Energy-efficient buildings have gained importance in recent years as they help reduce carbon emissions and address the impacts of climate change, which are becoming more evident globally. The core principle of energy-efficient buildings is to minimize energy loss through their exteriors and keep the building naturally cool. These structures consume less electricity, provide enhanced comfort, and are more environmentally friendly. In addition to lowering heating and cooling costs, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable living. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and conserving natural resources, energy-efficient buildings create a comfortable indoor environment that ensures the well-being of their occupants and contributes to a more sustainable future.Here are some strategies to enhance the energy performance of any building to create a greener and healthier world. Note that passive strategies include the orientation of the building and natural methods to cool the structure, while active strategies focus on HVAC systems and methods to reduce electricity consumption.Efficient Climate Responsive DesignEfficient climate-responsive design is an integral part of sustainable architecture. It involves leveraging natural elements like sunlight and wind to reduce a buildings reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. By positioning buildings strategically, designers can maximize natural light and minimize unwanted heat gain. The use of reflective materials and strategic insulation further enhances energy efficiency by reducing the need for mechanical climate control. This thoughtful design process not only decreases operational costs but also enhances the comfort and health of occupants by providing a natural and regulated indoor climate.Incorporating climate-responsive principles into building design also involves using materials that naturally regulate temperature, such as insulated bricks or other insulating materials. Such materials help maintain a stable internal temperature by minimizing heat loss during colder months and reducing heat gain during warmer periods. This approach is particularly effective in hot desert climates, where cool roof paints can reflect sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures. By integrating these strategies, buildings become more adaptable to their environments, reducing dependency on energy-intensive systems and promoting a sustainable way of living.For instance, the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) recently completed its headquarters, Piranesian, in Copenhagens Nordhavn Harbor. This 89-foot concrete building features a 460-foot exterior staircase that doubles as a terrace and fire escape for all seven floors. Built with Uni-Green concrete, it reduces carbon emissions by 25% compared to traditional concrete. The interior combines concrete and wood, with a flowing design that maximizes natural light, and a secondary staircase and elevator on the northern side.The building is surrounded by greenery, with wind-tolerant plants and herbs used in the staff canteen. The rooftop terrace offers views and additional greenery, constructed with wood from a local sawmill. A 16,000-square-foot beach park was created near the building, and it seeks inspiration from Denmarks coastal landscapes. The HQ is energy-efficient, with solar panels on the roof and a geothermal system that provides 84% of heating and 100% of cooling needs.Harnessing Renewable EnergyHarnessing renewable energy is a key component of reducing a buildings carbon footprint and enhancing its energy efficiency. Solar panels are one of the most effective means of capturing renewable energy, providing a sustainable solution for generating electricity and heating water. By installing solar panels on rooftops or in open areas with optimal exposure to sunlight, buildings can significantly cut down on their dependency on non-renewable energy sources. This transition not only reduces electricity costs but also contributes to global efforts in combating climate change.Moreover, the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels and thermal solar panels offers versatile applications for both electricity generation and water heating. These technologies, when paired with passive solar design strategies, further amplify their efficiency, making buildings self-reliant and energy-efficient. By tapping into the inexhaustible resource of the sun, buildings can operate more sustainably, paving the way for eco-friendly urban development. The push towards renewable energy not only supports environmental goals but also aligns with economic incentives, making sustainable living more attainable.Net-zero architecture offers a powerful solution to reduce emissions from the construction industry while addressing global housing and climate crises. The PowerHYDE housing model, created by Prasoon Kumar and Robert Verrijt of Billion Bricks, is designed to help low-income communities in Southeast Asia. These solar-powered homes generate their energy, collect rainwater, treat sewage, and can even grow food. The modular, plug-and-play homes require no external services and are built using an indigenous prefabricated technique, making them easy to assemble in remote locations.PowerHYDE homes not only provide shelter but also offer an opportunity for homeowners to generate profit by selling excess energy back to the grid. This cost-effective, sustainable solution has won the Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction. Billion Bricks plans to build a 500-home community near Manila, Philippines, that will generate 10 megawatts of power. The model reduces emissions, promotes homeownership, and empowers individuals to live sustainably, even in rural areas.Sustainable Building SolutionsSustainable building solutions focus on using environmentally friendly materials and practices to minimize the ecological impact of construction. By opting for natural materials such as bamboo, cork, and rammed earth, builders can create structures that are both durable and sustainable. These materials not only reduce the carbon footprint of buildings but also enhance insulation, leading to more efficient temperature regulation. The utilization of locally sourced materials further decreases transportation emissions and supports regional economies, making the entire building process more sustainable.Window selection plays a critical role in sustainable building design, as it influences the buildings energy efficiency by affecting heat gain and loss. Double- or triple-glazed windows with low-E coatings are recommended for better insulation, as they help maintain indoor temperatures by minimizing heat exchange with the outside environment. Additionally, green roofs provide a natural barrier against heat, reduce urban heat island effects, and promote biodiversity. Implementing water conservation measures, such as low-flow fixtures, contributes to sustainability by reducing water usage without sacrificing performance.The House of Wood, Straw, and Cork is a sustainable farmhouse located on the outskirts of a small Italian village. Designed by Milan-based LCA Architetti for a couple of computer scientists, the two-story home blends seamlessly with the surrounding countryside. The structure features a prefabricated timber frame, clad in cork for insulation, and straw sourced from repurposed rice plants donated by local farmers. The design reflects the traditional rural architecture of the area while incorporating eco-friendly materials.Sustainability is at the heart of the homes construction, with recycled materials and solar panels on the roof to generate energy. This self-sufficient house reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Inside, natural wood and stone create a calming atmosphere, while large windows invite ample natural light and provide stunning views of the Italian landscape. The House of Wood, Straw, and Cork is a perfect example of simple, environmentally conscious architecture.Reduce Energy CostsReducing energy costs involves strategic choices in appliances and systems used within the building. Selecting energy-efficient appliances with high Energy Star ratings is a simple yet effective way to lower electricity consumption. These appliances are designed to use less power while maintaining performance, which significantly decreases utility bills over time. Transitioning from older models to newer, energy-efficient versions can result in substantial energy savings, making it an economically smart choice for both residential and commercial properties.Lighting is another area where energy efficiency can be improved. Replacing traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs with LED lighting can lead to drastic reductions in energy use, as LEDs consume significantly less electricity while providing the same level of brightness. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems is crucial for ensuring they operate efficiently. Cleaning filters and sealing air leaks can prevent the system from overworking, thus conserving energy. Implementing these measures can greatly reduce overall energy costs and extend the lifespan of the buildings systems.The evaCHILL is a compact, portable air cooler designed to provide efficient cooling while using significantly less energy than traditional air conditioning. Using evaporative cooling, which is a natural process that requires minimal energy, the evaCHILL cools the air by up to six degrees. Unlike energy-hungry AC units, which can consume hundreds of watts, the evaCHILL only uses 7.5 watts, helping reduce electricity costs. Its perfect for personal cooling, making it ideal for individual use at home or the office.The evaCHILL is small enough to place on a desk or bedside table, creating a cool microclimate around you without the need to cool an entire room. It uses a simple water reservoir, and the built-in fan produces a fresh mist to lower temperatures. The coolers air filter traps dust and allergens, maintaining clean air while ensuring the device operates efficiently. With USB charging, the evaCHILL is a cost-effective and portable solution for reducing energy bills.As we move ahead with increasing heat, population and climate change (the LA wildfires have been a burning sign), optimizing energy efficiency in buildings is not only crucial for reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change but also enhances occupant comfort and reduces operational costs. By implementing strategies like climate-responsive design, harnessing renewable energy, and adopting sustainable materials, buildings can achieve significant energy savings. These efforts contribute to a more sustainable future, promoting eco-friendly living and inspiring innovation in construction practices. Embracing energy efficiency ultimately supports healthier communities and a resilient planet.The post Top Energy Efficiency Strategies in Buildings: Innovations for a Greener Future first appeared on Yanko Design.

"I wish Switch 2 Sports could look like this".

This high-end modern cassette player is better than vintage for tape heads.

Some eager product designers have replaced the toasters familiar buttons, levers, and dials with screens and automated software. The results are rather stale.

Apple is preparing for two more upcoming product launches, with the M4 MacBook Air expected to land very soon, followed by the iPad Air.MacBook AirThe dust is barely starting to settle following the release of the iPhone 16e, and Apple is seemingly getting ready to introduce more hardware for consumers to buy. Those new items will probably be the M4 MacBook Air and a new iPad Air.There have been some signs of updates on the way, including a reduction of stocks of the current MacBook Air in preparation for the new models. According to Bloomberg on Sunday, it's also the case for the iPad Air. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A new report claims that certain Apple Intelligence improvements to Siri have been delayed to May 2025, and that may take until 2027 before there is a significant update.Siri has gained a new animation around the edge of iPhone screens but real improvements are much delayedSiri was supposed to adopt Apple Intelligence features from iOS 18.4, but following rumors of delays, the first developer beta of that shipped without any Siri changes. It's possible that the improvements will come in later rounds of the iOS 18.4 beta testing, but Bloomberg now says Apple is far behind on its AI plans.The new claim is that Siri will now get the promised integration with Apple Intelligence in May 2025. This first round of improvements was seeming meant to be the one where, as in Apple's now months-old ads, a user could ask Siri the name of someone they met before and it would read their calendar for the answer. Rumor Score: Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Docomomo US'Liz Waytkus shared some insights with the New York Times recently for a look at the growing political discord inherent in public opinion of Brutalist architecture, saying the invectives by Trump and accoltyes such as Justin Shubow are an attempt to"forge a cultural war between the people that they see as the cultural elites and others."(One might also read their attack from the perspective of Byung-Chul Hans theory of 'Psychopolitics,' namely Trumps assertion of the values of Neoclassicism as a maneuver to attack Brutalisms perceived harshness in order to generate a positive public image for his regime.)The General Services Administrationnow has until March 21st to submit recommendations for federal public buildings that "respect regional, traditional, and classical architectural heritage" per one of the new Presidents first executive ordersin January.

Ever since the first trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds debuted, theres been this palpable excitement for the graphical improvements it could bring. The series then-recent title, Monster Hunter Rise, looked good enough when it made the jump to PC, Xbox, and PlayStation from the Nintendo Switch, but still far from the fidelity that World offered. Monster Hunter Wilds seemed poised to make that next big leap, that fabled expedition into the next gen.And then the first open beta hit.Suffice it to say that expectations were readjusted very quickly afterwards. Between performance issues on all platforms, horrendous image quality on consoles (especially in Performance Mode), and the low polygon monsters (which went from bizarre to beloved), Wilds clearly needed way more time for polish.While these improvements didnt carry over into the second beta, the development team did put in the work, adjusting the minimum system requirements on PC, and swapping Checkerboard Rendering for AMD FSR upscaling. Prioritize Framerate mode also saw performance gains thanks to the fix for a rendering bug.All this is well and good, but how does the full game fare at launch? Can Monster Hunter Wilds technical chops match its ambitious scale? Lets find out.Changes From Monster Hunter WorldMonster Hunter World is famously the last title in the franchise to be developed on MT Framework before the company embraced RE Engine for its future titles. The technology allows for some pretty impressive new features. As stated earlier, that first trailer underscored how the developer was evolving on Worlds fundamentals.The locales havent just increased but feel like full-fledged regions with detailed ecosystems something, which World dabbled in but not on this scale. Seamlessly going from your base out into the world without any loading is also impressive, as is the day/night cycle. Its all something to behold, and thats not even getting into the endemic life like the herds roaming around or the various interactions between plants and small birds in the world.General Graphical AnalysisHowever, its the weather conditions that can steal the show, depending on the location. The starting locale, the Windward Plains, is an excellent example. When the sandstorm rolls in, you can see it naturally sweeping over the map from the distance. Monsters are covered up in the middle of it, and if they enter a body of water, the sand washes off. You even see dust particles shifting off rocks and other environmental objects with the wind. Then you have the lighting storms, with bolts naturally hitting the ground and even congregating near the stone lightning rods.Even the Scarlet Forest is something to behold. When it rains, it pours, and you can see that flowing naturally traveling down slopes or pattering off foliage. During the battle with Uth Duna in some water bodies, it will move violently, which can even shift your movement.That added fidelity is also apparent in the character models, both for the humans and monsters. Characters animate more naturally, which especially carries over into combat watching your hunt feebly slash away at a monster while theyre trying to get up and seeing them collide against the environment is incredible.The facial expressions are more natural, especially the eyes, and the sheer detail on fabrics and metal is great. Thats even more apparent when fighting the monsters, whether its Doshagumas fur and folds bristling naturally as it ambles along or Chatacabras skin, which is still disturbingly moist, regardless of the platform.Its not all sunshine and rainbows, though, especially when it comes to the brightness. When playing through on PS5, I was amazed at how desaturated and grey the overall color tones could be. After playing around with the HDR settings, there were improvements, but it still felt odd in places. Things did feel more vibrant in the Windward Plains when the atmosphere cleared, and the sun shone down, for what its worth.PC Specs and Graphics SettingsThe PC version of Monster Hunter Wilds is chock-full of options, with support for all the major upscalers like DLSS 3.5, FSR 3 and XeSS 1.3. Frame Generation is also included, and you can adjust multiple quality parameters from the quality of textures, texture filtering, meshes, fur, foliage and more to adjusting the cutscene and background frame rate. Variable rate shading, screen-space reflections, ambient occlusion its all here.Our test rig for the PC version consisted of an AMD Ryzen 9 5950X with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti and 32 GB memory. DLSS was set to Quality Mode at 4K, with all settings maxed out.PC PerformanceAs somewhat expected, given that 4K/60 FPS at Ultra settings requires an RTX 4070 Ti (12 GB VRAM) or an RTX 4070 Ti Super (16 GB VRAM), our test rig hovered around 38 to 40 frames per second. It would often dip to 30 FPS in more visually dense scenarios, like open areas with significant herds roaming about and clear skies. The frame rate would improve during sandstorms, though, hitting 45 frames per second in a relatively stable fashion.Nevertheless, the PC versions fidelity is pretty good, with solid image quality and draw distances. Some pop-in is visible in certain places, and there is a bit of asset loading in some scenes, but its nothing too major or insignificant enough to escape notice at times.PS5 Performance and ResolutionOf course, things take a turn with the PS5 version. It offers three modes Prioritize Graphics, Prioritize Framerate and Balanced. Prioritize Graphics renders at 1728p and targets 30 FPS, while Prioritize Framerate renders at 1080p and targets 60 FPS. Both output to 2160p through upscaling, and the results are very mixed.Image quality and aliasing in Performance Mode look downright horrendous. Try walking through the Windward Plains while a thunderstorm rages for the most egregious example. The draw distance also goes for a toss with consistent environmental texture pop-in and asset loading, especially in the environment. Things improve somewhat slightly up close, though wandering through the Scarlet Forest, youre bound to see some poor aliasing among the foliage.Balanced and Prioritized Resolution are better in both aspects, though the aliasing still isnt perfect. Performance Mode at least sticks mostly to 60 FPS, though youll notice some pretty hefty drops at times, especially when loading back into the base from a hunt in a different region.You can also enable frame caps or turn them off completely, the latter required for 120 Hz mode. I found this setup worked well enough for Balanced Mode, delivering a relatively consistent 40 FPS. It also ensured a smoother Performance Mode experience. Resolution Mode is perhaps the most stable, though there are still drops. Regardless of the mode, get used to seeing NPCs and monsters in the distance moving around at lower frame rates.PC vs. PS5 Quality ModeIf it wasnt obvious enough, the PC version is the clear winner here. It blows away the PS5 version on Quality Mode with its image quality and aliasing and also delivers higher frame rates, even if they can consistently dip. The latter depends more on your hardware configuration, so hitting more consistent frame rates by toning down a few settings isnt impossible.ConclusionWith how ambitious Monster Hunter Wilds can be with its scale, RE Engine is once again proven to be ill-suited to these large environments. The PC version does a relatively good job with its quality level and even without following the Ultra requirements stringently, we eked out some pretty decent performance at the highest settings. As for the PS5 version, I prefer Balanced Mode with 120 Hz mode enabled for that sweet spot between frame rate and resolution. Overall, its an improvement over the beta, but still far from the best.

Xiaomi has given a European launch to its Buds 5 Pro, the first earbuds to use Qualcomms S7 Pro chip to stream audio over Wi-Fi, in addition to Bluetooth, with no increase in power consumption. Qualcomm announced the technology in October 2023, and this is the first hardware to launch.The Buds 5 Pro were announced in China on Thursday, alongside the 15 Ultra phone, which is also launching in Europe. They come in two versions: a regular Bluetooth model, and a Wi-Fi version that uses Qualcomms Expanded Personal Area Network (XPAN) tech to deliver 96kHz/24bit lossless audio at a bandwidth of up to 4.2Mbps, superior to anything you can get over Bluetooth. Youll also be able to walk away from your phone without the connection deteriorating, so long as you stay within the range of your Wi-Fi network.There are caveats. The obvious one is that youll need to be on Wi-Fi, so youre only likely to get the benefits of better audio on your home network. When it announced XPAN in 2023, Qualcomm told The Verge that your phone will pass over Wi-Fi credentials during pairing, but we dont yet know whether the buds can handle connections to multiple networks, so that they work in the office too. Still, whenever Wi-Fi is unavailable, the buds can always fall back on Bluetooth.Since this is Qualcomm tech, youll also need to use a phone with a compatible Qualcomm flagship chipset, such as the 8 Gen 3 or 8 Elite. That includes Xiaomis new 15 and 15 Ultra of course, but rules out using these over Wi-Fi with any iPhone or other Apple tech.The 10-hour battery life on the buds (with up to 40 including the case) is better than the eight hours of the Bluetooth model, backing up Qualcomms claim that it can deliver lossless Wi-Fi audio at the same power consumption as Bluetooth.Audio comes from a triple-driver system, with an 11mm main driver backed up by a PZT tweeter and planar driver. Theres support for active noise cancellation, and an array of AI features built-in including call recording, transcription, and translation.The Buds 5 Pro Wi-Fi are available for 189.99 (around $240) and only come in black. They cost a little more than the 159.99 (around $200) Bluetooth-only version, available in white or gray.See More:

Just days after revealing the 15 Ultra in China, Xiaomi has announced a UK and European launch for its latest flagship phone, together with the base Xiaomi 15. Theres no sign of the Pro model, but there is an array of tablets, earbuds, and fitness trackers appearing alongside the phones.The 15 and 15 Ultra are available to order from today, starting at 1,299 / 1,499 (around $1,600) for the Ultra and 899 / 999 (around $1,100) for the 15. Both are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite and include big batteries, fast wired and wireless charging, and IP68 ratings.The cameras are really where the two phones diverge. While both phones feature similar sounding sets of 50-megapixel main, telephoto, and ultrawide cameras, the Ultra actually uses different sensors on every lens, so should net superior results. It also features a fourth lens: a 200-megapixel, 4.3x periscope lens that dominates the already large camera module on the phones back. Xiaomi is also selling a Photography Kit add-on for 179 (around $225), which includes a functional camera grip accessory complete with a shutter button, zoom lever, and exposure dial.The two phones are joined by the Xiaomi Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro, a pair of 11.2-inch Android tablets with 3.2K 144Hz displays. The two tablets are similarly specced, but the Pro model uses a faster Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip (compared to a 7 Plus Gen 3 on the 7) and has higher resolution cameras. They go on sale from 369 (around $465) and 449 ($565) respectively. The Pro also ships in a Matte Glass version which should offer reduced screen glare for 549 ($690).Xiaomi has also announced European releases for the Buds 5 Pro, which come in a Bluetooth model and a separate Wi-Fi version for improved quality when paired with a compatible Xiaomi phone. Finally, there are two wearables too: the Smart Band 9 Pro features improved health tracking compared to last years model, while the Watch S4 is a simple smartwatch that features a return of the swappable bezels introduced this time last year in the Watch S3.Photography by Dominic Preston / The Verge