#The architecture of The Center for Development Studies

[dostoyevsky-official]

Azerbaijan’s top adviser meets Netanyahu, sparking Abraham Accords talk

In a significant diplomatic development, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, held extensive talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Tuesday, marking what officials describe as a potential "game-changing moment" in regional politics. [...] The high-level meeting, which comes just 48 hours after Netanyahu's strategic dialogue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signals growing momentum for Azerbaijan's potential inclusion in the Abraham Accords framework, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the discussions. "Azerbaijan has been one of Israel's most reliable partners in the Muslim world for three decades," a senior Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post. "Their strategic importance to regional security architecture cannot be overstated." [...] The same day the Assistant to the Azerbaijani President arrived in Jerusalem, Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies published a special Prospective Paper called ”How to Effectively Engage Azerbaijan in Trump’s Regional Plans and in Israel’s Interests: Practical Recommendations”. [...] The paper highlights a significant obstacle: Section 907, a legislative amendment that has restricted U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan since 1992. "For the U.S. and Israel to fully leverage Azerbaijan's advantages within the new 'Greater Middle East' architecture, these formal obstacles must be eliminated," the report states.

genocidal birds of a feather flock together

[alternate-triforce]

I promised you all a map, so here is a map of Castle Town (for now)

Some descriptions of areas and an overview under the cut.

CASTLE TOWN

The largest city in all of Hyrule, and the only one not significantly damaged by the Mage War. It is separated into five color-coded "corners," each with their own function. Hyrule Castle is, of course, at the center. It has a rivalry with the second-largest city, Loomington, located in southwestern Hyrule.

Adventurer's Emporium: A one-stop shop for potions, shields, weapons, and anything one might need on a long trek through the Hyrulean wilds. Though most of its goods are of fine quality, they tend to be on the expensive side…maybe try one of those other stores first.

Mystic Violet Market: More of an event than an actual place of interest, but by most tourists it’s treated like one anyway. Merchants from all over Hyrule come here to buy and sell exotic wares, from enchanted stones to strange meats to rushroom oil and anything in between. Entertainers will squeeze in between stalls looking for a generous person to give them some rupees for their time. There are even some special games to play, like bombchu bowling and digging for treasure. After you get past all that glamour, wagons of fresh food from local farms, prepared food and snacks from bakeries and candy shops all across town are usually towards the back. Make sure to watch your purse, though: pickpockets love to sneak into crowds here.

Rogue Soldier Plaque: A large, decorated plaque commemorating the capture of Castle Town's first enemy after Rebirth, a renegade soldier that sacked buildings and burned them with his group of vagabonds.

Flowering Square: Some like to call this the prettiest part of Castle Town. Several years ago a well-respected member of town made it her mission to beautify the Red Corner with flowers cultivated from the nearby mountains, and this is the result of her efforts.

National Library: A large, ornate building with most of the records and knowledge to be had before Rebirth. It has large swaths of resources concerning magic, history, biology, architecture, engineering, and everything in between. Some of the greatest minds in Hyrule linger for long hours here studying, as well as printers transcribing some of the more popular tomes to be printed and sold. The library doesn't allow books to be taken out of its walls, and damaging or destroying an original copy is considered a great crime.

Old Prison: A dingy-looking collection of cells and a connected guardhouse with a small armory, one floor above-ground and the other below. Despite its humble appearance it's contained some of Hyrule's most dangerous criminals. Contrary to the name, this is actually a jail: ALT!Hyrule does not have prisons or a proper prison system.

Old Barracks: If soldiers from the nearby training camp don't have a place to stay, they can cheaply reside here, if they choose. After Rebirth, this was the place where the last remaining soldiers from the Mage War were found.

Magic College: A place of great learning for those interested in becoming mages! Students from all across Hyrule come here to study both magic and how to use it responsibly. The professors here are on the cutting edge of magic, always developing novel ways to apply it to everyday life.

Hyrule Castle: The epicenter of Castle Town, this mysterious building was attacked by Ganon twelve years ago, and it's where he was sealed away yet again by Zelda and the True Mages (or so they say.) Some of its many towers and nooks still remain hidden from the public eye.

Reformatory: To keep people off the streets and give them work to do, the True Mages have developed a system of rounding up the poor and sending them here until they have another place to stay. Despite the apparent good intentions of the project, it's rumored that the Reformatory doesn't treat its residents well.

[gl1tchr]

Gotham City Limits - Key Location Studies 1/4

Crest Hill, Voronov Estate ; A manor built to Valentin Voronov's tastes, very Russian in its architecture. I was imagining something similar to the Falcone Mansion in The Penguin, but much smaller. Similarly covered by foliage and far from Mainland Gotham, Valentin preferred his privacy. Vincent spent most of his time avoiding his father and found great comfort in exploring the land their estate covered, as well as appreciating the architecture of the home itself. The stables were always his favorite, because Valentin rarely wanted to venture out to the riding field, so Vincent was free to have his own alone time. It's a very quiet place, representing the way Valentin held a silent choke hold on the city, as well as his family. His power and prestige was never bombastic or loud, but subdued. True power doesn't need to be expressed, it is just known.

Gotham Center, Wayne Industries ; My absolute favorite Wayne "Manor" is The Batman 2022 Wayne Tower, because their actual Manor became the Orphanage, they live in a beautiful stylized penthouse that resembles something much older than it actually is. Like they carved a piece of the actual Wayne Manor out and placed it on top of Wayne Tower lmao. So, in GCL, I've decided Wayne Industries/Wayne Tower has ALWAYS been the primary residence of the Waynes. Wayne Industries is responsible for the development of all of Gotham's public transit, including its old AND new subway systems, so that's where most of their money comes from. There is also an abandoned train depot in the lower levels just like in The Batman too lmao. It retains much of the same aesthetic as that Wayne Tower, though because I have it doubling as both a residence And corporate office from the get-go, I've expanded quite a bit of it to really drive him how much influence the Waynes have had on Gotham.

more of these to come! :]

[dolikeyoufeel]

Hi everyone! Thank you all for your attention and support! As promised earlier, I’m kicking off my series of posts about my Eastern European-inspired town for The Sims 3. Today, I’ll be talking about architectural references—what inspired me the look and feel of the town.

I wanted to create a city that could exist in any part of Eastern Europe. To achieve this, I primarily based it on Polish, Serbian, Hungarian, and Slovak cities. However, some buildings, names, and references are taken from other countries in the region. For example:

The fire station is based on a real building from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The socialist-era apartment districts borrow Czech terminology — they’re called "Paneláky" (a nod to prefab concrete housing).

My earliest references came from screenshots I took in "Euro Truck Simulator 2" while exploring the "West Balkans" DLC. Beyond just architecture, i studied street layouts, building placements, and environmental details to recreate that atmosphere in Create A World (CAW).

For the town’s master plan, I scoured Pinterest using keywords like "urban planning" and "masterplan." This helped me sketch out the basic structure, though CAW’s limitations meant some ideas had to be adapted — or even sparked new, unexpected solutions.

A stroke of luck was finding a suitable gray color palette with hex codes on Pinterest, which was used for most of the buildings. I think these colors make the city look as authentic as possible.

For building the "Paneláky", I searched for real-life building floor plans and blueprints in communities dedicated to Soviet standardized architecture. I also stumbled upon a YouTube video where a girl recreated a similar building from her childhood in The Sims 4. (I didn’t save the link, but if I find it, I’ll share it in the comments.) Combining these two approaches, I managed to recreate several different versions of "Paneláky" in The Sims 3.

Building private houses was especially interesting. You know the type — cheaply renovated, filled with carpets, and an unreasonably large number of armchairs and sofas. The Serbian real estate website 4zida.rs was a huge help here. Using floor plans from Pinterest and photos from cheap house listings on 4zida, I managed to build Eastern European houses that you’ll see in the game.

In the later stages of construction, once I had developed techniques and adjusted scales, I searched for suitable buildings on Google Maps and in photos from urbanist bloggers. For example, this is how the entertainment center on the outskirts of the Novo-Bobrowo district came to be. However, I mostly used this method when constructing one of the central streets, where I didn’t plan to place residential or active community lots.

I think I’ve covered all the main ways I gathered references for the buildings and city layout. Thank you again for your support — it means so much that you’re excited for this project! Stay tuned for more updates.

[desikanya]

Nalanda: knowledge and history that was burnt to ashes

Origins of Nalanda University:

Nalanda University was founded in the 5th century CE, during the reign of the Gupta Empire, which is often referred to as a golden age of Indian culture and learning. The university was established by Kumaragupta I, a Gupta emperor, and it quickly became a prominent center for Buddhist studies. The name "Nalanda" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Nala" (lotus) and "da" (giver), symbolizing the university as a giver of knowledge.

Glory During the Gupta Empire:

Under the Gupta Empire, Nalanda flourished as a major center of learning and attracted students and scholars from various regions, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, and Southeast Asia. The university was renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, which included subjects such as philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and the arts. The institution was characterized by its impressive architecture, with numerous monasteries, temples, and libraries, and it is estimated to have housed around 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers at its peak.

Great Indian Scholars:

Nalanda was home to many great Indian scholars, including:

Nagarjuna (c. 150–250 CE): A pivotal philosopher in Mahayana Buddhism, Nagarjuna is best known for developing the concept of "emptiness" (śūnyatā) and founding the Madhyamaka school of thought, which emphasized the middle path between existence and non-existence.

Vasubandhu (c. 4th–5th century CE): A prominent philosopher and one of the founders of the Yogacara school of Buddhism, Vasubandhu made significant contributions to Buddhist philosophy and psychology. His works, including the "Abhidharmakosa," are foundational texts in Buddhist studies.

Dharmakirti (c. 7th century CE): An influential logician and epistemologist, Dharmakirti's writings on logic and perception shaped Buddhist philosophy and had a lasting impact on Indian and Tibetan thought.

Shantarakshita (c. 8th century CE): A philosopher and abbot of Nalanda, Shantarakshita played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism in Tibet and is known for his works on logic and philosophy.

Visits from Monks and Scholars:

Nalanda became a melting pot of cultures and ideas, drawing many eminent scholars and monks. Notable figures include:

Xuanzang (Hsuan-tsang): A Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India in the 7th century to study at Nalanda. His detailed accounts of his journey and the teachings he encountered are invaluable historical documents that provide insight into the university's operations and the broader cultural context of the time.

Yijing (I-tsing): Another Chinese monk who visited Nalanda in the late 7th century, Yijing studied Sanskrit and Buddhist texts and later wrote about his experiences, contributing to the understanding of Buddhist practices and education in India.

Atisha: A Tibetan scholar who studied at Nalanda in the 11th century, Atisha played a crucial role in the transmission of Buddhism to Tibet.

Books and Manuscripts:

Nalanda was renowned for its vast library, known as Dharmaganja, which housed thousands of manuscripts and texts on various subjects. Scholars at Nalanda produced and preserved a wealth of knowledge, including commentaries on Buddhist scriptures, philosophical treatises, and scientific works. The library was said to contain texts in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Pali, and Tibetan, making it a crucial repository of knowledge in ancient India.

Destruction of Nalanda:

The destruction of Nalanda University in the late 12th century was a catastrophic event that not only marked the end of one of the world's oldest centers of learning but also resulted in the irrevocable loss of a vast repository of knowledge. The university, which had flourished for several centuries, was renowned for its extensive library, Dharmaganja, which housed thousands of manuscripts covering a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and Buddhist texts.

The library was said to have been so vast that it took months to burn all the manuscripts after the invasion, symbolizing the immense loss of intellectual heritageThe invasion by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193 was a turning point for Nalanda. Khilji's forces not only destroyed the physical structures of the university but also targeted the scholars and monks who had dedicated their lives to the pursuit of knowledge.

Many were killed, while others fled to different regions,the destruction of Nalanda also meant that many original texts and commentaries were lost forever, resulting in a significant gap in the historical and philosophical understanding. The tragedy of Nalanda serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of knowledge and the importance of preserving cultural and intellectual heritage.

[germanpostwarmodern]

As one of the most eloquent architectural theorists and critics of the latter half of the 20th century Aldo van Eyck extensively reflected the architecture of his time, the changing currents it was subject to and not least his own work and his very own ideas of a human-centered architecture. The theoretical underpinnings of Van Eyck’s architecture as well as the impact he had beyond his relatively few buildings can be best understood through the present double volume: „Aldo van Eyck: Writings“, edited by Vincent Ligtelijn and Francis Strauven and published by SUN in 2008, collects Van Eyck’s complete writings and for the first time made available his early but unpublished testament „The Child, The City and The Artist“. Written in 1961/62 it is a comprehensive summary of Van Eyck’s thoughts on architecture and urbanism and integrates ideas and texts developed in the „Forum“ magazine.

The second and significantly thicker volume then contains a wealth of writings that range from those presented at the CIAM 6 meeting in 1947 to  his late reflections on the modern movement and architecture. From these writings, which the editors organized along thematic chapters instead of chronologically, emerges a complex cosmos that originated in Van Eyck’s student days and first professional steps in Zurich: here he met Carola Giedion-Welcker who introduced him to avant-garde art and its goal to rediscover the essential, also with regards to humankind. This realization later also led to his involvement with the CobrA artists who in turn directed his attention towards archaic cultures. Through his lifelong studies of these cultures Van Eyck came to realize that their capacities didn’t differ from those in e.g. the contemporary western world and there are more commonalities than most believed. In line with the latter insights Aldo van Eyck criticized the postwar urban planning and the monotony it caused: for him ancient cultures taught the necessity of a human scale and a sense of belonging that resulted in what he named „architecture as built homecoming“.

These brief highlights should convey the ongoing relevance of Van Eyck’s thoughts and the importance of the present volumes.

[adarkrainbow]

Some of the concept art for Wilds of Eldraine

Taken from this page.

Will Kenrith, the heir to the throne of Eldraine’s human kingdoms and ex-planeswalker, goes to war for the sake of his people against the witches of the wilds and his twin sister, Rowan. -Concept art by Magali Villeneuve.

“A few weeks after the end of the Eldraine 3 week session, I'm receiving another email from Andrew, asking me to work on Will Kenrith's new appearance for the coming set. The whole point was to design his king outfit. Also, the character lost his right leg facing the Blood Avatar, and that was a big part of the challenge in this design.

We don't go and work on such concepts "just like that". For Will, we received some help from a disability consultant regarding the prosthetics. There was a subtle balance to be found between making the prosthetic look believable, while still from a Fantasy world, but not thoughtlessly "cool" or "cyborg-like". We wanted Will to look strong, and still make his disability clear. So some realism was very necessary. For example, that's why you can see some bandage around his knee, to protect his stump. I imagined he would go and accept it as fully part of himself by doing the same on his other knee, as if his prosthetic was another type of leg armour for him.

As you can see, the general structure of the prosthetic is very real-life like. The fantasy element comes from the ice that Will build around it for extra protection during a fight. I added some delicate engraving, but didn't go too crazy. Again, it is a practical element, not an ornament.

The intent for the rest of the costume is pretty obvious : the "cold" motif was to be everywhere. You can see it as icicles on his shoulder, crown and forearms of course, but also as snowflakes patterns on the fabric parts. I had a lot of fun trying to find the good mix between the King and the Fighter. I grew very attached to Will through this visual development. It happens all the time! ^^I strongly believe a good design also comes from a good connexion with a character's personality and life.”

Edgewall & Human Characters

With humans being driven out of the five kingdoms of the realms in droves by the Phyrexian invasion, humanity finds itself face-to-face with the mysterious and unknown wilds on the edge of their civilization. Simple towns on the outskirts of the Realm already housed adventurous and hardy humans who welcomed the refugees, and some, like the rat-charmer Totentanz, took advantage of the chaos.

Totentanz, the Swarm Piper, a character based off of the real-world folklore of The Pied Piper of Hamelin, - Concept art by Jesper Ejsing

Totentanz charms rats and humans alike - Concept art by Jesper Ejsing

Wayward Knight, who has moss and flowers sprout wherever he steps. The basis of the card “Woodland Acolyte” - Concept art by Steve Prescott

“Herbalist potion maker” - Concept art by Steve Prescott

“Wilds-Enhanced” Robin-Hood type rogue character - Concept art by Steve Prescott

The Kingdom of Storms

An enormous kingdom of storm giants in the skies high above Eldraine’s Wilds, built upon islands of magical clouds. Only reachable by climbing enormous beanstalks known as “Everstalks.” Populated by other giant creatures, such as tempest harts, beanstalk wurms, and the Goose Mother. The capital, Stormkeld, is ruled by the storm giant Beluna.

The Kingdom of Storms, concept art from the Wilds of Eldraine world guide

Storm Giant Tower, concept art by Jehan Choo

Tuinvale, Court of the Fae

Home to Eldraine’s High Fae within the wilds, Tuinvale is a city of shimmering, translucent architecture made of gossomar glamors mixed with hewed stone and the forest itself. The lord of Tuinvale, Talion, presides from a perfumed throne-room in the center of the court, surrounded by twisted trees.

Fae Court, early study, concept art by Jehan Choo

A human adventurer entering Tuinvale, concept by Jose Vega

Studies of how different basic land types could be depicted in Tuinvale. Concept by Jose Vega

Dunbarrow & the Witches of the wilds

A misty land near to edgewall, and home to the powerful witch Agatha as well as other spellcasters and giant spiders, Dunbarrow and the surrounding area is home to all manner of wicked things. It was said the wildlife around Dunbarrow was twisted by Agatha’s magic and even friendly herbivores gained a taste for human flesh due to her influence. Agatha’s sister, the powerful witch Eriette, has left her home in Dunbarrow and now sits on the throne of Ardenvale Castle,

The witch Eriette casting the Wicked Slumber with her enchanted apple as she sits upon the throne of the overrun Ardenvale - Concept art by Magali Villeneuve.

Dunbarrow Witch’s Cottage studies & designs - Concept by Jose Vega

Witches & Warlocks of the Eldraine Wilds - Concept art by Magali Villeneuve.

The noblewoman Neva, an analogue for Sleeping Beauty, is placed within a Glass Casket to preserve her while she succumbs to the Wicked Slumber. Concept art by Magali Villeneuve.

The noblewoman Neva - Concept art by Magali Villeneuve.

Hylda’s Castle, Winter’s Home

The domain of the powerful ice-witch Hylda, her palace of ice known as Winter’s Home. Winter’s Home’s main tower stands on a rocky cliff that overlooks the loch, and glittering ice-towers stand guard around her domain.

“Winter’s Seat”, Hyldra’s Ice Castle. Concept art by Jehan Choo

Tundra Elk, beats of burden for crossing Hylda’s Domain. Art by Jehan Choo

The Rest of the Wilds

With Redtooth elves and were-foxes running around, the depths of Eldraine’s Wilds have an immense amount of lore and depth to discover.

Redtooth Elves/Werewfox Elves - Concept art by Magali Villeneuve.

“Werefoxes were part of the Beauty and the Beast archetype. There was no way I would leave that part of the push unexplored. Turns out my version of these very peculiar elves remained as the official one in the end. They allowed everything I like to do : working on strong silhouettes, mixing organic textures into a coherent ensemble. Look closely : not one piece of fabric involved. Only leaves, flower petals, wood, vegetal braiding, a touch of leather. I wanted them to feel like an autumn forest. The funniest part was definitely to show clearly their inner fox nature. It is especially obvious with the concept on the right, where it takes a second look to make sure whether we're looking at a humanoid's face or not.”

“Into the wilds” - Concept by Jose Vega

Wilds of Eldraine environment - Concept by Jose Vega

Wilds of Eldraine environment - Concept by Jose Vega

“Boundary Land” studies of the different land types in Magic and where they meet in the Wilds of Eldraine - Concepts by Jose Vega

[apatosaurus]

I am back from my professional development thing in Woodstock, Illinois. I was on the planning team. It went well. I am le tired but I have to drive to NJ tonight for work tomorrow.

I flew in through Midway and my colleague picked me up at the airport. He works at Unity Temple in Oak Park so we stopped by there for a tour before heading to the retreat center. That’s the last photo, though it happened first.

The place was the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus, 90 minutes away from the city. In addition to hosting youth groups and conferences, it’s also a place where biology and ecology researchers from the university come to do field work or train future scientists. There are labs and classrooms in the basement, but none of the faculty or researchers are there full time. The food was basic but they made an effort to accommodate allergies and special diets. I kept reminding myself that this is college dining services food. The outside area was pretty, but the trails were not very developed. We were warned about ticks.

There was a labyrinth, a little overgrown, especially because they are minimizing mowing this time of year.

The pond was busy with ducks, geese, and turtles. There was also a woodchuck we could see when we looked out the window. The animals have learned from generations of undergraduates coming to try to tag and study them to avoid humans.

We took a side trip to downtown Woodstock to have ice cream and admire the quaint architecture of the town square. They are very proud to be the place where Groundhog Day was filmed (it was not filmed in Pennsylvania).

My Oak Park colleague drove me back to Midway just in time for my flight home.

Apologies to @iheartvelma and other Chicago folks I missed. I didn’t have control of my transportation, and I had a tight timeline. Hope we can catch up another time.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

NASA cameras to capture interaction between Blue Ghost lander, moon's surface

Say cheese again, moon. We're coming in for another close-up.

For the second time in less than a year, a NASA technology designed to collect data on the interaction between a moon lander's rocket plume and the lunar surface is set to make the long journey to Earth's nearest celestial neighbor for the benefit of humanity.

Developed at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies (SCALPSS) is an array of cameras placed around the base of a lunar lander to collect imagery during and after descent and touchdown.

Using a technique called stereo photogrammetry, researchers at Langley will use the overlapping images from the version of SCALPSS on Firefly's Blue Ghost—SCALPSS 1.1—to produce a 3D view of the surface.

An earlier version, SCALPSS 1.0, was on Intuitive Machines' Odysseus spacecraft that landed on the moon last February. Due to mission contingencies that arose during the landing, SCALPSS 1.0 was unable to collect imagery of the plume-surface interaction. The team was, however, able to operate the payload in transit and on the lunar surface following landing, which gives them confidence in the hardware for 1.1.

The SCALPSS 1.1 payload has two additional cameras—six total, compared to the four on SCALPSS 1.0—and will begin taking images at a higher altitude, prior to the expected onset of plume-surface interaction, to provide a more accurate before-and-after comparison.

These images of the moon's surface won't just be a technological novelty. As trips to the moon increase and the number of payloads touching down in proximity to one another grows, scientists and engineers need to be able to accurately predict the effects of landings.

How much will the surface change? As a lander comes down, what happens to the lunar soil, or regolith, it ejects? With limited data collected during descent and landing to date, SCALPSS will be the first dedicated instrument to measure the effects of plume-surface interaction on the moon in real time and help to answer these questions.

"If we're placing things—landers, habitats, etc.—near each other, we could be sand blasting what's next to us, so that's going to drive requirements on protecting those other assets on the surface, which could add mass, and that mass ripples through the architecture," said Michelle Munk, principal investigator for SCALPSS and acting chief architect for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "It's all part of an integrated engineering problem."

Under the Artemis campaign, the agency's current lunar exploration approach, NASA is collaborating with commercial and international partners to establish the first long-term presence on the moon.

On this CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative delivery carrying over 200 pounds of NASA science experiments and technology demonstrations, SCALPSS 1.1 will begin capturing imagery from before the time the lander's plume begins interacting with the surface until after the landing is complete.

The final images will be gathered on a small onboard data storage unit before being sent to the lander for downlink back to Earth. The team will likely need at least a couple of months to process the images, verify the data, and generate the 3D digital elevation maps of the surface. The expected lander-induced erosion they reveal probably won't be very deep—not this time, anyway.

"Even if you look at the old Apollo images—and the Apollo crewed landers were larger than these new robotic landers—you have to look really closely to see where the erosion took place," said Rob Maddock, SCALPSS project manager at Langley. "We're anticipating something on the order of centimeters deep—maybe an inch. It really depends on the landing site and how deep the regolith is and where the bedrock is."

But this is a chance for researchers to see how well SCALPSS will work as the U.S. advances human landing systems as part of NASA's plans to explore more of the lunar surface.

"Those are going to be much larger than even Apollo. Those are large engines, and they could conceivably dig some good-sized holes," said Maddock. "So that's what we're doing. We're collecting data we can use to validate the models that are predicting what will happen."

NASA is working with several American companies to deliver science and technology to the lunar surface under the CLPS initiative. Through this opportunity, various companies from a select group of vendors bid on delivering payloads for NASA, including everything from payload integration and operations, to launching from Earth and landing on the surface of the moon.

image: One of the SCALPSS cameras is visible here mounted to the Blue Ghost lander. Credit: Firefly

[bpod-bpod]

Curve Ball

Epithelial cells – those lining cavities such as the gut as well as covering organs – packing into tissue take on a 3D shape dubbed scutoid enabling tissue curvature. Here, by studying sea star embryos, the combined influence of cell density, tissue compaction and cell proliferation on scutoid formation and resulting epithelial architecture is revealed

Read the published research article here

Video from work by Vanessa Barone and colleagues

Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/ Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain

Video originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Published in Development, May 2024

You can also follow BPoD on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

[thelostmetallurgist]

Clan Nheztar: The Vanguard of Dwemer Innovation

History and Legacy:

Clan Nheztar, originally hailing from Resdayn (modern-day Morrowind), was one of the prominent Dwemer clans known for their exceptional skills in metallurgy and engineering. Loyal to the great leader Rourken, Clan Nheztar chose self-exile alongside him when the Chimer formed the First Council with other Dwemer clans. This momentous decision led them to the distant and harsh lands of Volenfell in Hammerfell, where they established a new bastion of Dwemer ingenuity and culture.

Cultural Values:

The members of Clan Nheztar are known for their relentless pursuit of knowledge and mastery in various scientific and magical disciplines. They uphold values of reason, logic, and empirical study, often eschewing superstition and religious dogma. This rationalist approach has led them to question and often defy the traditional pantheons revered by other races, focusing instead on harnessing the fundamental forces of the universe through their own ingenuity.

Innovations and Achievements:

Clan Nheztar's contributions to Dwemer technology are vast and varied. They were pioneers in the development of advanced metallurgical techniques, creating alloys and materials of unparalleled strength and durability. Their expertise in tonal architecture allowed them to manipulate sound and resonance in ways that powered their automata, enhanced their magical capabilities, and even altered the fabric of reality itself. Notable inventions include the Aether-Pickaxe, which blends mining and temporal manipulation, and the Resonance Gem, which enhances time-based magic.

Clan Hierarchy:

The clan operates with a meritocratic structure, where positions of leadership and influence are earned through demonstrated skill, knowledge, and contributions to the clan’s body of work. At the apex of this hierarchy is the Head Metallurgist, a title held by only the most skilled and knowledgeable members. This position oversees all major projects and innovations, guiding the clan’s direction and ensuring the continuation of their esteemed legacy.

Notable Members:

Grelzbar Nheztar: A renowned scholar whose work laid the foundations for many of the clan’s advancements in tonal architecture.

Eloriaz Hremblarm: A mage-architect whose designs are still revered for their ingenuity and integration of magic with structural engineering.

Mzulan Arctur Nheztar: The current Head Metallurgist, known as “The Lost Metallurgist,” whose quests and discoveries have brought new understanding and prestige to the clan, even in the mysterious absence of the Dwemer people.

Current Endeavors:

Despite the disappearance of the Dwemer, Clan Nheztar’s legacy endures through the efforts of Mzulan Arctur Nheztar. His ongoing quest to uncover the fate of his people and reclaim lost knowledge continues to add to the clan’s storied history. He travels Tamriel, gathering ancient texts, artifacts, and collaborating with other scholars and adventurers to piece together the mysteries of the past and forge a path for the future.

Symbols and Emblems:

The emblem of Clan Nheztar features intricate gearwork intertwined with arcane symbols, representing their blend of engineering and magic. This emblem is often engraved on their creations, from weapons and armor to architectural marvels, signifying the quality and innovation associated with the clan.

Flag of Clan Nheztar

Design:

The flag of Clan Nheztar is a testament to their heritage, achievements, and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. The flag’s design incorporates several elements that reflect the clan’s values and history:

Color Scheme: The flag features a rich dark blue background, symbolizing the depths of knowledge and the mysteries of the universe that the Dwemer sought to uncover. Accents of gold represent the wealth of innovation and the precious materials they masterfully crafted.

Central Emblem: At the center of the flag is the intricate emblem of Clan Nheztar. The emblem consists of a gear with arcane symbols etched along its circumference, symbolizing the fusion of engineering and magic. Within the gear, there is an Aetherium crystal, glowing with a soft blue light, representing the clan’s mastery over time and resonance magic.

Flanking Symbols: Flanking the central emblem are two crossed hammers, representing the clan’s metallurgical prowess and dedication to craftsmanship. These hammers are stylized with Dwemer runes that signify strength, resilience, and innovation.

Border Design: The flag’s border is adorned with a pattern of interlocking gears and arcane runes, creating a frame that encapsulates the clan’s ethos of combining mechanical ingenuity with magical insight.

Material:

The flag is woven from fine Dwemer silk, known for its durability and sheen, and is further reinforced with metallic threads that catch the light, giving the flag an almost ethereal glow. This choice of material reflects the clan’s ability to blend practicality with aesthetic beauty.

Usage:

The flag of Clan Nheztar is prominently displayed in their strongholds, laboratories, and during significant gatherings or ceremonies. It serves as a symbol of unity and pride for the clan members, reminding them of their shared heritage and collective goals. In battle, the flag is carried by standard-bearers who are often skilled warriors and engineers, embodying the clan’s spirit of combining intellect and martial prowess.

Motto

Motto: "Through Knowledge, Power; Through Power, Eternity."

Ancestral Home City-State

Ancestral Home City-State: Dumac’s Forge, an ancient Dwemer city-state in Resdayn (Morrowind) known for its advanced metallurgy workshops and tonal architecture.

Section of Volenfell Prior to 1E 700

Section of Volenfell Prior to 1E 700: The Foundry District of Volenfell, a hub of innovation where the clan's metallurgists and engineers worked on their most ambitious projects. This district was renowned for its grand halls filled with machinery, forges, and laboratories, symbolizing the pinnacle of Dwemer technological advancement.

[revolant]

NO KINGS - Read Up to Fight Back

The U.S. government is not your friend or your protector, it's a system organized and operated by dominant social classes in order to maintain one thing: the status quo. Here are some educational resources to learn more about the ways that people have changed the status quo for the better in the past, and about the government itself so that you can better prepare to take action and defend the rights of yourself and others in the future.

Executive Orders, Bills, and Mandates

House Bill Schedule - This page provides access to a weekly schedule of bills (PDF text included for your review) being considered by the House of Representatives, as well as links to the House Proceedings and official publications from the U.S. Government.

Congressional Legislation Search - This page provides access to ALL public records for the House of Representatives and Senate alike. The link provided will take you to the current list of legislative items pending review, but you can also see Committee reports, Congressional Records, Communications, etc.

Presidential Actions - A searchable record provided by the White House of Executive Orders, Nominations & Appointments, Presidential Memoranda, and Proclamations.

Presidential Fact Sheets - Bullet point mini-articles that chronicle Trump's actions as President. Lots of propaganda and misinformation here but a useful rhetorical reference.

Theory

These are books and articles about the "puzzle pieces" that make up many of the systemic issues we're seeing today. Links are to free, downloadable PDFs unless otherwise indicated.

Domination and Arts of Resistance by James C. Scott (BOOK) - a must-read for people who want to gain an understanding of power dynamics between government/socially dominant groups and those who strive to make their voices heard.

Culture & Imperialism by Edward Said (BOOK) - A key text for learning about the development of imperial "us versus them" ideology and the changes those flawed ideals wrought through history.

Discipline & Punish by Michele Foucault (BOOK) - Really good look at the social dynamics and theory behind western prison systems.

City of Quartz by Mike Davis (BOOK) - Yeah, I now it's an "environmental history" but it references some truly fascinating architectural representations of oppression *and the means used to escape*. Also I know it's a Columbia link, sorry.

History

The Long Civil Rights Movement and Political Uses of the Past by Jacqueline Dowd Hall (ARTICLE)

The People are Revolting: The History of Protest by BBC Bitesize (TIMELINE - no PDF)

How Do Dictatorships Survive in the 21st Century by Sergei Guryev and Daniel Treisman (ARTICLE - no PDF)

Dictatorship in the American Founding by Adam Lebovitz (ARTICLE)

U.S. Immigration Primary Sources 1851-1900 by Library of Congress

Historical Overview of Immigration Policy by Center for Immigration Studies (This org may be negatively influenced - need to do more research)

[attorneysinphuket]

Thailand Board of Investment

1. Institutional Framework and Historical Context

1.1 Legal Foundations

Established under the Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520 (1977)

Amended by Act No. 4 B.E. 2560 (2017) to accommodate Industry 4.0

Operates under the Office of the Prime Minister with quasi-ministerial authority

1.2 Governance Structure

BOI Board: Chaired by the Prime Minister

Investment Committee: 12-member expert panel

Secretariat: Professional staff of 300+ specialists across 8 divisions

1.3 Historical Evolution

Phase 1 (1960-1990): Import substitution industrialization

Phase 2 (1991-2015): Export-oriented manufacturing

Phase 3 (2016-present): Technology-driven "Thailand 4.0" initiative

2. Investment Promotion Strategy

2.1 Geographic Prioritization

Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): Enhanced incentives

Southern Border Provinces: Special security concessions

20 Provinces: Tiered incentive structures

3. Incentive Architecture

3.1 Tax Privileges

Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Holidays:

5-8 years exemption

50% reduction for 5 subsequent years

Import Duty Exemptions:

Machinery: 100% relief

Raw materials: Partial relief based on local content

3.2 Non-Tax Incentives

Land Ownership Rights: Foreign freehold permitted

Work Permit Facilitation: Fast-track processing (7 days)

Foreign Expert Visa: Multiple-entry 4-year SMART Visa

3.3 Special Incentive Packages

EEC+ Package:

15-year CIT exemption

Personal income tax cap at 17%

Digital Park Thailand:

10-year tax holiday

Data center infrastructure subsidies

4. Application and Approval Process

4.1 Pre-Application Phase

Eligibility Assessment (30-day diagnostic)

Project Feasibility Study requirements:

Minimum 3-year financial projections

Technology transfer plan

Environmental impact assessment (for Category 3 projects)

4.2 Formal Submission

Documentation Requirements:

Corporate structure diagrams

Shareholder background checks

Detailed investment timeline

Filing Channels:

Online BOI e-Service portal

In-person at BOI One Start One Stop center

5. Compliance and Operational Requirements

5.1 Investment Implementation

Capital Deployment Schedule:

25% within 12 months

100% within 36 months (extensions possible)

Employment Ratios:

Minimum 1 Thai employee per THB 1M investment

Technology transfer obligations

5.2 Reporting Obligations

Annual Progress Reports: Detailed project updates

Tax Privilege Utilization Statements: Certified by auditor

Foreign Expert Tracking: Monthly work permit updates

6. Sector-Specific Considerations

6.1 Manufacturing Sector

Local Content Requirements: 40-60% depending on sector

Environmental Standards: Tiered compliance levels

6.2 Digital Economy

Data Localization Rules: Conditional exemptions

IP Protection: Enhanced safeguards for BOI projects

6.3 Renewable Energy

Feed-in Tariff Eligibility: BOI+EGAT coordination

Carbon Credit Monetization: Special provisions

7. Dispute Resolution and Appeals

7.1 Privilege Revocation Process

Grounds for Cancellation:

Failure to meet investment timelines

Violation of environmental regulations

Fraudulent application information

Appeal Mechanism: 60-day window to petition

7.2 Arbitration Framework

THAC-administered proceedings

Expedited process for BOI disputes

8. Emerging Trends and Future Directions

9.1 Policy Developments

Draft Amendment Act (2025): Proposed R&D requirements

Green Industry Incentives: Carbon neutrality targets

9.2 Technological Integration

Blockchain Verification: For document authentication

AI-assisted Application Processing: Pilot program

9.3 Global Value Chain Positioning

ASEAN+3 Supply Chain Initiatives

EU-Thailand FTA Preparations

9. Strategic Implementation Guide

10.1 For Multinational Corporations

Regional HQ Strategy: Leverage RHQ privileges

Tiered Investment Approach: Phased capital deployment

10.2 For SMEs

Cluster Development: Co-location benefits

Technology Partner Matching: BOI-facilitated pairings

10.3 Risk Management

Compliance Calendar: Critical date tracking

Contingency Planning: Alternative incentive structures

Key Resources:

BOI Official Website: www.boi.go.th

Investment Privileges Database: privilege.boi.go.th

EEC Special Regulations: eeco.or.th

[kdrenvs3000w25]

Blog Post 08: Learning from Nature: How Biomimicry Shapes our World

Did you know that velcro was inspired by burrs sticking to dog fur (Ivanić et al., 2015)? This is biomimicry, and it is by far the most fascinating thing I know about nature.  Biomimicry is the idea of imitating processes found in nature for sustainable solutions to modern problems  (Biomimicry Institute, 2024). Nature has relied on its own systems and processes through billions of years of evolution to optimize efficiency and resilience. With the looming climate shift, we are learning from this practice and turning to nature for sustainable solutions. Surprisingly, in my 22 years of life, I only first discovered the idea of biomimicry last year, when I was writing my thesis. As I was reading about it, I discovered how much it has influenced our world, through design, architecture, technology, and more. Before I give some examples, I want you to take a moment and think to yourself of any examples of biomimicry that come to mind. 

Here are 4 of the infinite ways that nature has inspired advances in our world:

Certain fish species and their shape gave inspiration for cars and ships (Ivanić et al., 2015). 

Planes were developed from inventors watching pigeons fly (Ivanić et al., 2015).

Termite mounds influenced many sustainable buildings, due to their natural ventilation (Verbrugghe et al., 2023).

The blades of wind turbines are modeled after the ridges on the fin of the humpback whale, as shown in Figure 1 (Ivanić et al., 2015). 

Figure 1: Fin of the Humbackwhale as inspiration for wind turbine blade (Ivanić et al., 2015, p.28)

When you think about it, biomimicry encompasses the very idea of what interpretation is. Maybe not in the way we typically think of it as, where we are communicating to an audience. But, we as humans observed and then translated nature's designs, interpreting patterns, functions, and strategies. From there, we as interpreters can take this a step further and teach about connecting nature's processes into our own, and how it influences sustainable design. Chapter 21 of Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World discusses the influence of climate change on interpretation, and “taking into account projections from science about how things might be in the future if we aren’t careful in the present” (Beck et al., 2018). This is where biomimicry can help inform people about these scary projections, in a way that is easier to understand and that you can physically see through design. 

Biomimicry is all around us, without even realizing it. In fact, as I was reading Chapter 21 of Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World, biomimicry was mentioned, when discussing a beautiful event witnessed in nature; “And reflecting up from the landscape, in the center of the rainbow, were fingers of light, like the spokes of a wheel, shooting into the darkened clouds above” (Beck et al., 2018). Were spokes of a wheel inspired by beams of light? Maybe! We are so influenced and inspired by nature that we are not 2 separate entities, we are connected together, like threads in an interwoven web. 

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing, Sagamore Venture. 

Biomimicry Institute. (2024, September 20). What is Biomimicry. The Biomimicry Institute. https://biomimicry.org/inspiration/what-is-biomimicry/  

Ivanić, K. Z., Tadić, Z., & Omazić, M. A. (2015). Biomimicry–an overview. The holistic approach to environment, 5(1), 19-36. 

Verbrugghe, N., Rubinacci, E., & Khan, A. Z. (2023). Biomimicry in Architecture: A Review of Definitions, Case Studies, and Design Methods. Biomimetics, 8(1), 107.

[thetravelingtyper]

Out From Twisting Pages Pt 1 (Jareth X GN! Reader Labyrinth 1986)

Before fall break you rush to find new source material for your research paper...

WC: 1.8k

Part 2, Masterlist

Note that this has been transferred and edited from my AO3 release! You can find the original here

AN: This is an edited version of my first fanfic, and after a year or so it is about time to get back out. I know I write mostly for COD and Si but I think this is where my style really developed so enjoy...

A cold, gusty fall day begins to fall upon the quiet New England town. Early commuters set out into the cold air, frost has yet to set in but its grip captures their breaths as they hurry into cars or on bikes into the city. The city sprawls out from an urban center that contains an old university. The glorious invention that is public transportation connects this heart to the suburbs and sprawling forested coastline beyond. All in all, it is a quaint place to live.

The university caters to many students, including a healthy transfer program. However, it excels primarily in its liberal arts programs. With ties to librarianship and teaching, the college works as a stepping stone for young (and older) returning academics to find their way out into the wide world. Here, dear reader is where you find yourself, a college senior finishing their last few semesters. As a 23-year-old you decided to stay to pursue a double major in literary studies and history.

Due to this, you have met the beast that is college writing and procrastination and have been marooned in your college library for the past,

 “What was it again? Ah, 5 hours.”

“5 HOURS!?!” 

Your friend screams at you through your earbuds. You whip your head around awaiting the waves of shushing but, thankfully, you are tucked safely away into a lonely open-ended study area. The only other souls in sight are an architecture major you split a KitKat with at 4 am and a tired late staff shelver. You can hear the faint soft sounds of what you make out to be punk coming through their headphones. You smile and huff a small chuckle, if it gets them through the night shift you feel it.

“Do you need to yell?” you respond to your friend, “I've been up since yesterday.”

 “Sorry, I just wanted to make sure I heard you right? You’ve been at your library since 1 am because you procrastinated on finishing a 20-page term paper due after break?” 

“Yes,” you give a tired smile at your friend's exaggerated sigh. 

You had a midterm paper due in a few days. Your professor pulled the best move of adding 5 pages. With your talent for procrastinating you can usually write a 5 page paper in a night but your professor had complicated things:

It was the last Thursday class before break, excited murmurs spread through the classroom. The professor chuckles

“Hold it everyone, I have decided to extend the research requirement,” 

Groans sound across the small lecture room in response.

“In addition to 5 extra pages, I expect each of you to go to the library and find a specific novel or book relevant to your study.”

A few of the students look relieved. 

“I know some of you chose to write about more in depth topics…” he looks to the finance minors out of the sides of his eyes “while most chose lighter history examinations. I am more interested in those of you studying more unique topics.” 

You had heard through the GroupMe most had chosen to evaluate the influence of empires on their colonies in the post-colonial age. This being a topic with a wealth of analysis. However…

“Whoever chose the female perspective in medieval literature, I would like to see something other than Chaucer if possible.” 

“Alright”

Your professor then turns to you.

“I am interested in seeing what book you will find, I enjoyed your idea” 

You glance at your watch a bit nervous of the sudden attention but look back at him and nod. You subtly closed your notebook and its various doodles. 

“Why did you choose your subject?” Your professor asks you.

You think about it.

“The legacy of death and passing in mythology and the Otherworld,” your professor read out loud. You smiled hesitantly, you didn't have the heart to tell him it came from a late night, a bit too much rum and some raunchy fanfiction…

You grimace at the memory and remind yourself to wipe your browsing history. You turn your attention back to your friend as you begin to gather your supplies. 

“Well since you can’t make it out for the week Sam and I will be hitting the markets out of town.” 

You hummed, Mary, your long-time friend, lived in south Texas and was still in the midst of a sauna, even into the fall. You had planned on skipping your Tuesday classes to spend some time with Mary and her girlfriend. But due to the sudden addition of the book requirement yesterday, you had scrambled into the library in the wee hours of Friday morning. Due to the extended weekend break, the library would be closing at noon, leaving you surprisingly few hours to find a book you felt fulfilled your ambitious focus. 

“You know if you weren't so gosh darn specific you could just go with Greek mythology.” 

You paused in your packing,

“If I wanted to go with the misogynistic pricks I would, but the Underworld there is often kidnapping, mourners, and a lot of angst. Besides…”

You flip through your ragged journal, you collect ideas for your creative writing and history classes here,

“I am really enjoying the current unit on European Mythology.”

As you finish putting your fountain pens and other assorted stationery supplies away, you turn your attention back to Mary on the other end of the phone.

“Hey I'm packed up and need to get moving, they are going to start opening some of the older sections and I need to get out before noon.”

Mary huffs and says something to a person on her side of the line, You faintly make it out to be Sam. She turns her attention back to you.

 “Considering it is now 7:00 am over there I think you will be fine, just text me when you get back home?”

“Yes, mom.” Mary hushes you and bids a cheery goodbye then hangs up. 

You turn back to shuffling your notes into a manageable pile, those get slotted into a worn dollar store folder, then prompt shoved into your backpack. Next goes the pen and pencil pack, set gently and lovingly into your laptop bag, followed by a heavily stickered laptop. You reach blindly for your journal, knocking into your water bottle. Hastily, you grab that, and shove it into your backpack before sipping it up. Putting on your backpack and then your laptop bag, you turn making sure not to miss anything. Seeing the table clear, you wave to the tired architecture major and make your way out to the main library and hopefully find a good (and convenient) book for your paper.

-

The trails of the morning began as the library shook itself from a low staff and quiet night. The members of the day shift had clocked in and replaced the night-shelvers. You walked through a windowed hall, dawn peering in from your right, and looking over the railing to your left you observed some other (and possibly smarter) students who had just arrived. 

Instead of taking your bus home yesterday you grabbed take-out at a family-owned Thai place and booked it to the student center to eat.  Now that you think about it, food sounds like a good idea. A vending machine on a college campus can only serve you so much. Taking a flight of stairs down you entered the lobby of the library and immediately felt a chill flow in from the opening doors. Looking around and spotting your target, you ducked into the library cafe and 15 minutes later emerged with a hot drink and pastry in hand. Checking your watch as you sip your drink the bold letters of 7:30 AM flashed evilly at you. ‘I could be home asleep’ you groaned internally and reminded yourself to enjoy a nice long power nap when you got home. Finishing your pastry, you gather your things and head off toward the 6th-floor literature section.

To say your university library was large would be an understatement, it was sprawling. Being a school dedicated to the arts, it had the library resources to boot. This included not only dedicated sections to most of the art majors, but also an impressive collection of art viewable to the public, and a childrens outreach program that encouraged childhood reading. 

Due to this, your university library was also in part a public library. Which sounded promising at first, but as you now sorted through your 10th Disney classic fairytale picture book you doubted yourself. Jokes of unrealistic romance aside if you had to glance at another fairy tale picture and too much glitter you were going to throw one. You had been here an hour and the best you had found was some more generic titles exploring Irish and Celtic myth as a whole. 

While these could make good references, they were not what you needed nor wanted. None of these books felt…right. You cared a lot about this paper and wanted to give a unique example of a story that wasn’t just a myth, perhaps a novel you could tie back to your literature focus. Wait…! Maybe you could find a novel! A less published, less circulated novel would be a great and fresh way not only to publish more about that book but to make your paper unique. And your professor is a huge fan of ‘hard to find’ as he described it. You look around to find a reference librarian and make your move, you had a bit more than 3 hours and you felt ready to tackle the search. 

You quickly explained your situation to the reference librarian and at the mention of a ‘less circulated novel,’ they gave you a wide grin.

“I have just the section, we recently got a collection from the estate of a local author, he was of Irish descent I think too! From the look of his mythology books, if anyone is going to have anything it is him. While all of the stuff is cataloged we haven’t been able to shelve it due to some cart issues. Anything you find just bring it out here to me to check out!” 

With that convenient nudge, the librarian led you through a side employee door and into a very warm storage room. Seeing you unzip your jacket a bit the librarian nods. 

“Sorry about the heat, the AC refuses to run and the heater goes on overdrive.” 

At that, they turn back out the door and presumably return to their desk leaving you alone in a reasonably large room stacked with books, shelves, and a lot of folding chairs. You eye the chairs curiously but quickly, at the stroke of 8 am, set to work finding your book. 

[germanpostwarmodern]

Among the many noteworthy California modern architects Craig Ellwood (1922-92) surely was the most colorful character: born Jon Nelson Burke, the architect changed his name after WWII and proceeded a career as constructor and architect without ever having studied architecture or engineering. Nevertheless he quickly made a name for himself in Los Angeles and up until he closed his practice in 1977 designed some 100 buildings, most of them single-family homes. His authorship has often been doubted because of his lack of formal training or drawings skills and his particular ability to hire talented designers for his practice. But while the question of authorship and degree of involvement is unquestionably interesting the actual architecture of Craig Ellwood is of the same if not greater interest. Ellwood was a publicity expert who intensely followed and processed the architectural currents of his time (with a clear preference for Mies van der Rohe) and who keenly supervised the photographic representation of his buildings. This, among other aspects, is lucidly addressed by Alfonso Pérez-Méndez in his monograph „Craig Ellwood: In the Spirit of the Time“, published by Gustavo Gili in 2003: rather than Ellwood’s personality in Pérez-Méndez book his architecture takes the center stage and a great number of buildings from the late 1940s to the mid-1970s are thoroughly analyzed. Together with archival photographs, contemporary photographs and plans the author shows that Ellwood’s architecture very much reflected the status quo of modernist architecture in the US but with a Californian twist to it. Beyond that he also identifies the office’s organization as a predecessor of many oftoday’s practice where projects are a team effort rather than a stroke of genius. Ellwood’s mistake though was the omission of the names of the team members involved.

„In the Spirit of the Time“ is a wonderful yet somewhat small book about Craig Ellwood that offers a compelling analysis of his architectural development, well-written and well-illustrated and together with Neil Jackson’s publications a must-read in order to get the complete picture of Craig Ellwood.