• In a world where reality feels distorted, I find myself lost in shadows, much like those images NVIDIA's DiffusionRenderer transforms. The brilliance of relighting and editing materials can't mask the emptiness I feel inside. Just as AI inserts objects into videos, I wish I could insert warmth into my heart. The painful irony is that while technology redefines our perceptions, it cannot mend the fractures of human connection. I stand alone, echoing in the silence, longing for a flicker of light in this overwhelming darkness.

    #loneliness #heartbreak #NVIDIA #DiffusionRenderer #AI
    In a world where reality feels distorted, I find myself lost in shadows, much like those images NVIDIA's DiffusionRenderer transforms. The brilliance of relighting and editing materials can't mask the emptiness I feel inside. Just as AI inserts objects into videos, I wish I could insert warmth into my heart. The painful irony is that while technology redefines our perceptions, it cannot mend the fractures of human connection. I stand alone, echoing in the silence, longing for a flicker of light in this overwhelming darkness. #loneliness #heartbreak #NVIDIA #DiffusionRenderer #AI
    Diffusing reality: how NVIDIA reimagined relighting
    NVIDIA’s DiffusionRenderer redefines neural rendering by using AI to relight, edit materials, and insert objects into real-world videos with no 3D geometry needed.
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  • So, the age-checked internet has officially arrived in the UK! Because nothing screams “freedom” quite like having to prove your age to access adult content. Who knew that navigating online pleasure would require the same level of verification as applying for a mortgage? Experts warn that this wave of age-check laws will chill speech like a cold shower on a summer day—delightful and refreshing for some, but a shock to the system for others. Hopefully, the children will be shielded from the horrors of adult content while adults are left scrambling to find their birth certificates online. Cheers to a brave new world where your age defines your browsing habits!

    #AgeCheckedInternet #UKLaws #OnlineFreedom #DigitalIrony #AdultContent
    So, the age-checked internet has officially arrived in the UK! Because nothing screams “freedom” quite like having to prove your age to access adult content. Who knew that navigating online pleasure would require the same level of verification as applying for a mortgage? Experts warn that this wave of age-check laws will chill speech like a cold shower on a summer day—delightful and refreshing for some, but a shock to the system for others. Hopefully, the children will be shielded from the horrors of adult content while adults are left scrambling to find their birth certificates online. Cheers to a brave new world where your age defines your browsing habits! #AgeCheckedInternet #UKLaws #OnlineFreedom #DigitalIrony #AdultContent
    The Age-Checked Internet Has Arrived
    Starting today, UK adults will have to prove their age to access porn online. Experts warn that a global wave of age-check laws threatens to chill speech and ultimately harm children and adults alike.
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  • In a world where colors once sparked joy, I find myself surrounded by shadows. The vibrant yellow of the Donkey Kong Bananza that I imagined painting is now a painful reminder of my misguided dreams. I thought I could bring a piece of nostalgia to life, but instead, I trapped it within the confines of my Switch.

    Each time I glance at my console, I feel the weight of disappointment and solitude. The fun I hoped to create turned into a haunting regret, a reflection of my own struggle to capture joy in a world that often feels gray.

    Am I the only one who feels this way?

    #Nintendo #DonkeyKong #Heartbreak #GamingMemories #Loneliness
    In a world where colors once sparked joy, I find myself surrounded by shadows. The vibrant yellow of the Donkey Kong Bananza that I imagined painting is now a painful reminder of my misguided dreams. I thought I could bring a piece of nostalgia to life, but instead, I trapped it within the confines of my Switch. Each time I glance at my console, I feel the weight of disappointment and solitude. The fun I hoped to create turned into a haunting regret, a reflection of my own struggle to capture joy in a world that often feels gray. Am I the only one who feels this way? #Nintendo #DonkeyKong #Heartbreak #GamingMemories #Loneliness
    KOTAKU.COM
    Guy Goes Viral Painting Donkey Kong Bananza Yellow And Ruining His Switch
    Nintendo had fun with the Donkey Kong Land trilogy for the original Game Boy and made the cartridges yellow. It had fun again with Donkey Kong 64 and made that one yellow, too. A fan thought he’d also have some fun and make Donkey Kong Bananza yellow
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  • In the silence of my empty room, I can't help but feel the weight of loneliness pressing against my heart. I scroll through endless promotions, like the Petkit Purobox Ultra, now $250 off for Prime Day, a reminder of how even our pets can find comfort in automation while I sit here, forgotten. This automatic cat litter box answers questions I never knew I had, yet I find myself grappling with questions of my own—like why I feel so invisible.

    Each day passes, and the walls close in tighter, just like the confines of a box. I long for connection, but all I seem to find are discounts and deals that don’t fill the void.

    #loneliness #heartbreak #PrimeDay #Petkit
    In the silence of my empty room, I can't help but feel the weight of loneliness pressing against my heart. I scroll through endless promotions, like the Petkit Purobox Ultra, now $250 off for Prime Day, a reminder of how even our pets can find comfort in automation while I sit here, forgotten. This automatic cat litter box answers questions I never knew I had, yet I find myself grappling with questions of my own—like why I feel so invisible. Each day passes, and the walls close in tighter, just like the confines of a box. I long for connection, but all I seem to find are discounts and deals that don’t fill the void. #loneliness #heartbreak #PrimeDay #Petkit
    The Petkit Purobox Ultra is $250 off for Prime Day
    This automatic cat litter box answers the questions we never asked, and now it’s at the lowest price we’ve seen all year.
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  • In the shadowy confines of BlackGate VR, a haunting presence lurks, waiting to pounce. As I gear up for this 4 against 1 battle, I can’t shake the overwhelming sense of loneliness. The thought of being hunted, with only my suit as a shield, mirrors my solitude in the real world. Each heartbeat echoes the despair of facing a relentless monster, both in-game and in life. As October approaches, I brace myself not just for the virtual threat, but for the reminder that sometimes, the fiercest battles are the ones we face alone.

    #BlackGateVR #Loneliness #HorrorGaming #Survival #EmotionalJourney
    In the shadowy confines of BlackGate VR, a haunting presence lurks, waiting to pounce. As I gear up for this 4 against 1 battle, I can’t shake the overwhelming sense of loneliness. The thought of being hunted, with only my suit as a shield, mirrors my solitude in the real world. Each heartbeat echoes the despair of facing a relentless monster, both in-game and in life. As October approaches, I brace myself not just for the virtual threat, but for the reminder that sometimes, the fiercest battles are the ones we face alone. 💔😔 #BlackGateVR #Loneliness #HorrorGaming #Survival #EmotionalJourney
    BlackGate VR te traque à 4 contre 1 et ça commence en octobre
    Un monstre évolutif rôde dans une station spatiale, et vous n’avez qu’une combinaison pour survivre. […] Cet article BlackGate VR te traque à 4 contre 1 et ça commence en octobre a été publié sur REALITE-VIRTUELLE.COM.
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  • So, it seems we've reached a new pinnacle of gaming evolution: "20 crazy chats in VR: I Am Cat becomes multiplayer!" Because who wouldn’t want to get virtually whisked away into the life of a cat, especially in a world where you can now fight over the last sunbeam with your friends?

    Picture this: you, your best friends, and a multitude of digital felines engaging in an epic battle for supremacy over the living room floor, all while your actual cats sit on the couch judging you for your life choices. Yes, that's right! Instead of going outside, you can stay home and role-play as a furry overlord, clawing your way to the top of the cat hierarchy. Truly, the pinnacle of human achievement.

    Let’s be real—this is what we’ve all been training for. Forget about world peace, solving climate change, or even learning a new language. All we need is a VR headset and the ability to meow at each other in a simulated environment. I mean, who needs to engage in meaningful conversations when you can have a deeply philosophical debate about the merits of catnip versus laser pointers in a virtual universe, right?

    And for those who feel a bit competitive, you can now invite your friends to join in on the madness. Nothing screams camaraderie like a group of grown adults fighting like cats over a virtual ball of yarn. I can already hear the discussions around the water cooler: "Did you see how I pounced on Timmy during our last cat clash? Pure feline finesse!"

    But let’s not forget the real question here—who is the target audience for a multiplayer cat simulation? Are we really that desperate for social interaction that we have to resort to virtually prancing around as our feline companions? Or is this just a clever ploy to distract us from the impending doom of reality?

    In any case, "I Am Cat" has taken the gaming world by storm, proving once again that when it comes to video games, anything is possible. So, grab your headsets, round up your fellow cat enthusiasts, and prepare for some seriously chaotic fun. Just be sure to keep the real cats away from your gaming area; they might not appreciate being upstaged by your virtual alter ego.

    Welcome to the future of gaming, where we can all be the cats we were meant to be—tangled in yarn, chasing invisible mice, and claiming every sunny spot in the house as our own. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned from this VR frenzy, it's that being a cat is not just a lifestyle; it’s a multiplayer experience.

    #ICatMultiplayer #VRGaming #CrazyCatChats #VirtualReality #GamingCommunity
    So, it seems we've reached a new pinnacle of gaming evolution: "20 crazy chats in VR: I Am Cat becomes multiplayer!" Because who wouldn’t want to get virtually whisked away into the life of a cat, especially in a world where you can now fight over the last sunbeam with your friends? Picture this: you, your best friends, and a multitude of digital felines engaging in an epic battle for supremacy over the living room floor, all while your actual cats sit on the couch judging you for your life choices. Yes, that's right! Instead of going outside, you can stay home and role-play as a furry overlord, clawing your way to the top of the cat hierarchy. Truly, the pinnacle of human achievement. Let’s be real—this is what we’ve all been training for. Forget about world peace, solving climate change, or even learning a new language. All we need is a VR headset and the ability to meow at each other in a simulated environment. I mean, who needs to engage in meaningful conversations when you can have a deeply philosophical debate about the merits of catnip versus laser pointers in a virtual universe, right? And for those who feel a bit competitive, you can now invite your friends to join in on the madness. Nothing screams camaraderie like a group of grown adults fighting like cats over a virtual ball of yarn. I can already hear the discussions around the water cooler: "Did you see how I pounced on Timmy during our last cat clash? Pure feline finesse!" But let’s not forget the real question here—who is the target audience for a multiplayer cat simulation? Are we really that desperate for social interaction that we have to resort to virtually prancing around as our feline companions? Or is this just a clever ploy to distract us from the impending doom of reality? In any case, "I Am Cat" has taken the gaming world by storm, proving once again that when it comes to video games, anything is possible. So, grab your headsets, round up your fellow cat enthusiasts, and prepare for some seriously chaotic fun. Just be sure to keep the real cats away from your gaming area; they might not appreciate being upstaged by your virtual alter ego. Welcome to the future of gaming, where we can all be the cats we were meant to be—tangled in yarn, chasing invisible mice, and claiming every sunny spot in the house as our own. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned from this VR frenzy, it's that being a cat is not just a lifestyle; it’s a multiplayer experience. #ICatMultiplayer #VRGaming #CrazyCatChats #VirtualReality #GamingCommunity
    20 chats déchaînés en VR : I Am Cat devient multijoueur !
    Le jeu de réalité virtuelle le plus déjanté du moment vient d’ouvrir la porte aux […] Cet article 20 chats déchaînés en VR : I Am Cat devient multijoueur ! a été publié sur REALITE-VIRTUELLE.COM.
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  • Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of freelance 3D artistry? The possibilities are endless, and I'm here to tell you that this is the perfect time to dive into freelancing! Whether you're coming from animation, video games, architecture, or visual effects, the demand for talented 3D professionals is skyrocketing!

    Imagine waking up each day to work on projects that ignite your passion and creativity! Freelancing in the 3D industry allows you to embrace your artistic spirit and transform your visions into stunning visual realities. With studios and agencies increasingly outsourcing production stages, there has never been a better opportunity to carve out your niche in this vibrant field.

    Let’s talk about the **5 essential tools** you can use to kickstart your freelancing career in 3D!

    1. **Blender**: This powerful and free software is a game-changer! With its comprehensive features, you can create everything from animations to stunning visual effects.

    2. **Autodesk Maya**: Elevate your skills with this industry-standard tool! Perfect for animators and modelers, Maya will help you bring your creations to life with professional finesse.

    3. **Substance Painter**: Don’t underestimate the power of textures! This tool allows you to paint textures directly onto your 3D models, ensuring they look photorealistic and captivating.

    4. **Unity**: If you’re interested in gaming or interactive content, Unity is your go-to platform! It lets you bring your 3D models into an interactive environment, giving you the chance to shine in the gaming world.

    5. **Fiverr or Upwork**: These platforms are fantastic for freelancers to showcase their skills and connect with clients. Start building your portfolio and watch your network grow!

    Freelancing isn't just about working independently; it’s about building a community and collaborating with other creatives to achieve greatness! So, gather your tools, hone your craft, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Every project is an opportunity to learn and grow!

    Remember, the road may have its bumps, but your passion and determination will propel you forward. Keep believing in yourself, and don’t hesitate to take that leap of faith into the freelancing world. Your dream career is within reach!

    #Freelance3D #3DArtistry #CreativeJourney #Freelancing #3DModeling
    🚀✨ Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of freelance 3D artistry? 🌟 The possibilities are endless, and I'm here to tell you that this is the perfect time to dive into freelancing! Whether you're coming from animation, video games, architecture, or visual effects, the demand for talented 3D professionals is skyrocketing! 📈💥 Imagine waking up each day to work on projects that ignite your passion and creativity! 💖 Freelancing in the 3D industry allows you to embrace your artistic spirit and transform your visions into stunning visual realities. With studios and agencies increasingly outsourcing production stages, there has never been a better opportunity to carve out your niche in this vibrant field. 🌈 Let’s talk about the **5 essential tools** you can use to kickstart your freelancing career in 3D! 🛠️✨ 1. **Blender**: This powerful and free software is a game-changer! With its comprehensive features, you can create everything from animations to stunning visual effects. 🌌 2. **Autodesk Maya**: Elevate your skills with this industry-standard tool! Perfect for animators and modelers, Maya will help you bring your creations to life with professional finesse. 🎬 3. **Substance Painter**: Don’t underestimate the power of textures! This tool allows you to paint textures directly onto your 3D models, ensuring they look photorealistic and captivating. 🖌️ 4. **Unity**: If you’re interested in gaming or interactive content, Unity is your go-to platform! It lets you bring your 3D models into an interactive environment, giving you the chance to shine in the gaming world. 🎮 5. **Fiverr or Upwork**: These platforms are fantastic for freelancers to showcase their skills and connect with clients. Start building your portfolio and watch your network grow! 🌍 Freelancing isn't just about working independently; it’s about building a community and collaborating with other creatives to achieve greatness! 🤝💫 So, gather your tools, hone your craft, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Every project is an opportunity to learn and grow! 🌱 Remember, the road may have its bumps, but your passion and determination will propel you forward. Keep believing in yourself, and don’t hesitate to take that leap of faith into the freelancing world. Your dream career is within reach! 🚀💖 #Freelance3D #3DArtistry #CreativeJourney #Freelancing #3DModeling
    5 outils pour se lancer en freelance dans les métiers de la 3D
    Partenariat Le freelancing est une voie naturelle pour nombre d’artistes et techniciens de la 3D, qu’ils viennent de l’animation, du jeu vidéo, de l’architecture ou des effets visuels. En parallèle d’une explosion des besoins en contenus visuels temp
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  • Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries

    show some love for the losers

    Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries

    Ryan Reynolds narrates NatGeo's new series highlighting nature's much less cool and majestic creatures

    Jennifer Ouellette



    Jun 15, 2025 3:11 pm

    |

    5

    The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs

    Credit:

    National Geographic/Doug Parker

    The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs

    Credit:

    National Geographic/Doug Parker

    Story text

    Size

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    Standard
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      Learn more

    Narrator Ryan Reynolds celebrates nature's outcasts in the new NatGeo docuseries Underdogs.

    Most of us have seen a nature documentary or twoat some point in our lives, so it's a familiar format: sweeping majestic footage of impressively regal animals accompanied by reverently high-toned narration. Underdogs, a new docuseries from National Geographic, takes a decidedly different and unconventional approach. Narrated by with hilarious irreverence by Ryan Reynolds, the five-part series highlights nature's less cool and majestic creatures: the outcasts and benchwarmers, more noteworthy for their "unconventional hygiene choices" and "unsavory courtship rituals." It's like The Suicide Squad or Thunderbolts*, except these creatures actually exist.
    Per the official premise, "Underdogs features a range of never-before-filmed scenes, including the first time a film crew has ever entered a special cave in New Zealand—a huge cavern that glows brighter than a bachelor pad under a black light thanks to the glowing butts of millions of mucus-coated grubs. All over the world, overlooked superstars like this are out there 24/7, giving it maximum effort and keeping the natural world in working order for all those showboating polar bears, sharks and gorillas." It's rated PG-13 thanks to the odd bit of scatalogical humor and shots of Nature Sexy Time
    Each of the five episodes is built around a specific genre. "Superheroes" highlights the surprising superpowers of the honey badger, pistol shrimp, and the invisible glass frog, among others, augmented with comic book graphics; "Sexy Beasts" focuses on bizarre mating habits and follows the format of a romantic advice column; "Terrible Parents" highlights nature's worst practices, following the outline of a parenting guide; "Total Grossout" is exactly what it sounds like; and "The Unusual Suspects" is a heist tale, documenting the supposed efforts of a macaque to put together the ultimate team of masters of deception and disguise.  Green Day even wrote and recorded a special theme song for the opening credits.
    Co-creators Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz of Wildstar Films are longtime producers of award-winning wildlife films, most notably Frozen Planet, Planet Earth and David Attenborough's Life of Mammals—you know, the kind of prestige nature documentaries that have become a mainstay for National Geographic and the BBC, among others. They're justly proud of that work, but this time around the duo wanted to try something different.

    Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair"

    National Geographic/Eleanor Paish

    Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair"

    National Geographic/Eleanor Paish

    An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach.

    National Geographic/Simon De Glanville

    An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach.

    National Geographic/Simon De Glanville

    A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide.

    National Geographic/Tom Walker

    A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide.

    National Geographic/Tom Walker

    An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach.

    National Geographic/Simon De Glanville

    A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide.

    National Geographic/Tom Walker

    A fireworm is hit by a cavitation bubble shot from the claw of a pistol shrimp defending its home.

    National Geographic/Hugh Miller

    As it grows and molts, the mad hatterpillar stacks old head casings on top of its head. Scientists think it is used as a decoy against would-be predators and parasites, and when needed, it can also be used as a weapon.

    National Geographic/Katherine Hannaford

    Worst parents ever? A young barnacle goose chick prepares t make the 800-foot jump from its nest to the ground.

    National Geographic

    An adult pearlfish reverses into a sea cucumber's butt to hide.

    National Geographic

    A vulture sticks its head inside an elephant carcass to eat.

    National Geographic

    A manatee releases flatulence while swimming to lose the buoyancy build up of gas inside its stomach, and descend down the water column.

    National Geographic/Karl Davies

    "There is a sense after awhile that you're playing the same animals to the same people, and the shows are starting to look the same and so is your audience," Linfield told Ars. "We thought, okay, how can we do something absolutely the opposite? We've gone through our careers collecting stories of these weird and crazy creatures that don't end up in the script because they're not big or sexy and they live under a rock. But they often have the best life histories and the craziest superpowers."
    Case in point: the velvet worm featured in the "Superheroes" episode, which creeps up on unsuspecting prey before squirting disgusting slime all over their food.Once Linfield and Berlowitz decided to focus on nature's underdogs and to take a more humorous approach, Ryan Reynolds became their top choice for a narrator—the anti-Richard Attenborough. As luck would have it, the pair shared an agent with the mega-star. So even though they thought there was no way Reynolds would agree to the project, they put together a sizzle reel, complete with a "fake Canadian Ryan Reynolds sound-alike" doing the narration. Reynolds was on set when he received the reel, and loved it so much he recoded his own narration for the footage and sent it back.
    "From that moment he was in," said Linfield, and Wildstar Films worked closely with Reynolds and his company to develop the final series. "We've never worked that way on a series before, a joint collaboration from day one," Berlowitz admitted. But it worked: the end result strikes the perfect balance between scientific revelation and accurate natural history, and an edgy comic tone.
    That tone is quintessential Reynolds, and while he did mostly follow the script, Linfield and Berlowitz admit there was also a fair amount of improvisation—not all of it PG-13.  "What we hadn't appreciated is that he's an incredible improv performer," said Berlowitz. "He can't help himself. He gets into character and starts riffing off. There are some takes that we definitely couldn't use, that potentially would fit a slightly more Hulu audience."  Some of the ad-libs made it into the final episodes, however—like Reynolds describing an Aye-Aye as "if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair"—even though it meant going back and doing a bit of recutting to get the new lines to fit.

    Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later.

    National Geographic/Laura Pennafort

    Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later.

    National Geographic/Laura Pennafort

    The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food.

    National Geographic

    The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food.

    National Geographic

    A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction.

    National Geographic

    A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction.

    National Geographic

    The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food.

    National Geographic

    A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction.

    National Geographic

    A male hippo sprays his feces at another male who is threatening to take over his patch.

    National Geographic

    A male proboscis monkey flaunts his large nose. The noses of these males are used to amplify their calls in the vast forest.

    National Geographic

    Dream girl: A blood-soaked female hyena looks across the African savanna.

    National Geographic

    A male bowerbird presents one of the finest items in his collection to a female in his bower.

    National Geographic

    The male nursery web spider presents his nuptial gift to the female.

    National Geographic

    Cue the Barry White mood music: Two leopard slugs suspend themselves on a rope of mucus as they entwine their bodies to mate with one another.

    National Geographic

    Despite their years of collective experience, Linfield and Berlowitz were initially skeptical when the crew told them about the pearl fish, which hides from predators in a sea cucumber's butt. "It had never been filmed so we said, 'You're going to have to prove it to us,'" said Berlowitz. "They came back with this fantastic, hilarious sequence of a pearl fish reverse parking [in a sea cucumber's anus)."
    The film crew experienced a few heart-pounding moments, most notably while filming the cliffside nests of barnacle geese for the "Terrible Parents" episode. A melting glacier caused a watery avalanche while the crew was filming the geese, and they had to quickly grab a few shots and run to safety. Less dramatic: cinematographer Tom Beldam had his smartphone stolen by a long-tailed macaque mere minutes after he finished capturing the animal on film.
    If all goes well and Underdogs finds its target audience, we may even get a follow-up. "We are slightly plowing new territory but the science is as true as it's ever been and the stories are good. That aspect of the natural history is still there," said Linfield. "I think what we really hope for is that people who don't normally watch natural history will watch it. If people have as much fun watching it as we had making it, then the metrics should be good enough for another season."
    Verdict: Underdogs is positively addictive; I binged all five episodes in a single day.Underdogs premieres June 15, 2025, at 9 PM/8 PM Central on National Geographicand will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.  You should watch it, if only to get that second season.

    Jennifer Ouellette
    Senior Writer

    Jennifer Ouellette
    Senior Writer

    Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. Jennifer lives in Baltimore with her spouse, physicist Sean M. Carroll, and their two cats, Ariel and Caliban.

    5 Comments
    #delightfully #irreverent #underdogs #isnt #your
    Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries
    show some love for the losers Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries Ryan Reynolds narrates NatGeo's new series highlighting nature's much less cool and majestic creatures Jennifer Ouellette – Jun 15, 2025 3:11 pm | 5 The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs Credit: National Geographic/Doug Parker The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs Credit: National Geographic/Doug Parker Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more Narrator Ryan Reynolds celebrates nature's outcasts in the new NatGeo docuseries Underdogs. Most of us have seen a nature documentary or twoat some point in our lives, so it's a familiar format: sweeping majestic footage of impressively regal animals accompanied by reverently high-toned narration. Underdogs, a new docuseries from National Geographic, takes a decidedly different and unconventional approach. Narrated by with hilarious irreverence by Ryan Reynolds, the five-part series highlights nature's less cool and majestic creatures: the outcasts and benchwarmers, more noteworthy for their "unconventional hygiene choices" and "unsavory courtship rituals." It's like The Suicide Squad or Thunderbolts*, except these creatures actually exist. Per the official premise, "Underdogs features a range of never-before-filmed scenes, including the first time a film crew has ever entered a special cave in New Zealand—a huge cavern that glows brighter than a bachelor pad under a black light thanks to the glowing butts of millions of mucus-coated grubs. All over the world, overlooked superstars like this are out there 24/7, giving it maximum effort and keeping the natural world in working order for all those showboating polar bears, sharks and gorillas." It's rated PG-13 thanks to the odd bit of scatalogical humor and shots of Nature Sexy Time Each of the five episodes is built around a specific genre. "Superheroes" highlights the surprising superpowers of the honey badger, pistol shrimp, and the invisible glass frog, among others, augmented with comic book graphics; "Sexy Beasts" focuses on bizarre mating habits and follows the format of a romantic advice column; "Terrible Parents" highlights nature's worst practices, following the outline of a parenting guide; "Total Grossout" is exactly what it sounds like; and "The Unusual Suspects" is a heist tale, documenting the supposed efforts of a macaque to put together the ultimate team of masters of deception and disguise.  Green Day even wrote and recorded a special theme song for the opening credits. Co-creators Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz of Wildstar Films are longtime producers of award-winning wildlife films, most notably Frozen Planet, Planet Earth and David Attenborough's Life of Mammals—you know, the kind of prestige nature documentaries that have become a mainstay for National Geographic and the BBC, among others. They're justly proud of that work, but this time around the duo wanted to try something different. Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair" National Geographic/Eleanor Paish Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair" National Geographic/Eleanor Paish An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker A fireworm is hit by a cavitation bubble shot from the claw of a pistol shrimp defending its home. National Geographic/Hugh Miller As it grows and molts, the mad hatterpillar stacks old head casings on top of its head. Scientists think it is used as a decoy against would-be predators and parasites, and when needed, it can also be used as a weapon. National Geographic/Katherine Hannaford Worst parents ever? A young barnacle goose chick prepares t make the 800-foot jump from its nest to the ground. National Geographic An adult pearlfish reverses into a sea cucumber's butt to hide. National Geographic A vulture sticks its head inside an elephant carcass to eat. National Geographic A manatee releases flatulence while swimming to lose the buoyancy build up of gas inside its stomach, and descend down the water column. National Geographic/Karl Davies "There is a sense after awhile that you're playing the same animals to the same people, and the shows are starting to look the same and so is your audience," Linfield told Ars. "We thought, okay, how can we do something absolutely the opposite? We've gone through our careers collecting stories of these weird and crazy creatures that don't end up in the script because they're not big or sexy and they live under a rock. But they often have the best life histories and the craziest superpowers." Case in point: the velvet worm featured in the "Superheroes" episode, which creeps up on unsuspecting prey before squirting disgusting slime all over their food.Once Linfield and Berlowitz decided to focus on nature's underdogs and to take a more humorous approach, Ryan Reynolds became their top choice for a narrator—the anti-Richard Attenborough. As luck would have it, the pair shared an agent with the mega-star. So even though they thought there was no way Reynolds would agree to the project, they put together a sizzle reel, complete with a "fake Canadian Ryan Reynolds sound-alike" doing the narration. Reynolds was on set when he received the reel, and loved it so much he recoded his own narration for the footage and sent it back. "From that moment he was in," said Linfield, and Wildstar Films worked closely with Reynolds and his company to develop the final series. "We've never worked that way on a series before, a joint collaboration from day one," Berlowitz admitted. But it worked: the end result strikes the perfect balance between scientific revelation and accurate natural history, and an edgy comic tone. That tone is quintessential Reynolds, and while he did mostly follow the script, Linfield and Berlowitz admit there was also a fair amount of improvisation—not all of it PG-13.  "What we hadn't appreciated is that he's an incredible improv performer," said Berlowitz. "He can't help himself. He gets into character and starts riffing off. There are some takes that we definitely couldn't use, that potentially would fit a slightly more Hulu audience."  Some of the ad-libs made it into the final episodes, however—like Reynolds describing an Aye-Aye as "if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair"—even though it meant going back and doing a bit of recutting to get the new lines to fit. Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later. National Geographic/Laura Pennafort Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later. National Geographic/Laura Pennafort The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic A male hippo sprays his feces at another male who is threatening to take over his patch. National Geographic A male proboscis monkey flaunts his large nose. The noses of these males are used to amplify their calls in the vast forest. National Geographic Dream girl: A blood-soaked female hyena looks across the African savanna. National Geographic A male bowerbird presents one of the finest items in his collection to a female in his bower. National Geographic The male nursery web spider presents his nuptial gift to the female. National Geographic Cue the Barry White mood music: Two leopard slugs suspend themselves on a rope of mucus as they entwine their bodies to mate with one another. National Geographic Despite their years of collective experience, Linfield and Berlowitz were initially skeptical when the crew told them about the pearl fish, which hides from predators in a sea cucumber's butt. "It had never been filmed so we said, 'You're going to have to prove it to us,'" said Berlowitz. "They came back with this fantastic, hilarious sequence of a pearl fish reverse parking [in a sea cucumber's anus)." The film crew experienced a few heart-pounding moments, most notably while filming the cliffside nests of barnacle geese for the "Terrible Parents" episode. A melting glacier caused a watery avalanche while the crew was filming the geese, and they had to quickly grab a few shots and run to safety. Less dramatic: cinematographer Tom Beldam had his smartphone stolen by a long-tailed macaque mere minutes after he finished capturing the animal on film. If all goes well and Underdogs finds its target audience, we may even get a follow-up. "We are slightly plowing new territory but the science is as true as it's ever been and the stories are good. That aspect of the natural history is still there," said Linfield. "I think what we really hope for is that people who don't normally watch natural history will watch it. If people have as much fun watching it as we had making it, then the metrics should be good enough for another season." Verdict: Underdogs is positively addictive; I binged all five episodes in a single day.Underdogs premieres June 15, 2025, at 9 PM/8 PM Central on National Geographicand will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.  You should watch it, if only to get that second season. Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. Jennifer lives in Baltimore with her spouse, physicist Sean M. Carroll, and their two cats, Ariel and Caliban. 5 Comments #delightfully #irreverent #underdogs #isnt #your
    ARSTECHNICA.COM
    Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries
    show some love for the losers Delightfully irreverent Underdogs isn’t your parents’ nature docuseries Ryan Reynolds narrates NatGeo's new series highlighting nature's much less cool and majestic creatures Jennifer Ouellette – Jun 15, 2025 3:11 pm | 5 The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs Credit: National Geographic/Doug Parker The indestructible honey badger is just one of nature's "benchwarmers" featured in Underdogs Credit: National Geographic/Doug Parker Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more Narrator Ryan Reynolds celebrates nature's outcasts in the new NatGeo docuseries Underdogs. Most of us have seen a nature documentary or two (or three) at some point in our lives, so it's a familiar format: sweeping majestic footage of impressively regal animals accompanied by reverently high-toned narration (preferably with a tony British accent). Underdogs, a new docuseries from National Geographic, takes a decidedly different and unconventional approach. Narrated by with hilarious irreverence by Ryan Reynolds, the five-part series highlights nature's less cool and majestic creatures: the outcasts and benchwarmers, more noteworthy for their "unconventional hygiene choices" and "unsavory courtship rituals." It's like The Suicide Squad or Thunderbolts*, except these creatures actually exist. Per the official premise, "Underdogs features a range of never-before-filmed scenes, including the first time a film crew has ever entered a special cave in New Zealand—a huge cavern that glows brighter than a bachelor pad under a black light thanks to the glowing butts of millions of mucus-coated grubs. All over the world, overlooked superstars like this are out there 24/7, giving it maximum effort and keeping the natural world in working order for all those showboating polar bears, sharks and gorillas." It's rated PG-13 thanks to the odd bit of scatalogical humor and shots of Nature Sexy Time Each of the five episodes is built around a specific genre. "Superheroes" highlights the surprising superpowers of the honey badger, pistol shrimp, and the invisible glass frog, among others, augmented with comic book graphics; "Sexy Beasts" focuses on bizarre mating habits and follows the format of a romantic advice column; "Terrible Parents" highlights nature's worst practices, following the outline of a parenting guide; "Total Grossout" is exactly what it sounds like; and "The Unusual Suspects" is a heist tale, documenting the supposed efforts of a macaque to put together the ultimate team of masters of deception and disguise (an inside man, a decoy, a fall guy, etc.).  Green Day even wrote and recorded a special theme song for the opening credits. Co-creators Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz of Wildstar Films are longtime producers of award-winning wildlife films, most notably Frozen Planet, Planet Earth and David Attenborough's Life of Mammals—you know, the kind of prestige nature documentaries that have become a mainstay for National Geographic and the BBC, among others. They're justly proud of that work, but this time around the duo wanted to try something different. Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair" National Geographic/Eleanor Paish Madagascar's aye-aye: "as if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair" National Geographic/Eleanor Paish An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker An emerald jewel wasp emerges from a cockroach. National Geographic/Simon De Glanville A pack of African hunting dogs is no match for the honey badger's thick hide. National Geographic/Tom Walker A fireworm is hit by a cavitation bubble shot from the claw of a pistol shrimp defending its home. National Geographic/Hugh Miller As it grows and molts, the mad hatterpillar stacks old head casings on top of its head. Scientists think it is used as a decoy against would-be predators and parasites, and when needed, it can also be used as a weapon. National Geographic/Katherine Hannaford Worst parents ever? A young barnacle goose chick prepares t make the 800-foot jump from its nest to the ground. National Geographic An adult pearlfish reverses into a sea cucumber's butt to hide. National Geographic A vulture sticks its head inside an elephant carcass to eat. National Geographic A manatee releases flatulence while swimming to lose the buoyancy build up of gas inside its stomach, and descend down the water column. National Geographic/Karl Davies "There is a sense after awhile that you're playing the same animals to the same people, and the shows are starting to look the same and so is your audience," Linfield told Ars. "We thought, okay, how can we do something absolutely the opposite? We've gone through our careers collecting stories of these weird and crazy creatures that don't end up in the script because they're not big or sexy and they live under a rock. But they often have the best life histories and the craziest superpowers." Case in point: the velvet worm featured in the "Superheroes" episode, which creeps up on unsuspecting prey before squirting disgusting slime all over their food. (It's a handy defense mechanism, too, against predators like the wolf spider.) Once Linfield and Berlowitz decided to focus on nature's underdogs and to take a more humorous approach, Ryan Reynolds became their top choice for a narrator—the anti-Richard Attenborough. As luck would have it, the pair shared an agent with the mega-star. So even though they thought there was no way Reynolds would agree to the project, they put together a sizzle reel, complete with a "fake Canadian Ryan Reynolds sound-alike" doing the narration. Reynolds was on set when he received the reel, and loved it so much he recoded his own narration for the footage and sent it back. "From that moment he was in," said Linfield, and Wildstar Films worked closely with Reynolds and his company to develop the final series. "We've never worked that way on a series before, a joint collaboration from day one," Berlowitz admitted. But it worked: the end result strikes the perfect balance between scientific revelation and accurate natural history, and an edgy comic tone. That tone is quintessential Reynolds, and while he did mostly follow the script (which his team helped write), Linfield and Berlowitz admit there was also a fair amount of improvisation—not all of it PG-13.  "What we hadn't appreciated is that he's an incredible improv performer," said Berlowitz. "He can't help himself. He gets into character and starts riffing off [the footage]. There are some takes that we definitely couldn't use, that potentially would fit a slightly more Hulu audience."  Some of the ad-libs made it into the final episodes, however—like Reynolds describing an Aye-Aye as "if fear and panic had a baby and rolled it in dog hair"—even though it meant going back and doing a bit of recutting to get the new lines to fit. Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later. National Geographic/Laura Pennafort Cinematographer Tom Beldam films a long-tailed macaque who stole his smart phone minutes later. National Geographic/Laura Pennafort The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic The macaque agrees to trade ithe stolen phone for a piece of food. National Geographic A family of tortoise beetles defend themselves from a carnivorous ant by wafting baby poop in its direction. National Geographic A male hippo sprays his feces at another male who is threatening to take over his patch. National Geographic A male proboscis monkey flaunts his large nose. The noses of these males are used to amplify their calls in the vast forest. National Geographic Dream girl: A blood-soaked female hyena looks across the African savanna. National Geographic A male bowerbird presents one of the finest items in his collection to a female in his bower. National Geographic The male nursery web spider presents his nuptial gift to the female. National Geographic Cue the Barry White mood music: Two leopard slugs suspend themselves on a rope of mucus as they entwine their bodies to mate with one another. National Geographic Despite their years of collective experience, Linfield and Berlowitz were initially skeptical when the crew told them about the pearl fish, which hides from predators in a sea cucumber's butt (along with many other species). "It had never been filmed so we said, 'You're going to have to prove it to us,'" said Berlowitz. "They came back with this fantastic, hilarious sequence of a pearl fish reverse parking [in a sea cucumber's anus)." The film crew experienced a few heart-pounding moments, most notably while filming the cliffside nests of barnacle geese for the "Terrible Parents" episode. A melting glacier caused a watery avalanche while the crew was filming the geese, and they had to quickly grab a few shots and run to safety. Less dramatic: cinematographer Tom Beldam had his smartphone stolen by a long-tailed macaque mere minutes after he finished capturing the animal on film. If all goes well and Underdogs finds its target audience, we may even get a follow-up. "We are slightly plowing new territory but the science is as true as it's ever been and the stories are good. That aspect of the natural history is still there," said Linfield. "I think what we really hope for is that people who don't normally watch natural history will watch it. If people have as much fun watching it as we had making it, then the metrics should be good enough for another season." Verdict: Underdogs is positively addictive; I binged all five episodes in a single day. (For his part, Reynolds said in a statement that he was thrilled to "finally watch a project of ours with my children. Technically they saw Deadpool and Wolverine but I don't think they absorbed much while covering their eyes and ears and screaming for two hours.") Underdogs premieres June 15, 2025, at 9 PM/8 PM Central on National Geographic (simulcast on ABC) and will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.  You should watch it, if only to get that second season. Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. Jennifer lives in Baltimore with her spouse, physicist Sean M. Carroll, and their two cats, Ariel and Caliban. 5 Comments
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  • Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier: A Contemporary Urban Infill in Lagos

    Casa Sofia | © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG
    Located in the historic heart of Lagos, Portugal, Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier is a thoughtful exercise in urban integration and contemporary reinterpretation. Occupying a site once held by a modest two-story house, the project is situated on the corner of a block facing the Church of St Sebastião. With its commanding presence, this national monument set a formidable challenge for the architects: introducing a new residence that respects the weight of history while offering a clear, contemporary expression.

    Casa Sofia Technical Information

    Architects1-4: Mário Martins Atelier
    Location: Lagos, Portugal
    Project Completion Years: 2023
    Photographs: © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    It is therefore important to design a building to fit into and complete the block. A house that is quiet and solid, with rhythmic metrics, whose new design brings an identity, with the weight and scent of the times, to a city that has existed for many centuries.
    – Mário Martins Atelier

    Casa Sofia Photographs

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG
    Spatial Organization and Circulation
    The design’s ambition is anchored in reconciling modern residential needs with the dense urban fabric that defines the walled city. Rather than imposing a bold or disruptive form, the project embraces the existing rhythms and textures of the surrounding architecture. The result is a building that both defers to and elevates the neighborhood’s character. Its restrained profile and carefully modulated facade echo the massing and articulation of the original house while introducing an identity that is clearly of its time.
    At the core of Casa Sofia’s spatial organization is a deliberate hierarchy of spaces that transitions seamlessly between public, semi-public, and private domains. Entry from the street occurs through a modest set of steps leading to an exterior atrium. This threshold mediates the relationship between the public realm and the interior, grounding the house in its urban context. Once inside, an open hall reveals the vertical flow of the building, dominated by a staircase that appears to float, linking the house’s various levels while maintaining visual continuity throughout.
    The ground floor houses three bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, radiating from the central hall. This level also contains a small basement for technical support, reinforcing the discreet layering of functional and domestic spaces. Midway up the staircase, the house opens onto a garage, a laundry room, and an intimate courtyard. These areas, essential for daily life, are seamlessly integrated into the overall composition, contributing to a spatial richness that is both pragmatic and sensorial.
    On the first floor, an open-plan arrangement accommodates the main living spaces. Around a central void, the living and dining areas, kitchen, and master suite are arranged to encourage visual interplay and shared light. This configuration enhances the spatial porosity, ensuring that despite the density of the historic center, the house retains a sense of openness and fluidity. Above, a recessed roof level recedes from the street, culminating in a panoramic terrace with a swimming pool. Here, the building dissolves into the sky, offering expansive views and light-filled leisure spaces that contrast with the more enclosed lower floors.
    Materiality and Craftsmanship
    Materiality plays a decisive role in mediating the building’s relationship with its context. White-painted plaster, a familiar element in the region, is punctuated by deep limestone moldings. These details create a play of light and shadow that emphasizes the facade’s verticality and rhythm. The generous thickness of the walls, carried over from the site’s earlier construction, lends a sense of solidity and permanence to the house, recalling the tactile traditions of the Algarve’s architecture.
    The interior and exterior detailing is characterized by an economy of means, where each material is selected for its ability to reinforce the house’s quiet presence. Local materials and craftsmanship ground the project in its immediate context while responding to environmental imperatives. High thermal comfort is achieved through careful orientation and passive design strategies, complemented by the integration of solar control and water conservation measures. These considerations underscore the project’s commitment to sustainability without resorting to superficial gestures.
    Broader Urban and Cultural Implications
    Beyond its immediate function as a family home, Casa Sofia engages in a broader dialogue with its urban and cultural surroundings. The project exemplifies a measured response to the question of how to build within a historical setting without resorting to nostalgia or pastiche. It demonstrates that contemporary architecture can find resonance within heritage contexts by prioritizing the values of continuity, scale, and material authenticity.
    In its measured dialogue with the Church of St Sebastião and the centuries-old urban landscape of Lagos, Casa Sofia illustrates the potential for architecture to enrich the experience of place through quiet, rigorous interventions. It is a project that reaffirms architecture’s capacity to negotiate between past and present, crafting spaces that are at once deeply contextual and unambiguously of their moment.
    Casa Sofia Plans

    Sketch | © Mário Martins Atelier

    Ground Level | © Mário Martins Atelier

    Level 1 | © Mário Martins Atelier

    Level 2 | © Mário Martins Atelier

    Roof Plan | © Mário Martins Atelier

    Section | © Mário Martins Atelier
    Casa Sofia Image Gallery

    About Mário Martins Atelier
    Mário Martins Atelier is a Portuguese architecture and urbanism practice founded in 2000 by architect Mário Martins, who holds a degree from the Faculty of Architecture at the Technical University of Lisbon. Headquartered in Lagos with a secondary office in Lisbon, the firm operates with a dedicated multidisciplinary team. The office has developed a broad spectrum of work, from single-family homes and collective housing to public buildings and urban regeneration, distinguished by technical precision, contextual sensitivity, and sustainable strategies.
    Credits and Additional Notes

    Lead Architect: Mário Martins, arq.
    Project Team: Rita Rocha, Sónia Fialho, Susana Caetano, Susana Jóia, Ana Graça
    Engineering: Nuno Grave Engenharia
    Building: Marques Antunes Engenharia Lda
    #casa #sofia #mário #martins #atelier
    Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier: A Contemporary Urban Infill in Lagos
    Casa Sofia | © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG Located in the historic heart of Lagos, Portugal, Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier is a thoughtful exercise in urban integration and contemporary reinterpretation. Occupying a site once held by a modest two-story house, the project is situated on the corner of a block facing the Church of St Sebastião. With its commanding presence, this national monument set a formidable challenge for the architects: introducing a new residence that respects the weight of history while offering a clear, contemporary expression. Casa Sofia Technical Information Architects1-4: Mário Martins Atelier Location: Lagos, Portugal Project Completion Years: 2023 Photographs: © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG It is therefore important to design a building to fit into and complete the block. A house that is quiet and solid, with rhythmic metrics, whose new design brings an identity, with the weight and scent of the times, to a city that has existed for many centuries. – Mário Martins Atelier Casa Sofia Photographs © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG Spatial Organization and Circulation The design’s ambition is anchored in reconciling modern residential needs with the dense urban fabric that defines the walled city. Rather than imposing a bold or disruptive form, the project embraces the existing rhythms and textures of the surrounding architecture. The result is a building that both defers to and elevates the neighborhood’s character. Its restrained profile and carefully modulated facade echo the massing and articulation of the original house while introducing an identity that is clearly of its time. At the core of Casa Sofia’s spatial organization is a deliberate hierarchy of spaces that transitions seamlessly between public, semi-public, and private domains. Entry from the street occurs through a modest set of steps leading to an exterior atrium. This threshold mediates the relationship between the public realm and the interior, grounding the house in its urban context. Once inside, an open hall reveals the vertical flow of the building, dominated by a staircase that appears to float, linking the house’s various levels while maintaining visual continuity throughout. The ground floor houses three bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, radiating from the central hall. This level also contains a small basement for technical support, reinforcing the discreet layering of functional and domestic spaces. Midway up the staircase, the house opens onto a garage, a laundry room, and an intimate courtyard. These areas, essential for daily life, are seamlessly integrated into the overall composition, contributing to a spatial richness that is both pragmatic and sensorial. On the first floor, an open-plan arrangement accommodates the main living spaces. Around a central void, the living and dining areas, kitchen, and master suite are arranged to encourage visual interplay and shared light. This configuration enhances the spatial porosity, ensuring that despite the density of the historic center, the house retains a sense of openness and fluidity. Above, a recessed roof level recedes from the street, culminating in a panoramic terrace with a swimming pool. Here, the building dissolves into the sky, offering expansive views and light-filled leisure spaces that contrast with the more enclosed lower floors. Materiality and Craftsmanship Materiality plays a decisive role in mediating the building’s relationship with its context. White-painted plaster, a familiar element in the region, is punctuated by deep limestone moldings. These details create a play of light and shadow that emphasizes the facade’s verticality and rhythm. The generous thickness of the walls, carried over from the site’s earlier construction, lends a sense of solidity and permanence to the house, recalling the tactile traditions of the Algarve’s architecture. The interior and exterior detailing is characterized by an economy of means, where each material is selected for its ability to reinforce the house’s quiet presence. Local materials and craftsmanship ground the project in its immediate context while responding to environmental imperatives. High thermal comfort is achieved through careful orientation and passive design strategies, complemented by the integration of solar control and water conservation measures. These considerations underscore the project’s commitment to sustainability without resorting to superficial gestures. Broader Urban and Cultural Implications Beyond its immediate function as a family home, Casa Sofia engages in a broader dialogue with its urban and cultural surroundings. The project exemplifies a measured response to the question of how to build within a historical setting without resorting to nostalgia or pastiche. It demonstrates that contemporary architecture can find resonance within heritage contexts by prioritizing the values of continuity, scale, and material authenticity. In its measured dialogue with the Church of St Sebastião and the centuries-old urban landscape of Lagos, Casa Sofia illustrates the potential for architecture to enrich the experience of place through quiet, rigorous interventions. It is a project that reaffirms architecture’s capacity to negotiate between past and present, crafting spaces that are at once deeply contextual and unambiguously of their moment. Casa Sofia Plans Sketch | © Mário Martins Atelier Ground Level | © Mário Martins Atelier Level 1 | © Mário Martins Atelier Level 2 | © Mário Martins Atelier Roof Plan | © Mário Martins Atelier Section | © Mário Martins Atelier Casa Sofia Image Gallery About Mário Martins Atelier Mário Martins Atelier is a Portuguese architecture and urbanism practice founded in 2000 by architect Mário Martins, who holds a degree from the Faculty of Architecture at the Technical University of Lisbon. Headquartered in Lagos with a secondary office in Lisbon, the firm operates with a dedicated multidisciplinary team. The office has developed a broad spectrum of work, from single-family homes and collective housing to public buildings and urban regeneration, distinguished by technical precision, contextual sensitivity, and sustainable strategies. Credits and Additional Notes Lead Architect: Mário Martins, arq. Project Team: Rita Rocha, Sónia Fialho, Susana Caetano, Susana Jóia, Ana Graça Engineering: Nuno Grave Engenharia Building: Marques Antunes Engenharia Lda #casa #sofia #mário #martins #atelier
    ARCHEYES.COM
    Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier: A Contemporary Urban Infill in Lagos
    Casa Sofia | © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG Located in the historic heart of Lagos, Portugal, Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier is a thoughtful exercise in urban integration and contemporary reinterpretation. Occupying a site once held by a modest two-story house, the project is situated on the corner of a block facing the Church of St Sebastião. With its commanding presence, this national monument set a formidable challenge for the architects: introducing a new residence that respects the weight of history while offering a clear, contemporary expression. Casa Sofia Technical Information Architects1-4: Mário Martins Atelier Location: Lagos, Portugal Project Completion Years: 2023 Photographs: © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG It is therefore important to design a building to fit into and complete the block. A house that is quiet and solid, with rhythmic metrics, whose new design brings an identity, with the weight and scent of the times, to a city that has existed for many centuries. – Mário Martins Atelier Casa Sofia Photographs © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG Spatial Organization and Circulation The design’s ambition is anchored in reconciling modern residential needs with the dense urban fabric that defines the walled city. Rather than imposing a bold or disruptive form, the project embraces the existing rhythms and textures of the surrounding architecture. The result is a building that both defers to and elevates the neighborhood’s character. Its restrained profile and carefully modulated facade echo the massing and articulation of the original house while introducing an identity that is clearly of its time. At the core of Casa Sofia’s spatial organization is a deliberate hierarchy of spaces that transitions seamlessly between public, semi-public, and private domains. Entry from the street occurs through a modest set of steps leading to an exterior atrium. This threshold mediates the relationship between the public realm and the interior, grounding the house in its urban context. Once inside, an open hall reveals the vertical flow of the building, dominated by a staircase that appears to float, linking the house’s various levels while maintaining visual continuity throughout. The ground floor houses three bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, radiating from the central hall. This level also contains a small basement for technical support, reinforcing the discreet layering of functional and domestic spaces. Midway up the staircase, the house opens onto a garage, a laundry room, and an intimate courtyard. These areas, essential for daily life, are seamlessly integrated into the overall composition, contributing to a spatial richness that is both pragmatic and sensorial. On the first floor, an open-plan arrangement accommodates the main living spaces. Around a central void, the living and dining areas, kitchen, and master suite are arranged to encourage visual interplay and shared light. This configuration enhances the spatial porosity, ensuring that despite the density of the historic center, the house retains a sense of openness and fluidity. Above, a recessed roof level recedes from the street, culminating in a panoramic terrace with a swimming pool. Here, the building dissolves into the sky, offering expansive views and light-filled leisure spaces that contrast with the more enclosed lower floors. Materiality and Craftsmanship Materiality plays a decisive role in mediating the building’s relationship with its context. White-painted plaster, a familiar element in the region, is punctuated by deep limestone moldings. These details create a play of light and shadow that emphasizes the facade’s verticality and rhythm. The generous thickness of the walls, carried over from the site’s earlier construction, lends a sense of solidity and permanence to the house, recalling the tactile traditions of the Algarve’s architecture. The interior and exterior detailing is characterized by an economy of means, where each material is selected for its ability to reinforce the house’s quiet presence. Local materials and craftsmanship ground the project in its immediate context while responding to environmental imperatives. High thermal comfort is achieved through careful orientation and passive design strategies, complemented by the integration of solar control and water conservation measures. These considerations underscore the project’s commitment to sustainability without resorting to superficial gestures. Broader Urban and Cultural Implications Beyond its immediate function as a family home, Casa Sofia engages in a broader dialogue with its urban and cultural surroundings. The project exemplifies a measured response to the question of how to build within a historical setting without resorting to nostalgia or pastiche. It demonstrates that contemporary architecture can find resonance within heritage contexts by prioritizing the values of continuity, scale, and material authenticity. In its measured dialogue with the Church of St Sebastião and the centuries-old urban landscape of Lagos, Casa Sofia illustrates the potential for architecture to enrich the experience of place through quiet, rigorous interventions. It is a project that reaffirms architecture’s capacity to negotiate between past and present, crafting spaces that are at once deeply contextual and unambiguously of their moment. Casa Sofia Plans Sketch | © Mário Martins Atelier Ground Level | © Mário Martins Atelier Level 1 | © Mário Martins Atelier Level 2 | © Mário Martins Atelier Roof Plan | © Mário Martins Atelier Section | © Mário Martins Atelier Casa Sofia Image Gallery About Mário Martins Atelier Mário Martins Atelier is a Portuguese architecture and urbanism practice founded in 2000 by architect Mário Martins, who holds a degree from the Faculty of Architecture at the Technical University of Lisbon (1988). Headquartered in Lagos with a secondary office in Lisbon, the firm operates with a dedicated multidisciplinary team. The office has developed a broad spectrum of work, from single-family homes and collective housing to public buildings and urban regeneration, distinguished by technical precision, contextual sensitivity, and sustainable strategies. Credits and Additional Notes Lead Architect: Mário Martins, arq. Project Team: Rita Rocha, Sónia Fialho, Susana Caetano, Susana Jóia, Ana Graça Engineering: Nuno Grave Engenharia Building: Marques Antunes Engenharia Lda
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