It isn’t often that you see brutalism as a design style being used outside architecture… but this sculptural speaker is a different beast entirely.
Designed to look like it was chiseled out of actual concrete, “TheSoloist. Sounds.” from Takahiro Miyashita was crafted with the vision of being the absolute centerpiece of your living room. Outwardly, it’s an homage to New York’s Flatiron building, standing at an impressive 43 inches tall with a dizzying amount of detail. Behind that exterior, however, is a 7-speaker setup designed to output a whopping 2000W of audio power, loud enough that its engineers promise “spectacular sound pressure that can be felt directly on the skin.”
Designer: Takahiro Miyashita
Before your ears experience TheSoloist. Sounds.’s audio, your eyes are treated to one of the most beautiful speakers they’ll ever see. Now in the realm of speaker design, TheSoloist. Sounds. is far from traditional. It doesn’t boast your standard acoustic chamber, audio grill, or showcase the drivers. It looks entirely like an artistic representation of New York’s architecture emerging from a block of concrete, but under that facade hides all of the audio magic. The sculpture can be split into two halves, the upper chiseled section and the lower, which arguably house the mid/high, and the woofer drivers respectively.
The lower section sports two 6.5″ woofers, while the upper part of the speaker houses two 3″ mid-range and three 1″ tweeters, covering a frequency range of 20Hz ~ 25KHz. The speaker pulls 2000W of power, and outputs an impressive 110dB of audio. The entire unit comes crafted from faux concrete, weighing 55lb (24.9 kilograms)… which does feel deceptively light for its nearly 4-foot stature.
Recreated for a second edition after the first one sold out, TheSoloist. Sounds. sports an eye-watering $$6,345.32 price tag… but that makes sense just given the amount of effort and intricate detail that went into the exterior as well as its inner hardware. That being said, TheSoloist. Sounds. isn’t for the discerning audiophile. It’s made for people who want an expressive statement piece to dominate their interior spaces – something this brutalist speaker does exceedingly well!
A notable fact about the construction industry is that it’s always been consistent, – consistent with its techniques, technologies, and practices. Consistency can be a good trait to possess in most scenarios, but it doesn’t stand true for this one. In the construction industry, it could be considered a deteriorating one. After all, construction is responsible for 13% of the global economic output but has faced a productivity increase of only 1.0% annually for the past 20 years. But despite these depressing numbers, a revolution has been slowly encroaching on the world of construction, and that is – Prefabrication.
Off-site construction has been proven to reduce cost, time, waste, and risk, and in turn construction professionals are moving towards factory-based construction more and more. After all, according to a survey of over 800 architecture, engineering, and contracting (AEC) pros conducted by the SmartMarket Report from Dodge Data and Analytics – 66% report that prefabrication reduces project schedules, with 35% of them stating reductions of four weeks or more, whereas 65% report a reduction in project budgets, with 41% citing a reduction of 6% or more. Yes, factory-based construction is revolutionizing the construction industry, but what if we revolutionize the very factories in which we construct prefabricated structures and homes? And, that’s where the construction startup Cuby steps in.
Designer: Cuby
Now, let’s make it clear, what Cuby is actually offering isn’t the prefab buildings that are constructed in factories, but rather the factories themselves. Backed by the climate tech venture capital fund ‘At One Ventures’, Cuby’s vision is simple – inflatable factories. Inflatable architecture seems to be on a rising curve nowadays. We recently saw New York-based startup Automatic Construction invent a new technique called Inflatable Flexible Factory Formwork (IFFF), which utilizes an air pump and processor to construct homes by pumping concrete into an inflatable balloon-like structure. You could say Cuby’s inflatable factories are similar to it, but not quite. Cuby’s aim is to develop and operate turnkey, transportable factories that look like large pop-up huts! The factory is basically a massive arched plastic shed, with lines of machines, workstations, and robotics arranged within it. The entire inflatable factory can be packed into 20 shipping containers, transferred to a new site, and assembled in a span of days. The plan is to set up these inflatable factories on or close to the construction site, to create a powerhouse that can produce multiple kits of parts to build multiple types of buildings at a high output capacity. What the Cuby intends to do is pick up what would traditionally be built on a construction site, and instead build it within the factories, allowing the construction process to be streamlined, quick, and efficient. Cuby is also building the tools and machines these factories will require for prefabrication and modular building.
Designed to be transportable and portable, Cuby’s factories will employ lean manufacturing techniques on or near the construction site itself. This innovative methodology will eliminate the risk of human error, reduce project timelines, and completely wipe out the logistical dilemma of shipping building components over vast distances. Cuby claims that the costs will be 30 to 40% less as compared to the conventional construction of a home. The evergrowing issue of the skilled labor shortage we are facing today will be tackled by the Cuby factories as well since they’ve been designed to be operated by relatively unskilled laborers. This basically means, the laborers require a certain level of skill, but they will also be able to operate machinery well above their skill levels. For example – a laborer who would be hitting nails on a conventional construction site can operate a laser cutter in the factory. These are Cuby’s USPs, and what they claim will set them apart from the other factory-based construction startups.
Now how do the inflatable factories actually construct homes? Much like most of the factory-based construction startups in the market, Cuby manufactures building components in the form of a ‘set kit of parts’. The kits include the typical and commonly used building components such as wall panels, and floor slabs. Cuby co-founder Aleks Gampel says that the building elements aren’t really groundbreaking, the kits are what you would usually find on a traditional construction site. But this was intentional on Cuby’s part. It is a commendable effort to streamline production, which in turn will reduce labor and construction costs, as well as project timelines.
Now, what is future plan of action for Cuby’s factories? It’s simple. The startup isn’t planning to compete against any of the construction giants, because that would be a foolish and expensive goal, instead, it will sell its factories to major developers for $5 to 7 million, who will in turn use them for their own big prefabrication projects. It’s a wise POA that will allow the Cuby factories to slowly but surely gain a monopoly in the arena of factory-based construction. The risk is less, the reward is high, and profits are even higher. It’s profitable not only for Cuby, but also for the builders who buy from them, and it will provide end-users with homes that they love, and are delivered excellently to them. Cuby will have its first two factories up and about soon enough. If the factories are a success, we could easily watch them connect together to build streamlined, efficient, dynamic, and precise systems for the construction industry.
With a captivating design that would put most other tech parks to shame, Tencent’s latest headquarters is shaping up rather wonderfully. Located in China’s tech capital of Shenzhen with an opening date of 2028, this architectural marvel from Berlin-based Büro Ole Scheeren models itself on the shape of a vortex with a swirling quartet of intertwined towers that visually embody the dynamism of the company’s growth and the city’s burgeoning tech district.
Designer: Büro Ole Scheeren
The design, in philosophy too, is quite similar to Amazon’s Virginia headquarters which also boasts of a helical shape. Multiple twisting elements create pockets of greenery in between, allowing employees to relax and unwind during work breaks. Büro Ole Scheeren, the architectural firm behind the design, sees it as a symbol of the company’s rapid growth and a testament to the evolving nature of global headquarters. “Its well-structured social ecosystem is a testament to the evolving nature of global headquarters into a complex and interactive ensemble where functionality, sustainability, and community come together,” Ole Scheeren mentions.
Tencent Helix’s design is nothing short of revolutionary. Comprising four towers of varying heights, with the tallest reaching a height of 153 meters (501 feet), the complex is a structural ballet of curves and gradients. Its exteriors, clad with prismatic glazed panels, invite a flood of natural light, enhancing the workspaces within. The towers are thoughtfully arranged around the ‘Vortex Garden’ – a verdant, central area offering an oasis of greenery and fresh air amidst the urban landscape. This garden is not merely decorative; it’s a functional space, integral to the design, fostering a sense of community and well-being among the employees.
The Vortex Incubator stands as the collective heart of the headquarters. It is a dynamic space, seamlessly connecting the four office towers. This space is designed to be more than just a physical connector; it’s a social ecosystem, fostering interaction and collaboration among staff. Housing Tencent’s academy, recreational spaces, a health club, a conference center, and collaborative offices, the Incubator encourages cross-sector communication and teamwork. This area is crafted for interactive use, emphasizing three-dimensional connectivity and large-scale floors, providing an ideal environment for innovation and creativity.
Comprising four towers of varying heights, with the tallest reaching a height of 153 meters (501 feet), the complex is a structural ballet of curves and gradients. Its exteriors, adorned with prismatic glazed panels, invite a flood of natural light, enhancing the workspaces within. The towers are thoughtfully arranged around the ‘Vortex Garden’ – a verdant, central area offering an oasis of greenery and fresh air amidst the urban landscape. This garden acts as a functional space too, fostering a sense of community and well-being among the employees.
Founded in 1998, the Chinese conglomerate Tencent has grown to become one of the highest-grossing multimedia companies in the world, primarily due to the smashing success of its ‘everything’ chatting app WeChat. The headquarters, slated to open in 2028, will serve as a working space for the company’s 23,000 employees in the region.
With a captivating design that would put most other tech parks to shame, Tencent’s latest headquarters is shaping up rather wonderfully. Located in China’s tech capital of Shenzhen with an opening date of 2028, this architectural marvel from Berlin-based Büro Ole Scheeren models itself on the shape of a vortex with a swirling quartet of intertwined towers that visually embody the dynamism of the company’s growth and the city’s burgeoning tech district.
Designer: Büro Ole Scheeren
The design, in philosophy too, is quite similar to Amazon’s Virginia headquarters which also boasts of a helical shape. Multiple twisting elements create pockets of greenery in between, allowing employees to relax and unwind during work breaks. Büro Ole Scheeren, the architectural firm behind the design, sees it as a symbol of the company’s rapid growth and a testament to the evolving nature of global headquarters. “Its well-structured social ecosystem is a testament to the evolving nature of global headquarters into a complex and interactive ensemble where functionality, sustainability, and community come together,” Ole Scheeren mentions.
Tencent Helix’s design is nothing short of revolutionary. Comprising four towers of varying heights, with the tallest reaching a height of 153 meters (501 feet), the complex is a structural ballet of curves and gradients. Its exteriors, clad with prismatic glazed panels, invite a flood of natural light, enhancing the workspaces within. The towers are thoughtfully arranged around the ‘Vortex Garden’ – a verdant, central area offering an oasis of greenery and fresh air amidst the urban landscape. This garden is not merely decorative; it’s a functional space, integral to the design, fostering a sense of community and well-being among the employees.
The Vortex Incubator stands as the collective heart of the headquarters. It is a dynamic space, seamlessly connecting the four office towers. This space is designed to be more than just a physical connector; it’s a social ecosystem, fostering interaction and collaboration among staff. Housing Tencent’s academy, recreational spaces, a health club, a conference center, and collaborative offices, the Incubator encourages cross-sector communication and teamwork. This area is crafted for interactive use, emphasizing three-dimensional connectivity and large-scale floors, providing an ideal environment for innovation and creativity.
Comprising four towers of varying heights, with the tallest reaching a height of 153 meters (501 feet), the complex is a structural ballet of curves and gradients. Its exteriors, adorned with prismatic glazed panels, invite a flood of natural light, enhancing the workspaces within. The towers are thoughtfully arranged around the ‘Vortex Garden’ – a verdant, central area offering an oasis of greenery and fresh air amidst the urban landscape. This garden acts as a functional space too, fostering a sense of community and well-being among the employees.
Founded in 1998, the Chinese conglomerate Tencent has grown to become one of the highest-grossing multimedia companies in the world, primarily due to the smashing success of its ‘everything’ chatting app WeChat. The headquarters, slated to open in 2028, will serve as a working space for the company’s 23,000 employees in the region.
Apple’s Vision Pro costs $3499, Meta’s Quest Pro had a launch price of $1499, and Microsoft’s Hololens 2 as well as the Magic Leap 2 Developer Edition were both priced upward of the $3000 mark. AR headsets aren’t cheap because of all the complex data they’re made to process in a matter of seconds. However, technology like the NEON Eye Tracker may help make the technology a lot more affordable by cutting down research and development costs. Built by the folks at Pupil Labs, Neon is a modular attachment that clips onto the nose-bridge of specialized eyewear. Armed with multiple cameras that point at your eyes as well as the world ahead of you, the Neon helps track your vision as you perform various activities from working to playing sports, traveling, or doing something that requires a specialized skill set. The gathered data helps “power scientific research and enable eye tracking applications beyond the possibilities of today”. In short, better spatial content, and hopefully more affordable VR/AR/XR headsets.
Designer: Hannes Geipel for Pupil Labs
What powers the Neon is that tiny module that fits right in the middle. Designed to conveniently sit right between your eyes without really obstructing your vision or interrupting your ability to engage with the world around you, the Neon’s eye-tracking module helps capture data of what your eyes look at, creating a heat map of the world around you based on regular as well as specialized scenarios.
The tiny modular unit packs all the necessary technical components (such as high-speed eye cameras, a wide-angle PoV camera, stereo microphones, and inertial measurement units) in a very compact space. The inconspicuous module can be inserted into a range of frames, which are tailored to different application scenarios. Contact points on the front connect to the circuitry within Pupil Labs’ frames, which then allow you to connect charging cables through the ear-stems, easily powering the Neon without having any large charging cables obstructing the wearer’s vision.
The Neon starts working the second you wear the glasses. No need to fiddle around with nose pads or camera positions, or even to calibrate the module beforehand. The module begins working the instant it’s powered on, offering crucial, actionable data in all sorts of environments including the sunny outdoors as well as complete darkness. All the technology is encased within water-resistant silicone, making the Neon just about as weatherproof as any existing eyewear.
The module automatically uploads its readings to Pupil Labs’ secure cloud framework, reducing the latency between data gathering and analysis. The cloud dashboard also offers advanced machine-learning tools like gaze mapping and scene understanding algorithms on the data gathered by the Neon module. The hope is that the democratization of these tools and the data gathered from them will help craft better real-life as well as virtual (or spatial as Apple calls it) experiences that put the user front and center.
The beauty of the Neon isn’t just its compact form factor, it’s also the fact that it’s designed with modularity and scalability in mind. While Pupil Labs offers an entire variety of frame types that support the Neon, its geometry is essentially open-source, allowing you to develop your own frames or modify your specialized eyewear/headsets to fit the module. This could be prescription glasses, protective eyewear, sportswear, glasses for children, minimalist frames that just hold the Neon without any lenses, or even AR/VR headsets that can now track the wearer’s gaze for more user-friendly and data-driven metaverse experiences.
