• MVRDV "Carbon Confessions" Exhibition in Germany Reveals the Realities of Sustainable Construction
    www.archdaily.com
    MVRDV "Carbon Confessions" Exhibition in Germany Reveals the Realities of Sustainable ConstructionSave this picture!MVRDV Carbon Confessions. Image MVRDVAs the global climate crisis intensifies, the construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, prompting a fundamental reassessment of building practices. Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, known for its commitment to sustainability, presents an honest exploration of this challenge in "Carbon Confessions," an exhibition at Munich's Architekturgalerie. The exhibition provides insight into the firm's ongoing efforts, highlighting both its achievements and the obstacles encountered in the pursuit of carbon reduction.Housed within the Blumenstrae high-rise bunker, originally constructed in 1941 and home to the Architekturgalerie Mnchen since 2021, the exhibition spans three floors. Each level offers a unique perspective on MVRDV's approach to sustainable architecture. The central floor serves as the exhibition's core, featuring a 22-chapter storyline that chronicles the firm's sustainability journey. This narrative touches on various aspects, from MVRDV's early advocacy for urban density and mobility to internal initiatives such as vegetarian lunches and the establishment of The Green Dream Foundation to offset travel emissions. The exhibition also candidly addresses the firm's challenges, including an over-reliance on sustainability consultants, and showcases the role of MVRDV NEXT, a dedicated unit integrating climate-conscious strategies with technological advancements.Save this picture! If you think architects create buildings of concrete, wood, steel, and glass, it's time to think again. Carbon is the raw material that underpins them all. With this exhibition, we hope to convince people of that fundamental reality, while also being honest that it can take some time to fully understand all the implications of this paradigm shift. The sooner the construction industry starts thinking in this way, the sooner we will reach an optimistic, sustainable future. -- MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs Related Article Water is Coming: DAC Opens Exhibition on Adapting to a Changing World A standout feature on this floor is a "carousel" of rotating panels, offering 22 real-world anecdotes that illustrate the complexities of achieving low-carbon design. These range from insights into systemic challenges within the industry to success stories, such as a German builder's unexpected enthusiasm for rammed earth walls. Complementing these narratives are twelve detailed "carbon cases," which provide embodied carbon calculations for various MVRDV projects using the firm's proprietary CarbonScape software. This tool, soon to be publicly available, allows for greater transparency and actionable insights into reducing the environmental impact of architectural projects.Save this picture!The second floor focuses on adaptive reuse, presenting a series of transformation projects that underscore the importance of repurposing existing buildings to minimize carbon emissions. The exhibition includes a selection of MVRDV's past and ongoing projects, alongside student work from the "Anti-Monument" course at TU Berlin. This floor also features a collection of low-carbon material samples, some of which were specifically developed for MVRDV projects. A repurposed curtain from MVRDV's Dutch Pavilion at the Taipei International Book Exhibition delineates the space, turning it into a dynamic venue for events and discussions.Save this picture!On the ground floor, MVRDV showcases its suite of digital tools designed to facilitate low-carbon design solutions. Software such as RoofScape and CarbonScape are displayed in an engaging "video campfire" setup, encouraging visitors to gather and discuss the firm's initiatives. This interactive component reflects the exhibition's broader goal: fostering dialogue among architects, industry professionals, and the public about the role of construction in addressing climate change.Save this picture!MVRDV continues to explore new approaches to sustainability, actively engaging in research and analysis to explore architectural possibilities. In other related news, the firm has recently transformed shipping containers into sports and community hubs for refugees, demonstrating its commitment to adaptable, low-carbon solutions. Additionally, MVRDV has unveiled a master plan for the redevelopment of Faneuil Gardens public housing in Boston, emphasizing community-centric design. In Germany, their latest design for a colorful office building clad in Pretty Plastic shingles showcases their approach to material innovation and environmental responsibility.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorNour FakharanyAuthorCite: Nour Fakharany. "MVRDV "Carbon Confessions" Exhibition in Germany Reveals the Realities of Sustainable Construction" 22 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026050/mvrdv-carbon-confessions-exhibition-reveals-the-realities-of-sustainable-construction&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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  • The Case for Local Modernism in Cairo: Egypt's Architectural Transformation During the 1950s
    www.archdaily.com
    The Case for Local Modernism in Cairo: Egypt's Architectural Transformation During the 1950sSave this picture!Architects at the office of Mahmoud Riad looking over a maquette of the League of Arab States Building. Image Cairo Since 1900In the heart of Cairo, amid its historic landmarks and evolving urban fabric, a distinct modernist architectural movement took shape in the 1950s and 60s. It reflected the city's response to rapid political, economic, and social changes. When it arrived, modernism in Cairo was not just an imported style but a "pragmatic response to the needs of a growing city." Architects focused on functionality, efficiency, and adapting designs to the local climate and cultural context. Following the 1952 revolution, Egypt underwent significant transformations under President Gamal Abdel Nasser's leadership. In fact, the government sought to build a new national identity that reflected progress and the nation's self-sufficiency. Architecture played a crucial role in this effort, with a strong focus on modernization and development. The state invested in large-scale projects to accommodate the needs of a rapidly growing population and expanding industries. This period marked a shift from colonial-era influences toward a search for a distinct architectural identity that aligned with the political and social aspirations of the time.Unlike other cities in the Middle East, where modernist architecture was often introduced by foreign experts, Cairo's modernist landscape was shaped by local architects and engineers. According to Mohamed El Shahed's book, Cairo Since 1900, the city's modernism was based on homegrown expertise. It reflected a practical engagement with the built environment rather than a direct imitation of Western trends. From the late 1930s onward, "architects moved away from revivalist styles and began to focus more on functionality, simplicity, and the expressive use of materials such as concrete and brick." This essay explores how key modernist projects such as the Misr Insurance Buildings, Merryland Apartments, and Zamalek Tower demonstrate Cairo's approach to modern architecture. These buildings highlight how local architects adapted international modernist ideas to create structures that were both innovative and suited to the city's social and environmental conditions. These buildings demonstrate an approach that balanced functionality with cultural relevance, resulting in an architectural language that was both contemporary and rooted in local realities.Balancing Modernity and Climate Related Article The Legacy of Modernist Architecture in Tanzania: Anthony Almeida and Beda Amuli Misr Insurance Buildings (1950 and 1952, Mahmoud Riad and Sayed Karim)Save this picture!The Misr Insurance Buildings, designed by architects Mahmoud Riad and Sayed Karim in 1950 and 1952 respectively, showcase how modernist design principles were applied to meet both commercial and environmental needs. The buildings introduced a restrained and functional aesthetic, moving away from decorative revivalist styles of the past. Their faades feature brise-soleil elements, which provide shade and reduce heat gain, making them well-suited to Cairo's climate. The design also prioritizes efficiency and flexibility, with modular office spaces that could be easily adapted over time. The use of concrete and glass emphasizes the modernist ideal of structural clarity and honesty. Despite their modern appearance, the buildings remain sensitive to their surroundings, fitting within the existing urban fabric while projecting a forward-looking image. These buildings reflect the broader trend in Cairo's modernism, where functionality and climate responsiveness were key considerations in shaping the built environment. They also symbolize Egypt's post-revolution ambition to establish itself as a leader in finance and industry, with architecture serving as a visible expression of that goal.Modern Housing for a Changing SocietyMerryland Apartments (1958, Sayed Karim)Save this picture!The Merryland Apartments, completed in 1958 by modernist architect Sayed Karim, demonstrate how modernist residential architecture was adapted to address the needs of Cairo's growing middle class. The design of the complex embraces modernist principles of modularity and efficiency, with a focus on maximizing living space within a dense urban setting. The apartments feature repetitive geometric balconies, which provide shade and create a dynamic visual rhythm across the faade. Additionally, the inclusion of open spaces and landscaped areas within the development reflects an understanding of the social function of architecture. The architects aimed to provide a sense of community within the growing city, offering residents access to shared outdoor spaces and amenities. The layout also incorporates cross-ventilation strategies, ensuring that natural airflow reduces reliance on mechanical cooling systems. The Merryland Apartments represent a shift in residential architecture, where comfort and functionality were prioritized over ornamentation.Adapting Modernism to Urban DensityZamalek Tower (1958, Sayed Karim)Save this picture!Save this picture!The Zamalek Tower, designed by Sayed Karim in 1958, is an example of how modernist design was used to address the challenges of urban density. As Cairo's population grew, the need for vertical living solutions became increasingly widespread. The tower's design incorporates staggered balconies that provide both privacy and shade, while also allowing for natural ventilation. The use of reinforced concrete in the structure allowed for greater flexibility in floor planning, accommodating both residential and commercial spaces within a single high-rise building. The tower's rooftop terraces provided additional outdoor space, an important feature in a densely populated city. As a solution to Cairo's housing needs, the project demonstrates how architects of the time embraced high-rise construction.Modernism and Cultural IdentitySaint Catherine's Church (1950, Naoum Shebib)Save this picture!While modernist architecture in Cairo was often associated with commercial and residential projects, it also extended to religious buildings. The Saint Catherine's Church, completed in 1950 by Naoum Shebib, highlights how modernist design principles were also applied to places of worship. The building features sweeping concrete forms that reinterpret traditional religious architecture in a contemporary way. The design incorporates minimalist detailing and simple geometric shapes, emphasizing the structural qualities of concrete while maintaining a sense of spiritual tranquility. The church's interior is designed to maximize natural light, creating an atmosphere of quiet reflection. During the era of modernism in Cairo, architects were seeking to reinterpret cultural heritage through new materials and forms under functional principles.Church of Collge De La Salle School (1955, Seddiq Shehab El-Din, Antoine Selim Nahas, and D. Komides)Save this picture!The Church of Collge De La Salle School, completed in 1955, is a distinctive example of how modernist architecture was applied to religious and educational institutions in Cairo. Designed by Seddiq Shehab El-Din, Antoine Selim Nahas, and D. Komides, the church embodies the principles of modernism while respecting the spiritual and functional needs of a school environment. Its design blends geometric simplicity and material honesty, reflecting a shift away from traditional church architecture towards a more restrained and functional aesthetic. A defining feature of the church is its angular roof structure and minimalistic faade, which utilize reinforced concrete to create sweeping, sculptural forms. The interior emphasizes openness and natural light, with strategically placed windows that allow soft illumination to enhance the spiritual atmosphere. The building's design maintains a balance between monumentality and simplicity, ensuring it remains an integral yet understated part of the school's campus.Institutions as State SymbolsThe Chamber of Commerce (1955, Sayed Karim)Save this picture!The Chamber of Commerce Building, completed in 1955 by architect Sayed Karim, is a notable example of how modernist architecture was employed to serve Cairo's growing administrative and economic needs. Designed to house the offices of Cairo's commercial sector, the building reflects the modernist emphasis on functionality and efficiency, with an aesthetic that aligns with Egypt's aspirations for modernization in the post-1952 era. The structure incorporates vertical brise-soleil elements, which provide shading and reduce heat gain, a critical adaptation to Cairo's hot climate. The building's layout prioritizes flexibility and ease of movement, accommodating a range of administrative functions within a streamlined and minimalist design. Karim's approach focuses on clear structural articulation, using reinforced concrete and glass to create a balance between openness and solidity. As a government-backed project, the Chamber of Commerce Building stands as a testament to the role of modernist architecture in shaping public institutions and reflects the broader ambitions of state-driven development during the 1950s.AUC Science Building (1966, Medhat Hassan Shaheen)Save this picture!The AUC Science Building, completed in 1966 and designed by architect Medhat Hassan Shaheen, was a prominent example of Cairo's modernist approach to educational architecture. Built as part of the American University in Cairo's (AUC) Tahrir Square campus expansion, the building reflected the growing demand for specialized academic facilities in a rapidly modernizing city. Its design embraced modernist principles of functionality, flexibility, and material efficiency, providing adaptable spaces for teaching and research. Characterized by its clean lines, grid-like faade, and large uninterrupted glass windows, the building prioritized natural light and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable learning environment suited to Cairo's climate. The restrained use of ornamentation and reliance on reinforced concrete and glass underscored the modernist ideal of structural honesty and simplicity. The building's design also allowed for future expansions and modifications, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to academic infrastructure. Despite its architectural and historical significance, the AUC Science Building was demolished in 2015, highlighting the ongoing challenge of preserving Cairo's modernist heritageCorporate Modernism and EfficiencyMobil Building (1959, Abu Bakr Khairat)Save this picture!The Mobil Building, designed by Abu Bakr Khairat in 1959, reflects the growing influence of modernist architecture in Cairo's commercial sector. The building's design prioritizes efficiency and functionality, with a clear separation of spaces for different corporate functions. The faade features a combination of glass curtain walls and shading elements, allowing for natural light while minimizing heat gain. The structure's vertical emphasis and sleek lines align with modernist ideals of simplicity and order. Its strategic location in the city underscores the role of architecture in shaping Cairo's emerging corporate identity during this period. The Mobil Building exemplifies how modernism was used to project an image of progress and modernization, supporting Egypt's broader economic aspirations in the mid-20th century.The modernist movement in Cairo during the 1950s and 60s was shaped by a desire to balance functionality, climate adaptation, and cultural continuity. Through key projects such as the Misr Insurance Buildings, Merryland Apartments, Zamalek Tower, and others, local architects demonstrated their ability to adapt global architectural trends to meet Cairo's unique needs. These buildings reflect an era when modernism was seen as a practical response to urban challenges rather than a purely aesthetic pursuit. Their designs prioritized efficiency, environmental considerations, and social needs, creating a built environment that was both forward-looking and rooted in local conditions. However, despite their historical and architectural significance, many of these modernist landmarks have been neglected, altered, or demolished in recent years. The demolition of structures serves as a reminder of how commonly this chapter of Cairo's architectural history has been lost. As Cairo continues to evolve, the legacy of its modernist architecture remains an important reminder of the city's dynamic approach to growth and development. Preserving and studying these buildings offers valuable insights into how architecture can respond to the complexities of a rapidly changing urban landscape. Recognizing their importance is crucial in ensuring that this unique period of Cairo's architectural heritage is not forgotten.This article is part of an ArchDaily series called "Rediscovering Modernism in Africa." Many buildings from the Modern Movement in Africa are of high architectural quality. Despite being several decades old and historically important, they have only recently gained attention in international discussions. This series explores this rich history. As always, at ArchDaily, we greatly appreciate our readers' contributions. If you have a project you think should be featured, please submit your suggestions.This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: 100 Years of Modernism. Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorNour FakharanyAuthorCite: Nour Fakharany. "The Case for Local Modernism in Cairo: Egypt's Architectural Transformation During the 1950s" 22 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025920/the-case-for-local-modernism-in-cairo-egypts-architectural-transformation-during-the-1950s&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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  • The new science of menopause: these emerging therapies could change womens health
    www.nature.com
    Nature, Published online: 22 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00069-4Researchers are exploring how to prolong ovarian life and revisiting hormone replacement therapy a once routine treatment that has fallen out of favour.
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  • Menopause research is globally underfunded. Its time to change that
    www.nature.com
    Nature, Published online: 22 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00150-yNature asked the worlds largest health-research funders what they are doing to study a life stage experienced by half of humanity. Here is what some of them told us.
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  • 'A frankly embarrassing result': We still know hardly anything about 95% of the universe
    www.livescience.com
    "As yet, nobody has managed to understand what gives rise to this strange phenomenon, and explaining dark energy remains one of the most formidable challenges of modern science."
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  • Suicide Squad & Batman Dev Rocksteady Might Be Working on a New Title
    cgshares.com
    RocksteadyThere are suggestions that Rocksteady might be developing a new title. According to the experience description of one of the studios employees, it might be creating a new project. Transitioned to DevOps /SDET towards the end of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and work on an unannounced title, reads the resume. As of now, it is not clear what the new title will be.Before, there were rumors that the studio was developing a new Batman game, as Xbox Eras Shpeshal Nick shared when replying to a tweet by The Game Awards, asking fans to name a studio for the next Batman game. However, there was no official announcement or confirmation.RocksteadyThe Batman games were critically and commercially acclaimed, while the recently released Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League underperformed and caused publisher Warner Bros. to suffer a loss of $200 million. Last year, reportedly, the developer laid off its staff members, with the QA department decreasing from 33 to 15 and some of the employees being let go at the end of 2024. Recently, the studio announced that Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League would stop getting updated in 2025.Dont forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our new Discord server, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, and Threads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Suicide Squad & Batman Dev Rocksteady Might Be Working on a New Title appeared first on CG SHARES.
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  • Infinity Nikki - Forced Perspective: Burning With Anger Guide
    gamerant.com
    There is never a shortage of adventures to embark on in Infinity Nikki, which is one of the game's many aspects that its devoted player community has appreciated since its spectacularly successful launch in December 2024. While fashion is one of Nikki's biggest priorities during her journey across Miraland, there are other types of quests that test other skills as well, such as photography with Forced Perspective quests.
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  • Death Stranding 2 Has a Clear Path to Another Great PT Easter Egg
    gamerant.com
    While Easter eggs are fairly common in gaming, Hideo Kojima is one of those developers fans can expect plenty of Easter eggs from in just about any game, regardless of its genre, tone, or relevance. The same goes for one of his most recent games, Death Stranding, which included a subtle reference to P.T., a legendary interactive demo intended as a teaser for a new installment in the Silent Hill franchise, Silent Hills. The project was ultimately canceled, but P.T.'s influence can still be felt in Death Stranding, and the same could eventually be said of its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.
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  • Hollow Knight: Silksong dev forced to reassure us the game will release
    www.polygon.com
    Its confirmed: Hollow Knight: Silksong is still a real video game thats in active development, despite recent conspiracy theories. Matthew Griffin, who handles marketing and publishing for Team Cherry, wrote last Friday on X, Yes the game is real, progressing and will release.Griffins comment was a reply to an X user asking for an update after Hollow Knight speedrunner fireb0rn doused a growing conspiracy theory in the games community that a release date announcement was on its way. As Hollow Knight fans are wont to do, they thought they cracked the code on why developer William Pellens alt X account changed its profile picture and teased that something big is coming. It turns out, nothing big was coming after all.Yes the game is real, progressing and will release. <3 Matthew Griffin (@griffinmatta) January 18, 2025Its back to waking up every day and hoping theres news about the hotly-anticipated sequel to the 2017 action game. Ever since Silksong was announced in 2019, its fans have been searching for signs that its coming out. The community is so rabid, its basically a meme at this point. Not a major game announcement goes by without fans desperately hoping that Silksong will miraculously show up. The games subreddit is like watching the GIF of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphias Charlie Day hysterically explaining the patterns he found in a bunch of letters pinned to a wall. The game needs to come out if only to give these people something else to do.Hopefully, it wont be long. The last we heard is the game was planned to release in 2023, but was delayed to 2024. Obviously it didnt make that date either, but at least we know its still on the way. Get ready for another spark of speculative hype in April when well get the first Switch 2 Nintendo Direct presentation. And if thats not fruitful, theres always Summer Games Fest.
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  • OpenAI and Softbank team up for a $500 billion AI data center venture
    www.engadget.com
    OpenAI will build and open AI infrastructure worth $500 billion in the United States over the next four years in partnership with SoftBank. The two entities have teamed up to establish a new company called the Stargate Project to build AI data centers for the ChatGPT maker, and according to their announcement, it will "secure American leadership in AI" as well as "create hundreds of thousands of American jobs." SoftBank will finance the project, while OpenAI will be in charge of its operations. Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank, will serve as its chairman.While OpenAI and SoftBank will serve as the Stargate Project's lead partners, there are several other companies involved in the initiative. In addition to OpenAI, Arm, NVIDIA, Oracle and, of course, Microsoft will be its key initial technology partners. The company's official announcement says OpenAI, NVIDIA and Oracle will work together to "build and operate this computing system," though it didn't expound on what that means.As for Microsoft, the company has posted an announcement about its involvement in the project and said that it will continue its "strategic partnership" with OpenAI. Microsoft will still have the right to use OpenAI IP on its products, and the OpenAI API will still exclusively run on Azure. However, it will no longer be OpenAI's exclusive provider for computing capacity. Whenever OpenAI needs additional capacity as its needs grow, Microsoft will have the "right of first refusal," which means the ChatGPT-maker has to check with it first before working with other parties.The Stargate Project is releasing $100 billion immediately for its first data center buildouts, starting with one in Texas. As TechCrunch notes, it was previously reported that OpenAI was in talks with Oracle to lease a data center in Abilene, Texas that can reach almost a gigawatt of electricity by 2026. It didn't mention any other sites, but it did say that it's "evaluating potential" locations across the country.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/openai-and-softbank-team-up-for-a-500-billion-ai-data-center-venture-120018021.html?src=rss
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