Residues That Build: A School in India Made from Sugarcane BagasseSave this picture! Megan JonesThe construction industry, traditionally reliant on the intensive use of non-renewable natural materials, is at a decisive moment to reevaluate its processes and mitigate its significant environmental impact. How can the growing demand for infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and education be met without depleting natural resources? While recycling initiatives are gaining traction, they remain insufficient. In this context, more innovative solutions are emerging, proposing the use of agricultural waste, such as sugarcane bagasse, to create sustainable and disruptive alternatives for construction.Save this picture!When processed and creatively applied, these residues can become high-performance materials, combining strength, functionality, and significant reductions in environmental impact. However, for these innovations to become viable, they must undergo a rigorous cycle of research, extensive testing, and, most importantly, full-scale prototyping. In a groundbreaking achievement for sustainable architecture, Sugarcrete, a revolutionary low-carbon building material, was used to construct a school in India. Developed by the University of East London (UEL), Sugarcrete transforms sugarcane by-products into durable, eco-friendly building blocks with a carbon footprint six times lower than traditional clay bricks. Located at the Panchsheel Inter College in Uttar Pradesh, this project is the first prototype of the material and serves as a sustainability lab for students in one of India's largest sugar-producing regions. The building allows real-world testing of the material's performance while promoting sustainability education.Sugarcrete is a bio-based construction material created by combining sugarcane bagasse with sand and mineral binders. It offers exceptional thermal, acoustic, and fire resistance properties while significantly reducing the environmental impact of construction. Its open-access design fosters local manufacturing, especially in the Global South, where imported materials are often the norm. The goal is to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for local construction needs while creating income-generating opportunities through the export of eco-friendly materials to the Global North. Save this picture!Save this picture!Alan Chandler, co-creator of the material and project leader, emphasized the significance of this milestone: "This project has been invaluable in demonstrating the practical use of Sugarcrete blocks while addressing local challenges, such as material availability and rendering techniques. With the unwavering support of Chemical Systems Technologies (CST), we've shown that transitioning from traditional construction materials to sustainable alternatives is possible."The school was designed through a collaboration between UEL students and the Delhi School of Architecture and Planning. It is being monitored to evaluate the material's superior insulation, moisture protection, and acoustic performance. These qualities are particularly advantageous for educational environments, ensuring comfort and fostering better learning conditions. Sunil Singhal, President of CST, celebrated the collaboration, stating: "The potential of Sugarcrete to drive environmental and social transformation is immense. We are proud to introduce this pioneering innovation in India, setting an example for the world."Encouraged by the school project's success, the Sugarcrete team is now collaborating with the Paryatan Foundation, an NGO in Hisar, India, to build a community center using the material. They are also expanding their reach to other sugar-producing regions, including Brazil, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Mexico, where the material's potential is vast. In Costa Rica, for example, the material is being considered for construction in tropical forests, offering a sustainable alternative in areas where carbon-intensive materials are restricted.Save this picture!Save this picture!Moreover, Sugarcrete will be showcased in a prototype at the Burning Man Festival in Nevada, USA, further demonstrating its versatility and global appeal. Sugarcrete has received accolades such as the Climate Positive Awards and the Built by Nature Prize and has been nominated for the Earthshot Prize and other prestigious awards. Its success underscores its potential to redefine sustainable construction and contribute to a more resilient, low-carbon future. This pioneering project demonstrates how agricultural by-products can be transformed into cutting-edge building materials, paving the way for a more sustainable construction industry. Sugarcrete is not just building structuresit is building a better future.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorEduardo SouzaAuthorCite: Eduardo Souza. "Residues That Build: A School in India Made from Sugarcane Bagasse" 24 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025000/residues-that-build-a-school-in-india-made-from-sugarcane-bagasse&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Four Car Parks / Christian KerezSave this picture! Maxime DelvauxMixed Use ArchitectureMuharraq, BahrainArchitects: Christian KerezYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Maxime Delvaux Lead Architect: Christian Kerez More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The four car parks in the Old City Center of Muharraq are part of the Pearl Path Project by the Ministry of Culture of Bahrain. This project combines the renovation of traditional residences and contemporary projects like the Pavilion for the World Expo by Anne Holtrop, a visitor center by Valerio Olgiati and a series of urban squares by OFFICE. The car parks cover and multiply the large open voids in the dense medieval urban structure of Muharraq. They create first and foremost a space for the public that could also be used for prayer, events or markets. Many people will visit the buildings not just to park their cars, but also to experience the ever-changing spaces walking through these structures. The parking facilities in Bahrain's old city center of Muharraq consist of four buildings with a total surface of 45'000 m2. They follow the same principles of design in four different ways on four different plots. The slabs of these buildings bend and slope, merging into each other so that they also serve as ramps connecting one level to another. The slabs create a distinctive spatial experience when moving up or down the car park through their geometrical transformation from concave to convex, high and low, into spaces expanding to the interior or to the outside of the building. The movement of the cars creates a continuously changing space throughout the entire building.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Plot D - This is the smallest of the four car parks but since it is also the most exposed, it has the most distinctive sculptural, vertical expression. In addition, as the most challenging to organize, this small plot was used as a role model for the other car parks to be designed later on. The exposed load bearing structure of the car parks consists only of slabs and columns. The stiffening to withstand horizontal loads like winds or earthquakes is achieved through the connection of one slab to another. The composite columns measure between 25 and 30 centimeters. The span of approximately 10 meters produced very high punching forces in the slabs. Bent metal steel plates at the bottom and top of each prefabricated column connect the heavy large slabs with the vertical structural elements. The stairs and elevator shafts are totally exposed, the latter covered with a transparent foil of PVC. The stairs work like springs between the slabs. Due to differences in building height between 220 and 480 cm, the location of the landing changes from one level to the next. The circular stairs had to be very lightweight to avoid uneven loads within the loadbearing structure.Save this picture!Save this picture!No slab is identical, creating an endless diversity of spaces. The formwork is based on conventional industrial products such as scaffolding towers. Very little of the sculptural formwork is customized. The constantly changing surfaces made it necessary to draw 75'000 sections on the scale 1:20, which was done by scripting. These sections were later printed 1:1 to cut the last element of the formwork on site. The large workforce usually required on construction sites in the Middle East was also necessary here in addition to the contemporary possibilities of computing to create this endlessly varied geometry. The project was possible only by bringing both together.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Muharraq, BahrainLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePublished on December 24, 2024Cite: "Four Car Parks / Christian Kerez" 24 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024951/four-car-parks-christian-kerez&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

RF Residence / Andrade Morettin Arquitetos AssociadosSave this picture! Pedro KokHousesJaguarina, BrazilArchitects: Andrade Morettin Arquitetos AssociadosAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:940 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2021 PhotographsPhotographs:Pedro KokManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Artecor Homewear, Arthurdecor, Eleve Estrutura Metlica, Fernando Jaeger Atelier, Timbau EstruturasMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. When we were invited to design this house in the interior of So Paulo state, we were impressed by the beauty of the landscaping and the view surrounding the family's former residence. However, the existing building no longer met their needs, and there was no reason to keep it. We decided to preserve the stone wall that defined the main plateau and the topographic profile of the land, significant elements of the property. In this way, we also maintained the beautiful landscaping, composed of a dense and varied tree park, the result of decades of cultivation and care.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The design is organized around a central living area with a double-height ceiling on the highest plateau, defined by the stone wall. The other living areas are integrated into this central area, with a highlight on the balcony overlooking the valley, the open kitchen, and the covered terrace next to the pool. Two guest bedrooms, located near the entrance, complete the ground floor.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The main volume of the house is resolved by a structural grid of glued laminated timber (GLT), which supports the central living area and extends cantilevers to the north and south, creating the supports for the bedrooms, the office, and the suspended terraces, with a privileged view of the valley. A large translucent polycarbonate roof, supported by lightweight metal profiles, protects the house from excessive sunlight while allowing natural light to enter, especially in the central area, illuminated by a large skylight.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeMaterialsMaterials and TagsPublished on December 24, 2024Cite: "RF Residence / Andrade Morettin Arquitetos Associados" [Residncia RF / Andrade Morettin Arquitetos Associados] 24 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025009/rf-residence-andrade-morettin-arquitetos-associados&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Harvesters are no ordinary enemies in Helldivers 2. These towering biomechanical terrors from the Illuminate faction are designed to crush unprepared players and their attempts to spread managed democracy across the galaxy.

Sandbox games are great for creative gamers as they allow for a maximum amount of flexibility when it comes to developing the world around them. Today, we'll be going over the very best sandbox games for creative players.

Journalist Stashes in Stalker 2 are scattered throughout different regions on the map, with some regions having more than one stash for players to loot from. One of the Journalist Stashes in the Garbage Region is located inside the Maze made up of cars and trucks. The stash contains a powerful suit of armor but is positioned in a hard-to-reach spot within the Maze. However, this guide will discuss a way for you to reach the stash with ease.

In Brandon Sandersons Mistborn series, some people have the power to metabolize metal to work magic, burning pewter to enhance themselves physically or brass to soothe someone elses emotions. But the most powerful characters in the world are the Mistborn, who can use many types of metals and combine their powers to effectively fly and even see the future.Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game taps into Sandersons clearly defined magical mechanics to allow players to show off the power of a Mistborn by building complex combos using their metals as efficiently as possible. The goal is to either complete three missions, which provide rewards for reaching milestones along the way, or to eliminate your competition by reducing them to zero health.Characters get more powerful as the game goes on, unlocking the ability to burn more of the games eight metals each turn, which are used to activate cards that can allow them to move up mission tracks, attack other players, or sculpt their deck by buying cards in the center row or eliminating weak starting cards. Many cards have kickers that produce more powerful effects if you can burn more of the same type of metal, which encourages specialization. You can take a broader strategy by flaring metals, effectively putting them on cooldown until you refresh them with a card of the same type on the future turn, and I feel like I didnt use this strategy enough in the early game to ramp up my deck.One novel aspect of the game is its approach to damage. In a three- or four-player game, one person is the target and is the only player who can be attacked. Its not all downside since the target gets to do damage to all their opponents whenever they attack. Whenever the target is damaged, they can choose to pass the token on to another player or keep it. Its clever in that it prevents players from all ganging up on the person whos ahead on the board but it can also be strategically kept by someone whos playing a more aggressive deck.Im eager to test out some more strategies and try the games co-op mode, which feels more faithful to the series plot in that the Mistborn team up to take on the tyrannical Lord Ruler. The game also feels ripe for expansion, introducing more characters from the series and story elements beyond its first book.

One of my favorite things about YouTube is discovering a channel that has this one stellar video unlike anything else theyve done. Bill Wurtzs history of japan is a classic example, the 80 million-view juggernaut from a channel that typically posts bite-sized neon surrealist animations. But Id like to turn your attention to another absurdist video from a creator who doesnt usually do stuff like this, that also has a uniquely colorful visual style. Its about birds.The State Birds are Garbage is a fantastically well-paced 22-minute video that breaks down the strange history, geography, and politics of the state birds of these United States. The video looks great, like a Jon Bois video if it were viewed through a pastel prism. Sometimes charmingly crude polygonal animations are used to highlight certain parts of the story, but most of the time, a crystalline map of the United States is used to guide viewers through the many, many problems with the official state birds. And boy are there lots of problems.Now, its fair to wonder how the topic of state birds could merit a 22-minute video, which is part of what makes it so delightful. Every 30 seconds or so, youll learn something both inconsequential and infuriating: that numerous states are sharing the same boring bird, that a landlocked state chose the seagull, that Canada is absolutely schooling the U.S. in bird recognition. Its also funny and lighthearted, with a gentle, humorous narration by the videos creator, James Dalzell Hodge. Pulling it all together is a downright elegant soundtrack of minimalist piano covers that I wont spoil, but which perfectly match the topics at hand.YouTube as a medium has its faults, but where it undoubtedly excels is in giving videos like The State Birds are Garbage a platform. Theres not many places you can put a 20-minute video about your singular obsession without any expectations beyond that. And I think thats worthy of recognition.

10. SIAN Design Generates Modern Fine Jewelry Using AlgorithmsDigitized algorithms and 3D modeling help fine jewelry brand SIAN design precisely crafted sculpture, featuring delicate lattices forming bands, bracelets, and pendants. These exquisitely interlocking forms are crafted using 3D prints to create wax molds, which will then be used for production. Usually a very manual craft, SIAN expands the scope of technology within fashion.9. Fashionable 80s-Inspired Photo Gear Is Having a MomentThe bright-contrast zippers and bold grid patterns that dot Long Weekends new line of photo gear are catching their time in the sun, an ode to the eighties and nineties. Waterproof, fun, and intentionally conspicuous, splash away with the Starter Setor the Morro Backpackto haul all of your camera gear around in style.8. Vivobarefoots Weird Water Trekking Jungle Boots Glow in the DarkThe Jungle ESC from Vivobarefoot takes wilderness apparel back to its roots, using biomimetic design from flora and fauna to create a highly technical, yet highly adaptive design for even the harshest of environments. Vivobarefoot recognized that in some environments, it is impossible to keep the body dry. This boot is designed to filter out water quickly, allowing wearers to maintain accuracy and lightness without getting bogged down by protective padding.7. These Artist-Designed Umbrellas Will Brighten Dreary DaysAs winter winds loom closer, SHED RAIN comes to the rescue with their Artist Series. They highlight three artists, Lisa Congdon, Studio Proba, and Katie Merz, inviting them to express their personal take on what the umbrella should be. Plus, the reverse closure and multi-grip handle make for a highly accessible option, perfect for anyone looking to keep chic and dry.6. The Wallet 3.0 Is Discommons Take on Quiet Luxury in Your PocketDiscommons third iteration of their classic stitchless wallet features two pockets that can fit up to three cards each. Thermoformed leather and microsuede lining create a seamless construction. This business on the outside, party on the inside wallet is modern and shockingly light, great for the minimalist on the go.5. ASICS and HAY Fall Into Step With a Limited Edition CollaborationHAY proudly announced the launch of their collaboration with ASICS, blending the brands signature style with HAYs spirited color choices to create a line of shoes, socks, and shirts unveiled at 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen this year. Exclusive to this launch, they come in pink, blue, and green colorways, with accent colors that contrast and complement the base tones.4. An Architect Thought It Was About Time to Design His Ideal WatchSubverting typical notions of what a watch should be, Christo Logan devised the Good + Evil Omen, his ideal watch. The off-center strap, brilliant red seconds hand, and labyrinthine face make it an interesting example of form through the lens of function, challenging our preconceptions of what we would consider normal.3. Buy a Firmship Land Rover Defender, Receive a Matching Aera P-1 Titanium WatchFirmship, specializing in handcrafted, highly detailed shipbuilding, collaborates with Land Rover to introduce the FS Defender, lacquered with the same treatment that bulldozers and metal telephone boxes get for an incredibly durable finish. With each of the twenty-five Defenders, a gift: a matching Aera P-1 Titanium watch, complete with the same finish as the car, a homage to the type of technical engineering that goes into car and watch production alike.2. Ressence Takes a Graphic Approach With the Type 1 Round M WristwatchA unique curved lens and a patented triple motion mechanism set the Type 1 Round M Wristwatch away from the crowd, with a unique and functional way to tell time. The face rotates with the minutes, with hour, second, and weekly dials interspersed evenly throughout. With a unique winding and setting mechanism, this watch might take a bit to get used to, yet is a stunning example of what happens when a luxury watch meet considered design.And the most popular Style + Fashion in 2024 is1. The Wearable Masterpieces of the Swatch x Tate Gallery CollectionSince 1985, Swatch has been using their timepieces as wearable art, with their first Swatch Art Special launching with the work of artist Kiki Picasso. Their collaboration with Tate Gallery, styled after seven of their most famous works, including Marc Chagalls Blue Circus, Joan Mirs Women & Bird In the Moonlight, and Wilhelmina Barns-Grahams Orange and Red On Pink, take on new meaning in wearable form. Take these iconic works with you anywhere, a statement piece to last the test of time.Check out the rest of Design Milks end of the year coveragehere!

We may earn a commission from links on this page.For some people, it just doesnt feel like Christmas until youre curled up by the fire, eating Christmas cookies, or hanging your favorite ornaments on the tree. For me, the holiday season doesnt feel real until an overwhelming state of panic sets in and Im feverishly typing last-minute gift ideas in the hours leading up to a Secret Santa exchange.If youre like me, you procrastinate at least one gift until the window for pre-Christmas delivery slips out of your grasp. Calm your panicIve rounded up your top prospects for physically getting some wrapping paper around a gift in time for the holidayseven if your only option is going to the drug store. Here are gift ideas that are all under $30 (so long as youre willing to get a little creative with it). Even when its the thought that counts, something is better than nothing.Last-minute options with pick-up options available nowUse this list of ideas that, as of writing, should have items available for in-store pick-up before Christmas. Even if these specific items aren't available in a location near you, let the gift idea inspire some available alternatives. Or, order them now and get them to your loved ones some time in 2025. Novelty kitchen equipmentNovelty kitchen equipment is a quirky holiday gift staple. Take this mini waffle maker, available for $9.99 at Target now. Or you could go for something that serves more people at once, like a double dip bowl (with spoons!) for $26.94 at Target. As a rule of thumb, searching for quirky kitchen equipment will turn up fun and surprisingly useful results.In terms of last-minute shopping: An at-home popcorn popper is sure to be available in some form. Get in time for Christmas for $28.94 at Walmart if you opt for same-day delivery or in-store pickup.An inspired candle assortmentWith a little more planning, you could have splurged on a candle that smells like Adam Driver. But you didnt plan, youre here reading this article in a state of panic and desperation. What are you doing? Go run to Walgreens and buy a candle or four! If not Walgreens, head to a TJ Maxx, dollar store, or grocery store. What Im saying is that you can buy candles anywhere. Godspeed.Were Not Really Strangers card gameHowever, Were Not Really Strangers brings a special level of authenticity (as opposed to the simple shock value you get with something like Cards Against Humanity). The goal of this card game is to foster connection through harrowing personal revelations. The prompts on these cards will spark conversation and foster connections between friends old and newjust remember that to play fair, you have to be willing to dig deep. Get in time for Christmas for $25 at Target if you opt for same-day delivery or in-store pickup.Anything fuzzy, cozy, and warmIf you live somewhere that gets cold, its always a safe bet to lean into the holiday theme and gift something fuzzy, cozy, and warm. Gifts like this also fall into the realm of things that would improve my quality of life but I never buy them for myself. You cant go wrong with a cozy reversible throw blanket for $28.99 on Pottery Barn, or maybe some high-quality wool socks for $27 from Darn Tough. Again, if you can head to a store to select these items in-person, youll be in better shape compared to praying for overnight shipping options.Clever mugsTrue, mugs are a dangerously popular gift option. But you left shopping to the last possible minute, so its no time to be picky. And how about something to fill those mugs with? Even if the gift recipient isnt a big tea or hot cocoa drinker, its a smart thing to have in the home for hosting guests during the holidays.Go for an assortment of tea flavors for around $3 at Trader Joes (my favorites are the ginger turmeric and the harvest blend). Throw in a mug that looks like a gnome home for $13.99 at Macy's. Gifting something that people can sip on is the perfect mix of charm and utility.Go buck wild at your local drug storeAs I've written previously, sometimes your only option is a Hail Mary. Head to Walgreens and round up an assortment:Gift cardsCandlesCosmetic bagsTherapeutic massagerJewelryInsulated mugsCalendars or plannersNotebooksCoffee/tea bundlesWine and a corkscrew (depending on your states liquor laws)Picture framesElectronics, like ear buds or portable chargersThese items arent necessarily bad gifts, but many will be easily detected as a last-minute purchase. The success of drug store gifts will come down to the charm of the gift-giver and the chill factor of the recipient.