There arent many video game developers as outspoken as Hazelights Josef Fares. Infamous for his expletive-laden viral rants at livestreamed awards shows, Fares is a refreshingly firy and unpredictable voice in an all too corporate industry. As he puts it, It doesnt matter where I work or what I do, I will always say what I want. People say to me that thats refreshing but isnt it weird that you cannot say what you think in interviews? Do we live in a fucking communist country? Obviously, you have got to respect certain boundaries, but to not even be able to express what you think personally about stuff? People are too afraid!Yet while gamers know him as a grinning chaos merchant and passionate ambassador of co-op gameplay, in Fares adopted homeland of Sweden, he is best known as an award-winning film director. His goofy 2000 comedy Jalla! Jalla! was a domestic box office success, while his 2005 drama Zozo was a more introspective work about his childhood experience of fleeing the Lebanese civil war.Twenty years, five feature films and three video games later, Zozo was just one of many cathartic endeavours for Fares. Ive always been a storyteller, he says. When I was young, Id draw my own comics. The first time I got a camera I borrowed it from a friends father, and that was that. With no formal training, he learned by doing. I started to make my own movies in the early 90s and I just kept creating. I made 50 short movies until I did my first feature. So there was a lot of trial and error just doing, doing, doing, doing until I got it right.There was a lot of trial and error just doing, doing, doing until I got it right Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. Photograph: 505 GamesIts this DIY, inquisitive approach that guided Fares towards game-making, his pivot into interactive entertainment born from that same unflappable curiosity. Ive always been a huge gamer, Fares says. I was lucky. I had the first [console] in Lebanon, an Atari. I played Pong and I was like, wow! I was just utterly fascinated with it. Games have always been my first love.Once Fares finished work on his fifth feature film, a friend encouraged him to pursue his love of games, and convinced him to participate in a student-led game jam. I was so excited! I came up with the concept of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons the same night Fares says. I couldnt sleep that night because I was like, I want to do this! I came up with how you control the two brothers, how it feels to play, everything. All in that same night. He soon took his evolving prototype to a respected game studio in Stockholm Starbreeze. They were like, Well, maybe you can do this as a kind of test project. But Im like, fuck a test, Im going to do the whole thing!That passion fuelled a year and a half of intense work, with Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons being released in 2013. The co-op adventure about siblings embarking on a dangerous journey to find a cure for their sick father has now sold over 10m copies. Despite its success, many in Sweden were baffled by his artistic pivot, a transition for Fares that felt natural. With movies, I came to a point where I felt that the passion really wasnt there. Passion lead me to video games. It was very challenging being new in the industry and coming in with a different approach wanting to create new mechanics. Today its different because [people] listen to me, but it was very hard in the beginning.It was very challenging being new in the industry It Takes Two.After Brothers success, Fares started his own gaming studio, Hazelight a team focused on making story-driven co-op games, a surprisingly rare proposition in our online age. Hazelight started because me and a friend tried and failed to find a game where its not just drop-in, drop-out [co-op] but something that you can play together and share a story experience. We couldnt believe that no one was doing this. Its why we dont just make games with a split-screen element at Hazelight all our games are designed and written right from the beginning to be co-op.Much like Hideo Kojima, Fares cant code, but instead assumes the role of writer and director on his games, laying out the vision for the story and gameplay mechanics, entrusting his talented team to bring his vision to life.Fast forward 12 years, and a new Hazelight game is now a massive event. Fares most recent release was the colourful co-op platformer It Takes Two, about two parents who find themselves magically miniaturised and must fight through their home to reach their young daughter. Highly acclaimed by critics, it won game of the year at the 2021 Game Awards. Now Fares is previewing his latest co-op extravaganza, Split Fiction. Much like Hazelights previous work, its a thrill ride of exhilarating successive set pieces. As dual protagonists Mio and Zoe battle their way across hostile re-creations of their own sci-fi and fantasy novels, each level throws new ideas at the player with Nintendo-esque abandon.Its way harder to make games Split Fiction. Photograph: Electronic ArtsVariation and pacing how things shift all the time, I think that comes from my movie background, Fares says. Other people say, If you have this crazy scene, why do you only use it for 10 minutes? Because if you have a cool scene in a movie, you dont repeat it just because its cool and costs a lot of money!Despite his undeniable talent for storytelling, Fares says he finds interactive narratives far more difficult to construct than their Hollywood counterparts. Its way harder to make games, because games are interactive and movies are passive. Movies spend much longer in production, writing, everything too they just have more time for you to figure it all out. I always joke that if I want to go on vacation, Im going to make a movie.I believe that were still figuring out how to actually tell a story in games, he continues. But thats the fun part! Even the movie industry is now realising that great shit is happening in video games.What Fares finds less fun, however, is the direction in which the games industry has been heading in recent years. I dont like live service games I think that theyre bad for the industry, he says. I understand that money is important, and that we live in a capitalist society, but creativity and money have to meet somewhere in the middle. It cant be either too much creativity or too much money. We should focus on pushing our medium forward: no micro transactions, no bullshit, just pure gaming love because, ultimately, great games will do well.

Season 1 Part 2 of Marvel Rivals is getting close, bringing the last two members of the Fantastic Four here's all you need to know about Human Torch and The ThingTech12:24, 18 Feb 2025The Fantastic Four will finally be complete in Marvel Rivals this week(Image: Netease/Marvel)Marvel Rivals keeps pulling in players, with players flocking to the Overwatch rival in recent months, and while Blizzard prepares a push of its own with Overwatch Season 15 after a promising Spotlight event, Netease is poised to add more content to the superhero shooter's first season.Season 1 added Mr Fantastic and The Invisible Woman from Marvel's 'First Family', but now it's time for the dynamic duo of The Human Torch and The Thing to finally join the roster.Here's all we know about each, including their abilities.Marvel Rivals has attracted a lot of Overwatch players(Image: NetEase Games)Season 1 Part 2 of Marvel Rivals is expected to arrive at 9 AM GMT on February 21 (the same day as the latest Fortnite season) for UK gamers. For everyone else, you'll find the timings below:1 AM PST4 AM EST10 AM CETAs for those new Heroes, here's all we know about their abilities.Human Torch:Primary - Fire Cluster - Launch forward a splittable fireball.Q - Supernova - Unleash shockwaves to deal damage to enemies within range. During skill activation, the flame field will transform into a fire tornado.Right Click - Blazing Blast - Launch a fireball that creates a flame field.LSHIFT - Plasma Body - Hold LSHIFT to enter a state of accelerated ascent.E - Pyro Prison - Connect flame fields to form a fire wall that deals burning damage to enemies.F - Flaming Meteor - Dive towards the ground and stun nearby enemiesTeam-Up - Storm consumes fire tornado into her Ultimate, or Human Torch can add fire to her Tornado.The Thing:Primary - Combination Punch - Quick and continuous punches.Q - Slam Moment - Uses tremendous force to knock all enemies in front of you into the air.Right Click - Thunderbolt Punch - Deliver a devastating punchLSHIFT - Furious Charge - Continuously charge forward, lifting up enemies in your path, leaving behind a seismic zone that prohibits displacement.E - Battlefield Support - Jump towards teammates and add damage reduction to them and yourself.Passive - Solid as a Rock - Immune to knockback and other displacement effects.Team-Up - Wolverine can interact with Hulk or The Thing. Once confirmed by both sides, Hulk or The Thing can raise Wolverine. Press the button to throw him toward the crosshair.Article continues belowNetease has confirmed more changes are coming to ranked rewards, too, so be sure to check out the dev blog post.For more on Marvel Rivals, check out what the devs had to say about a potential Switch 2 port of the free-to-play phenomenon.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Epic Games is rolling out a fresh Fortnite update this week as Chapter 6, Season 2 takes things to a new 'Lawless' theme with a focus on heisting and, uh, Sub-Zero from Mortal KombatTech12:19, 18 Feb 2025Lawless brings Sub Zero and another Pickle to the Fortnite Universe(Image: Epic Games)Fortnite Chapter 6 is closing up its first Season this week, as Season 2 gears up for its turn in the limelight. The latest update, dubbed Lawless, has a focus on heists and danger which should set it apart from the bizarre mix of Godzilla, Baymax, and more in the current season.While Epic Games continues to make headway with its Disney partnership, the team is still focused on its megahit battle royale, and as is often the case we're expecting fresh changes and a new Battle Pass including gaming royalty, in fact.Here's all we know about when Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 is coming, as well as what will be included.Content cannot be displayed without consentLawless will drop on February 21, with the current season winding down at 7 am UK time and then a period of maintenance.Expect Fortnite to go down and a patch to arrive, but the short answer is you'll be playing by Friday lunchtime.Here are the Battle Pass skins for Lawless(Image: Epic Games)Other than a new theming that involves what appears to be a new urban POI and a literal pickle releasing a new single (not Pickle Rick, this time), the new Battle Pass includes the skins above.You may have noticed that the gentleman second from the left is, in fact, Mortal Kombat's Sub Zero. Fortnite Battle Pass skins tend to include one special guest each time, so it looks as though it'll be him. Rumours have suggested we'll get his rival and sometimes friend Scorpion as a skin in the store, too.It's not the first time we've had a heist theming, but this one should bring back The Getaway LTM according to longtime leaker Hypex.Content cannot be displayed without consentAs a reminder, the update will be free but the Battle Pass will set you back around 6.99 for the V-Bucks needed. It's not mandatory, though.It's also worth remembering that we're waiting for Epic's full reveal, likely with a slick trailer. We'll have updates here as and when we get them, but for now, do the Battle Pass skins have you keen to jump in again? Or are you waiting for the rest of the season to be revealed before making plans.For more on Fortnite, check out the cheater that had to release an awkward apology video after being sued by Epic Games. In other game news, Overwatch 2's new Season 15 begins today.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Could this be part of Nintendos prep work for the Switch 2? (Nintendo)With zero explanation, Nintendo has announced it will stop letting Switch owners earn game discounts through its loyalty programme.One of the many questions surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 is whether current Switch owners will be able to transfer their online accounts. It would make sense considering itd be very consumer friendly and allow fans to retain their digital libraries.Nintendo has not explicitly confirmed anything, but it did appear to suggest this will be the case during an investors meeting in 2023. However, it appears not all of the Switchs features are being retained for its successor.On Tuesday morning, Nintendo announced that it will stop running its Gold Point reward scheme on My Nintendo, meaning users will no longer be able to get discounts on digital purchases.When will the My Nintendo Gold Points reward scheme end?As detailed on Nintendos website, youll no longer be able to earn Gold Points, starting from March 25, 2025. That said, youll still be able to use any Gold Points you have left over as they wont expire for another 12 months, after the date you obtained them.My Nintendo is the publishers loyalty programme, which it introduced in 2016 and allows people to trade in special points they earn for exclusive rewards.Gold Points are earned through game purchases, both digital and physical, and can then be redeemed to reduce the price of your next purchase.The My Nintendo programme itself isnt going anywhere, and Nintendo hasnt mentioned anything about removing the Platinum Points, which are used for acquiring physical rewards, like excusive calendars, notebooks, and other merchandise.Nintendo has given no reason for why its getting rid of Gold Points and has merely thanked users for taking part and apologising for any inconvenience caused.The obvious assumption is that this is part of Nintendos preparations for the Switch 2s launch and that a different rewards schemed is going to be introduced for the new console.It could also just be part of Nintendos efforts to get people to transition to the newer console. For as popular as the original Switch has been (to the point where Nintendo intends to keep supporting it even after the Switch 2 launches), the company will want to move on from it eventually and focus all its energy on the Switch 2.More TrendingOr perhaps its Nintendos way of ensuring people wont be able to save up enough Gold Points to get big discounts on its planned Switch 2 games. That may be it, as the company has recently updated its Switch Game Vouchers promotion to say they wont work with Switch 2 exclusives.Youre able to buy two vouchers for 84, which can be redeemed for a variety of Switch games. This includes multiple first party titles, like The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom and the upcoming Xenoblade Chronicles X remaster, as well as Nintendo-published third party titles such as Bayonetta 3 and Bravely Default 2.In other words, you get two games at a slight discount, so it seems Nintendo is eager to ensure its Switch 2 exclusives can only be bought at full price.Its also possible that this is because Switch 2 games will be more expensive than current Switch games, which wouldnt be surprising given price rises elsewhere in the industry and an existing rumour to that effect. These are sticking around but not for the Switch 2 (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

GTA 6 to have Roblox and Fortnite style user generated content claims reportMichael BeckwithPublished February 18, 2025 11:11amUpdated February 18, 2025 11:11am With how popular Fortnite and Roblox are, why would GTA 6 not try to copy them? (Rockstar)Aside from the rumoured GTA Online 2, GTA 6 could also be extending its longevity with user generated content.While GTA 5 was not initially a live service game it certainly is now and has kept people playing it for over a decade, via GTA Online and dedicated fan mods and servers that allow for role-playing.Between all that player retention and the money GTA 5 has made (over $8.5 billion so far), developer Rockstar Games and owner Take-Two Interactive will obviously be keen to repeat the trick with GTA 6.There have long been rumours of GTA 6 getting its own online multiplayer mode, but its never been confirmed or denied. The latest rumour, however, suggests that Rockstar is looking to ape the successes of Fortnite and Roblox by embracing user generated content.Apparently, Rockstar is interested in bringing user generated content into GTA 6, allowing players to create their own custom experiences. As such, it has been speaking about this with prominent content creators associated with GTA, Fortnite, and Roblox.This is according to a report by Digiday, which spoke with three industry insiders (all of whom requested anonymity) familiar with these discussions. These discussions have been described as open-ended and theres apparently been no mention of what benefits these creators would get for bringing their custom content to GTA 6, aside from exposure.Having their own branding advertised inside GTA 6 would certainly get more eyes on these creators profiles, given how popular the games expected to be. However, Fortnite and Roblox (the latter of which runs almost entirely on user generated content) also allow creators to make money from their content.People are going to buy and play GTA 6 no matter what but if Rockstar wants content creators to extend the games longevity with their own custom experiences, it will need to have some kind of monetisation scheme to better incentivise creators to set up shop.Rockstar already does something similar with its FiveM mod for GTA 5. Said mod was originally made by fans of GTA 5 and it allows for multiplayer role-playing experiences not possible in GTA Online, including the use of custom content like maps, weapons, and vehicles.Rockstar bought the mod in 2023, due to how popular it was with fans, and creators make money by charging for unique cosmetics and priority access to servers.In a way, GTA 5s role-playing servers already offer the sort of metaverse experience other games enjoy. Fortnite, for instance, is in the process of creating a dedicated metaverse bankrolled by Disney that will purportedly allow players to interact, create, and share content with each other.GTA 6 will undoubtedly shift a lot of units upon launch, but with rumours suggesting it has cost up to $2 billion to develop, it cant rely soley on traditional game sales.Its why GTA Online 2 will undoubtedly be a thing, since Rockstar can sell microtransactions through it for years. User generated content would make for a new alternative revenue stream, since Rockstar will obviously get a cut of any content sold inside of GTA 6.More TrendingPresumably, any such user generated content would be confined to a separate mode within GTA 6, rather than be intertwined with the base game. Fortnite does something similar, with its individual modes having their own menus so players can curate their experiences. Dont care about user generated content? You can easily ignore it and stick with the official modes by Epic Games.Those within the user generated content community are certainly enthusiastic about the idea. Chad Mustard, chief operating officer of JOGO (a studio all about metaverse game development), told Digiday, If Rockstar embraces user generated content, its a game-changer, plain and simple.The demand for creator driven experiences is already massive, and this could unlock unprecedented opportunities for studios like ours. The economics are proven, the audience is there, and were ready to build. This is the moment GTA creators have been waiting for, he added.Rockstar representatives declined to comment when asked about the subject by Digiday. This games already going to be massive, but it needs to be titanic if it wants to stay popular for 10 years (Rockstar)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Spotifys tiered structure will become more complicated this year. The music streaming app reportedly plans to ask customers to cough up another $6 a month for HiFi streaming. Its a feature Spotify has promised for nearly four years, but to sweeten the pot, the app may also try to entice you with early-access concert tickets, though youll still be at the whims of Ticketmaster. According to a report fromBloomberg citing several anonymous sources, this new HiFi streaming tier is preliminarily labeled as Music Pro. The $6-a-month subscription will sit on top of the current $12 Spotify Premium plans, though it remains unclear if it will be available to all members of a duo or family plan and if it will be an option for students paying $6 a month. The report says the streaming company is still trying to come up with specifics, and theres no timeline for release. Thats not surprising. Spotify has been working on the details for HiFi since early 2021. Spotify may throw in more incentives for HiFi audio. First on the list is access to presale and better seat selection from major ticket sellers. According to Bloomberg, Spotify has had preliminary talks with promoters and ticket companies. So its not like youll be able to avoid the reviled sellers at Ticketmaster, though you may be able to cheat the scalpers with such a service. Additionally, Spotify is apparently so gung-ho on AI it is willing to let users remix multiple tracks from artists with AI. As terrible as that sounds, it may not all come at once. Spotify will roll out these features over time, and if all you want is HiFi audio, you may be able to enjoy it first if the feature ever comes to fruition after four years of waiting. Like every other major tech company, Spotify is on an AI kick despite the negative response to its Spotify Wrapped turgid AI podcasts. Spotify executives told us that, in 2023, they would release its lossless audio plans eventually. We hoped we might see HiFi rear its head two years ago, then again in 2024. With no word from the streaming service, it was easy to chalk up lossless as a dead feature, and even with these latest rumors, we cant help but wonder if Spotify will ever have the gumption to offer lossless audio compression. Apple currently uses its own Apple lossless Audio Codec for up to 24-bit/192 kHz compression. The company claims this tech is virtually indistinguishable from lossless audio.Still, most regular listeners listening on their non-professional earbuds would struggle to distinguish between a track played on Apple Music, Spotify, or even Tidals Max HiFi FLAC. Even still, Spotify needs to keep the gravy train rolling somehow. The company posted its first-ever year of profitability in 2024. Hopefully, the new tier structure doesnt include more price hikes. Last year, Spotifyincreased the cost of every year by $1 or $2 a month andintroduced a $10 Audiobook-centric subscription.

A $20 deal that saves you tons of money in the long run and cuts down on your errands is a pretty great way to kick off your shopping plans. Thats whats happening now at StackSocial, where a 1-year membership to Sams Club is waiting for you right now, with a 60% discount from its usual price of $50. This limited-time offer is good for new Sams Club members in the US only.See at StackSocialThis deal for a years membership at Sams Club includes Auto Renew, so your membership wont lapse unless you want to cancel it. But once you make your first journey to one of the 599 Sams Club warehouse locations in the US, spread across 45 states and Puerto Rico, and see just how enormous the variety and selection is, youll be glad to keep that membership going.Members OnlySams Club shopping is for members only, and it operates on a limited-business model. All the products on their shelves are handpicked for quality, from fresh groceries to kitchen items, jewelry, large and small appliances, and everything else. And for times when you either cant or just dont feel like taking yourself to your local Sams Club, shopping online is fast and easy and Sams Club will ship it directly to you.We dont want to leave out the services part of the superior goods and services you get access to when you sign up for a membership at Sams Club. The travel and entertainment perks include discounted prices on hotels and resorts, theme parks, rental cars, movie tickets, even sports and concerts. Sams Club is also a great place to get the tires on your car or truck replaced, with lifetime balance and rotation, lifetime tire repair, free waste tire disposal, and 4-year roadside assistance all included when you buy tires at Sams Club and have them installed there.Home Perks Inside and OutYou know you can completely stock your kitchen shelves and pantries at a discount when you go to Sams Club, and new appliances are there when its time to do an update. But Sams Club also has great home perks like home security systems from Vivant, home water delivery service, and white-glove delivery on selected TV models.Think of this StackSocial offer of a 1-year Sams Club membership for just $20 when you sign up with Auto Renew as a free sample, like the ones youll see in the food aisles at the warehouse giant. Youll quickly make back your $20 in the savings youll get from shopping at Sams Club, and once youve had a taste of the one-stop shopping experience, youll likely be hooked. Head to StackSocial now and save 60% on a Sams Club membership before this deal expires.See at StackSocial

Keys to Bamboo Engineering in Structural Design: The Case of Panyaden HallSave this picture!Bamboo Sports Hall for Panyaden International School / Chiangmai Life Construction. Image Alberto CosiIn the heart of Chiang Mai, a city rich in history and the cultural heritage of northern Thailand, the Panyaden Hall, completed in 2017, carries a story of technical innovation and reverence for tradition, brought to life through bamboo. Combining centuries-old Thai craftsmanship with modern design solutions, the project reflects the ethos of Chiangmai Life Architects, a firm devoted to elevating natural materials to their highest potential. In this article, we will explore some of the contemporary structural solutions applied to this iconic project, further revealing bamboo's true potential and inviting a fresh perspective on sustainable architecture and bamboo engineering.The Structural SystemThe structural system of Panyaden Hall is based on a vaulted configuration, where 15-meter-wide arched trusses form the main components of the system, distributed at 3-meter-wide intervals. These trusses support a roof that also functions as a roof diaphragm, playing a crucial role in the lateral stiffness of the system. The integration of this diaphragm into the structural system adds significant stability to the overall structure, efficiently distributing the displacements caused by wind and seismic activity.Save this picture!The Roof: Stability Through DesignBeyond its conventional role as a protective covering, the roof in bamboo architecture often serves a vital structural function. In the case of the Panyaden Hall, the roof's design ensures that it actively contributes to the building's overall stability, a strategy widely employed in bamboo construction worldwide. Known as the "roof diaphragm effect" in structural engineering, this approach provides critical lateral stabilization, helping bamboo structures resist wind and seismic forces.To achieve this, a layered approach is used. First, a split bamboo gridshell is laid out on top of the structural framework. This initial layer acts as a base, providing the foundation for the diaphragm's stabilization properties. On top of this, sheets of flattened bambooknown as esterilla in Latin America and pelupuh in Indonesiaare added to create a cohesive, rigid shell.Save this picture!Additional layers of split bamboo gridshells and flattened bamboo can be incorporated based on structural requirements. In some cases, these layers are arranged with bamboo fibers perpendicularly, or in angles, to further enhance stiffness. To ensure durability and protection from the elements, a waterproof membranetypically an asphalt liner or a similar materialis integrated beneath the final roofing layer.Trussed Arches, Members, and AssembliesAt the preliminary design stage, catenary arches were considered to shape the trusses. However, height restrictions led to the adoption of semi-circular arches, optimizing load distribution while taking advantage of bamboo's natural compressive strength. This approach demonstrates the potential of bamboo when paired with thoughtful engineering, even within design constraints. The result is functional and efficient, while also being beautiful, showcasing what is possible with natural materials.Built using a combination of bamboo bundles and larger diameter bamboo culms, the arched trusses of the Panyaden Hall demonstrate how a thoughtful choice of material arrangements were used to achieve both strength and flexibility, tailored to the specific demands of the project.Bamboo bundles, formed by tying together smaller diameter bamboo culms, offered an efficient solution for creating curved elements with enough strength and stiffness to withstand design loads. Smaller bamboo was abundant in the area, making bundling an effective strategy for forming sturdy structural elements. However, for these bundles to work effectively, they must be tightly bound together and reinforced with transversal shear connectors to ensure that the individual bamboo pieces act as a single unit.Save this picture!This approach is particularly advantageous, because it allows significant curving radius through cold-bending, as smaller bamboo pieces are far easier to manipulate than larger, more rigid culms. The choice of Thyrsostachys oliveri bamboo to compose the bundled elements was also key. Known for its high modulus of elasticity, this species is both flexible and mechanically strong, making it ideal for forming the graceful yet strong curves of the arched trusses.Save this picture!By using technical-based criteria for selecting when and where to use bundles versus single bamboo culms, the design team optimized the structural performance while prioritizing the use of locally available materials. This choice reflects a core principle of sustainable design: utilizing what is readily available and adapting the design approach accordingly, rather than relying on imported or scarce materials or bamboo species uncommon in the area.Save this picture!Additionally, prefabrication of trussed elements presents another critical challenge: hoisting. Bamboo trusses, while lightweight, must be designed to withstand the stresses of lifting and placement, in addition to their final design loads. Ensuring that point loads and hoisting forces are accounted for in the design phase is essential for successful assembly.Save this picture!Connections: The Soul of Bamboo StructuresAs many bamboo builders say, connections are the soul of bamboo structures. These junctions are the critical points where stresses concentrate, and if not designed with care, they can become failure points. However, what may seem like a vulnerability can also present an opportunity for innovation. Designing bamboo connections is an evolving discipline that merges traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering principles.At Panyaden Hall, successful connections relied on a deep understanding of load magnitudes at each joint. This is where structural analysis software played a crucial role, enabling precise force modeling to determine the most effective connection strategies.The primary approach involved a combination of bamboo and steel, a pairing that leverages the best properties of both materials. While bamboo excels in compression, steel, known for its ductility, performs exceptionally for handling tensile forces. By integrating these materials thoughtfully, the design team achieved ductile, reliable connections that enhance the overall performance of the structure.Save this picture!The Structural Engineering: Precision, Purpose, and a Deeper UnderstandingWhile living as a practitioner in a Vaishnava monastery in the mountains of Colombia, structural engineer Esteban Morales (Bamboo Engineers) was requested to conduct the structural analysis of a 50-meter-long lotus petal bamboo pavilion, known today as the Panyaden Hall.For Morales, the invitation resonated as an opportunity to apply his technical expertise. Furthermore, it has come from Austrian doctor-architect Markus Roselieb (Chiangmai Life Architects), who understands bamboo structures much like part of a living body, akin to bones articulated by ligaments and joints. Unlike many designers who impose idealized forms disconnected from structural logic, Roselieb understood that good design must emerge from an intimate knowledge of material mechanics and construction methods.The Key to Structural OptimizationThe engineering process behind Panyaden Hall involved more than just ensuring the final structure could standit required careful consideration of every stage, from assembly to long-term performance. Typically, for this and other cases, some of the key steps involved are: Defining the structural system and developing digital models. Assigning material properties based on bamboo's mechanical behavior. Optimizing cross-sections for strength and efficiency. Simulating dead, live, wind, and seismic loads to reflect real-world conditions. Running iterative analyses to refine the model. Monitoring displacements at control points to ensure stability. Extracting forces at elements, bases, and connections for the final design. Wind, often underestimated in bamboo structures, proved to be the decisive force. In earthquake-prone areas, seismic loads are widely recognized, but for lightweight bamboo buildings, wind is frequently the true antagonist. To illustrate this, two structural models were developed. The first, showing an unbraced configuration prior to structural optimization, revealed significant displacements under lateral loads:Save this picture!The second, incorporating strategically placed braces, dramatically improved performance by showing significantly smaller displacements:Save this picture!Save this picture!From Inspiration to LegacyThe lessons from Panyaden Hall extend far beyond this single project or the examples described in this article. They highlight an essential shift in the way we think about bamboo: not as a secondary option, but as a material capable of performing equally or even better than conventional construction systems when treated with the same level of rigor.For those eager to explore further and learn the principles, techniques, and real-world applications of bamboo engineering, this is your invitation. Our online course takes you through this very process, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern structural analysis. Click here to explore our Online Course & eBook: "Bamboo Structures Panyaden Hall"About this authorCite: Rodrigo Istchuk. "Keys to Bamboo Engineering in Structural Design: The Case of Panyaden Hall" 18 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026589/keys-to-bamboo-engineering-in-structural-design-the-case-of-panyaden-hall&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

Casa Ona / Paloma Bau StudioSave this picture! David ZarzosoHouses, RestorationSpainArchitects: Paloma Bau StudioAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:70 mPhotographsPhotographs:David ZarzosoManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Andreu World, Kave Home, Cesta de Santa & Cole, Dekton de Aeris, Equipe, Grassoler, Ragno, Silestone de Poseidon GreenMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Located in the popular fishing neighborhood of Cabanyal in Valencia, Casa Ona is an ode to the Mediterranean in its textures and finishes. The Valencia-based studio of Paloma Bau has highlighted the origin and nature of this unique historic home through a very respectful rehabilitation of the architectural heritage.Save this picture!Save this picture!The interior design studio of Paloma Bau has carried out the rehabilitation and renovation of Casa Ona, a 1925 house situated in a protected building in the fishing district of Cabanyal in Valencia. From the outside, the faade, clad in beautiful turquoise tiles, reflects the character and architectural imprint of this unique property. The owner, a young lover of the sea and surfing who grew up in this popular fishing neighborhood, decided to give new life to his grandparents' house to turn it into a modern and functional home while maintaining its Mediterranean essence.Save this picture!Save this picture!A design inspired by the Mediterranean. The technical architect and interior designer Paloma Bau, along with her team, has approached this renovation and rehabilitation project respectfully. Thus, she has created a new space that is a true ode to the Mediterranean, with textures and finishes that evoke the sea and the beach. The home, originally dark and very compartmentalized, has been stripped of unnecessary coverings, revealing a wooden structure with a revolt and a load-bearing wall that divided the rear terraces.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The continuous sandy-colored floor stitches together all corners of the house, evoking the long beaches of Bolonia in Cdiz. The living area is articulated through a large central island in a washed green color, made with textured tiles and turquoise green silestone, reminiscent of the movement of the seawater. The kitchen, in neutral tones and oak wood, opens to the living room, unifying both spaces. The Mediterranean is also reflected in the color palette of the space. The brown and grayish tones, along with a deep and bright blue in the bathroom, evoke the Costa Brava and the open sea.Save this picture!The selected furniture includes pieces in a Mediterranean style, such as wooden and rope chairs in the dining room and a micro-cement coffee table, accompanied by linen and cotton textiles. The faade has been worked on from a perspective that respects the architectural heritage. Paloma Bau's team has restored its original aesthetics through wooden carpentry and traditional Alicante shutters, very characteristic elements of the houses in Cabanyal, thus preserving the building's identity and nature.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Multifunctional spaces and hidden elements. Additionally, the living area features an ingenious permeable paneling made of lacquered wooden slats that hides a storage area for surfboards and a small bathroom inspired by Cala Rotja in Menorca. The private area of the home, consisting of an office and a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and dressing room, retains the old reddish brick load-bearing wall, whose original openings connect the dressing room with the bedroom and the bathroom.Save this picture!The decorative lighting, composed of pieces designed by artisan Adriana Cabello, incorporates various grain sizes of clay in the same tones, with textured or glazed finishes depending on their location. Meanwhile, the functional lighting project is integrated into the ceilings or hidden in the structures, thus enhancing the ornamental and decorative details of the space.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officePaloma Bau StudioOfficePublished on February 18, 2025Cite: "Casa Ona / Paloma Bau Studio" [Casa Ona / Paloma Bau Studio] 18 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027032/casa-ona-paloma-bau-studio&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

On August 10, 1628, Vasa, the would-be jewel of Swedens navy sank only minutes after departing Stockholm. This tragedy that claimed the lives of 30 of those on board launched an inquest probing how the hulking 64-cannon ship met such an shameful end. Since the ship still exists almost in its entirety held at a dedicated museum near Stockholm we know that investigation was largely correct in its findings. The Sinking of the Swedish WarshipOn the day itself, Vasa set sail on calm waters. Around 20 minutes into its maiden voyage the ship leaned or heeled in nautical terms to its port side after a gust of wind. Another gust tipped the boat even more, causing water to wash in through the gun ports. Shortly after, Vasa toppled and sank. Initially, suspicion fell upon the captain and the crew. That included questions about their competence in tying down the guns and whether they were drunk when they set sailed. Theres no firm evidence if drinking was involved, but the accusations were denied, says Christin Simons, a lead guide at the Vasa Museum in Sweden. As for the cannons, when the ship was raised in 1961, the cannons remained in place. Why Did the Vasa Sink?Investigators quickly concluded that the fault lay with the design and build of the ship, Simons says. The shipbuilder had conveniently died the year before the sinking, so he had to take the entire blame; a perfect scapegoat, she says. The crew did see warning signs the day before the tragedy when they carried out a simple test of its seaworthiness, says Simons. While docked, 30 men ran from one side of the deck to the other repeatedly to make the ship roll. Evidently, it rolled so much that there were fears it would tip there and then in the port, says Simons, so they stopped. Vasa was way too heavy for a ship with two-gun decks, Simons explains, adding that usually a two-deck ship would have a heavier one on the bottom and lighter gun deck on top; Vasa had two decks of equal size and weight. That meant the massive ship simply was far from seaworthy. At the time of the inquest several experts in shipbuilding pointed out that Vasa didnt have enough belly to support all those one and a half ton cannons, not to mention the crew and other gear. So, the responsibility for the ships sinking traced all the way back to its design and construction. A Would-Be Powerful ShipIn total, Vasa managed to sail for only 25 minutes, foundering less than a mile. Ultimately, nobody was punished for the whole affair, despite the furious King of Swedens demands that someone be held accountable. Had its launch succeeded, Vasa may well have been the most powerful warship in the world at that time. It could have played a role in the ensuing 30-years war that ravaged Europe, and which Sweden would shortly enter after it sank in 1630. Alas, that wasnt to be. Instead, it is one of Swedens most popular tourist destinations. She's actually quite unique in the entire world, because Vasa is 98 percent original, Simons says. There is no other ship that we know of in the world that is from the 17th century that is so well preserved.Vasas recovery in the 1960s has allowed a glimpse of life into Swedish sailors in the 17th century, says Simons. It is a ship frozen in time, Simons, who is also an archaeologist, says. She sunk with everything still on board, and that means we have a lot of histories, or traces of histories, of people that were usually not in the historical record. But the race is on to save the salvaged ship as its still in the process of drying out, meaning that the aged wooden structure is shrinking in on itself. Soon Vasa will not be able to support her own structure any longer. So now we're setting a steel skeleton into the ship to support her from the inside, says Simons. Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:Vasa Museet. The InquestSean Mowbray is a freelance writer based in Scotland. He covers the environment, archaeology, and general science topics. His work has also appeared in outlets such as Mongabay, New Scientist, Hakai Magazine, Ancient History Magazine, and others.