Theres been plenty of speculation about whether generative AI could replaceor perhaps work alongsidehuman creativity. Indeed, many already use popular generative AI tools to create illustrations and even audio and video.But at the same time, other forms of machine learning and artificial intelligence have quietly come to help creative professionals and skilled amateurs shoot photos and videos, record audio, and write prose. Generally, these tools arent creating content themselves; rather, they help users execute their existing creative processes more efficiently and accurately to make new work.Photographers, they dont want hallucinationsthey want things that look like what they saw when they shot the picture, says Bruno Liege, cofounder of photography software company DxO. So we are focusing on enhancing the quality without inventing anything in the image.DxO, based in Paris, has built image processing software for more than two decades, today focusing on tools for photography enthusiasts who work with the raw image files generated by digital cameras. Over the years, the companys scientists have amassed what Liege believes is an unparalleled collection of digital photos taken with a wide range of cameras, lenses, lighting conditions, and aperture settings. The company has used that data to train machine learning systems, built into DxOs PhotoLab software, that can outperform traditional hand-coded algorithms at tasks like accurately detecting colors from the limited data captured by digital camera sensors and eliminating noise from images, even when photographers are working under low-light conditions.Because of our product, they are able to shoot things they believed they couldnt shoot at all, Liege says. They get better quality, and theyre also able to do things they were not able to do before.Liege says the company benefits indirectly from the push for large language models, since it makes powerful hardware and software tools for AI more widely available. But DxOs goals and methods are still different from those of generative AI companies; it still relies extensively on the human eye to verify that its technology is producing accurate photos, even when processing images humans would have previously struggled to make usable.Similarly, in the audio world, Adobe Podcast includes AI tools that can help podcasters and others produce clean-sounding speech from recordings taken in noisy environmentsand configure their microphone and recording setup for optimal quality, even if theyre not expert sound engineers.We started with this idea of, how do we just make things sound good for people who arent audio professionals, or even for professionals who dont have the time or the budget to spend time fiddling [with] the knobs of traditional audio tooling, says Mark Webster, head of Adobe Podcast.Using AI technology developed at Adobes research division, the softwares Enhance Speech feature can strip background noise and echoes from recorded sound, allowing for otherwise potentially unusable sound to be incorporated into podcasts. Feedback from users, who can optionally tell Adobe how well the software worked with their audio samples, has helped improve the tools accuracy, Webster says.A Mic Check feature additionally helps users (or their podcast guests recording audio from remote locations) configure their microphone settings and recording environments to optimize quality.Adobe Podcast also pioneered letting users edit audio using an AI-generated transcript of what people said in recordings, rather than manuallyand, often, tediouslyclipping exact portions of audio they want to use in podcasts. In general, Webster says, the team has thought about how AI-powered automation can help redefine and simplify audio-editing interfaces, although users can export audio to do additional edits in other, more traditional software (including other Adobe tools) if they wish.Weve basically been using the same approach to editing audio for 30 years, and it was all kind of, how do we digitally re-create the confusing interfaces of mixing boards and stuff, Webster says. So its been fun to basically use AI to focus on the important part of the audiothe contentversus having to worry about the characteristics of the knobs and sliders.The software has helped make it possible for new podcasters, hobbyists, and people creating audio for their businesses quickly get up to speed, says Sam Anderson, lead designer for Adobe Podcast.Even fifth graders working on a science fair podcast project can throw something together in a classroom environment, Anderson says. They dont have a professional sound studio, theyre in a noisy classroom, and suddenly you have fifth graders creating professional-sounding podcast content, which is always just incredible to hear.The latest version of the speech-enhancement feature includes the option to reincorporate some background sounds into the audio, once the speech component has been cleaned up, for users who want a more atmospheric sound. And it seems likely that in the near future, part of the creative process will entail deciding what degree of AI assistance (and which AI parameters) makes sense for a particular project.The startup Lux makes iPhone camera apps, including Kino, a video camera app that Apple recently named iPhone App of the Year for 2024. Cofounders Ben Sandofsky and Sebastiaan de With started Lux with the goal of giving users a level of control over their iPhone cameras similar to what theyd have with a professional DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera. That led to the companys first product, an iPhone camera app called Halide.We loved using these beautiful, tactile objects that are cameras, de With says. The tactile nature was a little bit lost in the translation to these flat panes of glass we have in our pockets.Lex later built Spectre, an AI-powered app for taking long-exposure photosthe kind that can effectively erase moving crowds or cars from a busy tourist site, or turn nighttime city traffic into artful streams of light. Spectres AI technology can automatically adjust settings for time of day and light exposure, and stabilize the captured image so that it can be used without a tripodcritical for photography in many busy spots where its not practical or permitted to set up a camera stand.But since August 2024, Luxs Halide has included a mode called Process Zero, which actively eschews AI, including systems turned on in iPhone photography by default. That gives photographers more control over the images theyre capturing, as they manually adjust camera settings and try for an ideal shot. Sandofsky says Lux developed the feature after noticing users were already utilizing options to turn down the level of AI in their photos, often looking to make adjustments themselves in editing software after the fact or looking to have a more unprocessed, vintage-style photo.Basically, the thesis around Process Zero is that by having dumber tools, you have more control over the tools, Sandofsky says.Kino is also largely AI-free, which can help beginning photographers learn to avoid common mistakes that the technology will try to compensate for, like shooting an image backlit by the sun, de With explains.If youre trying to learn as a photographer, sometimes you need to be able to get a stinker under your camera, he says. You need to be able to get a shot that just says, oh, what youre trying to do here is impossible, because photographically, you need to worry about the way light impacts what youre doing.But the Lux cofounders emphasize that they have no ideological opposition to AI, which they say can be quite useful in certain photographic situations, and Halide still makes it easy to toggle between different levels of AI assistance. Their philosophy, de With says, is to support AI doing the tedious parts of creative work, so humans can focus more on the elements they enjoy.If we were to be a tool that creates a painting, we dont want to do a painting for you, he says. We want to help you choose a better brush.

At El Prado, a moody natural wine bar in Los Angeless Echo Park neighborhood, the aged mirror backsplash behind the silhouettes of bartenders advertises a healthy selection of natural wines, hoppy beers, and hard ciders. The Sunset Boulevard mainstay is known for its live vinyl nights and facsimile of a European-style cafe scene, with conversations and smoke breaks that spill out onto the sidewalk. But its also known for its unique nonalcoholic beverage options: sparkling nettle tea, alcohol-free beer, and kombucha on tap. The beauty of these options, of course, is that they mimic the look and taste of their alcoholic counterpartsfermented and bubbly, in line with the visual language were accustomed to when we think of a cozy, clout-aware bar.El Prado isnt so unique in putting its nonalcoholic drinks on equal footing with its boozy options. A greater number of bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues are now incorporating alcohol-free drinks into their menus, or are being designed to decenter alcohol altogether. Meanwhile, many N/A brands are also moving away from their health-centered positioning to make a play for the partying set. Theyre rebranding away from the simple health option, and into party beverages with just as much nightlife appeal as the hard stuffas suited for bars and raves for the 365 party girl as a picnic sipper for the morning workout class community.THE RETURN OF NIGHTLIFE, AND A NEW MARKET FOR N/ASThis big rebrand is happening at a time when the popularity of the alcohol-free beverage category continues to climb. Gen Z is drinking 20% less than millennials, and one-in-three people are saying theyre going alcohol-free, says Troy Gorczyca, the Senior Marketing Director at Casa Lumbre, the parent company of N/A brand Almave. This helps to explain the strong sales year the nonalcoholic beverage category enjoyed in the U.S. in 2023, with overall volumes rising by 29% versus 2022, according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis data.[Photo: Chelsea Kyle/Almave]It could also be due to what some are describing, in short, as the sober curious movement, which the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) describes as more mindful approach to alcohol consumption. Its study of sober curious and abstinence events like dry January found that the movement may be versatile and effective in changing drinking behavior among young adults. A sober curious drinking approach has become more mainstream too, thanks to coverage by Good Morning America, ABC, BBC, and Forbes. Even an episode of Netflixs Emily in Paris broke down the sober curious movement succinctly (naturally, screen grabs of were posted to N/A brand Ghias TikTok account.)The sober curious trend predated a report from the U.S. Surgeon General linking alcohol consumption to increased risk for certain cancers, and the sector only stands to grow as more people reconsider their drinking habits. Generally younger consumers are going out less, and this is driven because theyre focused a little bit more on their health, maybe driven a little bit by COVID, and driven by the fact that they dont really want to drink anymore, says Brianda Gonzalez, founder of Los Angeles spirit-free bottle shop The New Bar. These spaces have to start catering to that consumer so that they can begin to envision themselves in those spaces, participating in a way that feels good for them.[Photo: courtesy The New Bar]Susie Goldspink, Head of No- and Low-Alcohol Insights at IWSR, says: An increasing consumer focus on moderation, health, and wellness is having a positive impact on all no-alcohol sub-categories, with growth rates higher than their full-strength equivalents.With these attitudinal shifts in mind, coupled with how thoroughly Brat summer saturated culture this summer, its really no surprise everyone is looking for a way to turn N/As up a notch.[Photo: Ghia]SO HOW DO N/AS SECURE A PARTY INVITE? LOOK TO GHIAOne brand that has already adapted to the changing tides of nightlife drinking trends is Ghia, a mainstay in both the ice buckets of event open bars, and on menus at a range of venues. Melanie Masarin, founder & CEO of Ghia, says when she launched the nonalcoholic aperitif company in 2020 her intuition told her that the supply for nonalcoholic beverages would drive demand, and she took a chance on that hunch by building a better-for-you drink in many senses of the word.Because our product uses only natural sugars with no added sugars and doesnt have any alcohol in it, its naturally a healthier product, but we dont try to market it as such, she says. Instead, its a more colorful, joyful product that I hope people gravitate towards not just when theyre sitting at home, but at a party too.[Photo: Ghia]Most recently, Masarin launched a product extension (Le Fizz) which she describes as a great host gift, like when you bring a bottle of wine to a friends dinner party because she missed the tannic tasting notes of wine. This also reinforces the idea that Ghia is a convivial product that is meant to be shared and should be part of the party. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ghia (@drinkghia)The party approach plays out in its brand comms, too. On its instagram account, Ghia posted a quote from a Forbes article saying it can appeal to a guy who smokes cigarettes and hangs out in Europe, and it can also appeal to a feminine wellness enthusiast, with the caption, get you a drink that can do both. It posted a video of the Ghia bottle next to Jack Daniels and 818 tequila on Kendall Jenners bar. And its leaned into cigarettes, with hair clips that read spritz and a cig, creating an aura of a lasseiz-faire, upscale European bistro-culture infused, permanent vacation approach to socializingone that doesnt depend on a holistic, puritanical understanding of wellness but instead a realistic understanding that vices exist, and some are indulged in while others are eliminated. A form of balance, if you squint.[Photo: Ghia]VISUAL IDENTITIES THAT READ GROWN-UP SOPHISTICATIONVisual branding and packaging creates a sense of equal experience, too. At a rock show, would you rather be holding a LaCroix or a Liquid Death? asked Terrance Weinzierl, a creative type director at Monotype, who has designed several successful custom fonts, including, notably, the one for Dominos Pizza.In an era of consumer culture highly conscious of aesthetics, and the ways in which they are documented online and perceived in person, its a fair question. Aesthetically, the gothic, ironic, tallboy beer-esque branding of Liquid Death sparkling water makes more sense to see in the hand of someone enjoying a night out, than the romantic effervescence of a LaCroix can. According to Weinzierl, alcohol-free drink packaging is designed to function as a fashion accessory[an] object that signals ones values.[Photo: Ghia]In contrast to the dopamine design packaging of brands like Poppi and Bubbly, the packaging design of alcohol alternative counterparts on the market like Kin Euphorics, Ghia, and Recess play into a slightly more staid sophistication. They might have smooth gradients and a high contrast of a serif typeface that looks more trendy and sleek, Weinzierl says. Those packages, while they might have a relaxation focus in their message and design, they still signal to the viewer or consumer that this is a special moment and this is not a soda for children.Though these brands are decidedly wellness-focused (or, adaptogen-rich according to the label on De Sois sparkling nonalcoholic aperitif), the mature breeziness of their branding makes this aspect more subtle, positioning them as almost adult beverages with an aesthetic that translates seamlessly to nightlife and a party atmosphere. On the Kin Euphorics [cans] for example, the letter forms look calligraphic, they have a greater difference in stroke contrasta lot of them are a little funky because they dont want to look too corporate, which makes them relatable, Weinzierl says.The gradient color stories on packages for brands like Kin and Hiyo, which come in slimmer, more sleek cans, simulate the abstract, spiritually-conscious aesthetic look of an aura photo, and Recesss cans feature a wash of sky, which reflects the tasteful whimsy cloud gazing. Ghias offerings are housed in a slim, squat can or a glass bottle wrapped in mature, jewel tone colors, or served in a tumbler on the rocks, while Amlaves two expressions of tequila are found in rich sapphire and persimmon shades, calling to mind the natural, powerful hues of the sky as it transitions from day to night.I see a lot of parallels between nonalcoholic packaging and cannabis products, and a lot of marketing of these products as alcohol replacements, Weinzierl says. I think a lot of them focus on the ritual of a special drink after workits all about the mood and the vibes, things that look like sunsets or the night sky, so all of those things are about bringing peace not just for an evening of fun but also wellness the next day.Tom Hollands N/A beer Bero launched in October, inspired by a motivation to help people like myself reintegrate into that social environment where they might feel like theyre not necessarily welcome, he told Food & Wine, opening up about his own sobriety journey. The citrus-y Noon wheat, lager-style Kingston Golden Pils, and hoppy Edge Hill Hazy IPA will reach shelves worldwide in January, and boast unique gold cans (soon to be joined by uniquely shaped bottles) as opposed to the more traditional blues of beer brands like Bud Light or Blue Moon.Not all blue packaging signals the presence of alcohol, however; Athletic Brewing, a N/A beer whos popular Run Wild IPA comes in a can the color of bright turquoise, is frequently seen on menus in the bar sectorand at sports venues including Barclays Center, TD Garden, Bridgestone Arena, and Emirates Stadium, along with a presence at rave events like EDC Orlandoas a near-identical tasting option to the real thing.[Photo: Athletic Brewing Co.]Nonalcoholic beer accounts for the largest percentage of the overall adult alcohol alternative category, with an 85% share. Part of the reason for this is NA beers accessibility and approachability, says Athletic Brewing CMO Katz, adding: Restaurants, bars, and other nightlight venues must offer a great selection and proudly promote their NA options. Consumers are increasingly opting to participate in zebra stripingalternating between alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinksduring their on-premise visits, so representing NA offerings on menus is a must for any on-premise operator.Consider Stay Zero Proof, LAs first-ever completely nonalcoholic cocktail lounge which opened in January. It already shuttered after a brief eight months in business, perhaps proving that moderation (read: serving alcohol and alcohol-free options) is what consumers respond to best.[Photo: Bonfire/Curious Elixirs]N/ASS REBRAND AS VICES MIXERGhia launched during the height of the pandemic under a direct-to-consumer model, but now Ghias spritzes are available at a range of nightlife venues including The Eastern in Atlanta, Babys All Right and Night Moves in Brooklyn, and Zebulon in LA. We want the brand to show up where people typically consume alcohol to give them an option when theyre choosing not to partake (or need a break from alcohol in between cocktails), she says.New Bar founder Brianda Gonzalez [Photo: Nihal Shaikh/courtesy The New Bar]Gonzales, the New Bar founder, tested this theory during the first-ever spirits-free partnership with the notoriously boozy Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, and Stagecoach. I think we had really successful activations because wherever theres a lot of drinking, there are folks looking for another way of participatingwe have other, more interesting recreational ways to alter their state of mind, she says. She adds, Weve done events at bars or restaurants to prove out the concept and there have been a few occasions where the nonalcoholic cocktail sales outperformed the alcohol sales.First launched in 2022 with a brick-and-mortar location in Venice (now joined by one in West Hollywood and another in San Francisco), The New Bar is designed to make the discovery process of the category a bit less friction-riddenand feel more mainstream, cool, and appealing to a younger consumer, Gonzales shares.I saw that there was so much innovation in the space but from a consumer standpoint it was kind of hard to actually find the good stuff, it pretty quickly became a crowded market in some ways, the founder says, who often works with hospitality and entertainment groups to help them build out their nonalcoholic programs, due to changing tides in the nightlife market.Gonzales describes the three New Bar locations as each having their own micro culture which dictates sales and consumer behavior, and has observed that functional beverages are popular because a lot of people are looking for a flavor experience. Theres still a desire to feel something [and] people are drawn toward things that make them primarily relaxed, less anxious, and that help them unwind, she says. The New Bars success illustrates that consumers are looking for options during a night out on the town, and for a place where they can purchase N/A brands for at-home drinking, or to give as host gifts at social gatherings.[Photo: Chelsea Kyle/Almave]One of the products The New Bar carries is Almave, who also served as one of their partners during the Coachella activation (where Almave enjoyed being the primary ingredient in the number one nonalcoholic cocktail across both weekends). The premium, nonalcoholic spirit made in Jalisco, Mexico, launched last year, and uses the blue agave plant and traditional tequila distillation processes and techniques (sans the fermentation step) in order to make an alcohol-free tequila spirit.Almaves introduction to the market is well-timed: In 2023, tequila became the number two value spirit category, and the companys Blanco expression shines brightly in mocktail margaritas, which is the number one cocktail in America. According to Gorczyca, In New York weve also seen the uptick in nightlife and more traditional, higher energy club accounts reaching out like Super Bueno, a Mexican focused bar in the East Village, Outer Heaven, and The Stranger.Alex Smith, the cocktail director for venues Outer Heaven and Laissez Faire (located on the cellar level of The Beekman Hotel), says theres been a huge uptick in the last three years in demand for no-alcohol based beverages, which integrates really well into an already high-end cocktail program mostly because theres such a wealth of new and interesting ingredients that are readily available on the market like Saint Agrestiss Phony Negroni, and others. Its just becoming more of a regular, everyday thing where people go out to a bar and expect to see nonalcoholic cocktails, whether youre not drinking or if you just want to moderate your drinking.Because of both venues focus on music, consumers range from people who are there for a bar experience to those who are there to dance, and less focused on consuming drinks. But they still want to feel like theyre part of the party, Smith notes. Having a well-developed nonalcoholic program is really important to have that versatility where a group of friends can go out and some people can get cocktails, some are going to get nonalcoholic cocktails, and everyone is feeling equal in the experience.The same is true for beer. There are now over 150 brands in the NA category, and weve watched as some high-profile newcomers have approached the segment with a heavy dose of sobriety-focused messaging, says Andrew Katz, Athletic Brewings Chief Marketing Officer. What we know from building this category brick by brick over the last 6.5 years is that nonalcoholic beer is not just for those who choose to abstain from alcohol. In fact, 80% of our customers still drink alcohol. Nonalcoholic beer is truly a modern lifestyle category, not the traditional penalty box category that was once envisioned by legacy brewing companies. The lesson for the company, which launched in 2018: get in the mix.[Photo: Bonfire/Curious Elixirs]NEW APPROACHES ON THE BAR MENU, NEW LOOK ON THE BOTTLEJW Wiseman, owner of Curious Elixirs (whos name predates the coining of the sober curious label), is a hospitality and nightlife veteran, as a bar owner and nightclub investor in venues like Brooklyns formerly named Output (now Superior Ingredients). As a former bartender himself, Wiseman noticed rising trends in people working in the hospitality sector going sober, and decided to launch his nonalcoholic craft drink brand 10 years ago next year.JW Wiseman [Photo: Nick Kova/Curious Elixirs]Our mission is to transform how we drink socially, Wiseman says, whose brand is the James Beard Foundations official partner on nonalcoholic drinks. He also runs an off-the-grid, sober speakeasy on Lorimer Street in Brooklyn called Club Curious, which he describes as being fun to see what works well when you have a space thats entirely non alcoholic.Regionally speaking, the southwest market favors Curious Elixirs spicy and stormy pineapple margarita, while the northeast favors the Sicilian blood orange spritz.[Photo: Erik Bardin/Curious Elixirs]We have a partnership with The Stranger, which is probably the most exciting nightclub thats opened in NY in a decade in my opinion . . . places like The Stranger and Blue Note jazz club really understand that nonalcoholic is what customers are asking for, and that they should have that and alcohol just in the same way they should have meat options and vegetarian and vegan options at any good restaurant, Wiseman says. You need to have inclusive options for people. And those are the places that are really thriving in todays hospitality world.As the alcohol-free beverage category matures, the branding and marketing strategies behind these products seem to be breakout of the good versus evil binary of alcohol consumption versus sobriety, and instead are leaning into the unique opportunity to sip something with less of an impact on physical and mental health that still delivers on flavor and plays a valuable role in nightlife settings.Over time, I think were becoming a little less reliant on alcohol as a means of explaining the value of nonalcoholic drinks, Gonzales says. Its become more like, Here are the benefits of this drink and why it stands alone.

Irish studio O'Donnell + Tuomey has completed a brick-clad dance theatre in London that houses a 550-seat auditorium and six studios.Located in Stratford, London, Sadler's Wells East is the latest addition to the East Bank development at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which hosted theLondon 2012 Olympics.O'Donnell + Tuomey has completed Sadler's Wells East in Stratford, LondonO'Donnell + Tuomey designed the building, which is Sadler's Wells' fourth venue, to celebrate dance as an art form, while paying homage to Stratford's industrial past."Our aim was for the building to feel archaic as if it were not only designed to last a long time but also to seem as though it has always been part of the fabric of the town," said O'Donnell + Tuomey co-founder John Tuomey.The theatre's design features a sawtooth roofThe building's exterior is wrapped in handmade Venetian brick and tiles that were crafted from the same clay to create a unified facade. This solidity is counterbalanced by chamfers and corbelled brick details to add texture."Parts of the building are very blank because there are no windows where the auditorium is, so we worked with bricks to add a level of interest," O'Donnell + Tuomey co-founder director Sheila O'Donnell explained."We wanted to contrast the glass and metal architecture surrounding the theatre by creating a building that feels as if it has a pre-existing presence in Stratford."The facade utilises handmade clay Venetian brick and tilesA defining feature of the theatre is its sawtooth roof, designed to mimic the movement of dance while maximising natural light."We wanted the building to have a rhythmic composition so that you'd be able to see its dancing profile against the skyline from the park," said Tuomey.The fly tower, which rises above the rest of the building, mirrors the proportions of the Sadler's Wells Islington location to enable performance transfers between the two venues.Read: Mecanoo to create "world's most technologically advanced dance venue" in the BerkshiresInside, the building was designed to have an industrial character while using warm materials such as oak timber flooring. The L-shaped foyer, designed to function as a "public living room", is lined with fully-glazed windows that can be opened to Stratford Walk.Complete with a cafe and bar, the double-height foyer features a dance floor with an adjustable height that serves as a public performance space for community groups and guest artists.The double-height foyer houses a cafe, bar and dance floorThe theatre's design is centred around the 550-seat auditorium, which occupies nearly half of the building's volume. Designed in collaboration with Charcoalblue, it has retractable seating, black timber walls and cork flooring, with a stage that matches the dimensions of Sadler's Wells' Islington venue to allow performance transfers.The main studio, located above the auditorium, is larger than the auditorium stage, offering choreographers the same spatial conditions while providing additional room to step back and review their work."We wanted choreographers to have the same amount of space that they would have on stage as well as some distance to step back from it," explained O'Donnell + Tuomey director Jeana Gearty.The auditorium features retractable seating, black timber walls and cork flooringTo ensure sound insulation, the auditorium and main studio are separated by a void."Box-in-box construction was utilised to ensure acoustic isolation," explained Tuomey. "We didn't want the impact and noise from the use of one space to interfere with the acoustics of the other."The studio opens onto a garden terrace while smaller studios have windows facing the surrounding parkland.Sadler's Wells East will also house educational and training facilities, including the Rose Choreographic School and Academy Breakin' Convention.The main studio's dimensions are larger than the auditorium stageDublin-based O'Donnell + Tuomey was founded in 1988 by O'Donnell and Tuomey. The pair were awarded the RIAI Gold Medals in 2021 and were the 2015 recipients of the RIBA Royal Gold Medal.Other projects by the studio include a timber and concrete pedestrian bridge at University College Cork and the V&A East, also part of the East Bank development.The photography is by Peter Cook.The post O'Donnell + Tuomey draws on Stratford's industrial past for London dance theatre appeared first on Dezeen.

Next up in our 21st-Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildings series we consider the legacy of Elemental's Quinta Monroy housing, which turned a relatively little-known Chilean architect into one of the profession's biggest stars.A social housing scheme on a half-hectare site in a small city in northern Chile, Quinta Monroy was an unlikely contender for the most celebrated architecture project of the early 21st century.But after its completion in 2004, the development of 93 homes in Iquique gained global attention for its unusual approach, which saw dwellings handed over to residents literally half built."The assumption behind Quinta Monroy is logical if radical: when a site and budget offer real and extreme constraints, extreme design solutions need to be considered in order to ultimately service the interest of the occupants," wrote architecture theorist Dana Cuff in her 2023 book Architectures of Spatial Justice.Elemental's Quinta Monroy housing was the most significant building of 2004Quinta Monroy was the first built project from Elemental, a social-impact architecture "do tank" funded by the Pontificia Universidad Catlica de Chile and oil company COPEC, and led by director Alejandro Aravena.Elemental was appointed to the project by the Chilean government, which itself had been approached by residents who had been living in informal self-built housing on the site for many years but were now facing eviction following the death of the previous landowner."At the time, social housing was the least cool thing to do," Aravena later told Dezeen in an interview. "I didn't know what a subsidy was."The housing was delivered half builtMost of the social housing built in Chile in the early 2000s some 100,000 homes per year were poky units in undesirable locations, which was all that could be delivered with the $10,000-per-dwelling government subsidy available.In Aravena's words, the homes often looked "more like cars than houses", providing a roof over people's heads, but not providing them with a route out of poverty.Knowing that residents were desperate not to leave their central location, Elemental decided on a different approach at Quinta Monroy.The housing was designed to be extended and adapted by residentsWorking with an even smaller-than-usual budget of $7,500-per-home leftover after purchasing the expensive land, the studio sought to harness the residents' proven inclination to self-build.Using mass-production construction techniques to keep costs down, it created 13 three-storey blocks arranged around four courtyards in the style of traditional row houses.It was a beautiful idea successfully realised Rowan Moore in The ObserverEach home was a generous size, but provided only a basic concrete structure and the bare essentials: a kitchen, a bathroom, some partition walls and an internal timber staircase.And, crucially, each was incomplete accompanied by a gaping hole matching the size of the built structure.Since completion, the majority of the gaps have been filled inThese empty spaces were designed to be easy and cheap for residents to fill in themselves according to their needs, as and when they could afford to.Central to the project was the idea that residents should have the opportunity to increase the worth of their homes over time as a means of enabling social mobility unlike in most Chilean social housing, which tends to rapidly lose value.In material form, the housing demonstrates how it should grow and change Dana CuffElemental called it the "half a good house" approach, or "incremental" housing."The project assumes that residents themselves are part of the housing provision equation by designing units that reflect their requirements and encourage their future interventions," wrote Cuff."In material form, the housing demonstrates how it should grow and change."Elemental dubbed the approach "half a good house"The residents obliged, and in only a short space of time, the voids had been filled with a colourful mishmash of structures. Aravena claimed the homes tripled in value in only a year."It was a beautiful idea successfully realised and became celebrated around the world," wrote The Observer's architecture critic Rowan Moore.Read: Zaha Hadid's Bergisel Ski Jump was the most significant building of 2002While there was some debate over just how radical Quinta Monroy really was, there is no doubt that the project was a crucial factor in Aravena's surprise Pritzker Architecture Prize win in 2016.The prize jury, which included British architect Richard Rogers, said Aravena's approach to housing "gives the profession of architect a new dimension, which is necessary to respond to present demands and meet future challenges of the field".The appearance of the housing has been dramatically change since completionIt was a significant moment, in that it signalled more clearly than ever before one of the most important architecture trends of the last 25 years a renewed interest in buildings whose main concern is their social impact.In this, Aravena sits alongside Shigeru Ban and Dibdo Francis Kr, Pritzker winners in 2014 and 2022 respectively."Alejandro Aravena epitomises the revival of a more socially engaged architect, especially in his long-term commitment to tackling the global housing crisis and fighting for a better urban environment for all," as the Pritzker jury put it.The housing has simple interiorsBecoming a laureate of architecture's most prestigious honour, coupled with his curatorship of the Venice Architecture Biennale in the same year, embedded Aravena firmly within the starchitect constellation.By that time more than 2,500 of Elemental's half-houses had been completed in various forms, most notably at the Monterrey Housing project in Mexico in 2010 and in the Chilean town of Constitucin in 2013.After the Pritzker press conference, Aravena announced that the drawings for four of its incremental housing schemes would be open-sourced, in a bid to help alleviate the global affordable housing shortage.Read: Key projects by 2016 Pritzker Prize laureate Alejandro AravenaTherein lies another key aspect of Aravena and Quinta Monroy's significance. In raising concerns about the escalating housing and refugee crises now gripping the world, he was well ahead of the curve compared to many of his peers.Nevertheless, Aravena has expressed despondence that the incremental housing model has not been more widely adopted."It's still a failure," he told Moore. "The mainstream has not been affected. Why not? We ask ourselves these questions every day."By 2016 over 2,500 half-houses had been builtQuestions have also been raised about the outcomes at Quinta Monroy.A research paper published in 2020 by academics at the universities of Melbourne and Newcastle in Australia explored how the self-build element was working in practice 15 years on.It found evidence that building by some residents in some cases in order to sub-let was leading to conflict between neighbours, windowless rooms in ground-floor apartments and encroaching on shared communal spaces.While agreeing that Quinta Monroy "represents a major achievement", it warned that the site could return to "the same living conditions as existed before redevelopment", and criticised Elemental for its lack of a plan to govern resident-led infills post-construction.In any case, by propelling Elemental and Aravena to such global recognition, Quinta Monroy changed the rulebook in more ways than one.As we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, designing visually enthralling buildings is no longer the priority when it comes to achieving architectural acclaim.Did we get it right? Was Quinta Monroy by Elemental the most significant building completed in 2004? Let us know in the comments. We will be running a poll once all 25 buildings are revealed to determine the most significant building of the 21st century so far.This article is part of Dezeen's 21st-Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildings series, which looks at the most significant architecture of the 21st century so far. For the series, we have selected the most influential building from each of the first 25 years of the century.The illustration is by Jack Bedford and photography is by Cristbal Palma unless otherwise stated.21st Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildings2000: Tate Modern by Herzog & de Meuron2001: Gando School by Dibdo Francis Kr2002: Bergisel Ski Jump by Zaha Hadid2003:Walt Disney Concert Hall by Frank Gehry2004:Quinta Monroy by ElementalThis list will be updated as the series progresses.The post Elemental's Quinta Monroy housing was the most significant building of 2004 appeared first on Dezeen.

Projects by architects Ray Kappe, Martin Fenlon, and John G Wallis are among nearly 10,000 structures destroyed as deadly fires burn large swathes of Los Angeles in an "unprecedented, city-changing moment".Fires that started Tuesday in Los Angeles continued to burn through the past two days, causing the evacuation of as many as 180,000 people and the deaths of at least five death across multiple fires.Exacerbated by dry conditions and high winds, the fires have devastated the city, especially the northwestern neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades. Thousands of structures in the neighbourhood have been completely destroyed, including Keeler House by American architect and SCI-Arc founder Kappe.Architectural preservation group the Los Angeles Conservancy said that it has been compiling data and fact checking reports of destruction as the fire continues to move across the area."Not something we could have planned for""It's a challenge, to say the least," Los Angeles Conservancypresident Adrian Fine told Dezeen last night."We're not able to get out into the field, in part because that's not what needs to happen right now in terms of the still active fires.""So at this point, it's being able to confirm with multiple sources, reliable sources, documentation," added Fine, who indicated a list of historic and noteworthy buildings, which includes religious structures, restaurants, homes and more, the Los Angeles Conservancy posted its website."This was not something that we could have planned for."Images circulating on X (formerly Twitter) show whole blocks in the Pacific Palisades completely destroyed.New drone shot from Pacific Palisades shows entire blocks of homes literally burned to the ground. The Palisades Fire alone could become the "costliest" fire in U.S. history.Courtesy of @KitKarzen pic.twitter.com/L5z7mvdLTt Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) January 8, 2025According to news channel ABC, the Pacific Palisades fire is the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history, with LA fire chief Brent Pascua calling scenes there "apocalyptic".Local architecture studio AAHA Studio said that several of its clients had completely lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades."Scale of the damage is unfathomable""The community is very tight knit, and we are fortunate to call many of our clients and collaborators friends," AAHA Studio partners Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz told Dezeen."Sadly, a number of our clients have suffered total losses, and our hearts break for them and for the entire community. The scale of the damage is unfathomable and still not entirely known. Our hearts are with everyone as they navigate the days and weeks ahead."As of last night, the Eames House (Case Study House No. 8) home of the Eames Foundation, and Case Study House No. 18, were confirmed to be intact according to the foundation. The famous Getty Villa and Museum was also undamaged.Read: Eames House under threat as more than 1,000 buildings destroyed in "apocalyptic" LA fireIn the city's northeast, the Eaton Fire grew quickly and has caused extensive damage in the hill communities and in the towns of Altadena and Pasadena, including the destruction of Andrew McNally House and Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center.Local architect Martin Fenlon said he was informed of the destruction of his Turner House in Altadena.Local designer and founder of the Save Iconic Architecture Project (SIA) Jaime Rummerfield said the damage in the fires was "rattling" noting that stores and schools of family and colleagues had burnt."My son's elementary school burned down," Rummerfield told Dezeen. "It's all just a bit rattling.""Altadena has so much history, and they're all gorgeous houses that people have loved for years," she said, adding that her husband had driven through Altadena out of concern for evacuees, observing the damage."He just drove through the neighbourhoods, and they were just levelled,: she said. "He said it looked like Lahaina. It was devastated. There was just nothing, block after block after block.""A city-changing moment"Yesterday a fire also began in the Hollywood Hills, putting much of the adjacent neighbourhoods at risk, but was contained.While fires in Los Angeles are not uncommon, usually they occur during the summer and into the fall. But a particularly dry winter has exacerbated conditions."This fire is unprecedented in Los Angeles," conservation group Docomomo US board president Katie Horak told Dezeen."Of course, fires are a cyclical part of our lives here, but typically they can be managed or steered away from causing widespread destruction to urban areas and residential neighborhoods," she continued."I've lived in Los Angeles my whole life, including in areas prone to evacuations and fires, and this is unlike anything I have ever seen. This is a city-changing moment for us.""It's too soon to think about what's next"For now, most people are concerned with the ongoing evacuation orders in the area and making sure people are safe."We are focused on being here now, supporting those who need help in any way we can," Rebecca Rudolph of local architecture studio Design, Bitches told Dezeen."It's too soon to think about what's next other than that LA is resilient and filled with incredible creative, hard-working communities that we are lucky to be a part of."Fine told Dezeen that the architectural community could be "very helpful and instrumental" in helping people rebuild when the time comes."Many owners won't even know where to start, even for those that have had minimal damage, but certainly many others have had total losses," he said.Currently, the fires are still being battled by thousands of firefighters across the region, with the federal government pledging to cover 100 per cent of the initial response costs for the fire.As of Thursday night, both the Palisades and Eaton fires were less than 10 per cent contained.The photography is courtesy of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.The post "The scale of the damage is unfathomable" say Los Angeles architects appeared first on Dezeen.

Outdoor enthusiasts, rejoice! The VTOMAN FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 is here to power up your adventures like never before. Whether youre exploring the wilderness, embarking on a road trip, or setting up camp under the stars, this power station ensures you stay connected. Its designed to meet the demands of modern adventurers, offering a reliable and portable energy solution.Imagine the freedom of having a powerful energy source at your fingertips, no matter where you are. The FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek design, making it a must-have for anyone who loves the great outdoors. With this power station, you can charge your devices, run appliances, and keep the lights onall while enjoying nature. At CES 2025, we sat down with VTOMAN representative Zachary Harris to get the lowdown on the newest star of their diverse lineup that truly demonstrates the brands commitment to making energy accessible, efficient, and sustainable.Designer: VTOMANElegant and Durable DesignJust one look and you know that this isnt your average portable power station. The FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 is a visual masterpiece, boasting smooth lines and a modern aesthetic that blends seamlessly into any setting. Its sleek design is not only about looks. Its built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The dark gray and yellow color scheme adds a touch of sophistication, making it a stylish addition to your gear. If you ever wanted a futuristic-looking, cyberpunk-theme power station, then VTOMANs got your number.Ergonomics and ease of use are at the forefront of its design. A large display screen makes it convenient to see all necessary information at a glance, while also complementing that high-tech character in the overall design. The suitcase-style build, complete with a comfortable rubber handle, ensures easy transport. Crafted from impact-resistant polymer materials, its both lightweight and durable, weighing only around 80 lbs.VTOMANs ethos is summarized in the slogan Mastering New Energy Your Way, explains Harris, which explains the companys diverse range of products, from jump starters to portable power stations. With its durable yet stylish design and a rich assortment of features, the FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 best exemplifies the companys mission to meet the equally diverse needs of todays consumers and their lifestyles. Whatever you need to get powered, you can get powered, says Harris. Whether youre hiking through rugged terrain or setting up camp, this power station is designed to be your reliable companion.Feature-Packed for Every NeedThe FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 is a powerhouse with a 3096Wh battery capacity, expandable to 6192Wh. This ensures you have enough power for all your needs, from short camping trips to extended off-grid adventures. Its impressive capacity makes it ideal for powering a wide range of devices, from smartphones to high-wattage appliances, everything you need to live comfortably even outdoors. It even has a powerful lamp with four different light settings so that youll never have to stumble in the dark.V-Beyond Technology sets this power station apart, enabling it to power devices up to 7200W. This means you can run refrigerators, air conditioners, and power tools with ease. And yes, that includes your hair dryer, too! With no less than 15 ports and two car jumpers, this portable station has yet to meet a device it cant juice up. The rapid recharge technology further enhances its usability, with a full recharge time of just two hours, ensuring minimal downtime during your adventures.Built for the OutdoorsThe FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 is designed to brave the elements. With an IP65 waterproof rating, it offers protection against dust, water, and other environmental factors. Its durable shell and innovative rain-shelter panel make it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who demand reliability and durability in their gear.Intelligent Charging Scene Switching optimizes power output based on connected devices. This smart feature enhances energy efficiency while ensuring stable performance. With 14 outlets, including AC, USB, and DC, the FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 offers versatile charging options. It can be rapidly charged via solar, car, or wall outlet, making it indispensable during blackouts.With a suitcase design for easy transportation and two off-road rear wheels that prevent the power station from accidentally rolling away, you could almost say that the VTOMAN FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 was born to be outdoors. It empowers you to be and do whatever you want outdoors as if you were indoors. Whether thats watching TV, powering a car fridge, or even making a film, the FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 is more than ready to provide the power you need for the task. We could even be having this interview outdoors! jokes Harris.Sustainability and Safety at Its CoreVTOMAN integrates environmental consciousness into the FLASHSPEED PRO 3600s design. Using recyclable materials and energy-saving components, it offers a responsible choice for eco-conscious users. The ability to recharge with solar panels further reduces reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with sustainable energy practices and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.Safety is paramount with the SuperSafe LIFEBMS System. This proprietary 10-layer safety mechanism includes temperature regulation, battery health monitoring, and short circuit prevention. Users can trust the FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 to deliver safe and reliable power, no matter the conditions. Its advanced safety features ensure peace of mind during every use.Exploring VTOMANs Power SolutionsFlashSpeed 1500VTOMAN continues to push the boundaries of portable power with its FlashSpeed series. The FlashSpeed 1500 offers ultra-fast charging and additional features like UPS and low-noise operation. Its flat top design is perfect for stacking, while V-Beyond Technology supports high-wattage appliances, making it a versatile addition to your power arsenal. Its portable and lightweight design pairs perfectly with its compatibility with VTOMANs solar panel units, making the fear of dead gadgets outdoors a thing of the past. As long as you have the sun, says Harris, you can keep going.FlashSpeed 600For those seeking compact solutions, the FlashSpeed 600 is lightweight and versatile. With PD100W Type-C fast-charging, it reaches 80% charge in just one hour. It has 8 outlets and weighs only 15 lbs, making it ideal for diverse settings, while solar charging support makes it easy to get renewable energy in any location.FlashSpeed 300The FlashSpeed 300 is even more portable, offering fast charging and solar support in a 7-pound package but still boasting seven outlets for all your charging needs. With support for PD100W Type-C fast charging, you can get the power station up to 80% in less than an hour so you can be out and running again in a flash. This seven in seven design, as Harris nicknamed it, is the perfect way to get your feet wet in the portable power station market.Innovative Battery TechnologyAll VTOMAN FlashSpeed series power stations are equipped with LiFePO4 batteries. Known for their durability, these batteries offer over 3000 life cycles to 80% of their original capacity. They provide enhanced safety, a wider operating temperature range, and a reduced environmental impact compared to standard lithium-ion batteries, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious adventurers.The SUPERSAFE LIFEBMS SYSTEM enhances battery safety and stability. With up to 10 battery protection modes, it ensures safe operation by protecting against overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits. This dedication to safety and innovation makes VTOMAN a leader in portable power solutions, providing peace of mind on every adventure. You can just power up, feel safe, and be free, says Harris.Embrace the Power of VTOMANThe VTOMAN FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 and its FlashSpeed series companions redefine whats possible in portable power. Designed for those who love the outdoors, these power stations provide reliable, sustainable energy solutions. Whether youre camping, road-tripping, or preparing for emergencies, VTOMAN ensures youre always powered and ready for the next adventure.Imagine the possibilities with VTOMAN by your side. From powering up a campsite to ensuring your devices are always charged, the FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 is your ticket to endless adventures. With its cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design, its the ultimate power solution for modern explorers seeking freedom and convenience. And with the trend going toward the use of more renewable sources of energy and off-grid lifestyles, VTOMAN is in the perfect position to help people master this new kind of green energy the way they want and need it.The post VTOMAN FLASHSPEED PRO 3600 Power Station at CES 2025: Revolutionizing Outdoor Power first appeared on Yanko Design.

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