Historical Buddhist site master plan looks like a fantasy biodiversity space

Most people probably think of religious sites as churches, temples, or even buildings, but there are plenty of locations regarded as “holy” or even historical places that are sometimes nothing more than a mound and a tree. Buddhism, for example, has one such sacred space that holds relics of its past, an unadorned mount covered by grass and topped by a simple yet distinctive tree. Given both its religious and historical significance, there is a strong interest in preserving such a site while also promoting its spirit in tangible yet subtle ways. One such plan transforms this key piece of Buddhist religion and history into a biodiversity garden that almost looks like a landscape straight out of a fantasy film.

Designer: Stefano Boeri Architetti

Located in western Nepal, the Stupa or “heap” of Ramagrama is one of the most important locations in Buddhism, combining religious, historical, and cultural heritage in a single place. A centuries-old Bodhi tree sits on top of a green hill that has formed over an intact dirt burial mound that contains portions of the relics of Buddha. That landscape has remained unchanged, protected by both nature and man, yet there is no assurance that it will be that way forever. A master plan is needed to help preserve the natural beauty of this site while also encouraging both believers as well as tourists to immerse themselves in the environment in a safe manner.

The solution presented in this beautiful design creates a wide space around the stupa and the Bodhi tree that maintains a respectful distance in order to preserve historical landmarks and objects for future generations. Covered walkways encircle the hill while dozens of pathways draw a beautiful and mesmerizing mandala that can only be seen from the skies. Four portals in each direction break up the area into four quadrants, with large access roads that lead to the central hill.

This open space for contemplation or “Prato della Pace” is surrounded by the Garden of Biodiversity, a slope that is conceived to hold 80,000 plants of 70 different local species selected from the Terai plain considered to be the Buddha’s birthplace. A shaded path covered with trees separates these two circular areas and provides a convenient location to view and appreciate the Ramagrama Stupa from a distance.

The master plan for the Ramagrama Stupa is an ambitious project that combines the many elements that represent Buddhism into a harmonious piece of architectural design and landscaping. The structures and circular paths embrace minimalism and mysticism, allowing visitors to both pray and marvel, whatever the purpose of their visit may be. The high biodiversity pays homage to the Bodhi tree, itself a symbol of biodiversity, and ensures that the botanical legacy of Buddhism will also be preserved for years or even centuries. It’s a design that generates an air of mysticism and wonder, creating a space that is literally rooted to the earth yet looks like it exists on a higher plane.

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COSMOS Chair: An Experience that Unveils a Multiverse of Emotions and Intricacies

In a world brimming with innovation and creativity, there are certain designs that transcend their physical form and touch the very essence of our being. Such is the case with the awe-inspiring COSMOS chair, a masterpiece that elegantly intertwines human emotion with the boundless complexity of the universe. Crafted by the visionary mind of Brooklyn-based designer Peter Minsoub Sim, this chair is more than just a piece of furniture—it is an intricate tapestry that beckons us to explore the vast realms of human cognition and connect with the universe on an unparalleled level.

Designer: Peter Minsoub Sim

The very first glance at the COSMOS chair triggers a sense of grandeur, as if gazing upon a throne that commands not just a room, but an entire universe. This imagery is not by chance, for the chair’s design is an embodiment of the intricate nature of the cosmos. While the initial impression might be regal, the deeper layers of the design reflect the meticulous intention to encapsulate the universe within a tangible object.

Comprising over 400 distinct parts, the COSMOS chair brings together a harmonious blend of styles from various eras, fusing digital precision with the artistry of human hands. The amalgamation of cast brass, 3D-printed components, and delicate glass elements highlights the chair’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship. This synthesis of modern technology and traditional artistry is a testament to the evolving relationship between the human mind and the tools at its disposal.

COSMOS chair is not just a physical creation; it is a reflection of the intricate interplay between objects and human emotions. The chair draws inspiration from the elements of nature—the sun, the earth, trees, clouds, waves, water droplets, birds, and fish. These elements form the essence of the chair’s design, with a hand-carved sunflower serving as a focal point and cobalt blue glass stars encircling the sun in a celestial halo.

Yet, it’s not just these non-human elements that define the chair’s identity. The chair itself becomes a representation of human presence, both in the space it occupies and in the hands that meticulously shaped it. This harmonious blend of the natural and the human creates an emotional resonance that transcends words and communicates directly with our senses.

COSMOS doesn’t just speak, it communicates in a language that bypasses the confines of vocabulary. The curves, textures, materials, and hues of the chair are the vocabulary of this intricate dialect. Through these visual elements, the chair invites us to contemplate the interconnectedness of the universe and the remarkable symphony of harmony that exists within it. This isn’t merely a fantasy; it’s a profound homage to the physical world we inhabit.

Yet, COSMOS isn’t just a work of art; it’s a functional chair that invites us to experience its intricate beauty firsthand. One can sit within its embrace and be enveloped by the serene forests, expansive oceans, and limitless skies it encapsulates. The brass birds, meticulously positioned, evoke a sense of both scale and significance, reminding us of our place within the grand tapestry of existence.

As we find ourselves seated in the embrace of the COSMOS chair, we are transported to a realm of wonder and curiosity. The chair serves as a vessel for moments of contemplation and introspection, reminding us of the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered within our universe. This design masterpiece encourages us to foster these moments of connection and appreciation, much like the little brass birds that perch, converse, and shine, patiently waiting for us to uncover and cherish their presence.

In spaces both ornate and minimalistic, traditional and modern, COSMOS finds its place as a testament to the cosmic threads that bind us all. A chair, yes, but more so an emblem of the profound relationship between humans, objects, and the universe they inhabit. COSMOS chair is a masterpiece that bridges time, space, and design, igniting a spark of curiosity and wonder in all who encounter it.

The COSMOS chair isn’t confined by traditional categorizations. It defies simple definitions, gracefully dancing between the realms of functional furniture and captivating art. Its ability to evoke emotions and stimulate profound contemplation sets it apart as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the design world. It’s not just a chair; it’s a journey—a journey through the intricacies of the universe and the depths of our own imagination.

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YouTube will show a minimalist home page if your watch history is turned off

YouTube announced today that it’s changing how its home page works if you have your watch history disabled. Starting today, the video service’s home feed will stop appearing for those with their viewing history turned off and “no significant prior watch history.” The change will provide a more streamlined browsing experience, showing only the search bar and guide menu.

“Starting today, if you have YouTube watch history off and have no significant prior watch history, features that require watch history to provide video recommendations will be disabled — like your YouTube home feed,” the company wrote in a blog post today. “This means that starting today, your home feed may look a lot different: you’ll be able to see the search bar and the left-hand guide menu, with no feed of recommended videos, thus allowing you to more easily search, browse subscribed channels and explore Topic tabs instead.”

YouTube says the changes will appear “slowly, over the next few months.” The company describes the move as making “it more clear which YouTube features rely on watch history to provide video recommendations and make it more streamlined for those of you who prefer to search rather than browse recommendations.”

YouTube says, once the change rolls out to your account, you can change your watch history settings to switch views at any time. The toggle is in a dedicated section on the My Google Activity settings page.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/youtube-will-show-a-minimalist-home-page-if-your-watch-history-is-turned-off-204126043.html?src=rss

Whipsaw Revises History With This Radical Evolution in the Grand Piano’s Design

For over 300 years, the piano has stood as an emblem of artistic culture, captivating audiences with its majestic sound and elegant design. However, despite its enduring popularity, the grand piano has remained largely unchanged in its fundamental form. That is until now. Enter the Ravenchord, a revolutionary wing-shaped instrument that seeks to redefine the piano’s very essence, liberating its form, function, and usability.

Designer: Whipsaw

Before we delve into the Ravenchord, let’s take a brief journey through the history of the grand piano’s evolution. The piano, as we know it, has its origins in string instruments like the harpsichord and clavichord. Over centuries, the piano technique underwent significant development during the transition from harpsichord to fortepiano playing, culminating in the modern piano. The emergence of virtuoso pianists and changing musical styles during the Classical and Romantic periods also contributed to the piano’s evolution and the various “schools” of piano playing.

In the year 1000 AD, keys were applied to the monochord and contemporary organs, marking the initial steps toward the piano’s design. The 14th century saw the invention of the clavicytherium, a harp-like triangle arrangement of strings. Progress continued with the clavichord in the 16th century, where additional strings and pins fastened to the keys allowed for string vibration through pressure. Clavichord advancements in the 17th century included assigning individual keys to strings and adding a cloth damper between strings.

Fast forward to the 18th century, and Cristofori introduced the first hammer-action pianoforte, credited as the piano’s inventor. Early pianoforte designs often favored the wing form, with manufacturers recognizing its advantages for superior sound quality, volume, and engineering. Eventually, the grand piano took center stage in piano making, becoming the preferred style for concert settings and homes alike.

Now, in the latest chapter of the piano’s evolution, a daring proposal named the Ravenchord has emerged. Conceived by a visionary designer named Harden, the Ravenchord resembles a bird’s wing, with strings fanning out from the center. Unlike previous attempts at redesigning the grand piano, Harden’s concept breaks away from tradition entirely, resulting in a piano that is unrecognizable in appearance but still retains the familiar keys and pedals cherished by pianists.

The Ravenchord sets a new standard for the immersive musical experience it offers, captivating the audience on multiple sensory levels. A remarkable aspect of this revolutionary instrument lies in the visual connection it establishes between the performer and the audience. Harden’s ingenious design strips away the mystique of the piano, revealing its internal mechanisms—the hammers, dampers, and strings—unveiling the magic behind the music and adding a new dimension to every performance. Just like the bow sliding against violin strings or drumsticks striking the drumhead, the Ravenchord transforms the grand piano from a mere instrument into an expressive work of art, captivating both the ears and the eyes of the audience.

To enhance the visual appeal, the Ravenchord offers an optional subtle light behind each string, illuminating the impact of the hammers. This unique feature not only adds an aesthetic touch but also provides a clear visual representation of the instrument’s function. As the hammers strike the strings, the illuminated strings amplify the sensory experience. Ultimately, this vulnerable, exposed instrument, along with the performer, bridges the visual disconnect from the piano’s past, inviting the audience to partake in a truly immersive and captivating musical journey.

Beyond aesthetics, the Ravenchord also poses interesting implications for sound projection. With the absence of a lid, the instrument could potentially alter sound dynamics within a confined space. While this remains theoretical until a built prototype emerges, Harden believes that the sound will bounce off the Ravenchord’s wooden soundboard and flow directly toward the audience, creating a more immersive listening experience.

Despite the exciting possibilities the Ravenchord presents, challenges lie ahead. Constructing a frame capable of withstanding the immense tension exerted by the 18 tons of strings will be a formidable task. Additionally, achieving the perfect tone with this untested shape will require meticulous craftsmanship and fine-tuning.

The grandeur of the piano was in its size, which could be incorporated into this though it should be kept in mind to make it look like a thick block from any angle. The grand piano despite its size would never look like a chunk of material placed anywhere because of its slimmer legs. Having said that, the Ravenchord embraces the practicality of modern life. In a world where urban spaces are increasingly limited, this wing-shaped piano offers a compact alternative, appealing to aspiring pianists who crave the grandeur of a traditional piano but lack the space for one. Additionally, with a design that allows for a 20% reduction in weight compared to a grand piano, the Ravenchord becomes a more manageable and portable instrument, expanding its accessibility to musicians worldwide.

Ultimately, the Ravenchord’s success hinges on its ability to win over pianists who have spent their lives mastering the traditional grand piano. Convincing these passionate musicians that their beloved instrument is ripe for reinvention will undoubtedly be the biggest hurdle.

The Ravenchord’s innovative design ushers in a new era of piano performance, where artistry, technicality, and visual allure converge in a symphony of boundless creativity and pushing the boundaries of design and function. Harden’s innovative vision has the potential to reshape the piano’s role in both concert halls and homes, ushering in a new era of musical artistry and creativity. As we eagerly await the first built prototype, it’s with a blend of boundless curiosity and a touch of skepticism that we look forward to witnessing this transformative step in the grand piano’s storied history.

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How has kitchen design evolved in the last century

With ever-changing styles, lifestyles, trends, and constant innovation of technology, the kitchen is one space that has drastically evolved in the last 100 years. The cooking space has transformed from a utilitarian space to a multipurpose one that can combine the living, dining, and lounge into a single room. In the early ages, the kitchen formed the prime area of the house which held fire. In the middle ages, the chimney came into existence, so the kitchen separated from the rest of the home. However, in the 18th century, the kitchen was placed at the rear of the house or in the basement so that it was out of sight and was primarily handled by staff members. Before the 1920s, the kitchen had a stove and sink and some loose pieces of furniture that served as workspaces and cooktops. So let’s understand how the kitchen evolved every decade and its reasons.

Designer: Sheryl Sanders

1920s kitchen

The 1920s kitchen looked stylish and had a practical and bulky design. The cabinets were in an enamel finish that was easy to clean, and the flooring design included black-and-white tiles.

Designer: Toni McKeel (via Old House Journal)

1930s kitchen

The Great Depression of the 1930s played a key role in determining the look and functionality of the kitchen. The Americans needed some hues to add cheer and uplift their spirits; hence, it included a bold and cheerful color palette. The kitchen was efficient and included clean lines, a streamlined gas stove, a compact cabinet, and over-the-sink dish storage.

The design included a combination of metal cabinets, linoleum flooring, and stainless steel, and there was an emphasis on using materials that were easy to clean. In addition, companies produced standard-size cabinets to integrate a continuous countertop, gas range, and sinks into the cabinets. The art déco was a popular design style in this period, where geometric patterns made their way into the kitchen design.

Designer: Jeremy Samuelson

1940s kitchen

World War II formed the backdrop of the 1940s. It transformed into an eat-in kitchen designed around family dining, incorporating circular tables with a colorful tablecloth. There was an emphasis on the sleekness of design as it reflected the changing times when electric ranges and refrigerators were becoming common. The design of the kitchen was plain and simple. It incorporated bold colors and the use of decorative storage containers.

Designer: Edith Sarra (via Old House Journal)

1950s kitchen

The 1950s was a post-war phase where people came out of the suburbs and went to bigger cities, resulting in a housing boom. The kitchen had to be comfortable, stylish, and modern as the women spent maximum time. With the rise in cinema, this decade saw a lot of innovations. In these post-war years, the fridge, electric range, and freezer made the kitchen high-tech and eliminated the need for daily grocery shopping. The concept of an open or boundaryless plan surfaced, combining many functions within a single space. The steel industry manufactured pastel-painted steel cabinets; the kitchen used wood and bright colors. One could match the cabinets with the countertop with ‘Formica,’ which was a newly developed material. Bubble-shaped appliances became popular and infused cheer into the decor. The mid-century homes also combined the kitchen and dining into a presentable space.

Designer: Raymond Nelson (The Roadster House)

1960s kitchen

In the 1960s, there was an aesthetic shift where steel cabinets were replaced by wood as it was affordable and it infused warmth and richness. Instead of being its separate room, the kitchen became the center with a breakfast bar and combined with the dining room. This decade also saw the emergence of U-shaped kitchens that created an intimate working environment and provided more space for cooking and storage without the feeling of being enclosed by walls. The pegboard was a popular addition that formed an interesting decorative element and was a great way to keep pots and pans within reach. It also saw the presence of bold and trendy prints and bright colors like harvest gold and avocado green.

1970s kitchen

The 1970s saw a daring kitchen design where the kitchen had to be modern but also paid homage to classic kitchen designs. As the bold fashion trend passed onto the interiors, the kitchen décor included saturated colors, loud wallpapers, wood cabinets, and brightly colored appliances. In addition, design elements like rustic wood grains, a stone backsplash, and gleaming copper were visible. The microwave entered the British kitchen, while water and ice dispensers entered the American kitchen. In addition, kitchen islands came into being, and an attempt was made to hide the appliances to blend with the kitchen cabinetry’s overall design.

Via: Expo Lounge

1980s kitchen

In the 1980s, many women started working, so the kitchen became a social zone where families gathered together. Also, cooking shows became prominent, so the colorful appliances were replaced with black and white appliances. One of the biggest trends was open shelving and the presence of natural light. The kitchen island formed an integral part of a big kitchen. A combination of pastel and bright hues was used to demarcate different kitchen areas.

Designer: Mary Gilliatt

1990s kitchen

The 1990s saw the introduction of a granite countertop as the most durable material. Colors make a comeback but in subdued shades, and there was a shift towards a gourmet look. These kitchens now had a professional cooking range and huge refrigerators. The muted palette included sage green, a soothing color that made a statement and combined well with black, white, and stainless steel appliances. The 1990s resulted in the farmhouse look kitchen that included marble, vintage ceramics, open shelving, and white cabinets.

Designers: Campus Family

2000s kitchen

Welcome to the new millennium! Open kitchen design had become a trend in compact homes, and the kitchen emphasized efficient use of space and minimalist designs. Colors like beige, cream, and magnolia were the best for walls and cabinets. High-contrast kitchens were popular, where a dark countertop contrasted with light and wood cabinets and balanced the steel appliances. This decade saw the emergence of a Tuscan-style kitchen that featured a lot of deep reds and tans.

Designer: Nicholson Builders

2010s Kitchen

In this decade, the kitchen borrowed design elements from trendy restaurant designs. It included both compact kitchens and big kitchens with a huge cooking range. There was an emergence of dark cabinets and smart appliances that improved the kitchen’s efficiency. Materials like reclaimed wood floors, subway tile backsplashes, farmhouse sinks, and brass hardware were incredibly popular and added vintage charm. Neutral tones were often deployed, although people favored cooler tones like grays and blues. Stainless steel appliances became popular and built-in appliances; under cabinet lighting came into being to create a streamlined look. The under-cabinet lighting is growing in popularity to create a more streamlined kitchen.

Designer: The Design Yard Dublin

2020s kitchen

The British kitchen drew inspiration from German and Scandinavian designs. Some features include a handleless flat panel kitchen and a British shaker, which are popular. With increased awareness and support for environmental issues, the color palettes included a new range of muted, natural tones. The revival in wood finishes brings warmth into the kitchen. It also looks to continue with the sophisticated use of bold colors and experimentation with stylish stone worktops and metallic elements.

The kitchen is ever-evolving and emphasizes comfort and convenience while cooking. After all, it has to be sociable and functional that can meet all the family’s needs.

The post How has kitchen design evolved in the last century first appeared on Yanko Design.

What is Bauhaus Design Style: The Significance of Art United Under One Haus

Staatliches Bauhaus originated as a German school of arts in the early 20th century and transformed into one of the most influential art schools in the history of the world. Bauhaus, meaning ‘building a house in German,’ was established six months after the First World War in 1919 and aimed to build a new society after the ravages and destruction of the war. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Bauhaus art marked a new period of history and found its presence in paintings, graphics, architecture, and interior design. It celebrates the fusion of individual artistry and vision, emphasizing mass production and function. Additionally, it formed the catalyst and paved the way for modern architecture and furniture design.

Designer: Walter Gropius

Founded by German architect Walter Gropius, he combined two schools, the Weimar Academy of Arts and the Weimar School of Arts and Crafts, into what he called the Bauhaus. The whole idea of the Bauhaus was to produce a functional and aesthetically pleasing object for the mass society instead of individual items for the wealthy. With a utopian aim to create a new form of design by combining fine arts, crafts, design, architecture, and technology, the Bauhaus promoted rational and functional design that embraced the principles of form following function and the less is more ethos. Despite being in existence for only 14 years, it has been the most impactful movement where the teachers and students worked in tandem with each other.

What is the history of Bauhaus?

Before the Bauhaus movement, fine arts such as architecture and design were highly esteemed concerning other art streams like painting and woodworking. Gropius asserted that all the crafts could be brought together and ensured that performing arts, design, and applied arts were given equal status as he tried to unite all branches of art. He envisioned bridging the gap between art and the industry by crafting pieces that combine aesthetics and beauty with function and utility. As a result, notable teachers Marianne Brandt and Marcel Breuer replaced the traditional pupil-teacher relationship with the idea of a community of artists working together.

Artist: Angel Estevez

Where were the Bauhaus art institutes located?

Bauhaus existed in three cities, functioning through a tough time of social and political upheaval. Nevertheless, it left one of the most significant stamps on art, architecture, and design in the 20th century.

Weimar -1919-1925

Gropius laid the foundation of Bauhaus in Weimar, which aimed to serve a social role with no division of craft-based disciplines.

Dessau- 1925-1932

Dessau was selected after the close of Weimer due to political reasons. However, it was the most fruitful period of activity when Gropius designed the famous Bauhaus building – a landmark of modern, sculptural architecture that was dissolved on 30 September 1932. Currently, it is a UNESCO world heritage site that attracts many tourists.

Berlin-1932-1933

Little work was done during this period due to pressure from the Nazis regime and lack of funding. Unfortunately, it was permanently closed in July 1933 under immense political pressure and threat.

Who were the creative artists behind the Bauhaus movement?

Well-known artists like Josef Albers, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee offered their expertise as instructors. In addition, the Bauhaus flourished under three different architect-directors: Walter Gropius from 1919 to 1928, Hannes Meyer from 1928 to 1930, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe from 1930 until 1933.

What was the purpose of the Bauhaus Design style?

Since the modern manufacturing method can result in the loss of art, Bauhaus wanted a design style that could merge art and functional design alongside practical everyday objects with the soul of artwork. In addition, there was an emphasis on experiment and problem-solving, which shaped Bauhaus’s teaching approach and greatly influenced contemporary art education.

Wassily chair

Designer: Marcel Breuer (Knoll)

What are the key elements of Bauhaus Architecture?

Designer: archetival

With a holistic approach towards design, mid-century modern homes were inspired by clean lines and functional design. At the same time, the interiors were known for their simplicity and sense of openness. The school played a crucial role in developing modernist architecture and significantly impacted mid-century modern art and design and Scandinavian minimalism. The Bauhaus buildings can be angular and linear or feature curved balconies and round corners, but here are some essential common characteristics:

  • The Bauhaus design style is straightforward; it believes in simplicity, clarity of design, optimum functionality, abstract shapes, the use of primary colors, and balanced visual composition. Therefore, there was no need for additional ornamentation to make things more beautiful as it was allowed only if it followed function.
  • Instead of floral and curvilinear shapes, the Bauhaus focused on minimalism with linear and geometric forms like triangles, squares, and circles. Asymmetry is favored over symmetry alongside a simple, rational, and functional design.

Designer: Adrian Olabuenaga

  • The buildings are designed with flat roofs and glass curtain walls. The popular use of modern materials like steel, glass, and concrete that have become an integral component of contemporary architecture and interior design.
  • The buildings, furniture, and fonts often feature rounded corners and sometimes rounded walls.
  • The Bauhaus design style is true to materials and ensures that the material is used in its most natural and honest form. Hence, Bauhaus architects did not hide brutal and rough materials. Instead, using basic utilitarian materials like steel, concrete, and glass in an unmodified and exposed form emphasizes the beauty of their functionality.
  • The ideology of Bauhaus was to make optimum use of time and smart use of the available resources. With an economical way of thinking, the representatives wanted to achieve controlled finance, increase the productivity of time-consuming projects, and precisely use the available materials.
  • Bauhaus workshops emphasized and embraced technology to merge art and design with mass production and were skillfully used for developing prototypes.
  • According to Walter Gropius, form follows function. Hence the form or elegant geometric shapes of any object or building should be based on its intended function or purpose.

Designer: Rockin Cushions

  • The focus was on design productivity and a strong understanding of basic design principles of composition, color theory, and craftsmanship in various disciplines. In addition, it believed in the oneness of the artist and the craftsman — an excellent design that is durable, economical, beautiful, and accessible to all.
  • Their commitment to finding solutions that were simple, rational, and functional is an approach that is still taught to artists and designers today.
  • The final lesson is that the Bauhaus advocated for a “new guild of craftsmen,” abolishing the elite lines between artist and designer to build a new future.
  • Bauhaus is all about new techniques, new materials, new ways of construction, and new attitudes. Hence, architects, designers, and artists must invent something new using modern technologies and materials. It also led to the emergence of new forms of interior design.

What countries have the most examples of Bauhaus architecture?

96 HaYarkon, Tel Aviv

Designer: Bar Orian

One of the largest collections of Bauhaus-style architecture is in Tel Aviv, Israel. Its city center is a UNESCO-recognized site thanks to more than 4,000 buildings designed by German Jews who fled the Nazis in the 1930s.

Designer: Adobe x Bauhaus

Almost 100 years later, we exist in the future that the Bauhaus imagined and can see the connection and fusion between good artistry and good design.

The post What is Bauhaus Design Style: The Significance of Art United Under One Haus first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ukraine is selling NFTs to support its military

Ukraine's Ministry for Digital Transformation has launched an NFT collection to help fund its military. The project was first announced in early March, but the NFT collection, called “ Meta History Museum of War,” is now live. The collection is meant to be an “NFT museum” documenting the history of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The collection is currently comprised of 54 NFTs documenting the events of the first three days of the war. The illustrations were done by Ukrainian and international artists, and each one references a tweet documenting some aspect of the invasion and the world’s response to it.

“The formula of each NFT is clear and simple: each token is a real news piece from an official source and an illustration from artists, both Ukrainian and international,” Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation writes on its Meta History Museum of War website. “The NFT’s will be created in chronological order, according to the events so the true history will be saved and cherished.”

The NFT Project is the latest way Ukraine has turned to digital assets to fund its defense. The country has collected more than $100 million in cryptocurrency donations since the start of the war, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently signed a bill officially legalizing the crypto industry.

Researchers used CT scans to virtually unwrap a pristine mummy

In 1881, archaeologists discovered the mummy of Amenhotep I in Deir el-Bahari, a village outside of Egypt's famous Valley of the Kings. For 140 years, scientists have been unwilling to unwrap the king’s body out of fear they’ll damage his ornate face mask and bandages. But thanks to computer tomography (CT) technology, they don’t have to take that risk anymore. Researchers at Cairo University recently digitally “unwrapped” Amenhotep to learn about his life and dynasty.

The scans revealed he was about 35 years old when he died. "Amenhotep I seems to have physically resembled his father: he had a narrow chin, a small narrow nose, curly hair, and mildly protruding upper teeth," Dr. Sahar Saleem, the lead author of the study, told PA Media. It’s not clear why he passed away at such a young age. Researchers found no evidence of external wounds or disfigurements that may have contributed to his death.

Amenhotep I
Sahar Saleem et al.

What they did discover were various post-mortem injuries that were likely inflicted on the body by grave robbers. That damage was “lovingly repaired” by mortuary priests of the 21st Dynasty some 400 years after Amenhotep’s death. They used a resin-treated linen band to reattach the head and neck together. Researchers also found some 30 amulets hidden among Amenhotep’s bandages. The fact they were still there even after his reburial likely disproves the long-held theory that priests of later dynasties would reuse the ornaments in the funeral rites of their pharaohs.

The study provides an insight into one of the most fascinating periods of Egyptian history. Amenhotep I ruled between 1525 and 1504 BCE, during Egypt’s New Kingdom period. He was among the first pharaohs of the 18th dynasty, a lineage that would later include Akhenaten, the controversial “heretic” pharaoh who introduced the kingdom to a monotheistic-like religion centered around the sun. He was also the father of Tutankhamun or King Tut. 

The first time archaeologists used a CT scan to examine a mummy was in 1977. As the technology has matured and become more accessible, it has allowed researchers to study mummies in ways they couldn’t before. In 2017, for instance, Chicago’s Field Museum was able to dive into its collection, one of the most extensive in the US, with the help of portable CT scanners.

Researchers used CT scans to virtually unwrap a pristine mummy

In 1881, archaeologists discovered the mummy of Amenhotep I in Deir el-Bahari, a village outside of Egypt's famous Valley of the Kings. For 140 years, scientists have been unwilling to unwrap the king’s body out of fear they’ll damage his ornate face mask and bandages. But thanks to computer tomography (CT) technology, they don’t have to take that risk anymore. Researchers at Cairo University recently digitally “unwrapped” Amenhotep to learn about his life and dynasty.

The scans revealed he was about 35 years old when he died. "Amenhotep I seems to have physically resembled his father: he had a narrow chin, a small narrow nose, curly hair, and mildly protruding upper teeth," Dr. Sahar Saleem, the lead author of the study, told PA Media. It’s not clear why he passed away at such a young age. Researchers found no evidence of external wounds or disfigurements that may have contributed to his death.

Amenhotep I
Sahar Saleem et al.

What they did discover were various post-mortem injuries that were likely inflicted on the body by grave robbers. That damage was “lovingly repaired” by mortuary priests of the 21st Dynasty some 400 years after Amenhotep’s death. They used a resin-treated linen band to reattach the head and neck together. Researchers also found some 30 amulets hidden among Amenhotep’s bandages. The fact they were still there even after his reburial likely disproves the long-held theory that priests of later dynasties would reuse the ornaments in the funeral rites of their pharaohs.

The study provides an insight into one of the most fascinating periods of Egyptian history. Amenhotep I ruled between 1525 and 1504 BCE, during Egypt’s New Kingdom period. He was among the first pharaohs of the 18th dynasty, a lineage that would later include Akhenaten, the controversial “heretic” pharaoh who introduced the kingdom to a monotheistic-like religion centered around the sun. He was also the father of Tutankhamun or King Tut. 

The first time archaeologists used a CT scan to examine a mummy was in 1977. As the technology has matured and become more accessible, it has allowed researchers to study mummies in ways they couldn’t before. In 2017, for instance, Chicago’s Field Museum was able to dive into its collection, one of the most extensive in the US, with the help of portable CT scanners.

People first drove on the Moon 50 years ago today

NASA just celebrated another major moment in the history of Moon exploration. The New York Timesnoted that July 31st, 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the Lunar Roving Vehicle's first outing — and the first time people drove on the Moon. Apollo 15 astronauts Dave Scott and Jim Irwin took the car on a stint to collect samples and explore the lunar surface more effectively than they could on foot.

Scott and Irwin would eventually drive the rover two more times (for a total of three hours) before returning to Earth. The Apollo 16 and 17 missions each had an LRV of their own. There was also a fourth rover, but it was used for spare parts after the cancellation of Apollo 18 and further missions. All three serving models remained on the Moon.

Early development was problematic, in no small part due to the lack of real-world testing conditions. They couldn't exactly conduct a real-world test drive, after all. The team eventually settled on a collapsible design with steel mesh wheels that could safely handle the Moon's low gravity, lack of atmosphere, extreme temperatures and soft soil.

The LRV was modest, with a 57-mile range, four 0.19kW motors and an official top speed of 8MPH. It was also expensive, with cost overruns bringing the price of four rovers to $38 million (about $249 million in 2021 dollars). It was key to improved scientific exploration during the later stages of the Apollo program, though, and it was also an early example of a practical electric vehicle — humans were using a battery-powered ride on the Moon decades before the technology became mainstream on Earth.

We wouldn't count on humans driving on the Moon any time soon, although that reflects the progress made in the 50 years since. NASA and other space agencies are now focused on robotic rovers that can explore the Moon without worries about crew safety. Those humans that do go on rides will likely use autonomous vehicles. Think of this anniversary as celebrating a first step toward the technology you see today.