In Osaka, a new chapter in global innovation has begun as World Expo 2025 officially welcomes visitors from around the globe. With 160 countries and regions showcasing their achievements, sustainability takes centre stage through groundbreaking exhibits, eco-friendly technologies, and visions for a better tomorrow. Sustainability takes centre stage, with initiatives and exhibits focusing on eco-friendly solutions, renewable energy, and sustainable development. The Expo aims to unite people and ideas from around the world to tackle pressing global challenges. Spanning six months from April 13 to October 13, 2025, the Expo is expected to welcome around 28 million visitors from across the globe. In this spirit of innovation, several pavilions are pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and creativity, reimagining how architecture and technology can serve the planet. From plant-covered structures to recycled materials and carbon-neutral designs, here are the standout pavilions leading the charge towards a greener future. The Grand Ring The Grand Ring is a gridded wooden structure encircling the Expo, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest wooden architectural structure, covering 61,035 square metres. This 2-kilometer ring on Yumeshima island blends traditional Japanese joinery, such as nuki joints, with modern engineering. Reflecting the Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” it embodies “Diversity in Unity.” With an inner diameter of 615 meters, an outer diameter of 675 meters, and heights ranging from 12 to 20 meters, it seamlessly merges cultural heritage with innovation. Designed with sustainability in mind, the modular structure can be dismantled, repurposed, or preserved after the Expo to minimize waste. France Pavilion The France Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is guided by the theme “A Hymn to Love,” offering a sensory journey that engages all five senses. Its sleek, modern façade, facing the Expo’s main entrance, resembles an open theatre stage, inviting visitors to explore freely. The side façades are fully screened, and every space reinforces the Pavilion’s core message. Sustainability is central to the design, with the plant-covered roof, visible from the surrounding Grand Ring, creating a natural microclimate, improving rainwater management, and helping reduce the urban heat island effect. Built with a focus on low environmental impact, the Pavilion showcases how architecture and nature can work together for a more sustainable future. German Pavilion The German Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, “Wa! Germany,” highlights sustainability, smart design, and the circular economy. Built entirely from reusable materials, the LAVA Architects-designed pavilion features six round exhibition spaces with green roofs, using 132 tonnes of steel and 140 tonnes of wood for easy disassembly and future use. Eco-friendly materials like fungal mycelia, loam, and hempcrete add to its sustainable character. Through four exhibition areas and a rooftop garden, visitors are invited to experience and actively engage with ideas of circular living and innovative climate-conscious design. Netherlands Pavilion The Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2025, themed “Common Ground: Creating a New Dawn Together,” is an open and inclusive space that encourages connection, collaboration, and innovation. Designed by RAU Architects, its circular structure features a striking “man-made sun,” symbolizing a hopeful future powered by clean, accessible energy. The pavilion is fully circular and acts as a material bank, with all building components registered in Madaster—a digital platform that tracks and documents materials for future reuse, making it a sustainable structure. Showcasing eco-friendly technologies, including water-based energy solutions, it highlights how smart design can tackle climate change, food security, and global health. Philippines Pavilion The Philippines’ Woven pavilion, designed by Carlo Calma Consultancy Inc. with Cat Inc., highlights sustainability through tradition and innovation. Inspired by Filipino weaving, the pavilion uses over 1,000 rattan threads and 212 handwoven panels crafted by local artisans, symbolizing resilience and unity. Emphasizing Nature, Culture & Community, it showcases the country’s mega biodiversity and promotes the transformation of natural and waste materials into sustainable products. Blending eco-conscious design, sustainable materials like rattan and bamboo, and engaging exhibits, the pavilion honours Filipino creativity and inspires a commitment to protecting the environment for generations to come. Portugal Pavilion The Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025, designed by Kengo Kuma, honors the ocean through sustainable design. Using recycled nets and suspended ropes, the pavilion forms a dynamic, wave-inspired structure that symbolizes Portugal’s strong bond with the sea. The design incorporates natural elements like sunlight and wind, showcasing the country’s commitment to the circular economy and minimizing waste. With the theme “Ocean, The Blue Dialogue,” the pavilion underscores the ocean’s vital role in sustainability, supporting SDG 14and SDG 7. It offers an immersive experience that highlights Portugal’s dedication to a sustainable future. Saudi Arabia The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025, designed by Foster + Partners, blends cultural storytelling with a strong focus on sustainability. Situated on the Yumeshima waterfront, its design draws inspiration from traditional Saudi urban landscapes, featuring winding streets, a central courtyard, and immersive installations that reflect the Kingdom’s heritage and future vision. Built with low-carbon materials, energy-efficient lighting, and rooftop solar panels, the pavilion is designed for easy disassembly and reuse—minimising environmental impact. Targeting the highest CASBEE S rating- Japan’s top green building certification, the pavilion will operate at net zero carbon, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s dedication to sustainable innovation and lasting legacy. Singapore Pavilion Designed by DP Architects with Kingsmen Exhibits, the Singapore Pavilion is thematically centred around “Where Dreams Take Shape.” The pavilion explores Singapore’s culture, culinary traditions, and innovations for a sustainable future. Shaped as a 17-metre-high Dream Sphere clad in vibrant Dream Discs made from recycled materials, it symbolizes Singapore’s collective spirit and commitment to sustainability. Located on a 900-square-metre plot on Yumeshima Island, the pavilion spans three levels, featuring immersive multimedia art by artists Ashley Yeo, Jerrold Chong, Melissa Tan, and Zul Mahmod. At the top, the Dream Forest features dense native planting, inspired by ecological restoration and celebrating Singapore-Japan ties. Inspired by Singapore’s nickname, the Little Red Dot, the pavilion invites visitors on a multi-sensory journey of hope, dreams, and positive change. Swiss Pavilion The Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2025, themed “From Heidi to High-Tech,” showcases Switzerland’s journey from Alpine traditions to global innovation. Heidi, a well-loved figure in Japan, serves as the mascot, connecting heritage and progress. Designed by Manuel Herz Architekten, NUSSLI, and Bellprat Partner, the pavilion features four lightweight, connected spheres with a membrane structure for sustainable construction. Inside, five zones — Augmented Human, Life, Planet provide a sensory experience that showcases Switzerland’s creativity, technology, and innovation. A rooftop viewing platform adds a social space. The design aligns with the Expo’s theme, focusing on a sustainable future. Blue Ocean Dome The Blue Ocean Dome champions marine conservation through sustainable architecture and innovation. Supporting the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision to eliminate additional marine plastic pollution by 2050, the pavilion features three interconnected domes built with eco-friendly materials. Dome A uses laminated bamboo, a durable, carbon-sequestering material, and serves as the pavilion’s media hub. Dome B, the largest, is the world’s first structure made entirely of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Dome C, crafted from recycled paper tubes, offers a fully recyclable space for live broadcasts and interaction. The pavilion highlights ocean conservation, sustainable marine industries, and the urgent need for environmental action to protect future generations. Osaka Expo 2025 stands as a remarkable showcase of sustainability in action, where eco-innovations from around the world converge to inspire and shape the future. From cutting-edge technologies to sustainable architectural designs, the Expo exemplifies how global collaboration and forward-thinking solutions can address the pressing environmental challenges of our times.The post Eco-Innovation in Action: Sustainability Stars of Osaka Expo 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design. #ecoinnovation #action #sustainability #stars #osaka

Between collections resuming, courts blocking student loan programs and layoffs at the Education Department, borrowers might be confused about the status of their student loans.Recently, the Education Department announced it would start involuntary collections on defaulted loans, meaning the roughly 5.3 million borrowers who are in default could have their wages garnished by the federal government.At the center of the turmoil are the government’s income-driven repayment plans, which reduce monthly payments for borrowers with lower incomes. Those plans were temporarily paused after a federal court blocked parts of the plans in February.“There’s so much confusion, they’ve made it very complicated,” said Natalia Abrams, president and founder of the Student Debt Crisis Center.At the same time, some borrowers are struggling to get their loan servicers on the phone, making it hard to find answers to their questions, said Abrams.If you’re a student loan borrower, here are some answers to your questions. What if I want to enroll in an income-driven repayment plan? Applications for income-driven repayment plans are open, but they’re taking longer than usual to process.The applications were temporarily shut down earlier this year after a federal court in Missouri blocked the SAVE plan, a Biden administration plan that offered a faster path to loan forgiveness. The judge’s order also blocked parts of other repayment plans, prompting the Education Department to pause income-driven applications entirely.Amid pressure from advocates, the department reopened the applications on May 10.Borrowers can apply for the following income-driven plans: the Income-Based Repayment Plan, the Pay as You Earn plan and the Income-Contingent Repayment plan.Abrams expects applications will continue to be approved but at a slower pace than before the application pause.Borrowers currently enrolled in an income-driven plan should be receiving notifications about recertification, said Khandice Lofton, counsel at the Student Borrower Protection Center. Recertification is required annually to update information on family size and income, and dates are different for each borrower.To review income-driven repayment plans, you can check the loan simulator at studentaid.gov. What if I applied to the SAVE plan? Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan have been placed in forbearance while a legal challenge is resolved. That means they don’t have to make payments and interest is not accruing. Time in forbearance normally does not count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness.The Education Department will notify borrowers with updates on payments and litigation.“We don’t know for sure when the SAVE forbearance is going to end,” Abrams said.While the future of the SAVE plan is decided in court, Abrams encourages borrowers to explore their eligibility for other income-driven repayment plans. What if I want to consolidate my student loans? The online application for loan consolidation is available again, at studentaid.gov/loan-consolidation. If you have multiple federal student loans, you can combine them into one with a fixed interest rate and a single monthly payment.The consolidation process typically takes around 60 days to complete. You can only consolidate your loans once. What if my loan was forgiven? It would be difficult for the Education Department to reinstate loans that were canceled during President Joe Biden’s administration. So far, it isn’t believed to be happening, Abrams said. What about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program? Nothing has changed yet.President Donald Trump wants to change the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to disqualify workers of nonprofit groups deemed to have engaged in “improper” activities. He signed an executive order to that effect, but it has yet to be enforced.Borrowers enrolled in PSLF should keep up with payments to make progress toward loan forgiveness, said Sarah Austin, policy analyst at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.“There could be some changes coming in regards to PSLF but at this current time PSLF is still functioning and there is still loan forgiveness being processed under the PSLF provision,” said Austin.An income-driven repayment tracker has disappeared from the federal student loan website for many borrowers, said Abrams. For keeping track of their status, Abrams is recommending that borrowers take screenshots of their payments. What if I can’t get a hold of my loan servicer? Contacting your loan servicer is crucial to managing and understanding your student loans. Due to the large number of people trying to get answers or apply for programs, loan servicers are taking longer than usual to respond.Abrams recommends borrowers prepare for long wait times.“We’ve heard borrowers being in hold for three or four hours, then being transferred to a supervisor and then being hung up on, after all that wait time. It’s incredibly frustrating,” Abrams said. What can I do if I’m delinquent on my student loans? If you’re delinquent, try to get back on track. Borrowers who don’t make their payments for 270 days go into default, which has severe consequences.“If you’re delinquent but have not defaulted yet, do whatever you can do to avoid going default,” said Kate Wood, a student loans expert at NerdWallet.Borrowers who are delinquent on their student loans take a massive hit on their credit scores, which could drop 100 points or more, Wood said. A delinquency stays on your credit report for seven years.Wood recommends contacting your servicer to ask for options, which can include forbearance, deferment or applying for an income-driven repayment plan. What if I’m in default on my student loans? The Education Department is recommending borrowers visit its Default Resolution Group to make a monthly payment, enroll in an income-driven repayment plan or sign up for loan rehabilitation.Betsy Mayotte, president of The Institute for Student Loan Advisors, recommends loan rehabilitation.Borrowers in default must ask their loan servicer to be placed into such a program. Typically, servicers ask for proof of income and expenses to calculate a payment amount. Once a borrower has paid on time for nine months in a row, they are taken out of default, Mayotte said. A loan rehabilitation can only be done once. What happened to Fresh Start? The Fresh Start program was a one-time temporary program that helped borrowers get out of default. This program ended Aug. 31, 2024. The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. —Adriana Morga, Associated Press #confused #about #your #student #loan

As I look back on my first year as global inclusion lead at Unity, I’m proud of the progress we, as a company, have made. I am a firm believer that inclusion and diversity are not “nice to have” programs for companies, or something to put on the backburner during challenging times. Rather, it’s during challenging times that businesses should double down on inclusion and diversity initiatives, because these are key enablers of continued success.I shared a little bit about myself on our company blog when I first joined Unity. I was attracted to Unity’s approach to inclusion, which grounds everything in empathy. Empathy is an important starting point for everyone as they advance on their inclusion and diversity journeys. Rooting my professional life and work in inclusion is personal for me, and I’m committed to ensuring that as many people as possible are given equitable opportunities to succeed.Though I have only been around for the last year, Unity has been on its inclusion journey for quite some time. Along the way, the company has made mistakes, but there have also been some wins, like the implementation of the Empathy, Respect, and Opportunityinclusion framework and the creation of Employee Resource Groups.2022 was a year focused on understanding our current state, where we have gaps, and putting strong foundations in place from which to build and drive long-term, meaningful change. So, what are we working toward?Our “north star” is to embed inclusion and diversity into every aspect of our business – from how we recruit, treat, and empower our employees to the ways we design and share tools for the creators and communities we serve.To achieve that vision, we’re focused on four key pillars: workplace, workforce, customers, and community. A diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce and workplace are the foundations for effective marketplace inclusion and strong business outcomes.In my first year, we:Pinpointed our largest demographic gaps and pain points across levels and designed targeted interventions and programs to address those gaps.Invested heavily in our ERGs as drivers of inclusion by adding new groups, assigning executive sponsors to each group, creating charters, and sharing data to inform strategies, all of which included designing a continued investment plan.Implemented a robust methodology for setting inclusion and diversity goals and created inclusion data dashboards for more consistent tracking and advancement of those goals, while also assessing areas to strengthen data collection.Created opportunities to drive employee awareness of and engagement in inclusion efforts by hosting an internal Inclusion Summit and launching company-wide inclusion training modules. #reflections #first #year #leading #inclusion

OpenAI CEO and Sam Altman believe Artificial General Intelligence could arrive within the next few years. But the speculations of some technologists "are getting ahead of reality," writes the New York Times, adding that many scientists "say no one will reach AGI without a new idea — something beyond the powerful neural networks that merely find patterns in data. That new idea could arrive tomorrow. But even then, the industry would need years to develop it." "The technology we're building today is not sufficient to get there," said Nick Frosst, a founder of the AI startup Cohere who previously worked as a researcher at Google and studied under the most revered AI researcher of the last 50 years. "What we are building now are things that take in words and predict the next most likely word, or they take in pixels and predict the next most likely pixel. That's very different from what you and I do." In a recent survey of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, a 40-year-old academic society that includes some of the most respected researchers in the field, more than three-quarters of respondents said the methods used to build today's technology were unlikely to lead to AGI. Opinions differ in part because scientists cannot even agree on a way of defining human intelligence, arguing endlessly over the merits and flaws of IQ tests and other benchmarks. Comparing our own brains to machines is even more subjective. This means that identifying AGI is essentially a matter of opinion.... And scientists have no hard evidence that today's technologies are capable of performing even some of the simpler things the brain can do, like recognizing irony or feeling empathy. Claims of AGI's imminent arrival are based on statistical extrapolations — and wishful thinking. According to various benchmark tests, today's technologies are improving at a consistent rate in some notable areas, like math and computer programming. But these tests describe only a small part of what people can do. Humans know how to deal with a chaotic and constantly changing world. Machines struggle to master the unexpected — the challenges, small and large, that do not look like what has happened in the past. Humans can dream up ideas that the world has never seen. Machines typically repeat or enhance what they have seen before. That is why Frosst and other sceptics say pushing machines to human-level intelligence will require at least one big idea that the world's technologists have not yet dreamed up. There is no way of knowing how long that will take. "A system that's better than humans in one way will not necessarily be better in other ways," Harvard University cognitive scientist Steven Pinker said. "There's just no such thing as an automatic, omniscient, omnipotent solver of every problem, including ones we haven't even thought of yet. There's a temptation to engage in a kind of magical thinking. But these systems are not miracles. They are very impressive gadgets." While Google's AlphaGo could be humans in a game with "a small, limited set of rules," the article points out that tthe real world "is bounded only by the laws of physics. Modelling the entirety of the real world is well beyond today's machines, so how can anyone be sure that AGI — let alone superintelligence — is just around the corner?" And they offer this alternative perspective from Matteo Pasquinelli, a professor of the philosophy of science at Ca' Foscari University in Venice, Italy. "AI needs us: living beings, producing constantly, feeding the machine. It needs the originality of our ideas and our lives." of this story at Slashdot. #why #we039re #unlikely #get #artificial

Expert Head Artist - Sledgehammer Games - Toronto, ONActivisionToronto Ontario M5E 1G6 Canada5 minutes agoApplyJob Title:Expert Head Artist - Sledgehammer Games - Toronto, ONRequisition ID:R024569Job Description:Your MissionAs Expert Head Artist at Sledgehammer Games, you will oversee the creation of character portraits, hair authoring, blend shape capture as well as helping with facial rig development and performance.You are an expert communicator, collaborator, and ambassador for the team. You will collaborate with Tech Art, Tech Anim, Leads and Directors to create photo real portraits that adhere to quality standards and tone of Call of Duty franchise. Aiming for the utmost realism in execution while maintaining PBR standards and working within technical guidelines.You understand the head creation, both from scan and from scratch. You can mentor your team, proactively find solutions, and deliver significant feedback to both internal and external developers with confidence.This is an onsite position at our office in Toronto, ONThis position requires travel to our studio location in California, US for photo shoot sessions.What you bring to the tablePriorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to the following responsibilities:Create realistic portraits, from sculpt or scan portraits.To author and leading the creation of hair.Create documentation of processes for others to follow as needed.Work closely with Leads, Directors and Artist to maintain the style and quality bar of CoD franchise.Works closely with the Tech Anim, Tools, Engine, and Tech art counterparts from Sledgehammer and other CoD studios to develop new workflows or improve existing tools and technologies to streamline team efficiency.Provides feedback to both internal and external artists regarding quality and technical execution.Proactively helps to troubleshoot and fix problematic content.Be a trusted gatekeeper for performance, efficiency and quality.Research subject matter relating to objectives to ensure an authentic experience.Pushing the quality of the character heads for millions of fans to enjoy.This position requires travel to our studio location in California, US.Player ProfileMinimum requirements:12+ years in the game industry working in art capacity.At least one shipped AAA title, from beginning to finishing a product, including work on an actor/actresses’ likeness either from scan, or made from scratchInspiring portfolio demonstrating focus and commitment to realistic characters especially portraits and likeness.Has experience with the entire scanning process, from the photo capture session, processing capture data to a control/game rig.E xperience in creating realistic portraits, both from scan data and from scratchExperienced with facial riggingand FACSExperienced with texturing for facial, including makeups.Experience with photogrammetry/ scanning/ PCAP tools and software.Knowledge & SkillsAble to create in-game realistic portraits from scratch.Strong anatomy knowledge.Strong understanding in creating character art assets in multiple major 3D and 2D packagesfor console hardwareExcellent understanding of Physically Based Rendering system and techniques.Knowledgeable with skin and hair shaders and the ability to create in-game hair.Knowledgeable in processing raw head scan to a finished in-game asset.Possesses in-depth understanding of game engines, pipelines, and processes.Key AttributesRock solid communication across departments and problem-solving skills.Proven ability to thrive in a challenging and often ambiguous environment.Takes direction well and can confidently give clear concise directionWillingness to improve and learn new skillsAble to work under pressure and meet production deadlinesYour PlatformSledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry, best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since our inception in 2009, the studio has delivered iconic titles like including Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: WWII, and, most recently, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.As industry leaders in first-person shooter development, our commitment to excellence is reflected in every detail of our games, from highly polished multiplayer experiences to emotionally engaging single-player campaigns. At Sledgehammer Games, we believe in pushing boundaries, redefining the possibilities of interactive storytelling, and setting new standards for visual and gameplay fidelity. Together, we aim to deliver world-class gaming content that continues to set the bar for quality, innovation, and player engagement.We are excited to invite a talented and passionate developer to join our growing team as an Expert Head Artist based in our Canadian studio. In this role, you will work collaboratively with our talented teams across the globe, including our locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your skills can make a real impact, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.To learn more about our studio, please visit us at www.sledgehammergames.com .Our WorldAt Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™, and Guitar Hero®. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.We’re not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization.We’re in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater — this could be your opportunity to level up.Ready to Activate Your Future?We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest. Create Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings. Apply #expert #head #artist #sledgehammer #games

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 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.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.this picture!this picture!this picture!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.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.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.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.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.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 . < 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 #embassy #state #kuwait #architectkidd

Cybersecuritygetty Each May, the cybersecurity industry converges in San Francisco for the RSA Conference. This year’s gathering, attracting more than 45,000 attendees, highlighted several transformative trends reshaping digital asset protection, with AI unsurprisingly generating the most discussion. Beyond AI, we're witnessing an acceleration of platformization, which is enabling the rise of comprehensive security providers, cybersecurity moving directly into the data path, and growing threats to operational technology and industrial infrastructure. The Three Faces of AI: Protector, Protected, and Predator Artificial intelligence is emerging as a game-changing force in cybersecurity, playing three distinct roles in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Protecting Enterprise AI Today's enterprises are on the verge of deploying "agentic AI" systems that work independently — scheduling meetings, analyzing data, writing code, and making decisions with minimal human oversight. These AI agents create new security risks as they access sensitive company data and systems. Organizations now need specialized protection to prevent their AI helpers from being compromised. IBM leads this space with its watsonx platform, delivering comprehensive enterprise compliance and governance tools. Domino Data Labs takes compliance to an even higher level for highly regulated industries, while CrowdStrike brings its identity expertise to the agentic AI world through Falcon Identity Protection. As CrowdStrike's president, Michael Sentonas, told me at the event, "Every AI agent is an endpoint that must be protected." Palo Alto Networks unveiled its comprehensive new Prisma AIRS platform to protect AI workloads. The company also announced its intent to acquire Protect AI, an established provider of security solutions for AI applications. Several startups are making strides in this area, including CalypsoAI, with its platform ensuring AI model safety for inference, MIND, with its unique approach to data loss prevention and insider risk management for AI applications, and Cyberhaven, which provides visibility over AI tool usage. AI as a Digital Defender AI is indispensable for security teams protecting vast digital environments against rapidly evolving threats. Modern security systems can analyze billions of events to spot suspicious patterns, identify unusual behavior, automatically respond to threats, and predict potential attack vectors. These systems do this at a scale impossible for human analysts. SentinelOne unveiled its Purple AI Athena, introducing agentic AI capabilities that emulate seasoned security analysts' decision-making processes. Palo Alto Networks enhanced its Charlotte AI platform with tools that automate incident triage and initiate policy-driven responses. Defending Against AI-Powered Attacks Most concerning is how threat actors are wielding AI as a weapon. Cybercriminals and nation-states now use AI to generate convincing phishing emails, create deepfakes for elaborate scams, discover vulnerabilities, and customize attacks based on individuals' online behavior. The most alarming development is how AI democratizes cybercrime, making advanced hacking techniques accessible to almost anyone. This arms race means AI-powered attacks require equally sophisticated AI defenses. While a trend, there isn't dedicated protection against AI attacks. Instead, nearly every company I spoke with at the event recognized the threat and is enhancing offerings to better address it. Platformization: The Rise of Security Giants Cybersecurity platforms function as digital superstores — integrated systems providing multiple security functions through a single interface. Benefits include simplified management through unified dashboards, improved threat detection through tool communication, reduced costs through consolidated licensing, consistent protection across systems, and faster incident response. Palo Alto Networks pioneered this trend, evolving from a network security provider to a comprehensive platform. CrowdStrike expanded from endpoint protection to a full-scale security platform with its Falcon offering, while SentinelOne transformed its Singularity solution into a broader platform. Tech giants like Microsoft, Cisco, and Google follow similar paths. Protection Moves into the Data Path Traditional cybersecurity has functioned as a wall around digital assets. A new approach is emerging: embedding protection directly into data management systems. This "in-line" security continuously monitors and safeguards data as it moves, is accessed, and is stored. Nearly every storage provider is doing something in this space. NetApp has integrated real-time malware scanning directly into their storage systems, automatically checking files for threats whenever they're saved or accessed, all without requiring separate security software or adding delays. IBM offers similar technology across its storage portfolio. Infinidat, the only storage vendor exhibiting at RSAC this year, takes an even bolder approach by offering actual guarantees around data recovery after a cyberattack. Its storage solutions include built-in capabilities ensuring organizations can recover data without paying ransom, backed by a financial guarantee with specific recovery time objectives. Pure Storage supports immutable snapshots and offers comprehensive SLAs for ransomware recovery in its Evergreen//One storage-as-a-service offering. Hewlett-Packard Enterprise recently announced similar capabilities for its B10000 Alletra storage systems. OT and the Edge: The New Security Frontier Operational Technology refers to the hardware and software that monitor and control physical equipment and processes. These systems run power plants, water treatment facilities, manufacturing lines, oil refineries, and transportation networks. For decades, these industrial systems were largely isolated from the internet, creating an "air gap" that made them difficult to hack remotely. That world has disappeared. Today's industrial facilities are rapidly connecting their operational systems to corporate networks and the internet, creating dangerous new attack surfaces. Unlike typical cyberattacks that might result in stolen data or financial losses, attacks on industrial systems can have physical, real-world consequences. Securing these environments requires specialized approaches: Asset Visibility: Organizations are investing in specialized tools to discover and monitor all industrial devices and systems OT-Specific Security: Implementing security technologies specifically designed for industrial systems Network Segmentation: Dividing networks into isolated zones to prevent attackers from moving from business systems to critical operational systems Supply Chain Security: Securing complex equipment and software supply chains against tampering and compromises A small but growing segment of the cybersecurity industry is dedicated to protecting these environments. Cisco's Industrial Threat Platform directly addresses these concerns, announcing new capabilities at RSAC. It integrates new threat intelligence from Cisco Vulnerability Management and provides new industrial zone protection in its Cyber Vision and Secure Firewall. TXOne Networks, a startup specializing in OT protection, showcased its Stellar endpoint protection solution. Stellar enables AI-powered threat detection, zero-trust segmentation, and real-time behavioral monitoring for OT environments. The Road Ahead: Cybersecurity's Evolution The trends highlighted at this year's RSA Conference paint a clear picture of cybersecurity's future. The industry is moving from isolated security tools to comprehensive platforms, from perimeter defenses to protection embedded in the data path, and from primarily digital concerns to securing the physical-digital intersection. Meanwhile, AI has introduced a complex three-dimensional challenge: it must be protected as a valuable enterprise asset, leveraged as a powerful defensive tool, and countered as a formidable weapon in attackers' arsenals. Enterprises that adapt to this new reality will be positioned to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Those that cling to outdated security paradigms may find themselves dangerously exposed. The message from RSAC 2025 is clear: cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concert but a fundamental business imperative requiring strategic investment and continuous evolution. As attack surfaces expand and threats grow more sophisticated, the most successful organizations will embrace these emerging trends and build security into every aspect of their operations. Robust cybersecurity is about more than just avoiding disaster; Cybersecurity is about enabling innovation and growth with confidence. Disclosure: Steve McDowell is an industry analyst, and NAND Research is an industry analyst firm, that engages in, or has engaged in, research, analysis and advisory services with many technology companies, including HPE, IBM, Infinidat, NetApp, Pure Storage, and SentinelOne. Mr. McDowell does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned. #top #cybersecurity #trends #emerging #rsa