From Pixar's first-ever TV show to more episodes of Marvel's new Spider-Man series, here's what to expect on Disney Plus this month.

Perhaps youre coming out of a wave of layoffs or a down year. Maybe youre preparing for a run of performance reviews where you have to deliver tough feedback. If you have tense conversations on the horizon, there are ways to prepare for it.In many cases, the anticipation of a high-conflict conversation creates more stress than the actual experience. Its normal to feel out of control in moments like thisto feel like your internal world is compromised and you must attempt to control your external world. Neural circuits responsible for conscious self-control are highly vulnerable to even the mildest of stressors. When those neural systems shut down, primal impulses go unchecked, and mental paralysis sets in. But as a leader, it is critical to learn how to de escalate tension in the moment.How to prepare for conflictPutting feelings and emotions into words can help calm your nervous system. Practicing resonant self-talk and understanding your Default Mode Network (DMN) can help you connect with yourself, bringing you back into your body and helping you remain present in the moment with your employees or peers.Investing time to prepare for conflict scenarios reinforces your ability to regulate and positions any potential conflict as an opportunity for connection. Consider these four steps as you prepare for possible conflict situations:Step 1: Seek to fully understand the situation: Enter the conversation with an open mind and commit to leaving with a greater understanding of your employees experience.Step 2: Set an outcome for yourself: What is the desired objective of the conversation? Are you seeking collaboration, clarity, or agreement on a go-forward strategy?Step 3: Identify how to support yourself if tensions rise: What do you need to stay present and focused during the conversation? Leave yourself reminders to breathe, have a fidget toy handy, or repeat a grounding statement such as, Everyone is struggling with something.Step 4: Set boundaries for yourself: Beware of your internal limits. Know that naming discomfort when it arises can help to slow the conversation down.How to structure the conversationNow that youve established your desired outcomes, solidified your self-regulation methods, and confirmed your boundaries, its time to hold the meeting. Visualize your next difficult conversation and implement this conversational structure:Notice body language or conversation cuesName what you are observingOffer validation to your counterpart in the conversationInvite them to share moreIdentify a collaborative path forwardIn this flow, it is important to equip yourself with questions that nudge the conversation toward understanding, collaboration and, ultimately, psychological safety. Thoughtful questions that resonate with your employees physiological response state (e.g. fight, flight, freeze, or fawn) offer connection as a form of relief rather than control. You might also find that you need to repeat the second, third and fourth steps a few times before youre both ready to identify a path forward. By asking questions and investing in the process, you can help your team move into a foster state of safety and clarity.As you prepare for conflict, consider what state your direct report might be in. Are you coming off of a high-stress project where leadership gave a lot of critical feedback? Your team might be in fight or flight. If performance reviews are on the horizon and youve noticed your team is disengaged or over-accommodating, they might be in a freeze or fawn state.How to respond to fight, flight, freeze or fawn reactionsLets examine how to deploy the aforementioned conversation flow in response to team members experiencing fight, flight, freeze or fawn states.Response to the fight reaction stageIf your employee is in fight mode, they could be experiencing rage or anger. They might be exhibiting signs of intimidation or even bullying and could come across as demanding to you or their peers. During your meeting, you might notice they are speaking faster or louder (conversation cues), leaning in toward you, or crossing their arms (body language). At this point, name what you see (I can see that you are frustrated) then offer validation: I can understand why you are frustrated, especially given the feedback you received from leadership last week. I know how hard you worked on this project. Then, invite them to offer more in the conversation. Ask: Is there anything else you want me to know? Finally, ask them how they envision moving forward. Again, questions can lead to clarity.Response to the flight reaction stage An individual in flight mode might be experiencing feelings of panic or anxiety. You might notice they are ruminating on certain topics or situations, or could even be overworking on a deliverable. In your conversation, they might seem restless or in a hurry to end the meeting. You might also notice they are avoiding talking about anything of substance as it relates to the project at hand. Offer your observation: You seem a little distracted and Im noticing were talking around the issue here. Then validate: Are you concerned about discussing this project? I can understand if youre feeling worried. Consider asking, What didnt work well for you on this project? before inquiring how they envision moving forward.Response to the freeze reaction stageEmployees in a freeze state might be experiencing brain fog or a feeling of numbness. They could be stonewalling or hiding. In your meeting, you might notice they are less responsive or are having difficulty articulating their thoughts. Share what youre noticing: You seem less present or, You dont seem like your usual self. Offer validation: It makes sense given the pressure youre under. I know how much you are invested in the outcome of this project. Let them know that you want to understand their deeper concerns and leave space for them to explore before you identify next steps for a solution.Response to the fawn reaction stageYou might notice someone in a fawn state is over-apologizing or overly accommodating. Theyre not exhibiting strong boundaries and are avoiding addressing the conflict directly. At this stage, it is crucial as a leader to show that you want to hear whats not working. The conversational cues from this individual might be less obviousperhaps youve heard elsewhere that the person has a concern but theyre not bringing it up with you directly. In your meeting, let them know you want to make room for any concerns they might have (I am aware that youre having challenges around this project, can we address that?). Validate their experience by saying, I really appreciate you taking the risk to be honest with me. I take your feedback very seriously. As you move forward, express your commitment to solving the problem with them and ask: What are we missing?You might have noticed this conversation flow closely resembles the tactical empathy model (notice, name, manage) and deploys resonant language throughout. In a world where 87% of employees say empathy is essential to fostering an inclusive environment, the onus is on our leaders to embrace these tactics, fortify their own self-regulation practices and create an environment where conflict is not fearedit is understood, accepted and leveraged to facilitate a better path forward toward a solution.

The Trump administrations freeze on foreign aid has left humanitarian organizations in the lurch, halting lifesaving services and putting the future of the sector at risk. Even if organizations find ways to continue their work, experts say the move puts the global reputation of the United States at risk.The Trump administration announced a sweeping and unprecedented freeze on foreign assistance last week. This halts billions of dollars: In fiscal year 2022 (the most recently reported numbers), the U.S. promised $70.3 billion for humanitarian aid and other foreign peace, security, and economic development efforts. Although Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a waiver for lifesaving services, Alex de Waal, executive director of the World Peace Foundation, says the definition of what counts as this kind of aid isnt clear. Humanitarian aid workers themselves say there is still little guidance or clarity about which organizations qualify, and whether that permission supersedes the suspension letters they received.Its also not clear whether the waiver covers things like data collection or information systems that then allow lifesaving aid work to function efficiently. The Famine Early Warning Systems website run by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), for example, became unavailable in the wake of the announcement. Maybe collecting data is not seen as saving lives, but its like telling a physician, You can administer medicine but you cant give a diagnosis, de Waal says.Humanitarian work in Sudan, Uganda, and other countries haltedThe freeze concerns not just new contracts but also current contractsincluding ones with foreign governments, which may be considered treaties. De Waal says that means its a breach of contract and unlawful. It also means that humanitarian organizations are concerned they wont be reimbursed for work theyve already been contracted to do.Until more guidance is issued by the State Department or USAID, we really have to continue to assume that our activities are to be suspended, says one senior aid worker at an organization that works in countries including Sudan, Uganda, and Somalia. And this is true for pretty much all [international nongovernmental organizations, or INGOs].The impact for people in those countries is already devastating. In Sudan, that workers organization runs feeding centers for malnourished babies and children, which require 24-hour care. Having to immediately shut these feeding centers means that these babies will die in a matter of hours, they say.In Uganda, the organization runs reception and transit centers for refugees coming from Congo. Just last week, the Congo city of Goma fell to rebel forces, ushering in even more violence and insecurity. That means the number of refugees entering Uganda is growing, but with the closing of those centerswhich provide food, shelter, and organizational servicesrefugees are left without support.Then you start to play this outwhat does this look like as more and more people come every day because of the violence happening in Congo, and there continues to be no one actually organizing new arrivals? the senior aid worker says. You can imagine that is going to lead to continued scarcity of resources on the ground, and then conflict and violence will ensue when theres no order there, and more and more people [will be] on the brink of starvation.Risk to the entire humanitarian sectorSome groups, particularly if they have private funding, may be able to continue their work during this freeze. For the aid worker who spoke to Fast Company, though, the risk is too great for their midsize organization. Continuing their work could result in millions of dollars in uncovered costs and no reassurance that they would be reimbursed by the U.S. government.They already fear having such costs because of details like Sudanese labor laws, which require six months notice for employees before their contracts are terminated. That means even if the organization halts its work immediately, it will still need to pay hundreds of frontline workers for six months of employment. If thats an uncovered cost of $2 millionjust for Sudan, not to mention [the other countries we work in]we will go under, the worker says. As will almost every INGO and USAID contractor.Though there are still many unknowns amid the chaos, the senior aid worker noted that donations to organizations doing humanitarian work could be crucial to allow them to continue their services. They also advocated for pressure on Congress and elected officials to say that this is unconscionable, this is not who we are, and we dont want to see this happen.Destructive to U.S. national securityBeyond the appalling, immediate human toll and risk to humanitarian work at large, the freeze also threatens international relations and national security. Many U.S. administrations have seen foreign aid as a national security issue, de Waal says, and even if the funding gets reinstated, the freeze has basically sent huge shock waves through the world of U.S. allies.Thats because the U.S.s reputation is now taking a hit. It telegraphs so clearly that the United States is not a reliable partner. It is not an entity that you can trust or depend on to make good on its word, says Hilary Matfess, an assistant professor at the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies. And thats a really easy narrative to exploit if you are one of our near-peer or great power competitors.That could spur anti-U.S. sentiment, and more. Without the U.S. providing much-needed aid around the globe, there will be a vacuum that other countries may be strategically looking to fill. If youre Russia or China right now, you just have to be kind of sitting back giddily to watch the United States be so willing to sacrifice the reputation that its built through its aid programs, Matfess says, adding that from a policy perspective, this was like the U.S. shooting itself in the foot. Combating the influence of rising powers like Russia and China is done, Matfess says, in part by cultivating global alliances and doubling down on partnerships based on the idea that we can do good in the world. . . . This withdrawal suggests that all of that is fragile and untenable.It also suggests the U.S.s approach to foreign relations is to bully its way into maintaining influence, she notes, though she says she doesnt have a lot of faith in that being able to work. De Waal called the action of freezing foreign aid entirely impetuous and reckless. He says the move only makes sense in the context of a total reboot of U.S. strategy. (The aim of that reboot may be to completely change the countrys approach to foreign aid; the freeze came as part of Trumps America First agenda, and a State Department memo noted that Rubio will, over the next few months, decide whether to continue, modify, or terminate programs.)But in the moment between pushing the reboot button and the reboot happening, de Waal says, an awful lot of havoc can happen.

As global coffee culture continues to expand, marked by a surge in coffee bars and diverse coffee varieties, coffee makers have evolved from mere fixtures in fast-food restaurants and coffee shops to essential appliances in home kitchens. This transformation reflects a growing appreciation for quality brews and the ritual of making coffee at home. It also signifies a shift in consumer preferences, with more individuals seeking to recreate caf-quality experiences within their own spaces.This evolution in coffee maker design is driven by technological advancements and an increasing demand for convenience. Todays consumers prioritize efficiency, personalization, and innovative features that enhance their brewing experience. Modern coffee makers now offer unique brewing methods and stylish designs, pushing the boundaries of traditional coffee-making. From programmable settings to sleek designs that complement modern kitchens, these appliances cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. As we delve into the various types of coffee makers, discover how these innovations are shaping the way we enjoy our favorite caffeinated beverages at home.1. Alarm Clock Coffee MakerThe Sunrise alarm clock coffee maker is a game-changer for those who want to transform their morning routine into an experience of comfort and delight. This innovative device seamlessly combines the functionality of an alarm clock with the convenience of a coffee maker, offering a unique start to your day. Imagine waking up not to the jarring sound of a traditional alarm, but to the gentle, enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through your bedroom. The device begins brewing automatically at your preset wake-up time, ensuring that your first cup is ready when you are.Beyond its practical benefits, the Sunrise alarm clock coffee maker is a stylish addition to any room. Available in sleek black, charming pink, and calming blue, it complements a variety of decor styles while adding a touch of modern elegance. Whether placed on your bedside table or kitchen countertop, its compact design fits seamlessly into your space without compromising on aesthetics.Moreover, this device caters to your personal taste preferences by brewing your favorite coffee blend right from the comfort of your bed. With its user-friendly interface and customizable settings, you can easily tailor each brew to perfection. Embrace a more pleasant wake-up experience with this innovative product that marries technology with everyday luxury.2. Modular Coffee MachineThe UOCO modular all-in-one coffee machine reimagines how we brew and enjoy coffee, offering a blend of style and functionality that caters to modern lifestyles. Conceptualized by Yui Jo from Hongik University, this innovative floor-standing appliance is designed for both coffee connoisseurs and those who appreciate sleek, contemporary aesthetics. Its three stackable modules work harmoniously to deliver a comprehensive coffee-making experience: an ice-maker at the top provides perfectly shaped cubes ideal for crafting refreshing iced coffees, while the middle module features a pod-based coffee extractor that ensures a consistently delicious brew tailored to your preference.At the base of this sophisticated machine is a cup washer that efficiently cleans and dries your cup, streamlining your routine and keeping your space tidy. The UOCOs industrial design not only looks striking but also accommodates customizable modules, allowing users to personalize their setup according to their needs. This adaptability makes it an excellent fit for various environments, from home kitchens to stylish office spaces. By integrating these essential functions into one cohesive unit, the UOCO offers a modern, efficient solution that enhances the everyday ritual of coffee-making for enthusiasts seeking convenience without compromising on design.3. Colorful AestheticsDrawing inspiration from the vibrant hues of Hong Kongs colorful apartment buildings, the FOOD Coffee Machine series introduces a delightful fusion of design and functionality. This concept includes two distinct versions tailored to suit different coffee-making preferences. The first model, Velo, is a compact instant coffee machine characterized by its modular design and rear water tank. Its petite dimensions make it an ideal choice for those with limited space, while its customizable pastel colors add a playful touch to any kitchen decor.The second version, Manua, is an espresso machine that stands out with its box-shaped manual filter and front water tank. Designed for those who appreciate the art of espresso making, Manua offers a hands-on experience without sacrificing style. Both models boast customizable color options, allowing users to personalize their machines to match their aesthetic preferences. By blending stylish design with practical functionality, the FOOD Coffee Machine series caters to coffee enthusiasts who seek both performance and visual appeal in their kitchen appliances.The Polaroid Express ingeniously marries the nostalgic allure of Polaroids retro design with the convenience of modern coffee-making technology. This concept coffee machine, crafted to resemble a large vintage camera, offers an engaging and stylish addition to any kitchen. With its capacity to brew up to four cups of instant coffee at once, the Polaroid Express simplifies your morning routine. A simple press of the shutter button sets the brewing process in motion, adding a whimsical element to your coffee preparation.Adorned with a vibrant color scheme, this playful design incorporates pre-loaded pods and an efficient water heating system that ensures quick and easy brewing. The machine is complemented by colorful trays and matching glasses, infusing a sense of fun and creativity into your daily coffee ritual. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Polaroid Express delivers practicality and charm, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate both function and flair in their kitchen appliances.4. Coffee Bean-Inspired DesignThe Bean Coffee Machine, a creative masterpiece by designer Juliana Juleva, is distinguished by its unique giant bean shape that ensures instant recognition and adds a touch of whimsy to your kitchen. Its smooth, oval silhouette is complemented by a simple yet sophisticated user interface, featuring a large touchscreen that makes brewing your favorite coffee as easy as a few taps. A transparent top window provides a clear view of the coffee bean levels, allowing users to monitor their supply effortlessly.This machine caters to diverse coffee preferences, offering an array of options ranging from the classic flat white to decaf varieties, ensuring theres something for every palate. Available in five eye-catching colors, including a striking metallic brown that echoes the rich tones of roasted beans, the Bean Coffee Machine seamlessly blends intuitive functionality with familiar aesthetics. Its design not only delivers on performance but also enhances the visual appeal of any kitchen space, making it an ideal choice for coffee lovers who value both style and substance.5. Zen-Styled Coffee MakerZenbrew is an innovative coffee maker concept that aims to infuse tranquility into your morning routine, transforming the act of brewing coffee into a serene ritual that sets a peaceful tone for the day. Embracing minimalist design principles, Zenbrews aesthetics are both elegant and understated, designed to enhance your coffee experience through a unique sensory experience that evokes a sense of calm and mindfulness. Drawing inspiration from the timeless symbolism of the hourglass, Zenbrew merges this classic form with a modern, minimalist approach.The coffee makers design encourages users to slow down and savor each moment of the brewing process, fostering a deeper connection with their daily ritual. Its sleek lines and understated elegance make it an attractive centerpiece in any kitchen, while its intuitive operation ensures that preparing your morning brew is as effortless as it is enjoyable. By prioritizing both form and function, Zenbrew offers a simple yet sophisticated way to start your day on a tranquil note, perfect for those who seek harmony in their daily routines.6. Vintage CharmSteam Espressos Steampunk Espresso Machine, masterfully designed by Ahmet Kemal Dahan, represents a bold fusion of Victorian-era aesthetics and contemporary coffee-making technology. This remarkable machine captures the essence of steampunk design through its meticulous attention to detail, featuring gleaming brass fittings, intricate exposed gears, and authentic vintage elements that transport users to a bygone era of industrial elegance.Each component has been thoughtfully crafted to create not just a coffee maker, but a conversation piece that celebrates the rich history of coffee roasting. The machines copper and brass construction, complete with pressure gauges and mechanical details, transforms the daily ritual of brewing coffee into a captivating theatrical experience. While its appearance pays homage to the industrial revolution, the internal mechanics incorporate modern technology to ensure consistently perfect espresso. This harmonious blend of old-world charm and contemporary functionality makes the Steampunk Espresso Machine an ideal choice for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate both historical aesthetics and exceptional coffee quality.7. Moon Lander Coffee MakerThe DUOBO by LG Labs represents an innovative leap in coffee maker design, drawing its striking aesthetic inspiration from one of humanitys greatest achievements the Apollo 11 lunar lander. This futuristic coffee machine captures the space-age spirit with its distinctive module-like shape, supported by three adjustable legs that mirror its cosmic muse. The dynamic height adjustment feature adds both functionality and a touch of lunar landing drama to your daily brewing ritual.At its core, the DUOBO showcases advanced brewing technology with its unique dual-pod system, enabling coffee enthusiasts to create custom blends by brewing two different pods simultaneously. The precision temperature and flow control ensure consistently perfect results. Modern conveniences abound, including a generous 500ml water reservoir and an impressive 10.1-inch HD display that transforms your coffee-making experience into an entertaining journey. The machines smart features, including Bluetooth 5 and 2.4GHz WiFi connectivity, paired with a dedicated smartphone app, allow for seamless remote operation and convenient pod purchases. This blend of space-age design and cutting-edge technology makes the DUOBO a truly out-of-this-world addition to any kitchen.8. Retro-Themed DesignThe Niche Zero coffee grinder masterfully blends nostalgic aesthetics with contemporary performance, creating a statement piece that pays homage to the golden age of industrial design. Drawing inspiration from iconic automobile manufacturers like Piaggio and Fiat, its curvaceous silhouette and thoughtful details evoke the sophisticated elegance of mid-century craftsmanship. The seamless combination of a sleek metal body, warm wooden accents, and classic retro switches transforms this grinder into a piece of functional art for your kitchen counter.Beyond its striking appearance, the Niche Zero delivers professional-grade grinding capability through its 63mm conical steel burrs and precise stepless adjustment system. This versatility allows coffee enthusiasts to achieve the perfect grind for any brewing method, from espresso to French press. Standing at a modest 12 inches tall, the grinder operates at a considerate 72 decibels, making it both compact and quiet. User-friendly features including a safety lid and complementary cleaning brush ensure simple maintenance, making this vintage-inspired masterpiece as practical as it is beautiful.9. Automotive Themed DesignSajdin Osmancevics luxury coffee maker stands as a masterful tribute to the legendary Bugatti Type 35, seamlessly translating automotive excellence into coffee-making artistry. The designs centerpiece is an elegant arch-shaped radiator, crowned with a gleaming golden emblem, while the Bugatti logo serves as a sophisticated coffee dispensing point. These thoughtful details create an immediate visual connection to the iconic racing cars heritage.The machines sophisticated silhouette continues with a gracefully rounded rear and strategically placed steam vents that cleverly echo the Type 35s distinctive rear wing and side hood ventilation. The intuitive control dial, ingeniously modeled after the cars vintage petrol tank, offers precise control over single or double espresso shots. Dressed in Bugattis signature combination of polished steel, powder blue finish, and rich walnut brown accents, this coffee maker transcends ordinary appliance design. It delivers not just premium coffee but also captures the essence of automotive luxury and racing heritage, making each brewing session feel like a victory lap around a classic racing circuit.The Bugatti Etiron coffee maker, masterfully conceived by designer Fbio Martins, translates the automotive giants legendary sophistication into a stunning kitchen appliance. This innovative machine captures the essence of Bugattis design language through its striking use of the brands signature blue and black color scheme. The iconic horseshoe grille, a hallmark of Bugatti vehicles, is elegantly reimagined on the machines front face, creating an immediate visual connection to its automotive heritage.The coffee makers flowing lines and graceful curves echo the aerodynamic profile of Bugattis supercars, particularly in its rear design elements. This attention to detail extends beyond mere aesthetics the machine employs a modern coffee-pod system that delivers exceptional brewing performance with the same precision and speed associated with Bugattis engineering excellence. By merging luxury design with practical functionality, the Etiron coffee maker offers coffee enthusiasts a taste of automotive luxury in their daily brewing ritual, making each cup an experience worthy of the Bugatti name.10. Sustainable Coffee MachineKara represents a revolutionary approach to coffee maker design, prioritizing sustainability and longevity in an era of increasing environmental consciousness. This innovative modular coffee machine challenges the traditional appliance lifecycle by incorporating 3D-printed components that can be easily replaced, rather than disposing of the entire unit when parts wear out. The thoughtful design features magnetic connections and intuitive assembly methods, making maintenance accessible to users of all skill levels.The machines built-in screen works in tandem with a dedicated smartphone app, providing step-by-step guidance for repairs and maintenance, empowering users to become active participants in extending their appliances lifespan. Beyond its practical features, Karas vibrant, modular aesthetic proves that sustainable design can be visually appealing. Each colorful component serves as a visual reminder of the machines commitment to environmental responsibility, demonstrating how smart design choices can significantly reduce electronic waste while maintaining functionality and style. This forward-thinking approach sets a new standard for sustainable appliance design in the coffee industry.11. Brutalist VibesThe CJ (Coffee Jockey) represents a bold departure from traditional coffee maker aesthetics, masterfully blending the raw strength of brutalist architecture with modern design sensibilities. Created by an Italian industrial designer, this striking appliance challenges conventional coffee maker design through its unapologetically geometric form. The stark, angular silhouette is softened by unexpected pastel hues, creating an intriguing contrast that makes it a compelling focal point in any kitchen space.Functionality matches form in this innovative design, featuring a generously sized, removable water tank capable of brewing dual espresso shots simultaneously. The machines modular construction isnt just an aesthetic choice it serves a practical purpose by facilitating easy cleaning and maintenance. Each component can be detached and reassembled with minimal effort, ensuring longevity and user convenience. This marriage of brutalist principles with practical design elements creates a coffee maker thats both a statement piece and a reliable brewing companion, proving that utilitarian design can be both beautiful and functional.12. Minimalist DesignThe Gevi 2-in-1 coffee maker exemplifies minimalist design principles while delivering professional-grade coffee brewing capabilities. Its sleek, cylindrical silhouette presents a contemporary aesthetic that seamlessly integrates into modern kitchen spaces. The machines refined form factor belies its sophisticated functionality, starting with a top-mounted bean hopper equipped with premium 60mm steel burrs that ensure precise grinding across 51 different settings, catering to even the most discerning coffee enthusiasts.At its core, the Gevi prioritizes precision through an integrated weighing scale that guarantees accurate measurements for consistently perfect brews. The intuitive touchscreen interface elevates the user experience, offering unprecedented control over crucial brewing parameters including bean-to-water ratio, temperature, and quantity. Perhaps most impressively, the machines innovative pour-over function replicates professional barista techniques through its rotating spouts, delivering a cafe-quality experience in a home setting. This thoughtful combination of minimalist design and advanced functionality makes the Gevi 2-in-1 a standout choice for those who appreciate both aesthetic simplicity and brewing excellence.For the modern coffee enthusiast, todays coffee makers represent more than just brewing functionality theyre statements of personal style and technological innovation. From the nostalgic charm of vintage-inspired designs and the bold aesthetics of Bugatti tributes to the sustainable approach of modular machines and the serene simplicity of zen-influenced makers, theres a perfect match for every taste and interior. Whether youre drawn to the space-age appeal of the DUOBO, the brutalist geometry of the CJ, or the colorful charm of the Polaroid Express, these designs prove that coffee makers can be both sophisticated brewing tools and artistic expressions of contemporary culture.The post Elevate Your Coffee Ritual: 12 Unique Coffee Makers for the Ultimate Brew first appeared on Yanko Design.

The new mood boarding tool is more powerful than I expected.

This premium gimbal shoots and tracks smooth, steady footage even with the most unwieldy of smartphones.

Through the use of assistive equipment and the guidance of trained instructors, skiers with disabilities can storm the slopes. Here's where to find adaptive skiing programs around the United States.

With the new year in full swing, there's a wide variety of exciting upcoming and ongoing architecture and design exhibitions, festivals, and showcases to keep you busy throughout February.From the roster of current and upcoming eventslisted on Bustler, here is a brief curated selection of recommendations worth seeing this month.UPCOMING EVENTS

In case you haven't checked outArchinect's Pinterestboards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding projects on various ArchinectFirmandPeopleprofiles.Today's top images (in no particular order) are from the boardLearning Spaces.Tip:use the handyFOLLOW featureto easily keep up-to-date with all your favorite Archinect profiles.Les Coteaux Fleuris school inHeudebouville, France byHEMAA; Photo:Sergio Grazia John Adams Middle School inSanta Monica, CA byKoning Eizenberg Architecture; Photo:Eric Staudenmeir Saugus Middle/High School inSaugus, MA byHMFH Architects Inc.; Photo:Robert Benson PhotographySandi Simon Center for Dance, Chapman University inOrange, CA byLorcan O'Herlihy Architects [LOHA]; Interiors:Dotrio, Inc.; Photo:Eric Staudenmaier Ledding Library inMilwaukie, OR byHacker Architects; Photo:Jeremy Bittermann Public Safety & Allied Health Building, Crafton Hills College inYucaipa, CA bySteinberg Hart...

The second storey of the open office space provides views into a canopy of trees at the rear of the site. Exposed mass timber columns, beams and ceilings contribute to the warmth of the space.PROJECT Cunard Street Live/Work/Grow, Halifax, Nova ScotiaARCHITECT FBM Architecture Interior Design PlanningPHOTOS Doublespace Photography, unless otherwise notedModern mass timber has made inroads throughout Canada, including, most recently, the Atlantic provinces. At the vanguard of this movement is a recently completed project led by Susan Fitzgerald, principal at Halifax firm Fowler Bauld & Mitchell (FBM).FBM had long wanted to do a project using mass timber, but clients were hesitant to be among the first in the region to construct a multi-storey building from the material. So, FBM bravely decided to become its own client. In 2019, the firm was operating from a typical 1970s office tower downtown. A new mass timber workplace would accommodate their growing staff, at the same time demystifying and de-risking this construction method in the region. FBM committed, with Woodworks Atlantic, to documenting the process and costs as a test case.The lot is sandwiched between an older multi-unit building and a daily meals and shelter charity.Dream big, but researchAs local modern mass timber examples were, at the time, few and far between, all involved knew there would be a steep learning curve. Fitzgerald sums it up: We didnt know any of this before, so, we really had to go through it ourselves. The design teamwhich also included structural engineer Gilles Comeau, and Fitzgeralds husband, Brainard, in the lead for contractor Aitcheson Fitzgerald Buildersfirst refined the program and concept in animated, sometimes intense, discussions. With the support of Ontario supplier Timber Systems, they toured a certified sustainable forest, the production mill, and several completed projects to absorb first-hand both the challenges and rewards of mass timber. As Comeau learned, any engineering calculations are impacted by the dimensions of product available, the species used, and how the members are glued, nailed or bolted together.The mass timber infill building includes a multi-level office space, topped by a half-dozen residential units.Office, residence and gardenThe new building began with a three-storey office program. Given the tight housing situation in Halifax, seven residential units were integrated into the program on the fourth and fifth floors. Tenants and staff share the elevator and stairwells, fostering a diverse and congenial micro-community. This extends outside to the roof, too, conceived as an outdoor oasis for both the staff and residents. Vegetables and flowers are thoughtfully arranged in raised beds and nurtured by a professional gardener. Fitzgerald points out that some people, who never brought lunches to work downtown, do nowoutside, on the roof. In addition to the outdoor space being a visual respite from computer screens for the staff, it is also a valuable amenity for the residential tenants. A panoramic view of the blue Halifax Harbour to the east and comfortable outdoor furniture facilitate conversation.The offices lower-level kitchen and staff dining area opens onto a sunken patio.Site logisticsThe site itself is a 15-by-30-metre lot sandwiched between Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, a daily meals and shelter charity, and a older multi-unit apartment building. The FBM office takes up the entire width, but pulls back from the rear boundary to permit a sunken patio which, besides being accessed from the staff kitchen, allows ample light into the lower level. An overhang at the street articulates the glass faade, and sometimes even provides shelter for patrons of Souls Harbour as they line up for lunch. As contractor Brainard Fitzgerald notes, the construction was slowed by the Covid pandemics arrival shortly after construction began, disrupting suppliers and personnel, and making costs unpredictable. The construction process was also complicated by building with zero-side yard setbacks, and little room at the front or back of the site. There was not a conventional lay-down area for materials: concrete formwork for the core circulation areas had to be disassembled and stored off-site, only to be brought back for each of the five levels. But he was pleasantly surprised by how robust and resilient the mass timber components were when assembled on siteprotection from mold, moisture and damage were manageable, and did not add significantly to the budget.Because of very limited exposure at the sides, most natural light is harvested from the front north-facing and rear south-facing elevations. Full-height glazing provides abundant light to the three office floors, while bright interior walls and blond wood ceilings enhance the effect. Southern glare and heat gain are mitigated by blinds. The service and circulation functions are located along the two sides, keeping the plumbing, power and IT runs short and practical. Each conduit, light fixture and sprinkler location was detailed precisely to eliminate visual clutter on the walls and exposed glulam ceilings. With this keen attention to placement, the electrical and mechanical trades were alerted at the outset that the project was not business-as-usual. They responded with a hearty can do! attitude which elicited a heightened sense of pride in the work. The outcome is a work environment which is welcoming, light-filled, tidy and, indeed, inspirational to the firms designers. A rooftop garden is an amenity for residential tenants, as well as providing a verdant refuge for staff at FBMs offices. Photo by Matt ReynoldsScreenshotVersatile workspaceDuring Schematic and Design Development stages, FBM employees had the opportunity for input, as they would be the eventual users. As a result, the workplace offers a diversity of options, with closed and open breakout rooms on each floor, and sit-stand desks throughout. The kitchens long table, sunken patio, and rooftop all provide informal spaces for dialogue and collegial brainstorming.A decision was made early on to forego any parking places for staff and tenants, leaving only one spot for garbage pick-up, and one for visitors. Many of the residents walk or cycle to work, and there are multiple city transit stops nearby. FBM architect Greg Fry says: The office has bike storage, a staff shower, and a plethora of great coffee shops in the neighbourhood. The new generation of talent demands an exceptional workplace experience, and the new FBM office helps us exceed those expectations. Post-pandemic, several employees work from home, but the office is so inviting that it remains the preferred hub of activity for the firm.The new office is a mass timber showcase visible from the street and also a showroom demonstrating its capability. Since occupancy, both new and former clients have been truly impressed by the value-add of capital-A architecture on display in this bright, well-appointed atelier. The high-quality construction provides proof-of-concept for the viability of mass timber in Atlantic Canada, and points to possibilities for mixed-use, residential, and infill applications.Lessons learnedSpeed of construction is one of the clear advantages of mass timber, but this was negatively affected by the concrete elevator shaft and fire exit stairwells. As each floor went up, the concrete formwork, rebar placement and careful maneuvering so close to the neighbouring buildings delayed the other trades. The thick glulam floors were topped with concrete to meet fire-separation requirements, but Fitzgerald has since researched thinner solutions.The final cost analysis showed that, for this project, mass timber compares well with concrete construction, and is more economical than a similar steel structure. With a new mass timber factory coming to the region in 2026, the team is hopeful that this construction method will gain momentum in Atlantic Canada. Presently, Fitzgerald is researching the use of mass timber in building affordable housing with the Dalhousie School of Architecture. Betting on mass timber, it appears, will be a winning proposition (knock on wood!).T. E. Smith-Lamothe is an architect-artist whose firm, Architech, Ltd., is located in Halifax.CLIENT Craig Davidson | ARCHITECT TEAM Susan Fitzgerald, Alicia McDowell, Danny Goodz, Ben Griffiths, Peter Kolodziej, Amber Kilborn, Stavros Kondeas, Rita Wang | STRUCTURAL Campbell Comeau Engineering | MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL CBCL Limited | CONTRACTOR Aitchison Fitzgerald Builders | GEOTECHNICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL Stantec | CIVIL Servant Dunbrack McKenzie & MacDonald Ltd.| AREA 1,770 M2 | BUDGET Withheld | COMPLETION February 2024As appeared in theFebruary 2025issue of Canadian Architect magazine The post Knocking on Wood: Cunard Street Live/Work/Grow, Halifax, Nova Scotia appeared first on Canadian Architect.