organizers, iconic architectural models, or stylish blueprint-inspired stationery are excellent options for the architect in your life.2. Stylish and Functional WatchesChristmas Gifts for Architects: WatchesWatches are more than timepiecestheyre design statements. In our article, The Best Watches for Architects, we highlight options like the NOMOS Glashtte Tetra and the Junghans by Max Bill. These watches are perfect for architects who value precision and aesthetics, blending elegance with practicality.3. Inspiring Books for Architects and UrbanistsChristmas Gifts for Architects: Books | ArchEyesBooks are an evergreen choice for gifts, offering both inspiration and knowledge. Titles such as S, M, L, XL by Rem Koolhaas and Towards a New Architecture by Le Corbusier, featured in The 20 Best Architecture Books Every Architect Must Read, are essential reads. Urbanists may enjoy selections from Best Urban Design Books Every Urbanist Must Read, while construction-focused architects will appreciate guides from The Ultimate Guide to Architectural Construction and Detail Books.4. Essential Tools for Creative ArchitectsChristmas Gifts for Architects: Essential Architects Tools | Kelly Sikkema via UnsplashEvery architect needs the right tools to bring their visions to life. In The Top 20 Essential Drawing Tools for Architects, we highlight must-have items like Rotring mechanical pencils, Moleskine notebooks, and portable drafting sets. These practical tools make thoughtful gifts that support creativity and productivity.5. Quick Reference GuideThis guide offers something for everyone, whether theyre students, professionals, or seasoned architects. Tools and books provide inspiration and guidance for students, while elegant watches and design accessories enhance the daily routines of experienced professionals. These curated gifts celebrate architects at every stage of their journey, blending practicality and elegance.CategoryTop PicksTimeless GiftsSketchbooks, ergonomic chairs, architectural modelsStylish WatchesNOMOS Glashtte Tetra, Cauny X SizaInspiring BooksTowards a New Architecture, S, M, L, XLEssential ToolsRotring pencils, Moleskine notebooks, drafting setsExplore the linked articles for more details and recommendations.ConclusionArchitects appreciate gifts that are as thoughtful and well-crafted as their designs. From inspiring books to practical tools and stylish accessories, this guide provides a curated selection to delight every architect on your list. Use this ultimate holiday guide to spread cheer and celebrate the creative spirit of architects this Christmas season. Happy gifting!

Outdoor Restaurant Furniture | Clifford via UnsplashWhen setting up a restaurant, choosing the furniture is vital in defining the ambiance, functionality, and overall customer experience. Restaurant furniture is more than just tables and chairs; it reflects your brand, influences customer comfort, and can significantly impact the efficiency of your operations. Below are seven essential tips to guide you in selecting the best furniture for your restaurant.Define Your Concept and StyleThe first step in choosing restaurant furniture is defining your spaces overall concept and style. Are you aiming for a rustic, industrial look? Or a sleek, modern vibe with clean lines and minimalist designs? Your restaurants concept and target audience should dictate the aesthetic direction.For example, a casual cafe might lean toward cozy, upholstered seating with wooden finishes, while a high-end fine dining establishment would benefit from elegant, upholstered chairs and polished surfaces. Ensuring that your furniture aligns with your theme creates a cohesive atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.Match the Furniture to Your SpaceBefore purchasing restaurant furniture, consider the layout and size of your space. Properly sized furniture ensures an efficient and inviting environment, allowing for optimal flow and customer comfort. Oversized tables or bulky chairs can make your restaurant feel cramped, while too-small furniture can leave the space looking sparse and uninviting.Measure the available floor area and create a layout plan. Factor in aisle width for staff and customer movement, space between tables for privacy, and additional areas such as waiting lounges or bar sections. Matching the scale of your furniture to the dimensions of your space ensures you maximize seating capacity without compromising on comfort or accessibility.Stick to a BudgetWhile its tempting to splurge on premium restaurant furniture, sticking to a budget is essential. Furniture is a long-term investment, but it shouldnt drain resources that should be better allocated to other aspects of your restaurant.Start by identifying your priorities. For instance, focus on high-quality chairs and tables if seating is central to your operation, and save on decorative items that can be upgraded later. Research suppliers to find reliable options that balance cost and quality. Many manufacturers provide bulk discounts, so purchasing all your furniture from a single source can save money.Choose Low-Maintenance MaterialsRestaurants face heavy daily use, so durability and ease of maintenance are crucial when selecting furniture. Materials such as metal, laminate, and treated wood can withstand spills, scratches, and constant wear while remaining easy to clean.Upholstered furniture, while visually appealing, should feature stain-resistant fabrics or easily replaceable cushions. Similarly, outdoor furniture should be weather-resistant and require minimal upkeep. Choosing materials that stand the test of time will save you money on replacements and repairs while maintaining a polished look.Test Furniture Before Purchasing Kayleigh Harrington via Unsplash Klara Kulikova via UnsplashTesting it in person is a must, no matter how appealing furniture looks in a catalog or online. This step ensures that the furniture is visually pleasing but also comfortable, sturdy, and functional.Sit in the chairs, assess the tables sturdiness, and evaluate how the furniture feels from a customers perspective. Ensure tables are comfortable relative to chairs, and check for ergonomic features such as supportive chair backs. Testing helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures your investment meets practical needs.Create Zones for Different Dining ExperiencesModern restaurants often cater to various dining preferences and occasions, making it essential to create distinct zones within your space. For example, you could have:Casual seating areas: Ideal for quick meals or coffee breaks.Family-friendly zones: Spacious seating with easy-to-clean furniture.Private sections: For small groups or intimate gatherings.Outdoor seating: Weatherproof furniture that enhances your al fresco dining option.By zoning your restaurant, you can meet diverse customer expectations while adding depth to the dining experience. Furniture plays a key role in differentiating these areas; for instance, lounge seating for casual zones versus formal dining tables for upscale sections.Keep Future Needs in MindWhile your immediate focus might be on opening day, its important to consider your restaurant furnitures long-term usability. Consider factors like scalability, seasonal needs, and potential menu changes.For example, if you plan to expand seating capacity in the future, modular furniture can make rearranging or adding pieces easier. Stackable chairs and foldable tables are practical for storing extras when theyre not in use. Similarly, choosing neutral tones and classic designs can ensure your furniture remains relevant even if you refresh your restaurants theme.Final ThoughtsSelecting the right furniture for your restaurant is a decision that impacts your brand, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. By defining your concept, matching furniture to your space, adhering to a budget, prioritizing low-maintenance materials, testing products, zoning your dining areas, and keeping future needs in mind, you can create a dining environment that impresses customers and withstands the demands of a busy restaurant.The furniture you choose should not only serve its functional purpose but also enhance the overall dining experience. A well-thought-out selection will reflect your restaurants identity and contribute to your success for years to come.FurnitureRestaurants Leave a comment

One of Frank Gehrys most uniqueand unknownprojects is under immediate threat in Los Angeles. New York Bagel Co., a 1990 eatery inside a Brentwood strip mall called Town & Country, features classic Gehry touches like shifting surfaces of laminated plywood, sheet metal, and concrete. Its signature is a 30-foot-long, galvanized steel model of the Chrysler Building that appears to be crashing through the ceiling. The restaurants owners said the landlord, Los Angelesbased Anderson Real Estate, have refused to renew its lease, so they must vacate the premises by the end of the month. They will start moving out on December 16. They didnt ask us if we could pay more rent, Patra Kittichanthira, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Ted Cichowski, told AN. We told them we would do whatever it would take to stay. They just wanted something else. New York Bagels lease ended this summer, added Kittichanthira and Cichowski, and in October they received a notice to vacate by the end of this month. Asked if they think the landlord knew the store was designed by Gehry, Kittichanthira said, I dont know if they know, and I dont think they care.Efforts to reach Anderson Real Estate have thus far been unsuccessful.Frank Gehrys napkin sketch of New York Bagel Co. (Courtesy Patra Kittichanthira and Ted Cichowski)The couple bought the eatery in 2003 from its original owner, the famously curmudgeonly David Rosen, who was a good friend of Gehrys. The architect originally sketched the design for him on a napkin. More of the shops unique details incorporate classic deli elements into Gehrys ebullient, not-so-precious vernacular: Theres a subtle pop-out of the dining space, which extends the interior toward the parking lot; long raised mirrors to help reflect the Chrysler Building model; a 12-foot-wide galvanized steel wall cut with the words New York in glass on both sides; mixed-material parquet flooring; red banquette seating edged in laminated plywood; a vintage New York stainless steel counter; and slightly overlapped earthquake tiles that evoke, like much of Gehrys work, fish scales. When it first opened, the restaurant appeared on the cover of Interior Design magazine, and was featured in the Los Angeles Times under the headline Frank Gehry Designs for Bagels. The owners have made small changes, like replacing a sit-down counter near the entry, but most of the original design remains intact.When it first opened, the restaurant appeared on the cover of Interior Design magazine. (Courtesy George Smart)This is an important place in terms of talking about Frank Gehry and his connection between art and architecture, said Adrian Scott Fine, president of the Los Angeles Conservancy, the citys major preservation advocacy group. Its using art to evoke an architectural icon in a very creative wayyoure experiencing a little bit of New York. It tells a very interesting story about what was happening then. Fine added that while interiors can be protected in the city, the process of doing so would most likely take too long to be completed in time for the landlords deadline. Any possible halt, he added, would have to originate from the local city council office; the area is represented by councilmember Traci Park.There is no culture of how to protect these kinds of spaces that are not monumental, noted Maristella Casciato, curator of architecture at the Getty Research Institute, which acquired Gehrys archive in 2017. They present important components of the culture of the city. When they disappear, the whole spirit disappears. She called the project a work of love, wondering at Gehrys attention to details that you dont expect, and the many variations on how to use and maximize this tiny little space. She added: Its creative invention for something that could otherwise be considered very banal He had this three-dimensional idea of how to make the space more attractive.A model of the Chrysler Building lies horizontally across the ceiling in the shop. (Gil Garcetti)Architect Kevin Daly, who in 1990 was working at Gehrys firm, said he carried out most of the technical drawings along with longtime Gehry partner Greg Walsh. Fabrication of the stores elements, including the riveted Chrysler model, was performed by longtime firm collaborator Tomas Osinski. It had an improvisational character and informality and personal connection that is hard to achieve in buildings right now, said Daly. It points to Franks creative intensity. There was an immediacy and clarity to what he wanted to achieve.Over the years the restaurant has built a loyal following that includes stars like Adam Sandler, Benicio Del Toro, L.A. Laker legend Norm Nixon, and Gehry himself, who, at 95 has been ordering takeout a lot lately, the owners said. On a wall just inside the entryway the owners have posted large sheets of paper for customers to leave their emails. So far theyve had to add three sheets. Theres a level of comfort. You know the food is going to be outstanding and the atmosphere is going to be extra friendly, said Gil Garcetti, another regular who was, famously, the district attorney during the O.J. Simpson trial. (His son Eric is the former mayor of L.A.) A patron for the last 30 years, Garcetti was in the restaurant taking pictures of the space. The first few times I went into it I didnt even notice what was above me, said Garcetti, who didnt find out it was a Frank Gehry design until years later. Once I saw it, I remember sitting down and saying this is very, very cool. I appreciated the artwork and the willingness of the owner to do it.New York Bagel Co.s home, Brentwood Town & Country, is a red-tiled, rural-themed strip mall on Brentwoods busy San Vincente Boulevard; its stucco and cinder-block core is dressed in places with dark timber cladding. It has been renting to increasingly high-end tenants in recent years, such as the restaurants Sugarfish and A.O.C. Its safe to say most visitors have no idea that Gehry designed the corner bagel shop here. A recent story in the Santa Monica Mirror about New York Bagels closing listed the architect as Fred Gehry.The owners said Gehry, has offered to store the contents of the restaurant in one of his warehouses until they find a new location. (Gil Garcetti)In preparation for their departure, the owners recently reached out to Gehry, who they say has offered to store the contents of the restaurant in one of his warehouses until they find a new location. Hes also offered to design that potential new location, they said.Fine noted that if its installed in a similar manner it could connect to his intent and still be considered historic. Meanwhile the Gettys Casciato wondered if Gehry could potentially update the existing space if given the chance. She implores the preservation community to be a little more granular. To look at the tiny things that still speak of the architecture of the city and of Gehry or any other architect. Meanwhile words of appreciationand distresskeep pouring in. Ive talked to so many people about it, and theyre really disheartened, said Robb Rothman, a regular who has had a house account here for years. He talks about the Saturday morning breakfast club and the families who pack inside every weekend. They just couldnt be nicer, he remarked.Its so easy for things to get undone, said Daly. The power of indifference is so devastating.Sam Lubell is editor at large at Metropolis and has written more than ten books about architecture for Phaidon, Rizzoli, Monacelli Press, and Artbook D.A.P.