Every corner whispers calm in the serene villa designed by Ambience Interior. Every detail celebrates elegance, and every room is reminiscent of the natural vibe outdoors. As light pours in through the expansive windows and soft neutral tones meet clean lines, a serene, timeless ambiance is created. This evokes feelings similar to the ones youd have walking through a calm forestbut in an understated way.A narrow corridor with a wooden floor leads you into the home, with the glass door reflecting nature outdoors. The living room features a chunky modular sofa. A leather cushion adds the right amount of outdoorsy green. We especially love the built-in, glass-enclosed fireplace and stacked firewood displayadding a considerable degree of warmth. The entertainment complex is nice and simple, and features a light oakwood shelving unit.The kitchen, again, is understated. A neutral color palette dominates the space. This is complemented by a black kitchen island and pendant lights. The gold legs for the bar stools easily factor in luxury.The dining areaadjacent to the kitchen and living space in this open-concept planfeatures a large table, rattan chairs, and circular pendant lights. The floor-to-ceiling windows would make you feel like youre dining amidst nature.The staircase is curved and simple, but a small illuminated console makes sure to create a decorative statement.The bedrooms in the serene villa are modern, but make sure to maintain that connection with Mother Nature. We see hints of sage green in the color palette, as well as layered bedding for a cozy vibe. A double vanity makes sure the space is visually intriguing.The room built in the loft should be space-savvyand thats achieved with a floating bed and minimal accessories. The space does take advantage of all the light it receives by incorporating a work desk, though!The bathrooms in this home use green and teal textured accents on the wall. The bathroom in the loft features a wall-mounted toilet and compact shower cubiclethe glass partition of which keeps the space feeling airy.The master bathroom goes all out, though. Theres a double vanity with gold hardware, accent walls, and a freestanding bathtub. Everything youd imagine in a dream spa-like bathroom!The serene villa provides all necessary amenities, within the borders of the home! You can find a home gym and yoga area. This, along with two loungers for resting as well as a coffee station, are housed in a large, wood-paneled room. A tinted glass does offer partition, though. Finally, we see a glass-enclosed saunagreat for rejuvenation!

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Unless you've gone looking in System Settings, you may not be aware that the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 models can be set to do other functions besides set up and take a picture. Here's how to change it.The Camera Control button is currently unique to the iPhone 16 lineup.By default, pressing the Camera Control button launches the Camera app on the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Once open, pressing the button again will take a picture, or pressing and holding will shoot video.A light press on the Camera Control button once the Camera app is open gives users a haptic click and the ability to adjust settings like zoom level or exposure. It operates sort of like the dials or on-screen controls in DSLR cameras. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!When people hear the term social housing, they often think of dilapidated high-rises, crime and neglect the kinds of places more likely to appear in crime dramas (think the projects in The Wire) rather than urban planning success stories. Unfortunately, these stereotypes didnt come from nowhere. For decades, poorly maintained projects, flawed planning and chronic underfunding turned many of these developments into cautionary tales.Thankfully, social housing today is not what it once was (despite the stereotypes). Around the world, architects and planners are reimagining what social housing can and should be, creating spaces that are sustainable, inclusive and deeply community-focused. Yet the shadow of past failures still looms large, fueling prejudice and resistance.Why did so many of these projects fail and why do those failures still shape perceptions? Understanding where social housing falteredand how its being transformed todayis key to making it work for the future. With that in mind, lets take a closer look at this unique typologys past, present and future.A (Somewhat) Brief History of Social HousingIn case you are only vaguely familiar with the typology, social housing, broadly defined, refers to subsidized or government-controlled housing designed to ensure affordability for low- and moderate-income residents. Unlike market-rate housing, it addresses a social need, often through capped rents or mixed-income models that promote inclusivity.19th-century London, View of Whitehall from Trafalgar Square which is blurred with pedestrian and carriage traffic, 1839, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia CommonsSocial housing was born out of necessity. In the late 19th century, rapid industrialization in Europe brought waves of people to cities, overwhelming existing housing stock and creating overcrowded slums. Governments, alarmed by the public health crises and growing unrest, began experimenting with housing solutions that prioritized affordability and sanitation. This early wave of housing projects aimed to provide workers and their families with a basic level of dignitysmall, functional homes with access to light, air and clean water.By the mid-20th century, social housing evolved into something far more ambitious. After World War II, the massive destruction of urban centers spurred governments across Europe and North America to rebuild quickly. Architects and urban planners embraced modernist ideals, envisioning high-rise developments as efficient, utopian answers to housing shortages. Le Corbusiers vision of the machine for living and similar ideas deeply influenced the typology, favoring dense, uniform structures over traditional streetscapes.Pruitt Igoe 1968, Aerial shot,marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia CommonsThe scale was unprecedented. In Britain alone, more than a million council homes were built in the decade after the war. In the United States, federal housing programs expanded, culminating in large-scale projects like Pruitt-Igoe in St. Louis, which opened in the 1950s as a symbol of optimism and progress.Yet, as lofty as the goals were, cracks began to show almost immediately. While these projects were designed to address housing shortages, they often failed to account for the social and economic complexities of the communities they aimed to serve. Many of these early developments became isolated, stigmatized and difficult to maintain.Understanding this history sets the stage for exploring the failures and successes of social housing in the modern era. What started as a noble idea eventually became synonymous with decline in many places, but that wasnt the whole story and it isnt the story today.Why Social Housing Fails and Architectures Role In ItThe optimism that fueled early social housing projects quickly collided with complex realities. One of the most well-known examples practically a cautionary tale taught in architecture schools is Pruitt-Igoe in St. Louis. Completed in 1954, the project consisted of 33 high-rise buildings designed by Minoru Yamasaki, who would later design the World Trade Center. Pruitt-Igoe was initially seen as a modernist triumph: sleek, efficient and ready to provide affordable housing for low-income residents. But less than 20 years later, it was demolished.Pruitt-Igoe , marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia CommonsSo, what went wrong? Economically, the project was doomed by systemic underfunding, segregation policies and the citys economic decline. As industry jobs left St. Louis, the tax base eroded, leaving little funding for maintenance. Buildings deteriorated, vacancy rates skyrocketed and crime became rampant.Architecture, however, played a significant role in amplifying these problems. The design prioritized efficiency and density over human needs, creating towering, uniform blocks that felt impersonal and dehumanizing. The sheer scale of Pruitt-Igoe made it difficult for residents to develop a sense of ownership or community. Shared corridors and stairwellsintended as spaces for interactionwere long, poorly lit and lacked natural surveillance, making them feel unsafe and unwelcoming. Combined with the projects isolation from surrounding neighborhoods, residents were left disconnected not just socially, but physically, from jobs, amenities and support systems.A 1999 photograph looking northeast at the William Green Homes of the CabriniGreen housing project, with visible former right-of-way of Ogden Avenue, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia CommonsThis isnt an isolated story. Similar trajectories unfolded in other high-profile developments. Cabrini-Green in Chicago, another infamous example, followed a comparable path of initial optimism, economic neglect and eventual demolition. In London, Robin Hood Gardens designed by celebrated architects Alison and Peter Smithson attempted to create community with streets in the sky.stevecadman, RobinHoodgardens, CC BY-SA 2.0Again, poor visibility and insufficient upkeep turned these communal areas into neglected, underused zones. The raw concrete brutalism of the buildings, while architecturally significant, required high maintenance that was rarely provided, accelerating their decline.Among architects and urban planners, these projects are now looked at as case studies of what happens when design prioritizes abstract ideals over the lived realities of residents. The lesson is clear: architecture is not neutral. When it fails to center peoples needs, it risks creating environments that exacerbate social and economic challenges.Whats Working in Social Housing TodayToday, successful social housing projects look very different from their predecessors. They are integrated into neighborhoods, human-centered in design and built with sustainability in mind. In many cases, they are indistinguishable from market-rate development, which definitely serves as proof of how far the typology has evolved.Human-Scaled DesignOne of the biggest shifts in social housing design is the emphasis on human scale. Large, imposing structures of the past often felt impersonal, alienating their residents. Human-scaled design counters this by creating spaces that feel approachable, livable and connected to the community.71 Social Housing Units by Mobile Architectural Office and JTB. architecture, La Courneuve, France71 Social Housing Units by Mobile Architectural Office and JTB. architecture, La Courneuve, FranceThe 71-unit social housing project in La Courneuve, Paris, illustrates this approach. The development breaks up what could have been a monolithic block into smaller, distinct volumes, giving residents access to light, air and shared spaces like patios and community gardens. These thoughtful design choices promote a sense of identity and connection while fostering interaction among neighbors.Mixed-Income ModelsThe importance of mixed-income models lies in their ability to reduce stigma and create more inclusive communities. Housing developments that combine subsidized and market-rate units provide a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. This approach also helps to avoid the segregation and isolation that once defined social housing.ParkLife by Austin Maynard Architects, Melbourne, AustraliaParkLife by Austin Maynard Architects, Melbourne, AustraliaParkLife in Melbourne is a clear example of this model in action. With five of its 37 units designated as social housing, the development integrates a range of income levels within a community-focused environment. Its shared rooftop gardens, amphitheater and other communal spaces encourage all residents to interact, creating a sense of belonging that benefits everyone involved.Sustainability and Passive Design54 social housing in Inca, Mallorca, Balearic Islands by Fortuny-Alventosa Morell Arquitectes, Jury Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Sustainable Multi-Unit Residential Building54 social housing in Inca, Mallorca, Balearic Islands by Fortuny-Alventosa Morell Arquitectes, Jury Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Sustainable Multi-Unit Residential BuildingSustainability in social housing is essential, not just for environmental reasons but also for long-term livability and affordability. Passive design strategiessuch as optimizing natural light, ventilation and thermal efficiencyreduce energy consumption and maintenance costs, ensuring these buildings remain viable over time.The Inca Social Housing project in Mallorca exemplifies this principle. Its passive strategies, including cross-ventilation, solar panels and thermal inertia, result in nearly net-zero energy use. By employing locally sourced, low-impact materials, the development is both environmentally responsible and cost-effective, setting a new standard for durable, sustainable social housing.Integration with Urban Life26 housing units in Aubervilliers by Benjamin Fleury Architecte-Urbaniste, Aubervilliers, France26 housing units in Aubervilliers by Benjamin Fleury Architecte-Urbaniste, Aubervilliers, FranceIntegration with urban life ensures that social housing is not isolated from the surrounding city. Well-designed projects connect residents to public transport, amenities and green spaces, fostering a sense of inclusion and opportunity.In Aubervilliers, France, a 26-unit social housing project showcases this integration. Located near a park and commercial areas, the development links residents to the broader community through communal gardens, thoughtfully designed pathways and accessible green spaces. Its modern yet context-sensitive design respects the local heritage while creating a bridge between the past and the future.Reframing Social Housing: The Future of the TypologyTrudo Vertical Forest by Stefano Boeri Architetti, Eindhoven, NetherlandsPerhaps the most significant change is how we perceive social housing today. When done well, these projects dont announce themselves as affordable or subsidized they are simply good housing. This shift in design and policy has blurred the lines between social and market-rate developments, challenging stereotypes and creating environments that truly support their residents.By embracing these new principles, architects and planners are proving that social housing can be as innovative and desirable as any other form of housing. From Melbourne to Paris, the best examples remind us that thoughtful design and policy can transform even the most stigmatized typology into a foundation for thriving, equitable communities.Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!The post Is Social Housing Designed to Fail? (And How We Can Make It Work) appeared first on Journal.

Winter is a season dominated by muted tones and white landscapes, making it an ideal backdrop for experimenting with color contrast. By highlighting bold colors against the winter backdrop, you can create striking images that convey both the chill of the season and the warmth of vibrant hues. Heres how to make the most of color contrast in winter to bring your photographs to life.Understanding winter color dynamicsWinter landscapes often appear monochromatic, with whites, greys, and shades of blue dominating the scene. This natural palette offers a unique opportunity to make colors pop, whether its the warmth of a sunset or a subject wearing a bright jacket. Look for natural contrastsLook for natural color contrasts such as the deep green of evergreens against the snow or the orange glow of a winter sunrise over a frosty landscape. These natural hues can add a powerful, atmospheric quality to your images, creating a dynamic interplay between warm and cool tones.Add a pop of color through wardrobe or propsIf your subject is a person or pet, encourage them to wear colors that contrast with their surroundings, like a red scarf or bright yellow hat. Small details like this draw the viewers eye and add an inviting warmth to the image without overwhelming the winter atmosphere.Timing and lighting for optimal color contrastWinter light changes throughout the day and can affect how colors appear in your images. Use these lighting tips to enhance color contrasts naturally.Capture colors during golden and blue hoursThe golden hour, with its warm tones, provides a beautiful contrast to the cool winter environment, highlighting textures in snow and ice. The blue hour, just before sunrise or after sunset, emphasizes cooler shades and creates a serene, almost magical quality. Experiment with both times of day to see how the colors in your scene transform. Adjust exposure to balance colorsWinters bright snow can sometimes wash out colors, so its crucial to manage your exposure carefully. Underexposing slightly can help deepen colors, especially in the sky, and bring out the rich contrast between snowy landscapes and other tones. A polarizing filter can also help by enhancing the skys blue tones, creating a more vivid background. Creative composition with color contrastIncorporate color contrast into your composition to make your images more engaging and visually balanced.Frame with foreground elementsUse naturally colorful foreground elements, such as pine trees, fallen leaves, or rocks, to introduce color contrast and guide the viewers eye through the frame. This layering technique helps add depth, making the image feel immersive and balanced. Place subjects against blank spacesIsolate your subject by placing it against snow-covered areas. A person, animal, or brightly colored object against a white or grey backdrop stands out beautifully, allowing the viewer to focus on the subject and color contrast without distractions.Additional tips for enhancing color contrast in winterColor contrast in winter isnt only about composition and timing; its also about using techniques that bring out the richness and depth of each hue.Use reflections for double impactIf youre near water, take advantage of reflections to double the impact of the color contrast. The reflection of a colorful sunset or trees in a partially frozen lake can enhance the colors in your composition and add visual interest.Try monochromatic scenes with a color accentFor a minimalist yet impactful look, capture mostly monochromatic winter scenes with one colorful accent, like a red berry bush in a snow-covered field. This approach emphasizes the starkness of winter while drawing attention to the single vibrant element. By mastering color contrast in winter photography, you can create images that are visually arresting and emotionally resonant. Experiment with timing, composition, and thoughtful use of color accents to add richness to your winter portfolio. With these techniques, your photos will reflect both the tranquility and the vibrancy that winter landscapes have to offer. Not on 500px yet? Sign up here to explore more impactful photography.The post Using color contrast to elevate winter photography appeared first on 500px.

Apples Vision Pro headset is an incredible piece of technology, but even Apples design and marketing magic hasnt been enough to convince many people to don a VR headset for an entire day. Instead, people seem more willing to use discreet wearables like Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, and products like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses so Apples headset isnt making the waves the company would have wanted.Of course, an instant transformation of the computing landscape wasnt exactly the point of the Vision Pro. Apple was clearly launching its headset for Apple enthusiasts, first adopters, and people who love VR. At a starting price of $3,499, the barrier of entry was just too high to expect the device to be a hit from the jump. Even CEO Tim Cook called it an early-adopter product.Would you really want to wear this all day?Nearly a year from launch, though, Apple hasnt done enough to demonstrate why the Vision Pro should be a potential showcase of the future of computing. Its taking a long time to put together its immersive content library, and while those are great demonstrations of whats possible, the videos have been short and isolating. There arent many great games, either.Yes, Apple keeps adding cool new software features. The wide and ultra widescreen settings for using a Mac display seem exceptionally useful. But those are pretty specific options for pretty specific use cases. There still isnt an immediate, obvious reason to buy a Vision Pro the way there usually is with the companys newest iPhones and Macs. If I bought a Vision Pro today, I wouldnt know what to do with it besides give myself a bigger Mac screen or watch movies, and I dont think either of those are worth the exorbitant price.It seems Apple may have already acknowledged that the Vision Pro might not be the future, either. The company has reportedly scaled back production and focused efforts on a cheaper version of the headset (perhaps just called Apple Vision?).If Apple still wants to make a splash in VR, the company might need to race to get its next product out the door. It can be argued that Meta has the best VR headsets and ecosystem on the market right now and a very clear lineup for consumers to consider. Its most affordable offering is the $299 Quest 3S, which has the same chip as the $499 Quest 3, meaning you can access the same experiences across both headsets. The price difference between the two largely comes down to displays and storage, and Id argue that the cheaper Quest 3S is an excellent VR headset for most people.The Meta Quest Pro, which launched at $1,499, was a flop.But like the Vision Pro, Meta hasnt really found a way to make its headsets much more than a great way to play VR games. The Quest Pro, which Meta pitched in part as a headset for work, was such a flop that the company discontinued it only two years after it launched. Horizon Worlds, the companys 3D social network, still feels amateur and barren, despite the companys efforts to make it a better place to hang out.When I put on a Meta headset, I find that I just want to play games, either serious titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow or lighter fare like Maestro, where you conduct a virtual orchestra. I dont care about the mixed reality features except to glance at my phone or computer screen to make a note or check notifications. You can make a pretty solid living selling game consoles, as Sony and Nintendo know very well, but its a far cry from the full-fledged computing platform Mark Zuckerberg once promised.I just dont know if any tech company is going to crack the code on how to make VR headsets anything but solo technology. Yes, you can use VR headsets to interact with other people over the internet. But putting on a VR headset at home means I cant look my wife in the eye; if Im going to look at a screen, Id prefer to look at one that we can share or that I can easily put off to the side. And even if youre fine with VR being mostly a solo thing, VR headsets dont fit neatly into everyday life unless you have a good amount of space in your home for them. (And hopefully your controllers havent run out of battery power!)Maybe AR glasses are the way to go.Perhaps thats why glasses seem like a much more promising option for computers that you wear on your face. Augmented reality glasses have been an aspirational goal for a long time, and you can see why. Its much easier to make eye contact with somebody while youre wearing glasses. Meta may have already proved that the glasses form factor works: its relatively simple Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which have a camera, speakers, and look fashionable, are already a huge hit.If glasses-equipped cameras do truly go mainstream, I have some concerns that Ive already written about. But I also wrote about the immediate appeal of the tech: whenever I wear the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, I find myself snapping tons of photos because its so much fun to capture my point of view without holding up a phone. And because they look like regular glasses, I can walk around and most people will think that theyre glasses, unlike a VR headset, which just looks silly in public.It seems that Apple might be eyeing computer glasses as well; the company reportedly launched an internal study about the market. I think even glasses with some basic tech would make way more sense for Apple than a VR headset, especially if they let you easily snap photos and listen to podcasts. These devices could be years off, though, meaning that, right now, Apple is stuck selling VR headsets that barely anyone wants.