The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is a great choice for multicolour printing on a budget.

Small sectional sofas (which are a thing, trust us) are just the right seating solution for those with cramped spaces who recognize that it’s not humanly possible to get cozy on a loveseat. “A sectional can give you that maxed-out seating and help the room feel like a cozy nook, not a cramped back office,” says designer Caroline Burke of Anna Burke Interiors.Though sectionals in all their long configurations can feel counterintuitive for small spaces, designer Ashley Darryl says the opposite is often true. “Sometimes using several small pieces can make a room feel cluttered,” says of the sofa-chair-table cluster that’s become de rigueur in living rooms. Whether your goal is to fit the whole family for movie night or just successfully stretch out completely solo, the right-size sectional can transform a cramped room in unexpected ways.“Typically, sectionals can double your seating,” notes AD100 interior designer Victoria Hagan, and author of Live Now. Burke agrees, adding that choosing a piece with a low back and arms can “help a small room not feel engulfed by a piece of furniture.”To help with your seating journey, we pulled together our favorite sectionals for small spaces—from bouclé beauties to rawhide leather configurations. Read up on some common seating FAQs below, answered by designers, as well.Our Top Picks for the Best Small Sectional SofasBest Leather Option: Castlery Jonathan Leather Side Chaise Sofa, $4,547Best Upholstered Sofa: Vesgantti Modular Sectional Sofa, $700 $550Best Sleeper Sofa: Pottery Barn Shasta Reversible Chaise Sleeper Sectional, $2,599For Sculptural Seating: AllModern Anson Modular Sectional, $3,098 $2,673For Iconic Design: Herman Miller Luva Modular Sectional, $8,430For a Modular Arrangement: Burrow Range 3-Piece Sectional Lounger, $1299 $979In This ArticleBest Leather OptionCastlery Jonathan Leather Side Chaise SectionalSpecsDimensions: 27.6"H x 84.3"W x 94.1"D (long side) and 39.4"D (short side)Seat Depth: 24.4"Materials: Top grain leather, veneer lumber, and plywoodCare: Wipe clean with dry clothAD commerce director Rachel Fletcher has adored this modular sectional since 2022, reviewing it as “modern, minimalist, and tasteful,” pet-friendly, and a powerful design moment for your living room. This modular sectional includes a versatile chaise lounge so you can expand your sectional or split it up when you move.Best Budget SofaWade Logan Fultonham 6-Piece Upholstered SectionalSpecsDimensions: 27.6"H x 84.3"W x 94.1"D (long side) and 39.4"D (short side)Seat Depth: 24.4"Materials: Top grain leather, veneer lumber, and plywoodCare: Wipe clean with dry clothOkay, yes, six pieces seem like a lot for a small sectional sofa. But keep in mind that you can mix-and-match elements, turning some into cozy reading chairs and connecting others into larger lounge spaces. We love the taller back cushions on this blocky option which ensure that you aren’t slouching your way through your next movie marathon.Best Upholstered SofaVesgantti Modular Sectional SofaSpecsDimensions: 60"D x 108"W x 35.5"HSeat Depth: 26"Materials: Wood, foam fill, chenille upholsteryCare: Wipe clean with dry clothReviews of this Amazon sectional tout the benefits of durable-feeling upholstery and easy assembly. Sure, 108 inches may seem large for small spaces, but that’s only if you format this sofa as a three-seater. A modular makeup ensures that you can move each piece around to best suit your living room. As an added bonus, this sofa comes ready with two sets of legs at varying heights, so you can decide how low to the ground you want to be.For Sculptural SeatingAllModern Anson Modular SectionalSpecsDimensions: 32.5''H x 100.75''W x 61.25''DSeat Depth: Not listedMaterials: Wood, foam, synthetic fiber fill, polyester upholsteryCare: Spot clean with dry, solvent-based cleanerWith a curved, high back that draws you in like a hug, and slim lumbar pillows for added back support, All Modern’s Anson sectional takes the best elements of sculptural furniture and makes them compatible with small space living. Available in three upholstery colors and the option of chaise sides, this sectional sofa is an ideal happy medium between sink-in cozy texture and statement-worthy design.Best Sleeper SofaPottery Barn Shasta Reversible Chaise Sleeper SectionalSpecsDimensions: 83.5"W x 59"D x 35"HSeat Depth: 29.5"Materials: Solid rubberwood frame, polyester-wrapped cushions, innerspring mattress,Care: Blot spills immediately with a clean, colorfast towel or sponge, vacuum cushions regularlyHosting guests in a small space requires some compromise, but any consummate host knows that good hospitality doesn’t come in the form of a saggy air mattress. Instead, this sleek sofa folds out into a queen-sized bed, accommodating your guests comfortably without taking up too much additional space. All-white can be dicey for any highly trafficked piece of furniture, but the sofa also comes in a range of hardier fabrics like basketweave, tweed, and velvet in all sorts of rich colors. Buyers even have the option to add storage in the chaise.Best Velvet OptionArticle Abisko Velvet SectionalSpecsDimensions: 28"H x 94.5"W x 63.5"DSeat Depth: 25"Materials: Frame: kiln-dried solid larch, plywood, brushed aluminum; Filling: high-density foam, polyester fiber; Fabric: 100% polyesterCare: Blot stains with a dry clothThe best-selling Sven sectional from Article is made even more beautiful by colorful, performance velvet upholstery. Suitable for those with little ones and pets running around, the fabric is non-absorptive, meaning spills and crumbs won’t stay embedded in its weave. Two orientations—chaise and L-shaped—allow you to Tetris its silhouette into your space as you see fit.For Cloudlike UpholsteryWest Elm Harmony Modular Chaise SectionalSpecsDimensions: 86"W x 62"D x 37"HSeat Depth: 23"Materials: Engineered hardwood frame, fiber-wrapped high-density polyurethane foam, high-gauge sinuous springs, upholstery (linen, basketweave, velvet, chenille, and twill options)Care: Blot spills immediately with a clean, colorfast towel; spot clean with a damp cloth or spongeWith a seat depth of 23 inches, this is the ideal small sectional for sinking in and getting cozy. A multitude of pillows allows for added comfort, while the chaise seat lets at least one person on the end stretch their legs out. Rather than simply make this sofa smaller or more narrow, the entire size has also been scaled down to look proportional without sacrificing style in smaller living rooms.For a Thoroughly Modern SilhouetteDesign Within Reach Pastille Sectional ChaiseSpecsDimensions: 57"D x 80"W x 32"HSeat Depth: 23"Materials: Steel-reinforced plywood frame, high-density, high-resiliency foam cushions, memory foam toppers, fabric or leather upholsteryCare: Spot cleanThe Pastille Sectional with an included chaise is an appropriate ode to the British candy, combining clean lines with cheerful colorways. Designed by Hlynur Atlason, this lounge sofa features a low seat (approximately 18 inches high), for not only cramped quarters, but low-ceilinged ones, too. And thanks to the lightness of the design, this sofa will also never look too heavy or oversized for your living room.For an Artpiece SofaHerman Miller Luva Modular SectionalSpecsDimensions: 61.5"D x 78.25"W x 40.75"HSeat Depth: 51.5"Materials: Steel frame, layered foam, fabric or leather upholsteryCare: Spot cleanSmall in stature but never short on personality, the Luva modular sectional has a squishy texture and a cartoonish shape. Available in a two and three seater configuration and countless upholstery options (like this Kindercore yellow), this versatile 78-inch sectional would feel right at home in a basement or a reading corner in need of some verve. It’s certainly a splurge, but for the iconic Herman Miller name, plus full assembly included in the price tag, it’s an investment that we imagine will hold up nicely over time.For a Modular ArrangementBurrow Range 3-Piece Sectional LoungerSpecsDimensions: 28"H x 62"W x 60.5"DSeat Depth: 21"Materials: Bent plywood frame, medium-density foam, shredded fill, fiber wadding, basketweave or velvet upholsteryCare: Water and bleach solutionInstead of opting for a giant L-shaped sectional that will take up the entire room, aim for something with a smaller footprint. Available in performance fabric and three leg finishes, this sectional couch is ideal for a tiny living space and a major upgrade from a smaller loveseat thanks to the chaise addition. While not an official fold-out sleeper sofa, the back cushions flop back to give you enough space should you be inclined to nap. Contributor David Kaufman, who tested it out for us, calls it “a great starter sofa for a first home or apartment that you won’t have to send to a landfill when you’re ready to move.”For Some TextureUrban Outfitters Macy Modular SofaSpecsDimensions: 30"H x 40"W x 40"DSeat Depth: Not listedMaterials: Polyester, plywood, pine woodCare: Spot cleanThis one is like a “choose your own adventure” in sofa form. Buy each piece separately to create the perfect sectional for your space. Corner chairs, seats with arms, seats without arms, an ottoman—you’ve got options. The ribbed corduroy is a throwback to college-dorm days (but in a good way).For Low-to-the-Ground LeatherArticle Cigar Rawhide Tan Reversible SectionalSpecsDimensions: 26"H x 92"W x 94"DSeat Depth: 27"Materials: Frame: kiln-dried solid pine, MDF, rubberwood; Filling: high-density foam, polyester fiber, duck feathers; Leather: 100% top grain, full-aniline Italian pull-up leatherCare: Wipe with a damp clothThe reversible chaise makes this sectional super versatile—meaning there’s a good chance it’ll fit right into your next space too. Low profile in silhouette and minimalist in style, the smooth leather texture carries this design’s personality while keeping things sturdy for movie nights. And while it may not be a sofa bed, don’t let anyone dissuade you from a full night’s snooze.Best sectionals for small spaces FAQs:What features should I look for in a sectional for small living rooms?Modular furniture—any sectional that comes in several parts so you can adjust your sofa to suit the configurations—is built with flexibility in mind, making it the ideal contender for a small living space. We have tested and loved Castlery modular sofas, but a search for modular sectional should give you plenty of other options. A room tight on space can benefit from couches with storage, like those from Albany Park. Now you’ll be able to minimize the clutter and extra blankets by stowing them underneath your seat.How do I arrange a sectional in a small space?Don’t fall for the tiniest sectional you can find, but rather invest in something well-made—it plays a big part in your living room, after all. While it may seem counterintuitive, Nashville interior designer Amanda Khouri says, “Filling a small room with small furniture can make it feel…well, smaller.”Designer Alicia Murphy used a sectional in the living room of a teensy trailer she converted into a plush family getaway in Montauk, New York, for this very reason: “If you use a corner sectional rather than a sofa and chair, you most likely will add seating for two or three more people,” Murphy explains, noting that the alternative prevents you from having about 36 inches of dead space in the corner.”

With summer vacations on the horizon, Disney Experiences are popping off at their bi-coastal theme parks, Disney Cruises, and international destinations. Walt Disney World is getting a nighttime parade featuring new Pixar and Disney Animation Studios favorites, while Mickey Mouse and the Fab Five get dapper outfits to shine along with Starlight. Spooky fun is already beginning with the Disney Villains getting their own show at WDW’s Hollywood Studios and Halloween party tickets going on sale. Over at Disneyland, the 70th anniversary party is in full swing with fun festive foods and more. At Disneyland Paris, the theme park dances the summer away with a new music festival. And Disney Cruises prepares to set sail with the fleet’s newest ship in this week’s theme park news. Walt Disney World – Starlight This summer brings an all-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, which will debut July 20, 2025. The Magic Kingdom Park exclusive will bring back nighttime parades to the Walt Disney World resort and will feature classic and new Disney and Pixar fandom faves along the parade route on Main Street. The sparkling floats will light up the night and of course we’re excited to see the updates to Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Daisy’s costumes for the summer premiere. Walt Disney World – Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After There has been a need for more indoor shows as Walt Disney World’s humid summer gets underway, so why not some chilling tales from the Disney Villains to beat the heat? We’re excited to check out Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After for a fun musical romp through villain showstoppers and more. Walt Disney World – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Haunted Mansion’s Butler Broom extends the invitation for what’s sure to be a swinging wake. New this year will be a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse spooky meet and greet at the Town Square Theater. For those of us with little tots, the Storybook Circus will get a “happy haunt” transformation to help the smallest of Disney fans ease into the spirit of the season—since it is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween after all. Along with popular returning faves, the event will run August 15 to October 31. Tickets here. Disney Imagineering tour of Epcot’s Moana: Journey of Water Delight in one of our favorite walkthrough attractions at Walt Disney World to keep summer visitors cool with Imagineering’s fun-fact filled behind the scenes look at Moana: Journey of Water. Disneyland 70th Food This summer, aside from watching all the nighttime shows and scavenger hunting with the key to Disneyland, we’ll be eating our way through the parks. Our current fave dish is the 70th celebration Mickey Waffles at Schmoozies which are like confetti cake in flavor and have a creamy strawberry center that’s not to be missed. Disneyland France – Disney Music Festival © Disneyland Paris Disneyland Paris makes a debut as a music festival destination from now until September 7 with the Disney Music Festival. The event will combine all genres of music with experiences inspired by Pixar and Disney Animation favorites, with hubs dedicated to various genres of music. That includes a mariachi band with Coco’s Miguel in Frontierland, jazz with Mary Poppins in Town Square, rock n’ roll with Elvis Stitch in Discoveryland, and more characters getting in on the fun. I want to know to know the story of DJ Chip and Dale, who just by the looks of their outfits look like they mean house music business. Disney Cruise – The Disney Destiny The comic book action and fairytale magic of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel heroes and villains will soon take over the Disney Destiny, the newest ship set to embark on ocean adventures in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The Destiny will begin its trips later this year on November 20 with 4-5 night cruises taking off from the port of Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. We’re excited for the ship’s epic looking Hercules show and the gorgon battle teased in the image above. Duffy and Friends Celebrate 20 years at Tokyo DisneySea The iconic international bear Duffy and his friends are turning 20. The celebration is hittingTokyo DisneySea for seaside fun this year with special food, entertainment and merch. I hope we get some stateside soon! We need LinaBell and other plushes for those of us collecting. Star Wars BDX Droids on a World Tour – Tokyo Disneyland International Disney fans can meet the Star Wars droids which will be featured in Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian and Grogu until June 30 at Tokyo Disneyland. Spider-Man themed land breaks ground at Shanghai Disney Resort The Marvel Cinematic (theme park) Universe expands at Shanghai Disneyland with a new Spider-Man inspired land which will host new shows, dining, and attractions. Notably there will be a high-octane coaster that will swing you around on a heroic action encounter with Spidey. Land broke on May 18 for the area which will neighbor the recently opened Zootopia land. Makes sense, the Wonderful World of Disney insects living next to animals and all. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Whether you’re heading to this year’s Biennale, planning a future visit, or simply daydreaming about Venice, this guide—contributed by Hamilton-based architect Bill Curran—offers insights and ideas for exploring the canal-crossed city. Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go. – Truman Capote Venice is my mystical addiction and I soon will make my 26th trip there, always for about 10 days or more. I keep getting asked why, and asked by other architects to share what to do and what to see. Only Italo Calvino could have reimagined (in ‘Invisible Cities’) such a magical, unique place, a water-born gem forged from 120 islands linked by 400 bridges and beset by a crazy-quilt medieval street and canal pattern. Abstract, dancing light forms dappling off water, the distinct automobile-less quiet. La Serenissima, The Most Serene One. Most buildings along the Grand Canal were warehouses with the family home above on the piano nobile floor above, and servant apartments above that in the attics, in a sea-faring nation state of global traders and merchants like Marco Polo. Uniquely built on a foundation of 1,000-year-old wood pilings, its uneven, wonky buildings have forged a rich place in history, literature and movies: Joseph Brodsky’s Watermark, Hemingway’s Across the River and into the Trees, Don’t Look Now starring Donald Sutherland, Mann’s Death in Venice, The Comfort of Strangers with Christopher Walken, Henry James’ The Wings of the Dove and The Aspern Papers, Kate Hepburn’s ‘Summertime. Yes, yes, Ruskin’s Stones of Venice is an option, as are Merchant of Venice and Casanova. Palazzo Querini Stampalia (Venice): Photo via Wikipedia THE MODERN ARCHITECTURE OF VENICE Much of Venetian life is lived in centuries-old buildings, with a crushing post-war recession leaving it preserved in amber for decades until the mass tourists found it. Now somewhat relieved of at least the cruise ship daytrippers, it is a reasonable place again, except maybe in peak summer. The weight of history, a conservatism for preservation and post-war anti-Americanism led to architectural stagnation. So there are few new, modern buildings, mostly on the edges, and some fine interior interventions, mostly invisible. For modern architecture enthusiasts Venice is a challenge. Carlo Scarpa (Giardini, Venise) – Photo via Wikipedia, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license Here is what modern architects should see: Carlo Scarpa‘s Must-See Works: Go see any of Scarpa’s interventions, demonstrating his mastery of detailing, materials, joinery and his approach to blending with existing fabric. He is Italy’s organicist, their Frank Lloyd Wright, and they even worked together (on the Masieri Foundation). Negozio Olivetti: The tiny former Olivetti typewriter showroom enfronting Piazza San Marco is perhaps the most wonderful of his works. It is open now to visit as a heritage museum. ”God is in the details”; Scarpa carefully considered every detail, material and connection. Le magasin Olivetti de Carlo Scarpa (Venise). Photo via Wikipedia. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license The Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a must see, a renovated palazzo with ground floor exhibit spaces with tidewater allowed to rise up inside in one area you bridge across. The former entrance bridge is a lovely gem of exquisite detailing, rendered obsolete by a meh renovation by Mario Botta. A MUST is to have a coffee or prosecco in Scarpa’s garden and see the craft and detail of its amazing water feature. The original palazzo rooms are a lovely semi-public library inhabited by uni students; sign up as a member on-line for free. Walk up the spiral stair. The entry gate to the UIAV Architecture School in Campo Tolentini  is an unexpected wonder. A brutalist yet crisply detailed sliding concrete and steel gate, a sculpted concrete lychgate, then an ancient doorway placed on the lawn as a basin. Main Gate of the Tolentini building headquarters of Iuav university of Venice designed by Carlo Scarpa. Photo via Wikipedia, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license OTHER MODERN ARCHITECTURE TO SEE: Minimalist Dave Chipperfield expanded an area of suede-like concrete columbariums on the St. Michele cemetery island. Sublime. Extra points if you can find the tomb Scarpa designed nearby. The Ponte della Costituzione (English: Constitution Bridge) is the fourth bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. It was designed by Santiago Calatrava. (Image via: Wikipedia) Calatrava’s Ponte della Constituzione bridge is an elegant, springing gazelle over the entrance to the Grand Central. But the glass steps are slippery and are being replaced soon, and the City is suing Calatrava, oops. The barrier-free lift pod died soon after opening. It is lovely though.   Le Canal della Giudecca, la Punta della Dogana, la basilique Santa Maria della Salute de Venise et le Canal Grande à Venise (Italie). Photo via Wikipedia Tadao Ando’s Punte Della Dognana museum is large, with sublime, super-minimalist, steel and glass and velvety exposed concrete interventions, while his Palazzo Grassi Museum was more restoration. A little known fact is that Ando used Scarpa’s lovely woven basketweave metal gate design in homage. An important hidden gem is the Teatrino Grassi behind the Museum, a small but fabulous, spatially dramatic theatre that often has events, a must-see! Fondaco dei Tedeschi: At the foot of Rialto Bridge and renovated by Rem Koolhaas, this former German trading post had been transformed into a luxury shopping mall but closed last month, a financial failure. Graced with a stunning atrium and a not well know fabulous rooftop viewing terrace, its future is now uncertain. The atrium bar is by Phillipe Starck and is cool. Try it just in case. Fondaco dei Tedeschi. Photo via Wikipedia Procuratie Vecchie: This iconic 16th storey building is one of Piazza San Marco’s defining buildings, and David Chipperfield’s restoration and renovation of this building, which defines Piazza San Marco, is all about preservation with a few modern, minimalist interventions. It operates as a Biennale exhibit space. Infill housing on former industrial sites on Guidecca Island includes several interesting new developments called the Fregnans, IACP and Junghans sites (look for fine small apartments such as by Cino Zucchi that reinterpret traditional Venetian apartment language). A small site called Campo di Marte includes side-by-sides by Alvaro Siza (disappointing), Aldo Rossi and Carlo Aymonino (ho hum); some day there will be a Rafael Moneo on the empty lot.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Denton Corker Marshall (@dentoncorkermarshall) AT THE BIENNALE: At the Biennale grounds there is much to see, with the only recent project the Australia Pavilion by Denton Corker, a black granite box hovering along a canal. Famous buildings include the Nordic Pavilion (Sven Ferre), Venezuela Pavilion (Carlo Scarpa), Finland Pavilion (Alvar Aalto), former Ticket Booth (Carlo Scarpa), Giardino dell Sculture (Carlo Scarpa), Bookstore (James Stirling) and there are some fab modern interiors inside the old boat factory buildings. Canada’s Pavilion by the Milan firm BBPR (don’t ask why) from 1956 is awkward, weird and much loathed by artists and curators. Le pavillon des pays nordiques (Giardini, Venise). Photo via Wikipedia, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. Just outside the Biennale on the Zattere waterfront is a stirring Monument to the Women Partisans of WWII, laid in the water by Augusto Maurer over a simple stepped-base designed by Scarpa. Venezia – Complesso monastico di San Giorgio Maggiore. Photo via Wikipedia,  licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. BEYOND THE BIENNALE The Vatican Chapels: In 2018 the Vatican decided to participate in the Biennale for the first time for some reason and commissioned ten architects to design chapels that are located in a wooded area on the Venetian island of San Giorgio Maggiore, behind Palladio’s church. The architects include Norman Foster, Eduardo Souto de Moura, and Smiljan Radic, and includes The Asplund Pavilion, like the Woodland Chapel  that inspired it. It is intended as a “place of orientation, encounter, meditation, and salutation.” The 10 chapels each symbolize one of the Ten Commandments, and offer 10 unique interpretations of the original Woodland Chapel; many are open air. These are fab and make you think! Chiese San Giorgio Maggiore was designed by Palladio and is fine. But its bell tower offers magnificent city views and avoids the long lines, crowds and costs of Piazza San Marco’s Campanile. Next to San Giorgio you should tour the Cini Foundation, with an amazing stair by Longhera, the modern Monica Lunga Library (Michele De Lucchi) and a lovely Borges-inspired labyrinth garden. Behind San Giorgio en route to the Chapels is the Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) and the fabulous Le Stanze della Fotografia (contemporary photography gallery) featuring a Mapplethorpe retrospective this year. (If you’re visiting this year, join me in Piazza San Marco on July 7, 2025, for his ex Patti Smith’s concert.) An unknown MUST DO is a concert in the stunning Auditorium Lo Squero (Cattaruzza Millosevich), with but 200 comfy seats in an adapted boat workshop with a stage wall of glass onto the lagoon and the Venitian cityscape. La Fenice Opera House in Venice, Italy. Image via: Wikipedia La Fenice Opera House: after burning down in 1996, Aldo Rossi supervised the rebuilding, more or less ‘as it was, as it is’, the Italian heritage cop-out. There is no Rossi to see here, but it is a lovely grand hall. Book a concert with private box seats. Venice Marco Polo Airport is definitely Aldo Rossi-inspired in its language, materials and colours. The ‘Gateway Terminal’ boat bus and taxi dock is a true grand gateway (see note about Gehry having designed an unbuilt option below). Venice Marco Polo airport. Photo via Wikipedia HIDDEN GEMS Fondazione Vendova by Renzo Piano features automated displays of huge paintings by a local abstract modernist moving about a wonderful huge open warehouse and around viewers. Bizarre and fascinating. Massimo Scolari was a colleague or Rossi’s and is a brilliant, Rationalist visionary and painter, renown to those of us devotees of the Scarpa/Rossi/Scolari cult in the 1980’s. His ‘Wings’ sculpture is a large scale artwork motif from his drawings now perched on the roof of the UIAV School of Architecture, and from the 1991 Biennale. Do yourself a favour, dear reader, look up his work. Krier, Duany and the New Urbanists took note. He reminds me of the 1920s Italian Futurists. You can tour all the fine old churches you want, but only one matters to me: Santa Maria dei Miracoli, a barrel-vaulted, marble and wood-roofed confection. San Nicolo dei Mendicoli is admittedly pretty fab, and featured in ‘Don’t Look Now’.  And the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta on Torcello has an amazing mosaic floor, very unusual stone slab window shutters (and is near Locanda Cipriani for a wonderful garden lunch, where Hemingway sat and wrote). For the Scarpiani: There is a courtroom, the Manilo Capitolo, inside the Venice Civic Tribunale building in the Rialto Market that was renovated by Scarpa, and is amazing in its detail, including furniture and furnishings. You have to pass security to get in, and wait until court ends if on. It is worth it! The Aula Mario Baratto is a large classroom in a Palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal designed by Carlo Scarpa with amazing wood details and furniture. The room has stunning frescoes also. You can book a tour through Universite Ca’ Foscari. The view at a bend in the Grand Canal is stunning, and you can see the Fondazione Masieri (Scarpa renovation) building off to the left across the side canal (see Missed Opportunities). Within the Accademia Galleries and Correr Museum are a number of small renovations, stairs and art stands designed by Scarpa. Next to the Chiesa di San Sebastino decorated by Veronese is the Scarpa entrance to a linguistics library for the Universita Ca’ Foscari. Fondation W – Wilmotte & Associés: A French architect who is not shy and presumably rather wealthy runs his own exhibition space focused on architecture; ‘…it is both a laboratory and shop window…’,  so one of those. Worth a look. There is a recent Courthouse that is sleek, long, narrow, black and compelling on the north side of Piazzalle Roma, but I have not yet wandered in.   FOOD AND DRINKS FOR ARCHITECTS Philippe Starck’s lobby bar at the Palazzina Grassi hotel is the only cool, mod bar in town. Wow! Ask the barman to see the secret Krug Room and use the PG bar’s unique selfie washroom. I love this bar: old, new, electic. Also, Starck has a house on Burano, next to the pescheria (sorry, useless ephemera). He wants you to drop by. Restaurant Algiubagiò is the only cool, modern restaurant and it has fab food. It also has a great terrace over the water. Go! Zanze XVI is a nice clean mod interior and Michelin food. Worth it. Ristorante Lineadombra: A lovely, crisp modern interior and crisp modern Venetian food. A great terrace on the water also. Local Venice is a newer, clean, crisp resto with ‘interesting’ prices. Your call. Osteria Alla Bifora, while in a traditional workshop space, is a clean open loft, adorned modernly with a lovely array of industrial and historic relics. It is a lovely bar with charcuterie and a patio on the buzzy campo for students. Great for late night. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, a standard lunch you must try. All’ Arco near Rialto has excellent nouveau food and 50m away is the lovely old school Do Mori. Osteria Al Squero in Dorsoduro overlooks one of the last working gondola workshops, and 100m away is the great Cantino del Vino già Schiavi. Basegò has creative, nouveau cichetti. Drinks on a patio along the Grand Canal can only be had economically at Taverna al Remer, or in Campo Erberia at Nanzaria, Bancogira, Al Pesador or Osteria Al Cichetteria. Avoid any place around Rialto Bridge except these. El Sbarlefo San Pantalon has a Scarpa vibe and a hip, young crowd. There is a Banksy 50’ away. Ristorante Venissa is a short bridge from Burano to Mazzorbo island, a Michelin-starred delight set in its own vineyard.   Since restaurant design cannot tie you up here, try some fab local joints: Trattoria Anzolo Raffaele : The owner’s wife is from Montreal, which is something. A favorite! Pietra Rossa: A fab, smart place with a hidden garden run by a hip, fun young restauranteur, Andrea. Ask for the Canadian architect discount. Oste Mauro Lorenzon : An entertaining wine and charcuterie bar run by the hip young restauranteur’s larger than life father, and nearby. Mauro is a true iconoclast. Only open evenings and I dare you to hang there late. Anice Stellato: A great family run spot, especially for fish. Excellent food always. La Colonna Ristorante: A nice, neighbourhood joint hidden in a small campo. Il Paradiso Perduto: A very lively joint with good food and, rarely in Venice, music. Buzzy and fun. Busa da Lele: Great neighbourhood joint on Murano in a lovely Campo. Trattoria Da Romano: Best local joint on Burano. Starck hangs here, as did Bourdain.   Cafes: Bacaro aea Pescaria is at the corner by Campo de la Becarie. Tiny, but run by lovely guys who cater to pescaria staff. Stand outside with a prosecco and watch the market street theatre. Extra points if you come by for a late night drink. Bar ai Artisti is my second fav café, in Campo S. Barnaba facing where Kate Hepburn splashed into the canal. Real, fab pastries, great terrace in Campo too. Café at Querini Stampalia: get a free visit to Scarpa’s garden and wander it with a coffee or prosecco. Make sure to see the bookstore also (and the Scarpa exhibition hall adjacent). Carlo Scarpa à la Fondation Querini Stampalia (Venise). Photo via Wikipedia, A lesser known place is the nice café in the Biennale Office next to Hotel Monaco, called Ombra del Leone. The café in the Galleria Internationale d’Arte Moderna Ca’ Pesaro is great with a terrace on the Grand Canal.   Cocktail bars: Retro Venezia: Cool, retro vibe. The owner’s wife dated a Canadian hockey player. You must know him. Il Mercante: A fabulous cocktail bar. Go. Time Social Bar:  Another cool cocktail bar. Vero Vino: A fab wine bar where you can sit along a canal. Many good restaurants nearby! Arts Bar Venice: If you must have a cocktail with a compelling story, and are ok with a $45 pricetag. Claims Scarpa design influence, I say no. But read the cocktail stories, they are smart and are named for artists including Scarpa. Bar Longhi in in the Gritti Hotel is a classic, although cheesey to me. Hemingway liked it. It has a Grand Canal terrace. The Hilton Stucky Hotel is a fabulous former flour factory from when they built plants to look like castles, but now has a bland, soulless Hilton interior like you are in Dayton. But it has a rooftop bar and terrace with amazing sunset views! While traditional, the stunning, ornate lobby, atrium and main stair of the Hotel Danieli are a must-see. Have a drink in the lobby bar by the piano player some evening.   STAYING MODERN Palazzina Grassi is the only modern hotel in Venice, with a really lovely, unique lobby/bar/restaurant all done by Philippe Starck. At least see the fab bar! Johnny Depp’s favourite. Generator Hostel: A hip new-age ‘design-focused’ hostel well worth a look. Not like any hostel I ever patronized, no kegs on the porch. Go visit the lobby for the design. A Euro chain. DD724 is a small boutique hotel by an Italian architect with thoughtful detailing and colours, near the Peggy Guggenheim Museum (the infamous Unfinished Palazzo), and they have a small remote outpost with fabulous apartment called iQS that is lovely. The owner’s brother is the architect. My fave! Avogaria: Not just a 5 room hotel, it is ‘a concept’, which is great, right?  But very cool. An architect is one of the owners. German minimalist architect Matteo Thun’s JW Mariott Venice Resort Hotel and Spa is an expensive convent renovation on its own lagoon island that shows how blandness is yawningly close to minimalism. The Hotel Bauer Palazzo has a really lovely mid-century modern section facing Campo San Moise, but it is shrouded in construction scaffolding for now.   SHOPPING MODERN FOR ARCHITECTS It is hard to find cool modern shopping options, but here is where you can: Libreria Acqua Alta: Used books and a lovely, unexpected, fab, alt experience. You must see and wander this experience! It has cats too. Giovanna Zanella: Shoes that are absolute works of art! At least look in her window. Bancolotto N10: Stunning women’s clothing made in the women’ prison as a job skill training program. Impeccable clothes; save a moll from a life of crime. Designs188: Giorgio Nason makes fabulous glass jewellery around the corner from the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Davide Penso: Artisan made glass jewellery on Murano. Ferrovetro Murano: Artisan made jewellery, bags, scarfs. (on Murano). Madera: All the cool designer housewares and jewellery. DECLARE: Cool, modern leathergoods in a very sweet modern shop with exquisite metal detailing. A must see! Ottica Urbani: Cool Italian eyewear and sunglasses. Paperowl: Handmade paper, products, classes. Feeling Venice: Cool design and tourist bling can be found only here. No shot glasses.   MISSED OPPORTUNITIES, MEMORIES AND B-SIDES The Masieri Foundation: Look up the tragic story of this project, a lovely, small memorial to a young architect who died in a car accident on his honeymoon en route to visit Fallingwater in 1952. Yep. His widow commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design a small student residence and study centre, but it was stopped by anti-American and anti-Modernism sentiments. (Models and renderings are on-line). This may be Venice’s saddest architectural loss ever. The consolation prize is a very, very lovely Scarpa interior reno. Try to get in, ring the bell (it is used as offices by the university)! (Read Troy M. Ainsworth’s thesis on the Masieri project history). Also cancelled: Lou Kahn’s Palace of Congress set for the Arsenale, Corbusier’s New Venice Hospital which would have been sitting over the Lagoon in Cannaregio near the rail viaduct, Gehry’s Venice Gateway (the airport’s ferry/water taxi dock area). Also lost was Rossi’s temporary Teatro del Mondo, a barged small theatre that tooted around Venice and was featured in a similar installation in 1988 at the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant. All available on-line. Teatro del Mondo di Aldo Rossi, Venezia 1980. Photo via Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0 Itches to scratch: Exercise your design skills to finish the perennial favorite ‘Unfinished Palazzo’ of the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, design a new Masieri Foundation, design the 11th Vatican Chapel or infill the derelict gasometer site next to Palladio’s Chiese San Francisco della Vigna.   FURTHER AFIELD Within an hour’s drive, you can see the simply amazing Tombe Brion in San Vito Altivole and the tiny, stunning Giptotecha Canova in Possagna (both by Scarpa), the Nardini Grappa Distillery in Bassano del Grappa by Maximillio Fuksas, and a ferry and taxi will get you to Richard Meier’s Jesolo Lido Condos on the beach. A longer drive of two hours into the mountains near Cortina will bring you to Scarpa’s lovely and little known Nostra Signore di Cadora Church. It is sublime! Check out the floor! Zaha Hadid’s stunning Messner Mountain Museum floats above Cortina, accessible by cable car. The recent M-09 Museum on mainland Mestre, a quick 10 minute train ride from Venice, by Sauerbruch + Hutton is a lovely urban museum with dynamic cladding. Castelvecchio Museum. Photo via Wikipedia The Veneto region is home to many cool things, and fab train service gets you quickly to Verona (Scarpa’s Castelvecchio Museum and Banco Populare), Vicenza (Palladio’s Villa Rotonda and Basillicata). There are Palladio villas scattered about the Veneto, and you can daytrip by canal boat from Venice to them. Go stand where Hemingway was wounded in WWI near Fossalta Di Piave (there is a plaque), which led to his famous novel, ‘A Farewell to Arms’. He never got to visit Venice until 1948, then fell in love with the city, leading to ‘Across the River and into the Trees’. He also threatened to burn down FLW’s Masieri Foundation if built (and they both came from Oak Park, Illinois. So not very neighborly).   OTHER GOOD ARCHITECTURAL REFERENCES Venice Modern Architecture Map The only guidebook to Modern Architecture in Venice   These architectural guide folks do tours geared to architects: Architecture Tour Venice – Guiding Architects Venice Architecture City Guide: 15 Historical and Contemporary Attractions to Discover in Italy’s City of Canals | ArchDaily Venice architecture, what to see: buildings by Scarpa, Chipperfield and other great architects The post An Architect’s Guide to Venice and its Modern Architecture    appeared first on Canadian Architect.

After about a hundred hours of being happily hunched over my Moza AB9 FFB Base and MH16 Flightstick, bolting in the Moza MTP Throttle and MTLP Panel felt like quite the level up. All that gear is starting to morph my office space into a serious simpit. Pretty soon I’ll be needing a flight suit, a spare 60K for this helmet, or maybe just intervention from my loved ones before those purchases can happen. When I affixed it to my port side, the MTP Throttle delivered a fighter-jet-inspired grip, 27 programmable switches, an adjustable detent system for afterburner and trim positions, and game-changing vibration feedback that let me feel every gust and buffeting breeze.Perched to starboard (or connected above the MTP, if you’d prefer), the MTLP Take-off and Landing Panel brings 25 Hall-effect-driven switches, a true-to-life parking brake lever, and telemetry-driven lighting straight from an iconic F/A-18 cockpit. And, when paired together, this Master Blaster of a peripheral is a chonk requiring 170 x 430mm worth of real estate. Putting this bundle through its paces, mostly in an A-10 Warthog in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (complete with bunghole-puckering canyon runs), was a blast. I feel I’ve experienced every yaw-trim tweak, afterburner snap, gear-down click, and parking brake yank these peripherals can muster. Before I elaborate more, though, let’s talk about the deep end – prices. Or click here to skip the window shop to my continued thoughts.ContentsCurrent PricesMoza MTP Throttle PanelA$599.00 at JB Hi-FiMoza MTLP PanelA$299.00 at JB Hi-FiMoza MTP ThrottleAfter you take a small age to bind every function to it, the MTP Throttle will competently emulate the full-range control demands of your fave fighter, from idle settings to screaming afterburner engagement and even centre-detent modes for precision yaw or spacecraft simulations. Inspired by carrier-based fighter throttle panels, its aluminium alloy grip felt substantial and reassuring in my clammy hands, far removed from the hollow plastic of my many budget joysticks from the Pentium-II days of yore. Surrounding that dual-split throttle grip are 27 perfectly backlit physical switches, which include rotaries, toggles, and a Hall-effect mini-joystick. Basically,you have everything you need to assign flaps, trim, weapon selection, or camera angling/zooming without reaching for an immersion-breaking keyboard (which, let’s face it, should have little business in your sim-pit).Tack on a 15-bit magnetic encoder for drift-free, ultra-precise throttle position sensing and dual vibration motors that more-than-decently rumble out aerodynamic buffeting or overspeed warnings, and you’ve got an impressive piece of all-in-one thrust control. Everything about this looks premium and feels smooth and crisp to the touch; a product worth an asking price that’s steeper than your average Immelman. Sliding the lever forward in MSFS 2024’s A-10 felt mesmerising; the adjustable damping screw lets you dial in a heavy carrier-style feel or a nearly frictionless slide for rapid thrust chops, perfect for the Warthog’s “your ordnance delivered in 5 minutes or it’s free” strafing runs. Switch presses registered instantly, and the haptic feedback added subtle jolts when breaking the sound barrier in my mental Top Gun montage. After hours of gun runs and canyon drifts, wrist fatigue was minimal, thanks to the throttle’s ergonomic layout and smooth travel path.In the final analysis, anyone craving realistic, customisable thrust control should find the MTP Throttle hard to resist. It commands a decent chunk of desk real estate and demands PC-only drivers, but its build quality, precision, and immersive feedback make it worth the investment. If you want to feel every ounce of power from idle to afterburner, this is a brilliant addition to any simmer’s ongoing flight(s) of fantasy. Back to topMoza MTLP PanelAs veteran eyes would have already spotted, the MTLP Panel is designed to ape the landing controls of an F/A-18, giving you 25 Hall-effect-monitored switches for gear, lights, flaps, and more, all laid out to guide your fingertips instinctively without glancing down. Its signature parking brake lever reproduces the spring-loaded recoil and rotation of real jet brakes, complete with a reassuring click on release that is satisfaction plus.The composite housing and aluminium accents of the MTLP are consistent with the superb build quality of its sister MTP unit (though the hook and gear levers do feel a tad cheaper). Moza has struck a balance between sturdiness and lower weight so it stays firmly in place even during my most enthusiastic brake yanks (to let bogies fly right by–that old Pete Mitchell chestnut). Meanwhile, telemetry-driven LED indicators glow to confirm gear status or landing-light activation, turning your desk into a mini runway light show. When I deployed landing gear during a low-altitude A-10 approach, the brain-muscle memory switch flick felt instantly familiar and satisfying, a vast improvement over fumbling with on-screen menus. The brake lever’s Hall-effect sensor gave crisp, drift-free inputs, and I never once forced a failed gear-up on final. Its compact footprint meant I could palm-reach each switch without looking down like a learner (after)burner or lifting off my stick.Ultimately, the MTLP Panel makes takeoff and landing procedures more immersive and efficient, but at around A$299 (US$150) it’s definitely a nice-to-have rather than a must-have. If you’re piecing together a full fighter-jet cockpit and crave that final touch of realism, just be prepared to clear desk space or mount it securely.Back to topBetter TogetherThere’s something undeniably thrilling about wielding hardware that echoes the heft and detail of real combat aircraft, especially when you’re diving into my test case scenarios (close-air support missions). The MTP Throttle and MTLP Panel aren’t merely flashy desk ornaments; they integrate seamlessly into Moza’s Cockpit Suite for drag-and-drop mapping, telemetric lighting, and vibration tuning, delivering an immersive sim experience. Side note: I also have to say, as a primarily VR-based flight simmer, having so much functionality “where it ough to be” at one’s fingertips, as opposed to blindly faffing about on a keyboard, is next-level handy. Put simply, I cannot go back from here. Whether you’re lining up for a low-and-slow bomb run or wrestling a heavy bomber through crosswinds, these peripherals elevate every cockpit interaction. If you can afford the mid-to-high-end price of admission, I say cue up some Kenny Loggins, engage those detents, retract your gear, and turn ‘n’ burn in an altogether higher tier of tactical. Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.

Disneyland is turning 70 this summer, and festivities begin this weekend at Walt Disney’s first theme park. While past anniversaries emphasized a throwback to opening day nostalgia, this milestone wants to bring the party energy like no other. Thankfully, that doesn’t mean turning the castle into a Birthday cake, but the zany fun comes in the form of mix-taping the greatest hits with the latest number ones from the studio. After attending the media week preview at the Disneyland Resort, that’s what we loved about this year’s theme. The unabashed excitement for so many characters, from the fairytale Disney Princesses, The Muppets and Star Wars icons to the niche like Duffy the Disney Bear and A Goofy Movie. There were also incredible moments as well, including new Pixar and Disney animation faves Inside Out, Turning Red, Encanto and Moana all over the resort’s 70th offerings. It’s certainly celebration of cartoon chaos and we welcome Robot Walt’s imminent arrival in July to coincide with the actual anniversary of the opening date of the park. Some of the best things we found at the event were discovered on their own. When I wandered around Disney California Adventure I stumbled upon the most unhinged Disneyland 70 merchandise. And it confirmed that Disney really got all of its various types of fans when I looked upon the face of an official googly-eyed Mickey Mouse shirt, and a spinner-top colorful baseball cap. Yes, there’s the glam Loungefly Minnie ears and purses and Disney trendy lifestyle spirit jerseys, but the zany and bizarre get representation too. What’s hilarious is that those items weren’t made with meme comedy in mind, but actually straight from the Disney Vault of yester-merchandise. © io9 Gizmodo And just across the way at the Animation building, a new set of visuals debuted in the musical lobby which highlighted added moments from Coco, Moana, Encanto, The Princess and the Frog, and Zootopia. When I need a time to just bask in the magic of animation while staying out of the heat, this is where I (like so many others) go, and it’s such an underrated gem that rarely gets a refresh–not since the release of Frozen! And the Encanto representation at DCA didn’t stop there–while we love “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”, I’m glad to get a break from it to let the other amazing songs shine. In the new World of Color: Happiness, Anxiety from Inside Out 2 (my rising sun sign of the emotions) presents a great sequence where Luisa’s “Surface Pressure” gets a moment on the water, and it was so cool to hear everyone sing along. Hot take: it’s the better song between it and Bruno. The Muppets opener for the show is an all-timer, too, with a muppety death defying act from Gonzo the Great. World of Color: Happiness also finally featured a kaiju-sized Panda Mei on the mist screen projections set to “Nobody Like You” which led into the best in-universe run of real fake Disney pop hits, right into a Powerline moment from “A Goofy Movie”. The beat drop on “I2I” sent the crowds into a frenzy as Powerline electrified the stage like we were really at the show with the Goofs. We are loving the Max Goof inclusion too, as he joins his dad over at Disneyland for the Celebrate Happy Character Calvacade parade, right behind Duffy and ShellieMay Bear leading the way. I know they’re tossing around all the different nomenclatures around “Happy”, but this was for those of us who are into the offbeat or niche things of the Disney fandom. © io9 Gizmodo For Star Wars fans, there’s even a new R2 unit available at Droid Depot, with exteriors to match the pinks, purples, blues and yellow of the 70th. And we also took a peek at the new scrap pieces that debuted earlier this month for May the Fourth at Savi’s lightsaber build experience. The ombre chrome look of the blaster emitter is a fierce need. Unfortunately, these pieces aren’t individually available for those who have already built their lightsabers for over 200 bucks–if you want to cop these parts you’ll have to try to get in on the limited time action with another whopping purchase before they’re gone. © io9 Gizmodo Paint the Night, the rave-inspired answer to the Electrical Parade is back and we got to see it near the Small World promenade with a special new projection show on the ride’s facade. Spooky and bizarro Disney lore fiends got a treat here with a fun Grim-Grinning Ghosts montage right into “Hellfire” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame with Mr. Toad crazy eyes, the crone Evil Queen and Frollo giving children some gateway frightful imagery that they’ll obsess over later in life. At the end of my second night, it capped off with Wondrous Journeys which takes the pages of countless animation cells and brings them to life on the Disneyland Castle walls showcasing the stories that have spoken to generations for 100 years. It really does feel like Disney wanted to reach far and wide for the park’s big anniversary this year–and not be afraid to get a little zany in the process. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Joya Nandurdikar has plenty in her home country to inspire her, especially the objects and forgotten techniques that are centuries old. She believes that design is not only a form of expression, but also a tool for cultural preservation that she utilizes in her own practice. “There’s a vast and diverse landscape of materials, skills, and stories across India, and the possibilities feel endless,” Nandurdikar says. “Reimagining these crafts in a contemporary setting isn’t just creatively fulfilling, it’s a way to reintroduce and reinterpret them for a wider audience.” In 2001, Nandurdikar and Amrita Guha founded New Delhi-based firm Untitled Design, with an emphasis on responsible luxury. With a tailored approach for each project, Nandurdikar encourages a dynamic exchange between her team and artisans to create interiors that blend elements of traditional and modern. Joya Nandurdikar The partners decided to bring the same ethos to the product realm, and so they launched Furgonomics in 2022, a line of furnishings. The duo works with artists to offer bespoke pieces made of marble, wood, and stone inlays. Collaboration is at the heart of Nandurdikar’s creative process, and she finds magic in the scribbles made or laughter shared over a cup of tea. It is in these moments of collective energy that some of Nandurdikar’s most unexpected – and meaningful – ideas come to life. Yet the designer also appreciates the stillness of her personal space, where she can ground and embrace what she calls “quiet joy.” Someday Nandurdikar would like to explore curation. She is especially interested in the dialogue between histories and contemporary issues. “It’s a field that excites me for its potential to expose me to a rich tapestry of thoughts and imaginative minds,” she notes. “The idea of shaping narratives through art, and sparking emotion or reflection in a viewer, feels incredibly powerful to me.” Today, Joya Nandurdikar joins us for Friday Five! 1. Art Installation There’s something deeply compelling about how the traditional narratives and motifs are reimagined through a contemporary sculptural language. This installation is a perfect blend of modern sculpture and Mural art, a painted craft form from Kerala. The materiality is a combination of patinated brass with painted figures. 2. Goddess The idol of a goddess I deeply admire, and that profoundly reflects who I am and what I am capable of. Bestowed with the name of a goddess, I walk in her essence. Her power stirs my soul and is the force behind all I create. She rises, gilded in fire and gold. She is both the prayer and the war cry, the celebration and the conquest. 3. On the Water I wish all my evenings could be like the one spent on a boat, gently sailing through the sacred waters of the Ganga. The soft ripple of the river beneath me and the golden hues of dusk reflecting off its surface feed my soul and calm my mind in ways few things can. 4. 19th-Century Cabinet I fell in love with this fabulous piece of furniture during my visit to the Rijksmuseum. An exquisite creation dating back to 1867 was impeccably designed and crafted for Charles Guillaume Diehl. Its intricate detailing, refined proportions, and sheer elegance capture the essence of 19th-century craftsmanship with timeless allure. 5. Pipe Organ During my visit to a chapel in Milan, I discovered a majestic pipe organ that instantly stirred a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of the harmonium I once learned to play and the piano my daughter now plays. The organ, with its towering presence and resonant depth, has been widely used in classical music from the Renaissance to today.   Works by Joya Nandurdikar and Untitled Design: Photo: Avesh Gaur Anugraha The flooring of Anugraha, a residential project in South Delhi, is adorned by diligent terrazzo detail with a composition of stone and brass, in cast in-situ. Exquisite craftsmanship is celebrated in this detail, where each meticulously placed fragment forms a harmonious blend of textures, colors and materials, creating a bold statement that defines spatial narratives. Photo: Untitled Design Katha Tarana The main 40-foot wall in the lounge of the residence Katha Tarana is enlivened by a wooden marquetry mural from Mysore featuring the storyline of Ashwakatha as an auspicious symbol, fitted in traditional regalia and resembling a jigsaw puzzle. The coffee table by Furgonomics, named Elemental Alchemy, a work of art, is also featured at the centre of the space, celebrating the chiseled curve of the edges, incorporating sandblasted wooden pieces combined with jade, ceramic, & Indian sandblasted sandstone. The two pieces of art resemble jigsaw puzzles, joined together with an artful interplay of elements. Photo: Nivedita Gupta Abha At the heart of the entrance lobby of Abha is a mesmerizing water feature, designed to embody generosity and spiritual abundance. Monumental stone slabs form its foundation, elegantly adorned with brass and silver Khadau, blessed by Guruji. Each element is intricately inscribed with sacred Pali script, its words flowing with timeless wisdom. Photo: Ashish Sahi Urban Hearth The frame is set as a paradox, featuring an origami light installation by Ankon Mitra and a Chilly sculpture by Subodh Kerkar. These two installations create a striking contrast in both color and emotion – one exuding a spicy allure, the other as light as a feather. The installation features Gond art by the nationally acclaimed and award-winning artist Venkat Shyam, presented as part of the Craft Clusters initiative by Furgonomics – a program dedicated to contemporising traditional crafts. Each piece contributes to the ambience with depth and intrigue, inviting exploration and contemplation. Photo: Nivedita Gupta Pravaah Despite the limited natural light, Kashmiri pinjrakari latticework transforms the basement dining room of Pravaah, a residential project in New Delhi, into a jewel-box ambience. The intricate woodwork filters the limited light, casting a warm glow throughout the room. Adorning the dining room is the Kriya Console by Furgonomics, crafted with a striking combination of Dokra technique and monolith materials, representing the delicate process of development and transformation. The tactile quality of the ledge, reminiscent of a wisp of smoke or a gentle breeze, evokes a sense of ethereality, serving as a functional element but also as a sculptural statement.

Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)It's possibly becoming a bit of a hard sell these days, the old roguelike dungeon-crawling adventure, replete with retro/pixel visuals. We know it. However, as busy and as overstuffed with pale imitators to the greats as this genre is, it's still well worth keeping an eye out for the odd gem. And here we have an example of said gem. Into the Restless Ruins is a fantastic thing - put simply, a game that takes a whole bunch of mechanics you might think you're tired of, and weaves them together into something entirely fresh and unique. Edinburgh-based Ant Workshop Studios has melded deckbuilding, dungeon-crawling, dungeon-building, a fiendishly moreish memory game, and delightful, Vampire Survivors-esque, auto-combat to beguiling effect in its Switch debut. The delicately judged balance here, in how each of these mechanics is given an equal share of your time, ensures that, from the first dungeon drop to the very last battle of the campaign, you may find yourself immobilised, such is the addictiveness of the core gameplay loops running in tandem. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked) Kicking off in a dank catacomb, in a region known as Eorisdale, Into the Restless Ruins sees you take charge of a cloaked protagonist, a Celtic champion, who's on the hunt for the Harvest Maiden. This figure from Scottish folklore, according to the game, can satisfy any heart's greatest desires - in return for a little toil. And so off we pop down some dungeons as we've got a hot tip-off that's where she goes to chill out. This first dungeon gently introduces the flow of the gameplay. Starting a run, you're procedurally-generated a single piece of dungeon, perhaps a crossroads, with a spawn point in the centre. You also have a deck with five cards. Each card has a little part of a dungeon displayed on it, alongside the number of BP (Build Points) you'll need to play it, and a note of any other effects the card may have. An armoury will raise your attack stat, a camp lets you regenerate a little of your torch, whilst faded groves give you a little health regen, and so on through more complex fare. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked) You start off from your spawn point and use your cards, choosing a piece of dungeon to fit — in a lovely clicky way — to the piece you're currently on. The aim now is to build and expand, using your given turns and BP, to reach several clouded areas spread around you, some of which contain seals. These seals must be found and broken to advance further to a final boss confrontation. All good. Now, once you've done your planning and played your cards, you hold in 'Y' to drop right down into the dungeon (and it's nice how the game just seamlessly zooms right in for this bit) where the auto-combat battling begins. The combat here will come as no surprise to anyone who's survived vampires: it's all about positioning and timing, avoiding explodey rats and mice, weaving through wizard's spells, and knowing when to press or pull back. Once this part starts, you'll likely quickly realise that you've made some mistakes in the planning (especially if you are us). You see, as your dungeons expand, as you reach a seal and break it and are then faced down by a horde of angry beasties, the importance of dungeon design is fully revealed. Accessibility Features GameplayAssistsControlsVisualAudioFull Accessibility Report Data by Family Gaming Database Campsites, first up, need to be placed along routes with some thought to ensure you can keep your torch lit, because they've only gone and put your light supply on a tightly-timed gauge. Tension has entered the chat! You also have a bar dictating your health, which doesn't take much to empty either, so the positioning of those regenerating faded groves is now of critical import. Once you complete a run you'll be taken back to your deck and another gauge is deployed. This purple addition to the fun shows you how cursed you are, you see. It gets added to with each complete run, and so doing well, not dying, and playing clever will help you keep this bar filling up as slowly as possible. Dying and making a mess, on the other hand, will add some hefty chunks, putting you at risk of being overwhelmed before you manage to break all the seals and beat the boss. Phew! The first dungeon's leisurely pace and straightforward layout gives you a chance to get used to spinning and placing parts of your dungeon onto the map, as well as getting to grips with how you'll need to time everything just so to push on to victory. The combat keeps itself varied by providing new weapons and collectibles, too, as well as giving you new options through a vast selection of upgradeable and changeable cards (116 base varieties, we believe). Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked) There are further layers provided through build synergies — certain placement patterns provide surprise boons — and there's also a whole bunch of Cantrips to unlock and use, allowing you to add both positive and negative effects to raise or lower the amount of XP you gain in a run, or "harvest" to use the correct lingo. So, lots of moving parts to consider. You've also got a few characters to meet out in these ruins that you've built around yourself, strange NPCs who'll upgrade your cards, duplicate particular faves, and more besides, whilst imparting some folklore upon you. Upgrading here, it has to be said, is also just really cool and satisfying because, besides the usual numbers-going-up, you get new entrances onto your card pieces. So, for example, a long corridor with three doors that you couldn't use because it wouldn't fit, now gets an extra door for you to work with. It's addictive, puzzley-time stuff that just gets better as it gets harder. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked) Of course, when a clouded area within any of your dungeons doesn't contain a seal, you've wasted a lot of resources making your way towards it, and this aspect also brings enough tension to your planning time that the building is every bit as enjoyable as the combat. Wandering through dungeons brings the added danger of getting lost, too, as there's no map, so the memory game starts to rear its head as you move onto the later catacombs, which mix things up by spreading the clouds you need to uncover in various directions. This means way more pre-planning is required to avoid coming a cropper to the tight time and health constraints placed on you. Beyond this, you've also got cursed cards that'll be played into your deck once you've been cursed, these add some rough negatives to proceedings if you let them sit in your hand, and so you need to consider when to play them (they cost a BP) in order to do the least amount of damage to your chances and get them out of your deck. These are offset by favour cards you'll get from breaking seals and levelling up, so you could, as an example, play a cursed card that means you can't heal up at groves, but then play a card that gives you +500% damage, so it nullifies the negative somewhat and removes it from your deck. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked) There are so many wrinkles here that it could have become very tedious and/or messy, so the best thing is how it's all so effortless and easy to learn, even if you don't really do cards as a regular thing. Every aspect is explained well (there's a tutorial in the menus when you need it), and you can take your time in the planning phase. As the catacombs get harder, things progress along perfectly from relaxing and addictive, to tension-filled and even more bloody addictive. The lovely pixel art style, quick shots of Scottish folklore, and solid soundtrack all work to give you exactly the kind of ambience you need to settle in for the long haul. In terms of negatives, well, the story aspects are light, really, so this one isn't gonna be challenging any of the more narratively bombastic examples of the genre to a straight-up auto-fight in the school playground. We guess, too, that the graphical style is one that's been done quite a bit, but honestly, we're picking for the sake of it now. This is some premium-grade roguelike, in the end - a uniquely fresh take that borrows inspirations from all over its chosen genre, and cobbles them together into a wonderful indie game that's very much its own thing. Just be warned that the 'one more run' factor here is high. Conclusion Into The Restless Ruins has taken us totally by surprise. This is a belting addition to the Switch's lineup of roguelikes that manages to make itself fresh and unique in a category full of bland copycats. The melding of deckbuilding, combat, memory challenges, and construction of dungeons makes for a game that draws you right in every time, robbing you of hours as you work your way through its delightful catacombs. A little more narrative oomph may have taken it even further, but you're still looking at a bit of a must-play here. A wonderfully clever melding of mechanicsCombat is fun with good variety in enemies and weaponsPacing is spot on, with dungeons getting more complex as you goEasy to get to grips with but deep as the darkest dungeon, too Story is very lightPixel art style has been done quite a bit before Excellent 9/10

Save this picture!Luum Temple / CO-LAB Design Office. Image © César BéjarArtificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic idea in architecture — it is a concrete reality that is reshaping how we design. In seconds, computational systems can process and evaluate a wide range of variables — formal, programmatic, contextual, and regulatory — guiding architects toward highly optimized solutions. But as we embrace this algorithmic revolution, a critical question arises: can architectural intelligence be reduced to data-driven logic? In response, alternative approaches are gaining momentum — ones that value ways of building grounded in sensory experience, adaptation to place, and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. In the exchange between artificial and ancestral forms of intelligence, a deeper understanding begins to take shape. Intelligence does not reside in the tools themselves, but in the intention and sensitivity with which we use them to navigate complex realities.Historically, architectural intelligence has expressed our ability to respond to spatial, climatic, cultural, and functional challenges. Early on, this intelligence was intuitive and empirical, rooted in vernacular knowledge passed down through generations and shaped by hands-on interaction with the built environment. Buildings were constructed using local techniques, available materials, and a deep awareness of context, revealing a form of intelligence that was practical, responsive, and deeply adaptive.With the rise of modernity and the application of the exact sciences to construction, architectural intelligence came to rely more heavily on technical and rational methods — calculations, standardizations, and codes. The emergence of digital technologies in the late 20th century, and more recently the growing use of AI, has vastly expanded the design toolkit. Generative algorithms, machine learning, and parametric modeling not only accelerate design processes but also introduce a new layer of systemic intelligence. These tools support more efficient decision-making. As Mario Carpo argues in The Second Digital Turn (2017), this shift is not only technological but also epistemological: we are witnessing a transformation in the way architecture is conceived, where human authorship blends into statistical and computational systems. In this landscape, AI becomes a design agent, capable of learning patterns and proposing solutions that often defy human intuition. Related Article How AI Will Make Everyone a Better Designer: For Better or Worse Save this picture!Save this picture!Yet as these technologies advance, there is also a renewed appreciation for traditional and natural forms of intelligence. Increasingly, contemporary projects are incorporating lessons from nature and vernacular practices. This is not a contradiction, but rather a reflection of a deeper tension: a reevaluation of what counts as "intelligent" when technical efficiency is considered alongside ecological, cultural, and social complexity. Within this broader perspective, the collective intelligence of communities also emerges as a key factor in decision-making processes.Save this picture!Save this picture!In the 1990s, philosopher Pierre Lévy introduced the idea of collective intelligence — a form of knowledge that is distributed across individuals and contexts, drawing on the contributions of many to generate shared insight. In this view, everyone has something to contribute, depending on the context, and each contribution holds value. Collective intelligence, then, is based on mutual recognition and the enrichment of knowledge through collaboration.Recognizing the role of the collective in architecture, the concept of architectural intelligence evolves into something more holistic. It is no longer just about mastering tools, but about cultivating the ability to connect innovation with tradition, data with intuition, global with local — all while respecting the knowledge of individuals and regions. This shift reframes architectural intelligence not only as a technical skill but also as an ethical and political act. Designing today requires listening to materials, to places, to people. Intelligence is no longer something imposed on the world through rules or systems; it is something that emerges from dialogue with the world.This expanded understanding is especially urgent in the context of climate change, where architecture must draw on all available forms of intelligence — natural, artificial, and collective — to adapt. Fittingly, this is the theme of the 2025 Venice Biennale. Curated by Carlo Ratti under the title Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective, the exhibition highlights the need for architecture to reach across generations and disciplines — from the sciences to the arts. As Ratti puts it, architecture must become “as flexible and dynamic as the world we are designing.” The Biennale features projects such as Living Structure, in the Natural Intelligence section, which explores what it truly means to build with nature. Led by architect Kengo Kuma, the installation investigates how traditional Japanese woodworking techniques, combined with AI, can turn irregular timber into structural material, pointing to a future that relies equally on reverence for nature and technological innovation. The Collective Intelligence section, meanwhile, focuses on how wisdom is built and shared through collective practices — from the favelas of Rio and refugee camps in Bangladesh to self-managed markets in Nigeria — showcasing urban ecosystems that reveal how material economies and social networks function in harmony.Save this picture!These and other initiatives suggest that architectural intelligence in the 21st century is less about seeking a single "perfect solution" and more about building networks of thoughtful, situated, and collaborative decisions. Intelligence is no longer an isolated technical attribute, but a relational quality — the ability to interpret the world through multiple lenses (technological, cultural, environmental) and translate that understanding into coherent, ethical, and responsive architectural solutions. In the balance between algorithms and ancestry, a new way of designing is emerging — one where intelligence is defined not by the tools we use, but by the quality of the decisions we make and the impact they have on people’s lives.Save this picture!We invite you to check out ArchDaily's comprehensive coverage of the 2025 Venice Biennale.This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: What Is Future Intelligence?, proudly presented by Gendo, an AI co-pilot for Architects.Our mission at Gendo is to help architects produce concept images 100X faster by focusing on the core of the design process. We have built a cutting edge AI tool in collaboration with architects from some of the most renowned firms such as Zaha Hadid, KPF and David Chipperfield.Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.