Courtesy of Peter D. Geldart, author of The Round Houses of 1959 designed by architect James StruttThe Round Houses of 1959, designed by Canadian architect James W. Strutt (19242008), emerged as a bold departure from mid-century suburban norms. Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and Buckminster Fuller, Strutt prioritized geometric efficiency, material economy, and spatial fluidity, replacing traditional rectilinear layouts with a circular configuration seamlessly integrated with the landscape. His work is extensively documented in James Strutts Round Houses Technical InformationArchitect: James W. StruttFirm: Gilleland & StruttLocation: Ottawa, CanadaAreas: From 93m2 to 140m2 | From 1,000 to 1,500 Sq. Ft.Projects Year: 1959Images: Courtesy of Peter D. Geldart, author of The Round Houses of 1959 designed by architect James StruttArchitecture is about responding to the forces of nature and the needs of humanity with innovation and efficiency. James W. Strutt 1James Strutts Round Houses PhotographsCourtesy of Peter D. Geldart, author of The Round Houses of 1959 designed by architect James StruttCourtesy of Peter D. Geldart, author of The Round Houses of 1959 designed by architect James StruttCourtesy of Peter D. Geldart, author of The Round Houses of 1959 designed by architect James StruttCourtesy of Peter D. Geldart, author of The Round Houses of 1959 designed by architect James StruttCourtesy of Peter D. Geldart, author of The Round Houses of 1959 designed by architect James StruttA Radical Departure from ConventionThe 1959 Round Houses emerged in a post-war context where affordable, single-family homes were in high demand. Unlike the standardized bungalows and suburban ranch houses of the time, Strutts circular designs prioritized open space, natural light, and material efficiency. Each house was structured around a central hexagonal service core, which housed the kitchen, bathroom, and mechanical systems. The living and sleeping areas radiated outward, reinforcing a fluid, interconnected spatial experience.Key Architectural Features:Hyperbolic Paraboloid (HP) Roof: A lightweight, laminated structure with no attic, reducing material use while enhancing durability.Concrete Slab Foundation: A cost-effective and stable base, floating on a prepared sand or gravel bed.Centralized Services: Heating, plumbing, and electrical systems were efficiently contained within a core, minimizing infrastructure complexity.Expansive Glazing: Full-height patio windows ensured a strong indoor-outdoor connection, a principle widely embraced in mid-century modernism.Variability in Design: Homeowners could opt for different configurations, such as houses with carports and wing rooms, allowing customization within a standardized design language.James Strutts Round Houses Structural InnovationStrutts Round Houses demonstrated an acute awareness of material economy and structural integrity. Adopting a hyperbolic paraboloid roof, he achieved a lightweight yet strong covering system requiring fewer materials than conventional pitched or flat roofs. Using laminated wood panels, which were nailed and layered transversely, allowed for a self-supporting curved form without excessive internal framing.Another defining feature was the use of concrete block walls, which provided structural support and aesthetic coherence. The double-course masonry technique offered thermal stability, while angled privacy walls framed the patios, ensuring a balance between openness and seclusion.A Visionary Model for Affordable HousingThe Round Houses were an ambitious attempt to create affordable, efficient, and architecturally significant dwellings. However, their unconventional design meant they were never widely adopted, remaining rare experimental prototypes rather than mainstream housing solutions. Despite their limited proliferation, Strutts principlesefficient material use, integrated services, and spatial fluidityremain deeply relevant in contemporary sustainable design. With modern parametric modeling, prefabrication, and digital fabrication technologies, the Round House concept could be revived, addressing present-day challenges in affordability and ecological sensitivity.Documenting Strutts Legacy: The Round Houses of 1959For those interested in an in-depth exploration of these remarkable homes, Peter D. Geldarts book, The Round Houses of 1959, offers a meticulously researched account of Strutts vision. The book contains detailed architectural drawings, site plans, elevations, sections, and construction documentation, shedding light on the design intent and execution of these innovative homes.Book Details:Title: The Round Houses of 1959Author: Peter D. GeldartPublisher: Petra Books (2025)Distributed by: IngramJames Strutts Round Houses PlansCourtesy of Peter D. Geldart, author of The Round Houses of 1959 designed by architect James StruttCourtesy of Peter D. Geldart, author of The Round Houses of 1959 designed by architect James StruttCourtesy of Peter D. Geldart, author of The Round Houses of 1959 designed by architect James StruttJames Strutts Round Houses Image GalleryAbout James StruttJames W. Strutt (19242008) was a Canadian architect known for his innovative use of geometry, material efficiency, and structural ingenuity in mid-century modern design. Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and Buckminster Fuller, he co-founded Gilleland & Strutt and pioneered experimental residential projects, including the Round Houses of 1959. As a professor and later director at Carleton Universitys School of Architecture, he played a key role in shaping architectural education in Canada. His work remains a testament to bold, cost-effective, and environmentally responsive design.Credits and Additional NotesThe Strutt Foundation ArchivesThe Round Houses of 1959 designed by architect James Strutt,by Peter D. Geldart, published bypetrabooks.cain 2025

Merlot Motif_naturehumaine restores and expands a 1920s duplex by threading red accents throughoutByKelly Pau March 10, 2025Interiors, International (Raphael Thibodeau)SHAREIn Montreals Plateau Mont-Royal district, Le Petit Merlot is a two-unit duplex dating back to the 1920s. Built jointly with its two neighbors on a 1,640-square-foot lot, the duplex is enmeshed within the sites historical vernacular. Local firm_naturehumaineapproached Le Petit Merlot with the spirit of these adjoining plexes in mind, restoring the building to be at scale within the neighborhood while expanding and modernizing the units. A merlot red motif unites these two temporalities. Restoration began with the street-facing facade where the architects prioritized a return to the original architectural characteristics: red clay brick cladding in a metric modular format, red-painted hemlock lintels, French windows, and Saint Marc stone spandrels. The architects also restored the original molded wooden cornice, repainted in red.Read more about the duplex on aninteriormag.com. Montreal

All images courtesy of Ash Aurich, shared with permissionIntricate Postage Stamp Tattoos by Ash Aurich Are an Ode to Art HistoryMarch 10, 2025ArtIllustrationKate MothesAs the saying goes, if one knows very little about something, their knowledge could fit on the back of a postage stamp. But for tattoo artist Ash Aurich, the minuscule format provides a readymade canvas and frame ripe for experimentation, intrigue, and beauty.Using a fine line technique with delicate shading, Aurich outlines the unmistakable scalloped edges of the ubiquitous, tiny adhesives, filling rectangular compositions with Renaissance-inspired romantic and religious figures.A deep appreciation for iconic artworks inspired Aurich to create tiny odes to art history. I wanted to be able to capture the essence of these masterpieces in a unique and engaging way, she tells Colossal. Having the opportunity to tattoo these designs on others who appreciate art is a rewarding experience.Aurichs preferred subject matter is people, especially the dramatic and often symbolic figures in art historical masterworks by the likes of Johannes Vermeer or Caravaggio. The attention to detail, use of light and shadow, and mastery of human anatomy create stunning, lifelike representations that translate beautifully into tattoos, the artist says. She shares that its important for the emotions and narratives of each portrait to resonate with the wearer, especially at their small scale.Currently in residency at Atelier Eva, Aurich has opened her books for March and April in New York City. The tattoos seen here are all flash designs, but she creates custom compositions, too. See more on Instagram.Next article

Tech Is that iPhone app spying? Apples App Privacy Report reveals all Learn how to use this tool to monitor app behavior, protect your personal information Published March 10, 2025 10:00am EDT close 'CyberGuy': Is that iPhone app spying? What Apple's App Privacy Report can tell you Tech expert Kurt Knutsson urges you to use Apples App Privacy Report to see what your apps are really up to. Apple's App Privacy Report is a powerful tool that allows iPhone users to monitor how apps access their data and interact with third-party services. This feature provides valuable insights into app behavior, helping users make informed decisions about their privacy. Here's what you need to know about using the App Privacy Report to protect your personal information. App Privacy Report on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to access the App Privacy ReportTo access and enable the App Privacy Report on your iPhone (were running iOS 18.3.1), follow these steps:Open theSettings app on your iPhoneScroll down and tap onPrivacy & SecurityScroll to the bottom and tap onApp Privacy ReportTapTurn on App Privacy Report if it's not already enabled Steps to access the App Privacy Report (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Once activated, the report will collect data for seven days, providing a comprehensive overview of app activities.Understanding the App Privacy ReportThe App Privacy Report is divided into four main sections.1) Data and sensor accessThis section shows which apps have accessed sensitive data such as your location, contacts, photos, camera and microphone. Pay attention to apps that access data when not in use, as this might indicate suspicious behavior. Data and sensor access (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)2) App network activityHere, you can see the network traffic generated by apps and the connections they establish with external domains. This information helps identify if and how your data is being shared with third parties. App network activity (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)3) Website network activityThis section provides insights into the network activity of websites you visit within apps. Website network activity (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)4) Most-contacted domainsThis part of the report shows which external domains and websites your apps interact with most frequently. It's particularly useful for understanding where your data might be sent after leaving an app. Most-contacted domains (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Taking action based on the reportAfter reviewing the App Privacy Report, you can take several steps to protect your privacy:Revoke unnecessary permissions for apps that access data they don't needDisable tracking for apps that engage in excessive data sharingUninstall apps that violate your privacy preferencesTo limit ad tracking:Go to SettingsTapPrivacy & SecurityClickApple AdvertisingTurn offPersonalized Ads to prevent Apple from using your data for targeted advertising Steps to turn off personalized ads (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Take your privacy protection even furtherApples App Privacy Report is a great starting point, but it doesnt stop apps, websites and data brokers from tracking you. For full protection, consider using trusted security tools:1) Install strong antivirus softwareCybercriminals use malware, phishing emails and ransomware scams to steal personal data. A reliable antivirus program can:Detect and block malicious software before it can harm your deviceAlert you to phishing scams designed to steal your personal informationProtect all your devices, including Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, from online threatsGet my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.2) Remove your personal data from the webYour private information is constantly collected and sold by data brokers, making you a target for scammers and identity theft. A personal data removal service can:Scan and remove your information from hundreds of online databasesReduce spam, scam calls and phishing attemptsContinuously monitor and automate data removal over timeWhile no service can remove all of your data from the internet, ongoing monitoring helps keep your information out of the hands of data brokers.Find my top data removal services here.Kurts key takeawaysThe App Privacy Report is a valuable tool for iPhone users concerned about their digital privacy. By regularly reviewing this report, you can gain a clearer understanding of how apps handle your personal data and take appropriate actions to protect your privacy. While not all network connections indicate malicious intent, being informed allows you to make conscious decisions about the apps you use and the permissions you grant.After reviewing your App Privacy Report, were there any app behaviors that surprised or concerned you?Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Galpagos Rail (Laterallus spilonota)Adam Jackson / Wikimedia CommonsCharles Darwin observed the Galpagos Rail on Floreana Island during his famous visit to the archipelago in 1835. It was never seen again on the island until recently, courtesy of the Floreana Island Restoration Project that began in October 2023.A One-Of-A-Kind Living LaboratoryNotable for their contribution to Darwins theory of evolution, the Galpagos Islands continue to provide refuge for many endemic species that are found nowhere else on the planet. Scientists have followed in Darwins footsteps and continued to study the ecology and evolution of the myriad species situated along the equator and approximately 825 miles west of Ecuador.Thirty percent of the plants and 97 percent of the marine mammals and reptiles are endemic and can only be found in this patch of the Pacific Ocean. Over 160 bird species have been documented across the Galpagos Islands, 36 of which are classified as landbirds. The Galpagos Rail is one of 28 landbirds that are considered endemic.Creating Opportunities for Native Species to ThriveThe Galpagos Islands remoteness has not precluded the intrusion of invasive species, which have negatively impacted island animals. Rails, in particular, have suffered due to the loss of dense vegetation that increases their exposure to predators and are considered Near Threatened. To support the recovery of island wildlife, a consortium of organizations (Galapagos Biosecurity Agency (ABG), Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), Direccin del Parque Nacional Galpagos (DPNG), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Fundacin Jocotoco, and Island Conservation) initiated the Floreana Island Restoration Project, which aims to remove invasive species.A Rediscovery Two Centuries In The MakingAlthough this endeavor has only been underway for over a year, Galpagos Rails are already flocking to Floreana Island, demonstrating the species resilience and resourcefulness. During an annual monitoring expedition, CDF and DPNG first spotted the birds far from humans among grasslands and guava trees. Acoustic recordings, additional observations, and a photograph confirmed these sightings. A similar restoration effort on the smaller Pinzn Island, just north of Floreana, saw Rails (and several other species) return in 2018, after being declared locally extinct.The rediscovery of the Galpagos Rail confirms what weve seen on islands worldwideremove the invasive threats, and native species can recover in remarkable ways, said Island Conservations Paula Castao, our Conservation Impact Program Manager.A Commitment to Helping Floreana Island FlourishAs the Rails (locally known as Pachays) were found in three separate locations, their presence on Floreana is considered a viable population. Scientists will now use genetic testing to see if these birds are from a small, local population that went undetected for nearly 200 years or if they have arrived from other parts of the archipelago.According to Castao, This is an incredible win for Floreana, and fuels our excitement about what other native species might resurface as the island continues its journey toward ecological recovery.Plans are underway to re-introduce other locally extinct species that may also be able to establish self-sufficient populations on Floreana Island, including a giant tortoise, racer snake, and nine other birds including a barn owl and hawk.

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LOS ANGELES When artificial intelligence-backed tractors became available to vineyards, Tom Gamble wanted to be an early adopter. He knew there would be a learning curve, but Gamble decided the technology was worth figuring out.The third-generation farmer bought one autonomous tractor. He plans on deploying its self-driving feature this spring and is currently using the tractor's AI sensor to map his Napa Valley vineyard. As it learns each row, the tractor will know where to go once it is used autonomously. The AI within the machine will then process the data it collects and help Gamble make better-informed decisions about his crops what he calls precision farming.AdvertisementAdvertisementIts not going to completely replace the human element of putting your boot into the vineyard, and thats one of my favorite things to do, he said. But its going to be able to allow you to work more smartly, more intelligently and in the end, make better decisions under less fatigue.Gamble said he anticipates using the tech as much as possible because of economic, air quality and regulatory imperatives. Autonomous tractors, he said, could help lower his fuel use and cut back on pollution.As AI continues to grow, experts say that the wine industry is proof that businesses can integrate the technology efficiently to supplement labor without displacing a workforce. New agricultural tech like AI can help farmers to cut back on waste, and to run more efficient and sustainable vineyards by monitoring water use and helping determine when and where to use products like fertilizers or pest control. AI-backed tractors and irrigation systems, farmer say, can minimize water use by analyzing soil or vines, while also helping farmers to manage acres of vineyards by providing more accurate data on the health of a crop or what a seasons yield will be.Other facets of the wine industry have also started adopting the tech, from using generative AI to create custom wine labels to turning to ChatGPT to develop, label and price an entire bottle.I dont see anybody losing their job, because I think that a tractor operators skills are going to increase and as a result, and maybe theyre overseeing a small fleet of these machines that are out there, and theyll be compensated as a result of their increased skill level, he said.Farmers, Gamble said, are always evolving. There were fears when the tractor replaced horses and mules pulling plows, but that technology proved itself just like AI farming tech will, he said, adding that adopting any new tech always takes time.Companies like John Deere have started using the AI that wine farmers are beginning to adopt. The agricultural giant uses Smart Apply technology on tractors, for example, helping growers apply material for crop retention by using sensors and algorithms to sense foliage on grape canopies, said Sean Sundberg, business integration manager at John Deere.The tractors that use that tech then only spray where there are grapes or leaves or whatnot so that it doesnt spray material unnecessarily, he said. Last year, the company announced a project with Sonoma County Winegrowers to use tech to help wine grape growers maximize their yield.Tyler Klick, partner at Redwood Empire Vineyard Management, said his company has started automating irrigation valves at the vineyards it helps manage. The valves send an alert in the event of a leak and will automatically shut off if they notice an excessive water flow rate.That valve is actually starting to learn typical water use, Klick said. Itll learn how much water is used before the production starts to fall off.Klick said each valve costs roughly $600, plus $150 per acre each year to subscribe to the service.Our job, viticulture, is to adjust our operations to the climatic conditions were dealt, Klick said. I can see AI helping us with finite conditions.Angelo A. Camillo, a professor of wine business at Sonoma State University, said that despite excitement over AI in the wine industry, some smaller vineyards are more skeptical about their ability to use the technology. Small, family-owned operations, which Camillo said account for about 80% of the wine business in America, are slowly disappearing many dont have the money to invest in AI, he said. A robotic arm that helps put together pallets of wine, for example, can cost as much as $150,000, he said.For small wineries, theres a question mark, which is the investment. Then theres the education. Whos going to work with all of these AI applications? Where is the training? he said.There are also potential challenges with scalability, Camillo added. Drones, for example, could be useful for smaller vineyards that could use AI to target specific crops that have a bug problem, he said it would be much harder to operate 100 drones in a 1,000 acre vineyard while also employing the IT workers who understand the tech.I dont think a person can manage 40 drones as a swarm of drones, he said. So theres a constraint for the operators to adopt certain things.However, AI is particularly good at tracking a crops health including how the plant itself is doing and whether its growing enough leaves while also monitoring grapes to aid in yield projections, said Mason Earles, an assistant professor who leads the Plant AI and Biophysics Lab at UC Davis.Diseases or viruses can sneak up and destroy entire vineyards, Earles said, calling it an elephant in the room across the wine industry. The process of replanting a vineyard and getting it to produce well takes at least five years, he said. AI can help growers determine which virus is affecting their plants, he said, and whether they should rip out some crops immediately to avoid losing their entire vineyard.Earles, who is also cofounder of the AI-powered farm management platform Scout, said his company uses AI to process thousands of images in hours and extract data quickly something that would be difficult by hand in large vineyards that span hundreds of acres. Scout's AI platform then counts and measures the number of grape clusters as early as when a plant is beginning to flower in order to forecast what a yield will be.The sooner vintners know how much yield to expect, the better they can dial in their wine making process, he added.Predicting what yields youre going to have at the end of the season, no one is that good at it right now, he said. But its really important because it determines how much labor contract youre going to need and the supplies youll need for making wine.Earles doesnt think the budding use of AI in vineyards is freaking farmers out. Rather, he anticipates that AI will be used more frequently to help with difficult field labor and to discern problems in vineyards that farmers need help with.Theyve seen people trying to sell them tech for decades. Its hard to farm; its unpredictable compared to most other jobs, he said. The walking and counting, I think people would have said a long time ago, I would happily let a machine take over.

The big picture: President Donald Trump has stated that his administration is in discussions with four potential buyers for TikTok's US operations. His confirmation comes amid ongoing speculation about the app's future, as the 75-day deadline set by his executive order approaches. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, President Trump stated that his team is in contact with "four different groups" regarding a potential sale and that "a lot of people" are interested in the deal. He also expressed his approval of the prospective buyers, saying, "All four [bidders] are good." When asked whether a deal might happen soon, Trump responded, "It could."It remains unclear which four groups Trump was referring to, but recent media reports have mentioned several potential buyers, including Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. According to a Reuters report last week, McCourt submitted his bid to acquire TikTok's US operations in January and was recently joined by Ohanian as a strategic adviser specializing in social media.Another group of investors reportedly interested in acquiring TikTok includes popular YouTuber Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson, tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, and Wyoming businessman Reid Rasner. Media reports have also suggested that Amazon and Microsoft previously explored a possible purchase. However, it is unclear whether any of these individuals or companies are among the four shortlisted suitors mentioned by Trump.Earlier reports also linked Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison as potential buyers. In late January, Trump stated that he would like either of the two billionaires to acquire TikTok. When asked whether he would support Musk purchasing the app's US operations, Trump responded, "I would be if he wanted to buy it, yes," adding, "I'd like Larry [Ellison] to buy it, too."Also in January, artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI proposed a merger with TikTok's US operations. The company reportedly submitted a merger plan that includes provisions for the US government to receive up to 50 percent stock in the new combined entity once Perplexity AI achieves an initial public offering (IPO) valued at a minimum of $300 billion. // Related StoriesTikTok has long been in the crosshairs of US lawmakers and security officials due to its Chinese ownership. In 2024, the House of Representatives passed legislation requiring the app's parent company, ByteDance, to sell it to a US entity or face a nationwide ban.To comply with the law, TikTok went dark in the US on January 18. However, normal services resumed a few hours later after Trump was sworn in as president for a second term and signed an executive order delaying the ban for 75 days.