Nine out of 10 new cars sold in Norway last year were powered by battery only, registration data showed on Thursday, placing the country within reach of its target of only adding cars that are electric on the road by 2025.Fully electric vehicles accounted for 88.9% of new cars sold in 2024, up from 82.4% in 2023, data from the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV) showed.Top-selling brands were Tesla, followed by Volkswagen and Toyota. Chinese EVs now account for almost 10% of new car sales.Norway will be the first country in the world to pretty much erase petrol and diesel engine cars from the new car market, said Christina Bu, head of the Norwegian EV association.Carrot-and-stick approachOil-producing Norway penalizes petrol and diesel cars with high taxes, while exempting EVs from import and value-added taxes to make them more attractive, although some levies were reintroduced in 2023.The policy has worked because it has been consistent over time, maintained by governments of various political persuasions, experts said.Very often we see in other countries that someone puts tax incentives or exemptions and then they pull back again, Bu said.Also helpful is the fact that Norway does not have an automaker lobby.We are not a car-producing country . . . so taxing cars highly in the past was simple, said Ulf Tore Hekneby, head of Norways biggest car importer, Harald A. Moeller.Having incentives, rather than banning petrol and diesel cars, was crucial, too, said Bu. That would (have) made people angry. People dont like being told what to do, she said.The European Union has decided to ban sales of carbon-dioxide-emitting cars by 2035, but it may allow sales of cars that run on fuels made from captured CO2.Norways policies mean that fully electric cars last year overtook pure petrol cars on Norwegian roads. They accounted for more than 28% of all cars driven in the Nordic country as of December, according to Public Road Administration data.Thats the big lesson: Put together a broad package (of incentives) and make it predictable for (the) long-term, said deputy transport minister Cecilie Knibe Kroglund.ImpactTo be sure, while nearly all new buyers of cars in Norway have gone electric, some hold-outs remain.The main buyers of ICE (internal combustion engine) cars in Norway are rental companies because many tourists are not familiar with EVs, said Hekneby.Still, the rising share of EVs on Norwegian roads means other sectors have to adapt. At fuel stations, more and more petrol pumps are replaced with fast electric chargers.Within the next three years we will have at least as many charging stalls as we have pumps for fuel, said Anders Kleve Svela, a senior manager at Circle K, Norways largest fuel retailer.In just a couple of years more than 50% of all the cars in Norway will be electric. [. . .] We have to ramp up our charging park according to that, he added.For drivers, switching to an EV means it can take a little longer to charge a car in winter due to the cold weather.Sometimes I miss that I just can pump it full and drive off five minutes later, said Desire Andresen, 28, an in-home caregiver, charging her car at a Circle K station outside Oslo.But Im more comfortable with an electric car. [. . .] Its better for the environment and the diesel cars produce so much smell.($1 = 11.0850 Norwegian crowns)Reporting by Nerijus Adomaitis in Oslo. Editing by Gwladys Fouche and Mark Potter

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MacworldIf youve been keeping up with the rumors, it wont be much of a surprise when Apple releases the new iPhone SE sometime in the spring. However, a new report claims Apple still has a surprise in store for the anticipated budget phone.According to Majin Bu on X, Apple will drop the SE name for the 4th-gen model and instead name it the iPhone 16E. That would be the first name change since Apple launched the low-end iPhone as a special edition back in 2016 and the first newly named iPhone model since the iPhone 5c in 2013.Apple sold an eMac in 2002 as a low-end version of the iMac G4 with a CRT display instead of an LCD. The e in that model stood for education as it was originally only available for students and teachers.The iPhone 16E would obviously align the iPhone formerly known as the SE with the rest of the current crop. It also could signal that Apple will stop selling the iPhone 14/14 Plus (which is no longer available for sale in the EU due to its Lightning port) and the iPhone 15/15 Plus, since neither generation supports Apple Intelligence.The iPhone SE4 is expected to have a new design based on the iPhone 14 and bring numerous upgrades, including a 48MP rear camera, Face ID, a larger OLED display, and an A18 chip. It will reportedly cost more than the current $429 model but likely still stay under $500.Its unclear from the report whether the name change will put the phone on an annual cadence schedule like the other iPhones. The iPhone SE has had a very sporadic release schedule, with the current model arriving in 2022.Apple is also rumored to release a new iPhone 17 Air or Slim in September. For the latest news, stay up to date with our iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 17 guides.

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A new report backs up claims that Samsung is developing a rival to Sony's iPhone camera sensor, and adds more details about how exactly this could benefit buyers of the iPhone 18 in 2026.Render of a possible future and slimmer iPhoneSony makes the camera sensors in the iPhone and that's one of the very few times that a component is made by a sole supplier. It's been rumored before that Samsung wants to break that exclusivity, but now a new leak claims to have details of how Samsung hopes to beat Sony by producing a better sensor.Exclusive: Samsung is currently developing a "3-layer stacked" image sensor in a PD-TR-Logic configuration for Apple. Rumor Score: Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Art Institute of Chicago has shared new photos for its redesigned Architecture and Design galleries after work was completed by the Chicago-based practice Norman Kelley.The project installed a modular system of walls and columns to support a more flexible display of thematic exhibitions, creating a "fluid experience" that better supports curatorial efforts. The museum is debuting this alongside its recent acquisitions from Amanda Williams, Tatiana Bilbao, Andrs Jaque, Stanley Tigerman, and more.Image courtesy Art Institute of ChicagoNorman Kelley also worked previously with the Art Institute on a permanent display of architectural fragments from around Chicago that's located in the Women's Board Grand Staircase area. You can find out more about the duo's backstory from our 2018Next Up Mini-Sessioninterview with foundersThomas Kelley andCarrie Norman.Image courtesy Art Institute of ChicagoImage courtesy Art Institute of ChicagoImage courtesy Art Institute of ChicagoImag...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a fascinating confluence of tradition and innovation. Originally a desert trading hub, the UAE has evolved into a ground for experimentation and architectural innovation. Home to impressive structures such as the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building, and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, the country has become a pole of attraction for architects worldwide. Zaha Hadid and Norman Foster for instance, have left indelible marks on the region, such as the Opus building and the Zayed National Museum. Modern UAE architecture seamlessly incorporates cutting-edge technology with cultural heritage, as seen in the Louvre Abu Dhabis floating dome and the carbon-neutral city of Masdar. Today the country stands at forefront of sustainable and adaptive design, while at the same time, testing the limits of architectural expression and construction.With so many architecture firms to choose from, its challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in United Arab Emirates based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.How are these architecture firms ranked?The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firms level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firms ranking, in order of priority:The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2024)The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2024)The number of projects selected as Project of the Day (2009 to 2024)The number of projects selected as Featured Project (2009 to 2024)The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2024)Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of United Arab Emirates architecture firms throughout the year.Without further ado, here are the 10 best architecture firms in United Arab Emirates:10. Zomorrodi & Associates Zomorrodi & AssociatesZomorrodi & Associates is a global, multi-disciplinary architectural and design consultancy with offices in Dubai and Tehran. Headed by its founder Shahrooz Zomorrodi, the studio has a varied portfolio and primarily serves the residential, commercial, retail and hospitality sectors. The studios projects are regularly featured in leading design publications. Beyond featuring regularly in the regional and international media, the practice has also bagged an impressive number of awards for its architectural and interior projects.Some of Zomorrodi & Associates most prominent projects include:Cadence, Saint Kitts and NevisTr88House, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesCave House, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesPalm, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesKerman Motor Building, Tehran, Iran The following statistics helped Zomorrodi & Associates achieve 10th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in United Arab Emirates: Total Projects 17 9. LAMI Architects LAMI ArchitectsLAMI Architects is a Dubai-based Architectural Boutique Design Studio, providing comprehensive services in architecture, interior architecture and urban design. With an outstanding diverse projects portfolio. What sets us apart is our passion and love to create the ultimate spatial experiences combined with a contemporary architectural design language.Founded by Wisam Al Lami, a passionate architect with a distinctive design portfolio. His works reflect a unique placement of masses and materials to create a relationship with light, shade and shadow. Embedding nature, creating in-out experiences are the main elements that he uses in his designs.Some of LAMI Architects most prominent projects include:RA Mansion, Puerto Rico The following statistics helped LAMI Architects achieve 9th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in United Arab Emirates: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 8. Alina Sulina Design studio Sulina DesignAlina Sulina Design studio is a team of like-minded individuals striving to make design a way of life. Our principles always revolve around a minimalist approach, where aesthetics do not compromise functionality, and clean forms help focus on what truly matters.Some of Alina Sulina Design studios most prominent projects include:Dune house, Manchester, United KingdomVienna, Vienna, Austria The following statistics helped Alina Sulina Design studio achieve 8th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in United Arab Emirates: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 2 7. MEAN* Middle East Architecture Network MEAN* Middle East Architecture NetworkMEAN* (Middle East Architecture Network) is an Innovative Architecture Practice that works at the nexus of design and emergent technologies. MEAN* utilizes cutting edge computational design processes and digital fabrication tools to leverage the quality of architectural solutions. Computer Programming, Robotics, 3D Printing, AR, VR and CNC manufacturing are some of the technologies we use to leverage our work.MEANs mission is to amalgamate computation, material research, and digital fabrication, to provide interdisciplinary solutions that respond to current economic, environmental and social developments.Some of MEAN* Middle East Architecture Networks most prominent projects include:Deciduous 3D Printed Pavilion, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesSabeel 2020 Water FountainMeandering Arcades Barjeel Art Foundation Museum The following statistics helped MEAN* Middle East Architecture Network achieve 7th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in United Arab Emirates: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 3 6. ibda design ibda designibda design is a design-driven architecture studio with a focus towards a projects specific context, and a close attention to detail. The two partners, Wael Al Awar (Lebanon) and Kenichi Teramoto (Japan), each own unique biographical stories that first led them away from their home countries, then later to collaborate in Dubai. Thus, they share a mutual ability to observe a city up-close and intimately, yet also from afar, with the attentive eye of an outsider.With no first-language shared between them, the two are required to communicate through architecture, using design as a language. Upon merging their individual sensibilities of form and natural landscape, they reach an architectural consensus amongst themselves and the context.Some of ibda designs most prominent projects include:Hai d3, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesAl Warqaa Mosque, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesOffice Tower DubaiBeirut Museum of Art (BeMA)Hayy: Creative Hub, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia The following statistics helped ibda design achieve 6th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in United Arab Emirates: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 5 5. desert INK desert INKCreating exciting places which enhance lives. desert INK is pioneering new forms of landscape architecture for the Middle East and aims to define a sustainable and context-driven blueprint for landscapes in the region.Some of desert INKs most prominent projects include:The Block, Dubai, United Arab Emiratesdesert INK Interior, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesTerra The Sustainability Pavilion, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesPrivate Villa, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesPrivate Villa, Jumeirah, United Arab Emirates The following statistics helped desert INK achieve 5th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in United Arab Emirates: A+Awards Winner 1 Total Projects 5 4. Gianni Ranaulo Design Gianni Ranaulo DesignWe are Gianni Ranaulo Design.We are passionate and dedicated to the pursuit of exciting and engaging architectural design solutions.Some of Gianni Ranaulo Designs most prominent projects include:The Village, Villefontaine, FranceWaves Actisud, Metz, FranceENOX, Gennevilliers, FranceCompagnie De Phalsbourg Headquarters, Paris, France The following statistics helped Gianni Ranaulo Design achieve 4th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in United Arab Emirates: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 4 3. Shape Architecture Practice + Research Shape Architecture Practice + ResearchShape has become an award-winning firm that leads the way in UAE Design. Weve served a wide range of clients, including private developers, national ministries, and government entities. Our firm boasts a broad portfolio of projects, varying in scale from private residences to urban master plans.Weve spearheaded the creation of landmark hotels and residences, as well as cultural centers, institutional facilities and academic campuses. Shapes work can be found in major cities in the UAE and beyond.Some of Shape Architecture Practice + Researchs most prominent projects include:Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesMuseum of Energy & Infrastructure, Sharjah, UAE, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesShees Friday Market, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates The following statistics helped Shape Architecture Practice + Research achieve 3rd place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in United Arab Emirates: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 3 2. Etereo Design Etereo DesignWith an astute understanding of architecture, a vibrant and artistically abundant Italian heritage, dotted with influences from the Middle East and harmoniously brought together with passion Etereo is born. Working as creative inventors, our motivation is to design soulful and inspiring spaces that encourage creativity. It is this approach that drives all our projects, pushing us to go beyond the brief and lead from human experiences to create special places.Architecture and design lie at the heart of our studios ethos and encompasses a multitude of different functions to see the project from conception to completion; from envisioning the artistic direction, selection of materials and finishes, sourcing from some of the best suppliers, to execution of all the finer details.Some of Etereo Designs most prominent projects include:Ghaf Majlis, Ajman, United Arab EmiratesSontuosa, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesExclusivissima, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesRosso Bulgaro, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesEleganza, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesFeatured image: Petraviva, Dubai, United Arab Emirates The following statistics helped Etereo Design achieve 2nd place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in United Arab Emirates: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 15 1. Killa Design Killa DesignAs a firm, Killa Design is dedicated to creating innovative buildings that are timeless, environmentally sustainable and contextually inspired. We specialise in mixed-use, high rise, hospitality, office and residential projects. We also have significant experience in retail, theatre, museum, urban design and master planning projects.With value-led building solutions, cutting-edge and creative thinking, we strive to build strong relationships with our clients by going beyond the brief to help transform their project vision into viable, liveable spaces. Our people are passionate about responsible design and its impact on the lives we touch every day.Some of Killa Designs most prominent projects include:Museum of the Future, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesOffice of the Future, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesAddress Beach Resort, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesRoyal Arts Complex, Saudi ArabiaSRG Tower, Dubai, United Arab Emirates The following statistics helped Killa Design achieve 1st place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in United Arab Emirates: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 19 Why Should I Trust Architizers Ranking?With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the worlds largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the worlds best architecture each year.Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlightedA Guide to Project AwardsThe blue + badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizers Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a projects likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:Project completed within the last 3 yearsA well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphsArchitectural designwith a high level of both functional and aesthetic valueHigh quality, in focus photographsAt least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the buildingInclusion of architectural drawings and renderingsInclusion of construction photographsThere are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizers Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.Were constantly look for the worlds best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please dont hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.The post 10 Best Architecture and Design Firms in United Arab Emirates appeared first on Journal.