Google has officially rolled out the NotebookLM mobile app, extending its AI-powered research assistant to Android devices. The app aims to bring personalized learning and content synthesis directly to users’ pockets by introducing new features that combine mobility, context-awareness, and interactive capabilities. NotebookLM, which first launched in 2023 as a web-based experimental tool, is designed to help users organize and interact with their own documents and media using a fine-tuned version of Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro model. With the new mobile release, Google is positioning NotebookLM as more than just a passive summarization tool — it’s evolving into an on-the-go research companion. Expanding Contextual AI to Mobile One of the core capabilities of NotebookLM is its source-grounded AI assistance. Users can upload documents—such as PDFs, Google Docs, or links—and the assistant will generate summaries, answer questions, and synthesize information based strictly on the materials provided. This grounded approach ensures transparency and relevance, reducing the hallucination risks common in general-purpose LLMs. The new Android app brings this paradigm to mobile in a more seamless, integrated way. Users can now add sources directly from their mobile device, whether browsing a web page, reading a PDF, or watching a YouTube video. A simple tap on the “Share” button in any app lets users send content to NotebookLM, which will ingest it as a new source. This makes it easier for users to build and maintain their research libraries without needing to manually upload files later. Offline and Background Audio Overviews NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews were introduced earlier this year to make content more accessible through auditory summaries. The mobile app enhances this feature significantly by enabling offline downloads and background playback. Users can now listen to these overviews while commuting, exercising, or multitasking — even without an internet connection. This supports a broader range of learning contexts, particularly for users who prefer audio-first experiences or have limited screen time. Importantly, audio playback continues in the background, aligning with typical media consumption behaviors on mobile. Interactive Audio Conversations with AI Hosts In a move to blend passive listening with interactivity, NotebookLM’s mobile app introduces Interactive Audio Overviews. These allow users to engage in real-time conversations with the AI “hosts” that narrate their overviews. By tapping “Join”, users can interrupt the playback to ask questions, request clarifications, or guide the summary in a new direction — a feature that adds conversational depth to the learning experience. This marks a departure from static, pre-recorded summaries and moves toward adaptive audio interfaces powered by LLMs. While many AI tools offer Q&A-style interactions, combining them with ambient audio and voice-first navigation is relatively new and signals Google’s intent to create more naturalistic AI assistants. Conclusion With the NotebookLM mobile app, Google is bridging the gap between context-rich AI research tools and real-world mobile usability. Features like offline Audio Overviews, universal source sharing, and interactive playback demonstrate a clear step toward personalized, context-aware AI that’s accessible anywhere. As AI tools continue to evolve beyond chatbots and simple prompts, NotebookLM stands out by focusing on what users already know and want to learn — organizing their own knowledge sources rather than relying solely on web-scale data. The mobile release pushes this philosophy forward, turning everyday moments into opportunities for exploration and deeper understanding. Check out the APP on both Android and iOS. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also, feel free to follow us on Twitter and don’t forget to join our 95k+ ML SubReddit and Subscribe to our Newsletter. NikhilNikhil is an intern consultant at Marktechpost. He is pursuing an integrated dual degree in Materials at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Nikhil is an AI/ML enthusiast who is always researching applications in fields like biomaterials and biomedical science. With a strong background in Material Science, he is exploring new advancements and creating opportunities to contribute.Nikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/This AI Paper from Microsoft Introduces a DiskANN-Integrated System: A Cost-Effective and Low-Latency Vector Search Using Azure Cosmos DBNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/LLMs Struggle to Act on What They Know: Google DeepMind Researchers Use Reinforcement Learning Fine-Tuning to Bridge the Knowing-Doing GapNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/LLMs Struggle with Real Conversations: Microsoft and Salesforce Researchers Reveal a 39% Performance Drop in Multi-Turn Underspecified TasksNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/Salesforce AI Releases BLIP3-o: A Fully Open-Source Unified Multimodal Model Built with CLIP Embeddings and Flow Matching for Image Understanding and Generation 🚨 Build GenAI you can trust. ⭐️ Parlant is your open-source engine for controlled, compliant, and purposeful AI conversations — Star Parlant on GitHub! 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When I was younger and was already suffering from insomnia, some people said that my sleeping patterns would normalize when I get older. Well here I am, several years older, and still having trouble sleeping almost every night. Of course I don’t blame it on my age but rather on screens, too much caffeine, and stress. Oh, and also my lack of discipline. I’m at a point where I know drastic measures have to be taken. This concept for a sleeping aid device appeals to me and I wish it was an actual product I could purchase. The Light Player – Aid-Sleeping Music Lamp is a concept for an innovative gadget designed to help users unwind and drift into peaceful slumber through a perfect blend of calming light and soothing sound. is a modern sleep aid that combines two powerful relaxation tools in one sleek device: ambient lighting and gentle music. This smart lamp isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s a thoughtfully engineered device aimed at creating an ideal sleep environment. Designer: Foshan Electrical and Lighting Co. Ltd The device has three sleeping assistance modes so you can check which one, or which combination, would work for you. The Lunar Eclipse Mode uses FlameWarm lighting technology that simulates the different phases of the moon, from a full moon to a crescent moon, that is supposedly sleep inducing. If that doesn’t work for you, there is the Scene Mode that has LED lights recreating 8 natural healing landscapes and combines it with white noise so you get an immersive environment that should be able to lull you to sleep. Lastly, there is the Breathing/Meditation Mode which combines rhythmic lighting with scientific sounds which should be able to help you meditate and eventually fall into a deep sleep state. The device itself uses a record player-like aesthetic with a large area light and an interface that can be intuitively used. It is made from high-quality fabric and metal materials but with a minimalist look. Now I don’t know if this will actually work on someone like me (and self-discipline still plays a huge part in this of course) but it can probably help establish a consistent bedtime ritual which is essential in improving sleep hygiene. Whether you’re an insomniac, a light sleeper, or someone simply trying to reduce screen time before bed, this device offers a non-invasive and natural approach to better sleep. Well, if it ever comes to light, so to speak. The post Music lamp concept is a sleeping aid concept for the best (worst) insomniacs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Songzhuang Z Museum / TEAM BLDGSave this picture!© Jonathan LeijonhufvudMuseum•Lishui, China Architects: TEAM BLDG Area Area of this architecture project Area:  472 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2025 Photographs Photographs:Jonathan Leijonhufvud Lead Architect: Xiao Lei More SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! The Quartet – Songzhuang Z Museum - Located in Songzhuang Village, Songyang County, Zhejiang Province, the Z Museum sits over 400 meters above sea level, nestled deep within the mountains. With its winding roads and narrow paths, arriving here for the first time feels like stepping into a modern-day version of the "Peach Blossom Spring". It is said that prior to 2017, this was a place even most locals of Songyang had never visited—or even heard of. As a result, the village has managed to preserve much of its original character, including its traditional housing and historical spatial fabric. In early 2024, TEAM_BLDG was invited to undertake a project in this 600-year-old village: to transform a brick-and-concrete residential house built in the 1990s into Z MUSEUM – the first contemporary rural art museum in China dedicated to the theme of weaving.Save this picture!Better to Stand Out than to Disappear - The original architecture stands in a prominent location within the village—its scale and material starkly contrast with the surrounding low, continuous rows of traditional rammed-earth houses. Having long been uninhabited, the building had been considered for renovation on multiple occasions. It wasn't until the current operator, Mountain Creations, proposed transforming it into the Z Museum that a clear vision began to take shape. From the outset, the operator conveyed a definitive design direction to TEAM_BLDG: since the building's incongruity with the village context was an established fact, instead of concealing or diminishing it, why not enhance this contrast in a way that is memorable? At the same time, this contrast should be appropriate and graceful—resonating both with the spirit of an art museum and with the character of the village itself.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!A Quartet and a Color-Shifting Skin - Faced with the dense and rigid façade of the original structure, the design began with a deconstructive approach. Drawing on the scale and spatial rhythm of the surrounding old houses, the building was vertically divided into four volumes from the inside out, with inner courtyards inserted in between. These four volumes were then interconnected vertically and horizontally. Varying rooftop terraces and semi-transparent shading canopies were introduced, generating a dynamic composition of staggered heights—what the architects describe as a "quartet" of forms.Save this picture!To visually "lighten" the mass of the original building, the architects took inspiration from traditional textile weaving. Aluminum square tubes measuring 20mm x 40mm were painted red on three sides and white on one, then arranged into a fine lattice that wraps the entire façade. Structural elements fixed to the façade act like the shuttles of a loom, guiding the interplay of "warp" and "weft," and weaving strands of dual-colored "yarn" into the building's skin. The result is a mass that feels both delicate and diaphanous.Concerned that the aluminum lattice might appear too rational and mechanical, the design team refined the arrangement by varying the spacing of the slats. The gaps between the tubes are intentionally irregular, and the upper and lower sections are treated differently—with denser patterns above and more open ones below. Particularly on the terrace levels, the lattice introduces multidimensional interweaving, further amplifying the sense of "woven skin."Save this picture!In the early morning, as sunlight begins to filter into the mountain village, light and shadow begin to "weave" across the façade. Thanks to the red-and-white orientation of the aluminum slats, the building takes on subtle and ever-shifting hues throughout the day. This means that each visit to the Z Museum may offer a distinct impression: on bright, sunny afternoons, it may appear as a translucent pink volume; on rainy or snowy days, it becomes a serene, white monolith.Save this picture!Ascending Around a Shaft of Light - In order to give full focus to the artworks, the architects intentionally minimized additive interior design interventions, instead prioritizing the clarity of circulation and the relationship between interior and exterior spaces. The journey begins in the adjacent rammed-earth structure, where a "prologue hall" has been inserted—a quiet, dimly lit space. Aside from red-painted steel cladding added to the window frames and a traditional "tiger window," the room largely preserves the original appearance of the old house. By contrasting this subdued spatial atmosphere with the contemporary interior of the main building, visitors undergo a sensory transition before entering the main exhibition areas.Save this picture!A new skylight was introduced by carving out a vertical atrium—a "light well"—that spans all three levels of the main structure. This shaft allows natural light and ambient warmth to penetrate deep into the interior, while also visually and physically connecting the horizontal spaces on each floor. Exhibition halls on each level are arranged around this central void, allowing visitors to glimpse others moving through the museum from different vantage points.Save this picture!Original window openings were reconfigured in response to the surrounding landscape. This strategy of "secondary framing" allows curated views of the village to dialogue with the artworks on display, subtly bridging the museum interior with the rural context. Meanwhile, large new openings were carved into the stairwell's exterior wall, transforming the third floor into a semi-outdoor space—visually and experientially reinforcing the museum's relationship with the village. Upon reaching the rooftop terrace, visitors are offered an unobstructed panoramic view of Songzhuang Village. The uniform wall and ground materials, along with the absence of deliberate functional zoning, only minimally guide people's behavior through varying elevations, allowing visitors here to fully experience nature and relaxation. Save this picture!Notably, the architects also designed a custom "LOOM" furniture series for the museum's café and shop, inspired by the forms of traditional looms. Constructed with 20×20mm square steel tubes as frames, each piece is wrapped and tensioned with 20mm-wide custom red woven straps to create both horizontal and angled surfaces. The spacing of these woven elements echoes the façade's lattice system, extending the woven "thread" motif from exterior to interior.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less Project locationAddress:Lishui, ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this office Published on May 20, 2025Cite: "Songzhuang Z Museum / TEAM BLDG" 20 May 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030268/the-quartet-songzhuang-z-museum-team-bldg&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

The new RØDE NTH-50 headphones have Sennheiser's evergreen HD25 Pro headphones in their sights. The ... More Sennheisers are a firm favourite with DJs and the NTH-50 could be popular thanks to their specs and build quality.RØDE Australian mega microphone and audio brand RØDE has launched a new and affordable pair of on-ear headphones designed with DJs, podcasters and audio engineers in mind. The brand-new RØDE NTH-50 headphones join the company’s award-winning headphone lineup which includes the RØDE NTH-100. These new headphones have an uncanny resemblance to the classic and much-loved Sennheiser HD25 Pro; a classic pair of headphones that has been a firm favorite with sound engineers and DJs over the years. The RØDE NTH-50 headphones are aimed at audio professionals who need precision sound, a comfortable fit and a high level of passive noise isolation. The NTH-50’s lightweight design feels more durable than the HD25 Pro but is still light enough to wear while operating a news-gathering camera or DJing. The new RØDE NTH-50 headphones have an uncanny resemblance to Sennheiser's HD25 Pro. RØDE RØDE describes the sound quality produced by the NTH-50 as “Natural and balanced with ultra-low distortion and effective passive noise isolation.” It’s a sonic signature that’s been tailored for DJs, sound engineers and content creators who need premium sound as well as all-day comfort and rugged durability. To create the new NTH-50, RØDE developed custom-matched 40mm drivers and then housed them in a resonant chamber that provides a deep and balanced bass while still keeping hold of a detailed midrange and clear treble. There’s very little coloration in the overall tone. The innovative acoustic design serves up an accurate frequency response alongside ultra-low distortion. The frequency range encompasses an impressive 5Hz – 35KHz. The effective passive noise isolation of -21dB cuts out a lot of unwanted noise, almost as much as some headphones with Active Noise Cancelation on board. The NTH-50 eschews the spilt headband of the Sennheiser HD25 Pro and instead offers a generously ... More padded headband and ear pads.RØDE Unlike Sennheiser’s HD25 Pro, the new RØDE NTH-50 headphones don’t have the split headband. Instead, RØDE opted for a more durable single-contoured headband that reduces wearing fatigue, particularly during extended mixing and listening sessions. Despite the robust build quality, which addresses some of the criticisms of early versions of RØDE’s NTH-100, these lightweight headphones have a contemporary look but they are solid enough to endure the kind of punishment studio headphones often receive. The NTH-50’s cable is detachable and features a custom-lock fitting that can be slotted into either the left or right ear cup, depending on the user’s preference. The cable is partly straight and partially coiled, measuing 1.7m, which is long enough for working at a large mixing desk. Designed and manufactured at RØDE’s factory in Sydney, Australia, the NTH-50 come with a lifetime warranty, which is a measure of the company’s confidence in its new headphones, especially for those of us who know how much abuse the average pair of cans suffer. The ear pads for the NTH-50 are fully wipeable, offering a more hygienic solution than velour material, an important factor where a single pair of headphones could be worn by many people and liable to pick up sweat, grease and makeup.The detachable cable of the RØDE NTH-50 can be plugged into the left or right ear-cup. There is also ... More color coding for easy orientation.RØDE “At RØDE, we are committed to developing innovative audio solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of creators,” says Damien Wilson, RØDE’s CEO. “The NTH-50s embody this philosophy, offering a level of sonic accuracy, comfort and durability that marks a new gold standard for on-ear headphones.” “Engineered from the ground up by our dedicated headphone innovation team in Germany, we’ve crafted a pair of premium headphones at an affordable price point that delivers an incredibly detailed and immersive listening experience in any environment. Once again, RØDE has over-achieved in the pursuit of delivering world-class monitoring technology.” At the heart of the NTH-50s are the custom-engineered 40mm dynamic drivers which are housed inside an innovative resonant chamber. The chamber provides clarity and an accurate frequency response, ultra-low distortion and a balanced sound with a natural bass and detailed midrange while keeping crisp highs.Although the new RØDE NTH-50 headphones are designed for podcasting, mixing and other studio use, ... More they will appeal to DJs.RØDE The RØDE NTH-50s come with a passive noise isolation rating of -21 dBA, enough to reduce external distractions and, more importantly, stop any sound from bleeding out during recording and being picked up by the microphone. The high SPL capabilities and sensitivity of the headphones make them particularly suitable for live performances and studio monitoring. Anyone who uses a pair of studio headphones for more than a few minutes knows that comfort is every bit as important as the sound quality The RØDE NTH-50’s contoured headband, with its integrated fontanel recess, relieve pressure on the wearer’s skull, reducing fatigue during extended listening times in the studio, on stage or when recording on location. Although they are lightweight and fully adjustable, the NTH-50s are designed to distribute pressure evenly no matter the size of the wearer’s head. The headphones also better accommodate glasses wearers.The RØDE NTH-50 feature detachable cables, replaceable ear pads and headband for a long service ... More life.RØDE The on-ear design has ear pads lined with memory foam padding that conforms to the contours of the ears. The fit is snug but still breathable, promoting an airflow that reduces the chance of heat buildup while still providing high levels of passive noise dampening. The NTH-50s are made from lightweight and durable materials including aluminum faceplates that can withstand daily punishment in the studio. The modular design has replaceable components such as the headband, ear cushions and cables for a longer service life. The ear cups are color-coded for left and right channels so users can quickly and easily orientate them in low light, a nice touch. Finally, the headphones have a scratch-resistant and matte black coating. They ship with a 1.7m double coiled cable, storage pouch plus 3.5mm to ¼-inch adapter. RØDE has also included color-coded ID rings for simplified cable management and full compatibility with the existing accessories for RØDE’s NTH-100 headphones, including modular cable options. For greater versatility, RØDE’s optional NTHMic can turn the NTH-50 into a broadcast-quality headset that’s suitable for podcasting, streaming, sports commentary and content creation. Pricing and Availability: The new RØDE NTH-50 on-ear headphones will be available from RØDE distributors from May 20, 2025, priced at $99. Tech Specs: Transducer diameter: 40mm Transducer type: Dynamic. Operating principle: Closed. Ear coupling: Supra-Aural/On-Ear. Frequency response: 5Hz – 35KHz. Impedance: 32Ω. Sensitivity @1mW / 500Hz: 102dB SPL. Sensitivity @1V (RMS) / 500Hz: 117dB SPL. Total Harmonic Distortion @1mW: < 0.2 % @100Hz / < 0.03% @500Hz. Total Harmonic Distortion @100Hz: 0.05% @100dB SPL / 0.5% @120dB SPL. Short-term max input power: 100mW. Long-term max input power: 50mW. Max SPL: 124dB SPL. Ambient Noise Attenuation: 21dBA. Connection type: Dual TRRS cable attachments.

All images courtesy of Zimoun, shared with permission Ubiquitous Objects Transform into Ambient Soundscapes in Zimoun’s Installations May 19, 2025 Art Grace Ebert Objects often regarded as fixtures of modern life—cardboard boxes, glass cups, and plastic jugs, to name a few—become generative materials in the soundscapes of Swiss artist Zimoun (previously). Connected to small, direct-current motors, wires and strings strung across installations of these unassuming items rattle and twirl to create continuous, ambient noise. Zimoun frequently references the tension between chaos and order in his works, particularly as it relates to the relationship between the individual elements and the larger composition. For a recent project for Rewire in The Hague, for example, the artist tethered piano strings to 24 polyethylene tanks in one room and to 36 water containers in another. While the basic construction was the same, the way the vibrating wires interacted with the vessels affected their timbre. “Each of the spaces sounds distinctly different, even though the same principle was applied throughout. Both deep, bass-like sounds and very varied, constantly changing overtones can emerge,” the artist says. Exploring the possibilities of such simple materials is at the core of many of Zimoun’s works, as he shifts our perspective on their uses and functionality. Appearing animate, each object becomes an instrument in its own right, as the kinetic, often frenetic, movement of the machines transforms a wood-slatted door or metal barrel into a sonic apparatus. It’s worth poking around Zimoun’s Vimeo to explore the breadth of the installations and their subtly varied sounds. The artist has several exhibitions planned for later this year and throughout 2026, so follow the latest on Instagram. Next article

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.There are so many details you have to think about when decorating your home. You’ve got the big-ticket items, like the couch, dining table, and bed frame. Then there are the smaller furnishings, such as the coffee table, nightstands, and shelving. Finally, you get to the littlest details that still bring in a lot of character, and that’s where your wall decor comes in. Whether you love a gallery wall or a single statement art piece, there are plenty of wall decor ideas from interior designers to look to for inspiration, no matter your style.It’s sometimes most challenging to figure out the smaller details in your home. There are just so many possibilities, and with wall decor, it’s no different. Do you use all matching frames? How can you make your wall visually interesting without hammering into it? Should you have a theme to your decor, or put up what you want? Well, the designer advice ahead can help stylishly steer you in the right direction.We’ve rounded up 55 of the most beautiful wall decor ideas from design professionals that’ll help spark some inspiration. From solitary pieces to museum-quality layouts to colorful collections, there’s something for everyone.Additional copy by Hadley Mendelsohn and Alyssa Longobucco.Find more impactful decor inspiration: 1Break Up the SceneRead McKendreeThis dining room, designed by Bella Mancini, displays three pieces of coordinating artwork that all connect to form one panoramic image. This triptych style of wall decor is a unique way to add multiple artworks to a space while making it completely cohesive.Tour the Entire Home2Cluster in ThreesMatthew NiemannTo create a well-balanced wall that avoids looking too bare or overly busy, consider arranging your decor using the rule of threes. In her mother’s home, designer Galeana Younger grouped three smaller decor pieces next to a large piece of colorful artwork, creating balance on the wall without overwhelming the space.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Choose a Large StatementMatthew NiemannGaleana Younger’s mom had been collecting pieces for years, so it wasn’t hard finding a statement piece for this wall. The art installation shows a dove mounted at the center of a starburst, originally from a church in Puebla, Mexico. When a single piece is this grand, it doesn’t need other wall decor to distract from it. Tour the Entire Home4Make It YourselfMadeline TolleIn this family room, designer Jaqui Seerman displayed a large piece of art created by her client. The bold artwork is the only non-neutral in the space, making it very eye-grabbing. Flanking either side of it are two arched onyx shelves, contrasting with the sharp edges of the frame.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Choose Juxtaposing StylesErin LittleThe vivid, modern console table and ornate gilded mirror in this entryway wouldn’t seem to work, yet they do. Designer Christina Salway was given the table for free and chose this ornate wall decor to purposely add some juxtaposition to the room—the resulting look is so bold and unique.Tour the Entire Home6Hang Something PlushErin LittleIf you have a rug that’s simply too beautiful or fragile to roll out on the floor, hang it on your wall instead. That’s what Christina Salway did with this tiger rug that she found in Paris—it helps that it adds a nice deep tone to the white wall.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Round It OutLindsay SalazarCara and Tom Fox of The Fox Group chose to use matching round wall decor to flank either side of the fireplace in this client’s living room. They chose to use decorative plates and convex mirrors, but you can bring in organic shapes to the wall with any type of circular decor.Tour the Entire Home8DIY Some ShelvesPar BengtssonThere’s no shortage of cool wall decor at thrift stores and antique shops, so if you find something that’s a bit rough around the edges but almost perfect, don’t be afraid to add a little DIY magic to make it work for your style. That’s what designer Minnette Jackson did for the bracket shelves in this guest room: “I was having a hard time finding what I saw in my head, so I just collected several vintage ones in weird colors and painted them to match,” she says.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Hang a CorkboardThomas KuohBy installing a corkboard wall where your family frequently gathers, your wall decor can be ever-changing. Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe explains, “I had a vision for this breakfast nook with the cork wall.” Munroe continues, “I absolutely love a cork wall. Like wood, it brings a natural element into the vertical space. It grows with age. Teenagers love them—they can drape twinkly lights from it. It’s just a genuine, joyful, uber-functional moment.”Tour the Entire Home10Make It MetallicLaurey GlennSconces are some of the best pieces to add to your wall decor because they boost the amount of ambient light in the space while adding a 3D detail. This sitting room by Lucy O’Brien of Tartan & Toile features an array of metallic shell sconces, which reflect light gorgeously.Tour the Entire HomeRelated Story: "Stripes Are a Neutral" For Philadelphia-Based Designer Lucy O'Brien of Tartan & ToileAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Lend Some LightChris EdwardsThe best way to enjoy a beautiful piece of art? Under the perfect lighting, of course. To ensure your chosen painting or photo gets the moment in the spotlight that it deserves, illuminate it. In this happy living room, designer Charlotte Lucas makes the most of an abstract painting by pairing it with a brass picture light. Tour the Entire Home12Stack Some FiguresAndrew Brown InteriorsA series of framed nude figures is such a natural fit for a bathroom gallery wall. In this petite bathroom by Andrew Brown Interiors, the warm wallpaper makes the vintage artwork pop even more. Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Create Some Contrast Chris EdwardsChoosing the right wall decor can be a great way to call attention to an already beautiful design scheme, especially if you’re strategic about your choice of color. In this saturated space by Charlotte Lucas, rich teal walls (and ceiling) meet their match in a contrasting piece of artwork by Erik Madigan Heck.Tour the Entire Home 14Secure Art to Your ShelvesAnson SmartBooks run the show in this swanky media room designed by Brigette Romanek, but there's still room for some black and white prints to break up the stacks. Instead of hanging the pieces on a nearby wall or leaning them on a shelf, she secured them to the shelf dividers, alternating the orientation for added dimension. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Get a Little WildJessica Klewicki GlynnFor a playful twist on traditional wall decor, take a trip to the wild side with a slew of rattan animal heads. Here, designer Tom Scheerer used a menagerie of mammals to bring cheeky energy to this living room. Tour the Entire Home16Paint Your PassagewaysEmil DervishWall decor isn't just about hanging something new in your space—it can also be about calling more attention to a feature already in the room. In this entryway by Emil Dervish, a gorgeous cobalt blue door steals the show. To bring even more drama, he extended the paint around the doorframe and the wall up, finishing in an arched shape.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Make It WorkKate StarkelIn a small space, all your decor needs to work hard for you—there’s no such thing as just an aesthetic pick. For a wall decor idea that marries form with function, look no further than a decorative shelf. This version, seen in a project by Amanda Jacobs, combines decorative carvings with useful hooks and space for trinkets. Tour the Entire Home18Stick to a Tight PaletteKevin ScottMinimalist, modern interiors can still incorporate wall decor, so long as it whispers instead of screams. In this serene bedroom designed by Studio DIAA, a pair of framed prints—featuring airy white frames and a thick white —add a touch of visual interest without compromising the neutral, uncluttered atmosphere. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Highlight Emerging TalentLisa PetroleBeauty is in the eye of the beholder—especially when it comes to art. Instead of hanging up a pretty piece that ultimately has no sentimental value to you, why not highlight the tiniest artists in your home? This Texas home is the perfect example, giving prominence to finger paintings over figure paintings. Tour the Entire Home 20Choose a ThemeChris MottaliniOne of the great things about wall art is that "meaningful" pieces can take a different form for each person. In this space by designer Jenny Dina Kirschner, that ethos manifested itself as a gallery wall of stunning portraits, most of which were sourced from Chairish or other antique dealers.

Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Submit your work ahead of the Main Entry deadline on June 6th! Learn More About Vision Awards It’s time to give some overdue attention to the people who shape architecture in ways a floor plan never could: architectural photographers and videographers. You’ve captured the atmosphere of a space before the concrete set. You’ve told a story that made someone feel a building halfway across the world. You’ve distilled the soul of a space into a single frame (or a few perfectly edited minutes). You’re a photographer, a videographer, but above of all — a storyteller. And now, there’s an award that sees what you do for what it truly is: architectural work. With that in mind, we want to share a few reasons why architectural photographers and videographers deserve the recognition buildings usually get — along with a handful of Vision Awards categories made specifically for the people behind the camera. From stills of interiors and exteriors to categories that focus on mood, detail and narrative, there’s room for every perspective to find its place. 1. Cameras frame how the world sees architecture. Photo by Shoayb Khattab, Special Mention, Photographer of the Year, 2023 Architizer Vision Awards Apart from documenting what a building actually looks like, what distinguishes good architectural photography is the way it gives people a sense of what it feels like to be there. The weight of the materials, the quality of the light, the atmosphere of the space — it can all come through. When it’s done well, you can almost imagine the sound of your footsteps on the floor. Photographers and videographers decide which parts of a project become visible and which ones fade into the background. You choose what gets shown: the angle, the light, the moment. That version often becomes the one people remember, shaping how they understand a project and what stays with them long after. Front of House/Back of House by John Muggenborg Architectural Photography, Studio Winner, Interior Photograph, 2023 Architizer Vision Awards Through framing, pacing and mood, the image offers legibility. It shows how a space works, where it opens up, where it holds back, where it asks for attention. If your work helps architecture stay visible, understandable and alive in the public imagination, the Vision Awards were designed to recognize exactly that. Explore these categories (and more) at this year’s Vision Awards: Exterior Photograph – For capturing how a building meets the world around it; Interior Photograph – For the qualities of light, texture and space that unfold inside; Building Portrait (Video) – For architectural films that bring movement and life to the frame; Color Photograph – For visual narratives shaped by tone, contrast and atmosphere; Black & White Photograph – For images that focus on structure, light and clarity. 2. Cameras capture what architects can’t put on paper. CREATING THE OSSTF WITH MASS TIMBER by Salina Kassam PHOTOGRAPHY, Finalist, Architecture + Photography, 12th Annual A+Awards CREATING THE OSSTF WITH MASS TIMBER by Salina Kassam PHOTOGRAPHY, Finalist, Architecture + Photography, 12th Annual A+Awards Architecture takes time. And along the way, there are moments worth seeing — materials arriving on site, something being installed for the first time, the way a space starts to take shape before it’s fully done. These stages often go unrecorded, but they reveal just as much as the final result. They show how a project was built, not just what it became. Shanshui Firewood Garden by Mix Architecture, Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Hospitality Building, 11th Annual A+Awards | Photo by Arch-Exist Even once a building is complete, plans and diagrams can only tell part of the story. They explain how things work, but not how they feel. A drawing can show you where the windows are, but not how the light actually moves through the space. Good photography and video pick up where the technical information stops. They make the atmosphere visible. If your work captures process, mood or the details in between, the Vision Awards offer categories that value the full story — not just the finished product. Categories that might be a good fit for you include: Making Of (Video) – For films that follow the progress of a project from idea to built form; Architecture & Details – For images that focus on texture, surface and material precision; Architecture & Atmosphere – For visual work that brings out tone, timing and ambient light; Experimental (Video) – For creative approaches that rethink how architecture is documented. 3. Cameras show what (and who) architecture is really for. Mikimoto Ginza 2, Tokyo by Stephanie Mills, Special Mention, Interior Photograph, 2023 Architizer Vision Awards Architecture exists to be used. But it’s one thing to plan how a space will function and another to see it in action. Photography and video reveal how people actually move through a building — where they slow down, where they gather, how they occupy space over time. Photo by Philippe Sarfati, Professional Winner, Architectural Photographer of the Year, 2023 Architizer Vision Awards Including people in the frame does more than show activity. It helps us understand proportion. A lone figure in a long corridor. A crowd moving through a narrow threshold. These moments give us a sense of scale that drawings can’t. They show how large or intimate a space feels, how open or compressed, how formal or relaxed. If your work focuses on lived experience and human connection to space, these categories highlight exactly that perspective: Architecture & People – For capturing how human presence gives meaning to a space; Architecture & Urban Life – For movement, density and everyday patterns in the built environment; Profile or Interview (Video) – For stories centered on the people behind or within architecture; Interior or Exterior Photograph – For spaces that hold real use and human scale. 4. You turn representation into interpretation. Every building has a concept behind it—a guiding idea that shaped the form, the material choices, the layout. But that idea isn’t always immediately visible. Sometimes it only becomes clear if you know where to look. Through photography and video, you help surface it. You draw attention to what matters, whether it’s contrast or calm, complexity or restraint. Tower 15 by OODA Architecture, Jury Winner, Multi-Unit Housing, 12th Annual A+Awards | Photo by Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Even the most straightforward image involves decisions: where to stand, what to include, when to shoot. These choices are subtle, but they add up to a kind of authorship. Over time, they influence how a project is read, how it’s remembered and what kind of impact it has. Your work doesn’t just communicate what’s there. It tells a version of the story — one that might otherwise go unseen. Photo by NING WANG, Special Mention, Architectural Photographer of the Year, 2023 Architizer Vision Awards If your work is guided by atmosphere, tone or conceptual clarity, the Vision Awards recognize how those choices shape architectural meaning through these categories and more: Architecture & Atmosphere – For images that evoke feeling through time, light or weather; Architecture & People – For work that draws out human stories and interactions; Architecture & Environment – For interpretations that frame architecture in relation to its context; Experimental (Video) – For films that push the format or shift the lens entirely Any Video Category – For projects that use structure, motion or mood to frame architectural intent. 5. You’re building architecture’s visual legacy. Photo by NING WANG, Special Mention, Architectural Photographer of the Year, 2023 Architizer Vision Awards Every building has a moment when it’s new. But that moment passes quickly. Over time, materials weather, programs change and additions are made. What stays, what gets remembered, is often the way it was first captured. Photos and films become the record. They’re what future clients see. What ends up in books, archives or public memory. Your work might be the only version of the project that people engage with once the building has changed, closed or disappeared. That long-term story deserves a platform. And the Vision Awards and all its different categories exist to make sure it has one. Get the Recognition You Deserve — Submit for the Vision Awards Photo by Kevin Scott, Special Mention, Architectural Photographer Of The Year, 2023 Architizer Vision Awards The Vision Awards were created to recognize the people who shape architecture through images and ideas. That includes the concept designers, the renderers, the model-makers and just as importantly, the photographers and videographers whose work becomes the lasting record. Your images are what people remember. They’re what circulate, what get published, what define how a project is understood long after the fact. The program includes dedicated accolades like Photographer of the Year and Videographer of the Year, alongside a full set of categories for still and moving images. Winners are featured across Architizer’s global platforms, published in our annual print book How to Visualize Architecture and celebrated by a jury of industry leaders. It’s visibility, credibility and long-term recognition — at a global scale. If your work tells the story of architecture (how it feels, how it works, how it lives), this is your chance to step into the spotlight. Learn More About Vision Awards Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Submit your work ahead of the Main Entry deadline on June 6th! The post 5 Reasons Why Architectural Photographers and Videographers Deserve the Spotlight appeared first on Journal.

When looking for extraterrestrial life, scientists found something odd — two bizarre electromagnetic pulses coming from a distant constellation that cannot be explained.In a new study published in the journal Acta Astronautica, researchers from NASA and CalTech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory admitted they could not rule out the chance that the twin star pulses they detected within Ursa Major, some 100 light-years away, were related to alien life.The star in question, HD 89389, is slightly larger and brighter than our Sun and was the focus of observation for veteran NASA scientist Richard Stanton. In 2023, Stanton detected an unexpected signal emanating from the star: two identical and fast pulses roughly 4.4 seconds apart that made it flash brightly, dim, and then flash again."The star gets brighter-fainter-brighter and then returns to its ambient level," Stanton told Universe Today. "This variation is much too strong to be caused by random noise or atmospheric turbulence. How do you make a star, over a million kilometers across, partially disappear in a tenth of a second? The source of this variation can't be as far away as the star itself."This signal had never been detected before, but to make sure it wasn't something else, the researcher spent an estimated 1,500 hours, which is the equivalent of about two months straight, comparing it to everything from planes and lightning to meteors and system malfunctions.When none of those searches yielded anything similar, Stanton told Universe Today that he felt confident that what he was seeing had not been observed for that Ursa Major star before. However, it did resemble another surprise twin pulse observation from 2019 that emanated from a hot gas giant now named Dimidium located about 50 light-years from Earth.The electromagnetic pulses emitted from Dimidium were initially dismissed as having been caused by birds, as Universe Today notes.To avoid a similarly false conclusion, Stanton began positing all manner of explanations related to the strange signals, including atmospheric conditions on Earth or even an anomalous reading due to our planet's gravity — but none of them "are really satisfying at this point," he said."We don't know what kind of object could produce these pulses or how far away it is," the scientist said. "We don't know if the two-pulse signal is produced by something passing between us and the star or if it is generated by something that modulates the star's light without moving across the field."It's way too soon to tell what's going on with those strange signals from Ursa Major — but it seems certain that something weird is going on there, and that whatever is causing it will be fascinating indeed."Until we learn more," Stanton concluded, "we can't even say whether or not extraterrestrials are involved!"Share This Article

Embassy of the State of Kuwait / ArchitectkiddSave this picture!© Luke YeungEmbassy, Interior Design•Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Architects: Architectkidd Area Area of this architecture project Area:  3000 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2024 Photographs Photographs:Luke Yeung Lead Architects: Udomsak Komonvilas, Jariyawadee Lekawatana, Luke Yeung More SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. The Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Brunei is located in Bandar Seri Begawan. Architectkidd was selected to design the interior spaces by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait along with architecture studio Arkitek RekaJaya. Architectkidd looked beyond direct symbolism and cultural representations and instead focused on how the design could incorporate virtues in more abstract and functional ways. Cooperation, openness, and engaging public spaces were considered, and these values were expressed in materials, light, and form - qualities that the building environment can communicate as a public institution and civic cultural space.Save this picture!The Foyer is the first experience upon entering the Kuwait Embassy. It features an atrium space with a skylight at its highest point. Vertical wooden louvers were installed from the ceiling to the floor and are gently tilted along a sloping curvature to filter daylight from above. Natural light integration is enhanced by the curving geometry, helping to reduce energy dependence while also imbuing the space with a sense of calm.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The Reception Hall is at the heart of the building, and with this new space, the Kuwait Embassy is able to curate public events. The ceiling design in the reception hall is a crafted pattern of undulating forms that create a dynamic interplay of depth and texture. Each panel was carved from polymer in shapes that, when combined, form an acoustic-friendly, three-dimensional surface. The sculptural quality adds a sense of movement while the repetition of the modules ensures a unified formal language. Lighting is embedded within the recessed patterns and provides an ambient glow, enriching the spatial experience.Save this picture!In other public spaces of the Embassy, the fluid design approach led to the idea of subtle wayfinding. The gallery and hallways have long and rippled wood walls to guide the users' direction towards the atrium and main staircase. These wavy walls offer a fluid and organic form that contrasts with the geometry of the rectilinear spaces.Save this picture!Materials and finishes were designed to ensure longevity and practical performance, and also to enhance visual and tactile qualities. The use of textured surfaces, such as the patterning of wall panels and marble stone flooring, contributes to a multi-layered interaction with the space. The integration of natural materials such as wood and marble, along with the soft diffusion of light, creates a welcoming environment that balances necessary security measures with warmth and hospitality.Save this picture!The expansive approach continues with interior sightlines between the spaces, creating a sense of visual continuity. With unobstructed views of surrounding areas, embassy staff work mostly in natural light during the daytime hours, with artificial light reduced to a minimum.Save this picture!By softening the boundaries between formality and warmth, security and openness, the Embassy of the State of Kuwait reimagines the way a diplomatic institution can function as a cultural bridge. As embassies increasingly take on roles beyond their traditional functions, this project aims to express how design can contribute to a more engaged approach towards fostering connections among nations.Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less Project locationAddress:Bandar Seri Begawan, BruneiLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeArchitectkiddOffice••• Published on May 19, 2025Cite: "Embassy of the State of Kuwait / Architectkidd" 18 May 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030144/embassy-of-the-state-of-kuwait-architectkidd&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

Music is a pleasant healer, but the same cannot be said about the speakers that we use at home to deliver soothing and healing music into our ears. Bloom is set to change that with its interesting design: It is a speaker inspired by the natural bud and its quiet journey into a full bloom. In that emotion, the Bloom, a sustainable ambient speaker, is born on the idea of ​​‘atmosphere’ before ‘function.’ It fills the space with an aroma before the music can take over as a complementing partner. To that accord, as the designer says, “Bloom is a natural bud that quietly blooms.” It gently fills the space with emotion before being a speaker which spreads quality sound. Even though the music ability comes second to emotional quotient, Bloom is no less in audio finesse. This premium quality Bluetooth speaker is built-in with a healthy influx of speaker, tweeter, and woofer for eminent sound that can fill the space. Designer: Yeonu Hwang The Bloom, an audio products brand, is known for emphasising sustainability in almost all aspects of its production, from the use of recycled plastic in construction to locally sourced materials for speaker drivers, and more. Bloom Bluetooth speaker from Yeonu Hwang may have little connection, but it does have the same ethos. The speaker uses coffee and natural aromas that slowly spread in the space like the light and emitted sound. The Bloom is thus a reference to how sustainable fragrance of everyday materials can fill the routine, owing to the use of discarded coffee grounds, recycled glass and fabric in the creation. Result of sustainable development and harmony between technology and natural materials, the Bloom speaker also exudes substance in its appearance, which is spearheaded by its cylindrical design and a color palette inspired by wood, earth and sunlight. Each of these tones has a different appeal, they reflect the warmth, the flow of life, and the prominence of quietly being there and radiating calm. The calmness is assured by the diffuser on the top, which is integrated into the speaker magnetically, so it can be attached or detached at will, depending on how you choose to use the speaker. Inside its soft and emotionally charged exterior, the Bloom has a well-balanced arrangement of three key drivers: tweeter, full-range, and woofer, ensuring professional-level audio delivery. Courtesy of the design and the positioning of the speakers in it, the Bloom can create an immersive, 360-degree listening experience. Really interesting onboard are the controls, with the slide gesture (on the touch panel – no physical buttons), the Bloom allows the user to control light, the emotions, and the sound, creating an atmosphere that slowly changes with the movement of the fingertips on the controls. Since the entire contraption is flawless and smooth, the connectivity ports have been slotted right in the base to safeguard the aesthetic brilliance. The post Inspired by nature in all its forms, the Bloom ambient speaker puts atmosphere before function first appeared on Yanko Design.