Latest news with #Architecture
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh at Home: The Domestic World of the '50s It Couple in 15 Photos
The Hitchcock blonde and her Some Like It Hot star husband raised their daughters—actors Kelly and Jamie Lee Curtis—in camera-ready Southern California dwellings Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Unified portal for R&D monitoring, funding in works
The Centre is set to revamp the funding and monitoring framework for R&D projects funded across all government departments to develop a national R&D database and target national research goals more effectively, ET has learnt. High-level inter-ministerial discussions, steered by Niti Aayog, have already been held with secretaries to more than a dozen ministries/departments to develop the 'Unified Architecture for Project Lifecycle Management'. This will essentially operate like a national dashboard for reporting, monitoring as well as outcome analysis of government-funded R&D projects, across all scientific and academic departments and laboratories under various ministries, a key missing piece in the current R&D ecosystem. The unified platform aims to improve the researcher's interface in keeping with the national goal of bringing 'Ease of Doing Research'. A Europass CV- like template, to enable researchers to apply for R&D funding in a simple online format, is envisaged as part of the plan. A key trigger for the move is the Centre's difficulty in identifying the right researcher and institute when considering funding of critical R&D projects. The current scenario offers no clear database to make an informed decision on instituting a particular R&D INDIA'S R&D DATAIt is gathered that a unified dashboard is currently under development and undergoing testing to enable all departments to use it seamlessly. A technical committee has also been set up to fast track the onboarding of the system, ET has ministries/agencies will input the R&D project related data to the unified platform which will have four pillars -- project proposal submission, approval and funding tracking, project execution monitoring and outcome and impact four will encompass all key R&D aspects -- from facilitating project proposal submission by the researcher across any department and agency through the unified dashboard to allowing both a departmental as well as a national insight into the overall sum of R&D impact and is expected that better coordination between different arms of the government on R&D will follow leading to efficient data management, resource optimisation and decision 'unified architecture' will also reflect government-funded R&D projects across private/ NGO sectors to enable data capture of ongoing research areas and expertise across segments. ISOLATED R&D ECOSYSTEM After several meetings with funding organisations and ministries, coordinated by the Niti Aayog, huge fragmentation, rigidity and absence of reporting/monitoring mechanisms, were identified as key problems ailing the country's R&D several ministries do have their own portals to map R&D flow, most of these are quite old and work in isolation which leaves little scope for data integration or aggregation to even generate an institution wise /state wise or agency wise report on the status of R&D is difficult to often even trace the details of researchers involved, publication and so on leaving several gaps in the database.
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
The Statue of Liberty Is for Sale: Amazon Is Selling Its 1685-Pieces LEGO Set at a Record Low Price
LEGO does not only tell stories of well-known franchises such as Star Wars or Harry Potter, even though those licenses certainly helped propel LEGO in the minds of consumers globally. LEGO strives to bring global culture and history to life with its Architecture series featuring many wonderful landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Westminster Bridge, and Statue of Liberty. Currently, the LEGO Architecture Statue of Liberty (21042) is available on Amazon at a record low price of $94, which is 22% off the original listing price of $119. Over 1,000 units have sold in the last month and it is an Amazon's Choice item, so it is a steal for all builders and avid collectors of LEGO. See at Amazon Beautiful Statue What is incredible about the Statue of Liberty model is how much detail LEGO included in this set and how many builders were blown away. Lady Liberty's flowing robe is beautifully depicted, the pedestal with the shield is incredibly detailed with brick details and columns, broken shackles represent freedom, a 7-ray crown is iconic and the tablet and upraised arm with the golden torch is equally representation of freedom. The colors (sand green and beige) are very humanlike and give the model a liveliness while building it. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 6,200 reviews—nearly 6,000 of which are five-star ratings—this set is a favorite for dedicated collectors. With more than 1,600 pieces, standing 44 cm tall, this statue certainly captures your focus and can be a great statement piece anywhere at home or in the office. Based on reviews, the alternative designs and materials of this set are top quality at it's current promotional price, that makes it a great dal for a LEGO fans. See at Amazon
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- General
- Korea Herald
Leading architects challenge hanok orthodoxy
Panel calls for evolution beyond traditional limitations as Korean culture gains global attention "Let's face it, hanok may never become fully mainstream again. But it remains an essential part of our architectural culture," said Daniel Tandler, co-founder of Urbandetail Architecture, whose contemporary interpretations of Korea's traditional housing have earned international recognition. The Eundeok Cultural Center in central Seoul was packed on Wednesday, with attendees spilling onto the floor of the century-old hanok building. They had come to hear six leading voices debate the future of hanok -- Korea's traditional wooden houses with their signature tiled roofs and central courtyards -- at "Architecture Talk: Evolving Hanok" jointly organized by The Korea Herald and Architecture & Urban Research Institute. Breaking from tradition A clear consensus emerged around the limitations of current approaches to hanok preservation and development. The discussion revealed broad agreement among experts that rigid definitions of hanok could prove detrimental to innovation. "Why must hanok have fixed definitions?" questioned Shin Chi-hoo, manager of the National Hanok Center. "No one defines apartments or single-family houses when selling them. Instead of seeking what makes hanok special, we should focus on how people actually live -- the relationships between spaces, what kind of life happens inside these places." Cho Jung-goo, architect of guga Urban Architecture, emphasized this point through his concept of "architectural reincarnation," describing how traditional Korean spatial arrangements persist across different materials and construction methods. "In Jeju, I observed traditional thatched houses alongside modern slab houses sharing nearly identical floor plans," he explained. "Traditional materials evolved into contemporary concrete construction. Hanok shouldn't remain static but continue evolving and being reborn." This flexibility extends to construction methods that allow for technological adaptation. In presentations preceding the panel discussion, each architect showcased projects that demonstrate contemporary adaptations of hanok's traditional elements: Tandler's steel reinforcement systems for structural integrity, Kim Yong-mi's hybrid wood-concrete construction methods, Hwang Doo-jin's integration of glass skylights within traditional wooden floor systems, and Cho's reinterpretation of traditional courtyard spatial arrangements for modern contexts. The current institutional framework reinforces creative limitations by enforcing technical requirements that projects must meet to qualify for subsidies, experts say. Seoul's hanok support initiative, for instance, requires "wooden architectural structures built on the basis of traditional Korean-style frameworks consisting of columns and purlins," language that panelists argued perpetuates orthodox standards and restricts experimental approaches. The panelists echoed broader frustration with widespread traditionalist expectations that hanok should preserve historical elements without any contemporary modification, an idea Tandler characterized as "Joseon-era (1392-1910) style obsession." "Some techniques are indeed worth preserving, but regarding the late Joseon-era formalities -- the hanok we live in today are far removed from those historical models anyway," he said. The urban question Despite agreement on the need for flexibility, the discussion exposed nuanced disagreements about hanok's role in urban landscapes. This tension centered on whether hanok should adapt to densely populated urban conditions or maintain certain characteristics that may limit widespread adoption. Understanding this debate requires a look at Seoul's unique housing landscape. The city houses approximately 10 million people in 605 square kilometers, with apartment complexes comprising over 60 percent of housing stock. These complexes, typically 15-25 stories high, house multiple families on small footprints while providing amenities and security that individual houses cannot practically match. Hwang and Kim advocated for multi-story hanok that could establish a more common presence in urban settings. "Multi-story development -- turning hanok into multiple floors -- is key," Hwang said. "Even two stories significantly raise density. If traditional neighborhoods had multi-floor hanok, they wouldn't have been completely razed for redevelopment." "Korea historically had different priorities -- less focus on wealth accumulation through property, which allowed for these unique single-story buildings," he added. "That worked well in the past, but it can't handle today's urban pressures. That's why hanok get torn down voluntarily, without any war or colonization forcing it." Kim went further in her presentation, envisioning "hanok cities" with five-story hanok buildings serving as police stations and fire departments. "Why not dream of hanok cities?" she asked. "This can be a healing project for Korea's damaged landscape." The preservation counterargument Tandler and Cho offered opposing perspectives, arguing that hanok's value lies precisely in qualities that resist urban adaptation. Tandler questioned the premise of mass adoption: "Korea's small hanok percentage won't create density problems. Hanok probably won't become mainstream anyway, so these talks about density aren't really necessary." His position reflects broader skepticism about compromising hanok characteristics for practical considerations: "If we focus too much on efficiency, why build hanok at all? It's like comparing handmade leather shoes with factory-made ones -- even with the same leather, they're completely different." Cho cautioned against equating higher density with progress, arguing that apartment complexes reduce community spaces while displacing long-time residents. "When they build apartment complexes, the number of households actually decreases, and they drive out many people. It's strange to call that increased density," he said. He drew parallels to historic preservation: "No one thinks we should increase density at Gyeongbokgung Palace just because Geunjeongjeon Hall is only two stories. Why should we treat hanok neighborhoods differently?" This perspective treats hanok as inherently limited in scale, valuable for its difference from mainstream housing rather than its potential to replace it. Tandler suggested this limitation enhances rather than diminishes hanok's significance: "Let hanok be hanok, and let our contemporary architecture incorporate and reinterpret hanok essence." Cultural renaissance The discussion concluded with reflections on Korea's evolving stature on the global stage and its implications for cultural identity. Several panelists noted how Korea's rapid rise in cultural influence -- from technology to entertainment -- creates new opportunities for architectural expression. Kim, who studied in Paris, reflected on changing perceptions: "Back in the days, people in Paris only knew Korea through images of tear gas and demonstrations. These days, everyone gathers around Korean students to see the latest smartphones and digital devices. Korea's status has risen that dramatically." She expressed cautious optimism about future developments: "I don't expect many more hanok to be built, but what I do see is a much deeper exploration of what Korean-style architecture really means." Cho articulated his vision for Korean architecture's future. "We have a creative calling -- something that hasn't emerged yet but needs to. Where will the biggest seeds for this come from? I am confident hanok will provide them." "Take Japan -- Japan established this foundation centuries ago, then developed it through various schools over 150 years. Now, Japanese architects naturally produce work that feels Japanese." For Korea, he suggested, "the future depends on us creating something similar -- but we're the ones who have to build it." moonkihoon@
Time Out
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time Out
NYC will get its first-ever booze-free members club this fall
In a city where cocktails and clubhouses often go hand in hand, one entrepreneur is daring to rewrite the social script. This fall, New York will welcome The Maze, a first-ever alcohol-free members club, offering all the elegance and exclusivity of the downtown social scene, just minus the booze. Located at 43 West 24th Street in Flatiron, The Maze is a 4,600-square-foot sanctuary for connection, creativity and yes, mocktails, though this isn't some hokey dry lounge. The vibe is more 'boutique hotel meets conscious community' than anything else, with a stylish New American restaurant, high-end coffee bar, flexible event spaces and lounges designed for actual conversation (imagine that). Founder Justin Gurland, a 17-year-sober entrepreneur and licensed Master Social Worker, is on a mission to prove that sobriety doesn't have to mean isolation or sacrifice. 'We're not just removing alcohol—we're reimagining what it means to belong," Gurland said. "We're excited to bring The Maze to the city, offering a welcoming space where people can pursue more meaningful experiences, supporting intentional living and personal growth. It's a place where you can thrive without the pressures of traditional socializing, embracing a lifestyle centered around mindfulness and purpose." That ethos threads through everything The Maze is building. From its sleek design (courtesy of OPA Architecture and Laube Studio) to its curated programming, the goal is to offer a social experience rooted in intention. Expect networking events, community-building mixers and the monthly Cornerstone Dinner, a signature event designed to spark connection without needing a drink in hand. While some might say New York is oversaturated with velvet ropes and vodka sodas, The Maze offers a genuinely refreshing alternative: a place where wellness, recovery and ambition sit at the same table. It's a new model for mindful socializing that speaks to the growing demand for alcohol-free environments that are high on sophistication rather than sacrifice.
