The Apple Mac mini helped make mini PCs trendy, but like any mini PC, it is also hampered by limitations of its design. Make no mistake, its a powerful computer for its size, but its elegant minimalist design has inspired not a few docks and accessories to compensate for its perceived flaws in equally stylish ways. Some docks, for example, mirror the design language of the Mac mini to masquerade as a natural extension of the small box.One design quirk that the new M4-powered Mac mini has, however, is the position of the power button at the bottom, forcing owners to tilt the box up just to power it on after shutting it down. While there are many ways to get around this odd design, one solution tries to change the identity of the Mac mini at the same time by making it look like a true miniature version of the current-gen Mac Pro desktop.Designer: ZEERATruth be told, the Mac Pro design is a bit divisive even among Apple fans. After the notorious trash can 2013 Mac Pro, the current design has been derisively nicknamed cheese grater because of its aluminum body paired with perforated front and back sides. In contrast, the Mac mini has retained its rather simple box appearance while sticking to the minimalist design language that Apple has been famous for.The ZEERA MacForge case for the Mac mini M4 completely flips that identity while also flipping the Mac mini to stand on its side. Technically, the enclosure is labeled as a cooling case exactly because of that orientation. With the cooling fan facing sideways, there is better airflow compared to when it is blocked by a table. The aluminum material of the case also helps draw heat away from the Mac mini, creating a passive cooling solution as well.That vertical orientation also solves the aforementioned design oddity of the M4 Mac mini. The power button is now more accessible and exposed via a protruding metal button at the side. It might be a small thing for Mac mini users who put their computers to sleep rather than shutting them down, but more energy-conscious owners will appreciate that small quality of life improvement.The ZEERA MacForge tries to emulate the design of the Mac Pro in more ways than the towering position. It has handles at the top that make it easier to carry the Mac mini around with just a single finger. It also has elongated holes in the front more for embellishment than thermal management. The $160 price tag (currently $130 during the pre-order period) might seem excessive, but the CNC aluminum construction promises durability and elegance that 3D printed enclosures can hardly match.The post Mac mini M4 cooling case transforms it into a miniature Mac Pro first appeared on Yanko Design.

Our reliance or even over-dependence on electronic gadgets has seen us fighting over power outlets or going through hoops just to ensure our devices are properly powered and charged. Its not uncommon for some people to even bring power strips or extension cords with them just to meet the needs of their more mobile lifestyles, whether its for work or play.Useful as they may be, the design of power outlets and strips is outdated, uninspiring, and unable to keep up with the demands and lifestyles of the current generation. This concept design for a modular ecosystem of accessories tries to deliver not only power but also lighting that can adapt to the ever-changing needs of people, whether theyre working at a coffee shop, bunking at a hotel, or simply staying at home.Designer: Andrea MangoneTheres no hard rule that says power strips need to be long boxes. It just happens to be the most efficient shape for cramming power outlets without plugs getting in the way of each other. Efficiency doesnt always translate to effectiveness, however, especially when theres not only wasted space but also wasted potential in how we can best utilize these power sources. After all, you cant expand or shorten a power strip beyond its original size, nor can you even stick it to a wall temporarily for a vertical arrangement.NODES is a concept for a set of modular power accessories that tries to change the way we interact with outlets and sockets. At the heart of this system is the power strip module that looks nothing like a traditional power strip. Its almost spherical in shape but has flattened sides and a plug sticking out from one side. The other three sides have AC outlets, while one side has two USB-C ports, covering most outlet needs. The plug can be directly connected to a power socket, an extension cord, or, as well see later, the battery module. Although not explicitly stated, it might be possible to daisy chain these spheres to expand the number of outlets.Another part of the system is the light module, which is basically a light bulb with a plug. The textured dial at the bottom of the diffuser acts both as an on/off switch as well as a dimmer, offering a direct and tactile method of controlling the light. Its simple design makes it trivial to have a bedside night lamp wherever youll be staying, or a makeshift desk lamp for working while glamping.Last but not least is a tall dome-shaped battery module, offering single-outlet access to a 20,000 mAh battery. Its perfect for turning the light module into a temporary table lamp, and you can get around the outlet limitation by plugging in the power strip module first. With just these three modules, the NODES system can already expand and cover the needs of most people today while still leaving room for future designs that will cater to specific needs and use cases.The post Modular power strip concept offers a flexible upgrade to power and lighting needs first appeared on Yanko Design.

In an era where sustainability is more than just a trend, 2024 has seen a remarkable surge in eco-friendly designs that blend innovation with responsibility. From everyday essentials to luxurious indulgences, these products are setting new standards in sustainable living. We have curated the top 10 sustainable designs of the year they showcase how creativity and conscience can coexist beautifully.These innovative products prove that sustainability and style can go hand in hand, offering consumers responsible choices that enhance their lives and the world around them, without adversely impacting the environment and Mother Earth. Dive in!1. Kreis CupDubbed the Kreis Cup, this coffee cup is designed to be sustainable and durable. It will enhance and elevate your coffee-drinking experience, and is available in different styles a cup and a travel-mug. This cup is reusable and made from used coffee grounds and other plant-based materials. The cup is free from petroleum-based plastics.The Kreis Cup is heat-resistant, and it will keep your coffee hot for longer. It is an exceptional design since it is biodegradable, unlike the plastic-based to-go mugs you see at your local cafe. Once the cup reaches the end of its lifespan, it will disintegrate into the soil, leaving nothing behind.Why is it noteworthy?Crafted to promote a circular economy, the Kreis Cup is made from used coffee grounds that are dried, treated, and embedded in a natural, plant-based polymer. This process not only gives the cup a rich appearance reminiscent of coffee grounds but also imparts a subtle, distinct coffee aroma. The polymer binding the grounds is food-safe, heat-resistant, and highly durable, offering a significant advantage over ceramic cups and mugs, which can easily break when dropped.What we likeCrafted from spent coffee grounds that have been dried, treated, and then suspended in a natural, plant-based polymer.Blessed with the faint, unmistakable scent of coffee.What we dislikeHas a limited lifespan, since it is biodegradable. Will need replacement.2. Sustainable Cutlery SetThe Sustainable Cutlery Set revolutionizes the way we think about dining utensils. Crafted from a special plastic polymer reinforced with glass fiber threads, this minimalistic set is both durable and environmentally friendly. Its portable design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it perfect for on-the-go lifestyles.The cutlery set is resistant to stains and odors, ensuring a fresh dining experience every time. Available in a range of elegant colors, including black, white, blue, and pink, it offers a stylish and sustainable solution for conscious consumers who want to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on design.Click Here to Buy Now: $49.00Why is it noteworthy?This cutlery set showcases an innovative use of materials that are not only durable but also recyclable, addressing the growing concern over single-use plastics. The incorporation of 316 stainless steel provides a stable connection between parts, enhancing its longevity and performance. Its lightweight and dishwasher-safe features make it convenient for everyday use.What we likeMade from recyclable polymer and glass fiber, reducing plastic waste.Easy to assemble and disassemble, suitable for various dining settings.What we dislikeWhile stylish, the color range may not suit all personal tastes.3. AromaCraft Clothes BrushThe AromaCraft Clothes Brush transforms garment care into a luxurious ritual. Crafted by the Miyakawa Hake Brush Workshop, a family-owned business with over a century of expertise, this brush removes dust and pollen while refreshing clothes with a gentle fragrance.The innovative aromatic paper insert allows users to customize scents with essential oils, adding a personal touch to their wardrobe care routine. Made with the finest white boar hair and a walnut wood handle, this brush combines traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.Click Here to Buy Now: $149.00Why is it noteworthy?The reusable washi paper insert is made from eco-friendly Japanese paper, aligning with sustainable practices while offering a customizable fragrance experience. This product not only elevates garment care but also promotes mindfulness, turning a routine task into a meditative ritual. Its elegant design and unmatched functionality make it a valuable addition to any wardrobe.What we likeAllows personalization with essential oils.Made from biodegradable washi paper and sustainable wood.What we dislikeRegular cleaning is needed to maintain bristle quality.The investment reflects craftsmanship and materials used.4. Limbo ChairCalled the Limbo Chair, this seating design features a swooping, sculptural form that merges art and functionality. It is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and perfectly balances flexibility and support. It is the perfect chair for relaxing, reading, and unwinding.The striking design makes it a museum-worthy art piece, and it is comfortable and durable for daily use as well. It invites users to experience and unravel a whole new level of comfort while adding some elegance and sophistication to your living space.Why is it noteworthy?Crafted from sustainable materials, this chair reflects a commitment to eco-friendly design without compromising on style or comfort. By offering a versatile seating solution that complements various environments, the Limbo Chair exemplifies the potential of sustainable design to transform everyday living spaces.What we likeSuitable for both indoor and outdoor use.Unique form adds elegance to any setting.What we dislikeMay require ample space due to its size and shape.5. Earth-Friendly Stacking CupThe Earth-Friendly Stacking Cup is a testament to sustainable design, combining minimalist aesthetics with eco-conscious materials. Crafted from plant-derived biodegradable resin, this cup offers a unique texture reminiscent of ceramic or wood, providing a tactile and enriching drinking experience.The design not only complements modern living spaces but also serves as a daily reminder of our environmental responsibilities. The cup is coated with a harmless urethane finish, adding a matte black texture and water resistance, making it both stylish and practical for everyday use.Click Here to Buy Now: $25.00Why is it noteworthy?This stacking cup is made using biodegradable resin, which breaks down into water and CO2 through natural microbial action. This feature significantly reduces its environmental impact, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers. Safe for use with warm drinks, it combines functionality with sustainability, offering a guilt-free beverage experience.What we likeBreaks down naturally, reducing landfill waste.A matte black finish complements modern aesthetics.What we dislikeNot suitable for extremely hot beverages.May not withstand rough handling compared to traditional materials.6. Harmony Flame FireplaceThe Harmony Flame Fireplace offers a safe and sustainable way to enjoy the ambiance of a real fire indoors. Handcrafted by artisans who specialize in brass musical instruments, this lamp uses eco-friendly bioethanol fuel to create enchanting flames. Its brass construction reflects light and shadows, enhancing the mood of any space.It is perfect for patios or dining tables, this lamp combines the warmth of a traditional fireplace with the convenience and safety of modern design, offering an elegant alternative to artificial lighting.Click Here to Buy Now: $239.00Why is it noteworthy?This lamp uses bioethanol fuel, which is odorless and smokeless, providing a clean and eco-friendly source of light and warmth. Its handcrafted brass construction showcases the skill and care of its makers, ensuring a unique and durable piece. The Harmony Flame Lamp requires no installation, making it easy to integrate into any setting.What we likeUses bioethanol, reducing environmental impact.Made by skilled artisans, ensuring durability and uniqueness.What we dislikeRequires access to bioethanol, which may not be widely available.Suitable for well-ventilated areas only.7. Earth-Friendly TumblerThe Earth-Friendly Tumbler redefines daily hydration with its commitment to sustainability and style. Made from biodegradable resin sourced from paper and corn, this tumbler marries form and function seamlessly. Its tactile appeal mimics the comfort of ceramic and wood, yet it pushes the boundaries with advanced eco-friendly synthetics.Designed to withstand temperatures up to 248F, this tumbler is perfect for both hot and cold beverages, making it a versatile addition to any eco-conscious household. It is a sustainable kitchenware that maintains a sleek and seamless aesthetic, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen.Click Here to Buy Now: $25.00Why is it noteworthy?What sets this tumbler apart is its unique material composition that biodegrades into water and CO2, minimizing its ecological footprint. Each piece features subtle variations due to the natural materials used, ensuring that no two tumblers are alike. The harmless urethane coating provides a matte black texture and water resistance, enhancing its durability and aesthetic appeal.What we likeMade from biodegradable resin, promoting sustainability.Each tumbler has distinct variations, adding a personalized touch.What we dislikeMay not be suitable for boiling liquids.Requires careful handling to avoid damage.8. Evolution HoodieThe Evolution Hoodie by Coalatree is a versatile and sustainable garment made from a blend of spent coffee grounds and recycled plastic bottles. This innovative fabric offers a soft and supple feel while incorporating over 20 features designed for travel and adventure, such as secure zippered pockets and key loops.The use of recycled coffee grounds and plastic bottles demonstrates a creative approach to sustainable fashion. It showcases that modern fashion can be sustainable and eco-friendly as well, we dont need to cause destruction to the environment to look good and feel great about ourselves.Why is it noteworthy?By transforming waste materials into functional fibers, Coalatree reduces environmental impact while providing consumers with a high-performance garment. The Evolution Hoodies thoughtful design caters to travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering practicality without compromising on style or comfort.What we likeCombines recycled coffee grounds and plastic bottles.Includes secure pockets and travel-friendly features.What we dislikePrimarily targets travelers and adventure seekers.This may not suit all body types or style preferences.9. Saye ShoesSayes sneakers are designed with sustainability, style, and affordability in mind. These sneakers feature chromium-free leather, addressing the harmful effects of traditional leather tanning processes on both workers and the environment. Available in five colors, they cater to both men and women, offering a fashionable yet eco-conscious footwear option.They showcase a sustainable approach to fashion, with a focus on health and environmental impact. Chromium has been eliminated from the leather tanning process, which makes it a conscious footwear that will not harm the environment very much.Why is it noteworthy?As mentioned, the elimination of Chromium significantly reduces the risk of health issues for tannery workers and minimizes environmental harm. The sneakers design reflects current fashion trends, proving that sustainability does not have to come at the expense of style or affordability.What we likeSafer for workers and the environment.Aligns with current trends without a premium price tag.What we dislikeCurrently available in only five colors.Faces competition from other sustainable footwear brands.10. Nike Grind DumbbellsNike has taken a significant step towards sustainability with the introduction of their Nike Grind Dumbbells. These dumbbells are crafted using Nike Grind Rubber, a material derived from the waste generated during the footwear manufacturing process.Each dumbbell contains at least 20% recycled rubber by volume, making it a sustainable choice for fitness enthusiasts who are conscious of their environmental impact. So, if youre someone whose into fitness and being green, then the Nike Grind Dumbbells are an excellent option for you.Why is it noteworthy?The Nike Grind Dumbbells are a testament to Nikes commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability. By repurposing footwear manufacturing waste, Nike not only minimizes landfill contributions but also creates a durable and functional product. The unique texture of the dumbbells provides excellent grip and comfort, making them ideal for rigorous workouts.What we likeUtilizes recycled rubber from footwear waste.Designed to withstand intense workouts with enhanced grip.What we dislikeMay not be widely available in all regions.The use of recycled materials might impact the price point.The post Top 10 Sustainable Designs of 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Unveiled yesterday (19 December), the visuals show each of the shortlisted teams responses to a design exercise run as part of the second stage of the competition selection process.The shortlist, announced in August, includes architect-led multidisciplinary bids headed by 6a architects, David Chipperfield Architects, OMA, Lina Ghotmeh, and a collaboration between Eric Parry Architects and Jamie Fobert Architects.Models and images were submitted as part of a day-long charrette with the museum to test the capabilities of each architecture team shortlisted for the overhaul of the western area of the Grade I-listed museum. They are not final designs.AdvertisementKey aims include the introduction of contemporary architecture and innovative gallery displays, alongside sensitivity towards the need to respect and restore the highly significant and celebrated listed buildings on the site.The British Museum previously said that the second stage of the competition process would assess their approach to historic fabric, as well as different elements of spatial, environmental and exhibition design, with a focus on the collections of Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman artefacts.The 6a architects-led design response creates a biodiversity-led ecosystem of artefacts through greening and the reopening of courtyards dating back from 1838, while a top-lit finish to the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos would open up its brick vaults for the first time, the project team said.David Chipperfields response proposes two large public halls to turn the British Museum into a pluriversal space through a series of interconnected strategies. The practice adds that it would open up the museum to allow greater public participation.Floor plates would be opened up and walls peeled back under Jamie Fobert and Eric Parrys early design proposals to foster a new-found freedom of movement at the museum. The team added that revealing vaults and basement spaces would shed light on the buildings original architecture and artefacts.AdvertisementThe Lina Ghotmeh response includes spaces for experiences and bold interventions to the museum to create an archeology of the future and places for visitors to meet, while the OMA concept centres on delivering maximum impact and minimum intervention, with reuse of two internal courtyards and a focus on digital curation.The international competition has proved controversial, due to the significant financial backing the museum is receiving from fossil fuel giant BP. In January environmental campaigners called on architects not to take part in the contest because of the 50 million funding pledged to the Bloomsbury-based institution by BP.In recent years, BP and other oil and gas companies have been increasingly shunned by Britains cultural industries, with Tate, the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Shakespeare Company among those institutions turning down such sponsorship.When the British Museum announced its partnership with BP in late 2023, it prompted the resignation of trustee Muriel Gray, former chair of the Glasgow School of Art, while Doug Parr, the UK policy director for Greenpeace, said the deal must surely be one of the biggest, most brazen greenwashing sponsorship deals the sector has ever seen. Source:Trustees of the British MuseumHowever, the high-profile competition, organised by Colander and aimed at finding a team to transform the central London museums Western Range, attracted more than 60 entrants from six continents.The scheme is part of a decade-long renovation masterplan unveiled late last year and billed as one of the most significant cultural redevelopment projects ever undertaken.The job will be the museums biggest building project since the 1820s when work began on Robert Smirkes original Greek Revival-style quadrangle. The 100,000m museum has around 3,500 different rooms and features more than eight million items in its permanent collection.The museums chair, former chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne, said earlier this year: The redevelopment of the British Museum is one of the biggest projects of our time. We asked for the best of the architectural community to step forward to help and they have, from Britain and across the world.The competition comes three years after the museum named four architects on a 45 million construction consultancy services framework: Avanti Architects, Dannatt Johnson Architects, Nex Architecture and Wright & Wright Architects.Stanton Williams completed a new Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World at the British Museum in 2019. In 2014, RSHP completed the museums World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre extension.Each of the shortlisted teams are expected to receive an honorarium of 50,000 to participate in the design phase of the competition. A winner will be announced in February 2025.The teams designs are now on display in the museums Round Reading Room.The five shortlisted teams6a architects with Advanced Integrated Solutions, Arup, David Bonnett Associates, Gitta Gschwendtner, Kellenberger-White, London School of Architecture, Purcell, Studio ZNADavid Chipperfield Architectswith AEA Consulting, Adamson Associates, Alan Baxter Associates, Arup, Atelier Brckner, Atelier Ten, Lobe Lloyd, Julian Harrap Architects, Plan A, Reusefully, Neal ShasoreEric Parry Architects and Jamie Fobert Architects with Buro Happold, David Bonnett Associates, Max Fordham, Mima, Price & Myers, Purcell, Space Syntax, Studio ZNALina Ghotmeh Architecture with Ali Cherri, Arup, Holmes Studio, Plan A, PurcellOMA with Arup, Benoy, Cookies, Ducks Scno, EQ2 Light, Purcell, Salvatore Settis, Studio ZNA Source:The Trustees of the British MuseumInside the British Museums Great Court

Once upon a time, architecture on television wasnt just dumbed-down Changing Rooms-style makeovers or will-they-wont-they-succeed, one-off house projects for the one per cent. Architects, buildings and the future of our cities were given significant airtime, often in documentary series that were surprisingly opinionated. Then programme makers began moving towards formats like Grand Designs described by its host Kevin McCloud as more experiential television. But some of those earlier gems can easily be found today. Here we list some of the very best from the archive, all of which still deserve a watch in a spare moment this Christmas. Architecture at the Crossroads (1986)Episode time: 40 mins. Available on: BBC iPlayer and dailymotionIn the mid-1980s, the BBC ran this compelling, groundbreaking 10-part series, which is (partially) still available on iPlayer. There has been nothing really like it since. This is high architecture made accessible for the small screen. AdvertisementNarrated by Andrew Sachs (Manuel from Fawlty Towers), it was a major, well-researched undertaking which offered an unexpectedly critical view of architectural styles, current design fashions and how contemporary buildings met (or didnt) societys needs. The BBCs own blurb says the programme looks at how some young architects are reacting against Modernist sterility with an exuberant return to traditional forms.Provocative episode titles include Doubt and Reassessment and Stop the Bulldozer. In some ways it is a manifesto for the (then in vogue) Postmodernism trend. But many of the messages, including those about reinvention and reuse, are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago. RWI Love This Dirty Town (1969)Episode time: 50 mins. Available on: BBC iPlayer and YouTubeI suppose this is a lament for the death of the city, begins biographer and novelist Margaret Drabble in this hard-hitting 50-minute counterattack on the nations burgeoning, anywhere-place, suburbia.Pictures of sterile, peopleless streets of semi-detached villas are juxtaposed against snapshots of energetic but gritty town centres (mainly swinging 60s London). AdvertisementDrabble and her selected interviewees, including theatre director Joan Littlewood, take remarkably informed swipes at the ham-fisted and paternalistic planners who have driven (she hates cars too) tightly knit urban communities out to empty middle-class ghettos.Though targeted at the utopian dreams of out-of-touch post-war town planners, this humane visual essay remains uncannily prescient.She bangs the drum for high density, mixed-up mixed-use, walkable neighbourhoods and cultural vibrancy many of the things that make up the same backbone of decent urban design today. RWNairn Across Britain: Trans-Pennine Canal (1972)Episode time: 30 mins.Available on: BBC iPlayer and YouTubeIn June 1955, the Architectural Review published Outrage, a now-famous issue edited by architectural critic Ian Nairn. He used the occasion to take a swipe at the UKs unimaginative subtopian sprawl based on a nightmarish road trip that took him from the South to the North. From the late 1960s until 1978 he took his journeys on to television, picking out the places (or parts of places) he especially liked or hated and often offering his thoughts on what could be done to improve them.The series Nairn Across Britain was first aired in 1972 and is packed with his usual wit and venom. In the episode From Leeds into Scotland, he laps up the solid and sane town of Appleby before ripping into addled and characterless Carlisle. Here, during his Trans-Pennine barge adventure, Nairn is clearly exasperated at how post-industrial Northern cities had turned their back on the canal, asking why they hadnt embraced meaningful waterside development. Half a century later his words still seem remarkably far-sighted. RWBuilding Sights: Hauer-King House (1996)Episode time: 10 mins.Available on: BBC iPlayer and YouTubeThe four series of Building Sights ran between 1988 and 1996. They were fun, bite-size architectural love letters, each showcasing a hosts favourite building.The fangirls/fanboys were often top name architects such as Richard Rogers, Eva Jiin and Zaha Hadid but more mainstream stars of their day also gave their own architectural critiques: Damien Hirst noseys around Leeds Brutalist Worsley Medical building; Jools Holland pops out the top of One Canada Square at Canary Wharf; and Janet Street-Porter shows off her bonkers CZWG-designed Clerkenwell home.Some are more successful than others. Norman Fosters off-the-wall ode to a Boeing 747 could be from a different series. Will Alsop, however, has a field day in Future Systems glass-walled Hauer-King House in Islington. He even takes a bath there. Given the Twentieth Century Society is currently trying to list the wedged-shaped greenhouse, theres even more reason to watch the episode. RWWhere We Live now: New town, home town (1979)Episode time: 58 mins.Available on: BBC iPlayerThis documentary written and presented by writer and visionary Colin Ward is ideal viewing for anyone interested in planning and architecture, especially given Starmer and Rayners new towns policy.Ward visits Letchworth, Harlow, Peterlee, Runcorn and the emerging Milton Keynes to ask ordinary residents how successfully these grand visions have turned out. Ward is a fan of new towns, describing them as the one positive achievement of British planning since the war, yet proves himself a balanced critic, able to point out design misses as well as hits.Whats refreshing about the film isnt just the focus on lived experience (what todays architects would call PoE) but the welcome prominence given to the voices of working-class people something that reflects poorly on todays television. Most seem pleased to have escaped the inner city, with peoples quality of life enhanced by local jobs, transport links, walkable neighbourhoods, and that blend of city and country living first envisaged by Ebenezer Howard. WHVisual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman (2008)Episode time: 1 hour 23 minutes.Available on: YouTubeMade just a year before legendary architectural photographer Julius Shulman died aged 98, this life-story is a sometimes patchy but watchable oddity. Its a televisual coffee table book, crammed with his luscious snaps of US Mid-Century Modern gems.Yet, despite the rollcall of star name architect clients (including Frank Gehry) and narration from Dustin Hoffman, the documentary, directed by Eric Bricker, is let down by amateurish graphics while the interviews look like theyve been done on acamcorder.Even so, Shulman, an early environmentalist, comes across as both good-humoured and humane. His stunning photographs he explains the famous night shot of Pierre Koenigs clifftop Stahl house overlooking Los Angeles shaped international taste and helped make the architects he featured. It is a story, too, about the buildings themselves, some of which are now shadows of their acetate perfection. A flawed but still fascinating film. RWChristmas viewing 2024-12-20Richard Waitecomment and share TagsChristmas viewing

A new study suggests this probably isn't the next 'iPhone moment'.

But can a hip hop-loving rooster save breakfast cereal?

The type foundry says its AI tools aren't "just for efficiency".

Visualizing the voidSnowpiercer season four hit screens in 2023. In it, the shows post-apocalyptic narrative reaches new heights of intrigue as Snowpiercer explores areas previously thought to be uninhabitable, including one scene where the train leaves its tracks and travels independently across a frozen ocean. The season also involves more action and expansive environments, meaning Image Engine was trusted with 343 shots across multiple episodes. Notable sequences included the Snowpiercer train metamorphosing into a snow tread vehicle, unveiling an epic frozen port city, a thrilling nighttime rocket launch over an icy ocean at night, and the dramatic freezing of the character Ben (Iddo Goldberg), who makes a supreme sacrifice for the safety of others.The amount of work on season four was fivefold, so there was a big difference in volume and the size of the comp team, says Jesus Lavin, Compositing Supervisor. Some of the more complex shots were those where we had to comp practical sets on huge, full-CG environments with long aerial travelling cameras. These shots were very challenging and required a lot of integration.One such environment was that of New Eden a new warm spot discovered on the frozen Earth. Image Engine built the entire valley of New Eden, ensuring it looked convincing from multiple angles. The New Eden environment shots contained multiple square kilometres of landscape with buildings, mountain ranges, lakes, and the integration of the trestle bridge and canyon from season 3, says Poser. The environment team needed to work from many different angles in full CG, but with the added challenge of combining that with plates of the New Eden set.As well as the more expansive shots of New Eden, we also worked on close-up sequences of many areas that only make up a tiny part of the environment, which we up-rezzed and refined to accommodate the need, he continues. These shots included the bridge worksite, canyon, top of the cliff, and the area west of New Eden with its parked trains and tracks.In one episode, viewers witness the camera pan over the New Eden worksite, soar across the tundra, and fly by the track scaler vehicle.This shot started with a live plate component of a crane shot that was handed off to a 3D rendering of a fly-through animation, says Jack Evans, CG Supervisor. We blended the final shot in comp with added digital matte painting elements to fill out the background. Combining these disparate elements into one cohesive shot was challenging, but our compositing team knocked it out of the park. By the end of the show, these huge environment shots felt second nature.Ali Ehtemami, Lead Compositor at Image Engine, ensured the particle and FX setups that gave these environments an extra edge in fidelity continued to be refined and improved to ensure a realistic result.The number of shots, delivery targets and the fact that we were working on all the episodes across the season made season four even more challenging and every shot was embellished with snow particles and 2D atmos and fog elements, says Ehtemami. So, to meet this challenge, I took all the great FX work the team accomplished on Snowpiercers previous two seasons and further refined and optimized the core atmos and particle tool we created for smoke, snow, snowdrifts, clouds, and fog in Nuke. I tweaked the setup in a way that kept the quality of the particle setups high while running at least ten times faster. Moreover, we introduced a new modular compositing workflow specifically tailored for this show, coupled with various optimizations implemented in the compositing process. These advancements greatly contributed to enhancing production efficiency!Embracing complexityOf course, the Snowpiercer train itself did not go without its fair share of attention in season four. This time, the trains visual effects required a significant increase in mechanical complexity as well as further optimization of the train track tool, as Poser describes.For season four, the tool could: generate better wheel alignment and displacement and connect wheels correctly on the train track, even when the track was curved or sloped; correctly link the train cars; create better train car spacing with support for steep angles and curves; and improve instancing for performance and caching, he says. By this point, the tool was firing on all cylinders and saving us time which the team could then spend on creating even more beautiful, believable shots.Those shots included some close-ups of Snowpiercer that revealed the train in more detail than in any previous season. One close-up sequence sees the character of Ben stepping outside the train to release a stuck link between two train cars, and in another, Melanie (Jennifer Connelly) must crawl through the trains undercarriage and into the cooling vents. For these scenes, the Image Engine team had to construct the Snowpiercers intricate undercarriage with numerous moving mechanical pieces and higher-resolution textures.The most challenging setup was definitely the close-up shot of the undercarriage of the train where the tank-like treads are first revealed, which enable Snowpiercer to leave the tracks and travel independently across the frozen ocean, says Evans. The team had to design a believable system that could deploy snow treads across the whole train, lift it with hydraulic pistons and allow Snowpiercer to leave the track and freely drive through a ruined port city and onto a frozen ocean.To create the sequence, Image Engine created concept artwork of the undercarriage design for approval, then built out the treads and their animation, ensuring the mechanism felt like something that could realistically propel the train. Our animation supervisor, Curtis Richardson-Smith, created animated mockups of modified geometry for the mechanism used to link the cars together, which the asset department then used to build out the more detailed work, explains Evans. Ultimately, the close-up shot revealing all of this was a cross-department effort involving assets, animation, FX, and compositing. When it all came together, the results blew me away.Making the unreal, realImage Engines task list for season four also encompassed numerous shots of actors against a green screen, such as some scenes that show characters moving around on the exterior of the Snowpiercer train.The biggest challenge on shots like these is always integrating something shot on stage to make it look like the actors are actually on a train driving 150kph and rumbling through a frozen world, says Poser. This is an even bigger challenge when the actors are very close to the surface or touch and interact with the CG train, like Melanie hanging onto the ladder on the side of Snowpiercer. There are an incredible amount of details and small things to get right, or else the shot will look fake. These sequences require flawless execution from matchmove and roto to lighting and final comp.Lavin adds: When dealing with blue screen material shot on set, the challenge is finding a middle ground between the look that comes with studio lighting and the lighting you need in your CG to make the shot look good. Nevertheless, our Image Engine lighters are amazing at tasks like these at this point.Image Engine also updated and optimized its tools to more easily incorporate 2D elements on cards within its 3D scenes. These updates gave us a lot of flexibility in quickly trying out different ideas without involving the compositing team every time we wanted to combine practical elements in our CG environments, says Widen.Many scenes across Snowpiercer season four also required the addition of digital doubles CG replicas that needed to feel as believable and natural as their living counterparts to sell the believability of the set pieces in which they featured. When you have a full CG shot with digi-doubles, most of the workload is on the shoulders of animators and lighters, says Lavin. Again, at this point, the team is fantastic at making these shots feel real. Our artists delivered some incredible work.

I'm an AI reporter, and next year, I want to be bored out of my mind. I don't want to hear about increasing rates of AI-powered scams, messy boardroom power struggles or people abusing AI programs to create harmful, misleading or intentionally inflammatory photos and videos.It's a tall order, and I know I probably won't get my wish. There are simply too many companies developing AI and too little guidance and regulation. But if I had to ask for one thing this holiday season, it's this: 2025 needs to be the year we get meaningful AI content labels, especially for images and videos. Zooey Liao/CNETAI-generated images and videos have come a long way, especially over the past year. But the evolution of AI image generators is a double-edged sword. Improvements to the models mean that images come out with fewer hallucinations or flukes. But those weird things, people with 12 fingers and disappearing objects, were one of the few things people could flag and second guess whether the image was created by humans or AI. As AI generators improve and those tell-tale signs disappear, it's going to be a major problem for all of us. The legal power struggles and ethical debates over AI images will undoubtedly continue next year. But for now, AI image generators and editing services are legal and easy to use. That means AI content is going to continue to inundate our online experiences, and identifying the origins of an image is going to become harder -- and more important -- than ever. There's no silver bullet, one-size-fits-all solution. But I'm confident that widespread adoption of AI content labels would go a long way toward helping.The complicated history of AI art Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. If there's one button you can push to send any artist into a blind rage, it's bringing up AI image generators. The technology, powered by generative AI, can create entire images from a few simple words in your prompts. I've used and reviewed several of them for CNET, and it can still surprise me how detailed and clear the images can be. (They're not all winners, but they can be pretty good.)As my former CNET colleague Stephen Shankland succinctly put it, "AI can let you lie with photos. But you don't want a photo untouched by digital processing." Striking a balance between retouching and editing away the truth is something that photojournalists, editors and creators have been dealing with for years. Generative AI and AI-powered editing only make it more complicated.Take Adobe for example. This fall, Adobe introduced a ton of new features, many of which are generative AI-powered. Photoshop can now remove distracting wires and cables from images, and Premiere Pro users can lengthen existing film clips with gen AI. Generative fill is one of the most popular Photoshop tools, on par with the crop tool, Adobe's Deepa Subramaniam told me. Adobe made it clear that its generative editing is going to be the new norm and future. And because Adobe is the industry standard, that puts creators in a bind: Get on board with AI or fall behind.Even though Adobe promises never to train on its users' work -- one of the biggest concerns with generative AI -- not every company does or even discloses how its AI models are built. Creators who share their work online already have to deal with "art theft and plagiarism," digital artist Ren Ramos told me earlier this year, noting how image generation tools grant access to the styles that artists have spent their lives honing.What AI labels can doAI labels are any kind of digital notices that flag when an image might have been created or significantly altered by AI. Some companies automatically add a digital watermark to their generations (like Meta AI's Imagine), but many offer the ability to remove them by upgrading to paid tiers (like OpenAI's Dall-E 3). Or users can simply crop the image to cut out the identifying mark.There's been a lot of good work done this past year to aid in this effort. Adobe's content authenticity initiative launched a new app this year called Content Credentials that lets anyone attach digital, invisible signatures to their work. Creators can also use these credentials to disclose and track AI usage in their work. Adobe also has a Google Chrome extension that helps identify these credentials in content across the web.Google adopted a new standard for content credentials for images and ads in Google Search as part of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, co-founded by Adobe. It also added a new section to image info on Google Search that highlights any AI editing for "greater transparency." Google's beta program for watermarking and identifying AI content, called SynthID, took a step forward and was rolled out open-source to developers this year.Social media companies have also been working on labeling AI content. Folks are twice as likely to encounter false or misleading online images on social media than on any other channel, according to a report from Poynter's MediaWise initiative. Instagram and Facebook's parent company Meta rolled out automatic "Made with AI" labels for social posts, and the labels quickly, mistakenly flagged human-taken photographs as AI-generated. Meta later clarified that the labels are applied when it "detect[s] industry standard AI image indicators" and changed the label to read "AI info" to avoid the implication that an image was entirely generated by a computer program. Other social media platforms, like Pinterest and TikTok, have AI labels to varying degrees of success -- in my experience, Pinterest has been overwhelmingly flooded with AI, and TikTok's AI labels are omnipresent but easy to overlook.Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, recently shared a series of posts on the subject, saying: "Our role as internet platforms is to label content generated as AI as best we can. But some content will inevitably slip through the cracks, and not all misrepresentations will be generated with AI, so we must also provide context about who is sharing so you can assess for yourself how much you want to trust their content."If Mosseri has any actionable advice other than "consider the source" -- which most of us are taught in high school English class -- I'd love to hear it. But more optimistically, it could hint at future product developments to give people more context, like Twitter/X's community notes. These things like AI labels are going to be even more important if Meta decides to go through with its experiment to add AI-generated suggested posts to our feeds.What we need in 2025All of this is great, but we need more. We need consistent, glaringly obvious labels across every corner of the internet. Not buried in the meta data of a photograph but slapped across it (or above/below it). The more obvious, the better.There isn't an easy solution to this. That kind of online infrastructure would take a lot of work and collaboration across tech, social and probably government and civil society groups. But that kind of investment in distinguishing raw images from those that are entirely AI-generated to everything in between is essential. Teaching people to identify AI content is great, but as AI improves, it's going to get harder for even experts like me to accurately assess images. So why not make it super freaking obvious and give people the information they need to know about an image's origins -- or at least help them second-guess when they see something weird?My concern is that this issue is currently at the bottom of many AI companies' to-do lists, especially as the tide seems to be turning to developing AI videos. But for the sake of my sanity, and everyone else's, 2025 has to be the year we nail down a better system for identifying and labeling AI images.