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Pi is an irrational number, and like some irrational people it just goes on and on. What is it with this crazy, crucial number?

In the A.I. era, does Apple need to get comfortable shipping less polished products?

MacworldIts every math geeks favorite dayMarch 14 or 3.14, so this is the day when youll want to know how to type the Pi symbol: . Its one of the most recognizable symbols in mathematics but its not found on any standard English keyboardthere isnt even an emoji for it. So can you get it to show up?The easiest way is to use a Mac. Here are the steps:Press and hold the option key (next to Command).Type the letter P.Release/repeat.Thats it. No matter what app youre in or font youre using, the Pi symbol will appear in the place of the letter P when you hold down the option key.Its a little trickier on your iPhone and iPad. First, youll need to add a new keyboard:Head over to the Settings app. Tap General and Keyboard. Tap Keyboards, Add New Keyboard, and select Greek. Then, when you want to type the Pi symbol, click the globe icon in the bottom left corner of the keyboard until you see the Greek keyboard. Tap the Pi symbol, which is the Greek letter P (top row, second from right). Then tap the Globe icon again to return to the English keyboard.Here are a few other fun Pi facts to impress your friends:The Pi symbol is denoted by the sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet representing the lowercase letter P.Welsh mathematician William Jones was the first person to use the symbol to express Pi.Physicist Larry Shaw started celebrating 14 March as Pi day at San Franciscos Exploratorium science museum.The longest extension of pi has been more than 62 trillion decimal places.In ancient Egypt, people believed the Giza pyramids were built on the principles of Pi.Theres an entire writing style called Pilish based on Pis mnemonic constraints.If you are trying to find out how to type some other unusual characters take a look at our story on how to type , , #, @, , and more special characters on a Mac.

MacworldAt a glanceExpert's RatingProsFriendly user interface and good overall data recovery.Handy backup and video repair modules.Good price point.ConsThe Crashed Mac module couldnt be tested, as the host website was down.Some vague user interface menus.No trial period and vague 60-day money-back guarantee terms.Our Verdict Data Recovery for Mac is worth a look, and it hones in on its core features well, but the overall execution feels sloppy. This, combined with a core feature being inaccessible, demonstrates that iBeesofts competitors might be more worthy of your attention.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayBest Prices Today: iBeesoft Data Recovery for MacRetailerPriceiBeesoft (per year, 2-5 Macs)$59.95View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketSometimes, a company can offer a good product, but it falters when its departments fall out of sync. This is the case with iBeesofts Data Recovery for Mac, which functions as a data recovery and backup application and also includes a video repair utility for the AV nerds out there. The application, which requires Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or later to install and run, starts at $59.95 (approx 46) for a years subscription for one Mac or Windows PC for a Personal License and scales up, depending on the number of licenses. Theres also a Lifetime License for $129.95 (approx 100) that works on two Macs. Data Recovery for Mac is also available for free, although the free version features a 500MB limit as to the amount of data that can be recovered, along with free 24/7 tech support and free lifetime upgrades.The software, which downloads and installs easily, is based around several modules (Storage Devices, Crashed Mac Recovery, Video Repair, File Backup, and Search Records), the Storage Devices module acting as the applications data recovery bread and butter. Once youve assigned full disk access to the application, youre free to use the module to scan through your list of mounted drives, the software looking for deleted files, reconstructing and recovering everything it can, and allowing you to designate a location to save them to. This is accompanied by a user-friendly interface and helpful file categorizations, such as All Types, Pictures, Documents, Audio, Video, Emails, Archives, Others, and Unsaved Documents, and its easy to select specific files or all files for a given recovery to an external volume once a scan is complete. To its credit, Data Recovery for Macs other modules are fun to work with, and the Video Repair module allows you to drag and drop old video clips and upgrade their quality before exporting them. The Backup module allows you to specify files, folders, or an entire volume and back up a copy as a .dmg file, which can be easily restored later, both with Data Recovery for Mac or with macOS itself. The modules feature a good level of customization and configuration, and its simple to pick and choose the specific files or file types that you want to recover. Finally, the Search Records module offers a handy array of logs that you can pick up and work with, resuming a previous search and recovery as needed.See how this app compares to other Data Recovery for Mac solutions we have tested.While this all seems to be headed in the right direction, there are some elements to sort out. The Crashed Mac module is designed to offer an easily downloadable .dmg file to create a boot drive to use as an emergency disk to help recover data to an external hard drive, but the web server that hosted the file not working so the feature couldnt be tested. This comes as an outright punch in the nose, and youd think that a credible software company with over a dozen products in its portfolio would have planned for this contingency, the user being routed to an alternate server. Several gaffes, generally on the companys side of things, also serve as thorns in the side. Spelling and grammatical errors abound on the companys website, and in one instance, the stated minimum operating system indicated that the user needed Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or later to run Data Recovery for Mac, when the actual minimum required operating system was Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or later. The lack of a demo period for the software seems odd, and the company offers a vague list of criteria as to what qualifies for its 60-day money-back guarantee, something that I think a trial period would readily address.Should you buy iBeesofts Data Recovery for MacWhats present in iBeesofts Data Recovery for Mac is useful, but the overall execution feels sloppy, as if the departments within the company werent in sync with each other and their attention was divided between an array of projects. The intention is there, but from a downed file server that made one module impossible to test to conflicting information on the website, it feels as if iBeesoft could be doing a better job with this. Yes, the company was quick to respond to technical questions via email and offered good help and tutorial materials via the application and the company website, but the other shortcomings hurt what could be a great application with a moderate amount of work and a clear corporate plan. Data Recovery for Mac is worth a look, and it hones in on its core features well, but if its parent company cant deliver on whats been promised, then its competitors might be that much more deserving of your attention.

The most important decision in global technology is being made by a single UK judge in a small room, a decision happening in near-total privacy with no transparency at all.Whats at stake is the use of data encryption, personal privacy, and the huge risk of being forced to install backdoors into tech products. If this sounds like something that could once have happened behind the Iron Curtain, think again: Thisworld-impacting decisionis all part of what seems to be a plan to turn the nation into asurveillance society. For your protection.If youve been following along, you already know whats at stake.Welcome to spook BritainThe UK is demanding that Apple open up its systems for surveillance. Apple isopposed to this demand and has alreadywithdrawn one of the services it offered the UK as a result. Today, the company will appeal the demand of the UK Home Office in a top secret court. The public wont be able to attend that hearing, wont be able to comment on the case, will not be told the results and Apple is forbidden from discussing it. Its a real case of authoritarian overreach on steroids.The fact that it is happening at all will embolden governments globally to demand Apple, Google, and others install their own back doors, reducing digital security and privacy one leaked backdoor exploit at a time. Eventually, itwill threaten digital commerce.Being secret, we dont know if other companies are facing the same demand, but its reasonable to assume that if Apple is facing such stress, then Google will be facing the same thing. We just wont be told.Outside of public scrutiny, the UK government is making a decision that threatens serious negative consequences across most parts of life. US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard last month called the matter a clear and egregious violation of Americans privacy and civil liberties.The special relationshipIn the shadowy halls and byzantine pathways infested by those who have acquired power,discussions are taking place. Only last night, a cross-party group wrote a furious letter to the UK government demanding that todays decision-making process be done in public. Signatories included US Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Warren Davidson (R-OH), and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA).We write to request the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) remove the cloak of secrecy related to motives given to American technology companies by the United Kingdom which infringes on free speech and privacy, undermines important United States Congress and UK parliamentary oversight, harms national security, and ultimately, undermines the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom,they warned.The demand the UK is making does, of course, undermine that relationship, as Apple will be obliged to offer up the personal data of any of its users in the world. Liberty and Privacy International have filed a legal complaint with theInvestigatoryPowers Tribunal (IPT) demanding the case be heard in public,wrote the Financial Times.Caroline Wilson Palow, legal director of Privacy International, argued: The UKs use of a secret order to undermine security for people worldwide is unacceptable and disproportionate.Too little, too lateThere has been some consultation, albeit at the 11th hour.Bloombergreports that UK officials are rushing around attempting to win support for its plans. Pointing to the UKs non-existent constitution, these discussions lean deeply into tradition and expectation of privacy and balanced use of these powers. To my mind, these promises are tantamount to purchasing a vehicle from a stranger down at your local bar; theres no trust without guarantee, and I see no guarantee in what has been promised.The UK side has, in typical myopic fashion, argued that criticism of the attempt is misinformed. If thats true, then the UK has itself to blame for this attempted digital smash-and-grab against global privacy without any significant oversight at all.Officials argue that they dont want blanket access and will only request data concerning the most serious crimes. Thats not really the point, of course the point is that there are no safe back doors; vulnerabilities even government designed ones will be identified and abused.One back door is also one too many, as when one government gains such access, all governments will demand the same thing.We will never know if we are safeWhat makes this act of self-harm worse is that the world wont be told of the decision, no matter which way it goes.The UK wont say anything, and Apple is not permitted to say anything.That means ordinary people like me and you will never know if our digital lives remain private and secure. But governments and intelligence agencies will know, which means, inevitably, that attempts to find and exploit whatever UK-mandated backdoors are put in place will intensify. Why would any other government not attempt to exploit these holes?Most of us wont know anything, until the eventual and inevitable day these backdoors are weaponized and used in a vast global attack.Far from making the world safer, this deluded demand leaves the world open to an attack that makes theCrowdstrike debaclelook like a rehearsal. The bottom line? Because we wont know how this judgement goes, we need never feel safe online again all thanks to a decision taken in top secret by one person.You can follow me on social media! Join me onBlueSky, LinkedIn, andMastodon.

Multiple reports from owners of the new iPhone 16e claim that Bluetooth audio keeps dropping out but there appears to be a fix on the way.Apple's iPhone 16eIn what appears to be a repeat of the 2018 issues with the iPhone XS, an unknown number of iPhone 16e users are consistently having audio connectivity issues with Bluetooth speakers and headphones. It appears to be much more widespread than the iPhone XS issue, and may be related to having multiple Bluetooth accessories connected at the same time.Some iPhone 16e users are experiencing Bluetooth audio issues, with audio stuttering or cutting out when streaming to a Bluetooth speaker. The problem persists after updating to iOS 18.3.2 and may be related to connecting to multiple Bluetooth accessories simultaneously. pic.twitter.com/X3a0739b7x Marius Fanu (@mariusfanu) March 13, 2025 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Sonos has cancelled its streaming device, Apple has delayed the Home Hub, more iPhone 17 rumors, and Apple Intelligence is now being called an overhyped lie, all on the AppleInsider Podcast.Some day Apple Intelligence will do all that Apple promisesAfter last week's high with so many new devices from Apple, this week is a startling low with so many delays and cancellations. Only Sonos has outright cancelled anything, though, as its streaming Apple TV 4K rival has been dropped. That's got to be a shame for everyone who worked on it, since the device was reportedly in testing, but maybe Sonos is right to drop attempts to move into new areas when its core business needs attention.But speaking of attention, sheer floodlights have been shone onto Apple this week after it quietly admitted to delays in Apple Intelligence and specifically Siri's personalization. It's been like the emperor's new clothes, but if criticisms of Apple and of its AI efforts are valid, there is still the strong chance that the company's Apple Intelligence may yet prove to be the best of them all. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Whether touring the ancient aqueducts and temples in Rome, marveling over the Renaissance feats in Florence, or discovering the Byzantine and Islamic influence in Sicily, the country certainly requires multiple visits just to scratch the surface of architectural riches. And for the admirers of pious architecture, Italy has its fair share of basilicas and churches that date back to the reign of Constantine the Great.The contemporary Italian built environment took on a new identity after the fall of Fascism. Eager to break from fascist architecture, the nations architects began to redefine modernist architecture void of Rationalism. A winery built inside a Sasso (home dug inside a rock formation), a total revitalization of a Neapolitan subway station, or a monolithic church nestled in the Calabrian mountainsare examples that make up the Italians contemporary landscape. Just like Brunelleschi, the Italian architects of today uphold the title of capomaestri (master builders) and continue to erect a noteworthy built environment that influences global architectural trends.With so many architecture firms to choose from, its challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Italy based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.How are these architecture firms ranked?The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firms level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firms ranking, in order of priority:The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2025)The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2025)The number of projects selected as Project of the Day (2009 to 2025)The number of projects selected as Featured Project (2009 to 2025)The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2025)Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Italy architecture firms throughout the year.Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in Italy:30. AMDL Circle | Michele De Lucchi AMDL Circle | Michele De LucchiThe philosophy adopted by Michele De Lucchis office seeks to maintain a steady interaction between architectural thinking, industrial design and global communication. This transverse approach is backed by Michele De Lucchis own international experience acquired in more than forty years work.Founded in the early 1980s, the office has kept its original multicultural and multidisciplinary origins. Producing architecture and design for Italian and foreign institutes, public and private organisations, businesses and individuals, it carries out in-depth surveys of matters relating to contemporary society, especially the role of industry and crafts, technology and nature.Formed by architects and designers from all over the world, the office shows a predilection for teamwork.Some of AMDL Circle | Michele De Lucchis most prominent projects include:EARTH STATIONS MANY HANDSST. JAKOBS CHAPEL, Bernbeuren, GermanyLa Pista di Milano Racetrack, Arese, ItalyResidenze Litta, Corso Magenta, Milano, ItalyPAVILION ZERO, EXPO MILANO 2015, Milan, Italy The following statistics helped AMDL Circle | Michele De Lucchi achieve 30th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 13 29. tara Davide Perbellinitara is an architecture practice based in Meran (South Tyrol, IT), founded by Heike Pohl and Andreas Zanier. It deals with planning at 360 degrees, from the urban scale to interior design, developing tailor-made solutions, starting with a careful analysis of the site and of the clients needs. Over the years, it has gained experience in the design of residential buildings, hotels, public buildings, protected heritage sites, and landscape interventions. Currently tara is a team of 8 with different nationalities and different educational background.Some of taras most prominent projects include:Carezza House, Bolzano, ItalyMareinhof, Vetzan, ItalyPlima Gorge Trail, Bolzano, ItalyStadele Rooms, Lana, ItalyMiramonti Infinity Pool and Sauna, Hafling, Italy The following statistics helped tara achieve 29th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 7 28. OFL Architecture OFL Architecture, Giacomarra ArchitectOFL Architecture is an office founded in 2009 by Francesco Lipari and Vanessa Todaro, that operates between Rome and Sicily. OFL Architecture is an interdisciplinary architectural practice focused on emergent design processes through a design methodology that integrates architecture with other disciplines, redefining the relationship of the significant modern city and its current urban conditions.Some of OFL Architectures most prominent projects include:St Horto, Rome, ItalyWunderbugs, Rome, ItalyZighizaghi, Favara, ItalyNuovo Palazzo della Provincia di Bolzano, Bolzano, ItalyNew Columbarium, Campofranco, Italy The following statistics helped OFL Architecture achieve 28th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 21 27. Caprioglio Architects Caprioglio ArchitectsThe Caprioglio Associates Architecture Firm was founded in 1999 as natural prosecution, progress and unification of the offices of Veneto and Friuli. Giovanni Caprioglio and son Filippo Caprioglio have created a practice that extends not only on the national territory, but also internationally and industrially. The values that the study promotes are those of the advanced culture of the project, above all for its attention to the real requirements of the client and of the historical and physical atmosphere in which it becomes part.Some of Caprioglio Architects most prominent projects include:Home P+E+3, Padua, ItalyPrivate house in the foothills, Treviso, ItalyCasin di Palazzo Lezze, Venice, ItalyNic Playroom Apartment, Mogliano Veneto, ItalyHome F+T+3, Mogliano Veneto, Italy The following statistics helped Caprioglio Architects achieve 27th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 16 26. Plasma Studio Plasma StudioThe term Plasma comes from Classic Greek and means modeling, form, fabric, imagination, fiction. In Physics the Plasma State- or fourth state of matter- describes a unique condition of matter arising at a complex overlay of external forces. Plasma, a charged field of particles, conducts energy.Folding space into space, Plasma draw landscapes into buildings, streets into facades, inside to outside. Transformative tectonics set spaces, planes and bodies into unforeseen relationships that challenge conventional topographies and spatial codes. While the angular and complex qualities of their forms might superficially affiliate them with computer-generated architecture, decision-making is never relinquished to the computer.Some of Plasma Studios most prominent projects include:Appropriate_Bistro Bergsteiger, Sexten, ItalyDolomitenblick, Sesto, ItalyCreativity Pavilion_Xian Expo, Xian Shi, ChinaStrata HotelCube Haus, Sexten, Italy The following statistics helped Plasma Studio achieve 26th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 52 25. CN10 Architetti CN10 ArchitettiCN10 architects was founded in 2004 by Gianluca Gelmini. The study deals with architectural planning and recovery of historical heritage at different scales of intervention. Over the years the firm has participated in national and international competitions winning prizes and awards.Any action inevitably causes changes, every new building as well as any recovery intervention involves a transformation more or less radical of the territory. Only by being aware of these conditions do architecture, it is possible to act with the utmost respect for a given environment. It is an attitude supported by a certain autonomy from the possible constraints imposed by the location and history, a position that asserts the secularity of architectural design.Some of CN10 Architettis most prominent projects include:Parish Center, Carvico, ItalyCN10 studio, Bergamo, ItalyTorre del Borgo, Villa dAdda, ItalyFormer Monastery of San Giuliano, Bonate Sotto, ItalyCemetery pavilion, Bergamo, Italy The following statistics helped CN10 Architetti achieve 25th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 7 24. duearchitetti Simone Bossiduearchitetti is an architectural practice based in Varese, Italy. We take a humanistic approach to our design. The focus is first on the PERSON and his needs, then on the PLACE in which the building fits and the environment where we are going to operate. The knowledge of the place is further deepened by the research of its HISTORY.PERSON, PLACE, HISTORY are thus spheres that intersect with each other and give us a first reading of the project. It is then the sensitivity of the designer who has to manage them by intervening in the emotional sphere and the dynamics of relationships between the parts.Some of duearchitettis most prominent projects include:La casa di Andrea, Varese, ItalyLa casa di Simona e Carlo, Varese, ItalyLa cappella. Arialdo, Varese, ItalyLa casa di Chiara e Stefano , Varese, Italycasa A.G., Varese, Italy The following statistics helped duearchitetti achieve 24th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 9 23. Pedevilla Architects Pedevilla ArchitectsPedevilla Architects was founded in 2005 by brothers Alexander and Armin Pedevilla in the city of Bruneck. Their architectural language always implements the imminent alpine scenery of South Tyrol, which is characterised by harsh climatic conditions, steep mountainsides and the impressive panorama of the Alps. With their works, the office established a conception and understanding where modern regional architecture achieves a whole new significance. It settles in the context of traditional art of construction and contemporary reinterpretation, of genuine craftsmanship and deliberate revival, but most of all the context of materiality and their appropriate eligibility. Since its existence, the office made an imprint in the national and international alpine-architecture scene and is meanwhile counted as one of the renowned offices in Italy.Some of Pedevilla Architects most prominent projects include:House at Mill Creek, Sand in Taufers, ItalyAlpine Residence & Chalet La Pedevilla, Bolzano, ItalyElementary School Rodeneck, Bolzano, ItalyFire Station Vierschach, Innichen, ItalyService Building Kreuzbergpass, Sexten, Italy The following statistics helped Pedevilla Architects achieve 23rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 12 22. Archiplan Studio Archiplan StudioArchiplanstudio has been carrying out research activities related to architectural design for years, investigating the relationship between context and architecture. Consequently, designs are translated into gestures and punctual interventions, which search in their own construction, the reasons of belonging to places, appropriateness and spirituality.Some of Archiplan Studios most prominent projects include:Appartamento AL, Mantua, ItalyPrivate Residence, Sarginesco, Sarginesco, ItalyPozzolo, ItalyRistorante Lacucina Mantova, Mantua, ItalyPercoreso Paesaggistico Culturale, Virgilio, Italy The following statistics helped Archiplan Studio achieve 22nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 19 21. Stefano Boeri Architetti Stefano Boeri ArchitettiBased in Milan with offices in Shanghai and Tirana, since 1993 Stefano Boeri Architetti has been dedicated to research and practice mainly in architecture and urban planning, but also in the fields of interior design and culture.With a constant focus on the geopolitical and environmental implications of urban phenomena, the studio develops architectural and regeneration projects in complex environments and on different continents, promoting and strengthening synergies between all the different public and private players involved in development.Some of Stefano Boeri Architettis most prominent projects include:Ca delle Alzaie, Treviso, ItalyTrudo Vertical Forest, Eindhoven, NetherlandsEx Arsenale de La MaddalenaMILAN RESIDENCE COMPETITION BY GENERALI Residenze MilanoTAIPEI POP MUSIC CENTRE, Taipei, Taiwan The following statistics helped Stefano Boeri Architetti achieve 21st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 9 20. Studio Bressan Simone BossiStudio Bressan is an architectural firm based in Treviso (Italy). It develops project in different scales, from the architectural and urban planning to interior design in Italy and abroad.Some of Studio Bressans most prominent projects include:The Congress and Exhibition Center, Agordo, ItalyGreen Village, Province of Padua, Veneto, ItalySea House, CroatiaPortello Colmarion conservative restoration, Asolo, Italy The following statistics helped Studio Bressan achieve 20th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 4 19. ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia VielACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel is an international collective with the aim of nurturing shared well-being through unique, high-profile architectural solutions worldwide.Founded in 2000 by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, the studio is currently enhanced by the creativity of more than 160 professionals and the leadership of 10 partners. From urban planning to residential and mixed-use developments, from corporate campuses to public buildings and hotels, each ACPV ARCHITECTS project embodies a new vision where nature and the noblest human aspirations can find new centrality.Recent projects include luxury hotels in Europe, China, and the Middle East, NOVE an office building in Munich (Germany) Arte, a residential condominium in Miami (US), NexxtFastwebs new HQ in Milan, and La Bella Vita high-rise in Taichung (Taiwan).Some of ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viels most prominent projects include:Symbiosis | Building D, Milan, ItalyTechnogym Village, Cesena, ItalySalaino 10, Milan, ItalyEXPO 2015, Milan, ItalyLa Bella Vita, Taichung City, Taiwan The following statistics helped ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel achieve 19th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 14 18. Perathoner Architects Perathoner ArchitectsThe top priority of this firm of architects is the creation of high-quality architecture that combines modern construction technology and timeless elegance. For us, good architecture implies the harmonious integration of individually designed buildings into a given context. A condition for this is that a building respects the characteristics of the particular location and is thus able to communicate with it. This is, on the one hand, achieved by a restricted design vocabulary as well as the intelligent combination of selected materials on the other. The decisions taken must however always be questioned, reassessed and, if necessary, modified during the entire development process of a building in order to achieve optimal results in all aspects.Some of Perathoner Architects most prominent projects include:Black Eagle, Selva di Val Gardena, ItalyIl frantoio, ItalyCultural Center Tubla Da Nives, Selva di Val Gardena, ItalyVilla A, Selva di Val Gardena, ItalyHotel Genziana, Ortisei, Italy The following statistics helped Perathoner Architects achieve 18th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 4 Total Projects 8 17. studio raro Gustav WilleitBased in Trento, studio raro was established in 2004 by roberta di filippo and roberto salvischiani, and deals with architecture and visual communication, winning awards and acknowledgements in both fields.The invaluable experience acquired over the years through the on-site direction of numerous construction projects, stable collaborations with professional figures in various fields, attendance of update courses on sustainability and communication and of course the simple passion and attention to detail, has allowed the Studio to tackle, in a complete, competent and professional way, a wide range of small to large-scale projects.Some of studio raros most prominent projects include:Casa MF, Trento, ItalyAgritur La Dolce Mela, casa dellagricoltore, Ciago, ItalyAgritourism , Vezzano, ItalyCasa RR, Trento, ItalyAgritur La Dolce Mela, ampliamento, Ciago, Italy The following statistics helped studio raro achieve 17th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 13 16. MASK architects MASK architectsFounded in 2020 in Italy by Oznur Pinar Cer and Danilo Petta, MASK architects builds upon the vision and foundation established in Olbia that same year. Drawing from a rich tapestry of diverse influences across multiple disciplines, MASK architects proudly identifies as inventor architects and designers. This designation reflects their distinctive approach, seamlessly blending innovative technologies with architectural and industrial design to address contemporary challenges head-on.At MASK architects, we are not only architects and designers; we are also engineers dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology. We lead the way in technological innovation, integrating our advancements into our diverse projects.Some of MASK architects most prominent projects include:The artificial breathing palm modular structure system, Oasys + System, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesSeoul Art and Photographic Museum, Seoul, South KoreaVilla G01 New Generation Luxury Villa, Porto Rotondo, ItalyExosteel Mother Nature Modular Prefabricated Houses, Orani, ItalyThe Flower Clouds I Zhengzhou Metro Line-7 Stations, China The following statistics helped MASK architects achieve 16th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 6 Total Projects 19 15. GEZA Architettura GEZA ArchitetturaEstablished in 1999 by Stefano Gri and Piero Zucchi, GEZA Architettura is a multi-disciplinary architecture studio that focuses on the perfect balance between Ideas, Beauty and Functionality.Some of GEZA Architetturas most prominent projects include:Furla Headquarters & Production Complex, Florence, ItalyPRATIC 2.0, Fagagna, ItalyCapua 1880 Headquarters and Production Complex, Reggio Calabria, ItalyFP Private house, Codroipo, ItalyFABER Headquarters, Cividale di Friuli, Italy The following statistics helped GEZA Architettura achieve 15th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 26 14. Burnazzi Feltrin Architettiphoto: Carlo Baroni - Burnazzi Feltrin ArchitettiThe collaboration between the architects Elisa Burnazzi and Davide Feltrin was born in 2001, on the occasion of their honorary degree examination in Architecture at the University Institute of Architecture in Venice (I.U.A.V.), with the dissertation INTEGRATING MARGINS. A City Park and a Purification Plant in Mantova. Supervisor was Professor Architect Giuseppe Gambirasio. Architects Burnazzi and Feltrin usually work in the design and planning field applied to a wide range, from the single object up to landscape, and to several sectors, such as the residential, the museum, the commercial, the tertiary. Since 2004, they have both been Expert Designers Casa Clima, certified by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano; they constantly apply to their projects the high energy saving and environment sustainable criteria. Their planning design produces architectural projects able to connect and interact utility and emotion, spatiality and sociality.Some of Burnazzi Feltrin Architettis most prominent projects include:GI multi-family housing, Ischia, Italy MP apartment, Valcanover, ItalyPF single family house, Pergine Valsugana, Italy Multi-aged community centre, Poggio Picenze, ItalyCS apartment, Trento, Italy The following statistics helped Burnazzi Feltrin Architetti achieve 14th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 21 13. 3ndy Studio Fernando Guerra / FG+SGOur activity is not only a work, but a real passion. Our purpose is to live the architecture as a mission, but also as an entertainment. According to our philosophy every project, whatever its size was, is imaged first of all as a work of art. What is architecture Vitruvio said that architecture nascitur ex fabrica et ratiocinatione (is born out of the material structure and reason). Moreover it must not be overlooked the ethical dimension that gives architecture proper life and a sense.3ndy Studio designs a conscious architecture to everyone, in order to convey a positive and democratic message. Our projects are based on some fixed and essential points: the respect for the environment, for the society and for the future generations.Some of 3ndy Studios most prominent projects include:FAEDA, Montorso Vicentino, ItalyCORTEN PAVILION, Arzergrande, ItalyPALAZZO DI VIGONOVO CAMPIELLO, Vigonovo, ItalySTEEL HOUSE, Foss, ItalyRED STONE HOUSE, Campolongo Maggiore, Italy The following statistics helped 3ndy Studio achieve 13th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 17 12. Mario Cucinella Architects Mario Cucinella ArchitectsFounded in 1992 MCA Mario Cucinella Architects is based in Bologna and Milan and is made up of over 100 professionals. MCA specializes in architectural design that integrates environmental and energy strategies.The firm has carried out projects in Europe, China, North and Central Africa, the Middle East and South America. Among the most important are the New Surgical and Urgency Pole of the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan; the Santa Maria Goretti Church in Mornanno; One Airport Square, Accra, (Ghana); the La Balena nursery school in Guastalla; the ARPAE headquarters for the regional agency for prevention, environment and energy, in Ferrara; the Sino-Italian Ecological and Energy Efficient Building, in Beijing (China).Some of Mario Cucinella Architects most prominent projects include:Santa Maria Goretti Church, Mormanno, ItalyCentre for Sustainable Energy Technologies, Ningbo, ChinaKindergarten in Guastalla (RE) Italy, ItalyOne Airport Square, Accra, GhanaCasa della Musica, Bologna, Italy The following statistics helped Mario Cucinella Architects achieve 12th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Winner 2 Featured Projects 5 Total Projects 15 11. Matteo Thun & Partners Matteo Thun & PartnersMatteo Thun & Partners is an architecture and design studio, headed by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez with headquarters in Milan, Italy and a subsidiary in Munich, Germany. The studios designs are inspired by timeless simplicity and centered on the human scale.Founded in 1984, the company is operating internationally in the hospitality, healthcare, residential, offices and retail sectors and product design. Encompassing a team of 70 interdisciplinary architects, interior, product and graphic designers, Matteo Thun & Partners works from micro to macro scales with a focus on the management of highly complex projects. The work prioritizes aesthetic durability, technological longevity, and the future lifespan of buildings and products.Some of Matteo Thun & Partners most prominent projects include:Waldkliniken Eisenberg, GermanyWinery Guest House, Longuich, GermanyMountain Residence Tower, Tamsweg, AustriaBiomass Power Plant, Tbingen, GermanyHugo Boss Headquarters, Coldrerio, Switzerland The following statistics helped Matteo Thun & Partners achieve 11th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 31 10. Messner Architects meraner-hauser.comThe collective is founded in 2013 by David and Verena Messner, brother and sister. The studio is located at 1,200 m.a.s.l. near Bozen / Bolzano in Northern Italy inside their fathers workshop.The practice is working on a contemporary approach in many scales, ranging from housing and functional buildings to furniture-design up to landscape projects. The primary aim of developing user- and site-specic concepts is to think and build high quality architecture. A largely regional context defines the studios field of action characterizing the architects view on the delicate relationship of built and grown. The critical look at something given and the use of transdisciplinary strategies lead to a creative dialogue between architecture, landscape, art, and design.Some of Messner Architects most prominent projects include:WORKSHOP RENOVATION, Collalbo, ItalyBELLA VISTA I _Dolomites UNESCO Viewpoint Monte Specie, Dobbiaco, ItalyGROCERY STORE, Collalbo, ItalyJURI 2.1 Stage design, Renon, ItalyCASA PLONER, Collalbo, Italy The following statistics helped Messner Architects achieve 10th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 22 9. bergmeisterwolf architekten bergmeisterwolf architektenWe consider architecture as a developing process, a challenge of the task, a never-ending thinking process. Problems are seen as an opportunity whose aim is to go far beyond the originally assigned and to let new possibilities evolve. Projects are seen as a positive tension between builders and architects allowing an informal access to space, material and colors. Our architecture is often experienced as simple.Simplicity at its first encounter mostly gives the deep-rooted impression of having always existed: being part of the world, working with its forces not against them. It is the goal of our architecture to find these synergies.Some of bergmeisterwolf architektens most prominent projects include:In the Rock Fire Brigade Magreid, Bolzano, ItalyIn the Center Hotel PuppBlock of Wood, Lajen, ItalyFarmstead B, Sterzing, ItalyWinery Schreckbichl, Girlan, Italy The following statistics helped bergmeisterwolf architekten achieve 9th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 17 8. Didon Comacchio Architects Didon Comacchio ArchitectsDidon Comacchio Architects is a Ros-based design firm that operates in different scales with a disposition toward material and sensory experimentation. Context, emotion and origin are heavily explored in the firms work.Some of Didon Comacchio Architects most prominent projects include:house PB, Ros, ItalyInterior DM, Bassano del Grappa, Italyinterior SS, Nove, ItalyInterior DR, Ros, ItalyDepandance DCA, Ros, Italy The following statistics helped Didon Comacchio Architects achieve 8th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 36 7. C+S ARCHITECTS C+S ARCHITECTSC+S is and architectural office based in Italy.The office works internationally in the different fields of architecture: masterplans, full architecture services, interior design both for the private and the public sectors. The office is following about thirty current projects all over the world.C+S won many important international competitions for public and private buildings: Cinema Festival Palace in Venice, Policlinic Hospital in Milan, Tenova headquarters in Verese, housing complex in Japan, university studentshousing in Murano (Venice) and law court of Venice which are in the construction phase.Some of C+S ARCHITECTS most prominent projects include:Chiarano Primary School, Chiarano, ItalyLCV. Law-Court offices in Venice, Venice, ItalyWFP. Water Filtration Plant, Venice, ItalyNSC. Nursery School CovoloPPS. Ponzano Primary School The following statistics helped C+S ARCHITECTS achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 7 Total Projects 18 6. MIDE Architetti MIDE ArchitettiMIDE Architetti is a Venice-based architecture firm that deals with a range of projects: urban, architectural and interiors. The focus on simplicity of lines and purity in volumetric outcomes, as well as particular attention to details, fixtures and fittings and material selection characterize their design approach.What primarily inspires their design and architecture is the functional analysis of the clients needs and the sensitive reading of the site: the project responds to the predisposition of the site, whose representative traits are reinterpreted and translated into new architectural solutions.The teams work stands out for its particular attention to environmental and energetic sustainability, thanks to valuable consultations from qualified specialists. Alongside their professional activities, the firm carries out constant research through participation in national and international competitions, leading the office to rapidly gain prestigious recognitions and publications.Some of MIDE Architettis most prominent projects include:Temporary School Gymnasium, Massa Finalese, Italy028_House in Abano, Abano Terme, Italy037_Country House Renovation, Lucca, Italy058_Countryside Villa, Montebelluna, Italy200_House with interior view, Stra, Italy The following statistics helped MIDE Architetti achieve 6th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 9 Total Projects 21 5. Roland Baldi Architects Oskar Da RizThe architectural studio Roland Baldi is active in architecture and urban planning, but also covers the fields of interior and landscape architecture as well as design. The projects for the most part following successfully entered competitions span over a large variety of different architecture manifestations including industrial and commercial buildings, residential buildings, urban planning, infrastructure, buildings for educational purposes and a variety of other studies up to furniture design.They have been built for private and business contractors in industrial areas, historical city centres, residential areas or even in the high mountains. Some of the most important projects of the office have been the Masterplan Zone Rosenbach (former Mignone barracks) in Bolzano, the industrial park Syncom in Bressanone, the University in Brunico, the district heating plant in Chiusa, the mountain railway Merano 2000 and the TechnoAlpin headquarter in Bolzano.Some of Roland Baldi Architects most prominent projects include:The new lunch room of Ex-GIL, Bolzano, ItalyHouse Lemayr, Bolzano, ItalyCultural Center Rosenbach, Bolzano, Bolzano, ItalyAngela Nikoletti Square, Bolzano, ItalyFire Station Fleres, Pflersch, Bozen, Italy The following statistics helped Roland Baldi Architects achieve 5th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: Featured Projects 9 Total Projects 26 4. Carlo Ratti Associati Carlo Ratti AssociatiCRA is an Architecture and Design Firm with a special focus on the synergies between sustainability and digital technologies. With offices based in Turin and New York, the firm engages in small and large-scale interventions ranging from furniture to urban planning.Some of Carlo Ratti Associatis most prominent projects include:The Greenary , Parma, ItalyCURA, Turin, ItalyCapitaSpring, SingaporeThe Circular Garden, Milan, ItalyAI Timber, China The following statistics helped Carlo Ratti Associati achieve 4th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Winner 3 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 8 Total Projects 14 3. Peter Pichler Architecture Peter Pichler ArchitecturePeter Pichler Architecture is an award-winning laboratory for architecture based in Milan.We are a young, dynamic and experimental team dedicated to developing an innovative and contemporary approach to architecture. Understanding tradition is the key to radical evolution. Hence, we incorporate close familiarity with local culture and respect for the natural environment into every single project. This credo builds our studios foundations and reflects the way we work.Some of Peter Pichler Architectures most prominent projects include:Kastelaz Hof, Tramin an der Weinstrae, ItalyHotel Milla Montis, Maranza, ItalyBonfiglioli Headquarters, Calderara di Reno, ItalyMirror Houses, Bolzano, ItalyOberholz Mountain Hut, Obereggen, Italy The following statistics helped Peter Pichler Architecture achieve 3rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 10 Total Projects 20 2. Renzo Piano Building Workshop Ateliers Stphane Aboudaram WE ARE CONTENT(S)Renzo Piano was born in Genoa in 1937 into a family of builders. He developed strong attachments with this historic city and port and with his fathers profession. While studying at Politecnico of Milan University, he worked in the office of Frano Albini. After graduation in 1964, he started experimenting with light, mobile, temporary structures. Between 1965 and 1970, he went on a number of trips to discover Great Britain and the United States. In 1971, he set up the Piano & Rogers office in London together with Richard Rogers, with whom he won the competition for the Centre Pompidou. He subsequently moved to Paris.Some of Renzo Piano Building Workshops most prominent projects include:Krause Gateway Center, Des Moines, IowaValletta City Gate, Valletta, MaltaCentro Botn, Santander, SpainLenfest Center for the Arts, New York City, New YorkCalifornia Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California The following statistics helped Renzo Piano Building Workshop achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 13 Total Projects 26 1. NOA NOANOA is a collective of architects and interior designers founded in 2011 by Stefan Rier and Lukas Rungger. Through its ten years of experience, the studio has established itself as an industry standard for hospitality architecture and design, with completed projects scattered across the Alps and new concepts being put into motion in the Netherlands, Croatia, USA, and the Caribbean.Following an always curious and never conventional approach, NOA has expanded its portfolio over the past years with the creation of novel architectural typologies. These include the tzi Peak viewing platform on the Val Senales glacier, the Transsensorial Gateway sound installation for INTERNI Creative Connections 2021, and the competition proposal for the new European Library in Milan.NOA has been published in magazines and on digital platforms of international prominence.Some of NOAs most prominent projects include:Hub of Huts, Bolzano, ItalyBiwakZallinger, Alpe Di Siusi, ItalyMohrlife: The theatrical spa, Lermoos, Austriatzi Peak 3251m: Reaching the peak, South Tyrol, ItalyFeatured image: Sdtirol Home: a country at 360, South Tyrol, Italy The following statistics helped NOA achieve 1st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Italy: A+Awards Winner 2 A+Awards Finalist 3 Featured Projects 21 Total Projects 39 Why Should I Trust Architizers Ranking?With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the worlds largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the worlds best architecture each year.Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlightedA Guide to Project AwardsThe blue + badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizers Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a projects likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:Project completed within the last 3 yearsA well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphsArchitectural designwith a high level of both functional and aesthetic valueHigh quality, in focus photographsAt least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the buildingInclusion of architectural drawings and renderingsInclusion of construction photographsThere are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizers Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.Were constantly look for the worlds best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please dont hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.The post 30 Best Architecture and Design Firms in Italy appeared first on Journal.

Ubisoft has finally revealed more details about Rainbow Six Siege X. Thanks to a series of new trailers and videos, the company showed off a host of new features for Rainbow Six Siege X, including its visual map enhancements, the new advanced rappel system, enhanced environmental destruction, the overhaul to the audio system, and how Ubisoft plans on tackling anti-cheat and toxicity. Check out all of the videos below.The gameplay reveal trailer gives us a brief glimpse at how Rainbow Six Siege X will play. While the core gunplay will be seeing improvements, there are also plenty of new gameplay additions, including the ability to make use of rappel lines to run along walls, and a new destruction system that opens up more options for players on both the attacking and defending sides.The new rappelling system will allow players to pull of a series of advanced tactics through the ability to sprint laterally and turn around corners. The new motion capture work done for the rappelling system also ensures that the movement systems will be more realistic than before.When it comes to the environments, players will have plenty of new options as well. As shown off in the Environmental Destruction video, players can also shoot at interactive objects on walls, like fire extinguishers, to create quick short-term effects like smoke screens. The system is designed to give players the option to create more chokepoints across various levels, with objects like pipes also being usable to take out enemies.Rainbow Six Siege X is also bringing with it massive visual upgrades to classic maps from Rainbow Six Siege. This includes new modern features like 4K textures, as well as improved lighting and shadows.When it comes to tackling cheaters and toxicity, Ubisoft has emphasised that it will be doing everything it can to ensure that Rainbow Six Siege X will be free of these elements. In a video, programming team lead Adrian Fraisse spoke about the new R6 ShieldGuard initiative.Cheating and toxicity has no place in Siege and we wont rest until its a thing of the past, said Fraisse. At SI, we introduced a new initiative, R6 ShieldGuard.As part of R6 ShieldGuard, different players will get slightly different executables to launch the game. This is being done in order to prevent tampering, with the game issuing sanctions to the players if tampering is detected.To further prevent tampering, Rainbow Six Siege Xs game code will be further encrypted through process dubbed Binary Hardening. With these new features, Ubisoft wants to prevent cheat makers from being able to make viable businesses out of creating cheats for Rainbow Six Siege X.There will also be an in-game defense system that prevents players from performing behaviours dubbed impossible during gameplay. This includes things that go directly against the games core mechanics, like sprinting and shooting and the same time.Rainbow Six Siege X is being developed for PC, pS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. It will be released as a free update for Rainbow Six Siege on June 10. Players new toRainbow Six Siegewill be able to pick up the game for free once the update hits.