Welcome to AD PROs biweekly real estate roundup, covering the biggest deals, most important announcements, and notable listings.This week, Floyd Mayweather Jr. rents a lavish New York City apartment, the abode of a 40s film star asks $3.495 million, and a Sonoma County penthouse by an AD100 designer lists. In this roundup, AD PRO has everything you need to know.On the MarketFor $4.398 million, a midcentury home with an airstream, cantina, and standalone studio in CalabasasCalabasas is perhaps most notorious for being a celebrity hot spota town where numerous Kardashian sisters reside.Photo: Josh BustosSpread across four acres, this property in the San Fernando Valleys most talked-about town takes advantage of this spatial abundance with a number of amenities. A shipping container studio, for one, is outfitted with wood-paneled walls and floors that vanquish any preconceptions one might have about hanging out in a shipping container. Theres an airstream, custom painted in purple and featuring rabbit and mushroom motifs, that provides a wacky backdrop for a patio and a convenient spot for overnight guests. Other slightly more ordinary amenities include an ADU with a full bar and an outdoor fitness space.The four-bedroom, three-bathroom main home was built in 1956 and maintains certain elements of its midcentury origins, including a sunken fireplace in the living room, clerestory windows, and wood-paneled ceilings. Otherwise, the 3,000 square feet has been updated for contemporary tastes.The listing is held by Tracy Bunetta of Sothebys International Realty.A Billionaires Row penthouse decorated by an AD PRO Directory firm asks $22 millionThis supertall is also known as the Steinway Tower, since it was technically constructed as a residential addition to Steinway Hall, which opened in 1916.Photo: Interior Marketing Group

If They Golden RingSonic 3 star Jim Carrey says he's "open to the idea" of returning for Sonic 4, after casually pulling another of the top 10 faces of all-timeHe power-rests between projects, and it would seem could still do with some cash, if it's attached to something fun.Image credit: Paramount Pictures News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Jan. 3, 2025 Jim Carrey is fresh off of reprising the role of moustachioed and bald baddie Dr Robotnik in Sonic 3, and he's already suggested that he'd at aleast consider the idea of returning for furture Sonic movies - for example, a Sonic 4, provided he thinks the idea of whatever's pitched "sounds fun".This comes after Carrey basically came out of retirement to do Sonic 3, saying on the red carpet that he'd returned - after previously joking that "if the angels bring some sort of script thats written in gold ink that says to me that its going to be really important for people to see" is what it'd take to lure him in - because he'd "bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly".To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Speaking to Japanese YouTube channel Cinema Today, Carrey said the following when asked about the possibility of him starring in more Sonic movies in the future: "Im definitely open. Im open to the idea, and generally, they come to me with the next idea, and if I go, that sounds fun, then Ill do it. I dont feel locked to anything in life, unless its something that interests me."I certainly love this crew, I love this gang that makes these movies, and I love the fans. Theres a lot of really great energy around it, great responses, and the fans jump in and say, how about if you do this? Theyve been super helpful. I think were all making this movie together." To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Towards the start of the video, Carrey also says that he "power-rests between projects" and proceeds to pull a pretty good face. I'd not say it's quite on the level of his Grinch face in terms of my very official good face rankings, but it's a solid effort, and it comes with a fun little noise too. 8/10.Look, if nothing else, it's a distraction that means you don't have to re-read the bits of Carrey's Wikipedia page about his views on vaccines from a few years ago and that time he did NFTs.Anyway, in other recent Sonic the Hedgehog 3 related news, its writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller discussed late last year which other games they'd hypothetically be interested in adapting.

Image: Nintendo LifeHelldivers 2 was one of Sony's bigger hits of 2024, catapulting its developer, Arrowhead Studio, to an unexpected level of fame. Why are we talking about this on a Nintendo site? Well, while the group shooter might not share all that much DNA with the House of Mario, one of the studio's old game concepts does: an arcade rail shooter inspired by... wait for it... Star Fox.That is according to Arrowhead CCO and Helldivers 2 creative director Johan Pilestedt, who, in a New Year's post on Twitter, asked fans what they're hoping to see from the studio in the future, while highlighting some of the team's previous prototypes (thanks for the heads up, Eurogamer).Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube790kWatch on YouTube Replying to one fan's suggestion for a "Star Fox-style game", Pilestedt revealed that Arrowhead had once pitched a concept for exactly that. Tentatively titled "Eagles of Democracy", the studio CCO stated that the game would "basically try to capture Star Fox" in its mix of arcade and grounded gameplay, and it even went as far as building a prototype in Unreal to showcase it.Pilestedt shared the following images of the high-flying project which, ironically, never made it off the ground:We consider it very unlikely that anything from the Sony-published Helldivers team will make its way over to a Nintendo console any time soon, but the mere mention of Star Fox has us once again pining for a series reboot come on, Nintendo, the Wii U entries were released almost 10 years ago!Arrowhead recently came under fire for the release of the Helldivers 2 X Killzone crossover, considered by many to be drastically overpriced. The studio later took the blame for the pricing, releasing the second wave of the crossover for free. Push SquareFor Super Earth30 years and countingWhat would you like to see from a future Star Fox game? Let us know in the comments.[source x.com, via eurogamer.net]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:03 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesRandom: Zelda Echoes Of Wisdom Was Suda51's Video Game Highlight Of 2024"I got to experience Zelda all over again"Random: Mario Galaxy Returns Next Year In "The Biggest Super Mario Odyssey Mod Yet"Mario's Wii adventure is backStar Fox 64 Finally Barrel Rolls Onto PC Thanks To An Unofficial PortBring on the mods!

Welcome to Startups Weekly your weekly recap of everything you cant miss from the world of startups. Want it in your inbox every Friday? Sign up here.Welcome to 2025! The first half of the week was relatively quiet in terms of startup announcements, but activity is already starting to pick up. Were also gearing up for CES; if your hardware startup is attending, make sure to let us know.Most interesting startup stories from the weekImage Credits:BenchUnlike other dealmaking, M&A activity didnt stop at least not on purpose.Last-minute save: Bench, the Canadian accounting startup that suddenly shut down a few days ago, will be acquired by HR tech company Employer.com for an undisclosed sum in a last-minute deal.2024s last mega-deal: World Wide Technology (WWT), a tech services company based in St. Louis, agreed to acquire Canadian IT provider Softchoice in an all-cash mega-deal at a valuation of approximately $1.25 billion.2024s last curtain close: French food delivery startup Epicery ceased operations after nine years. Since 2021, it belonged to Geopost/DPDgroup, which recently sold last-mile delivery service Stuart at a significant loss.2025s first mega-deal: Thomson Reuters acquired tax automation company SafeSend for $600 million in an all-cash transaction.No done deal: The U.K.s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened an investigation into IBMs planned acquisition of cloud software vendor HashiCorp, which the Federal Trade Commission is already investigating.Competition ahead: In an interview with TechCrunch, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev talked about his companys plans to increasingly compete with still-private prediction markets startups like Kalshi and Polymarket.Most interesting fundraises this weekImage Credits:CaloThe new year slump had exceptions, and startups outside the U.S. announced fresh funding rounds this week.Dinner is served: Riyadh-based meal delivery startup Calo raised $25 million to expand beyond the Middle East, with ambitions to go global and cater to more personalized food customization needs.AI care: Brazilian startup Carecode, which builds AI agents for the healthcare sector, raised a $4.3 million pre-seed round led by a16z and QED, with participation from Endeavor Catalyst, KDX Ventures, K50 Ventures, and Latitud Ventures.Federated computing: Apheris, a German startup that leverages federated computing for AI life sciences use cases, secured $8.25 million in a Series A round led by deep tech VC firms eCAPITAL and OTB Ventures.Most interesting VC and fund news this weekImage Credits:AccelKeeping on: Accel raised $650 million for its eighth India fund. The firm, which recently deepened its focus on rural India, will see several of its Indian portfolio companies go public this year.Prediction time: Twenty VCs shared with TechCrunch their predictions on enterprise tech in 2025, from AI agents to enterprise budgets. For instance, Index Ventures partner Nina Achadjian said she anticipates more liquidity in 2025, both for M&As and the public markets.More predictions: According to TechCrunchs Tim De Chant, 2025 will be the year climate tech learns to love AI, due to skyrocketing computing needs that drive demand for all sorts of innovations to reduce environmental impact.

Hydrogen startups are widely seen as a promising way to eliminate fossil fuels from heavy industry and long-haul transportation. But they have been stuck in limbo for the last couple years, waiting for official guidance from the U.S. Treasury on lucrative tax credits.The wait ended today, with the Treasury announcing final rules for hydrogen producers to qualify for tax credits under the section 45V of the Inflation Reduction Act.Were grateful to have a final rule, Beth Deane, chief legal officer at Electric Hydrogen, told TechCrunch. Without that, the industry is just kind of dead in the track.The rules, which have been over two years in the making, relax some parts of the draft proposal, giving existing nuclear and fossil fuel power plants a bit of a reprieve.Because hydrogen can be made in so many different ways, the resulting rules are a complex maze of regulations designed to ensure that hydrogen producers receiving the credit arent inadvertently causing more pollution.There are two main sources of hydrogen: that which is produced by electrolyzers, which use electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, and that which is generated by steam reformation, which uses steam and heat to break methane molecules, producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide.But both of those have myriad variations. Steam reformation can dump carbon dioxide pollution to the atmosphere (producing so-called grey hydrogen in the process) or it can capture and store it (blue hydrogen). Electrolyzers can be powered by renewable energy (green hydrogen) or nuclear power (pink hydrogen). If you really want to dig deep, there are so many flavors of hydrogen that people often refer to them all as the hydrogen rainbow.At its core, the 45V rules seek to ensure that new hydrogen production doesnt result in additional greenhouse gas emissions on the grid. To do so, the Treasury Department requires producers to track the emissions generated by each kilogram of hydrogen throughout its lifecycle. That means, for example, blue hydrogen producers must account for the planet-warming effects of methane leaks from natural gas pipelines.Hydrogen producers will have to buy renewable or clean power from the region theyre in. By 2030, theyll also have to show that power was used to make hydrogen within the hour.Generally, hydrogen production that generates fewer greenhouse gases throughout its lifecycle gets bigger tax credits, up to $3 per kilogram. Green hydrogen generally costs around $4.50 to $12 per kilogram, according to BloombergNEF, so the maximum credit could make the process competitive with fossil-derived hydrogen in some regions.Nuclear and fossil fuel power plants also benefit under the revised guidance. Previously, hydrogen producers would have been required to source power from new nuclear plants to qualify. Now, existing nuclear plants can supply up to 200 megawatt-hours of electricity. Also, certain fossil fuel power plants that have recently installed carbon capture equipment will now qualify.The rules, while welcome, still arent perfect. Given the number of interested parties, thats not surprising. From Electric Hydrogens point of view, Deane would like to see some more flexibility around where producers are allowed to buy electricity and how much additional clean or renewable power theyre required to procure.But, Deane said, what the industry wants most is certainty. We want one that stays in place and then can possibly be tweaked, she said. We really encourage the incoming administration to let this rule stand.

PayPal is being sued by the founder of venture firm Andav Capital, Nisha Desai, who claims she was excluded from the payment giants diversity and equity program because she is Asian, according to a suit filed this week.In 2020, PayPal made a $530 million commitment to support more Black and minority-led businesses in the wake of Black Lives Matter. In the newly filed lawsuit, Desai claims that she applied to be considered for the financial commitment but was overlooked because she is Asian, as the program sought to exclusively focus on Black and Hispanic-led enterprises.Desai launched Andav Capital in 2018, according to PitchBook, to invest in early-stage companies. The venture firm has made at least 13 investments, including in fintech startup Acorns, the startup funding marketplace IFundWomen, and the environmental tech firm Kubik.Funds majority-owned by individuals of other races, including Asian Americans, are not given equal consideration, Desai alleges in the suit, filed in a New York federal court. Worse, PayPal and its senior management have repeatedly trumpeted the programs focus on race, bragging in statements and press releases that PayPals program is for some races and ethnicities and not others.When reached by TechCrunch, PayPal spokesperson Taylor Watson declined to comment on the case citing pending litigation.In her suit, Desai claims she met numerous times with executives at PayPal and its venture arm, PayPal Ventures, about her qualifications for receiving a financial grant, where Desai alleges that PayPals head of public policy and research explicitly told her in a July 2020 meeting that the program preferences Black and Hispanic-led firms over other races and ethnicities, including Asian Americans.When PayPal announced its first investments from the $530 million commitment, the company invested in firms with at least one Black or Latino general partner, an unmistakable racial pattern that reflected PayPals stated race-based purpose, the suit reads.Even today, PayPal continues to make the same race-based claims, the suit adds. In total, PayPal invested $100 million in 19 venture capital firms led by Black and Latinx managers but announced not $1 of funding to Asian-American woman-led funds despite their demonstrated interest and fit. To PayPal and its executives, Asian Americans might be minorities, but theyre the wrong kind of minority. PayPal has not announced an end to the program.Desai claims that her rejection from PayPals investment commitment cost her firm vital capital worth millions of dollars. The suit also alleges that those who received PayPal checks were able to leverage those awards into additional investments, greater brand equity, resources, access, and success.Meanwhile, funds like Desais that were rejected suffered from the adverse and inaccurate perception that PayPal had made a decision based on the merits of their business, rather than the race of the funds ownership, the suit claims.Desai alleges that PayPal violated the Civil Rights Act 1981 and that PayPals racially exclusionary investment program is illegal under the New York state and city laws that prohibit racial discrimination.Desai is represented by Consovoy McCarthy, a conservative legal firm with a history of taking on cases related to race-based programs. The law firm notably sued Pfizer for its diversity program, which targeted Black, Latino, and Native Americans, alleging the program discriminated against white and Asian American applicants, though the suit was later dismissed. Consovoy McCarthy also sued Harvard University and the University of North Carolina in 2022 for race-based admissions that subsequently helped to overturn affirmative action in education.Desai did not respond to TechCrunchs request for comment on Friday. In a brief statement shared with TechCrunch, Consovoy McCarthy partner Patrick Strawbridge said: PayPal discriminated against Ms. Desai based on her race. This discrimination is antithetical to our laws and to the very spirit of the alleged purpose of PayPals program. PayPal was a leader in the market and others followed suit, despite Ms. Desais pleas for them to treat her fairly. We look forward to proving her case and achieving justice in court.Desai joins other individuals and organizations that are suing diversity schemes for only targeting Black and Hispanic communities. Most notably, Edward Blum, the man who helped overturn affirmative action in education alongside Consovoy McCarthy, launched the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), which went on to sue the venture firm Fearless Fund, alleging one of its grants discriminated against white and Asian Americans because it was awarded only to Black women.That court case was settled, but many more suits have followed since.Sean OKane contributed reporting.Updated with comment from Consovoy McCarthy.

AwardsThe EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025: The Special Visual Effect LonglistBy Vincent Frei - 03/01/2025 The BAFTA longlist for Special Visual Effects is here! Celebrating the groundbreaking artistry of this years most awe-inspiring films. Stay tuned for the nominations on January 15, and dont miss the winners reveal during the BAFTA ceremony on February 16!Congratulations and good luck to everyone!You can discover the complete list of the longlists here. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

3D printing news from September 2024 included additive manufacturing aerospace applications, the use of 3D printing for defense and investment in 3D printing companies plus an ongoing legal battle, the industry continued to showcase innovation and complexity. Here, we detail the key events that shaped the 3D printing industry in 2024.Aerospace, Sector DevelopmentsSpaceX finalized a $5 million licensing agreement with Velo3D for metal additive manufacturing technologies. This deal, complemented by an additional $3 million allocated for engineering and support services, extended a decade-long collaboration that has been pivotal in creating SpaceXs Raptor engines. Velo3Ds Sapphire 3D printing systems, renowned for their non-contact recoater technology, have been instrumental in fabricating complex, high-temperature components essential for rocket propulsion.At the same time, Velo3D faced pressure to delist from the New York Stock Exchange, a stark contrast to SPAC boom of 2020/21. SpaceXs ongoing reliance on Velo3D follows the latters delisting from the NYSE after it received a noncompliance notice related to market capitalization. While Velo3Ds move to the OTCQX Best Market reflects struggles in maintaining a public listing, the deal with SpaceX ensures the rocket companys access to critical metal additive expertise should Velo3D face further corporate shifts or become an acquisition target.Elon Musk describing how SpaceX started with a carpet and a Mariachi Band. Photo by Michael Petch.In noticeable contrast to Velo3Ds delisting, BigRep debuted on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol B1GR. The company had combined with SMG Technology Acceleration SE, a SPAC, and believed public listing would better position BigRep for expansion following its 2023 acquisition. By 2024, few 3D printing companies were pursuing IPOs, given the markets shift away from pre-revenue speculation. Its focus on large-format industrial printers for sectors like aerospace and automotive aimed to attract investors seeking tangible hardware solutions.The BigRep team on the Frankfurt-Stock Exchange trading floor. Photo via BigRep.Defense and Policy DevelopmentsSeptember featured the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) implementing export controls on metal 3D printing technologies, targeting laser beams, electron beams, or electric arcs, alongside technologies related to cryocooling, quantum computing, semiconductors, and gate-all-around field-effect transistors (GAAFET). These measures aim to restrict the use of advanced 3D printers in sensitive applications, particularly by nations categorized under restricted groups such as China and Russia. The implementation of these controls aligns with the UK Governments introduction of new export controls on metal 3D printers, a similar measure adopted by allied nations, including France, Spain, and the Netherlands.By restricting exports to countries classified under Country Groups D:1 and D:5, such as China and Russia, the BIS aimed to prevent advanced manufacturing technologies from enhancing the military capabilities of strategic adversaries.For manufacturers, this regulatory shift necessitated a comprehensive review and update of compliance programs to adhere to the new licensing requirements. While these measures sought to bolster national security, they also introduced new operational challenges for companies engaged in international trade, potentially impacting the global supply chain dynamics.The US Department of Commerce building. Photo via the US Department of Commerce. September also intensified the ongoing debate over 3D printed firearms when the City of Chicago proceeded with its lawsuit against Glock. The lawsuit accused Glock of profiting from the sale of handguns that could be easily converted into fully automatic weapons using 3D printed auto sears, commonly known as Glock switches. These converters enable semi-automatic pistols to fire at rates exceeding those of standard military rifles.Matthew Larosiere, a 3D printed firearms advocate, criticized the lawsuit as fundamentally flawed, arguing that firearm manufacturers should not be held liable for third-party modifications. He contended that machine gun converters are protected under the Second Amendment, emphasizing that the root causes of gun violence lie in broader societal issues rather than the actions of manufacturers.A Glock switch attached to a Glock handgun. Photo via WGN-TV.In a move aimed at safeguarding national security, former U.S. President Joe Biden established an Emerging Firearms Threats Task Force through an executive order addressing the rise of 3D printed firearms and machine gun converters. The task force will evaluate federal agency capacities to detect and intercept these devices, often referred to as ghost guns, which lack serial numbers and are challenging to trace. The executive order also emphasized developing safer active shooter drills in schools. The move followed a greater level of engagement by the ATF with the additive manufacturing community.US President Joe Biden. Image via the White House. Elsewhere, the U.S. Army conducted field tests of SPEE3Ds Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing technology, where a soldier with no prior experience successfully printed a transmission mount for a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The part passed rigorous testing, demonstrating the feasibility of on-demand manufacturing in field conditions. SPEE3Ds WarpSPEE3D printer uses supersonic air to create dense parts without heat, addressing logistical challenges in military operations.A camo-colored version of SPEE3Ds WARPSPEE3D 3D printer. Photo via SPEE3D. Consumer Goods and Construction InnovationsSeptember saw Farsoon Technologies announce that its 3D printed molds have been used to produce over 100 million pairs of shoes. Utilizing Farsoons FS350M-4 3D printers, manufacturers were able to produce over 100 million pairs of shoes, integrating conformal cooling channels and advanced texturing that drastically reduced production cycle times from two weeks to just 10 hours.While Farsoon is not itself in the footwear industry, the company supplied metal powder bed fusion machines enabling mold designs with conformal cooling channels and precise texturing, such as the EVA mold, which improve production efficiency and product quality, siignificantly reducing production cycle times.A shoe mold 3D printed by Farsoon Technologies. Image via Farsoon Technologies.Xolo launched a volumetric 3D printer designed for research applications in bioprinting, optics, and MedTech, the Xube. The new printer incorporates Xolography technology, enabling the creation of high-resolution objects without layers. This launch positioned Xolo as a leader in specialized additive manufacturing solutions, targeting advanced R&D sectors that demand speed and accuracy. The Xubes ability to fabricate intricate geometries with minimal waste positioned it as a valuable asset for researchers seeking efficiency and precision.The Xube volumetric 3D printer. Image via Xolo.Industry Investments and Financial MovementsMosaic Manufacturing raised $28 million CAD to expand its automated FDM 3D printing platform, the Array. The system features multiple Element HT printers capable of handling engineering materials like PEEK and Ultem, offering automated part removal for reduced downtime. Mosaic plans to use the funds to scale operations and strengthen its global presence.A Mosaic manufacturing Array 3D printing system. Photo via Mosaic Manufacturing.September also brought news of financial struggles for Reaction Engines, a UK-based aerospace company renowned for its Synergetic Air Breathing Rocket Engine (SABRE). Despite securing substantial investments from industry giants like Boeing and Rolls-Royce, Reaction Engines found itself unable to finalize a 20 million rescue deal with the United Arab Emirates Strategic Development Fund. As negotiations stalled under the UKs National Security and Investment Act, the company teetered on the brink of insolvency.The failure to secure the necessary funding led to administration, with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) taking over and laying off 173 of its 208 employees. The collapse of Reaction Engines posed significant setbacks for the UKs hypersonic and space sectors, highlighting the vulnerability of high-tech firms dependent on continuous funding to sustain long-term R&D projects. Analysts expressed concern over the potential delays in the HVX program, as few companies possessed the specialized expertise to replace Reaction Engines contributions.SABRE Engines Precooler Technology. Image via Reaction Engines.Technological and Legal ChallengesFinally, In September the ongoing lawsuits between Stratasys and Bambu Lab raised concerns about the future of intellectual property in 3D printing. Stratasys claimed Bambu Lab infringed on ten patents related to desktop FDM 3D printers; This legal confrontation sparked a broader debate about intellectual property rights and innovation within the industry. Dr. Adrian Bowyer, founder of the RepRap, criticized Stratasyss actions, arguing that such patent enforcement could stifle the collaborative spirit that has driven significant advancements in desktop 3D printing. Conversely, Josef Prusa, CEO of Prusa Research, defended Stratasyss position, suggesting that protecting intellectual property is essential to maintaining a fair competitive landscape.The outcome of these lawsuits could have far-reaching implications for the desktop 3D printing market. A ruling in favor of Stratasys might empower other established manufacturers to aggressively protect their patents, potentially limiting the open-source and innovative approaches that have democratized 3D printing technology.Stratasys is seeking a jury trial through the two lawsuits it has filed against Bambu Lab. Image by 3D Printing Industry.Ready to discover who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards?What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.

PEDRE | Rafael GamoPEDRE Apartments Technical InformationArchitects1-3: JSa and MTA+VLocation: Vicinity of the Pedregal de San ngel Ecological Reserve, Mexico City, MexicoArea: 47,000 m2 | 505,903Sq. Ft.Year of Completion: 2022Photographs: Rafael GamoPEDRE embodies the harmonious assembly of an architecture which folds compose functional structures, solid constructions, optimal materials, interiors that become exteriors, custom-made furniture, and landscape panoramic views that dialogue with the territory. JSa and MTA+V ArchitectsPEDRE Apartments PhotographsAerial View | Rafael GamoAerial View | Rafael GamoExterior View | Rafael GamoFacade Detail | Rafael GamoBalconies | Rafael GamoBalconies | Rafael GamoStairs | Rafael GamoStairs | Rafael GamoRoof Garden | Rafael GamoRoof Garden | Rafael GamoArchitectural Design: Balance Between Form, Function, and ContextPEDREs design is a study of contrast and harmony. Its morphology features dynamic folds, insets, undulations, and a careful interplay of curves and vertical structures, creating a visually engaging and contextually responsive form. The radial core acts as the projects spatial backbone, providing structural stability and a central organizational principle for the building.Spread across 14 floors, the project includes 112 apartments in 18 different typologies, ranging from 90 to 300 square meters. This diversity of housing solutions reflects a thoughtful approach to functional and aesthetic considerations, catering to a wide range of residents while ensuring the buildings rhythm, proportion, and scale align with its surroundings.Material choices, including exposed concrete, aluminum, and glass, embody a commitment to simplicity and elegance. These materials, paired with a stone basement and endemic vegetation, root the project firmly in its natural and cultural context. The integration of open spaces, recreational areas, and lobbies ensures a balance between the built and permeable areas, with 30% of the site dedicated to fostering a sense of openness and community.PEDRE Apartments Environmental and Urban ResponsivenessPEDREs design extends beyond aesthetics to prioritize environmental integration and urban harmony. Situated near an ecological reserve, the project leverages its proximity to natural resources by incorporating stone and endemic vegetation, seamlessly blending with its surroundings.The projects layout emphasizes sustainability through its attention to density, circulation, and public accessibility. The carefully planned open spaces, lobbies, and public areas create a sense of continuity between the private and public realms, contributing to the collective memory and cultural identity of the region.PEDREs urban responsiveness is further reflected in its design of access points, sidewalks, and recreational spaces that cater to the surrounding community. By respecting the history of El Pedregal and embracing the industrial, artistic, and cultural heritage of the area, PEDRE establishes a thoughtful dialogue with its environment.Beyond the Built FormPEDRE transcends its physical form: its design fulfills functional and aesthetic demands and reflects a deep respect for its regional context. By synthesizing modernist principles with ecological consciousness, PEDRE achieves a delicate balance that challenges conventional approaches to urban development.The projects architectural identity is emblematic, embodying meanings and signifiers beyond the tangible. Integrating natural materials and the thoughtful interplay between solids and openings contribute to a sober yet striking presence in the urban landscape.Despite the challenges of balancing density with environmental stewardship, PEDRE innovates through its sustainable design approach and contextual integration. The projects careful attention to proportion, rhythm, and materiality ensures it remains a respectful and transformative addition to Mexico Citys architectural legacy.PEDRE PlansGround Level | JSa and MTA+VTypical Floor Plan | JSa and MTA+VSection | JSa and MTA+VPEDRE Image GalleryAbout JSa and MTA+VJSa and MTA+V are architecture studios based in Mexico that are recognized for their designs that integrate modernist principles with ecological and cultural sensitivity. JSa, led by Javier Snchez, focuses on urbanism and housing projects that harmonize with historical and environmental contexts. MTA+V, founded by Mauricio Tovar, brings expertise in contemporary aesthetics and sustainable design. Their collaboration on projects like PEDRE reflects an approach to architecture that balances functionality with cultural and environmental considerations.Notes & Additional CreditsBuilding Height: 14 floorsNumber of Units: 112 apartments with 18 typologies (sizes ranging from 90 m to 300 m)Open Space Allocation: 30% of the area dedicated to open spaces, lobbies, and recreational areas

Architecture can be pretty stuffy. The field is filled with pomposity, big egos, and thin-skinned wunderkindsqualities ripe for lampooning. Its also a rather solipsistic one, where designers often struggle to communicate architectures value to society at large thanks to verbose archispeak, which rightfully leaves many bewildered. AN editors took a particular interest this year in architecture criticism on television, in film, and on stage. We were also captivated by TikTokkers, reel producers, and meme lords. This 2024 media roundup gives kudos to the critics and commentators who did things a little differently this year.Lee Bey (right) with ABC7 Chicago anchors Rob Elgas and Liz Nagy (Courtesy Lee Bey)Lee Bey on ABC7 ChicagoWhen was the last time you saw an architecture critic with a regular television gig on the nightly news? (Bruno Zevis epic talk showcomes to this writers mind, but not many other instances.)If theres one city where this makes the most sense, its Chicagoa place where, according to ABC7 Chicagos Lee Bey, people care as much about architecture as they do weather, sports, and politics.Bey, architecture critic forChicago Sun-Times, just started his new job at ABC7 Chicago. There, he will make frequent TV appearances to discuss all things Chicago architecture. (His first segments covered the Obama Presidential Center, Ballys Casino, a new stadium for the Bears;andhistoric preservation.) Beys new gig started around the same time Ed Keegan joined Chicago Tribune, whotook over that spot from Blair Kamin. America ByDesign: Architecture introduces contemporary architecture to a mass audience on CBSAmerica ByDesign: Architecture kicked off its second season this past October, introducing a lay audience to the latest trends in contemporary design.The new CBS program transcends the shows weve become so accustomed to on HGTV while still sticking to the same tropes that make series likeProperty BrothersandFlip or Flop appealing to so many folks trying to unwind after a long day. America ByDesign: Architectureshowcases the luxury single-family houses one expects from such an undertaking, but also schools, multi-family residential projects, skyscrapers, airports, and train stations.Lifeworld by Olafur Eliasson in coordination with London-based art platform CIRCA and Times Square Arts broadcasts lightly colored blobs across 92 screens in Times Square. (Michael Hull Photo)Olafur Eliassons Lifeworld lit up Times Square for a fleeting three minutesWhy not use every digital screen in Times Square as a massive installation portal? Famed artist Olafur Eliasson did just that in November 2024, when almost every interface overlooking Times Square partook in the affair. AN contributor Nolan Kelly reviewed Lifeworld, a media showing that casts blurred images on the digital billboards that then over the course of three minutes gradually sharpen to reveal less abstracted images.Designer-turned-comedian Nick White makes architects the punchlineAustralian comedian Nick White is someone who studied architecture, worked at an office for a bit, got sick of the daily grind, and then went onto make a living on stage and social media. Whites bits often poke fun at architects, and their pretenses. AN executive Jack Murphy interviewed White this year to learn about the man behind the mic.Other social media personalities who brought the heat this year were Dan Mahboubian Rosen, Firm Boys, HOOD CENTURY, and Erimaldo Ferreira. McMansion Hell peels back the pasticheThe Nations architecture critic Kate Wagner has long helmed her popular page, McMansion Hell. This year, Wagner set her sights on the fantasy of European medievalism, and how it besieges the American pysche, particularly New Jersey.British architecture student turned artist James Cook recreated the skyline of Lower Manhattan using a typewriter. The image contains over one million hand-typed letters. (Courtesy James Cook)James Cook typed a birds-eye view of Lower Manhattan to celebrate New York Citys 400th birthdayJames Cook is a British architecture student turned artist who painstakingly uses typewriters to illustrate cityscapes. For New Yorks 400th birthday, Cook started clacking away and rendered Lower Manhattan in granular detail, only using black and white ink and the keys on his console.Cook has found success via Instagram, where he has amassed over 600,000 followers on his James Cook Artworkaccount.Bobby Berk discussed his new collaboration with Tri Pointe Homes and life after Queer EyeFor Queer Eye fans who happen to be designers or architects, Bobby Berk needs no introduction. Berk has long been on television, working in real time as an interior designer before a mass audience.This year, Berk left the show to work more at his own practice. AN interviewed Berk to learn about his vision future plans and partnership with Tri Pointe Homes.(Courtesy Amelyn Ng)Amelyn Ng drew a cartoon for ANs July/August issueDedicated AN print readers may have noticed a few new features this year. For starters, AN published its first-ever crossword puzzle. We also commissioned architects to illustrate cartoons.Architect and Columbia GSAPP professor Amelyn Ng made a bespoke cartoon in our latest glass issue. The comic was titled Glazed Over: Life Behind the (Low-E) Glass Facade. In the final frames it pays homage tothe passing of a furry friend that long captured the internets heart.Casa Magazines, quintessential New York print shop, bought by Iconic MagazinesFor editors, theres few experiences as gratifying and rewarding than seeing a copy you toiled on display in stores. And in New York, that place above all is Casa Magazines, whose glowing storefront window showcases the glorious medium that is print publishing.This year, Casa Magazines was bought by Iconic Magazines. The transaction was announced around the time Mohammed Ahmed, the king of print, announced his retirement. Casa Magazines will put at its 8th Avenue location, albeit under new management.From the AN editorial team:Thank you for everything, Mohammed, and enjoy retirement!And to our readers: Keep reading, keep scrolling!