Zarkon Group, Author at Zarkon Group Real Estate Builders & Developers

New scalable quantum computing hardware used to boost cybersecurity

By Zarkon Group,19/08/2022

Spotted: All the complexities of the digital world we see today are ultimately based on a system of ‘bits’ – switches that can be either on or off, 1 or 0. And to date, the equation for increasing computing power has been simple: fitting more and more switches (in the form of transistors) onto smaller and smaller microprocessors. But this will not be the case for much longer.

According to the counter-intuitive laws of quantum physics, on the subatomic scale, particles like electrons, photons, and ions can exist in more than one state at any time, and it’s this strange fact that forms the basis of quantum computing. The foundation of a quantum computer is no longer a bit but a ‘qubit’ (quantum bit). A qubit is not bound to being 1 or 0 – instead, it can be 1, 0, or both 1 and 0. This means that a quantum computer can perform multiple processes at once, massively increasing the speed and accuracy with which it can solve complex calculations. Today’s quantum computers remain embryonic but the technology is rapidly improving.

Quantum computing has long been dominated by Chinese and American giants such as Huawei, Baidu, Google, and IBM. But now, UK-based Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) has become the latest startup to receive funding to enter the market. The company has developed hardware that addresses one of the key challenges when it comes to scaling quantum computers up to a level of processing that is commercially useful. As you add qubits onto a 2D silicon chip, increasingly complex control wiring is required to support those qubits. In a ‘traditional’ quantum system, complicated engineering is required to fit all that wiring onto the chip alongside the qubits. This added complexity reduces the quality of each qubit while increasing the probability of engineering mistakes, creating a trade-off between scale and quality.

OQC’s solution is to use a 3D rather than a flat structure. Using a 3D structure means that a lot of the control wiring can be taken off the chip, increasing simplicity and flexibility. The company claims this removes the need to compromise on quality to achieve scale.

OQC’s technology is far from an academic exercise. It has potential applications in financial services, pharmaceuticals, and logistics, and, since February, the company’s latest machine—called ‘Lucy’—has been publicly accessible via the cloud using Amazon Bracket, the quantum branch of Amazon Web Services. The company also offers what it calls ‘Quantum-Computing-as-a-Service’ via a private, tailor-made platform. The startup’s first client is Cambridge Quantum, which is using the platform to generate superior cryptographic keys for use in advanced cybersecurity.

Quantum computing, is a sometimes esoteric but increasingly important issue. Springwise has previously produced a Tech Explained article on the topic, and has spotted several other quantum computing innovations such as quantum algorithms for startups aiming to harness quantum computing power.

Written By: Matthew Hempstead

18th August 2022

Email: hello@oxfordquantumcircuits.com

Website: oxfordquantumcircuits.com

Koichi Takada Architects’ Latest Tower Is Creating Major Waves on Australia’s Golden Coast

By Zarkon Group,19/08/2022

How can architecture be a force for good in our ever-changing world? During Future Fest, we’ll pose this question to some of the world’s best architects. Launching in September, our three-week-long virtual event will be 100% free to attend. Register here!

Nestled between beloved Surfers Paradise and chill Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads is a small suburb on Australia’s famed Golden Coast, known for its crowd-drawing surf breaks and iconic towering pine trees. In recent years, a hip dining scene has emerged, reflecting how the area’s popularity has grown. Now, there is a need for more multi-residential developments has increased to help house the growing influx of locals and visitors alike. For the first time in the area in three decades, a multi-residential development has gone up, taking the name of Norfolk, Burleigh Heads.

The iconic luxury apartment building gets both its name and from the heritage Norfolk pine trees found around the site, making a significant contribution to the unique features that set this area apart from the rest. “Just like their pinecones protect its seeds from bad weather and open when in ideal natural settings, Norfolk’s architecture can be adapted to protect residents from the elements or opened up to take in the 300 days of subtropical sunshine and stunning natural surroundings,” said the building’s visionary Koichi Takada Architects, a firm known for the diversity of their portfolio and imaginative willingness to push the bounds of architectural form.

Images by Scott Burrows

The 10-story building bagged both the Jury and Popular Choice A+Awards in the Multi-Unit Housing – Mid Rise category and for a good reason. It makes a statement, challenging how we imagine multi-residential towers, while staying true to the unique features that make the site special. Fanned balconies, a ribbed spine and endless views are just a few other elements that make it special. Its organic form allows it to be a spectacle from every angle and makes it seem like it will take flight. And while its geometry sets it apart, its neutral beige hue helps tie it to the beachy surroundings.

Large open balconies and maximized exterior surfaces allow more natural light to enter the building and increase the resident’s connection with the outdoors. Instead of being stacked uniformly on top of one another, the floating balcony slabs all vary in shape and are strategically overlapped to create additional shade and privacy for the homes below. Imitating the Norfolk pine, their sides are covered in slatted screening to create additional privacy. One can see that these floating slabs are also tapered at the edges and extend beyond the glass balustrade, making them seem even lighter and reflect natural light further into the homes.

Image by Scott Burrows

Cementing the relationship with nature, the architects have also added a spine to the building that curves inwards and allows the blades of the balconies to connect together like ribs. This provision creates shade in the summer, enhancing privacy while also allowing those inside to get glimpses of the ocean. The sides of the building also have slatted screens arranged in a diagonal pattern across the balconies to break up vertical lines and add some dynamism. Since these diagonal panels are movable, the façade is constantly changing are creating new patterns, further reflecting the ever-changing qualities of nature.

Images by Scott Burrows and Tom Ferguson

The structure holds fifteen apartments and a part of two-level penthouses with private rooftops. Making it even more enticing to residents is the inclusion of a gym, outdoor pool and sauna. While all the apartments have generous light and ventilation, the north-facing homes have an unhindered 180-degree view of the ocean. The living, dining and kitchen areas spill out into the large balconies. The southern end of the building holds the en-suite bedroom. There are two additional rooms in the center of the floor as well. Natural timber floors used within the home extend to the balconies as well and create a clear visual connection with the sandy shore beyond. The interior spaces of these homes, fashioned by Mim Design, build on the natural tones found on the exterior of the building to create a cozy coastal home.

A purpose-built carbon-neutral brewery – Springwise

By Zarkon Group,18/08/2022

Spotted: As concern for the climate increases, businesses everywhere are working on innovative ways to become carbon neutral. Recently, beverage giant Diageo announced plans to invest €200 million to build Ireland’s first carbon-neutral brewery. The new brewery will brew lagers and ales on a greenfield site in Newbridge, County Kildare. When complete, the brewery will have the capacity to brew 2 million hectolitres of beer, making it Ireland’s second-largest brewing operation.

The new facility will be powered entirely with renewable energy, as well as using the latest process technology to minimise energy and water consumption. The brewery will save an estimated 15,000 tonnes of annual carbon emissions compared to what a similar-sized standard brewery would produce. Construction is expected to begin this year, with brewing operations starting in 2024.

The new brewery is also positive news for the economy of Newbridge and surrounding areas in Kildare, with up to 1,000 jobs created during the construction of the site and 50 permanent positions once it is up and running. Both Diageo and the Irish government hopes the brewery will serve as an inspiration for other businesses.

In going carbon neutral, Diageo is joining a growing number of businesses and industries that are using innovative design and building techniques to save on carbon emissions and water use. Some recent developments in this space include carbon-negative cement production and even carbon-neutral headphones.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

17th August 2022

Website: diageo.com

Contact: diageo.com/en/contact-us

Architectural Pilgrimage: Trace Millennia of Architettura Innovativa Across the Italian Landscape

By Zarkon Group,18/08/2022

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With over sixty million visitors annually, Italy is the third most visited country in the European Union, and there is no surprise why. With pronounced coastlines, culture, food and architecture, Italy is the perfect destination for those hoping to unwind near the Mediterranean sea, hike the Italian Alps or explore a bustling city. It proudly holds the world’s most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country, with a total of fifty-eight wonders to visit.

The romanticized Italian culture also makes this country a highly desired tourist destination. The mannerisms, the music, the family focus, the constant aperitivos and, of course, the food make Italian culture highly idealized worldwide. Tourists are desperate to get a taste for themselves and embody this passionate culture for a brief moment; they come from far and wide not only for the cuisine but for the architecture. The country is home to an abundance of architectural styles that date over three thousand centuries. From remnants of the Etruscan and Ancient Roman civilizations, Gothic and Renaissance masterpieces to today’s contemporary marvels, there are a plethora of sites worth visiting trip after trip.

Storia e Architettura

A1 House by VPS Architetti, Tuscany, Italy

One of the most common associations with Italian design is the Mediterranean villa. Historically these spaces were intended as country homes for upper-class families and date back to the Ancient Roman period. Today we see a plethora of lavish villas all throughout Europe. Some are modern and filled with 21st-century luxuries, while others are more carefully connected to tradition and Italian history.

Take A1 house by VPS architetti for example. Located in a medieval hamlet and renovated in 2006, the original edifice dates back to the 1500s and has undergone many transformations over the centuries. An important feature of the quintessential villa is a pronounced and expansive outdoor space. In keeping with the tradition of green spaces, the garden was designed around the site’s centuries-old pear tree. The lush grass and simple shrubbery contrast the villa’s brick façade which is flanked by newer and older shuttered windows.

A1 House by VPS Architetti, Tuscany, Italy

Inside the home, the design team worked to create spatial continuity by eliminating the many incoherent elements from past renovations. A pronounced, double-height entry greets visitors into the home and works to bring in natural light. Simple white walls and earth-toned materials decorate the interior space and compliment the home’s historic elements. The kitchen area balances old and new with quality appliances worked into original stonework. The home is unadorned and lets the historic bones speak for themselves. A1 House is a true emblem of the perfectly restored villa.

Cibo

Connecting through food is intrinsic to Italian culture. Touring around the country provides an incredible opportunity to experience and taste regional delicacies and cuisine. Whether in the north or south, the traditional dishes vary and will certainly not disappoint.

Taglio by rgastudio, Milan, Italy

In Milan for example, tourists will experience the region’s meat-heavy cuisine, with dishes like ossobuco and cotoletta. Located in Milan’s bustling Navigli canal district is Taglio, a multifunctional hospitality space housing a restaurant, bar, cafe and small food shop. Designed by rgastudio, Taglio sits on the ground floor of a block of traditional Milanese flats and serves the local neighborhood as well as visiting tourists. The space is bustling from day to night as it serves an array of customers and dining patrons. Whether it be enjoying a quick espresso or dining with gourmet food and wine, Taglio provides numerous culinary services.

Taglio by rgastudio, Milan, Italy

The interior plasterwork was removed to reveal the old brick and structural components, giving it an industrial and honest aesthetic. Divided into two sections, the first room houses the shop, cafe and part of the restaurant. While the second room boasts an open-plan kitchen visible to guests via a grand archway, thus providing a space where tourists can dine and watch the Italian chefs hard at work.

Geografia e Vino

Italy’s rich geography is a marvel to explore in and of itself. Whether it be the Alps in the north, the hilly central region, or the scattered volcanic islands in the south, the rich topography has given rise to wonderous architectural gems.

Winery on the Slope of Mount Etna by Vid’a Group, Castiglione di Sicilia, Italy

The island of Sicily is home to six volcanoes. Architects have learned to build and design around challenging topographical and environmental conditions, and in Sicily, respecting the local vernacular ensures a pronounced and secure structure. The Winery on the Slope of Mount Etna is an exceptional space to drink incredible Italian wine and marvel over this architectural achievement. Located in Castiglione di Sicilia, Italy, this architectural feat is thanks to design firm Vid’a Group. The challenge of building this winery was the land, which posed difficulties surrounding the active volcano, lava flow, and pietraie – dry stones which divide the territory.

Winery on the Slope of Mount Etna by Vid’a Group, Castiglione di Sicilia, Italy

The winery is located on a flat clearing surrounded by fertile soil and lava flow. The main building is made of quarry lava rock which ensures a secure structure and adheres to local building traditions. The primary structure takes the form of a monolith and directs visitors toward the cone of the volcano.

Architettura Innovativa

Italy’s mountainous region offers an abundance of resorts and outdoor attractions where visitors can ski and profit from the mountain air. Now, imagine sipping a glass of chianti amongst the clouds.

Hubertus Skypool by noa* network of architecture, Mitterolang, Italy, Photos by Alex Filz

The Hotel Hubertus located in Valdaora underwent an incredible renovation to include new suites, enhanced guest spaces and most notably a 25-meter sky pool. The Hubertus Skypool was developed by noa* network of architecture with the intention of connecting old and new.

Hubertus Skypool by noa* network of architecture, Mitterolang, Italy, Photos by Alex Filz

The pool is cantilevered overlooking the mountain range and sits between the old and new hotel wings. The pool appears like a floating rock with a glass front and glazed window floor. The sensation feels like somewhere between heaven and earth and truly is a breathtaking architectural accomplishment.

Heat-emitting ‘wallpaper’ keeps fuel costs down and cuts emissions

By Zarkon Group,17/08/2022

Spotted: Rather than huddle around a single point of heat waiting for the entire room to warm up, people can now bask in full room heating supplied by ceiling, wall, and floor panels. Made by startup NexGen, a thin film of graphene uses far infrared rays and convection to project heat. The process distributes warmth evenly throughout a space, thereby using less energy to reach the desired temperature in less time.

The rising costs of living are affecting everyone, with particularly dire effects on those with fixed incomes. The Welsh Government is trialling the graphene heat system in a number of social housing buildings to help reduce the high cost of fuel. Capable of being installed under materials such as plaster, carpet, and vinyl, the graphene films help residents better manage their heat use. For some, heating their entire living space all day is unnecessary, so a room-by-room set-up helps to more efficiently manage expenses by using only what is needed.

Installation requires a few days of work, and the system plugs into traditional electrical sockets. Solar panels and a smart battery further increase the sustainability and affordability of the system. And far infrared rays have also proven beneficial to general health.

Springwise is spotting a number of innovations seeking to make more efficient use of available heat sources, with geothermal panels in underground car parks heating the building above and disused coal mines being used to create regional heat networks.

Written by: Keely Khoury

17th August 2022

Email: info@nexgenheating.com

Website: nexgenheating.com

Innovation and SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals

By Zarkon Group,16/08/2022

The multi-faceted challenges facing the world today must be tackled collectively. And it will only be possible to achieve the SDGs if everyone commits to collaboration, both within and between societies.

In particular, developing countries that have not reaped the economic benefits of industrialisation need to be supported as they transition to a greener, healthier, and more prosperous society. This support must, in turn, tackle the inter-related issues of debt relief and access to finance, communications technology, and global markets.

Action on the SDGs is not the sole preserve of governments. Businesses, NGOs, and citizens themselves all have a role to play, and building partnerships between these societal actors is essential.

SDG 17 focuses on this partnership building, and, in many ways, underpins all of the other SDGs. But how can innovators help deliver on SDG 17? Their role is twofold: they can facilitate partnerships, and they can act as inspiring examples of what partnership can achieve. And of course, innovators exist in all corners of society, not just in startups, but in governments, universities, social enterprises, and communities of all kinds.

Building exports in developing countries

One of the issues raised in SDG 17 is the access of developing countries to global markets. Today, only one per cent of exports in the global merchandise trade come from the world’s least-developed countries, and this percentage has remained flat since 2011. As a result, target 17.11 within SDG 17, which called for the least-developed countries’ share of exports to double by 2020, has not been met.

Despite this lack of overall progress, individual innovators continue to work hard to develop new sustainable and exportable products in developing countries. For example, one startup is hoping to acquire disused land to create a bamboo industry in Jamaica that will export the sustainable crop for use in paper-making. And, in Kenya, an entrepreneur is hoping to turn the overlooked croton nut into a sustainable cash crop.

Mobilising finance

Target 17.3 within SDG 17 calls for the mobiliation of finance from multiple sources to support developing countries. Innovation in finance has come from both the public and private sector. In 2017, supported by the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank, Fiji made history by becoming the first nation to issue a sovereign green finance bond. Proceeds from the bond sale were earmarked for initiatives to improve crop resilience, bolster flood management in sugarcane fields, support reforestation, and rebuild schools to better withstand extreme weather.

In the private sector, one startup in Chile has developed a platform that makes it easy for small businesses to manage their business and quickly apply for loans. Such a service is crucial as the company points out that only 5 per cent of companies in all Latin American countries have access to recurring financial services.

Cross-sector partnerships

Partnerships across the different sectors of society will be crucial to achieving the SDGs, as is highlighted in target 17.17. And innovators are developing new ways for organisations of all kinds to tap into the broad range of skills embodied within communities.

One exciting example of this principle in action comes from South African startup Zindi. Presented with data-centred challenges by companies, NGOs, and government institutions, the company invites its community of data scientists to take part in a number of solution-finding competitions. Each winning solution bags its creator a cash prize.

Information and communications technology

Target 17.8 highlights the importance of enabling technology, particularly ICT equipment, for building effective partnerships. Yet this technology is not always readily available in developing countries – only 1.4 people per 1,000 inhabitants have a fixed broadband subscription, for example. Innovators are therefore working hard to improve digital access.

In Benin, one startup offers workshops that teach people how to build their own computers from jerrycans. The training is offered for free, but participants must find the components to build their own computers themselves. These can come from old or broken computers that are being recycled, or purchased. Over the long term, however, access to top-of-the-range communications equipment is essential. In South Africa, telecom giant Vodacom is hoping to make smartphones accessible to everyone with a ‘Good as New’ programme that offers used Apple iphones for sale at a fraction of the cost of a new model.

Dissemination of clean technology

At present, annual clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies needs to increase more than sevenfold to put the world on track to reach net zero by 2050. And the dissemination of clean technologies must be done in a way that ensures they are affordable for developing countries.

In Peru, a social enterprise is making it easier for off-grid households to acquire solar-powered lights and other cleantech solutions. Using a pay-as-you-go model, users can buy one week’s worth of solar energy at a time. To make the financing option viable, the enterprise is working with a range of partners to provide larger solar arrays from which communities can buy power. In Tanzania, EDFI ElectriFI, the EU-funded electrification financing initiative, has invested in Simusolar, a startup that develops affordable solar-powered water pumps and fishing lights for off-grid communities.

Words: Matthew Hempstead

Looking for inspiration on sustainability? Why not visit our SDG hub page for more articles on green innovation that matters.

16th August 2022

One Photo Challenge 2022: Competition Winners and Commended Entries Revealed!

By Zarkon Group,16/08/2022

The judging has concluded, and the results can finally be revealed for architecture’s most inspiring photography competition. Architizer is thrilled to announce the Winners and Commended Entries for the Third Annual One Photo Challenge!

This year’s Student Winner is “Vertical Life” by Xi Chen, who is studying for a Master’s in Digital Photography at the School of Visual Arts, New York City. Xi’s image tells a story of unique contrasts in Manhattan, juxtaposing the elongated skyscrapers of ‘Billionaire’s Row’ with the serene oasis of Central Park below.

In contrast, this year’s Non-Student Winner — “A Glimpse of Heaven” by photographer Jean-Claude Ardila — sees the spectacle of a paraglider framed by the bold form of the Tampa Museum of Art in Florida. Both winning images present bold compositions that play with our perception of scale and the ways in which architecture frames our lives, both literally and figuratively.

Without further ado, we present to you the Winners and the Commended Entries for the 2022 One Photo Challenge, including both the photographs and their accompanying stories…

Student Winner: “Vertical Life” by Xi Chen, School of Visual Arts, New York City

“In New York City, the world-famous concrete jungle, people live their lives up in the air. But there are always oases of peace on the ground, providing breathable green places among concrete and steel. The gaps in Central Park’s foliage naturally form a viewing window, showing the vertical lifestyles of New Yorkers.”

Camera used: Sony

Award-winning Brazilian photographer and One Photo Challenge juror Ana Mello commented: “For me, ‘Vertical Life’ raises some questions. Currently, what are our life choices? Can we all choose? What are our escape moments and what is the cost of that? For this reason, for me, it is a very striking photograph because it transcends technical and aesthetic discussion.”

Non-Student Winner: “A Glimpse of Heaven” by Jean-Claude Ardila, Jean-Claude Photography

“This image was taken at the Tampa Museum of Art. There is an opening on the building guiding your eyes towards the sky. I laid there with my camera on my face to avoid shake and trying to capture the best angle using the lines in the structure towards the clouds. I noticed there were paragliders in the area and I waited patiently for one to appear in my frame. I am glad I did.”

Camera used: Sony

One Photo Challenge juror and renowned photographer Krista Jahnke reflected on Ardila’s image: “The framing of this image plays with perspective in a disorienting way. You know you’re looking towards the sky by the glimpse of the paraglider but you can also understand the one point perspective to be an elevation shot looking down a corridor. Reading the image as if in two directions gives a surreal quality to the photograph that is achieved through the minimal subject matter.”

Commended Entry: “Here’s looking at you, kid!” by Paul Ott, Paul Ott Photografiert

“This image is my photographic translation of a space-dissolving surface design of a stairwell interior. Its design is part of the conversion of a bourgeois house from the 1900 into an apartment building.

The woman’s steady gaze questions the observer: What is the substance of this image? Is it real or imaginary?

“Here’s looking at you, kid!“ – Humphrey Bogart, Casablanca.

Camera used: Hasselblad 500 C/M

Commended Entry: “The Window” by Xialu Xu, Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLP

“This photo was taken in Dia Beacon in upstate New York. Looking out, the surrounding nature has become vague silhouettes and paint brush like colors around the clear glass at the window. One then focuses almost only at the limited pocket of beauty, details highlighted, colors embellished, like a camera focusing on a target. When the light shines through, it’s the most magical moment.”

Camera used: Sony

Commended Entry: “Kites” by Yu Heng Lim

“Photograph taken at the plaza of Kanagawa Institute of Technology in Japan designed by Ishigami Junya.
The photograph is titled Kites as the square openings on the thin metal roof distorts when viewed from above.
At different seasons of the year, the metal roof expands and contracts according to the changing temperature.
Thus, different shadows are casted on the plaza space below.

I intently waited until a passerby walk by underneath the roof in order to give the audience a notion of the sense of human scale as well as the feeling of vastness through architecture.
The negative white space is used as a metaphorical reference to the sky and the openings to be the kites floating in the wind.
Through this expression, the photograph intends to evoke a feeling of isolation and to question our existence as mankind and the vastness of the space we inhibit.”

Camera used: Sony

Commended Entry: “POPCourts!” by Shelby Kroeger, Lamar Johnson Collaborative

“POPCourts!, a 7,000 SF community plaza in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side, was born from the pandemic and civil unrest and developed in concert with Mayor Lightfoot’s INVEST South/West initiative. The goal was to provide a safe community space that residents could enjoy outdoors during the pandemic while also creating a visible presence along Chicago Avenue.

The entire design team transformed this empty city lot into three-zone “Courts,” each serving a variety of community functions, allowing activities to “Pop” up and transform over time. The basketball court doubles as a community plaza. The gravel drive hosts food trucks, farmer’s markets, and other seasonal vendors, and the shaded lawn functions as a Food Court with casual seating. Local artists painted murals on the adjacent building walls, depicting figures such as Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, and Maya Angelou.”

Camera used: Canon

Commended Entry: “Art Jameel” by Shoayb Khattab, Shoayb Khattab Photography

“My intention from this project was to reduce the minimalist architecture design of Jameel Arts Centre to a single frame and presents its white façade and clean lines in the simplest way possible. What made the capture more interesting is the passing mechanical guy which was a happy accident that contributed a human element to the otherwise too pure of a picture.”

Camera used: Canon

Commended Entry: “Golden Gait” by Michelle Simmons

“This is the story of a monument: a sculpture that talked to a building, the sun, the sky and to me; a conversation that gave me a photographic understanding I had never encountered before.

I was so excited to experience Dubai Expo 2020 that I traveled to the grounds directly from the airport. I intended to do a walk-through first but was taken aback by a sculpture at the Qatar pavilion and stayed there until nightfall. Qatar’s pavilion, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a modern interpretation of Qatar’s Coat of Arms: two swords encompassing a dhow amidst an island with palm trees.

A golden sculptural monument outside the main structure represents the palm trees. Although static, the sculpture moved; and I was challenged to find a way to photograph its dynamics. This photo of the 20-meter-high sculpture was taken by standing inside the 5.5-meter square base using a wide-angle lens.”

Camera used: iPhone

Commended Entry: “Parkaden” by Tõnu Tunnel

“Parkaden (Car Park) 1964 by Hans Asplund in Stockholm, Sweden. Between a steady flow of cars going through the centrum, there was a 1-2 second moment with this man walking. This was one of the two shots I managed to quickly capture. It was only later that I noticed that the patterns in the wall are the floor numbers in mirror!”

Camera used: Fujifilm SLR

Commended Entry: “Thirst for Shade” by Valeria Flores, Handel Architects

“Summers in NYC are eagerly awaited by most but can also be particularly daunting to the vast majority… With overflowing public transit and towering buildings that reflect back concentrated beams of heat unto unforgiving concrete surfaces, the scattered plazas and public spaces around the city are burdened with a heavy task. Surely, they provide a pocket to break free from the city’s relentless grid but, at times, they fall short to shape an adequate environment for enjoyment. A number of these, with their manicured planting and their lackluster attempt to give some space back to the public, are remnants from a modernist era. Herein, they fail to be a desperately needed oasis for the thirsty citizens of an increasingly warming concrete jungle.”

Camera used: Leica

Commended Entry: “Arachnophobia” by Tiffany Liem, Brookfield Properties

“Suspended 40ft in the air, a woman floats on a web-like net.

The scale of the human form to the net equates to a spider and its web. The artist, Tomás Saraceno, transports the user to a sensory experience in which we become the arachnid. The sun-like sphere fades into black and we are transported to a universe where we feel every vibration of the web and our ears consume all of the frequencies echoing in the darkness.

It’s a subtle reminder of how small and isolating we can feel in a vast and expanding universe.

Photo from Tomás Saraceno’s exhibition Particular Matter(s): Free the Air: How to hear the universe in a spider/web exhibited at The Shed.”

Camera used: iPhone

Commended Entry: “Urban Mountains” by Katharina Klopfer

“When walking through downtown I am constantly fascinated by highrise buildings and the impact they leave on us. Do we feel small and overwhelmed by this kind of architecture? Or is it similar to what we feel when we climb mountains or get lost in dark valleys? We certainly do enjoy the view when we reach the peak or rooftop. This urban landscape seems to be a reinterpretation of the white-top mountains that surround us and can be spotted vaguely in the distance.

While I was watching the façade workers doing their job the image of an alpine scenery was recalled. An urban mountain landscape waiting to be conquered by humans. Mysterious, frightening, but also loved. Exactly like pristine nature appears to us.”

Camera used: Fujifilm SLR

Congratulations to every Winner and Commended Entrant, as well as all 100 Finalists, which can be viewed in full via our special feature “100 Photos That Tell Powerful Stories About Architecture in 2022.” This highly anticipated and captivating publication was distributed to 125,000+ newsletter subscribers and 4+ million social media followers, and the reception has been incredible!

Thank you to all participants for sharing these amazing photographs and telling such fascinating stories about architecture! Interested in entering next year’s One Photo Challenge? Be sure to sign up for updates by clicking the blue button below.

CHARCOAL-FREE INCENSE MADE FROM WASTE FLOWERS

Global innovation spotlight: India – Springwise

By Zarkon Group,15/08/2022

Global innovation spotlight: India

Global Innovation Spotlight

Reflecting our global Springwise readership, we explore the innovation landscape and freshest thinking from a new country each week. Ahead of independence day, we are celebrating three exciting innovations from India…

India innovation facts

Global Innovation Index ranking: 46th

Climate targets: A 45 per cent reduction in emissions intensity from the 2005 level by 2030, net zero by 2070

Sustainability issues:

Coal use – Only the US and China have higher greenhouse gas emissions than India, and the country is the world’s second-largest producer, consumer, and importer of coal. India is particularly reliant on coal for power generation, with the fossil fuel accounting for 75 per cent of annual electricity generation.

Cooking fuels – Despite government initiatives to promote the use of liquified petroleum gas, many rural Indian’s lack access to modern, clean cooking fuels, relying instead on solid fuels. The smoke created by burning solid fuels for cooking and other household activities is the largest source of ambient air pollution in India, contributing to ill-health and early death.

Water pollution – As India’s population grows and the country becomes increasingly urban, waterways are being put under unprecedented strain. And the situation is becoming critical with estimates suggesting that 70 per cent of the country’s surface water is not fit for human consumption.

Sector specialisms

E-commerce
Fintech
Mobility

Source: Startup Universal

Three exciting innovations from India

Each year, millions of tonnes of flowers are left as offerings at Indian temples. For religious reasons, these offerings can’t be thrown into landfills, so they end up in rivers. The flowers are often covered in pesticides, toxic metals, and insecticides, and once they reach the water, the chemicals wash off, creating toxic compounds that suppress oxygen levels and threaten marine life. Startup Phool is addressing this problem by turning the discarded temple flowers into incense and other products, providing hundreds of jobs for local women. Read more

ECO-FRIENDLY SOUND-PROOFING MADE FROM SEAWEED

Most of the acoustic materials that can cancel out sound are made from plastic foams that aren’t easily recycled. Moreover, current alternative options are made from plant fibres that don’t effectively dampen noise in the most useful range of sound frequencies, or are too thick or unwieldy to fabricate. Now, researchers have created a biodegradable seaweed-derived film that effectively absorbs sounds. Read more

URBAN FLYOVER CONVERTED INTO PLAYFUL COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE

Unlit, unused, dirty, and often unsafe locations are almost always easy to find in a city. Imagine, instead, how much beauty could be brought into the world if those underutilised spaces were multi-use community hubs. Mumbai architects StudioPOD, along with Dutch designers MVRDV, turned that idea into reality with the One Green Mile development directly below the Senapati Bapat Marg flyover in Mumbai. Read more

Words: Matthew Hempstead

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12th August 2022

Effortlessly Design and Render with Enscape’s New SketchUp Plugin for Mac

By Zarkon Group,15/08/2022

Enscape has been a favorite rendering tool for architects and designers since 2015. Its seamless integration with CAD and BIM software, as well as its striking visualization results, have made it a successful and competitive product on the market. Enscape is continually looking for ways to expand its offerings and functionality for users, and after a month-long open beta run, the brand is proud to announce its newest offering: Enscape for Mac is officially available for SketchUp!

In a highly anticipated development, Mac users can now integrate their preferred rendering and virtual reality plugin seamlessly into SketchUp 2021 and 2022. This initial version comes with an extensive offering of editing tools, view settings, and export options to elevate the design and visualization workflow. This new plugin efficiently produces top-quality rendering results natively on the renowned Mac operating system.

Among the new features are the real-time visualization and walkthrough options. Real-time visualization allows users to view their rendering as they simultaneously model in SketchUp, while the walkthrough setting enables designers to experience their rendered project from a range of perspectives, including two-point and orthogonal. These features aid in deepening the designer’s spatial awareness and understanding of their visualization.

Not only is quality prioritized, but efficiency is a pronounced feature in Enscape for Mac. Enscape’s view management settings and batch rendering options make the final phase of conceptual design that much easier. Enscape’s batch rendering tool helps architects save time by rendering their views in bundles, while the improved view management settings let architects easily refer back to previous angles. This feature is especially useful when presenting to a client or colleague.

Additionally, Enscape’s updated visual settings and asset library make adding detail that much easier. With just a few clicks, users can adjust the atmosphere and other visual effects to achieve the perfect image. Users can equally browse the asset library and decorate their design with high-quality and low-poly 3D models.

The collection of assets includes vegetation, furniture and vehicles among many others. In addition, the material editor feature allows users to adjust textures and utilize height maps to increase the level of realism in their project. These three settings work together to ensure the most detailed, realistic and precise renderings are achieved.

Enscape is also developing an extensive list of export options to make sharing a visualization straightforward and secure. From still renderings to 360-degree panoramas, there is an export option fit for any scenario. Additional export options such as video and standalone executable files are under development and soon to come.

Enscape for Mac’s expansive offerings will soon grow to include VR support that allows designers to create immersive 3D experiences. A custom asset library and additional light and sound sources are on their way to release as well.

The minimum required MacOS version is Monterey 12.2.1, while the recommended minimum hardware is the MacBook Air (M1, 2020). These specifications are put in place to ensure that Enscape for Mac runs smoothly.

Enscape’s commitment to excellence, accuracy and detail is evident in its new SketchUp plugin. It will be slowly releasing all the exciting features to ensure the most robust and efficient rendering and VR tool for architects. The company is working hard to develop new functionalities and additional support for other CAD software.

Enscape offers a free 14-day trial complete with the full range of features to discover. For those interested in purchasing a license, there are a few licenses to choose from.

To stay up to date on the latest Enscape for Mac releases, designers are welcome to sign up for the Mac mailing list. To learn more about the new Enscape for Mac for SketchUp, please visit the Enscape website.