• Fast-food chains are winning back customers with meal deals. Will the good times last?
    www.fastcompany.com
    Fast-food restaurant chains have been seeing an uptick in traffic over the past two months due to the success of limited-time deals and promotions, along with an early rollout of the holiday season, according to Revenue Management Solutions (RMS), a company that analyzes data and provides insights about the restaurant industry.However, RMS warned that gains from such promotions are often fleeting and could end once the deals disappear.Overall, traffic in November for quick-service restaurants (QSR) was up 1.3% year-over-year; for November 2023, it was down 1.4% YOY. This is a sizable improvement from September of this year, when fast-food traffic was down 3.8% YOY.Menu price hikes and customers in revoltRising menu prices this year at McDonalds, Taco Bell,Wendys, KFC, and otherfast-food chains caused a consumer backlash as price-conscious customers decided it wasnt worth the cost, leading to declining sales and even the closure of underperforming locations (including at Wendys and Shake Shack).To counteract the poor sales and bad publicity it was receiving, McDonalds rolled out a $5 meal deal,which it extended twice, after luring back some customers with the promise of more affordable burgers.Burger King followed with its own $5 deal, while Wendys dropped a $3 breakfast combo,and other chains offereda variety of discounts for special holidays.One important note: While these promotions drove traffic, average fast-food prices continued to rise 2.6% year-over-yearin November, per RMS.Finally, when RMS compared fast-food performance trends YOY for November, it found that the average price of a check was up 3.6%, and net sales were positive at 4.9%. Thats some good news for the fast-food industry as it nears the end of a challenging year.
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  • Sam Goody employee in Oregon denies reports that the last location is closing: Were not going anywhere
    www.fastcompany.com
    Sam Goody, the once-ubiquitous music and entertainment retail chain founded in 1951, is set to close one of its last two remaining U.S. stores next year. However, recent media reports saying that both locations will soon shutter may have been premature, Fast Company has learned.Currently, the Sam Goody brand has a store in the Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and another one in the Rogue Valley Mall in Medford, Oregon. The Ohio Sam Goody is expected to shut its doors sometime in February 2025, a rep for the mall confirmed.A number of media outlets reported this week that the Oregon Sam Goody is also closing. But when reached by phone, an employee of the store strongly denied those reports.Its not true, said Gavin Culver, the stores manager. Were going to do the last Blockbuster kind of thing because were cool like that out here. Were not going anywhere.Management for the malls office also said it hadnt heard anything about the store closing when contacted by Fast Company. And a representative for Spinoso Real Estate Group, which operates the mall, further confirmed via email that the location is staying open. A bygone era of music retailThe Ohio Valley Mall store, which opened in 1980, was once a major hub for music enthusiasts, offering a wide range of vinyl, CDs, and other media. Store manager Rick Polanski, a 43-year veteran of the location, acknowledges the shifts since the stores heyday: Its changed over the years, and it [stinks], Polanski toldthe Times Leader. I put two-thirds of my life into this place. We were a $2 million store at one point, but times have changed.Its unclear why the decision is being made now, as no formal statement was released.Sam Goody began as a side venture for its founder, Sam Goody Gutowitz, who started out selling records from his toy and novelty store in New York City. Over the decades, the chain grew into a prominent music retailer, becoming a staple in malls and shopping centers across North America.The company eventually merged with entertainment retailer Musicland, according to Rolling Stone, when Goody passed away in 1991. There were 320 stores nationwidemost of which had been opened after the Musicland acquisition.Once the company was acquired by Trans World Entertainment in 2006, many of the 345 media retail giants stores began closing and many were rebranded as FYE (For Your Entertainment) stores.Fast Company also reached out to FYE for comment.By 2012, only a handful of Sam Goody stores were left operating under the original name. Since then, these stores have continued to close, leaving only the last two locations in Ohio and Oregon.Since the rise of the digital era, sales of physical mediaincluding CDs, vinyl, and DVDshave seen a significant decline as digital streaming and downloads became the dominant method of content consumption. Tower Records, another formerly ubiquitous record store chain, closed its last location in 2006.Additionally, the mass closures of shopping malls, where Sam Goody was a prominent staple, may have contributed to the stores end.
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  • I/Thee places seating within "intentionally eroded" earthen walls for Iowa park
    www.dezeen.com
    Arizona architecture studio I/Thee has created a public installation in an Iowa park composed of furniture affixed into two rammed earth walls that were made to look eroded by applying water pressure.The Dining Room is the first of six pavilions planned to encircle Lake Petocka in Bondurant, Iowa for the ARTocka Trail Loop. It was created to offer a public gathering space for park-goers, as well as an opportunity to engage with its materiality.I/Thee has created a rammed earth pavilion in an Iowa parkLocated off a path surrounding Lake Petocka, the Dining Room pavilion consists of a large blue picnic table and bench encased in the ruins of two rammed earth walls.I/Thee constructed the walls out of locally sourced sand, clay, and gravel, mixed on-site and compacted. The team then used a high-pressure water sprayer to create the wall's eroded appearance.The pavilion is composed of a bench and picnic table spliced into two earthen walls"The pavilion features two rammed earth walls intentionally eroded to reveal playful public infrastructures that intersect and protrude from the volumes giving the impression natural forces have slowly excavated them over centuries," said the teamThe table and bench were then designed to fit into the gaps using 3D scanning and timber scribing, a carpentry technique used to fit wood or other material around a complex shape.The rammed earth walls were "eroded" using water pressureThe composition of the pavilion imitates the results of natural processes and is "not static" according to the team."The installation is not static," it said."Strategic erosion breaks were set into the walls to allow them to evolve over time, inviting the environment and time itself to become co-creators in the design process."Read: Tono Mirai Architects encloses toilet in Japanese park with rammed earthAccording to the team, the Dining Room is "one of Iowa's first public rammed earth projects" and draws attention to the material, showcasing the potential of rammed-earth construction to the broader community.It is the first of six pavilions by I/Thee set to encircle the neighbouring lake, each of which plays upon different rooms in a house. Set to be built over the course of several years, the series will include a "foyer", "gallery" and "garden".Furniture was cut to fit the contours of the wall using 3D-scanning and traditional carpentry techniquesSimilarly to the Dining Room, the construction of each pavilion will "strive to bridge the gap between human-made and natural objects" and will integrate natural elements, such as water and weather, into the design.This first pavilion is meant to act as the "heart" of the series."This community-sized table creates new ways to engage with the site, whether through a serendipitous conversation or a birthday celebration stretched across the structures; the Dining Room becomes the heart of the park's spatial network," said the team.Recently, Dezeen explored thesustainability credentials of rammed earth, while MASS Design Group used the material to create a university building in Rwanda.The photography is by Neal Lucas HitchProject credits:Project leads: Neal Lucas Hitch, Kristina Fisher, Martin HitchProject team: Varun Gandhi, Riley Wines, Claire LefflerCollaborating companies: Schlaich Bergermann Partner (Engineering)The post I/Thee places seating within "intentionally eroded" earthen walls for Iowa park appeared first on Dezeen.
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  • Dezeen Agenda features plans for two-kilometre-long elevated walkway in Dubai
    www.dezeen.com
    The latest edition of our weekly Dezeen Agenda newsletter features the Dubai Walk master plan. Subscribe to Dezeen Agenda now.Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the Dubai Walk masterplan, which aims to add 6,500 kilometres of pedestrian walkways and transform the city into a pedestrian-friendly hub by 2040. The design will include a two-kilometre-long elevated and air-conditioned looped path.Elon Musk claims Boring Company could build a transatlantic tunnel for around $20 billionThis week's newsletter also featured Elon Musk's claims that The Boring Company could build a transatlantic tunnel for around $20 billion, Chinese researchers' creation of a sponge that can absorb 99.8 per centof microplastics,and an exclusive interview with the art-design duo the Haas Brothers on this year's Design Miami.Dezeen AgendaDezeen Agenda is a curated newsletter sent every Thursday containing the most important news highlights from Dezeen. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Agenda or subscribe here.You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Debate is sent every Thursday and features the hottest reader comments and most-debated stories, Dezeen Dailyis our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours andDezeen In Depthis sent on the last Friday of every month anddelves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design.The post Dezeen Agenda features plans for two-kilometre-long elevated walkway in Dubai appeared first on Dezeen.
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  • Bates Smart creates "uniquely Australian" monolithic embassy in Washington DC
    www.dezeen.com
    Australian architecture studio Bates Smart has referenced Australia's architectural culture and the "monolithic forms" of its landscape for the design of an embassyin Washington DC, cladding it with glass and copper. The building replaces a 1960s embassy constructed by Bates Smart McCutcheon on the same property, bringing the mid-century facility into the 21st century.Bates Smart has designed the Australian embassy in Washington DC"The progression from the 1967 international style embassy to the new architecture is emblematic of Australia's emerging art and culture identifying and celebrating what is uniquely Australian," Simon Swaney, the former managing director of Melbourne-based Bates Smart, said.Completed in 2023, the 9,890-square metre (214,094-square foot) complex completes Scott Circle at the intersection of 16th Street and Massachusetts Avenue and transitions from a residential neighborhood to a commercial district. The building's main entrance is oriented south toward the White House.Its monolithic form was clad with glass and copper panels"The embassy's monolithic form is inspired by Australia's iconic landscape and embodies the essence of an ancient and vast continent inhabited by the world's oldest continuous living culture," the team said.The rectangular form with the southwestern corner cut off at a slant to accommodate the radial street organization is clad in alternating vertical bands of reflective glass and folded copper that create "varying degrees of openness".A large atrium runs on a north-south axis through the structure"The appearance of the building changes throughout the day depending on the perspective of the viewer," the team said."A striking tectonic quality, where large shadow line joints define a series of aggregated forms, creates a dialogue between positive and negative space."At the entrance, the copper bands run down the facade and bend back upwards to form cantilevering fans next to a thin awning. Inside, the entryway transitions to a large atrium that runs along the north-south axis of the building and connects the ground to the sky.Australian timber clads much of the day-lit interiorThe atrium is wrapped in bands of Australian timber that transition from rough to smooth mirroring the "protective qualities of the bark during the eucalypt forest's cycle of growth, burn and regrowth".While the ground floor is primarily for public functions, the second and third staff levels are divided into social and work zones, separated from the public realm but a security screening area.Read: Ennead Architects references traditional Turkish architecture for US Embassy in AnkaraThe second floor contains a large informal bar and a series of breakout spaces linked by a feature staircase. Meanwhile, the upper level is more flexible with a large U-shaped open plan that can adapt to agency requirements.Key social and offices are marked by intricate metallic filigree screens that mediate both light and privacy.The building has clearly distinguished public and private programmesBespoke rugs designed after Australian First Nations artworks, handcrafted furniture that was selected through a partnership with the Design Institute of Australia and a display of Australian and Indigenous artworks complete the interiors.The embassy is targeting a LEED Gold rating and Green Building Council of Australia's Greenstar rating.Recently Bates Smart completed a skinny skyscraper in Melbourne that measures just 11.5 metres wide and proposed a football stadium suspended above Sydney's Central Station.The photography is by Joe Fletcher.Project credits:Developer: DFAT OPOArchitect and Interior Designer: Bates SmartArchitect of record: KCCTGeneral contractor: Clark ConstructionsProject manager: JacobsCost consultants: Rider Levett BucknallStructural and facade engineer: Aurecon/SGHMechanical, electrical, fire, hydraulic, vertical transport, AV, Security/communications consultants: Aurecon/InterfaceFire engineering, acoustic, ESD consultant: Aurecon/ArupSignage: OngaratoTraffic consultant: Wells & AssociatesCivil consultant: Aurecon/SorbaKitchen consultant: Chris Live Design/Culinary AdvisorsLandscape consultant: TCL Wiles MenschLighting consultant: Electrolight/ONE SOURCETownplanning consultant: Holland & KnightDDA/OHS consultant: du Chateau ChunThe post Bates Smart creates "uniquely Australian" monolithic embassy in Washington DC appeared first on Dezeen.
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  • Huawei Nova 13 Pro Review: Stunning Design and Powerful Features at a Mid-Range Price
    www.yankodesign.com
    The Huawei Nova 13 Pro represents a remarkable advancement in smartphone design, seamlessly blending affordability with a sense of premium innovation. Its striking design immediately grabs attention, while the exceptional camera system and vibrant display create an experience that feels tailored for those who demand more from their devices. This phone reimagines what a mid-tier device can deliver, blending innovative features with thoughtful design. Yet, some user feedback suggests that certain design decisions may feel more polarizing than cohesive, indicating that preferences can differ widely.PROS: Impressive design with premium materials and unique textures. Reliable performance with Huaweis chipset and 12GB RAM. Vibrant LTPO OLED display with adaptive refresh rate and HDR support. Advanced camera system with variable aperture and multiple lens options. Fast 100W charging and practical reverse wired charging.CONS: Design elements could be polarizing, particularly the front camera cutout and rear camera bump. Absence of Google services, which may deter some users. Lack of tri-band Wi-Fi support for advanced connectivity needs.RATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:The Huawei Nova 13 Pro strikes an impressive balance between premium design and cutting-edge features, offering a mid-range device that feels anything but ordinary.Designer: HuaweiDesign and AestheticsHuawei has struck a balance with the Nova 13 Pro, pairing sleek design with practical functionality to enhance everyday use. Measuring 163.4 x 74.9 x 7.8 mm and weighing 209 grams, the device features a glass front and either a glass or eco-leather back, depending on the variant. Its available in four elegant colors: Black, White, Purple, and Loden Green, the series signature color.On the back, Huaweis signature interwoven patterncrafted with micro-nano 3D lithography and micro-crystal feather yarn technologyadds visual depth and practicality by being stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and skin-friendly. The elongated camera bump houses four lens openings arranged in a square configuration, accompanied by two LED flash sensors. Meanwhile, the pill-shaped cutout on the front accommodates two selfie cameras, a design choice that enhances portrait capabilities while maintaining a sleek appearance. Still, some users have criticized the front camera layout as less appealing than a simpler punch-hole approach, while others find the camera bump design childish rather than elegant, highlighting how taste can vary significantly depending on the individual.ErgonomicsThe Huawei Nova 13 Pro features a thoughtful ergonomic design, combining form and function to create a device thats as comfortable to hold as it is visually appealing. The gently curved edges and perfectly balanced weight distribution make it feel natural in hand, allowing for comfortable one-handed use despite its large 6.76-inch display.The quad-curved micro OLED screen melts into the frame, creating an almost borderless viewing experience thats both immersive and ergonomic. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness, while the 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming reduces eye strain during extended use.Huaweis interwoven pattern on the back panel, crafted using micro-nano 3D lithography and micro-crystal feather yarn technology, enhances grip while offering a unique texture and aesthetic. The elongated camera module, with its square lens arrangement and slim profile, ensures the phone remains stable on flat surfaces while maintaining sleek handling. The under-display fingerprint sensor is perfectly positioned for intuitive access, allowing for seamless unlocking without disrupting the phones clean lines. Combined with the IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance, the Nova 13 Pro is designed to withstand daily use while preserving its ergonomic integrity. Even so, user reactions to the overall design language remain mixed, with some praising the artistry while others urge Huawei and the Nova 13 Pro to adopt a more universally appealing aesthetic.PerformanceAt the heart of the Nova 13 Pro lies Huaweis Kirin 8000 chipset, supported by 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB. This combination ensures smooth multitasking, swift app launches, and reliable performance for most modern tasks. HarmonyOS 4.2 offers a clean and intuitive user experience bolstered by Huaweis ecosystem integrations.During my review of the Huawei Nova 13 Pro, the device consistently delivered impressive performance across a variety of demanding scenarios. The Kirin 8000 chipset, coupled with 12GB of RAM, proved more than capable of handling intensive multitasking and resource-heavy applications with ease. From editing high-resolution photos to playing graphic-intensive games and handling demanding applications with ease, the Nova 13 Pro exhibited no noticeable lag or slowdowns. HarmonyOS 4.2 further enhanced the experience, providing intuitive navigation, swift app switching, and fluid animations. These features ensured that whether I was managing multiple productivity tools or enjoying entertainment apps, the Nova 13 Pro maintained its responsiveness and reliability, offering a seamless user experience that aligns with its premium design. The performance aligns well with the phones premium design, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user experience.DisplayThe Huawei Nova 13 Pros display is a centerpiece of its design, offering vibrant visuals and exceptional adaptability for various uses. The 6.76-inch LTPO OLED panel features a resolution of 2776 x 1224 pixels (449 ppi density) and employs quad-curved micro OLED technology, creating an immersive, borderless viewing experience. Supporting 1 billion colors, HDR, and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, the display ensures lifelike color reproduction and seamless transitions. Moreover, the integration of 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming reduces eye strain, making it ideal for extended use.For gamers, the 120Hz refresh rate brings fluidity to fast-paced action, particularly in titles like racing games and first-person shooters. The reduced input lag, measuring as low as 8.33 milliseconds, ensures precise responsiveness during gameplay, while the elimination of screen tearing enhances immersion. These refinements offer players an edge and elevate the overall gaming experience.Streaming enthusiasts will appreciate how the Nova 13 Pro handles high-speed visuals, like watching Formula 1 races. As the cars fly by, the display captures every detail with sharpness and precision, ensuring fast-moving scenes remain vivid and lifelike. The HDR support enhances contrast and vibrancy, making the colors of the cars and tracks pop. Combined with 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming, the screen minimizes eye strain, allowing users to enjoy extended viewing sessions comfortably.Balancing performance with comfort, the Nova 13 Pros display offers a polished visual experience that resonates with a diverse audience, including gamers, binge-watchers, and everyday users. However, some remain unconvinced that the phones unique front camera placement is a worthy trade-off for these display benefits, reflecting how design choices can influence user satisfaction.CamerasThe Huawei Nova 13 Pros camera system rivals many flagship devices, delivering an exceptional photographic experience that redefines expectations in the mid-tier segment. The rear camera system features a 50MP wide-angle sensor as its centerpiece, integrating RYYB technology to enhance light intake by 40% compared to conventional sensors. The variable aperture, ranging from f/1.4 to f/4.0, is a key feature that enhances the Nova 13 Pros photographic capabilities across various lighting conditions. At f/1.4, the lens excels in low-light environments by capturing sharp, low-noise images with detailed precision while creating a pleasing background blur for artistic compositions. Narrowing the aperture to f/4.0 provides greater depth of field, making it particularly effective for landscapes and group shots where clarity across the frame is essential.This advanced system adapts seamlessly to challenging lighting conditions but also offers photographers precise control through both manual and automatic adjustments. In Pro mode, users can fine-tune the aperture to craft images with greater creative intent, while the automatic optimization ensures consistent performance without requiring technical expertise. By seamlessly integrating these capabilities, the variable aperture delivers a versatile and dynamic photography experience that meets the demands of both casual and advanced users.Accompanying the main sensor is a 12MP telephoto lens equipped with 3x optical zoom. This camera does a great job at capturing distant subjects with clarity, aided by OIS to reduce blur and PDAF for precise focusing. While details at extreme zoom ranges can soften, the telephoto lens delivers reliable performance for portraits and medium-range photography.The 8MP ultrawide lens brings creativity into the mix with its expansive 112-degree field of view. Ideal for dynamic landscapes and group shots, it also includes autofocus capabilitya feature rarely seen in mid-tier competitorsmaking it suitable for macro photography as well. However, some edge softening may occur at the widest angles, a minor trade-off for its versatility.On the front, the dual selfie cameras enhance the Nova 13 Pro to a league of its own. The 60MP ultrawide sensor captures exceptional detail, ensuring selfies highlight both the subject and surroundings with clarity. Complementing this is an 8MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom, a rarity for front-facing cameras, which adds depth and flexibility to self-portraits and video calls.The camera performance is further amplified by AI-driven features such as gyro-EIS and Huaweis advanced computational photography algorithms. These technologies stabilize video recording, optimize color accuracy, and refine detail across various shooting conditions. The Nova 13 Pros camera system balances professional-level control with approachable, user-friendly functionality, making it one of the devices most impressive features. Still, some users question the necessity of such a high-resolution front camera or the inclusion of a telephoto option for selfies, viewing these as more of a novelty than a practical enhancement.Battery and ChargingThe Huawei Nova 13 Pro is equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery designed to keep pace with modern lifestyles. The inclusion of 100W SuperCharge Turbo technology ensures rapid recharging, taking the device from 3% to 50% in a mere nine minutesperfect for those busy moments when you need to get back on the go quickly. This feature reduces downtime significantly, making it ideal for both professionals and casual users who rely heavily on their devices.Moreover, the phone supports reverse wired charging, an often-overlooked but highly practical feature. For example, it can be used to top up your wireless earbuds or assist a friend in need of extra power; this functionality adds an element of convenience and flexibility to everyday use. Combined, these charging features make the Nova 13 Pro reliable and adaptable to various power needs. Despite these positives, app availability and the absence of Google services due to ongoing U.S. sanctions may influence the decision-making process for some buyers. However, the robust HarmonyOS ecosystem and Huaweis app alternatives offer a viable solution for users who prioritize the devices strengths.Value and ConclusionThe Huawei Nova 13 series delivers a compelling package that combines sophisticated design, advanced technology, and fair pricing for what it offers. The Nova 13 is priced at $596, offering 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, while the Nova 13 Pro comes in at $758 with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This clear distinction in price reflects the additional features and storage capabilities of the Pro variant, catering to different user needs.The Nova 13 Pros refined aesthetics, dependable performance, and versatile camera system ensure it meets the expectations of a broad range of users. Whether youre a photography enthusiast, a gamer, or someone who values premium design, the Pro model strikes a thoughtful balance between style and functionality.Meanwhile, the Nova 13 standard model offers a more accessible price point while retaining key features such as the sleek textured design and a capable camera system, making it an excellent option for those looking for value without compromise.Both models deliver vibrant displays, advanced cameras, and reliable battery life, making the Nova 13 series a strong contender for users seeking quality at mid-range pricing. Huawei has managed to create devices that not only cater to various needs but also make premium features more accessible. Still, given the mixed reception of certain design elements and the ongoing ecosystem, there is room for refinement. Focusing on universally appealing aesthetics and expanding app compatibility could strengthen the Nova 13 Pros position in the mid-range market. The Nova 13 Pro remains an intriguing choice for many, yet it shows that user preferences can vary widely and that what appeals to one set of buyers may not resonate as strongly with another.The post Huawei Nova 13 Pro Review: Stunning Design and Powerful Features at a Mid-Range Price first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • Posh New Residences Overlook The Iconic British Race Circuit Silverstone
    www.yankodesign.com
    Called the Escapade Silverstone, this incredible new residence offers a view of the iconic British race circuit Silverstone. It is designed by Twelve Architects, and includes around 60 residences. The building was first unveiled in 2020, and the residences have been arranged in three rows with an attractive design that draws inspiration from slipstreaming. The first row is 40 feet away from the racetrack.Designer: Twelve ArchitectsThe articulation of their form and appearance is inspired by the concept of slipstreaming, where a vehicle follows closely behind another, traveling in its slipstream and awaiting an opportunity to overtake, said the studio. To capture this, the front-row residences consist of two modules, stacked on top of one another and slightly rotated, so the massing of the upper floors are splayed in plan.They cantilever outwards from a landscaped bund, towards the track and pedestrian walkway, creating a dramatic and dynamic frontage to the site. Each residence has been carefully positioned at different angles along the front row, creating a sense of movement, as though each building has been swept along in the tailwind of the cars speeding past, the studio concluded.The other residences have been placed behind the front row, and they offer views of the track and the surrounding country, or only the countryside depending on the location. The homes host between two and four bedrooms, and are quite flexible. They can be separated into smaller suites with the help of sound-insulated, moveable walls.Guests can book some time on the track on non-race days as well, so they can experience the iconic circuit themselves. The property also includes a clubhouse with a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and a driver-focused gym. The homes are designed to provide a boutique hotel experience, and a few of the homes are available for sale. Currently, there is no information about the pricing, but it would be on the heftier side for sure.The post Posh New Residences Overlook The Iconic British Race Circuit Silverstone first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • This Nothing VR Headset Concept Might Be The Only Virtual Reality Device with a Glyph Interface
    www.yankodesign.com
    It also might be the ONLY mainstream Android VR headset after Google Cardboard.It really goes to show that Nothing struck a chord with the global tech community, given how everyones speculating about what the company will launch next. Sure, the Nothing Phone (3) is in the works and plans on debuting early next year, but its fun asking questions like What if they launched a Nothing foldable phone? (Hint: it would be awesome) Or as designer Ratan Pande asks What about a VR headset?Honestly, both the foldable phone and the VR headset would be great areas for Nothing to disrupt. Why? Because theyre both fairly declining industries and the only reason they are is that theres a lack of exciting products in the area. In comes Nothing. The VR headset, designed by Pande, was created as an aesthetics exercise to see how one companys design DNA would translate onto a product category that the company isnt in. The result is fairly interesting, with the Glyph Interface making its way to the front of the VR headset, among a few other pretty cool details!Designer: Ratan PandeThe Nothing VR Headset is outwardly simple, wowing with aesthetics and that transparent-ish design language that weve come to know and love. The form factor isnt too different from, lets say, the Meta Quest, with a white block strapped to the front of your head. The front panel is transparent, revealing a fair bit of circuitry underneath (probably faux components designed just for the aesthetic), along with two front-facing pass-through cameras, and a few other lenses along the sides possibly for proximity awareness and obstacle detection.The Glyph Interface is what the eye instantly notices. Borrowing from the Phone (1) and (2a)s glyph patterns, the two sets of LED strips (one around each eye) help serve as notification lights not for the wearer, but for people around the wearer. Given the conceptual nature it isnt really fair to speculate what each individual glyph does, but one can imagine it glows when pass-through is switched on, so people around know that the wearer is aware of their surroundings. The glyphs could possibly do a light-dance when youre playing a game and you score a point too. Oh, and theres a red LED indicator when the wearer is recording their surroundings.Along the back, the design has a setup that all VR headset wearers are all too familiar with. A simple padded eyepiece, with a three-strap system that keeps the headset in place. On the inside, fresnel lenses power the VR experience, providing immersive clarity without too much of a price tag.Its fun to speculate what this device could potentially cost. Given that Nothing usually enters a product category with an incredibly competitive price tag, this one would have to easily be under $300 to really squeeze some market share out of Meta. As perhaps the only Android manufacturer to build a VR headset, it could tie in perfectly with the Android ecosystem, relying on a tried-and-tested OS and a total of well over 3 billion Android handsets that will pair VERY well with the VR headset, allowing you to access apps, play games, browse social-media, watch movies, and even engage in a bit of productivity! Will Nothing launch a VR headset? Probably not for a while, given how theyre still trying to establish themselves as a dominant player in the phone category but one can hope, no?The post This Nothing VR Headset Concept Might Be The Only Virtual Reality Device with a Glyph Interface first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • Modern Zen Living Room Board with Shopping List
    www.home-designing.com
    Style: Modern Zen with Japanese-Inspired Elements Color Combination: soft sage green, warm cream, charcoal black, light gray, with natural bamboo accents Who is it for: Perfect for minimalists, meditation enthusiasts, or anyone seeking to create a calming sanctuary within their home. Ideal for those who appreciate clean lines and intentional design while maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere.Budget: $$Modern Zen Living Room Shopping ListBelow we present a curated list of products presented on the board:1. Acanva Sofa2. Round Coffee Table3. Ceramic Pitcher Vase4. Falco Armchair5. Abby Flatweave Rug6. Corbitt Ceramic Table Vase7. Callisto Glass Pendant8. Zollee Wall Sconces9. Artificial Bamboo Tree10. Wall Panelling Kit11. Linen Curtains12. Mikeno Modern Art13. Black Boucle Pillow Cover14. Woaboy Throw Pillow Cover15. Beige Throw Pillow Cover16. Madison Buffet17. Kante Round Concrete Planter18. Wood Serving BowlTips and suggestionsColors That Work Together: The light gray sectional provides a soft, cloudy foundation, while sage green accents add organic tranquility. Charcoal black elements ground the space, and cream textiles create an airy, peaceful feeling throughout.Wall Details: Clean white walls with thoughtfully spaced panel molding create architectural interest. The arrangement leaves space for the eye to rest a key principle in Zen design. Gold-accented sconces add warmth while maintaining minimalist appeal.Furniture Picks: The curved, modular sectional offers both visual softness and practical comfort, while the black cane accent chair introduces natural texture. The sculptural black coffee table adds geometric interest while maintaining the rooms serene aesthetic.Bringing Nature In: A tall bamboo plant brings movement and life to the space, while its vertical growth mirrors traditional Japanese design principles. The textured black bowl with preserved moss adds an elegant touch of nature.Smart Lighting: The paper lantern pendant light references traditional Japanese design while providing soft, diffused illumination. Paired with modern wall sconces, it creates layers of gentle lighting that enhance the peaceful atmosphere.Textile Layers: The cream textured rug anchors the space while providing warmth underfoot. Sage green curtains add gentle color, while carefully chosen pillows in cream, sage, and black create subtle contrast without disrupting the calm.The Final Note: This living room achieves the perfect balance between modern minimalism and warm sophistication. Every element has been chosen with intention, creating a space that feels both elevated and deeply peaceful. The design proves that serenity doesnt mean sacrificing style instead, its about creating harmony through thoughtful restraint and natural elements that work in perfect concert.
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