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  • Olfactory Design: Spaces That Awaken Memories

    Olfactory Design: Spaces That Awaken MemoriesSave this picture!Mi Pan Bakery / Concéntrico.
    Image © Apertura ArquitectónicaWith each of the more than 23,000 breaths we take per day, air travels through the respiratory system into the lungs, where vital gas exchange occurs: oxygen is absorbed, and carbon dioxide is expelled.
    This involuntary and essential act also triggers another, less visible but deeply impactful process—our perception of smell.
    As air passes through the nasal cavity, odor molecules come into contact with olfactory receptors located in the olfactory epithelium.
    These receptors send signals directly to the olfactory bulb, which is part of the limbic system—the area of the brain linked to memory and emotion.
    Far from being a secondary sense, smell acts as a direct bridge between the environment and our deepest emotional responses.
    Scents carry a unique power to evoke vivid memories, elicit comfort or immediate aversion, and influence our emotional state almost instantaneously.
    Save this picture!This ability of scents to shape spaces, atmospheres, and memories is the foundation of what is known as olfactory design.
    The primary goal is to provoke emotional responses in physical environments—a sensory strategy gaining traction in architecture, retail, hospitality, and even institutional settings.
    It goes beyond simply adding fragrance to a space; it involves the intentional selection of scents that align with a place's identity, elicit desired sensations in users, and often reinforce a brand's message or a project's purpose.This aligns with the concept of atmosphere as defined by German philosopher Gernot Böhme, who describes it as a spatial quality perceived sensorially—a diffuse presence that surrounds and affects those within a space.
    In this context, smell plays a crucial role: unlike vision, which requires focus and direction, olfaction acts diffusely and immersively.
    It fills the environment in an almost invisible but deeply tangible way, capable of altering mood, triggering memories, and preparing the body for alertness, relaxation, or stimulation.
    As highlighted in the article Touch It, Smell It, Feel It: Architecture for the Senses, contemporary architecture is increasingly recognizing that space should be experienced with the entire body—not just the eyes.Save this picture!Smell as an Architectural ToolOlfactory design is closely related to sensory design, a field that incorporates all five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—into spatial creation.
    Within this universe, multisensory marketing explores how coordinated sensory stimuli shape consumer perception, create emotional bonds, and influence decision-making.
    This sensory dimension is also addressed by architect and theorist Juhani Pallasmaa, who in The Eyes of the Skin, critiques the dominance of vision in contemporary architecture and advocates for a design approach that engages all senses.
    According to him, smell is a fundamental part of spatial experience, capable of evoking memories and emotions with unparalleled intensity.
    "Architecture evokes memories through smell more than through shape or color," he states.Save this picture!Save this picture!Classic examples illustrate this power: the scent of popcorn in cinemas evokes pleasure and encourages consumption; the smell of fresh bread in supermarkets conveys warmth and increases dwell time; or the universally recognized "new car smell." Scientific studies have also shown that aromas significantly influence human behavior by activating brain areas related to memory, emotion, and decision-making.
    Pleasant fragrances can extend time spent in commercial spaces, increase purchase intent, and even alter subjective perceptions of temperature, spaciousness, or cleanliness.
    In healthcare settings, the use of essential oils such as lavender and bergamot has been linked to reduced anxiety and stress relief in preoperative patients, as shown in randomized clinical trials.
    In offices, subtle fragrances have been correlated with increased concentration, productivity, and general well-being.
    These findings reinforce the potential of olfactory design as a strategic sensory tool for creating more welcoming, functional, and emotionally resonant environments.In an increasingly overstimulated retail environment, the sense of smell is emerging as a powerful and underutilized channel.
    Scent branding—the development of exclusive scents to reinforce a brand's identity—aims not only to differentiate but also to create lasting emotional connections with users.
    Some brands develop custom fragrances that become integral to the experience.
    Luxury hotels spray their exclusive scents on linens and curtains, creating a memory-laden atmosphere for guests.
    Airlines infuse specific aromas in cabins to reduce flight stress and enhance comfort.
    Fashion houses go further, registering proprietary scents as part of their sensory branding toolkit, akin to logos, slogans, or jingles.Save this picture!Save this picture!Technology, Immersion, and ResponsibilityTechnology has enabled increasingly smart and personalized use of scents.
    Digital diffusers allow for scheduled scent release based on time, crowd density, or room temperature—enhancing both efficiency and impact.
    Presence sensors, automation systems, and remote control via apps are becoming common in commercial and hospitality spaces.
    Olfactory design is also entering digital and immersive territories.
    Virtual reality, sensory exhibitions, and artistic installations have started incorporating scent as a narrative layer.
    In multisensory experiences, scent is used to intensify immersion, trigger targeted emotions, or signal spatial and temporal transitions.Save this picture!As olfactory design evolves, so do the challenges around sustainability and health.
    The composition of scents—natural or synthetic—is a critical concern.
    Natural aromas derived from flowers, woods, and spices are often more sustainable and less aggressive, though they can be expensive and less durable.
    Synthetic compounds, widely used in industry, offer consistency and control but raise concerns regarding toxicity, environmental impact, and allergic reactions.Save this picture!Save this picture!For these reasons, several countries have enacted regulations limiting the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—substances commonly found in synthetic fragrances—in enclosed environments.
    These regulations are particularly strict in high-traffic or sensitive locations such as hospitals, schools, and public buildings, where indoor air quality is crucial to occupant health.
    Olfactory design, in this context, must go beyond the creation of immersive experiences.
    It must also take into account diverse user profiles, including those with chemical sensitivities or respiratory conditions, and meet technical standards for air quality, safety, and accessibility.Evoking memories, stirring emotions, or reinforcing identity—all of this can be achieved through a single breath.
    To incorporate smell into the creative process is more than simply adding a fragrance; it is an opportunity to expand architecture beyond shape, color, and light—touching what is most intimate in human experience.


    Image gallerySee allShow less
    About this authorEduardo SouzaAuthor•••
    Cite: Eduardo Souza.
    "Olfactory Design: Spaces That Awaken Memories" 13 May 2025.
    ArchDaily.
    Accessed .
    <https://www.archdaily.com/1029952/olfactory-design-spaces-that-awaken-memories&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否
    You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
    Source: https://www.archdaily.com/1029952/olfactory-design-spaces-that-awaken-memories
    #olfactory #design #spaces #awaken #memories
    Olfactory Design: Spaces That Awaken Memories
    Olfactory Design: Spaces That Awaken MemoriesSave this picture!Mi Pan Bakery / Concéntrico. Image © Apertura ArquitectónicaWith each of the more than 23,000 breaths we take per day, air travels through the respiratory system into the lungs, where vital gas exchange occurs: oxygen is absorbed, and carbon dioxide is expelled. This involuntary and essential act also triggers another, less visible but deeply impactful process—our perception of smell. As air passes through the nasal cavity, odor molecules come into contact with olfactory receptors located in the olfactory epithelium. These receptors send signals directly to the olfactory bulb, which is part of the limbic system—the area of the brain linked to memory and emotion. Far from being a secondary sense, smell acts as a direct bridge between the environment and our deepest emotional responses. Scents carry a unique power to evoke vivid memories, elicit comfort or immediate aversion, and influence our emotional state almost instantaneously. Save this picture!This ability of scents to shape spaces, atmospheres, and memories is the foundation of what is known as olfactory design. The primary goal is to provoke emotional responses in physical environments—a sensory strategy gaining traction in architecture, retail, hospitality, and even institutional settings. It goes beyond simply adding fragrance to a space; it involves the intentional selection of scents that align with a place's identity, elicit desired sensations in users, and often reinforce a brand's message or a project's purpose.This aligns with the concept of atmosphere as defined by German philosopher Gernot Böhme, who describes it as a spatial quality perceived sensorially—a diffuse presence that surrounds and affects those within a space. In this context, smell plays a crucial role: unlike vision, which requires focus and direction, olfaction acts diffusely and immersively. It fills the environment in an almost invisible but deeply tangible way, capable of altering mood, triggering memories, and preparing the body for alertness, relaxation, or stimulation. As highlighted in the article Touch It, Smell It, Feel It: Architecture for the Senses, contemporary architecture is increasingly recognizing that space should be experienced with the entire body—not just the eyes.Save this picture!Smell as an Architectural ToolOlfactory design is closely related to sensory design, a field that incorporates all five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—into spatial creation. Within this universe, multisensory marketing explores how coordinated sensory stimuli shape consumer perception, create emotional bonds, and influence decision-making. This sensory dimension is also addressed by architect and theorist Juhani Pallasmaa, who in The Eyes of the Skin, critiques the dominance of vision in contemporary architecture and advocates for a design approach that engages all senses. According to him, smell is a fundamental part of spatial experience, capable of evoking memories and emotions with unparalleled intensity. "Architecture evokes memories through smell more than through shape or color," he states.Save this picture!Save this picture!Classic examples illustrate this power: the scent of popcorn in cinemas evokes pleasure and encourages consumption; the smell of fresh bread in supermarkets conveys warmth and increases dwell time; or the universally recognized "new car smell." Scientific studies have also shown that aromas significantly influence human behavior by activating brain areas related to memory, emotion, and decision-making. Pleasant fragrances can extend time spent in commercial spaces, increase purchase intent, and even alter subjective perceptions of temperature, spaciousness, or cleanliness. In healthcare settings, the use of essential oils such as lavender and bergamot has been linked to reduced anxiety and stress relief in preoperative patients, as shown in randomized clinical trials. In offices, subtle fragrances have been correlated with increased concentration, productivity, and general well-being. These findings reinforce the potential of olfactory design as a strategic sensory tool for creating more welcoming, functional, and emotionally resonant environments.In an increasingly overstimulated retail environment, the sense of smell is emerging as a powerful and underutilized channel. Scent branding—the development of exclusive scents to reinforce a brand's identity—aims not only to differentiate but also to create lasting emotional connections with users. Some brands develop custom fragrances that become integral to the experience. Luxury hotels spray their exclusive scents on linens and curtains, creating a memory-laden atmosphere for guests. Airlines infuse specific aromas in cabins to reduce flight stress and enhance comfort. Fashion houses go further, registering proprietary scents as part of their sensory branding toolkit, akin to logos, slogans, or jingles.Save this picture!Save this picture!Technology, Immersion, and ResponsibilityTechnology has enabled increasingly smart and personalized use of scents. Digital diffusers allow for scheduled scent release based on time, crowd density, or room temperature—enhancing both efficiency and impact. Presence sensors, automation systems, and remote control via apps are becoming common in commercial and hospitality spaces. Olfactory design is also entering digital and immersive territories. Virtual reality, sensory exhibitions, and artistic installations have started incorporating scent as a narrative layer. In multisensory experiences, scent is used to intensify immersion, trigger targeted emotions, or signal spatial and temporal transitions.Save this picture!As olfactory design evolves, so do the challenges around sustainability and health. The composition of scents—natural or synthetic—is a critical concern. Natural aromas derived from flowers, woods, and spices are often more sustainable and less aggressive, though they can be expensive and less durable. Synthetic compounds, widely used in industry, offer consistency and control but raise concerns regarding toxicity, environmental impact, and allergic reactions.Save this picture!Save this picture!For these reasons, several countries have enacted regulations limiting the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—substances commonly found in synthetic fragrances—in enclosed environments. These regulations are particularly strict in high-traffic or sensitive locations such as hospitals, schools, and public buildings, where indoor air quality is crucial to occupant health. Olfactory design, in this context, must go beyond the creation of immersive experiences. It must also take into account diverse user profiles, including those with chemical sensitivities or respiratory conditions, and meet technical standards for air quality, safety, and accessibility.Evoking memories, stirring emotions, or reinforcing identity—all of this can be achieved through a single breath. To incorporate smell into the creative process is more than simply adding a fragrance; it is an opportunity to expand architecture beyond shape, color, and light—touching what is most intimate in human experience. Image gallerySee allShow less About this authorEduardo SouzaAuthor••• Cite: Eduardo Souza. "Olfactory Design: Spaces That Awaken Memories" 13 May 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1029952/olfactory-design-spaces-that-awaken-memories&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream Source: https://www.archdaily.com/1029952/olfactory-design-spaces-that-awaken-memories #olfactory #design #spaces #awaken #memories
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    Olfactory Design: Spaces That Awaken Memories
    Olfactory Design: Spaces That Awaken MemoriesSave this picture!Mi Pan Bakery / Concéntrico. Image © Apertura ArquitectónicaWith each of the more than 23,000 breaths we take per day, air travels through the respiratory system into the lungs, where vital gas exchange occurs: oxygen is absorbed, and carbon dioxide is expelled. This involuntary and essential act also triggers another, less visible but deeply impactful process—our perception of smell. As air passes through the nasal cavity, odor molecules come into contact with olfactory receptors located in the olfactory epithelium. These receptors send signals directly to the olfactory bulb, which is part of the limbic system—the area of the brain linked to memory and emotion. Far from being a secondary sense, smell acts as a direct bridge between the environment and our deepest emotional responses. Scents carry a unique power to evoke vivid memories, elicit comfort or immediate aversion, and influence our emotional state almost instantaneously. Save this picture!This ability of scents to shape spaces, atmospheres, and memories is the foundation of what is known as olfactory design. The primary goal is to provoke emotional responses in physical environments—a sensory strategy gaining traction in architecture, retail, hospitality, and even institutional settings. It goes beyond simply adding fragrance to a space; it involves the intentional selection of scents that align with a place's identity, elicit desired sensations in users, and often reinforce a brand's message or a project's purpose.This aligns with the concept of atmosphere as defined by German philosopher Gernot Böhme, who describes it as a spatial quality perceived sensorially—a diffuse presence that surrounds and affects those within a space. In this context, smell plays a crucial role: unlike vision, which requires focus and direction, olfaction acts diffusely and immersively. It fills the environment in an almost invisible but deeply tangible way, capable of altering mood, triggering memories, and preparing the body for alertness, relaxation, or stimulation. As highlighted in the article Touch It, Smell It, Feel It: Architecture for the Senses, contemporary architecture is increasingly recognizing that space should be experienced with the entire body—not just the eyes.Save this picture!Smell as an Architectural ToolOlfactory design is closely related to sensory design, a field that incorporates all five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—into spatial creation. Within this universe, multisensory marketing explores how coordinated sensory stimuli shape consumer perception, create emotional bonds, and influence decision-making. This sensory dimension is also addressed by architect and theorist Juhani Pallasmaa, who in The Eyes of the Skin, critiques the dominance of vision in contemporary architecture and advocates for a design approach that engages all senses. According to him, smell is a fundamental part of spatial experience, capable of evoking memories and emotions with unparalleled intensity. "Architecture evokes memories through smell more than through shape or color," he states.Save this picture!Save this picture!Classic examples illustrate this power: the scent of popcorn in cinemas evokes pleasure and encourages consumption; the smell of fresh bread in supermarkets conveys warmth and increases dwell time; or the universally recognized "new car smell." Scientific studies have also shown that aromas significantly influence human behavior by activating brain areas related to memory, emotion, and decision-making. Pleasant fragrances can extend time spent in commercial spaces, increase purchase intent, and even alter subjective perceptions of temperature, spaciousness, or cleanliness. In healthcare settings, the use of essential oils such as lavender and bergamot has been linked to reduced anxiety and stress relief in preoperative patients, as shown in randomized clinical trials. In offices, subtle fragrances have been correlated with increased concentration, productivity, and general well-being. These findings reinforce the potential of olfactory design as a strategic sensory tool for creating more welcoming, functional, and emotionally resonant environments.In an increasingly overstimulated retail environment, the sense of smell is emerging as a powerful and underutilized channel. Scent branding—the development of exclusive scents to reinforce a brand's identity—aims not only to differentiate but also to create lasting emotional connections with users. Some brands develop custom fragrances that become integral to the experience. Luxury hotels spray their exclusive scents on linens and curtains, creating a memory-laden atmosphere for guests. Airlines infuse specific aromas in cabins to reduce flight stress and enhance comfort. Fashion houses go further, registering proprietary scents as part of their sensory branding toolkit, akin to logos, slogans, or jingles.Save this picture!Save this picture!Technology, Immersion, and ResponsibilityTechnology has enabled increasingly smart and personalized use of scents. Digital diffusers allow for scheduled scent release based on time, crowd density, or room temperature—enhancing both efficiency and impact. Presence sensors, automation systems, and remote control via apps are becoming common in commercial and hospitality spaces. Olfactory design is also entering digital and immersive territories. Virtual reality, sensory exhibitions, and artistic installations have started incorporating scent as a narrative layer. In multisensory experiences, scent is used to intensify immersion, trigger targeted emotions, or signal spatial and temporal transitions.Save this picture!As olfactory design evolves, so do the challenges around sustainability and health. The composition of scents—natural or synthetic—is a critical concern. Natural aromas derived from flowers, woods, and spices are often more sustainable and less aggressive, though they can be expensive and less durable. Synthetic compounds, widely used in industry, offer consistency and control but raise concerns regarding toxicity, environmental impact, and allergic reactions.Save this picture!Save this picture!For these reasons, several countries have enacted regulations limiting the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—substances commonly found in synthetic fragrances—in enclosed environments. These regulations are particularly strict in high-traffic or sensitive locations such as hospitals, schools, and public buildings, where indoor air quality is crucial to occupant health. Olfactory design, in this context, must go beyond the creation of immersive experiences. It must also take into account diverse user profiles, including those with chemical sensitivities or respiratory conditions, and meet technical standards for air quality, safety, and accessibility.Evoking memories, stirring emotions, or reinforcing identity—all of this can be achieved through a single breath. To incorporate smell into the creative process is more than simply adding a fragrance; it is an opportunity to expand architecture beyond shape, color, and light—touching what is most intimate in human experience. Image gallerySee allShow less About this authorEduardo SouzaAuthor••• Cite: Eduardo Souza. "Olfactory Design: Spaces That Awaken Memories" 13 May 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1029952/olfactory-design-spaces-that-awaken-memories&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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  • DJI Mavic 4 Pro Tested: The Best Camera Drone for Photo Pros, but Not in the US
    DJI has remained the leader in camera-equipped drones since the company's Phantom series launched in 2013 and its latest model, the Mavic 4 Pro, will only cement its position as the go-to option for aerial filmmakers.
    From its innovative new gimbal system to its impressive zoom skills and image quality, the Mavic 4 Pro offers an extremely powerful package for amateurs and professionals alike to capture stunning imagery from the air.I've flown the Mavic 4 Pro and I'm impressed with its image quality from all of its cameras, the new "infinity gimbal" and the drone's overall ease of use. But it asks a lofty price in return, with the new drone starting at £1,879 in the UK and the Fly More Creator Combo that includes three batteries and the company's new RC Pro 2 controller (as reviewed) costing a princely £3,209.
    At launch, the Mavic 4 Pro will not be available in the US.
    I asked DJI about this and a company spokesperson had this to say:"The DJI Mavic 4 Pro will not be available for sale in the US upon its global launch on May 13.
    Like many global companies, we have had to adjust our market strategy as local conditions and the industry environment have evolved.
    While we do not have a timeline for when we can introduce the product to the US market, we are closely monitoring the situation and actively exploring every possible solution."For reference, those UK prices convert to $2,499 and $4,268, respectively.
    The Fly More Creator Combo includes the drone, three batteries with fast charging cradle and the controller with built-in LCD display.
    Andrew Lanxon/CNETIts price puts the drone out of range for those of you simply wanting to take your first steps into capturing aerial footage to send to your friends on Instagram.
    Instead, the Mavic 4 Pro is squarely aimed at more serious content creators as well as video production professionals who want an extremely capable flying camera but don't quite want the expense -- and setup hassle -- of DJI's more cinema-focused Inspire series. DJI Mavic 4 Pro: New gimbal, new camerasAt the heart of the Mavic 4 Pro is a redesigned gimbal.
    Instead of a square camera unit sitting below the drone, the new "Infinity Gimbal," as DJI calls it, is more of a sphere that sits right on the front.
    It can freely shoot forward, down, to the sides and even upward.
    It offers a much wider range of motion than previous DJI drones, and it opens more creative shooting options while flying.I especially enjoyed shooting footage looking upward as the sun came from behind the clouds.
    At slow speeds, the propellers were not visible in frame, although I found that when I flew faster, the gimbal's adjusted position made propeller movement more noticeable in my footage.  The new Infinity Gimbal allows for a much greater range of movement than was possible on previous models.
    Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe gimbal houses three cameras: a main camera with a 4/3-size CMOS sensor and a 28mm equivalent field of view, a medium telephoto camera with a 70mm equivalent focal length and a longer telephoto camera with a 168mm equivalent focal length for very zoomed-in shots.
    The main camera offers resolutions up to 6K at 60 frames per second and can take stills up to 100 megapixels in size in DNG raw format. Its relatively large sensor size allows it to capture more light, allowing for better dynamic range (DJI promises "up to" 16 stops) and better image quality in low light.
    In practice, I found video and stills from this camera looked superb, with crisp details, even exposures and accurate colors.
    The variable f/2 to f/11 aperture allows for narrow aperture shots, turning bright points of light -- like the sun -- into attractive 10-point star bursts, which looked amazing.
    Stills shot in raw were sharp with lots of latitude for deep editing in Adobe Lightroom.
    The variable aperture allowed me to create an authentic 10-point star on this still image of the sun peeking out from behind a cloud.
    Andrew Lanxon/CNETAt 70mm zoom, footage still looks pin-sharp, and I even found the 168mm zoom lens to provide great-looking video as well.
    I wasn't impressed with the zoom on the previous Mavic 3 Pro, finding it generally too low-quality to be usable for anything other than casual Instagram posts.
    The Mavic 4 Pro's zooms are different beasts altogether, providing footage that looks good enough for all but the most demanding of commercial clients.
    Taken with the 70mm lens, this image remains pin sharp.
    By shooting in DNG raw I was able to adjust the white balance afterward to create a pleasing, warmer tone.
    Andrew Lanxon/CNET Even using the longest 168mm zoom lens, images still look clear and sharp.
    Andrew Lanxon/CNETBetter yet, all three cameras allow you to shoot at 4K resolution in 10-bit D-Log color profiles, which is useful for those who want to add your own cinematic color grades to your aerial footage. DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Flying, controller and battery lifeThe Mavic 4 Pro flies like any other drone from the company's back catalogue, so those of you who've spent any time with a previous model will already be familiar with the controls.
    While the drone is aimed more at professionals and enthusiastic amateurs, it's simple enough to learn even if this is your first foray into aerial photography. To help beginners -- as well as helping the more reckless among you -- there is the usual array of sensors on all sides to help it avoid colliding with obstacles in front, behind, above or below.
    These continue to work as well as I found them on previous models, consistently identifying -- and avoiding -- potential objects including trees, branches, power lines and people.
    Basically, anything that it could smash into.
    The controller is comfortable to hold while the huge display offers a bright, clear view as you fly.
    I much prefer using this simply having to connect my phone to use as the viewfinder.
    Andrew Lanxon/CNETThere's also a slew of intelligent flight modes, including object tracking and programmable flight plans, all of which are pretty much the same as on DJI's other models. The Mavic 4 Pro can be bought with the company's new RC Pro 2 controller, which has its own built-in adjustable 7-inch display.
    It's basically like slapping an iPad Mini onto the controller, and it means you don't have to mess with trying to hook your phone up to use as the display.
    I really like it and found the big, bright screen a great way to monitor my footage while the drone was in the air.
    The controller has various dedicated controls for using the cameras along with a new HDMI out port for hooking up an external monitor -- handy if your project director, client or just your mate wants a better view of what you're doing.In terms of flying time, DJI claims you'll get up to 51 minutes of flight from a fully-charged battery.
    That's a solid step up over the 46 minutes of promised flight time on the last Mavic Pro, but in reality, you can expect that number to be quite a bit lower.
    I flew mostly in moderate winds and at higher speeds, and generally found that I achieved flight times closer to 30 minutes.
    Still, that's not a bad amount of airtime, especially if you opt for the Fly More combo, which comes with three batteries and a 100-watt fast-charger that juices them back up extremely quickly.  With sensors on all sides, the Mavic 4 Pro can avoid obstacles in any direction.
    Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe drone weighs 1,063 grams (2.3 pounds), so all fliers in the US will need to register themselves -- and the drone -- with the FAA (assuming you can buy one at all, that is), whether you plan to use it commercially.
    Drone laws differ significantly between countries (and even within states in the US), so be sure you check your local laws before taking flight and ensure you always operate a drone safely.DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Should you buy it?The Mavic 4 Pro's upgrades over the previous Mavic 3 Pro are significant.
    The newly designed gimbal allows for shots simply not possible with other models, while the overall image quality -- especially from the zoom lenses -- is a big step up.
    While its high price means this isn't a drone for those of you simply wanting to add some aerial excitement to your TikToks, the Mavic 4 Pro is a superb option for video professionals who want to add some truly cinematic drone footage to their image-making arsenal.
    That is, if you live somewhere, you can buy it.
    Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/dji-mavic-4-pro-tested-the-best-camera-drone-for-photo-pros-but-not-in-the-us/#ftag=CAD590a51e" style="color: #0066cc;">https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/dji-mavic-4-pro-tested-the-best-camera-drone-for-photo-pros-but-not-in-the-us/#ftag=CAD590a51e
    #dji #mavic #pro #tested #the #best #camera #drone #for #photo #pros #but #not
    DJI Mavic 4 Pro Tested: The Best Camera Drone for Photo Pros, but Not in the US
    DJI has remained the leader in camera-equipped drones since the company's Phantom series launched in 2013 and its latest model, the Mavic 4 Pro, will only cement its position as the go-to option for aerial filmmakers. From its innovative new gimbal system to its impressive zoom skills and image quality, the Mavic 4 Pro offers an extremely powerful package for amateurs and professionals alike to capture stunning imagery from the air.I've flown the Mavic 4 Pro and I'm impressed with its image quality from all of its cameras, the new "infinity gimbal" and the drone's overall ease of use. But it asks a lofty price in return, with the new drone starting at £1,879 in the UK and the Fly More Creator Combo that includes three batteries and the company's new RC Pro 2 controller (as reviewed) costing a princely £3,209. At launch, the Mavic 4 Pro will not be available in the US. I asked DJI about this and a company spokesperson had this to say:"The DJI Mavic 4 Pro will not be available for sale in the US upon its global launch on May 13. Like many global companies, we have had to adjust our market strategy as local conditions and the industry environment have evolved. While we do not have a timeline for when we can introduce the product to the US market, we are closely monitoring the situation and actively exploring every possible solution."For reference, those UK prices convert to $2,499 and $4,268, respectively. The Fly More Creator Combo includes the drone, three batteries with fast charging cradle and the controller with built-in LCD display. Andrew Lanxon/CNETIts price puts the drone out of range for those of you simply wanting to take your first steps into capturing aerial footage to send to your friends on Instagram. Instead, the Mavic 4 Pro is squarely aimed at more serious content creators as well as video production professionals who want an extremely capable flying camera but don't quite want the expense -- and setup hassle -- of DJI's more cinema-focused Inspire series. DJI Mavic 4 Pro: New gimbal, new camerasAt the heart of the Mavic 4 Pro is a redesigned gimbal. Instead of a square camera unit sitting below the drone, the new "Infinity Gimbal," as DJI calls it, is more of a sphere that sits right on the front. It can freely shoot forward, down, to the sides and even upward. It offers a much wider range of motion than previous DJI drones, and it opens more creative shooting options while flying.I especially enjoyed shooting footage looking upward as the sun came from behind the clouds. At slow speeds, the propellers were not visible in frame, although I found that when I flew faster, the gimbal's adjusted position made propeller movement more noticeable in my footage.  The new Infinity Gimbal allows for a much greater range of movement than was possible on previous models. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe gimbal houses three cameras: a main camera with a 4/3-size CMOS sensor and a 28mm equivalent field of view, a medium telephoto camera with a 70mm equivalent focal length and a longer telephoto camera with a 168mm equivalent focal length for very zoomed-in shots. The main camera offers resolutions up to 6K at 60 frames per second and can take stills up to 100 megapixels in size in DNG raw format. Its relatively large sensor size allows it to capture more light, allowing for better dynamic range (DJI promises "up to" 16 stops) and better image quality in low light. In practice, I found video and stills from this camera looked superb, with crisp details, even exposures and accurate colors. The variable f/2 to f/11 aperture allows for narrow aperture shots, turning bright points of light -- like the sun -- into attractive 10-point star bursts, which looked amazing. Stills shot in raw were sharp with lots of latitude for deep editing in Adobe Lightroom. The variable aperture allowed me to create an authentic 10-point star on this still image of the sun peeking out from behind a cloud. Andrew Lanxon/CNETAt 70mm zoom, footage still looks pin-sharp, and I even found the 168mm zoom lens to provide great-looking video as well. I wasn't impressed with the zoom on the previous Mavic 3 Pro, finding it generally too low-quality to be usable for anything other than casual Instagram posts. The Mavic 4 Pro's zooms are different beasts altogether, providing footage that looks good enough for all but the most demanding of commercial clients. Taken with the 70mm lens, this image remains pin sharp. By shooting in DNG raw I was able to adjust the white balance afterward to create a pleasing, warmer tone. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Even using the longest 168mm zoom lens, images still look clear and sharp. Andrew Lanxon/CNETBetter yet, all three cameras allow you to shoot at 4K resolution in 10-bit D-Log color profiles, which is useful for those who want to add your own cinematic color grades to your aerial footage. DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Flying, controller and battery lifeThe Mavic 4 Pro flies like any other drone from the company's back catalogue, so those of you who've spent any time with a previous model will already be familiar with the controls. While the drone is aimed more at professionals and enthusiastic amateurs, it's simple enough to learn even if this is your first foray into aerial photography. To help beginners -- as well as helping the more reckless among you -- there is the usual array of sensors on all sides to help it avoid colliding with obstacles in front, behind, above or below. These continue to work as well as I found them on previous models, consistently identifying -- and avoiding -- potential objects including trees, branches, power lines and people. Basically, anything that it could smash into. The controller is comfortable to hold while the huge display offers a bright, clear view as you fly. I much prefer using this simply having to connect my phone to use as the viewfinder. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThere's also a slew of intelligent flight modes, including object tracking and programmable flight plans, all of which are pretty much the same as on DJI's other models. The Mavic 4 Pro can be bought with the company's new RC Pro 2 controller, which has its own built-in adjustable 7-inch display. It's basically like slapping an iPad Mini onto the controller, and it means you don't have to mess with trying to hook your phone up to use as the display. I really like it and found the big, bright screen a great way to monitor my footage while the drone was in the air. The controller has various dedicated controls for using the cameras along with a new HDMI out port for hooking up an external monitor -- handy if your project director, client or just your mate wants a better view of what you're doing.In terms of flying time, DJI claims you'll get up to 51 minutes of flight from a fully-charged battery. That's a solid step up over the 46 minutes of promised flight time on the last Mavic Pro, but in reality, you can expect that number to be quite a bit lower. I flew mostly in moderate winds and at higher speeds, and generally found that I achieved flight times closer to 30 minutes. Still, that's not a bad amount of airtime, especially if you opt for the Fly More combo, which comes with three batteries and a 100-watt fast-charger that juices them back up extremely quickly.  With sensors on all sides, the Mavic 4 Pro can avoid obstacles in any direction. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe drone weighs 1,063 grams (2.3 pounds), so all fliers in the US will need to register themselves -- and the drone -- with the FAA (assuming you can buy one at all, that is), whether you plan to use it commercially. Drone laws differ significantly between countries (and even within states in the US), so be sure you check your local laws before taking flight and ensure you always operate a drone safely.DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Should you buy it?The Mavic 4 Pro's upgrades over the previous Mavic 3 Pro are significant. The newly designed gimbal allows for shots simply not possible with other models, while the overall image quality -- especially from the zoom lenses -- is a big step up. While its high price means this isn't a drone for those of you simply wanting to add some aerial excitement to your TikToks, the Mavic 4 Pro is a superb option for video professionals who want to add some truly cinematic drone footage to their image-making arsenal. That is, if you live somewhere, you can buy it. Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/dji-mavic-4-pro-tested-the-best-camera-drone-for-photo-pros-but-not-in-the-us/#ftag=CAD590a51e #dji #mavic #pro #tested #the #best #camera #drone #for #photo #pros #but #not
    WWW.CNET.COM
    DJI Mavic 4 Pro Tested: The Best Camera Drone for Photo Pros, but Not in the US
    DJI has remained the leader in camera-equipped drones since the company's Phantom series launched in 2013 and its latest model, the Mavic 4 Pro, will only cement its position as the go-to option for aerial filmmakers. From its innovative new gimbal system to its impressive zoom skills and image quality, the Mavic 4 Pro offers an extremely powerful package for amateurs and professionals alike to capture stunning imagery from the air.I've flown the Mavic 4 Pro and I'm impressed with its image quality from all of its cameras, the new "infinity gimbal" and the drone's overall ease of use. But it asks a lofty price in return, with the new drone starting at £1,879 in the UK and the Fly More Creator Combo that includes three batteries and the company's new RC Pro 2 controller (as reviewed) costing a princely £3,209. At launch, the Mavic 4 Pro will not be available in the US. I asked DJI about this and a company spokesperson had this to say:"The DJI Mavic 4 Pro will not be available for sale in the US upon its global launch on May 13. Like many global companies, we have had to adjust our market strategy as local conditions and the industry environment have evolved. While we do not have a timeline for when we can introduce the product to the US market, we are closely monitoring the situation and actively exploring every possible solution."For reference, those UK prices convert to $2,499 and $4,268, respectively. The Fly More Creator Combo includes the drone, three batteries with fast charging cradle and the controller with built-in LCD display. Andrew Lanxon/CNETIts price puts the drone out of range for those of you simply wanting to take your first steps into capturing aerial footage to send to your friends on Instagram. Instead, the Mavic 4 Pro is squarely aimed at more serious content creators as well as video production professionals who want an extremely capable flying camera but don't quite want the expense -- and setup hassle -- of DJI's more cinema-focused Inspire series. DJI Mavic 4 Pro: New gimbal, new camerasAt the heart of the Mavic 4 Pro is a redesigned gimbal. Instead of a square camera unit sitting below the drone, the new "Infinity Gimbal," as DJI calls it, is more of a sphere that sits right on the front. It can freely shoot forward, down, to the sides and even upward. It offers a much wider range of motion than previous DJI drones, and it opens more creative shooting options while flying.I especially enjoyed shooting footage looking upward as the sun came from behind the clouds. At slow speeds, the propellers were not visible in frame, although I found that when I flew faster, the gimbal's adjusted position made propeller movement more noticeable in my footage.  The new Infinity Gimbal allows for a much greater range of movement than was possible on previous models. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe gimbal houses three cameras: a main camera with a 4/3-size CMOS sensor and a 28mm equivalent field of view, a medium telephoto camera with a 70mm equivalent focal length and a longer telephoto camera with a 168mm equivalent focal length for very zoomed-in shots. The main camera offers resolutions up to 6K at 60 frames per second and can take stills up to 100 megapixels in size in DNG raw format. Its relatively large sensor size allows it to capture more light, allowing for better dynamic range (DJI promises "up to" 16 stops) and better image quality in low light. In practice, I found video and stills from this camera looked superb, with crisp details, even exposures and accurate colors. The variable f/2 to f/11 aperture allows for narrow aperture shots, turning bright points of light -- like the sun -- into attractive 10-point star bursts, which looked amazing. Stills shot in raw were sharp with lots of latitude for deep editing in Adobe Lightroom. The variable aperture allowed me to create an authentic 10-point star on this still image of the sun peeking out from behind a cloud. Andrew Lanxon/CNETAt 70mm zoom, footage still looks pin-sharp, and I even found the 168mm zoom lens to provide great-looking video as well. I wasn't impressed with the zoom on the previous Mavic 3 Pro, finding it generally too low-quality to be usable for anything other than casual Instagram posts. The Mavic 4 Pro's zooms are different beasts altogether, providing footage that looks good enough for all but the most demanding of commercial clients. Taken with the 70mm lens, this image remains pin sharp. By shooting in DNG raw I was able to adjust the white balance afterward to create a pleasing, warmer tone. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Even using the longest 168mm zoom lens, images still look clear and sharp. Andrew Lanxon/CNETBetter yet, all three cameras allow you to shoot at 4K resolution in 10-bit D-Log color profiles, which is useful for those who want to add your own cinematic color grades to your aerial footage. DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Flying, controller and battery lifeThe Mavic 4 Pro flies like any other drone from the company's back catalogue, so those of you who've spent any time with a previous model will already be familiar with the controls. While the drone is aimed more at professionals and enthusiastic amateurs, it's simple enough to learn even if this is your first foray into aerial photography. To help beginners -- as well as helping the more reckless among you -- there is the usual array of sensors on all sides to help it avoid colliding with obstacles in front, behind, above or below. These continue to work as well as I found them on previous models, consistently identifying -- and avoiding -- potential objects including trees, branches, power lines and people. Basically, anything that it could smash into. The controller is comfortable to hold while the huge display offers a bright, clear view as you fly. I much prefer using this simply having to connect my phone to use as the viewfinder. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThere's also a slew of intelligent flight modes, including object tracking and programmable flight plans, all of which are pretty much the same as on DJI's other models. The Mavic 4 Pro can be bought with the company's new RC Pro 2 controller, which has its own built-in adjustable 7-inch display. It's basically like slapping an iPad Mini onto the controller, and it means you don't have to mess with trying to hook your phone up to use as the display. I really like it and found the big, bright screen a great way to monitor my footage while the drone was in the air. The controller has various dedicated controls for using the cameras along with a new HDMI out port for hooking up an external monitor -- handy if your project director, client or just your mate wants a better view of what you're doing.In terms of flying time, DJI claims you'll get up to 51 minutes of flight from a fully-charged battery. That's a solid step up over the 46 minutes of promised flight time on the last Mavic Pro, but in reality, you can expect that number to be quite a bit lower. I flew mostly in moderate winds and at higher speeds, and generally found that I achieved flight times closer to 30 minutes. Still, that's not a bad amount of airtime, especially if you opt for the Fly More combo, which comes with three batteries and a 100-watt fast-charger that juices them back up extremely quickly.  With sensors on all sides, the Mavic 4 Pro can avoid obstacles in any direction. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe drone weighs 1,063 grams (2.3 pounds), so all fliers in the US will need to register themselves -- and the drone -- with the FAA (assuming you can buy one at all, that is), whether you plan to use it commercially. Drone laws differ significantly between countries (and even within states in the US), so be sure you check your local laws before taking flight and ensure you always operate a drone safely.DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Should you buy it?The Mavic 4 Pro's upgrades over the previous Mavic 3 Pro are significant. The newly designed gimbal allows for shots simply not possible with other models, while the overall image quality -- especially from the zoom lenses -- is a big step up. While its high price means this isn't a drone for those of you simply wanting to add some aerial excitement to your TikToks, the Mavic 4 Pro is a superb option for video professionals who want to add some truly cinematic drone footage to their image-making arsenal. That is, if you live somewhere, you can buy it.
    ·22 Views
  • Regeneration Rooted In Tradition: How Organic India Is Redefining Herbal Wellness

    A farmer in Azamgarh, India gathers fresh chamomile blossoms, part of Organic India’s commitment to ...
    More regenerative agriculture and community empowerment.Organic India
    Across the globe, agriculture is at a crossroads.
    Land use contributes to 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which are primarily driven by deforestation and agricultural activity.
    Meanwhile, the WWF estimates that habitat destruction and overexploitation have led to a staggering 73% average decline in global wildlife populations over the past 50 years.
    Nearly 40% of the world’s land is now degraded, directly impacting the livelihoods of 3 billion people.
    Faced with climate instability, biodiversity loss, and the exploitation of both natural resources and rural communities, the industrial food system is being forced to confront its ecological and ethical costs.


    At the same time, a countercurrent is gaining momentum—one rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, farmer autonomy, and land stewardship.
    Among the companies charting this alternative path is Organic India, a wellness brand that has woven regenerative organic agricultural practices into its DNA long before the term became a mainstream badge of sustainability.
    Starting as a grassroots movement in 1997, Organic India is deeply intertwined with the land and farming traditions of India.
    Its work revolves around cultivating native herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Ashwagandha, and Chamomile through partnerships with thousands of smallholder farmers across rural India.

    In a recent discussion, Ori Ornstein, Chief Commercial Officer at Organic India USA highlighted for me how the recent achievement of the Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) label across multiple products reflects decades of practice.
    The ROC™ seal, which represents the highest global standards for soil health, animal welfare, and farmworker fairness, is a natural extension of the company’s long-standing model.
    From crop rotation and composting to direct trade and farmer equity, Organic India’s approach exemplifies a deeply integrated strategy for rebuilding agricultural ecosystems.


    Rather than driving down costs through opaque, globalized sourcing, Organic India maintains local, vertically integrated operations with year-round agronomic support and premium payments—often 3 to 4 times higher than the conventional market.
    Their herbs are not just Certified Organic or Fairtrade Certified; they are the result of enduring, respectful relationships between people and place.

    Our discussions also highlighted the challenges Organic India has faced.
    Competing against price-driven brands with superficial sustainability claims requires justifying a premium model.
    Yet their steady expansion, now under the ownership of Tata Consumer Products, suggests that values-led business models are gaining traction, especially when aligned with consumer demand for transparency, integrity, and environmental responsibility.
    In an era when so many businesses externalize social and ecological costs, Organic India stands out for doing the opposite—internalizing responsibility and investing deeply in ecosystems and people.
    Their journey is a reminder that meaningful regeneration is neither quick nor easy, but possible when rooted in long-term vision and authentic relationships.
    Christopher Marquis: Tell us a bit more about Organic India and its approach to providing organic herbal wellness solutions.Ori Ornstein, Chief Commercial Officer at Organic India USA Organic India

    Ori Ornstein: Organic India was founded with the vision to be a “vehicle of consciousness” – a purpose-driven company that has a positive impact on consumers, farmers and the planet.
    It actually started as an organic grassroots movement in 1997 to heal ancient farmland by growing native herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil) with traditional organic agriculture practices.
    By 2001, the growing movement evolved into a holistic wellness company that crafts Certified Organic herbal products inspired by Ayurveda.
    Our approach is to offer consumers time-tested herbs directly sourced from small family farms in India and grown in the best possible organic conditions.
    There are many benefits of directly sourcing herbs from their native landscape; one, you honor the legacy of these traditional herbs; two, you support multigenerational farmers, their farmland and their villages; three, the geographic and climatic conditions are ideal for herbs to thrive sustainably with little inputs; and four, you provide authentic, efficacious herbal products that nurture the global wellness community.
    It’s not just about the tea or supplement; it’s a holistic understanding that corporations need to be responsible for their impact on the world and lead by example.
    We are able to do this by cutting out the middleman and having a direct, integrated supply chain that upholds high, equitable standards at every stage, from seed to shelf.
    Marquis: Can you tell me more about the recent news that Organic India achieved the Regenerative Organic Certified® label across multiple teas and supplements.
    Why did Organic India decide to pursue the rigorous certification?
    Ornstein: We pursued Regenerative Organic Certified®
    Our partner farms have always been small-scale and self-sufficient, with grazing animals that are treated with respect, a reflection of deeply held cultural values of the region.
    The independent farmers we contract with grow a variety of native herbs, as well as food like legumes for their family, adding to their land’s biodiversity.
    They also practice composting, companion planting, agroforestry – all core components of regenerative agriculture.
    The reason we were able to release seven new ROC™ products so quickly is because from the get-go we were regenerative farming.
    If we weren’t it would take several years; that’s why we are so far ahead, which is a testament to our founders’ vision.
    This certification really encompasses the way we’ve been farming since the beginning and we’re proud to help carry its mission forward.
    Marquis: Can you tell me a bit more about the ROC™ seal and what it stands for?
    Ornstein: The Regenerative Organic Certified® seal represents the highest standard in the world for soil health, animal welfare and farmworker fairness.
    Its aim is to create a healthy food system that regenerates soil health and the whole farm ecosystem with practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, low- to no-till, compost, agroforestry, companion planting and more, as is appropriate for each unique farm.
    These practices reap more nutritious and abundant crop yields to build healthier communities and help conserve resources and sequester carbon to combat climate change.
    Certified Organic and Fairtrade Certified are both prerequisites to become Regenerative Organic Certified®, making it the most comprehensive and cohesive layer of validation and accountability for earth stewardship within the food, textile and personal care industries.
    The certification is overseen by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, a nonprofit that we’ve been allied with since 2021.
    Marquis: How long did the entire certification process take? What does the process involve?
    Ornstein: So far, we’ve certified our oldest farming co-op in Uttar Pradesh where we grow Tulsi, Chamomile, Bacopa and more; and our newest co-op in Madhya Pradesh where we grow Ashwagandha.
    Our Uttar Pradesh co-op was already Certified Organic and Fairtrade Certified, so we were ahead of the curve as far as the timeline.
    The certification process involves tracking regenerative key performance indicators (KPIs) as they relate to tillage, biodiversity, soil health, crop rotation, water retention; many of which we had already implemented.
    It took about one growing cycle for our Uttar Pradesh co-op to become ROC™.
    To go from conventional to organic is a longer process and would take just about 5 years if you’re very streamlined.
    When the Ashwagandha co-op formed, the first step was to transition the land to organic.
    This involves a 36-month transition period where use of prohibited substances like synthetic pesticides is discontinued and organic methods are implemented before certification can be granted.
    Fairtrade takes about a year and involves training and policy implementation, as the farms must align with Fairtrade standards, wages and premiums.
    Then you can start the ROC™ transition, which takes about another year.
    Marquis: Can you say a bit more about how you implemented regenerative organic practices since the founding of the company, before certification? How do USDA Organic and the Fairtrade Certified label fit into your model?
    Ornstein: Organic India was the first company to bring USDA Organic to India back in the early 2000s.
    Organic is the foundation of our brand, it’s our origin story, it’s in our name and it doesn’t just fit our model, it is our model.
    There are many parallels between traditional farming of India and regenerative organic farming.
    It’s not large monocultures spanning miles, our partner farms are small-scale and biodiverse with different herbs, food crops, trees and grazing cows.
    We don’t clear forests; we embed our farm plots into the native landscape.
    Fairtrade is also inherent to our company, and we produced the first Fairtrade certified supplements on the market, starting with Tulsi and most recently with Ashwagandha – which again is the first Ashwagandha to become Fairtrade Certified.
    Farmworker fairness and respect are central to our values and we are proud to directly trade with farmers and help them with all paperwork, costs and training involved in the transition to Organic, Fairtrade and ROC™.
    It’s great because these are investments for their own land, not company land.
    They are independent, own their land and choose to partner with us each year.
    For us it’s really not a series of practices, protocols and certifications that we strive to reach, it’s who we are as a brand and what we consider our responsibility as a business to safeguard present and future generations.
    Marquis: Can you tell me a bit more about your farming partners throughout India? How are the herbs grown regeneratively? What do you mean by ethical sourcing? How does the company maintain direct partnerships with thousands of family farms?
    Ornstein: I will use Tulsi as an example to illustrate how it’s grown regeneratively, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
    Tulsi is native to the land where we grow it and regenerative in nature.
    It’s highly resilient, grown during the rainy season and requires no irrigation, greatly conserving water.
    It also attracts pollinators, improves soil fertility and is crop rotated with Chamomile to build soil health.
    We directly procure roughly 500 metric tons of dry Tulsi leaves annually from nearly 300 partner farmers.
    We pay 3-4x above conventional market price, plus an additional 15 percent Fairtrade premium to support the community.
    To give context on how we maintain direct relationships with thousands of farmers – Organic India is headquartered in India and brings traditional herbal wellness products to 40 countries.
    We employ an internal organic agriculture expert team, local to each of our farming co-ops across India, to trade directly with our farmer partners and provide 24x7 support year-round.
    We set up procurement centers during the harvest seasons to purchase directly from farmers in their villages at premium prices and then process the raw materials at our own LEED platinum facility located within a 200-mile radius of our partner farms.
    Marquis: What are the long-term goals for Organic India? What challenges do you think will stand in the way?
    Ornstein: The founding idea behind the Organic India name is to help manifest a fully organic India.
    Our goal is to continue to transition more acreage in India to Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified® and bring more farmers into our direct supply chain.
    We are at 2000 farmer partners and have been there for a while, so we’d love to see that increase by continuing to scale our herbal wellness offerings.
    We are fortunate to have been recently acquired by Tata Consumer Products, an India-based company dedicated to sustainable sourcing, natural resources management and climate leadership.
    They share and support our goals and are helping accelerate our positive impact.
    As our business grows our mission grows so these are exciting times.
    Our biggest challenge is competing against companies that prioritize having the lowest price, while sacrificing quality, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
    Organic India is dedicated to offering premium, organic, fairly traded products at the most affordable price possible.
    However, we can’t be the cheapest option when competing against products with minimal quality or ethical standards, or that boast "green" marketing rather than offering transparency into their practices.
    We care about the whole spectrum from paying farmers fair wages to procuring the high-grade herbs to providing affordable wellness options for our end consumers, and at the same time, we're up against a growing market of brands cutting corners to present the cheapest product positioned as “natural.” It’s a challenge, but a good one, and we’re committed to continuing to lead by example, be transparent for our customers and stay true to our values.
    ROC™ is the gold standard in helping consumers spot brands that verifiably go above and beyond for people and the planet.

    Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/christophermarquis/2025/05/13/regeneration-rooted-in-tradition-how-organic-india-is-redefining-herbal-wellness/
    #regeneration #rooted #tradition #organic #india #redefining #herbal #wellness
    Regeneration Rooted In Tradition: How Organic India Is Redefining Herbal Wellness
    A farmer in Azamgarh, India gathers fresh chamomile blossoms, part of Organic India’s commitment to ... More regenerative agriculture and community empowerment.Organic India Across the globe, agriculture is at a crossroads. Land use contributes to 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which are primarily driven by deforestation and agricultural activity. Meanwhile, the WWF estimates that habitat destruction and overexploitation have led to a staggering 73% average decline in global wildlife populations over the past 50 years. Nearly 40% of the world’s land is now degraded, directly impacting the livelihoods of 3 billion people. Faced with climate instability, biodiversity loss, and the exploitation of both natural resources and rural communities, the industrial food system is being forced to confront its ecological and ethical costs. At the same time, a countercurrent is gaining momentum—one rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, farmer autonomy, and land stewardship. Among the companies charting this alternative path is Organic India, a wellness brand that has woven regenerative organic agricultural practices into its DNA long before the term became a mainstream badge of sustainability. Starting as a grassroots movement in 1997, Organic India is deeply intertwined with the land and farming traditions of India. Its work revolves around cultivating native herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Ashwagandha, and Chamomile through partnerships with thousands of smallholder farmers across rural India. In a recent discussion, Ori Ornstein, Chief Commercial Officer at Organic India USA highlighted for me how the recent achievement of the Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) label across multiple products reflects decades of practice. The ROC™ seal, which represents the highest global standards for soil health, animal welfare, and farmworker fairness, is a natural extension of the company’s long-standing model. From crop rotation and composting to direct trade and farmer equity, Organic India’s approach exemplifies a deeply integrated strategy for rebuilding agricultural ecosystems. Rather than driving down costs through opaque, globalized sourcing, Organic India maintains local, vertically integrated operations with year-round agronomic support and premium payments—often 3 to 4 times higher than the conventional market. Their herbs are not just Certified Organic or Fairtrade Certified; they are the result of enduring, respectful relationships between people and place. Our discussions also highlighted the challenges Organic India has faced. Competing against price-driven brands with superficial sustainability claims requires justifying a premium model. Yet their steady expansion, now under the ownership of Tata Consumer Products, suggests that values-led business models are gaining traction, especially when aligned with consumer demand for transparency, integrity, and environmental responsibility. In an era when so many businesses externalize social and ecological costs, Organic India stands out for doing the opposite—internalizing responsibility and investing deeply in ecosystems and people. Their journey is a reminder that meaningful regeneration is neither quick nor easy, but possible when rooted in long-term vision and authentic relationships. Christopher Marquis: Tell us a bit more about Organic India and its approach to providing organic herbal wellness solutions.Ori Ornstein, Chief Commercial Officer at Organic India USA Organic India Ori Ornstein: Organic India was founded with the vision to be a “vehicle of consciousness” – a purpose-driven company that has a positive impact on consumers, farmers and the planet. It actually started as an organic grassroots movement in 1997 to heal ancient farmland by growing native herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil) with traditional organic agriculture practices. By 2001, the growing movement evolved into a holistic wellness company that crafts Certified Organic herbal products inspired by Ayurveda. Our approach is to offer consumers time-tested herbs directly sourced from small family farms in India and grown in the best possible organic conditions. There are many benefits of directly sourcing herbs from their native landscape; one, you honor the legacy of these traditional herbs; two, you support multigenerational farmers, their farmland and their villages; three, the geographic and climatic conditions are ideal for herbs to thrive sustainably with little inputs; and four, you provide authentic, efficacious herbal products that nurture the global wellness community. It’s not just about the tea or supplement; it’s a holistic understanding that corporations need to be responsible for their impact on the world and lead by example. We are able to do this by cutting out the middleman and having a direct, integrated supply chain that upholds high, equitable standards at every stage, from seed to shelf. Marquis: Can you tell me more about the recent news that Organic India achieved the Regenerative Organic Certified® label across multiple teas and supplements. Why did Organic India decide to pursue the rigorous certification? Ornstein: We pursued Regenerative Organic Certified® Our partner farms have always been small-scale and self-sufficient, with grazing animals that are treated with respect, a reflection of deeply held cultural values of the region. The independent farmers we contract with grow a variety of native herbs, as well as food like legumes for their family, adding to their land’s biodiversity. They also practice composting, companion planting, agroforestry – all core components of regenerative agriculture. The reason we were able to release seven new ROC™ products so quickly is because from the get-go we were regenerative farming. If we weren’t it would take several years; that’s why we are so far ahead, which is a testament to our founders’ vision. This certification really encompasses the way we’ve been farming since the beginning and we’re proud to help carry its mission forward. Marquis: Can you tell me a bit more about the ROC™ seal and what it stands for? Ornstein: The Regenerative Organic Certified® seal represents the highest standard in the world for soil health, animal welfare and farmworker fairness. Its aim is to create a healthy food system that regenerates soil health and the whole farm ecosystem with practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, low- to no-till, compost, agroforestry, companion planting and more, as is appropriate for each unique farm. These practices reap more nutritious and abundant crop yields to build healthier communities and help conserve resources and sequester carbon to combat climate change. Certified Organic and Fairtrade Certified are both prerequisites to become Regenerative Organic Certified®, making it the most comprehensive and cohesive layer of validation and accountability for earth stewardship within the food, textile and personal care industries. The certification is overseen by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, a nonprofit that we’ve been allied with since 2021. Marquis: How long did the entire certification process take? What does the process involve? Ornstein: So far, we’ve certified our oldest farming co-op in Uttar Pradesh where we grow Tulsi, Chamomile, Bacopa and more; and our newest co-op in Madhya Pradesh where we grow Ashwagandha. Our Uttar Pradesh co-op was already Certified Organic and Fairtrade Certified, so we were ahead of the curve as far as the timeline. The certification process involves tracking regenerative key performance indicators (KPIs) as they relate to tillage, biodiversity, soil health, crop rotation, water retention; many of which we had already implemented. It took about one growing cycle for our Uttar Pradesh co-op to become ROC™. To go from conventional to organic is a longer process and would take just about 5 years if you’re very streamlined. When the Ashwagandha co-op formed, the first step was to transition the land to organic. This involves a 36-month transition period where use of prohibited substances like synthetic pesticides is discontinued and organic methods are implemented before certification can be granted. Fairtrade takes about a year and involves training and policy implementation, as the farms must align with Fairtrade standards, wages and premiums. Then you can start the ROC™ transition, which takes about another year. Marquis: Can you say a bit more about how you implemented regenerative organic practices since the founding of the company, before certification? How do USDA Organic and the Fairtrade Certified label fit into your model? Ornstein: Organic India was the first company to bring USDA Organic to India back in the early 2000s. Organic is the foundation of our brand, it’s our origin story, it’s in our name and it doesn’t just fit our model, it is our model. There are many parallels between traditional farming of India and regenerative organic farming. It’s not large monocultures spanning miles, our partner farms are small-scale and biodiverse with different herbs, food crops, trees and grazing cows. We don’t clear forests; we embed our farm plots into the native landscape. Fairtrade is also inherent to our company, and we produced the first Fairtrade certified supplements on the market, starting with Tulsi and most recently with Ashwagandha – which again is the first Ashwagandha to become Fairtrade Certified. Farmworker fairness and respect are central to our values and we are proud to directly trade with farmers and help them with all paperwork, costs and training involved in the transition to Organic, Fairtrade and ROC™. It’s great because these are investments for their own land, not company land. They are independent, own their land and choose to partner with us each year. For us it’s really not a series of practices, protocols and certifications that we strive to reach, it’s who we are as a brand and what we consider our responsibility as a business to safeguard present and future generations. Marquis: Can you tell me a bit more about your farming partners throughout India? How are the herbs grown regeneratively? What do you mean by ethical sourcing? How does the company maintain direct partnerships with thousands of family farms? Ornstein: I will use Tulsi as an example to illustrate how it’s grown regeneratively, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Tulsi is native to the land where we grow it and regenerative in nature. It’s highly resilient, grown during the rainy season and requires no irrigation, greatly conserving water. It also attracts pollinators, improves soil fertility and is crop rotated with Chamomile to build soil health. We directly procure roughly 500 metric tons of dry Tulsi leaves annually from nearly 300 partner farmers. We pay 3-4x above conventional market price, plus an additional 15 percent Fairtrade premium to support the community. To give context on how we maintain direct relationships with thousands of farmers – Organic India is headquartered in India and brings traditional herbal wellness products to 40 countries. We employ an internal organic agriculture expert team, local to each of our farming co-ops across India, to trade directly with our farmer partners and provide 24x7 support year-round. We set up procurement centers during the harvest seasons to purchase directly from farmers in their villages at premium prices and then process the raw materials at our own LEED platinum facility located within a 200-mile radius of our partner farms. Marquis: What are the long-term goals for Organic India? What challenges do you think will stand in the way? Ornstein: The founding idea behind the Organic India name is to help manifest a fully organic India. Our goal is to continue to transition more acreage in India to Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified® and bring more farmers into our direct supply chain. We are at 2000 farmer partners and have been there for a while, so we’d love to see that increase by continuing to scale our herbal wellness offerings. We are fortunate to have been recently acquired by Tata Consumer Products, an India-based company dedicated to sustainable sourcing, natural resources management and climate leadership. They share and support our goals and are helping accelerate our positive impact. As our business grows our mission grows so these are exciting times. Our biggest challenge is competing against companies that prioritize having the lowest price, while sacrificing quality, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Organic India is dedicated to offering premium, organic, fairly traded products at the most affordable price possible. However, we can’t be the cheapest option when competing against products with minimal quality or ethical standards, or that boast "green" marketing rather than offering transparency into their practices. We care about the whole spectrum from paying farmers fair wages to procuring the high-grade herbs to providing affordable wellness options for our end consumers, and at the same time, we're up against a growing market of brands cutting corners to present the cheapest product positioned as “natural.” It’s a challenge, but a good one, and we’re committed to continuing to lead by example, be transparent for our customers and stay true to our values. ROC™ is the gold standard in helping consumers spot brands that verifiably go above and beyond for people and the planet. Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/christophermarquis/2025/05/13/regeneration-rooted-in-tradition-how-organic-india-is-redefining-herbal-wellness/ #regeneration #rooted #tradition #organic #india #redefining #herbal #wellness
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    Regeneration Rooted In Tradition: How Organic India Is Redefining Herbal Wellness
    A farmer in Azamgarh, India gathers fresh chamomile blossoms, part of Organic India’s commitment to ... More regenerative agriculture and community empowerment.Organic India Across the globe, agriculture is at a crossroads. Land use contributes to 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which are primarily driven by deforestation and agricultural activity. Meanwhile, the WWF estimates that habitat destruction and overexploitation have led to a staggering 73% average decline in global wildlife populations over the past 50 years. Nearly 40% of the world’s land is now degraded, directly impacting the livelihoods of 3 billion people. Faced with climate instability, biodiversity loss, and the exploitation of both natural resources and rural communities, the industrial food system is being forced to confront its ecological and ethical costs. At the same time, a countercurrent is gaining momentum—one rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, farmer autonomy, and land stewardship. Among the companies charting this alternative path is Organic India, a wellness brand that has woven regenerative organic agricultural practices into its DNA long before the term became a mainstream badge of sustainability. Starting as a grassroots movement in 1997, Organic India is deeply intertwined with the land and farming traditions of India. Its work revolves around cultivating native herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Ashwagandha, and Chamomile through partnerships with thousands of smallholder farmers across rural India. In a recent discussion, Ori Ornstein, Chief Commercial Officer at Organic India USA highlighted for me how the recent achievement of the Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) label across multiple products reflects decades of practice. The ROC™ seal, which represents the highest global standards for soil health, animal welfare, and farmworker fairness, is a natural extension of the company’s long-standing model. From crop rotation and composting to direct trade and farmer equity, Organic India’s approach exemplifies a deeply integrated strategy for rebuilding agricultural ecosystems. Rather than driving down costs through opaque, globalized sourcing, Organic India maintains local, vertically integrated operations with year-round agronomic support and premium payments—often 3 to 4 times higher than the conventional market. Their herbs are not just Certified Organic or Fairtrade Certified; they are the result of enduring, respectful relationships between people and place. Our discussions also highlighted the challenges Organic India has faced. Competing against price-driven brands with superficial sustainability claims requires justifying a premium model. Yet their steady expansion, now under the ownership of Tata Consumer Products, suggests that values-led business models are gaining traction, especially when aligned with consumer demand for transparency, integrity, and environmental responsibility. In an era when so many businesses externalize social and ecological costs, Organic India stands out for doing the opposite—internalizing responsibility and investing deeply in ecosystems and people. Their journey is a reminder that meaningful regeneration is neither quick nor easy, but possible when rooted in long-term vision and authentic relationships. Christopher Marquis: Tell us a bit more about Organic India and its approach to providing organic herbal wellness solutions.Ori Ornstein, Chief Commercial Officer at Organic India USA Organic India Ori Ornstein: Organic India was founded with the vision to be a “vehicle of consciousness” – a purpose-driven company that has a positive impact on consumers, farmers and the planet. It actually started as an organic grassroots movement in 1997 to heal ancient farmland by growing native herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil) with traditional organic agriculture practices. By 2001, the growing movement evolved into a holistic wellness company that crafts Certified Organic herbal products inspired by Ayurveda. Our approach is to offer consumers time-tested herbs directly sourced from small family farms in India and grown in the best possible organic conditions. There are many benefits of directly sourcing herbs from their native landscape; one, you honor the legacy of these traditional herbs; two, you support multigenerational farmers, their farmland and their villages; three, the geographic and climatic conditions are ideal for herbs to thrive sustainably with little inputs; and four, you provide authentic, efficacious herbal products that nurture the global wellness community. It’s not just about the tea or supplement; it’s a holistic understanding that corporations need to be responsible for their impact on the world and lead by example. We are able to do this by cutting out the middleman and having a direct, integrated supply chain that upholds high, equitable standards at every stage, from seed to shelf. Marquis: Can you tell me more about the recent news that Organic India achieved the Regenerative Organic Certified® label across multiple teas and supplements. Why did Organic India decide to pursue the rigorous certification? Ornstein: We pursued Regenerative Organic Certified® Our partner farms have always been small-scale and self-sufficient, with grazing animals that are treated with respect, a reflection of deeply held cultural values of the region. The independent farmers we contract with grow a variety of native herbs, as well as food like legumes for their family, adding to their land’s biodiversity. They also practice composting, companion planting, agroforestry – all core components of regenerative agriculture. The reason we were able to release seven new ROC™ products so quickly is because from the get-go we were regenerative farming. If we weren’t it would take several years; that’s why we are so far ahead, which is a testament to our founders’ vision. This certification really encompasses the way we’ve been farming since the beginning and we’re proud to help carry its mission forward. Marquis: Can you tell me a bit more about the ROC™ seal and what it stands for? Ornstein: The Regenerative Organic Certified® seal represents the highest standard in the world for soil health, animal welfare and farmworker fairness. Its aim is to create a healthy food system that regenerates soil health and the whole farm ecosystem with practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, low- to no-till, compost, agroforestry, companion planting and more, as is appropriate for each unique farm. These practices reap more nutritious and abundant crop yields to build healthier communities and help conserve resources and sequester carbon to combat climate change. Certified Organic and Fairtrade Certified are both prerequisites to become Regenerative Organic Certified®, making it the most comprehensive and cohesive layer of validation and accountability for earth stewardship within the food, textile and personal care industries. The certification is overseen by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, a nonprofit that we’ve been allied with since 2021. Marquis: How long did the entire certification process take? What does the process involve? Ornstein: So far, we’ve certified our oldest farming co-op in Uttar Pradesh where we grow Tulsi, Chamomile, Bacopa and more; and our newest co-op in Madhya Pradesh where we grow Ashwagandha. Our Uttar Pradesh co-op was already Certified Organic and Fairtrade Certified, so we were ahead of the curve as far as the timeline. The certification process involves tracking regenerative key performance indicators (KPIs) as they relate to tillage, biodiversity, soil health, crop rotation, water retention; many of which we had already implemented. It took about one growing cycle for our Uttar Pradesh co-op to become ROC™. To go from conventional to organic is a longer process and would take just about 5 years if you’re very streamlined. When the Ashwagandha co-op formed, the first step was to transition the land to organic. This involves a 36-month transition period where use of prohibited substances like synthetic pesticides is discontinued and organic methods are implemented before certification can be granted. Fairtrade takes about a year and involves training and policy implementation, as the farms must align with Fairtrade standards, wages and premiums. Then you can start the ROC™ transition, which takes about another year. Marquis: Can you say a bit more about how you implemented regenerative organic practices since the founding of the company, before certification? How do USDA Organic and the Fairtrade Certified label fit into your model? Ornstein: Organic India was the first company to bring USDA Organic to India back in the early 2000s. Organic is the foundation of our brand, it’s our origin story, it’s in our name and it doesn’t just fit our model, it is our model. There are many parallels between traditional farming of India and regenerative organic farming. It’s not large monocultures spanning miles, our partner farms are small-scale and biodiverse with different herbs, food crops, trees and grazing cows. We don’t clear forests; we embed our farm plots into the native landscape. Fairtrade is also inherent to our company, and we produced the first Fairtrade certified supplements on the market, starting with Tulsi and most recently with Ashwagandha – which again is the first Ashwagandha to become Fairtrade Certified. Farmworker fairness and respect are central to our values and we are proud to directly trade with farmers and help them with all paperwork, costs and training involved in the transition to Organic, Fairtrade and ROC™. It’s great because these are investments for their own land, not company land. They are independent, own their land and choose to partner with us each year. For us it’s really not a series of practices, protocols and certifications that we strive to reach, it’s who we are as a brand and what we consider our responsibility as a business to safeguard present and future generations. Marquis: Can you tell me a bit more about your farming partners throughout India? How are the herbs grown regeneratively? What do you mean by ethical sourcing? How does the company maintain direct partnerships with thousands of family farms? Ornstein: I will use Tulsi as an example to illustrate how it’s grown regeneratively, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Tulsi is native to the land where we grow it and regenerative in nature. It’s highly resilient, grown during the rainy season and requires no irrigation, greatly conserving water. It also attracts pollinators, improves soil fertility and is crop rotated with Chamomile to build soil health. We directly procure roughly 500 metric tons of dry Tulsi leaves annually from nearly 300 partner farmers. We pay 3-4x above conventional market price, plus an additional 15 percent Fairtrade premium to support the community. To give context on how we maintain direct relationships with thousands of farmers – Organic India is headquartered in India and brings traditional herbal wellness products to 40 countries. We employ an internal organic agriculture expert team, local to each of our farming co-ops across India, to trade directly with our farmer partners and provide 24x7 support year-round. We set up procurement centers during the harvest seasons to purchase directly from farmers in their villages at premium prices and then process the raw materials at our own LEED platinum facility located within a 200-mile radius of our partner farms. Marquis: What are the long-term goals for Organic India? What challenges do you think will stand in the way? Ornstein: The founding idea behind the Organic India name is to help manifest a fully organic India. Our goal is to continue to transition more acreage in India to Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified® and bring more farmers into our direct supply chain. We are at 2000 farmer partners and have been there for a while, so we’d love to see that increase by continuing to scale our herbal wellness offerings. We are fortunate to have been recently acquired by Tata Consumer Products, an India-based company dedicated to sustainable sourcing, natural resources management and climate leadership. They share and support our goals and are helping accelerate our positive impact. As our business grows our mission grows so these are exciting times. Our biggest challenge is competing against companies that prioritize having the lowest price, while sacrificing quality, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Organic India is dedicated to offering premium, organic, fairly traded products at the most affordable price possible. However, we can’t be the cheapest option when competing against products with minimal quality or ethical standards, or that boast "green" marketing rather than offering transparency into their practices. We care about the whole spectrum from paying farmers fair wages to procuring the high-grade herbs to providing affordable wellness options for our end consumers, and at the same time, we're up against a growing market of brands cutting corners to present the cheapest product positioned as “natural.” It’s a challenge, but a good one, and we’re committed to continuing to lead by example, be transparent for our customers and stay true to our values. ROC™ is the gold standard in helping consumers spot brands that verifiably go above and beyond for people and the planet.
    ·21 Views
  • Contest seeks ‘new look’ for wind turbines


    The two-stage competition invites participants to draw up concepts for new wind farms which combine ‘functionality, aesthetics, innovation and sustainability.’
    The call for concepts aims to identify a range of solutions to reduce the environmental impact of wind turbines and promote ‘harmony between infrastructure and landscape.’
    The contest follows rapid growth in alternative energy adoption with wind generation due to surpass coal generation in Europe this year.Advertisement



    According to the brief: ‘The wind energy market has experienced exponential growth in the last few decades, with thousands of wind turbines installed globally each year, helping the world to have safe, reliable and sustainable energy.
    ‘In this context, Enel intends to rethink the aesthetics of wind power plants through innovative solutions that combine functionality, design, innovation and sustainability in order to enhance the harmony between infrastructure and landscape, while reducing the environmental impact.
    ‘The proposed solutions must meet the criteria of increasing environmental and landscape integration, technical and functional feasibility, flexibility of use and economic sustainability.’
    Headquartered in Rome, Enel is an Italian multinational manufacturer and distributor of electricity and gas.
    The company’s subsidiary, Enel Green Power, operates around 1,300 plants harnessing solar, geothermal, wind and hydropower sources around the world.

    Copenhagen-based practice Bystrup won a competition to design the UK’s new generation of electricity pylons fourteen years ago.Advertisement



    The ‘WinDesign’ contest invites participants to rethink the aesthetics of wind power plants which are typically constructed using conical tubular steel towers supporting a generator in a nacelle with a hub and three or four rotor blades.
    Submissions must meet the contest criteria of ‘increasing environmental and landscape integration, technical and functional feasibility, flexibility of use and economic sustainability.’ Concepts will need to have a rated power output of 5.5MW with a rotor diameter of 161m and a hub height of 98m.
    Teams selected to participate in the second round of the competition running from July to September will each receive a €5,000 honorarium.
    The overall winner – due to be announced on 10 November – will receive a €250,000 while a second prize of €150,000 and third prize €50,000 will also be awarded.
    Three special prizes wroth €15,000 each for design, technical and economic feasibility, and innovation and sustainability will also be awarded.

    Competition details
    Project title WinDesign
    Client Enel
    Contract value €445,000
    First round deadline 16 June 2025
    Restrictions Participation in the Challenge is reserved exclusively to:
    - Students or recent graduates from engineering, architecture or design universities;
    - Professionally qualified architects or architecture firms;
    - Professionally qualified designers or design firms;
    - Professionally qualified engineer or engineering firms;
    - Research institutions and universities;
    - Commercial companies and start-ups.
    More information https://openinnovability.enel.com/challenges/call/2025/3/innovative-sustainable-design-wind-turbine


    Source: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/competitions/contest-seeks-new-look-for-wind-turbines
    #contest #seeks #new #look #wind #turbines
    Contest seeks ‘new look’ for wind turbines
    The two-stage competition invites participants to draw up concepts for new wind farms which combine ‘functionality, aesthetics, innovation and sustainability.’ The call for concepts aims to identify a range of solutions to reduce the environmental impact of wind turbines and promote ‘harmony between infrastructure and landscape.’ The contest follows rapid growth in alternative energy adoption with wind generation due to surpass coal generation in Europe this year.Advertisement According to the brief: ‘The wind energy market has experienced exponential growth in the last few decades, with thousands of wind turbines installed globally each year, helping the world to have safe, reliable and sustainable energy. ‘In this context, Enel intends to rethink the aesthetics of wind power plants through innovative solutions that combine functionality, design, innovation and sustainability in order to enhance the harmony between infrastructure and landscape, while reducing the environmental impact. ‘The proposed solutions must meet the criteria of increasing environmental and landscape integration, technical and functional feasibility, flexibility of use and economic sustainability.’ Headquartered in Rome, Enel is an Italian multinational manufacturer and distributor of electricity and gas. The company’s subsidiary, Enel Green Power, operates around 1,300 plants harnessing solar, geothermal, wind and hydropower sources around the world. Copenhagen-based practice Bystrup won a competition to design the UK’s new generation of electricity pylons fourteen years ago.Advertisement The ‘WinDesign’ contest invites participants to rethink the aesthetics of wind power plants which are typically constructed using conical tubular steel towers supporting a generator in a nacelle with a hub and three or four rotor blades. Submissions must meet the contest criteria of ‘increasing environmental and landscape integration, technical and functional feasibility, flexibility of use and economic sustainability.’ Concepts will need to have a rated power output of 5.5MW with a rotor diameter of 161m and a hub height of 98m. Teams selected to participate in the second round of the competition running from July to September will each receive a €5,000 honorarium. The overall winner – due to be announced on 10 November – will receive a €250,000 while a second prize of €150,000 and third prize €50,000 will also be awarded. Three special prizes wroth €15,000 each for design, technical and economic feasibility, and innovation and sustainability will also be awarded. Competition details Project title WinDesign Client Enel Contract value €445,000 First round deadline 16 June 2025 Restrictions Participation in the Challenge is reserved exclusively to: - Students or recent graduates from engineering, architecture or design universities; - Professionally qualified architects or architecture firms; - Professionally qualified designers or design firms; - Professionally qualified engineer or engineering firms; - Research institutions and universities; - Commercial companies and start-ups. More information https://openinnovability.enel.com/challenges/call/2025/3/innovative-sustainable-design-wind-turbine Source: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/competitions/contest-seeks-new-look-for-wind-turbines #contest #seeks #new #look #wind #turbines
    WWW.ARCHITECTSJOURNAL.CO.UK
    Contest seeks ‘new look’ for wind turbines
    The two-stage competition invites participants to draw up concepts for new wind farms which combine ‘functionality, aesthetics, innovation and sustainability.’ The call for concepts aims to identify a range of solutions to reduce the environmental impact of wind turbines and promote ‘harmony between infrastructure and landscape.’ The contest follows rapid growth in alternative energy adoption with wind generation due to surpass coal generation in Europe this year.Advertisement According to the brief: ‘The wind energy market has experienced exponential growth in the last few decades, with thousands of wind turbines installed globally each year, helping the world to have safe, reliable and sustainable energy. ‘In this context, Enel intends to rethink the aesthetics of wind power plants through innovative solutions that combine functionality, design, innovation and sustainability in order to enhance the harmony between infrastructure and landscape, while reducing the environmental impact. ‘The proposed solutions must meet the criteria of increasing environmental and landscape integration, technical and functional feasibility, flexibility of use and economic sustainability.’ Headquartered in Rome, Enel is an Italian multinational manufacturer and distributor of electricity and gas. The company’s subsidiary, Enel Green Power, operates around 1,300 plants harnessing solar, geothermal, wind and hydropower sources around the world. Copenhagen-based practice Bystrup won a competition to design the UK’s new generation of electricity pylons fourteen years ago.Advertisement The ‘WinDesign’ contest invites participants to rethink the aesthetics of wind power plants which are typically constructed using conical tubular steel towers supporting a generator in a nacelle with a hub and three or four rotor blades. Submissions must meet the contest criteria of ‘increasing environmental and landscape integration, technical and functional feasibility, flexibility of use and economic sustainability.’ Concepts will need to have a rated power output of 5.5MW with a rotor diameter of 161m and a hub height of 98m. Teams selected to participate in the second round of the competition running from July to September will each receive a €5,000 honorarium. The overall winner – due to be announced on 10 November – will receive a €250,000 while a second prize of €150,000 and third prize €50,000 will also be awarded. Three special prizes wroth €15,000 each for design, technical and economic feasibility, and innovation and sustainability will also be awarded. Competition details Project title WinDesign Client Enel Contract value €445,000 First round deadline 16 June 2025 Restrictions Participation in the Challenge is reserved exclusively to: - Students or recent graduates from engineering, architecture or design universities; - Professionally qualified architects or architecture firms; - Professionally qualified designers or design firms; - Professionally qualified engineer or engineering firms; - Research institutions and universities; - Commercial companies and start-ups. More information https://openinnovability.enel.com/challenges/call/2025/3/innovative-sustainable-design-wind-turbine
    ·22 Views