Introduction

In the heart of Ubud, Indonesia, Pablo Luna Studio has crafted a sanctuary for wellbeing and wellness known as the Yoga & Spa. This architectural marvel celebrates the harmonious relationship between physical, mental, and spiritual practices, drawing inspiration from the fluid movements of nature and the ancient art of yoga.

Fluid Architecture

The architecture of the Yoga & Spa is a testament to fluidity and grace, mirroring the gentle movements of surrounding flora. Bamboo arched frames adorn the structure, seamlessly blending with the captivating views of the natural landscape.

Multifunctional Spaces

Spread across two stories and spanning 196 m², the building boasts a circular first floor enclosed by polished concrete walls and adorned with elegant bamboo details. Within this space, three distinct zones offer diverse experiences, including massage sessions, dance classes, art workshops, and pottery areas.

Tranquil Retreat

The second floor houses a semi-open bathroom adorned with bamboo structures and stone details, offering a serene retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. An elegant spiral bamboo staircase leads to the Yoga Shala, a sacred space designed for inner exploration and connection with nature.

Open-air Yoga Shala

The Yoga Shala adopts an open-air concept, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in 360-degree panoramic views of Ubud’s lush landscape. Bamboo arches frame the space, while a skylight in the center illuminates the room, creating a tranquil ambiance for yoga practice.

Cultivating Mindfulness

Surrounded by the beauty of bamboo and the natural splendor of Ubud, Bali, the Yoga Shala becomes a sanctuary for mindfulness and balance. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the present moment, harmonizing their practice with the elements of nature.

Conclusion

The Yoga & Spa in Ubud, Indonesia, stands as a testament to the transformative power of architecture in fostering wellbeing and wellness. Through its fluid design and harmonious integration with nature, this space invites visitors to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace, transcending the boundaries of the physical and the spiritual.

The House in Ferraria project by Enter Arquitectura fully embraces rural aesthetics, situated amidst native forests and cultivation fields. Originally a traditional farm warehouse serving the agricultural trade of Herdade da Ferraria, the existing structure became the foundation for a family home.

Transformation into a Family Home

The creative process focused on reformulating the structure to meet the client’s needs while preserving its old barn character. The site was transformed into a family home, maintaining a sustained dialogue with its surrounding terrain and refining its typical features.

Major Changes and Adaptations

Significant modifications were made to the site to enhance its connection to the natural environment. The terrain was elevated to align the upper floor with the main entrance, providing a stronger connection to the surroundings and increased privacy for the bedrooms on the ground level.

Integration with the Natural Environment

The design takes advantage of the surrounding natural environment, offering forest views from the bedrooms floor and overlooking the agricultural legacy from the social floor and exterior deck. Wood dominates the materials palette, preserving the historical integrity of the old building while adding a contemporary touch.

Sustainable Solutions

In line with environmental considerations, the project incorporates eco-friendly solutions such as cork insulation and concealed solar panels to minimize the ecological footprint without compromising aesthetics. Contemporary materials are chosen for added comfort and energy efficiency, blending seamlessly with the building’s classic aesthetics.

Preserving Local Heritage with Modern Comfort

The House in Ferraria project successfully blends local heritage with modern comfort, creating an emblematic house within Herdade da Ferraria. It preserves the memory of its rural inheritance while offering all the amenities of contemporary living, demonstrating a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation.

There’s something magical about bringing home a brand new TV with higher resolution, an ultra-smooth refresh rate, and the latest tech. However, the picture right out of the box might not be quite right, or you might want to optimize the image quality of your current television. Manufacturers’ presets are often designed for showroom floor displays, but your settings at home will vary greatly depending on the viewing environment. Whether you prefer not to fiddle with advanced settings or want to do some tweaking, here are some tips for calibrating your TV to provide the best viewing experience.

Set It and Forget It

If you prefer not to fiddle with advanced settings, that’s okay! Manufacturers provide preset options that make quick adjustments for more optimal picture quality. These preset modes usually cover most people’s picture preferences and include options like Cinematic, Vivid, Standard, Game, and Sports modes. Each mode is optimized for specific viewing conditions and content types, so you can choose the one that suits your preferences.

For Those Who Like to Tweak

If you want to dial things in a little more, there are a few options you can adjust manually to match your preferences. You can adjust picture settings like brightness, contrast, and sharpness manually to get your picture quality just right. Another setting often adjusted is Motion Smoothing, which can produce a “soap opera effect.” It’s a matter of personal preference, so try turning it off and on to see which you prefer.

For the Cinephile

If you value realism over visual tricks, you’ll want to calibrate your TV for the most natural and true-to-life results. Become familiar with your TV’s settings and see if your manufacturer offers a calibration guide for your model. You can also search the web for forums and posts by other users who own the same unit or hire a professional to help out.

If You Get Stuck at Any Level

Whether you stick to the basics or get into advanced settings, you may get a little overwhelmed and have unintended results. Luckily, you can always hit the reset button and start over with the default/factory settings. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer—it’s all about what brings the best results for your personal viewing experience.

Consider Your Source

Remember to consider your source when calibrating your TV. Broadcast and cable television channels output at a maximum 1920x1080p resolution, while streaming services may offer a 4K or UltraHD option. Gaming consoles can support 4K resolutions at up to 120Hz, so consider your gear and streaming services to take full advantage of your TV’s capabilities.

In conclusion, calibrating your TV can significantly enhance your viewing experience, whether you prefer preset modes or manual adjustments. Experiment with different settings until you find what works best for you, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help or online resources if needed.

Embracing Nature: TRIVIUM Wellness Culture Complex in South Korea

In Pyeongtaek-si, South Korea, ALIVEUS architecture has crafted a serene sanctuary known as TRIVIUM Wellness Culture Complex. Completed in 2022, this architectural marvel is a testament to the harmonious integration of natural elements and design principles, offering visitors a space of pure relaxation and tranquility.

Concept and Design Inspiration

The client’s vision for TRIVIUM was clear: to create a space that mirrors the tranquility of nature, with mountains, water, and sky serving as primary themes. Named “TRIVIUM” to convey the aesthetics of emptiness through these three natural elements, the project aimed to strike a balance between architectural structure and the surrounding environment. The challenge lay in finding the delicate equilibrium between filling the space with structure and emptying it to incorporate nature seamlessly.

Structural Simplicity and Natural Integration

ALIVEUS architecture approached the design process with a focus on structural simplicity, prioritizing functionality over excessive decoration. The central communal space on the second floor features a unique waffle structure with an open square to the sky, offering both horizontal and vertical openness. This design allows visitors to experience various views of the sky and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

Indoor and Outdoor Harmony

The first floor of TRIVIUM is an indoor space where water features on the terrace dominate the ambiance. These features serve as outdoor relaxation spaces, providing reflected light on interior surfaces over time. Utilized for activities such as yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy, this space exudes a sense of calmness, inviting visitors to quiet their minds and connect with nature.

Reflecting on the Experience

TRIVIUM embodies the long-standing wishes of its clients, offering visitors the opportunity to empty their minds or fill them with thoughts as they see fit. The journey of filling the building with structure while emptying it to incorporate nature was a challenging yet rewarding task for the architects. As visitors engage with TRIVIUM, they are invited to ponder the duality of nature and architecture, much like the enigmatic nature of light itself.

In essence, TRIVIUM Wellness Culture Complex stands as a testament to the power of design to create spaces that promote holistic well-being and harmony with the natural world.

Living Room: The Focus of Your Home

Before delving into the upcoming living room trends for 2020, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of this space within your home. The living room serves as the focal point for socializing, relaxation, and entertainment. It’s where you welcome guests, unwind after a long day, or enjoy leisurely activities. Thus, when considering interior design updates, prioritizing the living room is essential for creating a welcoming and comfortable environment.

Fabrics: Renovating Your Curtains and Carpets

Fabrics play a pivotal role in defining the ambiance of your living room. In 2020, expect to see an array of new colors and patterns emerging in furnishings like curtains and carpets. Warm hues such as dark red or night blue will dominate, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Embrace patterns, whether geometric or abstract, to add visual interest and depth to your space. Consider upholstering cushions with complementary hues to enhance cohesiveness.

Materials: Natural and Pure

Raw and natural materials will take center stage in 2020’s furnishing trends. Wood, marble, and natural stone will be highly sought after for their organic appeal and timeless elegance. Incorporating these materials into your living room decor adds character and depth to the space. Mix and match luxury items with raw textures to create a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance that exudes style.

Lighting: Ceiling Lamps Are a Must

Lighting is a crucial element of interior design, and in 2020, ceiling lamps will reign supreme in living room trends. Whether industrial or vintage-inspired, a statement ceiling lamp serves as a focal point, elevating the room’s aesthetic appeal. Opt for flashy, versatile designs that complement your overall decor theme. Ceiling lamps not only illuminate the space but also add a touch of sophistication and grandeur.

Wall Decoration: Tropical Patterns

Elevate your living room decor with bold and nature-inspired wall decorations, in line with 2020’s interior design trends. Choose wallpapers featuring tropical patterns and lush foliage to infuse your space with vibrant energy and visual interest. Embracing wild nature themes will bring a sense of freshness and vitality to your living room, creating an inviting and contemporary atmosphere.

Mirrors: Curved Lines

Mirrors are timeless decor elements that enhance the visual appeal of any living room. In 2020, expect to see mirrors featuring curved lines, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your space. Round or oval-shaped mirrors, strategically placed, can create the illusion of a larger room while complementing the overall design aesthetic. Embrace curved lines to stay on-trend and elevate your living room decor to perfection.

Living Room Trends: Contemporary to Perfection

Incorporating these trends into your living room decor will ensure your space reflects the latest styles and design concepts of 2020. Whether you’re renovating your existing living room or starting from scratch, following these guidelines will help you achieve a contemporary and inviting atmosphere that aligns with modern interior design principles.

Arredoclassic’s furniture collections epitomize the elegance and timeless essence of classic Italian style, offering the ideal choice for those seeking to blend elegance with luxury.

Choosing Classic Italian Furniture for Your Living Room

Living rooms serve as spaces for welcoming guests and enjoying their company, necessitating special attention to both functionality and style. The goal is to ensure that individuals spending time in this room do so with maximum comfort, without compromising on the allure of high-quality furnishings.

In this article, we delve into each Arredoclassic collection in detail, all meticulously designed to meet the stylistic demands of our discerning clientele.

Selecting the Perfect Collection

Arredoclassic presents a range of classic-style furnishing lines, including:

• Modigliani
• Fantasia
• Sinfonia
• Melodia
• Leonardo
• Tiziano
• Donatello
• Liberty

Let’s explore the distinctive features of each collection.

Modigliani

The Modigliani collection embodies an aesthetic rooted in classic Italian style. Characterized by gold and walnut chairs with elegant quilted seat backs, this collection features handcrafted furniture adorned with golden decorations and motifs, ensuring stylistic continuity and meticulous attention to detail.

Fantasia

Combining classic and contemporary styles, the Fantasia Collection exudes trendy, captivating neoclassical designs. Square tables and display cases complement curved sofas and armchairs, creating a spatial balance that exudes elegance.

Sinfonia

Known for its refined blend of gold and mahogany hues, the Sinfonia Collection offers high-quality furnishings perfect for creating a graceful Baroque-inspired space adorned with intricate details.

Melodia

The Melodia collection infuses warm beige and golden friezes into the living room, combining curved shapes with clean-cut finishes for an elegant appeal.

Leonardo

Featuring refined furniture pieces, the Leonardo collection showcases golden detailing on furnishings and coffee tables, paired with beige and gold fabrics draped over soft, curved sofas.

Tiziano

Ideal for crafting a romantic ambiance, the Tiziano Collection features ivory furnishings with silver detailing and sleek curves, evoking a Florentine feel.

Donatello

Enhance any living room setting with the Donatello Collection, boasting gold leaf detailing and deep walnut furnishings, reminiscent of the Renaissance era.

Liberty

With the Liberty furniture collection, bright ivory and golden patterns come to life, adorning clean-cut furnishings with Greek patterns, and adding a precious touch to armchairs and sofas.

Embrace Italian Style with Arredoclassic Collections

Arredoclassic’s classic furniture collections exude timeless charm while remaining contemporary, making them the perfect choice for any living room setting. Choose your favorite Arredoclassic collection today and elevate your living room into an elegant space imbued with Italian style.

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) stands as a beacon of hope amidst the global energy crisis, offering a viable alternative in many nations. At the Nong Fab LNG Receiving Terminal, architectural innovation converges with environmental consciousness to educate visitors on the significance, production process, and benefits of LNG.

Architectural Concept: Emulating the LNG Tank

Central to the architectural narrative is the emulation of the LNG tank’s unique environment within the main office space. Mimicking the diameter and shape of the LNG tank, the design fosters an immersive experience, bridging the gap between infrastructure and architecture. Natural landscaping, including a green roof cascading to ground level, seamlessly integrates the structure with its surroundings.

Harnessing By-Product Energy for Sustainability

The terminal harnesses by-product cold energy from the LNG regasification process, repurposing it to regulate internal temperatures. This innovative approach not only ensures energy efficiency but also facilitates the cultivation of cold climate flora year-round, enhancing biodiversity and ecological sustainability.

Environmental Integration and Restoration

Externally, the terminal harmonizes with its ecosystem, preserving the original wetland environment and native Hymenocardia trees. Efforts to restore the damaged wetland include recreating natural water flow systems and establishing a large pond for water catchment, rejuvenating the ecosystem and promoting environmental resilience.

Conclusion: A Nexus of Energy Education and Environmental Stewardship

The Nong Fab LNG Receiving Terminal stands as a testament to the fusion of architectural ingenuity and environmental stewardship. Beyond its functional role in LNG reception, the terminal serves as an educational hub, enlightening visitors on the pivotal role of LNG in the global energy landscape while exemplifying sustainable design principles in action.

Designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and Heatherwick Studios, the Google Bay View Campus represents a pioneering initiative in sustainable architecture and workplace design. With a focus on carbon neutrality and environmental stewardship, the campus aims to redefine the future of corporate campuses and construction practices.

Vision for Sustainability

Google’s ambitious goal for the Bay View Campus is to operate entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030. To achieve this, the campus incorporates innovative design features and sustainable technologies. From energy-efficient buildings to renewable energy generation and water conservation measures, every aspect of the campus is geared towards minimizing its environmental impact.

Architectural Design

The campus comprises three buildings spread across a 42-acre site in Silicon Valley. Designed as lightweight canopy structures, these buildings prioritize interior daylight, views, and collaboration. The open floor plan fosters flexibility and connectivity, with team spaces on the upper level and amenity spaces below. Indoor courtyards provide easy access to communal areas and encourage movement between different work modes.

Sustainable Features

At the heart of the campus is a large-span canopy roof equipped with solar panels, generating nearly seven megawatts of energy. This innovative roofing system maximizes solar energy capture while minimizing thermal heat gain and glare. Additionally, the campus features a geothermal pile system, stormwater management systems, and habitat restoration initiatives, further reducing its environmental footprint.

Regenerative Design

Google Bay View is committed to achieving certification under the Living Building Challenge (LBC), one of the most rigorous sustainability standards globally. By implementing scalable solutions such as modular construction, geothermal technology, and waste diversion strategies, the campus sets a new benchmark for regenerative design and ecological stewardship.

Industry Impact

Through its innovative approach and scalable solutions, the Bay View Campus aims to influence the broader construction industry. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of sustainable design practices, Google seeks to inspire other companies to adopt similar initiatives. Ultimately, the campus serves as a model for the future of workplace design and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

The Google Bay View Campus represents a bold step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. By integrating cutting-edge technology, forward-thinking design, and a commitment to carbon neutrality, Google is leading the way in redefining the relationship between corporate campuses and the natural environment. As a beacon of innovation and sustainability, the Bay View Campus sets a new standard for sustainable architecture and workplace development.

Stellar Sleep, a pioneering startup in chronic insomnia management, has secured $6 million in seed funding to propel its innovative digital solution forward. With poor sleep habits impacting both the economy and individual health, Stellar Sleep aims to address the root causes of chronic insomnia through its groundbreaking mobile app.

Understanding the Chronic Insomnia Challenge

While numerous sleep-tracking apps and devices exist, Stellar Sleep’s focus is on chronic insomnia, a condition that affects individuals on a nightly basis for an extended period. Co-founders George Wang and Edrei Chua, both personally affected by chronic insomnia, recognized the limited accessibility to sleep clinicians and the over-reliance on prescription drugs. Determined to offer a psychological-based solution, they embarked on developing Stellar Sleep.

Psychological-Based Intervention

Stellar Sleep adopts a psychology-based methodology, drawing from sleep therapy techniques to empower users to regain control over their sleep patterns. Unlike traditional approaches reliant on medication, Stellar Sleep’s app guides users through cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing to address the underlying causes of insomnia.

Personalized Approach to Sleep Therapy

Upon downloading the app and completing an onboarding assessment, users embark on a personalized journey towards better sleep. The app integrates wearables and utilizes user data to tailor a comprehensive sleep improvement program. Clinical assessments have revealed Stellar Sleep to be 50% more effective than conventional sleeping pills, highlighting its efficacy in combating chronic insomnia.

Funding and Future Expansion

The $6 million seed funding round, led by Initialized Capital and supported by prominent investors such as Y Combinator, marks a significant milestone for Stellar Sleep. With plans to enrich app content, expand clinician partnerships, and enhance user personalization, Wang and Chua are committed to scaling their solution to reach a broader audience affected by chronic insomnia.

As Stellar Sleep continues to refine its product and distribution strategy, its mission remains clear: to revolutionize chronic insomnia management and empower individuals to reclaim restful sleep, irrespective of the underlying causes.

In a challenging tech job market, mergers and acquisitions are on the rise. Today, Beamer, based in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in developing tools for businesses to engage with users through apps, has announced its acquisition of Userflow, a user onboarding software startup, for $60 million. Beamer CEO, Satya Ganni, highlights that this strategic move, financially supported by Arsenal Growth Equity and Camber Partners, will enhance Beamer’s offerings, providing a consolidated toolkit for product teams.

Userflow: Enhancing Onboarding Experiences

Founded in 2019 by Sebastian Seilund and Esben Friis-Jensen, Userflow, headquartered in San Francisco, brings a wealth of expertise in user onboarding software. Their suite of modules enables the creation of seamless product onboarding experiences, incorporating checklists, polls, product tours, and more. With features like automated triggers and in-app help guides, Userflow empowers developers and non-developers alike to enhance user experiences with multimedia elements and interactive functionalities.

A Proud Moment for Userflow

Sebastian Seilund expresses pride in Userflow’s journey, emphasizing the alignment with Beamer’s vision and the exciting opportunities this acquisition brings for their customers. Despite being entirely bootstrapped until now, Userflow’s integration with Beamer and Camber’s vision promises enhanced services for their global customer base.

Beamer’s Strategic Vision

Beamer, founded in 2017 by Mariano Rodriguez and Spencer Coon, and backed by $20 million in venture capital, aims to revolutionize how teams engage with users, prioritize feature development, and gather feedback. With a growing emphasis on customer retention in the industry, Beamer’s comprehensive toolkit serves as a catalyst for boosting revenue and enhancing user satisfaction.

Expanding Market Reach with Userflow Acquisition

With the acquisition of Userflow, Beamer consolidates its position in the product engagement market. Competing with platforms like Batch, Beamer’s differentiated offerings, coupled with Userflow’s capabilities, position it well to tap into a sector projected to grow substantially in the coming years. According to Mordor Intelligence, the sector could reach $33.11 billion by 2028, up from $19.73 billion in 2023.