html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"For our annual review of 2024, we have compiled 13 impressive architectural floor plans inspired by circles, stars, fragments, rectangles, semi-circles, and ellipses.In our list, a fragmented, irregular floor plan for the Kkekmece Djemevi by Emre Arolat Architecture, a one-kilometer-long museum floor plan by Junya Ishigami+Associates, a half-concave floor plan by OPEN Architecture, a flowing floor plan accentuated by distinct corners for UCCA Clay Museum by Kengo Kuma & Associates demonstrate how to move beyond conventional geometries in architecture.Here are the 13 most captivating floor plans of 2024 (in no particular order):Image courtesy of Network of Architecture (NOA)Puzzle within a puzzle floor plan for Puzzle Tirana by Network of Architecture (NOA)Italian architecture studios Network of Architecture (NOA) and Atelier4 designed the Puzzle Tirana tower based on the concept of a puzzle within a puzzle. The units in the floor plan are arranged in square boxes, with each floor featuring a different configuration.The tower's remarkable faade displays typical village buildings in various sizes, colors, and styles. In a crowded neighborhood, where two- or three-story homes alternate with ten-story structuresa common occurrence in Tirana.Read more about the Puzzle Tirana.Image courtesy of EAAFragmented floor plan for the Kkekmece Djemevi by Emre Arolat ArchitectureEmre Arolat Architecture developed a fragmented and irregular floor plan for the Kkekmece Djemevi, where all functions blend seamlessly into one another, creating a cave-like layout. The functional units are designed as a grouped compound, allowing for smooth transitions between spaces. The interior resembles a labyrinth, encouraging exploration and discovery.In a context where marginalization has become a social instinct, the project aims to serve as a gathering place that addresses the legitimate spatial needs of the Alevi community.Read more about the Kkekmece Djemevi.Image Conner + Perry ArchitectsAngular lines for New Club James Addition by Conner + Perry ArchitectsThis addition to Los Angeles iconic mid-century residence, originally designed by John Lautner in 1962, resembles a crystalline form set within a jungle. The concrete structure is characterized by its boundless shape, making the entrance less easily perceivable.Conner + Perry Architects unveiled the recently finished annex, Club James, at the Sheats-Goldstein Residence. The Sheats-Goldstein Residence, one of the most well-known mid-century homes in Los Angeles, is almost as iconic as the Hollywood sign itself.Read more about the new Club James Addition.Image OPEN ArchitectureHalf-concave floor plan for Sun Tower by OPEN ArchitectureOPEN Architecture has created a half-concave floor plan for the new Sun Tower in Yantai, China. This double-shell concrete tower stands 50 meters tall and features an outdoor theater, digital exhibition spaces, a library, a caf, and a bar. At the top of the tower is a unique semi-outdoor area known as the "Phenomena Space."Covering a total area of 4,960 square meters, the Sun Tower's geometry is influenced by the movement of the sun as observed from the site. This oceanfront public cultural facility is located in the Yantai Yeda Development Zone.Read more about the Sun Tower.Image SO-ILIrregular clustering for Art Omi Pavilions by SO-ILSO-IL's floor plan for the new Art Omi Pavilions in Chatham, New York, features five art galleries arranged in an irregular clustering. While the sizes of the galleries vary, four of them are designed in a distorted square layout, while the fifth gallery is designed as a circle. All the forms complement each other beneath an asymmetrical, cone-shaped roof.Named Anima, the pavilion spans 173 square meters and encourages guests to contemplate art while appreciating the surrounding natural beauty and artwork. Construction of the pavilion is expected to be completed in 2026.Read more about the Art Omi Pavilions. Image Kengo Kuma & AssociatesPunctuated corners for UCCA Clay Museum by Kengo Kuma & AssociatesThe new UCCA Clay Museum, designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, boasts a flowing floor plan with punctuated corners, creating a mountain-shaped structure devoted to ceramics. Resembling "a mountain of pottery" in Jiangsu, China, the museum aims to celebrate Yixing's rich ceramic culture.The design of the floor plan is inspired by the mountain-shaped volume of ceramics, modeled after the traditional dragon kiln. This climbing kiln has been in continuous use for 600 years, and the nearby Shushan Mountain holds historical significance, having been cherished by the writer Su Dongpo from the Northern Song dynasty.Read more about the UCCA Clay Museum.Image RCNKSKEgg-shaped floor plan for Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel in Nesvailka byRCNKSKThe floor plan of the Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel in Nesvailka, designed by the Czech architecture practice RCNKSK, features an egg-shaped layout that resembles a circular structure. The studio envisioned this building as a focal pointa beacon and a source of spiritual and spatial orientation atop the hill.The chapel's design maintains an elevated position above the village, which naturally ascends and remains visible from a distance. Nesvailka has retained much of its charm since its baroque origins.Read more about the Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel.Image Bureau des MsarchitecturesSemi-circular floor plan for a housing complex by Bureau des MsarchitecturesIn another project, a semi-circular floor plan was developed for an extension of an existing house in Leiria, Central Portugal. Designed by the Lisbon and Paris-based architecture practice Bureau des Msarchitectures, this floor plan promotes a paneled faade characterized by precise geometry, materiality, and rhythm to address urban challenges.The building's curved footprint and overlapping concrete panels harmoniously resolve the site's conflicting realities on both sides. The project includes seven apartments, a shared private parking area, and a new addition to a previously renovated small house.Read more about the housing complex.Image courtesy of SelgascanoRounded geometry for Beijing Xicheng District Urban Exhibition Hall by SelgascanoSpanish architecture practice Selgascano has designed a rounded floor plan for the new Beijing Xicheng District Urban Exhibition Hall in Beijing, China. This architectural marvel features a unique geometry characterized by functional elements that intersect with one another.All functional units are arranged around a central courtyard to promote community interaction within an open layout. The three-story building, which has a smaller footprint, serves as a natural and private haven amidst the urban landscape, gracefully floating above the plaza. The linear structures below offer a fluid contrast to this private volume.Read more about Beijing Xicheng District Urban Exhibition Hall.Image HAS design and researchHalf-arched floor plan for Simple Art Museum by HAS design and researchSimilarly, the floor plan of the Simple Art Museum, designed by HAS Design and Research, is composed of a series of half-shaped arches that complement each other. Enclosed within a strict geometric framework, the layout is defined by half-shaped solid walls that flow continuously.This continuous form accommodates galleries, workshops, multimedia rooms, cafs, design salons, and art exhibitions, creating a seamless indoor environment for artistic expression. The architecture beautifully translates tradition into modernity as it merges with the curved walls of the interior.Read more about the Simple Art Museum.Image OODADefinitive circular floor plan for Hoso by OODAThe Hoso student residence, designed by OODA, features a precise circular geometry with a colonnaded faade in Porto, Portugal. This thirteen-story tower is located within the largest university campus in the city and is seamlessly integrated between orthogonal structures. It occupies an urban void created by the discontinuities of the inner belt motorway.By minimizing circulation areas and offering a flexible solution for various typological needs, the cylindrical design enables optimized spatial organization and adaptability.Read more about Hoso student residence.Image Sameep Padora & AssociatesSinuous layout for new Hampi Art Labs by Sameep Padora & AssociatesInspired by the surrounding hills, the Hampi Art Labs in India is characterized by flowing forms that define the architectural style of the project. Designed by Sameep Padora & Associates, the building is anchored by a central "space of flows," which provides access to the property. Flanking this central space is a hillside that offers a variety of amenities for residents.Situated on a 5-acre site in the city of Vijayanagar, Karnataka, the Hampi Art Labs includes exhibition galleries, indoor studios, workshops, a caf, residential units for artists, an amphitheater, a sculptural garden, terrace gardens, and plans for future developments.Read more about the new Hampi Art Labs.Image Junya Ishigami+AssociatesOne-kilometre-long linear floor plan for Zaishui Art Museum by Junya Ishigami+AssociatesJunya Ishigami + Associates, a Japanese architecture firm, designed a one-kilometer-long linear floor plan for an art museum situated on a manmade lake in China. Covering 20,000 square meters, the museum is described as "gently gigantic" and exploratory, stretching nearly the entire length of the lake.The interior of the Zaishui Art Museum boasts a height of 4.5 meters and features a thin concrete roof that varies in height, creating the impression that the structure is emerging from the water, giving it the appearance of sinking into the lake. Parallel pillars rise from the bottom of the lake and support a thin concrete roof with a delicate wavy shape.Read more about the Zaishui Art Museum. Meanwhile, check out the WAC's Top 15 Floor Plans of 2022, featuring floor plans by Heatherwick Studio, Junya Ishigami + Associates, DARP (De Arquitectura y Paisaje), Inrestudio, and Nendo.

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Our Picks Best stand-alone continuous glucose monitor Abbott Freestyle Libre 2 View details $105 at Total Diabetes View details Best continuous glucose monitor for pairing with phones or Apple Watch Dexcom G6 View details $330 at Total Diabetes View details Best long-term continuous glucose monitor Eversense CGM System View details See at Ascensia View details Best continuous glucose monitor for data tracking The Guardian Connect System View details See at Medtronic Diabetes View details Table of Contents While there isn't anything wrong with the traditional method of monitoring blood glucose levels, a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, is a much more convenient and less uncomfortable way to test. You can wear it on your skin and use your Apple Watch or the app to track your blood sugar levels, whether you're at your home or on the go. You won't have to rely on finger pricks or carry around testing supplies.Continuous glucose monitoring devices can be worn on the belly or the arm. They can help you make decisions throughout the day based on your blood glucose readings, which can help with managing diabetes. We consulted doctors and researched the most popular models to curate this list of the best continuous glucose monitors on the market. Just be sure to talk to your doctor about diabetes monitor options so you can get the option that's right for you.Best continuous glucose monitors of 2024 Photo Gallery 1/1 $105 at Total Diabetes $170 at Amazon Pros Affordable and easy to find Optional blood sugar alarms Connects to phone, but not required Cons Stores only 8 hours of data (the Libre 3 stores up to 14 days of data) Price $130 Type Intermittent-scan continuous glucose monitorSensor life 14 daysConnection options Reader included, phone app available $105 at Total Diabetes $170 at Amazon Editor's note, June 25, 2024: Since this list was first published, the Freestyle Libre 3 has launched. This sensor is smaller than the Libre 2 and has readings sent directly to your smartphone every minute, along with other perks.This meter is recommended by Dr. Rebecca Fenichel, an endocrinologist atWestmed Medical Group, and waspreviously recommended by Dr. Nate Favini, medical lead of Forward. "For people who are interested in deeper insights into their glucose levels, I'll often recommend the Freestyle Libre for continuous glucose monitoring," Favini said."By placing a sensor on your arm, you can track your glucose constantly through the day and develop your understanding of what makes your sugar levels go up and down," he said. "People will often be surprised that foods that they assumed were good for their glucose levels may be causing spikes in their sugar. Although continuous glucose monitors are more expensive, they can help you understand what types of food and exercise are best for you."To read your blood sugar on the Freestyle Libre, you do a quick scan with the CGM device to get a reading. There are also optional alarms if your blood sugar gets too high or too low. $330 at Total Diabetes $370 at Amazon Editor's note, June 25, 2024: Since this article was first published, Dexcom has launched the G7. This sensor is smaller than the G6 and has an improved alert system, along with a few other differences."I find continuous glucose monitoring to be a valuable tool in the management of both type 1 and 2 diabetes," said Dr. Josh Emdur, medical director of SteadyMD. "CGM data provides actionable insight to help patients track their glycemic response to dietary choices and activity levels."The Dexcom G6 doesn't require you to manually scan to get a glucose level reading; instead, you get a wireless reading either on a dedicated receiver device or to your phone or Apple Watch. The Dexcom G6 reads your blood sugar every 5 minutes, keeping track of your blood sugar level as long as you're wearing it night and day. You can set a custom range for where you'd like your blood sugar to be, and if it goes into low blood sugar or high blood sugar ranges you set, you will get notified."For patients on an insulin pump, the Dexcom G6 may connect with your pump and offer a closed-loop system to turn off your insulin if you are going low. The Dexcom monitor is also approved in pregnancy and offers continuous monitoring that you can see on your phone at all times," Fenichel said.

My dad recently renovated his Manhattan apartment, including a massive kitchen overhaul. The final outcome? Bellissimo. But after seeing all the paperwork, delays, and cold meals he had to endure during the monthslong project, I wasnt prepared to take that on as a DIY kitchen project for the new home I moved into this past November. Amanda Wyatt, founder and CEO of Design Insider, in Cashiers, North Carolina, concurs with this sentiment. The kitchen is arguably the most challenging space to remodel while living in your homedust, disruption, and the constant reminder of whats unfinished, she says. (Never mind the fact that you cant, you know, cook or access hot water for days or weeks on end!)Still, my husband and I knew our kitchen needed some workwere mostly talking minor things, from hardware updates on the cabinets to a cozy breakfast nookand thus my hunt for easy, breezy DIY kitchen projects began. As Wyatt explains, smaller strategic upgrades can offer a surprising amount of impact without the chaos of a full renovation. Thoughtfully placed hooks can free up drawer space while adding charm, a well-chosen piece of art can bring personality to an overlooked wall, and stylish countertop storage can transform clutter into an intentional design feature, she says. These tweaks arent just for staging your home; theyre for youto enhance functionality, create beauty, and make the space feel more yours every day.Take note: If youre embarking on making some of these kitchen updates on your own, being extra careful with work involving adherence of or installation of components to surfaces is key. Precise measurement (get that level!) and placement of parts are crucial to a well-designed and well-executed project. As always with any home-improvement projects, its better not to rush to avoid mistakes than require costly corrections.Ahead, here are 11 budget-friendly DIY kitchen projects you can do on your own that will give the culinary epicenter of your home the exact splash of pizzazz you seek.Add a well-placed hookPhoto: Lisa RomereinOr a few of them. A well-placed hook is the epitome of form meeting function, transforming an overlooked surfacelike a wall or the end of an islandinto a moment of both beauty and utility, Wyatt explains. Perfect for holding towels, aprons, dried herbs, pot holders, or even small pans and utensils, hooks seamlessly blend practicality with design. They create opportunities for subtle texture and layers, turning everyday essentials into curated details. For timeless options, Wyatt often turns to deVOL in the UK, whose handcrafted hooks elevate even the simplest spaces with understated elegance and craftsmanship.deVOL Aged Brass Hanging RailsdeVOL Iron Hook RacksChange your cabinet hardwarePhoto: Al Tomassetti, Blue Cat Digital Media IncSure, you could spend thousands of dollars and spend days installing new cabinetry. Or you could just swap out the hardware. Donna Mancini of Donna Mancini Interiors and Flooring in Ponte Vedra, Florida, is a big fan of this approach.Changing your hardware can modernize your space instantly. Start by removing the old hardware using a screwdriver, saving the screws if needed, and clean the surface to remove any residue. If the new hardware matches the existing hole spacing, simply align it with the holes, insert the screws, and tighten them, she explains. For hardware with different dimensions, measure and mark the new positions using a tape measure or template, ensuring proper alignment. Drill new holes carefully, if necessary, and attach the new hardware, being cautious not to overtighten.Most PopularArchitecture + DesignAn Interior Designer Transforms Her Familys 19th-Century Vienna ApartmentBy Linne HalpernArchitecture + Design9 Fascinating Buildings Carved Out of Mountains, Stones, and HillsBy Maya Chawla MagazineTour Kelly Ripa and Mark Consueloss Art Deco Home in New YorkBy Catherine HongOnce installed, Mancini recommends testing the fit by opening and closing the cabinets or drawers to ensure everything functions properly. In this project, Mancini and her team used the Atlas Homewares Oskar Collection pull in a Slate finish.Atlas Homewares Round KnobWest Elm Modernist Wood & Antique Brass HardwareAsidrama Kitchen Cabinet Handles (Set of 10)Ditto for drawer pullsPhoto: Courtney BattenFor another simple kitchen upgrade, you can replace drawer pulls too. The 10-minute project in this kitchen refresh included swapping out the boring nickel cabinet hardware to fun midcentury-inspired pulls, says Courtney Batten, principal interior designer of Paige Studio in Dallas. (Along with Anthropologies Arthur Knob for drawers, the client also updated their knobs in the same style.) While this project is easy to do with the help of a screwdriver, it's important to measure the center-to-center dimension of your drawer pulls so you can make sure to order the correct size for your drawers, Batten adds, noting that one of the first updates she recommends to clients looking to refresh their existing kitchen because it brings in so much personality and character.Arthur KnobKnurled Drawer HardwareMenotti Porcelain Cabinet KnobTry DIY border tilesPhoto: Chris SnookMost PopularArchitecture + DesignAn Interior Designer Transforms Her Familys 19th-Century Vienna ApartmentBy Linne HalpernArchitecture + Design9 Fascinating Buildings Carved Out of Mountains, Stones, and HillsBy Maya Chawla MagazineTour Kelly Ripa and Mark Consueloss Art Deco Home in New YorkBy Catherine HongWho knew you dont need a contractor to add some gorgeous tiles to your kitchen? If you buy tiles with a mesh backing, this budget kitchen update is easier than you think: Once stuck to the edge of your backsplash, you just need to finish with a little groutdrying times means this will take longer than 10 minutes, but the job itself is really simple and quick and relatively mess-free, says Camilla Masi, an interior designer at Otto Tiles & Design in Miami, whose company retails such tiles on mesh backing to make them quick to clad to your wall and easy to trim and cut to size.Whats more, says Masi, the tiles on a kitchen backsplash, especially on an open wall, often stop abruptly. Most people [who] dont have wall cabinetry dont want to tile to the ceiling, she continues. This can make a kitchen space feel unfinished and a little less luxe. Masi emphasizes that a great way to avoid this and enhance a backsplash is to incorporate a border tile, as the different size of tile and pattern of border tiles help to define the natural end of backsplash by creating a visual separation and contrast.Pure White and White Border Zellige TilesBlack and White Border Zellige TilesOr use peel-and-stick tile wallpaperPhoto: David SzymanskiMost PopularArchitecture + DesignAn Interior Designer Transforms Her Familys 19th-Century Vienna ApartmentBy Linne HalpernArchitecture + Design9 Fascinating Buildings Carved Out of Mountains, Stones, and HillsBy Maya Chawla MagazineTour Kelly Ripa and Mark Consueloss Art Deco Home in New YorkBy Catherine HongYou could also opt for a peel-and-stick tile backsplash wallpaper. Peel-and-stick tile decals are a quick and easy way to transform your kitchen, says Elizabeth Rees, cofounder of Chasing Paper, a wall coverings brand based in Milwaukee. Rees breaks down exactly what to do for this low time commitment but high-impact kitchen DIY project.To start, wipe down the wall they will be applied to with a damp washcloth to remove any dirt or dust (dont forget to check if the wall texture plays well with the decals too!). Use a dry cloth to dry, and once completely dry, use your level to create a plumb line in the center of the surface to which you will be applying. This is essential to ensure the print or pattern of the decal will be straight, as the counter/cabinet edge is likely not a completely straight line. Once you have created your plumb line, peel your tile decals a few inches away from their backing and adhere to the wall, aligning along the edge of the plumb line. Smooth the decal from the center outward with your hand or a smoothing tool. As you get to the edge of where you peeled the backing, repeat this process until the full decal is installed. Continue installing from the edge of the first decals until youve completed, and use a utility knife to trim any excess.Craftsman Torpedo LevelSmart Tiles Peel and Stick BacksplashTerrazzo Tile DecalsPeel and Stick Install KitPut up a hanging railPhoto: Aimee MazzengaMost PopularArchitecture + DesignAn Interior Designer Transforms Her Familys 19th-Century Vienna ApartmentBy Linne HalpernArchitecture + Design9 Fascinating Buildings Carved Out of Mountains, Stones, and HillsBy Maya Chawla MagazineTour Kelly Ripa and Mark Consueloss Art Deco Home in New YorkBy Catherine HongA hanging rail can be added easily to your kitchen kitchen with tools found in most households, comments Lauren Stern, interior designer of Lauren Stern Design in Larchmont, New York. We used a rail for a hand towels, which often lack placement in many kitchens, but rails can also be installed above a backsplash to hang mugs, pots, cooking utensils, or even artwork, she says, adding that in this kitchen the unlacquered brass finish adds a layer of patina and warmth to a room that is often filled with cold, hard finishes and appliances.deVOL Aged Brass Hanging RailsAdd leaning art to a shelfPhoto: Lisa RomereinNo hammer and nails required! In my new kitchen, a wood shelf by the window became a perch for a vase of faux flowers and for the placement of a framed poster from the first concert my husband and I went to together (Dave Matthews Band on Randalls Island in New York on September 18, 2011, and yes, it was worth the $300 we spent hunting it down on eBay since they sold out at the show.)Most PopularArchitecture + DesignAn Interior Designer Transforms Her Familys 19th-Century Vienna ApartmentBy Linne HalpernArchitecture + Design9 Fascinating Buildings Carved Out of Mountains, Stones, and HillsBy Maya Chawla MagazineTour Kelly Ripa and Mark Consueloss

OpenAI and Microsoft have an internal definition for AGI, per The Information.The two companies agreed to define AGI as a system that can generate $100 billion in profits.OpenAI says on its website that AGI refers to AI systems that are smarter than humans.OpenAI and Microsoft have a definition for artificial general intelligence, and it hinges on the money the emerging technology can bring in.The two companies signed an agreement in 2023 that defined AGI as a system that can generate $100 billion in profits, The Information reported on Thursday, citing documents it had obtained.OpenAI has, however, publicly defined AGI on its website as "a highly autonomous system that outperforms humans at most economically valuable work." The ChatGPT maker added that its nonprofit board would decide whether AGI has been achieved."Such a system is excluded from IP licenses and other commercial terms with Microsoft, which only apply to pre-AGI technology," the company wrote on its website.OpenAI and Microsoft did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.Based on its agreement with Microsoft, OpenAI still has some way to go before it can achieve AGI.The company expects to accumulate losses of around $44 billion between 2023 to 2028, and could hit $100 billion in revenue in 2029, The Information reported in October, citing financial documents it had obtained."My guess is we will hit AGI sooner than most people in the world think and it will matter much less," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said during an interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin at The New York Times DealBook Summit on December 4.In November, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI is in preliminary talks with California's attorney general's office about becoming a for-profit company.OpenAI was initially launched as a nonprofit research organization in 2015. The company closed a $6.6 billion funding round in October, valuing it at $157 billion.

A plot next to Jeff Bezos' Miami properties is on sale for $200 million.The land is on Indian Creek, a private island that's home to several billionaires.The sellers remain unknown, but their broker said they are open to negotiating the price.A plot of land next to Jeff Bezos' properties in South Florida is on sale for $200 million.The property is about 1.84 acres in size and is located at Indian Creek, a private artificial island in Miami-Dade County. Called the "Billionaire Bunker," the island houses properties belonging to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, Tom Brady, Carl Icahn, and recent arrival Jeff Bezos.The asking price $200 million for the land is more than what Bezos paid for any of his three properties on the island. In 2023, the Amazon founder purchased a $68 million mansion and an adjacent property for $79 million. In September, he made a third purchase for $90 million. Last year, Bezos said he would be moving to Miami after living in Seattle for 29 years.The listing was first reported by The New York Post.Ilya Reznik is representing the owners, who did not want to be identified. Reznik told the New York Post that the owners originally wanted to build on the land but changed plans and decided to sell. He said that the owners bought the land for $27.5 million in 2018.Reznik told Bloomberg that the sellers are willing to negotiate on price, but he is "confident that in the end the buyer will pay a little extra because Bezos is a neighbor." Reznik added, "Those prices just didn't exist before he came to Indian Creek."The broker also said that the sellers drew pre-designs for a 25,000-square-foot estate on the property that would be available to the buyer.The New York Post reported that the land also comes with 200 feet of Biscayne Bay waterfront, which allows the owner to build a deep-water dock for a 180-foot megayacht.The highly secure island is located about 15 miles from Miami and is only accessible via a single bridge connecting it to the mainland. It has about 40 homes over 300 acres and an ultra-exclusive country club. The island's police department monitors the area's only entrance and patrols the perimeter around the clock.

AVVENN / So StudioSave this picture! Minjie WangRetail InteriorsJing'an District, ChinaArchitects: So StudioAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:195 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Minjie Wang Lead Architects: Yifan Wu, Mengjie Liu More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. In the design process, S Studio continuously explores the subtle dialogue between objects and spaces. In their latest project AVVENN, the designers seek variation within order, embarking on an exploration of spatial structure and emotional resonance. By extending inward, the design elevates the space's sensory richness through volume and materiality, triggering emotional responses. The space becomes a storyteller, narrating the brand's new concept: Pioneering Harmonism.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!PART 01Eliminate the boundaries of spaceThe AVVENN Tongren Road is a two-story street store. How can such a space stand out from the regular commercial space?S Studio began with the facade, redefining the proportions of interior and exterior elements while maintaining cohesion. The expansive white facade blurs the boundary between the levels, merging them into a visual whole.From the outside looking in, it resembles a progressively layered white space, leaving you eager to step inside and see what surprises await.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!PART 02Create the emotional atmosphere of the spaceS Studio excels in spatial structural design. The designer reconstructs a small structure within the space, which functions like a second "roof." The extending structure warmly invites you to push the door open. Passing through the pink marble eaves, the overall mood of the space begins with tranquility, gradually evolving into a sense of dramatic intrigue.Moving forward, the concrete-cast columns support the weight of the eaves. Specially designed "gaps" create a near-floating relationship between the eaves and the columns, generating a striking contrast between the lightness and the heaviness within the space.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Part 03Objects and propsS Studio seeks a balance between functionality and aesthetics, using props to shape the architectural contours. At the center of the first floor, the curved lines of stone props stir emotions.The clothing display area strengthens the sense of boundary through an unusual method of division. The extra-long base plate supports the hanging rods, maintaining the space's beauty whether in use or vacant. So Studio explores the diversity and harmony of materials in its design.The designer simplifies material usage, extensively employing gray-toned marble, and cleverly divides different areas within the harmony of the materials.Special Italian recycled bricks are used, with the surface retaining the rough texture of natural air holes. The natural colors, resulting from hand-firing, reveal hidden surprises within an orderly structure.Mirror elements between the first and second floors flow like a river, adding an ever-changing sense of reality and illusion to the space. Everything transforms into a reflection in the mirror, unfolding like a painting.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Part 04Infuse the space with dramatic interestOn the second floor, the design of a gently sloping roof significantly softens the perception of the street-front shop. The spatial independence, detached from its surroundings, reaches its peak on this level.Raising the line of sight, the suspended, uniquely shaped structure seems to escape the confines of the space, creating a strong sense of volume while maintaining an ethereal lightness. It is like the opening of a captivating play, with the curtain gradually rising. People, filled with curiosity, are naturally drawn to linger here.Beside the stairs on the second floor, the "reconstructed structure" appears once again. The blue stone doesn't encase an elevator as one might typically expect, but instead conceals a hidden fitting room.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!ConclusionIn the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, commercial spaces are among the places, aside from home and the office, that most easily stir our emotions.Each design is a new exploration of the relationship between people and their environment. S Studio takes minimalism to its extreme, on one hand, experimenting with large-scale structural changes, marking a design practice that blends spatial construction with emotional ambiance.On the other hand, by designing props that occupy the delicate space between architecture and objects, it triggers the flow of emotion. The space captivates visitors, drawing them in where they are enveloped by the dramatic tension and surprises it offers.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Jing'an District, Shanghai, ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeMaterialsMaterials and TagsPublished on December 27, 2024Cite: "AVVENN / So Studio" 27 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024981/avvenn-so-studio&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save?AVVENN / So StudioYou'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