Dezeen Agenda features subterranean Apple Park Observatory

Exclusive photos reveal Apple's subterranean Apple Park Observatory

The latest edition of our weekly Dezeen Agenda newsletter features images of Apple’s new events venue in California. Subscribe to Dezeen Agenda now.

Technology company Apple has completed a new events venue, which was built into the hillside at the Apple Park campus in California.

The Observatory opened earlier this week and will serve as a venue for events and a place to showcase the brand’s latest technology.

True Joy paint by Dulux
True Joy named Dulux Colour of the Year 2025

This week’s newsletter also featured Dulux’s announcement of the 2025 Colour of the Year, the construction of Omaha’s tallest tower and a wildfire detection device made of organic materials, which has won the UK James Dyson Award.

Dezeen Agenda

Dezeen Agenda is a curated newsletter sent every Thursday containing the most important news highlights from Dezeen. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Agenda or subscribe here.

You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Debate is sent every Thursday and features the hottest reader comments and most-debated stories, Dezeen Daily is our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours and Dezeen In Depth is sent on the last Friday of every month and delves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design. 

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Foster + Partners "restores the logic" of Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco

Transamerica Pyramid

UK studio Foster + Partners has renovated the modernist Transamerica Pyramid skyscraper in San Francisco, USA, restoring elements from the original design and linking it to a redesigned adjacent park.

Foster + Partners renovated the 853-foot-tall (260-metre) office skyscraper, which is the the second tallest building in San Francisco, for developer SHVO by opening up the lobby, refreshing amenities and implementing landscaping strategies to better connect the iconic building to the streetscape.

Transamerica Pyramid
Foster + Partners has renovated the Transamerica Pyramid

Originally designed by William L Pereira & Associates and completed in 1972, the landmark skyscraper has quartz-studded concrete facades with punch windows and a base that flares outward with massive trusses towards the street.

While the structural systems and the facade of the skyscraper were left relatively intact, the architecture studio wanted to open up the lobby and amenity areas to reveal the structural elements.

Transamerica Pyramid San Francisco
The lobby was restored and expanded

“Since Pereira’s original conception in 1972, our work on the Transamerica Pyramid has revitalized the building, clearing away years of later additions that had compromised the space internally,” Foster + Partners head of studio David Summerfield told Dezeen.

“The new masterplan restores the logic of Pereira’s plan, reasserting its clarity and revitalising the ground plane.”

Lobby of Transamerica pyramid
The original gridded ceiling was revealed in the lobby

The primary intervention in the lobby was the removal of a ceiling that had been installed, hiding the gridded structural concrete above.

According to Summerfield, the team looked back at the original blueprints to understand the structural elements that were hidden by the ceiling.

“The new design takes its cue from the Transamerica Pyramid’s unique structural geometry and scale, carefully restoring the historic lobby, celebrating the original architecture by exposing the beams and structural cross-bracing in the arrival area and bringing the existing iconic colonnade inside,” said Summerfield.

“This structure has been revealed and clad to match the building’s exterior, creating a seamless transition between inside and outside.”

Amenities in Transamerica Pyramid
Amenity levels were also renovated

Due the expansion up and out and the addition of glass skylights, the original height of the lobby was achieved and more connections to the urban surroundings and the adjacent park were established.

Many of the higher levels of the building contain offices and will be redeveloped based on the needs of the tenants, while a series of private fitness areas and lounges have been remodelled.

Transamerica Pyramid lobby
Lounges were placed high in the skyscraper

At the rear of the building, Transamerica Redwood Park was updated with a smaller annexe building, which has a pyramidal roof, turned into a cafe.

The park features dozens of mature Redwood trees, and Foster + Partners added additional landscaping, especially at the perimeter to open up the space to the public.

At the back of the block, past the park, are two buildings with an alley between them. Called Mark Twain Alley, it has also been restored and small plantings added to create a promenade with shops leading to the park and ultimately the skyscraper.

These buildings were also purchased by SHVO and will be redeveloped in the next round of construction.

gym in transamerica pyramid
It is part of an overall development of the block

Founder Michael Shvo told Dezeen that the building  “symbolized the American dream” when he visited it as a child.

“It was important that this building became a communal center, as much as a great office building,” said Shvo.

In order to further a community-oriented program, the developers have also instituted an arts program that will display rotating exhibitions and sculptures in the park.

Other renovations of iconic buildings include Detroit’s Book Tower by ODA and SOM’s revamp of its original design for the Lever House skyscraper in New York.

The photography is by David Lipman

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Texas A&M University presents ten architecture student projects

A photograph of an architectural model of a chapel in tones of blue atop a white surface.

Dezeen School Shows: a winery in California, USA, which uses sustainable systems is included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at Texas A&M University.

Also featured is a project that integrates the use of generative AI in architecture and emergency housing design to mitigate flooding.


Texas A&M University

Institution: Texas A&M University
School: Department of Architecture
Course: Master Architecture (Year 2)
Tutors: Benjamin Ennemoser, Alejandro Borges, Weiling He, Livia Louretro, Davi Xavier, James Michael Tate, Peter Massin, Fabrizio Aimar, Marcel Erminy, Ray Holliday, Marcelo López-Dinardi, Dr Stephen Caffey, Dr David Reed and Brian Gibbs

School statement:

“As part of a vibrant academic community, the Department of Architecture at Texas A&M University is deeply committed to shaping the future of architecture through innovative education, cutting-edge research and strong professional partnerships.

“Our graduates leave ready to enter the field and lead it, equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact on the built environment.

“From the Bachelor of Science in Architecture to the PhD in Architecture, our curriculum emphasises critical thinking, design innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

“Direct connections with industry leaders enrich our programs through initiatives, with our specialised centres strengthening these connections, including the Centre for Health Systems and Design, the Centre for Heritage Conservation and the CRS Centre for Leadership and Management in the Design and Construction Industry.

“With by a computation and technology-driven curriculum, students can participate in the Integrated Path to Architecture Licensure program, significantly reducing the time needed to become a licensed architect. The program’s emphasis on collaboration, problem-solving and global perspectives further prepares graduates for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

“The NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture program continues this trajectory, integrating ecological, technological and social contexts into the design process, enabling students to tackle contemporary challenges in architecture from sustainable design to heritage conservation.

“For those interested in research and academic careers, the MS in Architecture and PhD in Architecture programs offer a research-based approach to architectural studies, encouraging the exploration of topics such as design computation, digital fabrication, sustainability and more, often in collaboration with our research centres.

“Our students also have the exciting opportunity to enhance their global perspectives through study abroad experiences in Florence, Italy and Barcelona, Spain. These experiences, coupled with internships, provide an immersive, practical experience that bridges academic learning with professional practice, preparing our students for a truly global career in architecture.”


A diagram of a building in tones of blue, yellow, orange, red, pink, grey and black, against a white background.

First Year Studios by Caroline Barry, Jordyn Redden and Ethan Garcia

“This design studio focuses on developing students’ ability to understand and visualise space, challenging preconceived notions of architecture.

“Through a series of exercises, the studio introduces students to the basic principles of spatial composition, the concepts of poche and figure-ground relationships.

“The studio also emphasises the concept of research in architecture, focusing on an analogue and spatial understanding of architectural artefacts and their graphical representation.

“The sequence of exercises frames the design process, moving from abstract and ideal concepts to those that are contextually and programmatically specific.

“The final project introduces the primary functional conditions of architectural assemblage, addressing place, scale, tectonic elements and spatial organisation, interpreted as generators of architectural and urban space.”

Students: Caroline Barry, Jordyn Redden and Ethan Garcia
Course: BS Architecture (Year 1)
Tutors: Alejandro Borges, Weiling He, Livia Louretro and Davi Xavier


A photograph of a white architectural model of a train station, against a black background.

SuperCharge by Thomas Huizar, Valentin Giles and Jake Taylor

“The SuperCharge 406 design studio is a platform where students demonstrate their dedication to learning and growth, with a crucial integration of generative AI in architecture.

“Students use the AI tools based on large language and diffusion models to explore architectural design, programming and conceptual frameworks, to design a multifunctional project which integrates an electric vehicle supercharging station and a high-speed train hub in College Station, Texas.

“By leveraging generative AI, students reimagine mobility norms, architectural programs and contemporary aesthetics, incorporating additional programmatic features.

“Through these explorations, each team challenges conventional norms and explores mixed-use typologies through the lens of AI.

“Building on advancements in robotics, AI, big data and the fourth industrial revolution, the studio speculates on new architectural design processes.”

Student: Thomas Huizar, Valentin Giles and Jake Taylor
Course: BS Architecture (Year 4)
Tutors: Benjamin Ennemoser


A photograph of an architectural model made solely of wood.

Timber, Wooden Architecture by Ethan Hajdik, Addison Henson and Jade Radford

“Arch 206 – architectural design II introduces students to materials as creative and generative tools in design, focusing on intermediate-scale housing, emphasising timber and wooden architecture.

“The first half of the semester familiarises students with using wood in building design across various contexts, including introducing the relationship between forests and buildings, considering species, resource management and sustainability.

“Students explore timber as both a structural and cladding element, studying its material properties and aesthetic qualities through vernacular and architect-designed examples, whilst also studying its historical use, the industrial production of dimensional lumber and plywood and the development of engineered wood products and mass timber systems.

“This study culminates in a charette, which encourages a creative exploration of wood products and construction systems at a residential scale, and in the second half of the semester, students build on their research by engaging with Austin’s proposed ‘home initiative,’ which would allow up to three housing units on single-family lots.

“Using a co-creation model, teams iterate on their initial designs, developing a kit of parts strategy adaptable to various site conditions and are encouraged to reimagine timber systems, combining heavy, light and mass timber to inspire contemporary timber architecture.”

Students: Ethan Hajdik, Addison Henson and Jade Radford
Course: BS Architecture (Year 2)
Tutor: James Michael Tate


A black and white diagram of an industrial plant.

Aesthetics of Dystopia by Larane Orsak

“Dystopia refers to fictional societies marked by oppressive and nightmarish conditions, in contrast to utopias, which depict ideal societies.

“While dystopian aesthetics often convey suffering and repression, designers and architects have found inspiration in the visual and conceptual aspects of these worlds for its offer of rich urban design strategies.

“Reassembly focuses on sustainable strategies for reusing existing buildings and materials which are essential for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in architecture.

“In this design studio, students explore reassembly strategies that use digital tools and fabrication methods to repurpose fragments of Houston’s industrial plants into a mixed-use building near the city centre.

“The project emphasised sustainable design, with the final outcomes placing emphasis on the tectonic complexity and potential of reassembly in contemporary architecture.”

Student: Larane Orsak
Course: BS Architecture (Year 3)
Tutors: Peter Massin


A visualisation of a community centre from above, in tones of blue and green.

Design for Climate Change by Mohammed Shahadat Hossain

“The studio focuses on designing a community centre to address flood risks by combining research and practice-based design approaches.

“Students begin with a SWOT analysis of four selected neighbourhoods in Greater Houston, Texas, proposing resilient strategies to mitigate climate change risks at neighbourhood and building levels.

“The designed building incorporates functions such as emergency preparedness, temporary housing, offices and emergency vehicle shelters, all while emphasising energy and construction sustainability.

“The key to the project’s success is the well-defined private spaces that represent the values of AI4ALL and the building’s ground condition and posture.

“Throughout the design process, AI is employed as a collaborator and partner, helping to navigate and integrate the various design constraints – this approach ensures that the community centre is functional, sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change risks.”

Student: Mohammed Shahadat Hossain
Course: Master Architecture (Year 1)
Tutors: Fabrizio Aimar


A visualisation from above of a building in tones of orange, with a pink background surrounding it.

Architecture Integrated Studio by Ekaansh Kalra and Aidan Lozano

“The Architecture Integrated Studio is a pivotal part of architectural education, where students learn to synthesise various design aspects into a cohesive whole.

“Building on previous coursework, the integrated design studio combines structural systems, building assemblies and environmental responses with strong design considerations.

“It integrates research methods to prepare students for application to the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree.

“This holistic approach enables students to consider the broader implications of their design decisions, creating aesthetically pleasing, structurally sound, functionally efficient and environmentally responsive buildings.

“The Architecture Integrated Studio is essential in teaching students to think conceptually, critically and sustainably while fostering effective collaboration.”

Students: Ekaansh Kalra and Aidan Lozano
Course: BS Architecture (Year 4)
Tutors: Marcel Erminy


A visualisation of a winery, with glass windows and walls and a path surrounded by green plants.

Sustainable Winery by Andrew Koltys and Christian Martinez

“In this course, students develop the ability to generate integrated architectural solutions focusing on net zero sustainability, that achieve performance characteristics outlined by the AIA 2030 mandate.

“The design project centres on creating a sustainable winery in Napa Valley, California, incorporating key architectural components such as envelopes, assemblies, structural and mechanical systems and life safety systems to achieve a cohesive and resolved architectural project that integrates these elements seamlessly.

“Students choose between two sites: Frogs Leap Winery, which has flat terrain, or Odette Estate Winery, which has varied terrain, to design a new winery complex in line with the site’s existing conditions with an innovative use of materials.

“The project requires at least one two-storey structure with two sets of stairs and one elevator in order to meet all ADA and code requirements.

“The assignment emphasises the connections between architecture, people and landscape, and by the end of the course, students will have developed skills in creating sustainable architectural designs that celebrate the relationship between the built environment and its natural context.”

Student: Andrew Koltys and Christian Martinez
Course: Master Architecture (Year 2)
Tutor: Ray Holliday


A visualisation of a bath house, with blue water and brown beam structures. There are people walking through the space.

Transforming the Hot Wells Bathhouse into the Hot Wells Culture and Ecology Centre by Mia Hendershot

“The Hot Wells Bathhouse, once a bustling destination in the early 19th century, now stands as a unique intersection between humanity and nature, leaving the historic site in ruins.

“In its abandonment, nature began to reclaim the old building as its own, a process known as secondary succession.

“The ruins are now home to a unique ecosystem that bridges the ecology of the San Antonio River with the primitive flora that dominates the crumbling walls of the old bathhouse.

“This combination of anthropology and ecology informed the building program and design, forming a destination upon the riverbanks with a landscape that shares the narrative of its past for locals and tourists alike.

“The resulting project takes form as a place that not preserves the past and contributes to the community, providing a space for exploration, learning and gathering, whilst crucially acknowledging the ebb and flow between people and nature and offering a wealth of educational opportunities, spanning topics from the history of the site to the unique ecosystem it hosts.”

Student: Mia Hendershot
Course: Master Architecture (Year 2)
Tutors: Dr Stephen Caffey, Dr David Reed, Brian Gibbs and Marcel Erminy


A photograph of an architectural model of a chapel in tones of blue atop a white surface.

AI-Techno Chapel by Alina Torres, Dylan Love and Alexandra Morabito

“Students utilise AI tools like diffusion models to generate new designs for a small-scale chapel in Austin, Texas, reinterpreting the chapel as a traditional Texas typology and incorporating 500 years of architectural history and theory.

“The design process combines of manual and computational techniques, accompanied with a field trip to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to explore chapel precedents and civic buildings that reflect key architectural periods and movements.”

Students: Alina Torres, Dylan Love and Alexandra Morabito
Course: BS Architecture (Year 2)
Tutors: Benjamin Ennemoser


A visualisation of a mall with large green planter walls in its space.

Architecture from Public to Commons by Justin Gill

“The Post Oak Mall in College Station, Texas has decreased in attendance and each year the mall finds less foot travel than years prior.

“To support the growing population of students and the university as a whole, we are proposing to convert Post Oak Mall into an auxiliary campus for students in agriculture, technology, engineering and arts specific degree programs.

“The reduction of climate-controlled spaces within the mall’s buildings allowed us to incorporate greenhouse-like infrastructure directly into the buildings.”

Student: Justin Gill
Course: BS Architecture (Year 3)
Tutors: Marcelo López-Dinardi

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Texas A&M University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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EV Owners: Is Tire Noise a Problem?

Since I don’t own an EV, I can’t tell if this is a real problem, or something cooked up by manufacturers. Apparently, EVs are so quiet that the noise of the tires becomes, according to these companies, bothersome. “[EV tire] noise can be perceived as significantly more intrusive and unpleasant compared to combustion vehicles,” writes German multinational company Henkel.

Apparently tire manufacturers “have heard the call,” according to Michelin, and thus EV tires are now formulated to be quieter. How? By adding plastic, of course. The company uses a “custom-designed polyurethane foam ring inside the tire, which reduces vibrations caused by the road and in turn, lowers interior cabin noise by as much as 20%,” according to a test they did on a 2020 Tesla. “The foam ring basically muffles noise resonance so that the driver and passengers can more easily use hand-free communication devices or stay alert with less driver fatigue on longer drives.”

Meanwhile Henkel has collaborated with 4Jet, a surface processing company, on “a groundbreaking process for producing silent tires designed for electric vehicles.” The companies have worked out a more efficient way to line the inside of the tires with polyurethane foam. (For some reason this makes me think of injecting cheese into pizza crusts.) “These so-called ‘Silent Tires’ significantly reduce noise emissions both inside the vehicle and in the surrounding environment, ensuring a considerably improved driving experience.”

EV owners among you, is tire noise a thing? On press drives I’ve clocked a few days behind the wheel of an EV and didn’t notice anything, but that doesn’t compare to the day-in, day-out commute some of you folks are pulling.

An AI-Driven Industrial Design Database

PatSeer, a company that helps users do patent searches, has created a new service for industrial design firms and manufacturers. The problem the service was designed to solve, is as follows:

“In the past decade, design registrations have surged in Asia and North America owing to market globalization and the rising value of designs as a competitive asset. This has led to more frequent and complex legal disputes.”

Designers can stay out of legal trouble, the company reckons, by first doing research to see if anyone’s designed anything similar to the thing you’re working on. To make this easier, they’ve created an AI-powered Industrial Design Search service “with unparalleled coverage,” they claim, citing access to 20 million design registrations across 86 different design registers.

To use it, you upload images of what you’re intending to produce, check off boxes narrowing down function, materials, finishes, etc., and AI returns similar designs that have already been registered.

“Design searching has been stuck in sand for a long period,” says company founder Manish Sinha. “Professional users have had no option but to scan thousands of images to ensure reliability in their outputs. By combining leading edge AI with enriched content, we are offering a hybrid intelligence solution that redefines how designs are searched. This platform represents the future of industrial design search and provides professionals with indispensable tools for the task.”

The company says you have to request access to the service by providing a name and e-mail address. Their pricing is opaque—”Contact Us”—but they’re providing a free two-week trial.

In Litchfield County, 9 Academy’s Bespoke Lodging

A thoughtfully designed, three-suite guest house in Salisbury, Connecticut

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In Litchfield County, 9 Academy’s Bespoke Lodging

A thoughtfully designed, three-suite guest house in Salisbury, Connecticut

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Courtesy of John Gruen

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In the pastoral northwest corner of Connecticut, where Litchfield County runs alongside New York State’s Hudson Valley and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, the village of Salisbury epitomizes an all-season escape—from sunny summer weekends to its abundance of autumnal splendors, warm winter delights and hopeful spring blossoms. Situated along a side street in the center of Salisbury, 9 Academy is unlike any other offering in the region. This upscale guest house, which opened in late fall 2023, includes three multi-room, full-floor suites. It is owned and operated by Aidan Cassidy and Charles Teti, who—under their banner of their design company, Cassidy & Teti Interiors—imbued each space with a comfortable elegance, pared back but nuanced, cozy yet sophisticated. It’s here that guests will find a home-away-from-home experience with comforting touches—a reading nook, a balcony, a back garden—and all the conveniences modern travelers now desire.

academy-loft-suite-bedroom
Courtesy of John Gruen

“Both of us spent our entire working careers in the design field, myself in interiors and Charles as an executive in men’s fashion. We knew this area as weekenders for many years. We recognized there was a deficit of upscale hospitality,” Cassidy tells us over coffee at The White Hart, a historic Salisbury establishment that’s a brief stroll from 9 Academy. He adds that, as their children attend school nearby, they’d observed the town’s “proximity to so many world-class boarding schools, so we felt that there was an audience for parents who were traveling in from international locations.”

academy-loft-suite-bath-9-17-2339228
Courtesy of John Gruen

Cassidy and Teti bought the structure that houses 9 Academy in early 2021. “It was a fairly nondescript building. It was simple. It had been a historic building at some point but there was very little of that left by the time we arrived as someone had done a very large renovation of it in the 1980s,” he says. “We took it on for the location. We wanted to offer something that had a walkability to it. We wanted to be in the center of town because that’s an important component for visitors. People want convenience. We didn’t want to be out in the country.” During our stay at 9 Academy, we were able to walk to The White Hart for dinner, and to nearby Sweet William’s for morning coffee. We even stepped into the town’s general store for gifts. Salisbury’s enchanting ambiance envelops 9 Academy.

academy-loft-suite-terrace-9-17-2339489
Courtesy of John Gruen

Each of 9 Academy’s three suites weaves in its own alluring attributes. The aptly entitled Garden Suite incorporates a private outdoor space. The second-floor Parlor Suite, where we stayed, features the aforementioned reading nook, as well as stairs to a backyard. A private terrace enhances the footprint of the third-floor Loft Suite. Two of the three suites include freestanding tubs, while the Parlor Suite’s spacious bathroom feels spa-like.

“We had a clear vision of the style,” Cassidy says. “We didn’t feel the need to duplicate the types of properties that were already available—be they Airbnbs or small hotels. We wanted to do something that was different, that had a more contemporary vibe. At the same time, we didn’t want people to feel like they were not in Connecticut. To do this, we focused on natural materials to make you feel a sense of place.” This manifested as lime-washed walls, soft white oak floors and a reserved use of concrete.

academy-parlor-suite-kitchen
Courtesy of John Gruen

All three suites are equipped with full kitchens, washer and dryer units, as well as an array of homewares, cutlery, pots and pans, an iron and hairdryer. Extra towels were in a drawer; a closet held additional sheets and blankets. Everything felt considered—and all elements luxurious. “Part of it came out of a business sense that Airbnb has changed the hospitality industry,” Cassidy explains. “We could have carved the building up into much smaller units. Instead, we wanted to give people the sensibility that they get with a boutique hotel—fresh towels and nice linens and spa products—but we also wanted them to feel as though they were in an apartment for the weekend that’s bookable by the night.”

academy-parlor-suite-main
Courtesy of John Gruen

Ultimately, what Cassiy and Teti have established is a sense of home. There’s a spaciousness to the suites, and a flexibility to the purpose of several rooms, that allows them to accommodate families. There’s the attention to detail the runs from the online reservation system to the contactless checkin all the way to the interior design. “We are both designers so we have a high standard,” Cassidy says. “Guest experience is something that we innately felt good about. We knew we could offer that. We did the research but we also leaned into what worked for us as global travelers over the years.” The only challenge, however, is accepting that it’s time to leave.

Setting the Stage: How Design Shapes the Dynamics of Presidential Debates

It’s that time in human history again when the world turns its attention to a country whose political outcome could also affect the rest of the world, one way or another. Presidential debates are pivotal moments during this period, offering candidates a highly publicized platform to present their policies, challenge their opponents, and connect with voters. These events have become quite sensational shows even, and just like any other show, there is one unsung hero: stage design. The layout and design of the debate stage are fundamental in shaping how these encounters are perceived by both the live audience and viewers at home. So we take a closer look at the role stage design plays in presidential or any other debate, and how various elements such as visual hierarchy, backdrop aesthetics, and camera angles can influence the overall dynamics.

Designer: Clickspring Design

Visual Hierarchy and Focal Points

Just like in any stage design, the placement and interaction of various elements play a critical role in guiding people’s attention, especially for those watching at home whose views are largely determined by the camera. Here are some of those elements that establish a visual flow that could very well change the narrative or impact the audience.

The Central Placement of Podiums

Image courtesy of: Pressmaster

The podiums where debaters stand are naturally the center of attention on stage and have a direct impact on its design. Typically, podiums are positioned centrally on the stage to ensure that candidates are the main visual focus. They are also distributed evenly across the center to maintain an equal visual weight between candidates, promoting an unbiased viewing experience. It is also a strategic arrangement as it facilitates a smoother debate flow, allowing candidates to engage directly with each other and the moderators, regardless of their position on the stage.

Backdrop Design

Although treated as a decorative element, the backdrop plays a more important role in setting the atmosphere and even diverting focus toward or away from the speakers. In political debates, it’s a canvas that can incorporate national symbols such as flags or seals, as well as national landmarks that paint a larger picture of what the event is about. The choice of color scheme is an important matter to consider, as too many hues can end up distracting or even straining the eyes. Neutral and muted tones are generally best to keep the emphasis on the candidates rather than the design.

Image courtesy of: Live Design Online

Camera Angles and Lighting

Considering presidential debates have always been televised or, more recently, projected on large screens in the venue, camera angles and lighting have become even more essential and can either enhance or detract from the debate experience. Wide-angle shots capture the entire stage, providing context and showing the physical dynamics between candidates. Close-ups, on the other hand, capture facial expressions and gestures, adding an emotional dimension to the proceedings. Lighting isn’t just a matter of putting a spotlight on people, especially since it has to be done in a way that doesn’t look biased, like casting shadows on some candidates but not others. Balanced and soft lighting helps to create a polished and professional visual atmosphere, keeping the focus squarely on the candidates, while extravagant and showy lighting effects tend to make the event and the stage look cheap and superficial.

Ensuring Equality and Focus

The layout and design of a presidential debate stage isn’t something that is planned haphazardly. Visual elements like the central placement of podiums, backdrop aesthetics incorporating national symbols, and strategic lighting all work together to highlight the candidates. The visual hierarchy created by these elements helps direct the viewers’ attention to the key players and enhances the overall impact of their messages. The most important point to remember is that the design should ensure that candidates are given equal visual weight, reducing any implicit bias. Stage design should also keep the audience focused on the content of the debate rather than the setting, though some more recent stages seem to go in the opposite direction and become spectacles themselves.

Image courtesy of: AnnaStills

The Evolution of Stage Design in Presidential Debates

While debates have been around since the time of the ancient Greeks, televised presidential debates are a more recent phenomenon that only started in the US in the 60s. Thanks to technology, this integral part of the US election system went beyond geographical borders and became something that other countries have come to follow. Of course, the design of the stages in these debates has also evolved along with human history and trends, reflecting not only the aesthetic tastes of the generation but also their concerns.

Historical Context

The first televised debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960 already highlighted the importance of visual elements. Kennedy’s youthful and composed appearance contrasted with Nixon’s pale, sweaty demeanor and the poor stage lighting and camera angles that didn’t do the latter any favors. This debate marked the beginning of an era where stage design would become an integral part of political strategy. The design of presidential debate stages has evolved significantly over the years as technologies improved and audiences have become more sophisticated.

Image courtesy of: Getty Images

Modern Innovations

Recent technological advancements have allowed for more complicated stage designs that go beyond simple podiums and plain backgrounds. High-definition screens, 3D projections, and even augmented reality have been integrated to create more engaging and dynamic environments. These innovations not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also offer new ways to present data and statistics, making complex topics more accessible to the audience. That said, there is also a tendency to go overboard with these innovations, resulting in stages with distracting elements and presentations that turn the debates into entertainment shows.

Image courtesy of: CNN

The Psychological Impact of Stage Design

Stage design might seem like more of an audiovisual matter, but like any kind of design, they have underlying and sometimes subtle psychological effects as well, intended or otherwise. Even the mere placement of elements or choice of colors can have an impact on viewer perception, often subconsciously even.

Perception of Authority

Stage design can subtly influence the perception of a candidate’s authority and competence. For instance, elevated podiums can give candidates a commanding presence, while their placement on the stage can make them feel emotionally distant or close. Symmetrical designs and balanced lighting contribute to a perception of fairness and impartiality, indirectly boosting the candidates’ credibility. Lighting and camera focus can literally change how a candidate looks, making them seem gloomy, happy, suspicious, or trustworthy.

Image courtesy of: adme

Audience Engagement

The stage itself captures and retains the audience’s attention, and a well-designed one has stronger holding power. Strategically placing elements and tasteful use of visuals Engaging visuals ensure that viewers are not distracted and remain focused on the candidates’ messages. Elements such as movement on stage, transitions between camera angles, and interactive elements like audience reactions contribute to a dynamic viewing experience and can be potent tools to create a more meaningful connection with the audience, especially with the Internet that can include the participation of home viewers as well.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Stage Design

While the first televised presidential debates relied solely on studio cameras and terrestrial TV networks, we have a broader range of technologies today to add flavor to the debate or, conversely, spin a different narrative. Just like any other tool or design element, these have to be used wisely and judiciously to put the focus on the most important part of the event: the candidates’ messages.

High-Definition Screens and Projections

High-definition screens and projections are now standard in modern debate stages as they can let live audiences see a closer look even when they’re at the bleachers. These can also display real-time data, enhance visual graphics, and even simulate different environments. This technology allows for a more comprehensive presentation of complex issues, making it easier for the audience to grasp the nuances of each candidate’s argument.

Image courtesy of: MUS_GRAPHIC_

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) has started to make its way into stage design, adding an immersive layer to the debate experience. Just like screens, AR can be used to visualize data, project interactive maps, or even recreate significant historical moments, except at a more personal distance. It can make viewers feel like they’re really “on the scene,” but like any other AR experience, it needs to be used in moderation so as not to exclude the majority of people who don’t have AR equipment to use.

Lighting and Sound Design

Advanced lighting and sound systems are crucial in creating the desired ambiance and ensuring clear communication. Programmable LED lights can highlight specific moments or shift focus between speakers, while high-quality sound systems ensure that every word is heard clearly. Conversely, they can also be sources of distraction or even physical discomfort when overused.

Designer: Clickspring Design

Challenges and Considerations in Stage Design

Stage design for presidential or any debate has the same elements as most stage designs, but they carry even more weight in ensuring an impression of impartiality and fairness. To some extent, this kind of stage design has a more serious overtone, presenting unique challenges to designers and architects.

Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality

Like with any kind of design, balancing aesthetics with functionality is one of the most important hurdles to overcome. While it’s essential to create a visually appealing environment, it’s equally important to ensure that the design does not interfere with the debate’s primary purpose: to provide a platform for meaningful discourse. Overly elaborate designs can be distracting, while overly simplistic designs might actually be counterproductive and bore viewers to the point of losing interest.

Image courtesy of: CNN

Ensuring Impartiality

To some extent, ensuring impartiality is probably the most critical consideration that guides the overall design. Every element of the stage must be scrutinized to avoid any potential bias, visual or otherwise. This includes equal lighting, symmetrical podium placement, and unbiased camera angles. Even subtle elements, such as the candidates’ color schemes, must be carefully managed to maintain a neutral environment.

Final Thoughts

Stage design for presidential debates is a complex interplay of art and science. It requires a deep understanding of visual hierarchy, psychology, and technology to create a setting that enhances the candidates’ messages and engages the audience. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the possibilities for innovative and impactful stage designs, further elevating the importance of this often-overlooked aspect of presidential debates. It shapes perceptions, influences engagement, and ultimately contributes to the political process by providing a fair and engaging platform for candidates to present their visions for the future. After all, the role of stage design in presidential debates cannot be overstated, for it is indeed a silent yet powerful player in the theater of politics.

Pasant Theatre, Wharton Centre

The post Setting the Stage: How Design Shapes the Dynamics of Presidential Debates first appeared on Yanko Design.

Extreme Space Saving: Architects Design 74-Square-Foot Apartment for Themselves

Architects Beatriz Ramo and Bernd Upmeyer have designed a 74-square-foot apartment that they will use as a second home. The couple, who hail from Spain and Germany respectively, are based in Rotterdam; the apartment is sited there, in what was previously a storage unit in a residential building.

To make the space livable, the couple pulled out every trick in the book. To orient you, let’s assume the window is the south wall.

This is the view facing northeast:

Behind the model is the apartment’s front door. On the north wall are a series of doors and drawers concealing the kitchen, dining table and closet, as well as the bathroom, to the left.

Above you can see the sleeping space.

This is the view within the bathroom, facing east. Shockingly the bathroom has, next to it, a spa with both a whirlpool tub and a micro-sauna of sorts. )The micro-sauna is not visible in the photos, but is in the video below.) Above the spa you can see pass-through storage units that are accessible from the sleeping space.

The video gives you a look at how the space works:

My big question is if the humidity from the bathroom creates issues. I imagine the ladder that’s stored in the bathroom and used to reach the bed loft, is made out of aluminum.

I appreciate how frank Ramo was, when asked if this is how everyone in the Netherlands should live:

“No, absolutely not. This is a very personal project that we did for ourselves. This is not the solution to the housing crisis.”

Each are the founders of their own architecture firm. Ramo runs Star Strategies + Architecture; Upmeyer runs BOARD (Bureau of Architecture, Research, and Design).

Iosa Ghini Associati clads Fiandre office in "decorative skin" of ceramic surfaces

Storage in Fiandre office by Iosa Ghini Associati

Promotion: architecture practice Iosa Ghini Associati has renovated the 1980s headquarters of Italian surfacing manufacturer Fiandre in Castellarano, using ceramic to cover almost the entire interior from the walls and floors to the custom furnishings.

Set across three floors and 2,400 square metres, the office was originally designed by architect Quintilio Prodi in 1989 and is described by Fiandre as “vaguely post-modern”.

Storage in Fiandre office by Iosa Ghini Associati
Iosa Ghini Associati has renovated the Fiandre office

Iosa Ghini Associati has revamped and reorganised the interiors by designer Carlo Cattani to prioritise the wellbeing of employees and encourage their return to the office post-pandemic.

With this aim, the architectural studio, with offices in Milan and Bologna, introduced novelties including a hangout area in the basement complete with a football table, a “take one, leave one” bookshelf and rocking chairs overlooking the garden.

Basement of Fiandre office
The basement houses hangout areas including a football table, and a space with music and books to be shared

Office space and meeting rooms are spread across all three floors of the building, separated by glass partitions that allow daylight to filter into the core of the building while still providing acoustic privacy.

Different areas are also distinguished by their use of different Fiandre ceramics, which architect Massimo Iosa Ghini used across almost all available surfaces.

Textured ceramic surfaces in office by Iosa Ghini Associati
Ceramic surfaces define different areas

“Ceramic surfaces were applied like a changing, decorative skin to floors and walls, at times adorned with precious triangular and herringbone cuts to embellish the spaces without ever overdoing it,” Fiandre said.

Fiandre’s ceramic surfacing was used to cover floors across all three storeys, as well as various walls, washbasins and custom desks, meeting tables, bar counters and coffee tables designed bespoke for the office.

Bathroom in Fiandre office
The ceramics can resemble marble

To improve indoor air quality and hygiene, Fiandre chose Active Surfaces – ceramic slabs developed by Fiandre’s parent organisation Iris Ceramica Group. The photocatalytic properties of these “eco-active ceramic surfaces use light energy to trigger chemical reactions that eliminate bacteria, viruses and pollutants, converting them into harmless substances”, the company said.

In total, the building uses 5,058 square metres of ceramic slabs, which together with the LED lights help to purify over 10,000 cubic metres of air from odours and volatile organic compounds per day, according to calculations from researchers at the University of Milan.

In the lobby, the floor is finished in a herringbone pattern formed from alternating matte and glossy slabs of the marbled Premium White Maximum porcelain.

The reception desk is flanked by two waiting areas, underscored in Pietra Grey Maxium and enveloped by two curving walls clad in fluted ceramic slabs made using the 4D Ceramics technology pioneered by Fiandre’s parent company Iris Ceramica Group and distributed by Sapiestone brand.

Pietra Grey also features in the basement, combined with terrazzo-like Seminato Beige.

Meeting room in office by Iosa Ghini Associati
Meeting rooms feature touch panels integrated directly into the stone tabletops

The executive offices on the first floor feature walls adorned in striking blue Amazonite Maximum, while the 70-square-metre CEO office is equipped with a mini-bar and a private bathroom that features Fiandre’s highly polished Glint finish, which reflects light around the room.

The first floor also features a huge 18-by-3-metre mural by digital artist Becha, printed on ceramic slabs using the company’s Design Your Slabs (DYS) technology and reused from Iris Ceramica Group’s exhibition space at international ceramics fair Cersaie in Bologna in 2023.

Close-up of stone table
Ridged table bases are created using 4D Ceramic technology

Meeting rooms scattered around the rest of the building can accommodate between eight and 20 people and feature tables with ridged and fluted bases made using the 4D Ceramic technology.

The lighting and polarised windows in the meeting rooms can be controlled with touch ceramic surfaces integrated directly into the stone surface, eliminating the need for unsightly external cover plates and switches.

Meeting room in Fiandre office by Iosa Ghini Associati
Marsala Red decorates the meeting rooms

And walls are decorated in Marsala Red with a tessellated pattern cut into the surface to provide subtle decoration.

“The colour of the furnishings and finishes adds personality, making the spaces feel more creative and more like home, while adding a sense of timeless elegance,” the architect specifies,” Iosa Ghini said.

Fiandre is part of Iris Ceramica Group. For more information on Fiandre, visit the company’s website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Fiandre as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post Iosa Ghini Associati clads Fiandre office in “decorative skin” of ceramic surfaces appeared first on Dezeen.

Top 5 Cool Clocks & Watches That Are The Most Unique Time-Telling Devices You’ve Seen

Through the years, clocks and watches have gone through major innovations. The time-telling designs today don’t just simply tell the time, they also perform a whole bunch of other functionalities and activities for you, while also managing to look super cool and sleek. If you’re someone who geeks out on cool watches and clocks, then you’ve hit the right spot. We’ve curated a collection of unique, functional, and aesthetically interesting time-telling pieces for you. From a moon-inspired clock for your bedside table to a retro-inspired watch amped with the rare Nixie VFD tubes – these time-telling designs are a far cry from the typical products you see on the market.

1. NIXOID NEXT

Designed by Nixiod, the steampunk-inspired NIXIOD NEXT features the rare Nixie VFD lamps that were discovered 25 years ago. The uber-cool watch design merges retro and futurism, combining the tech of retro tubes with the appeal of a modern wristwatch avatar. The design is the best of both worlds – the past and the present.

Why is it noteworthy?

The NIXIOD NEXT integrates an accelerometer which illuminates the VFD tubes when moved toward the user. The tubes were discovered in a warehouse, from the time of the USSR, establishing it as a historic limited-edition collectible.

What we like

  • Equipped with charging points on the back, so it is quite easy to charge
  • Amped with a  scratch-resistant sapphire case

What we dislike

  • When the watch changes from hours to minutes, there is a 1.5-second pause, during which the hour and minute cannot be seen together

2. Moon Rocket Wall Clock

Called the Moon Rocket Wall Clock, this unique-looking clock adds the allure of outer space to your home. The clock is made from specially polished stainless steel, and it features a circular shape that perfectly captures the beauty of the moon. Numbers float around the edges of the clock. The clock has a minimal form that merges perfectly with your home.

Click Here to Buy Now: $325

Why is it noteworthy?

The numbers on the clock are much like the moon, they wax and wane, creating a stunning effect. The lovely clock helps you tell time and gently reminds you to live life freely and dynamically, adopting the spirit of adventure, the way a rocket ship does when it moves towards the moon.

What we like

  • The numbers float around the edges, merging with the moon
  • The clock’s second-hand features a small rocket, adding a lovely little touch

What we dislike

  • If the clock is wall-mounted, it may be tough to read the floating numbers

3. Rolling World Clock

Dubbed the Rolling World Clock, this one-hand device is a great choice if you work on international time, and have to deal with different clients in different timezones. The Rolling World Clock has a minimal and sleek ethos, so besides telling the time, it also makes a visually interesting addition to your desk.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

Why is it noteworthy?

With the Rolling World Clock, you can access different timezones through a one-handed movement. You can move the clock until you reach the city, which is the time you need to check. The watch hand adjusts to the correct timezone automatically.

2What we like

  • Cuts down the need to use a screen to check on multiple timezones
  • It makes time-telling a simple affair

What we dislike

  • The clock showcases only 12 cities, so you will need to calculate the time zones outside the clock’s interface

4. Jewelry Display Clock

Say hello to the Jewelry Display Clock – a versatile product that lets you safely store your precious jewelry while also showing you the time. You can also display your earrings as a pendulum. This innovative design tells the time for you, while also helping you securely store your personal belongings, and offering easy accessibility to them.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The multifunctional product will make a beautiful addition to your dressing or bedside table. It neatly organizes your accessories and belongings for you, while also letting you swiftly tell the time.

What we like

  • Classy and clean design amped with a quartz movement for precision
  • Built from bioplastic which includes rice husks

What we dislike

  • The space for storing jewelry isn’t much, you can only store 3-4 pieces easily

5. Author Clock

This innovative device is called the Author Clock, and it really is a novel new way to tell the time. This one-of-a-kind contemporary clock displays the time using interesting literary quotes every minute. The clock transforms time-telling into a unique and playful event, allowing you to read important moments in literature and writing history.

Why is it noteworthy?

The clock contains thousands of different quotes from a wide range of authors. The Author Clock is a truly whimsical and creative way to check and tell the time. It is a must-have for the bibliophiles out there, who love reading and collecting books.

What we like

  • Contains a collection of 2000 quotes from authors spanning six centuries

What we dislike

  • In comparison to other lightning-fast gadgets, the response time is quite slow

The post Top 5 Cool Clocks & Watches That Are The Most Unique Time-Telling Devices You’ve Seen first appeared on Yanko Design.