• Biophilic Design Explained: 6 Elements for a Nature-Inspired Home
    www.yankodesign.com
    The concept of biophilia truly inspiring, as it emphasizes bringing the essence of the natural world into our indoor spaces. Before covid came in and changed our relationship with our homes and how we nurture our space, biophilic design has been around to re-work how me look at our relationship with nature. Introduced by biologist Erich Fromm in 1964, biophilia captures our innate love for life and nature. This connection explains why so many of us experience joy and peace in outdoor settings. By integrating nature into our environments, we can create spaces that nurture our well-being and reflect our deep-rooted affinity for the earth.The psychological benefits of biophilia are profound, offering stress relief and cognitive improvements. For those passionate about nature, these benefits underscore the importance of living in harmony with the environment. As we navigate modern life, the six elements of biophilic design provide a roadmap to blend nature seamlessly into our daily experiences. This approach not only enhances our surroundings but also fosters a more meaningful connection with the natural world.1. Environmental FeaturesIncorporating environmental features into biophilic design is essential for enhancing our connection to nature. By introducing elements such as vegetation, water, sunlight, and natural materials, indoor spaces become more inviting and harmonious. The use of potted plants, wooden furniture, and textured finishes not only beautifies interiors but also creates a calming environment. Earthy tones further enhance this effect, while open-concept layouts facilitate a seamless integration of these natural elements, fostering a soothing and enriching atmosphere.These environmental features play a crucial role in transforming urban spaces into nature-inspired sanctuaries. Natural light and ventilation improve air quality and energy efficiency, while the presence of greenery and water features can significantly boost mood and productivity. By mimicking the sensory experience of the outdoors, these elements provide a much-needed refuge from the fast-paced urban lifestyle. Ultimately, biophilic design with its environmental features nurtures both physical and mental well-being, creating spaces that promote tranquility and balance.Omri Cohen, a student at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, created the Living Shell, an innovative architectural design using textile technology. This shell, made from woven jute, felt, and wheatgrass over a bamboo frame, provides insulation and shade while continuing to grow. Cohens 1:10 scale models demonstrate the potential for this structure to serve as a natural refuge for small animals and an educational tool for observing natural growth processes. The Living Shell can be integrated into both urban and rural environments, with an irrigation system to support its development.The ACQUAIR combines a smart humidifier with a plant pot, using a single water tank to nourish the plant and emit moisture into the air. Equipped with sensors, it automatically adjusts mist levels based on temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal air quality with minimal maintenance. This dual-purpose design integrates nature and technology, enhancing both air purification and room aesthetics.Olus is a compact, biophilic air purifier designed for small urban spaces, featuring fully biodegradable filters to cut down on landfill waste. Its nature-inspired design includes a moss-covered exterior and organic patterns. The two-stage filtration system uses dried moss and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to clean the air, while a digital display shows air quality and temperature. Olus combines eco-friendliness with modern aesthetics for effective air purification.2. Natural Shapes and FormsNatural shapes and forms play a vital role in biophilic design by mirroring the organic patterns found in nature, such as botanical motifs, spirals, and arches. These elements bridge the gap between indoor environments and the natural world, fostering a sense of harmony and connection. By avoiding rigid right angles and straight lines, which are rare in nature, these designs create spaces that feel more fluid and organic, enhancing overall well-being.Incorporating natural shapes and forms into design helps create environments that resonate with our innate affinity for nature. These elements evoke the beauty and complexity of the natural world, providing visual and emotional comfort. Curved lines and organic patterns can soften spaces, making them feel more inviting and less artificial. This approach not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also supports a calming atmosphere, promoting a deeper connection to the natural environment.Respyre is an innovative bio-receptive technology company that has developed eco-concrete to support moss growth on concrete surfaces. This technology addresses urban challenges such as decreased biodiversity, heat stress, and pollution by transforming concrete structures into green spaces. Respyres eco-concrete features unique properties like porosity and nutrient content, allowing moss to grow without harming the underlying structure. Unlike costly and high-maintenance green roofs, this self-sustaining solution offers a practical way to integrate greenery into urban environments, improving air quality and enhancing cityscapes.Plant Prefab and UK-based Koto have collaborated to create LivingHomes, two eco-friendly residences that merge Scandinavian minimalism with biophilic design principles. Meeting LEED Platinum and net-zero standards, these homes utilize recycled materials, energy-efficient systems, and low-flow fixtures. The first home, Yksi, features a cantilevered, two-bedroom design with large windows and expansive decks for natural light and privacy. The second home, Piha, offers four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a spacious open living area with courtyards and decks that provide panoramic views of the surrounding nature. Both homes are designed to integrate seamlessly with their environments, enhancing residents connection to the natural world.3. Natural PatternsNatural patterns are at the heart of biophilic design, capturing the essence of growth and aging as seen in the natural world. By mimicking these patterns, designers can create spaces that resonate with the organic processes found in nature. Materials like brass with its patina, oxidized metals, and aged leather exemplify this approach, showcasing unique textures and evolving colors that add depth and character to environments, reflecting the beauty of natural change.In biophilic design, natural patterns not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also foster a connection to the rhythms of nature. These patterns celebrate the passage of time and the unique beauty that comes with aging, offering a visual narrative of transformation. By incorporating elements that echo these natural processes, spaces become more dynamic and engaging, encouraging occupants to connect with the environment on a deeper, more intuitive level.The Aureole wall lighting collection draws inspiration from sunflower disk florets, blending natural forms with a unique, almost alien design. Crafted from quartz sand using advanced 3D printing, the lamps feature intricate, maze-like patterns. When illuminated, the opaque black disc at the center casts mesmerizing, spiral shadows, creating an ethereal, solar eclipse effect. This striking design captures the essence of nature while serving as a captivating conversation piece.4. Light and SpaceLight and space are integral components of biophilic design, significantly impacting mood and productivity. Maximizing daylight in interiors helps create bright, airy environments that mimic the comforting glow of natural settings, such as forests or starlit skies. By strategically placing large windows and mirrors, spaces can capture and amplify sunlight, ensuring an abundance of natural illumination. This approach not only enhances visual appeal but also strengthens the connection between indoor environments and the natural world.Incorporating light and space in biophilic design also involves using elements like glass chandeliers to reflect and disperse light, adding depth and warmth to interiors. These reflective surfaces can evoke a sense of openness and continuity, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design strategy fosters a harmonious atmosphere that supports well-being and creativity, allowing occupants to experience the soothing and invigorating effects of natural light within built environments.Jungle, designed by Polands KABO & PYDO, merges a light fixture with a planter in a sleek, capsule-shaped design. Suspended from the ceiling by long fabric straps, it features an opaque body that diffuses a warm, golden light and highlights the greenery. This dual-function piece combines biophilic design with modern aesthetics, offering both soothing illumination and a stylish way to incorporate plants into any living space.5. Place-Based RelationshipsPlace-based relationships in biophilic design emphasize the integration of local culture, materials, and ecology into the built environment, creating spaces that resonate with their surroundings. By embracing vernacular architecture, designers utilize local materials and traditional building techniques, which not only reduce environmental impact but also celebrate the unique character of a place. This approach allows buildings to harmonize with their natural settings, whether nestled among mountains, along rivers, or in arid desert landscapes, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity with the environment.Incorporating local artwork and cultural elements further strengthens place-based relationships in biophilic design. These artistic expressions capture the essence of a regions history, traditions, and values, enriching the narrative of a space and deepening the connection between occupants and their surroundings. By highlighting regional history and culture, biophilic design creates environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful and contextually relevant. This fosters a deeper appreciation for the local ecology and promotes a sense of stewardship and responsibility toward preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage of a place.The Playground Restaurant by Loop Design Studio in Chandigarh blends brutalist and modernist design with lush greenery to create a whimsical greenhouse feel. Featuring an irregular cinder block wall with potted plants and vintage Edison bulbs, a translucent glass ceiling, and cozy wooden tables, the space combines industrial elements with biophilic design. Audio cassette tapes and terracotta flooring with cobalt blue tiles add unique touches, making the restaurant a vibrant oasis in the citys concrete landscape.6. Evolved Human-Nature RelationshipBiophilic design evolves the human-nature relationship by recreating environments that echo the natural world, fostering a deep connection to nature. By integrating elements such as natural light, organic materials, and greenery, these designs provide spaces that feel protective and nurturing. This approach taps into our inherent affinity for nature, offering a sense of security and comfort reminiscent of natural shelters, thereby enhancing emotional well-being and reducing stress in modern, built environments.Furthermore, biophilic design encourages a harmonious coexistence with nature by embedding natural elements into daily life. This design philosophy not only improves aesthetic appeal but also nurtures physical and mental health, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. By creating spaces that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, biophilic design cultivates a sense of stewardship and responsibility, inspiring individuals to engage more consciously with the natural world and prioritize sustainable practices.KRADS, a Danish-Icelandic architectural studio, designed a holiday home in southwestern Iceland that exemplifies biophilic design. Integrated into the mountainous terrain overlooking Lake ingvallavatn, the home features staggered concrete foundations that harmonize with the natural landscape. Its green rooftops, adorned with moss and local grasses, enhance the connection to the surrounding woodland. Inside, the design maximizes natural light and offers unobstructed views of the lake and the mountain Skjaldbrei, creating a serene environment that reflects the principles of biophilia by seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces.Playa Viva is an eco-resort in Juluchuca, Mexico, featuring treehouse-style villas with roofs inspired by Mobula Ray wings. Designed by Atelier Nomadic, the resort integrates into the natural landscape with structures made from Guadua bamboo, fishpole bamboo, and Cumaru timber. The villas are elevated on wooden stilts and feature hyperbolic roofs for sun and rain protection. Playa Viva operates off-grid, using solar energy and supporting local communities through health and education initiatives, while also contributing to sea turtle conservation via its La Tortuga Viva Turtle Sanctuary.The post Biophilic Design Explained: 6 Elements for a Nature-Inspired Home first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • This PS One-inspired $179 Console Brings Retro Gaming to Your 4K TV No Emulators Needed
    www.yankodesign.com
    Theres something magical about revisiting the past, especially when it comes to gaming. For those who grew up in the heyday of classic consoles, theres an unmistakable thrill in holding a controller that feels just right, in playing a game that catapults you straight back to simpler times. SuperStation, a modern twist on the multi-system game console, is tapping into that nostalgia, while bringing some 21st-century innovation to the mix. Its a hybrid creation designed for gamers who want to celebrate the golden age of retro gaming without the compromises of clunky emulators or faded hardware.At first glance, the SuperStation looks like something a 90s console-maker would have dreamt up in a parallel universe. Its design channels the aesthetic of the PS One, with more color options (including a see-through blue variant). Soft pebble-like edges, subtle RGB lighting, and modular design elements bring it into the modern era. But its not just a case of old-school looks meeting modern stylingthis consoles biggest draw is its ability to play original cartridges from a wide range of classic systems. Yes, actual cartridges, not ROMs or cloud libraries. Think NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and even lesser-known consoles like the TurboGrafx-16, all supported natively without adapters or third-party tinkering.Designer: Retro RemakeThis kind of versatility is a rare feat. Retro gaming enthusiasts often face the frustrating decision between maintaining multiple aging consoles or resorting to emulators that never quite capture the authenticity of the originals. The SuperStation solves this by combining multi-system compatibility with modern features like HDMI output, customizable upscaling, and wireless controller support. Imagine popping in your copy of Chrono Trigger, hearing the familiar chime of the SNES startup screen, but seeing it in crisp HD on your 4K TV. The SuperStation ensures your favorite titles get the epic retro revival they deserve.The hardware itself feels surprisingly premium for what is essentially a retro console revival. According to SuperStation, the console boasts custom-designed hardware tailored to faithfully replicate the circuitry of the original systems. No laggy emulation hereeverything runs on low-latency FPGA chips, a nod to the kind of precise engineering thats vital to hardcore retro gamers. Even the smallest details, like system startup sounds or controller latency, are engineered to match the feel of the original systems as closely as possible.Perhaps the most intriguing part of the SuperStation, though, is its emphasis on modularity. The system includes interchangeable modules for each console type, so you can mix and match based on your collection. Want to jump between SEGAs Sonic the Hedgehog and Nintendos Super Mario World? Just swap the module and youre ready to go. This future-proof approach not only expands compatibility but also allows SuperStation to keep rolling out support for additional systems without forcing you to upgrade the core hardware.The SuperStation is currently up for pre-order, with a rather affordable price of $179.99. It comes in 3 colors classic off-white, iconic black, and a rather electrifying transparent blue that absolutely has my heart. Although my soul is telling me to find a CRT monitor, the best way to enjoy the SuperStation is to hook it up to your 4K TV or perhaps even your AR/VR glasses for a hi-res expansive experience. After all, Super Mario World and Street Fighter may have been built for smaller screens, but their charm becomes downright cinematic when brought to life in high definition.The post This PS One-inspired $179 Console Brings Retro Gaming to Your 4K TV No Emulators Needed first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • Nvidia Reels After DeepSeeks A.I. Breakthrough
    www.nytimes.com
    The tech industry has had an insatiable appetite for Nvidias chips over the last two years. But the feast may be over sooner than many had expected.
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  • What is DeepSeek? And How Is It Upending A.I.?
    www.nytimes.com
    How did a little-known Chinese start-up cause the markets and U.S. tech giants to quake? Heres what to know.
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  • A new Chinese AI app tops the App Store, but its meteoric rise could be short-lived
    appleinsider.com
    Chinese AI app DeepSeek is on top of the App Store, challenging Apple Intelligence, and shaking Wall Street confidence in big tech.DeepSeek logoThe market for generative AI is already dominated by a few major names in the West, with Apple Intelligence alongside Google Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT. While there are many smaller efforts to offer AI services, one has seemingly come out of nowhere in a surge of popularity.Called DeepSeek, it's an app that has leaped to the top of the U.S. App Store, as well as many other countries, in a very short space of time. Following the release of its LLM one week ago, it has seen massive growth in a short space of time. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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  • Don't wait to update: iOS 18.3 addresses an actively exploited vulnerability
    appleinsider.com
    Apple's iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 updates contain key security improvements and patch actively exploited vulnerabilities. Here's why you should update today.The iOS 18.3 update fixes an actively exploited vulnerability.On Monday, after a series of developer betas, Apple released iOS 18.3 to the general public. While the update contains a variety of noteworthy enhancements and features, including changes to Apple Intelligence notification summaries, the operating system also includes important security patches.As with most iOS updates, iOS 18.3 addresses core security issues related to different features and aspects of the iPhone operating system. Many of the changes introduced on Monday were designed to prevent local and remote attackers from accessing users' private information. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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  • Get Lectured: USC, Spring '25
    archinect.com
    TheUSC School of Architecturehas shared its lineup of guest speakers as part of our Get Lectured series for the Spring 2025 semester.The term includes lectures from Malcolm J. Rio (January 29); Sven Blume (February 3); Michael Anderson (February 7); Frances Anderton (February 12); Zhu Pei (February 14); Hadrian Predock (February 26); and Frank Barkow (March 14).StudioHAUs Yo-Ichiro Hakomori continues the series on March 26, followed by Thomas Robinson of LEVER Architecture on March 28. The semester concludes with appearances by Lori Ferriss (April 4); Alison Hirsch (April 9); and Shalini Vajjhala (April 18). The school's Housing 10X symposium will also be held on April 11.Want to share your school's lecture series? Send us your poster and details to connect@archinect.com.
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  • Rise of the Ronin PC Requires a Whopping 180 GB of Installation Space
    gamingbolt.com
    Out of nowhere, Koei Tecmo announced that Rise of the Ronin is coming to PC. It will launch for $49.99, and thankfully, the system requirements arent too hefty. However, youll need a solid-state drive and 180 GB of free space for installation.As revealed by its Steam listing, the minimum requirements demand an Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600, 16 GB RAM, and a GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB) or Radeon RX 5500 XT (8 GB). This is enough for 1080p/30 FPS on the lowest settings and with upscalers.The recommended requirements include a Core i5-10600K or Ryzen 5 5600X, 16 GB RAM, and a GeForce RTX 2080 Super (8 GB) or Radeon RX 6700XT (12 GB) for 1080p/60 FPS at the Standard settings and will upscaling. An NVMe SSD is also required.Frame Generation is available in both cases to bump the FPS. What kind of hardware will be required for playing in 4K/60 FPS or even at 1440p on High settings remains to be seen, so stay tuned for further details.Rise of the Ronin launches on March 11th for PC. Pre-orders can net an Iga-Ninja Armor Set/Katana and four combat styles for free until April 2nd.
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  • Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Remake Everything You Need to Know
    gamingbolt.com
    Microsoft, Team Ninja, and PlatinumGames grabbed the headlines with the announcement ofNinja Gaiden 4at the recent Xbox Developer_Direct presentation, but it wasnt the onlyNinja Gaidengame to take the spotlight. No, Koei Tecmo also showcasedNinja Gaiden 2 Black,an enhanced remaster (or remake) of the classic 2008 action title. Here, were going to go over everything that you should know about it, starting with some core, basic details about theoriginalNinja Gaiden 2itself.STORY DETAILSNinja Gaiden 2is set one year after the events ofNinja Gaiden Black,and once again puts players in the shoes of series protagonist Ryu Hayabusa. As the game kicks off, the master ninja crosses paths with a CIA agent named Sonia, who informs him of an impending attack on Hayabusa Village by the Black Spider Ninja Clan, who wish to get their hands on the Demon Statue. Unsurprisingly, things escalate, and Ryu finds himself on a globe-trotting, brutal, action-packed journey.COMBAT DETAILSFans of character action games will emphatically tell you thatNinja Gaiden 2is one of the best and most spectacularly well-designed games in the genre- which, of course, means combat is priority number 1. The game places quite a bit of focus on dismemberment (which well speak more of in a bit), and is, of course, notoriously punishing, which means precise timing, clever combos, and blocks are key. Ryu can also absorb essence dropped by slain enemies and use it to heal himself.WEAPONSNinja Gaiden 2sweapon variety is among its biggest strengths. Ryus Dragon Sword serves as his primary weapon, but throughout the game, players also use dual katanas, giant hammers, scythes, claws, shurikens, tonfas, and more. Ranged weapons such as bows, canons, machine guns, and gatling guns are also included, while Ryu is also capable of unleashing a number of magical abilities.REMAKE OR REMASTER?Koei Tecmo has officially dubbedNinja Gaiden 2 Blacka remaster, though theres a case to be made that it might be more than that. At the very least, its a very comprehensive and thorough remaster, and also moves the game to an entirely different engine. Whether or not you could call it a remake is debatable, but then again, theres no shortage of remakes out there that are essentially one-to-one recreations (or close enough), from 2020s Demons Soulsto the upcomingMetal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.UNREAL ENGINE 5As we touched on,Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackmoves the game to a new engine. The originalNinja Gaiden 2was built on an internal, proprietary engine, but the remaster was developed using Unreal Engine 5. Koei Tecmo says the engine has been utilized to create stunning current-generation graphics, allowing players to immerse themselves more deeply in the storys world.ENHANCEMENTSSo exactly what sort of visual and technical enhancements can we expect from the game? Well, as its reveal trailer showed, its a significant graphical upgrade over the predecessor, with effectively the entire game and all of tis assets having been overhauled and redone. Meanwhile, as per the games official Xbox store page, it also features support for ray tracing, HDR10, and VRR.RESOLUTION AND FRAME RATEIn addition to its visual upgrade, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black 2also touting impressive visual targets. On Xbox Series X, for instance, the game is capable of running at up to 4K and 120 FPS, as per its aforementioned store page. Presumably, the same is also true on PS5. The games PlayStation Store page also confirms that it is PS5 Pro Enhanced.WHY NINJA GAIDEN 2?Why exactly are we getting aNinja Gaiden 2remake (or remaster) out of nowhere (not that were complaining)? According to Team Ninja head Fumihiko Yasuda,Ninja Gaiden 2was chosen in particular because it stands even now as one of the best action games around, and to reassure fans who might be concerned about the future of Ryu Hayabusa (who isnt the main protagonist in the upcomingNinja Gaiden 4). Speaking to Xbox Wire, Yasuda said, he biggest reason for developingNinja Gaiden 2 Black was to address the concerns of core fans who might be wondering, Whats going to happen to Ryu Hayabusa? We also wanted to give players something to enjoy as they wait for the release of Ninja Gaiden 4. We chose Ninja Gaiden 2because it stands as one of the most solid action games in the series. We added Black to the title to signal to fans that this is the definitive version, much likeNinja Gaiden Black was for the first game.INCLUDES SIGMA 2 CHARACTERSNinja Gaiden 2 Blackis based on the original 2008 title, but that doesnt mean it will be ignoring the 2009 re-releaseNinja Gaiden Sigma 2. Chief among theSigma 2elements and features included inNinja Gaiden 2 Blackare three of the formers additional playable characters in the form of Rachel, Momji, and Ayane.INCLUDES HERO PLAY STYLE MODEKoei Tecmo is billingNinja Gaiden 2 Blackas the definitive version ofNinja Gaiden 2, as evidenced by its aforementioned inclusion ofSigma 2characters. In addition,Sigma 2sHero Play Style Mode is also coming back. Effectively an easy mode, it enables higher damage output and easier dismemberment, while also enabling auto-blocking and auto-evade for a brief window anytime Ryus health drops too low.Ninja Gaiden 2can be a brutally difficult game, so Hero modes inclusion is definitely a nice option to have, for those who want a more relaxing experience.LENGTHAs a faithful recreation of the originalNinja Gaiden 2,you can expectNinja Gaiden 2 Blackto be roughly the same length- which means itll be substantial enough. As per HLTB, the action title can be anywhere between 15-25 hours long, depending on how you play it and how much you choose to engage with its optional offerings.ENHANCED DISMEMBERMENTDismemberment is a big part of the combat inNinja Gaiden 2,as weve touched on, and this remaster doubles down on that. According to Koei Tecmo,Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackfeatures enhanced and remastered dismemberment and gore elements in order to enhance the action experience. If that stuff makes you queasy, however, the game also features a toggle for dismemberment in the options menu, making for what Koei Tecmo describes as a more toned down experience.PC REQUIREMENTSWhat sort of a rig will you need to runNinja Gaiden 2 Blackon PC? As youd expect, the requirements are fairly reasonable, more or less. On minimum settings, to run the game at 720p and 60 FPS, youll need either an i5-8400 or a Ryzen 5 3400G, along with either a GeForce GTX 1060 or a Radeon RX 590, and 12 GB of RAM. Meanwhile, on recommended settings (1080p/60 FPS), youll need either an i7-8700 or a Ryzen 5 3600 XT, along with either a GeForce GTX1080 or a Radeon RX 5700XT, and 16 GB of RAM. On either setting, youll also need 85 GB of storage and an SSD.PRICENinja Gaiden 2 Blackis, of course, available now, with Koei Tecmo choosing to shadow drop the game on the day of its announcement itself. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the remake is being sold at a price of $49.99.GAME PASSThose who wish to spend even less money on the remake have the option to do that as well.Ninja Gaiden 2 Blackis also available via Game Pass, which means those subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass PC, or the original base console tier (which is no longer offered) can download the game at no additional cost.
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  • Rare and Stinky 'Corpse Flower' Blooms Draw Thousands of Visitors to Gardens in New York and Sydney
    www.smithsonianmag.com
    AnAmorphophallus gigasplant bloomed at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York on January 24, with hundreds of flowers producing a putrid stench. Brooklyn Botanic GardenThe air was thick with both anticipation and a pungent smell as visitors flocked to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden last weekend for a chance to see a rare flower bloom.The Amorphophallus gigasa cousin to Amorphophallus titanum, commonly known as a corpse floweris native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The specimen in Brooklyn, nicknamed Smelliot by garden staff, arrived in 2018 as a seedling from Malaysia, according to a statement from the garden. Now almost six feet tall, its one of only ten known plants of its species housed at a botanic garden worldwide.This was Smelliots first inflorescenceso called because rather than a single flower, it has hundreds of flowers inside the bloom, explains Chris Sprindis, a gardener at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, to John Minchillo at the Associated Press. And beyond its standout smell, such a bloom is special, because its rare: With years between these events, and weeks of anticipation as the plants tall spadix grows, the blossoming period only lasts about three days.The chance to seeand smellthe flower drew New Yorkers outside, despite the cold. Even while the chills of winter can easily keep me indoors snuggled under a blanket, watching this once-in-a-lifetime flower about to bloom has made me very excited, visitor Jackie Jackson tells Anna Kod at the New York Times. Ive only seen stories about the corpse flower on TV or online, so to be able to see and smell this in person is a tremendous and exciting opportunity.The plant smells bad for good reason. The scent of rotting flesh attracts pollinators, like beetles and flies, that lay their eggs in dead animals. It smells like feet, cheese and rotten meat. It just smelled like the worst possible combination of smells, visitor Elijah Blades tells the AP. That was disgusting.The short-lived bloom lasted from Friday morning through Sunday, when it collapsed. Another inflorescence wont occur for a while, adds Sprindis to the AP. Its not going to happen next year. Its going to be several years before it happens again. Visitors to Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden photograph a blooming corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) on January 24. Don Arnold / Getty ImagesSo far, 2025 seems to be the year of the smelly flower: A bloom of the related species Amorphophallus titanum also recently drew thousands of people to Sydneys Royal Botanic Garden, where a corpse flower hadnt bloomed for 15 years. A 24/7 livestream of the flower, dubbed Putricia, garnered more than one million views.Something that occurs this rarely is always a special occasion, says Brett Summerell, chief scientist at the citys Royal Botanic Garden, to the Guardians Caitlin Cassidy. Its spectacular, its unique.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: Australia, Botany, Exhibits, Flowers, Gardening, New York City, Plants, Tourism
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