Chinese studio People’s Architecture Office has converted an old porcelain factory in Jingdezhen into workshops and a gallery using colourful steel and glass extensions.

Named Porcelain Factory Plug-in Revival, the project is located alongside the Imperial Kiln Ruins and Imperial Kiln Museum in a historical part of the city dubbed the porcelain capital of the world.

Beijing-based People’s Architecture Office‘s (PAO) design opens up the previously private site to expand the area’s offering for both locals and tourists.

Using a strategy that the studio calls “plug-in architecture”, the site’s traditional brick and timber structures have been extended and interlinked with contemporary elements in glass and blue and orange steel.

“By using plug-in architecture, the design addresses contemporary needs within a heritage context, adding functional spaces that support modern artistic practices and community interaction,” PAO principal James Shen told Dezeen.

“This approach enables modern interventions to coexist with traditional elements, creating a space that harmonies old and new as a form of urban regeneration,” he added.

At the centre of the site next to a large brick chimney, PAO has encased the factory’s tallest structure in a glazed shell.

This aims to better connect its internal exhibition spaces and cafe to a surrounding public square, created by uniting two previously isolated courtyards.

This central form is topped by an oversized roof described by Shen as the project’s “contemporary focal point”. It is finished with clay tiles on the exterior and faceted, slatted wood ceilings above the internal spaces.

“The three-story glass building, a key intervention, anchors the public square and introduces openness and transparency, visually harmonising with the surrounding traditional architecture,” he explained.

“The balance between modern and traditional is emphasised by the roof’s ‘floating’ quality over the transparent enclosure, creating a memorable architectural feature that elegantly bridges the distinction between the past and the present,” Shen added.

Around this central structure are the restored porcelain workshops, of which the existing brick and timber structures have been restored and extended by PAO with a series of prefabricated cuboid modules, staircases and walkways.

Each metal-clad module has allowed the insertion of modern facilities into the old buildings, including a kitchen, bathrooms, meeting spaces and sleeping areas, while minimising disruption to their existing fabric.

PAO was founded in Beijing in 2010 by Shen, He Zhe, and Zang Feng. Previous projects by the studio include an amoeba-shaped public restroom in Manshan Park and the renovation of a school in Shenzhen with blue-toned metalwork.

The photography is by Zhu Yumeng. 

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An oversized, bamboo-clad roof connects the spaces at the Bamboo Gate community centre in the Mabi Reconstruction Disaster Prevention Park, Japan, designed by architecture studio Kengo Kuma and Associates.

Designed to frame views of the surroundings, the building has two volumes separated by an opening to give it a form resembling a gateway.

Named Bamboo Gate, the community centre is located in the town of Mabi in Okayama Prefecture, which was damaged by flooding in 2018.

The building and surrounding Mabi Reconstruction Disaster Prevention Park were designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates to provide a disaster-resilient public space for the town.

One side of the building, which is clad almost entirely in bamboo contains an emergency storage warehouse.

The sculptural roof curves out from this storage warehouse to form a column at the centre of the community centre, which has glass walls and will be used as an events space.

The roof overhangs both volumes to shade the outdoor space around the building.

“The large bamboo eaves that extend out into the surroundings are opened as a breezeway to protect people from the rain and sunlight,” said Kengo Kuma and Associates.

A paved path forms an axis through the opening in Bamboo Gate, designed to connect the river, city and surrounding mountains.

“A large hole through the centre of the Bamboo Gate is made of bamboo, a local speciality of Mabi,” said Kengo Kuma and Associates.

“This opening receives the axis from the city and the river, and through this opening, the bustle of the city and the beautiful nature of the Oda River and mountains are connected.”

Japanese architect Kengo Kuma founded his eponymous studio in 1990. Today, it has offices in Tokyo, Paris, Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul.

Other projects recently completed by the studio include a sculptural clay museum in China clad in ceramic tiles and the Saint-Denis Pleyel Station in Paris, which was cloaked in wooden louvres.

The images are courtesy of Kengo Kuma and Associates.

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A sponge made from a fusion of cotton fibre and squid bone could help to clear some of the world’s microplastic pollution after a team of Chinese researchers found it can soak up as much as 99.8 per cent of the particles from water samples.

Researchers from the University of Wuhan and Guangxi University produced the fibrous foam by combining cellulose fibres from cotton and the tough biopolymer chitin, which forms a squid’s skeleton.

When deployed in water, the sponge was found to remove between 98 and 99.8 per cent of microplastics, and the researchers believe the material’s low cost and simple production could allow it to be scaled up for widespread use.

“Few practical technologies” for removal of microplastics

Cellulose and chitin are two very abundant molecules in nature and are already often used to help cleanse pollutants from wastewater.

The researchers’ innovation involved combining the two in a way that offers unprecedented efficacy at cleaning up microplastics – the tiny plastic particles that have pervaded the environment, posing a significant risk to ecosystems and human health.

“The planet is under great threat from microplastics,” the researchers wrote in their paper in the journal Science Advances. “And aquatic ecosystems are the first to suffer as they provide convenient places for microplastics, which can combine with other contaminants and be ingested by multiple levels of organisms.”

“Currently, there are few practical technologies for efficient and extensive removal of microplastics, especially for those smaller than 10 [micrometres].”

Although the cellulose and chitin are fused on a molecular level to make the “Ct-Cel biomass foam”, the production process was completed using readily available equipment.

The researchers say that this – combined with the low cost of the abundant materials and their non-toxic, biocompatible nature – means that the foam could avoid the problems that have hampered other solutions from gaining traction outside of the lab.

“These works generally involved complex fabrication procedures or expensive raw materials, and the investment might be unaffordable for large-scale remediation of microplastics,” they wrote.

Biomass sponge is made simply and cheaply

To make the biomass sponge, the researchers bonded the cellulose and chitin on a molecular level, forming a cross-linked fibrous network.

This involved first soaking chitin flakes in a solution of one per cent acetic acid and then blending the material with a high-speed homogeniser – a common tool in industrial food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics production.

The cotton, meanwhile, was stirred by a soy milk machine to obtain a cellulose solution before the two compounds were mixed together, poured into a mould and frozen.

The researchers tested their sponge in the lab and in four real-world settings – an agricultural irrigation site, lake water, still water and coastal water.

Not only did the sponge remove 98 to 99.8 per cent of microplastics during its initial use in these settings, but it was also found to remain effective when reused, removing around 95 per cent of microplastics after five uses.

The researchers observed that the sponge worked through several mechanisms, including physically intercepting microplastics, attracting them electrostatically and occasioning interactions between the chitin, cellulose and plastic molecules.

The researchers believe that, following further testing, the sponge could be used not just in seas and rivers but also to treat factory wastewater and as a filter in domestic washing machines and dishwashers, stopping microplastics from entering the natural world in the first place.

Researchers have found microplastics in the human brain, blood and digestive system, where they have been shown to damage cells and affect hormone activity. They also have consequences for other species and ecosystems.

Another recent innovation targeting microplastics is a device by the Tyre Collective that can catch tyre wear from cars – one of the world’s largest sources of microplastic pollution.

The top photo by New Africa via Shutterstock.

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Are you ready to break free from the constraints of a single laptop screen? Enter the Greyshork X3, a game-changing triple-screen laptop that transforms your digital world. Imagine effortlessly multitasking, gaming like a pro, and unleashing your creativity without limits. This revolutionary device is designed to elevate your experience, providing a panoramic workspace that makes the mundane extraordinary. With the Greyshork X3, you can truly embrace the power of multi-screen technology.

Forget about the constant alt-tabbing and the clutter of external monitors. The Greyshork X3 is here to rescue you from the frustrations of a confined workspace. Its innovative design empowers you with unparalleled productivity, creativity, and entertainment capabilities. With three expansive screens, your efficiency and focus will soar to new heights, enabling you to tackle tasks with newfound vigor. This laptop redefines the way you approach your daily digital tasks, providing a seamless workflow that keeps you in the zone.

Designer:  Greyshork Team

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At the heart of this marvel is a 16″ 1920×1200 main display, flanked by two 10.5″ 1920×1280 auxiliary screens. This trio creates a captivating and immersive workspace that caters to professionals, gamers, and creatives alike. Whether you’re diving into complex projects or indulging in multimedia content, the Greyshork X3 delivers an experience that’s nothing short of spectacular. The high-resolution displays ensure crisp, vibrant visuals that make every detail pop, enhancing both work and play.

Transporting this powerhouse is a breeze, thanks to its innovative magnetic design. The dual auxiliary screens seamlessly attach to the main display when closed, maintaining a sleek and compact form. Weighing just 2.6kg (5.73 pounds) and measuring 373.95 x 260.80 x 27.70mm (14.72 x 10.27 x 1.09 inches), this lightweight laptop is designed to accompany you wherever your adventures take you. Whether you’re commuting to the office or traveling across the globe, the Greyshork X3 is built for mobility without sacrificing performance.

Underneath its sleek exterior, the Greyshork X3 is powered by the formidable Intel i7-12650H processor. This ensures smooth performance, whether you’re gaming, designing, or processing data. With support for an external graphics card docking station via an Oculink connection, up to 12GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, and up to 2TB M.2 2280 PCI-E SSD, this laptop is built to handle anything you throw at it. The powerful specs ensure that even the most demanding applications run smoothly, providing a lag-free experience that keeps up with your pace.

Security and convenience go hand in hand with the Greyshork X3. Say goodbye to tedious passwords, as it combines fingerprint and facial recognition technology for a seamless and secure login. With just a glance or a touch, you gain quick access to your digital universe, ensuring that your work remains both accessible and protected. This advanced security feature not only saves time but also adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your data safe from unauthorized access.

The Greyshork X3 is not just a laptop; it’s a revolution in how we interact with technology. By breaking the barriers of a single screen, it opens up a realm of possibilities for enhanced productivity and entertainment. Whether you’re a professional seeking efficiency, a gamer craving immersion, or a creative pushing boundaries, the Greyshork X3 is your ultimate companion. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from video editing and graphic design to intense gaming sessions and everyday multitasking.

With the Greyshork X3, you’re not just upgrading your tech—you’re transforming your lifestyle. This triple-screen wonder redefines what a laptop can be, offering a thrilling experience that caters to the diverse needs of modern users. Embrace the future with the Greyshork X3 and unleash your full potential in the digital world. It’s time to step into a new era of computing, where limitations are a thing of the past, and your imagination is the only boundary.

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Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition ushers in a fresh energy that demands attention as soon as you lift it in one hand. The design balances sophistication and everyday functionality with recycled carbon fiber and magnesium elements that feel solid and strong from the moment you crack open the lid. It weighs just 2.17 lbs (986g) and measures 14.37mm thin, making it Lenovo’s lightest X1 Carbon yet, yet it radiates durability, delivering a premium aesthetic that catches the eye.

Designer: Lenovo

Unboxing Experience: Compact, Gorgeous, and Thoughtful

The first impression starts well before you power on the X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition—it begins with the packaging. Lenovo has truly refined this unboxing experience—and I don’t use the word ‘elevated’ lightly, but in this case, Lenovo has done just that. The care and precision in crafting the box, from its compact size to its perfectly tailored cutouts, enhances the excitement of revealing the X1 Carbon itself, making it feel like an experience designed with intention. The box itself feels as premium as the laptop inside, crafted with FSC-certified materials, free of plastics, and designed with bamboo and sugarcane-based elements.

What immediately struck me was how compact and perfectly tailored the packaging felt. The interior layout is meticulously designed, with precise cutouts holding the X1 Carbon snugly. The slimness of the box complements the thin profile of the laptop itself, making the unboxing process feel intentional and elegant. It’s rare to find cohesive packaging with the product—almost as if Lenovo’s design team approached it as part of the laptop experience.

The textures, cuts, and alignment all reflect an attention to detail that’s often overlooked. Pulling the X1 Carbon out of its place feels like lifting a piece of finely crafted hardware from its display case. The simplicity and sustainable materials make the unboxing as delightful as the laptop itself.

First Impressions: Ultralight, Sleek, and Sophisticated

Sliding this X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition into a compact backpack is effortless, and its Eclipse Black finish makes an immediate impression in a coffee shop or shared workspace. The ThinkPad logo, subtly cut into the top cover, adds a bespoke, premium feel to the design. Its precision-cut detail enhances the overall aesthetic while creating a tactile experience when holding or opening the laptop, reinforcing the premium craftsmanship that defines the X1 Carbon series—it’s a detail that sets it apart and gives the laptop a distinctive character. The design stays true to the timeless lines that define ThinkPad devices, then pushes further with aerospace-grade materials. This approach merges a lightweight feel with the reassuring sturdiness Lenovo is known for, showing off the brand’s craftsmanship in every hinge and seam.

Weighing under 1kg (2.17 lbs) and measuring just 14.37mm thin, it defines portability without compromise. Lenovo’s use of sustainable materials—recycled carbon fiber for the top cover and 90% recycled magnesium for the palm rest and bottom cover—reinforces its focus on eco-friendly design while achieving MIL-STD 810H standards for durability.

The Display: Vivid, Fluid, and Engaging

Opening up the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition reveals a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display that feels bold and luxurious. With a 2880×1800 resolution, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and Dolby Vision compatibility, the display delivers vibrant, true-to-life visuals with stunning contrast. Blacks feel deep and cinematic, courtesy of HDR True Black 500, while the 400-nit brightness ensures excellent clarity, even under bright conditions.

The 120Hz refresh rate adds fluidity to everything, from scrolling documents to video playback. Its 16:10 aspect ratio provides more vertical space, perfect for working on spreadsheets, presentations, or creative projects. Lenovo also includes Eyesafe certification, reducing blue light exposure to minimize eye fatigue during long sessions.

Audio: Dolby Atmos Creates a Personal Soundstage

Lenovo’s additions to the audio experience turn the X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition into a personal theater on the go. Hidden beneath the keyboard, upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers wrap music, video, and calls in immersive sound rarely found in laptops this slim. Paired with Dolby Vision, the combination creates a cohesive watch-and-listen package ideal for content creators and movie lovers.

For conferencing, Dolby Voice steps up with advanced features. Dual-array microphones capture crystal-clear audio while intelligently suppressing background noise. Spatial audio capture dynamically picks up multiple voices, while Privacy Mode focuses on a single speaker—ideal for busy offices or cafes. Dynamic leveling keeps voices consistent, ensuring clarity even as noise levels fluctuate.

Performance: Seamless Multitasking Powered by AI

Under the hood, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2) and Intel Arc Xe2 GPU. This hybrid architecture features performance and efficiency cores that optimize workloads seamlessly, whether you’re tackling creative projects, juggling spreadsheets, or attending virtual meetings. With 32GB LPDDR5x memory and a 512GB PCIe Gen 5 SSD, the laptop handles multitasking effortlessly. This configuration, courtesy of Lenovo, is the setup for our review unit, showcasing the impressive balance of speed and storage for professional workloads.

AI takes center stage with Intel’s NPU 4.0, capable of delivering up to 47 TOPS (trillion operations per second), a measure of the chip’s ability to handle complex AI tasks like real-time transcription, video enhancements, and power optimization. Microsoft Copilot+ integration enhances productivity with features like Studio Effects for better camera performance and Live Captions for real-time transcription of up to 44 languages. Cocreator lets you turn ideas into visuals, processed locally for security and speed.

Smart Modes: Adaptive, Intuitive, and Thoughtful

Lenovo’s Aura Edition Smart Modes add thoughtful AI-driven customization to your experience. Shield Mode prioritizes privacy with screen privacy guards, alerts, and automatic VPN prompts when connecting to Wi-Fi. Attention Mode blocks distractions, silences notifications, and locks out specific websites for better focus. Collaboration Mode enhances video calls with tools like background blur, virtual presenters, and low-light improvements.

Wellness Mode promotes healthier work habits with posture reminders and eye health nudges. At the same time, Power Modes allow users to switch between Battery Saver, Adaptive Power, and Performance settings for tailored energy efficiency.

Battery Life: Reliable Power with Fast-Charging Convenience

Lenovo claims the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition’s 57Wh battery can deliver up to 18 hours of life under ideal conditions, such as video playback with lower screen brightness. However, real-world usage often tells a different story, depending on workloads and display settings. In my hands-on experience, battery performance varied, with around 7-8 hours under typical conditions, including productivity apps, video calls, and browsing with 10-20 open tabs at 60% brightness. That said, more testing will be needed to fully evaluate battery life for the final review, particularly under heavier workloads or with the OLED display running at higher refresh rates.

What I’m expecting is a notable improvement in battery life over its predecessor. While the previous Alder Lake model struggled to reach five hours under Wi-Fi tests, this generation seems capable of hitting 10-12 hours for light workloads. However, more hands-on testing will be needed to confirm this, especially with OLED display settings potentially impacting overall endurance. The Intel Core Ultra processor’s efficiency contributes significantly here, managing power dynamically without sacrificing performance. If you find yourself running low, Lenovo’s rapid-charging support will recharge the battery to 80% in under an hour—perfect for tight schedules or short breaks. If you’re running low, Lenovo’s rapid-charging support brings the battery to 80% in under an hour, giving you peace of mind on short breaks.

Sustainable Design: Purpose Meets Progress

Lenovo has taken tangible steps toward sustainability without compromising quality. The X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition incorporates a host of recycled materials:

• Top Cover: Recycled carbon fiber
• Palm Rest & Bottom Cover: 90% recycled magnesium
• Speaker Enclosures, Battery Packs, and Keycaps: 90% post-consumer recycled plastic
• Packaging: FSC-certified, plastic-free, and made with bamboo and sugarcane-based materials

Despite its eco-conscious build, the laptop maintains Lenovo’s hallmark durability, passing rigorous MIL-STD 810H testing to handle shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures.

Connectivity: Comprehensive and Convenient

Even with its slim profile, the X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition doesn’t skimp on ports. Dual USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports handle high-speed charging and data transfers, while two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports ensure compatibility with older peripherals. An HDMI 2.1 output makes connecting external displays seamless, and the Nano-SIM slot allows for optional mobile connectivity.

Other features include Wi-Fi 7 for blazing-fast wireless connections—a personal favorite for me, as I recently upgraded my internet to 5Gbps on Frontier, powered by three Eero Max 7 units, which are Wi-Fi 7 ready. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures low-latency peripheral pairing and future-proofs connectivity for years to come.

Wrapping Up: A Powerhouse for Modern Professionals

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition delivers a masterclass in balancing portability, performance, and purpose. Its bold OLED display, Dolby-driven audio, and AI-enhanced performance make it a standout option for creative professionals, frequent travelers, and business users. The tailored Smart Modes and eco-conscious design only enhance its appeal, proving that innovation can coexist with sustainability.

Lenovo’s attention to detail—from the refined build to thoughtful AI integrations—results in a laptop that feels forward-thinking and reliable. This ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition delivers the performance, design, and versatility needed for creating, collaborating, and enjoying content with style and precision.

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