Top 2022 Architecture: The ‘Blade’ Residences In Canobbio, Switzerland

Mino Caggiula architectsThe inspiration for the project came after experiencing the works of Richard Serra, an American artist known for using metal blades to create his works of art that can be defined as Landmark.

The architectural intervention is daring and aims at a harmonious connection with the surrounding space and landscape, without spoiling it; throughout plays of tension with shapes and insertion into the vegetation. In order to reach this goal, curved weathering steel blades are positioned so that, in perspective, they go beyond the woods in the south and direct the units and the view towards the lake. The radius of curvature is measured so that the sagitta of the chord of the circle doesn’t exceed 1 mm per linear metre, making thus the interiors furnishable and going back to a human scale, just like the dualism produced by Richard Serra’s sculptures.

Because of the steepness, we created two different blocks in order to further guarantee the view of the lake to the properties, divided by a system of main and secondary blades to create an internal and subordinate subdivision of the units. The insertion of the vegetation was inspired by New York’s High Line which scratches the pavement just like the blades do. This logic was transposed into our project both horizontally and vertically, thus the blades represent at the same time both a boundary and a bridge.

Books: London Review Of Books – January 5, 2023

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London Review of Books (LRB) – January 5, 2023:

The first issue of LRB volume 45 is now online, featuring Alan Bennett’s diary for 2022, @_jamesmeek on flooding, Anne Enright on Toni Morrison, Jenny Turner @neepmail on Colette, @xlorentzen on Cormac McCarthy and a cover by @Jon_McN.

Eyes that Bite

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.

Underwater Living

James Meek on housebuilding in the aftermath of the 2013 floods

Front Page: The New York Times – December 22, 2022

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U.S. Aid Is ‘Not Charity,’ Zelensky Tells Congress as a Lengthy War Looms

President Volodymyr Zelensky described military assistance for Ukraine as an investment in global security and democracy in the face of Russian aggression.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Nancy Pelosi hold a Ukrainian flag signed by soldiers on the front line, delivered by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

As Ukraine Prepares for a Second Year at War, the Prospect of a Stalemate Looms

American officials believe that with Russia bolstering defenses and learning lessons, Ukraine will find it more challenging to retake land.

Putin Concedes Military Failings, but Insists Russia Will Fight On

Nodding to criticism that his army lacked the basic necessities to wage war, the Russian leader said his government was providing “everything that the army asks for.’’

I.R.S. Routinely Audited Obama and Biden, Raising Questions Over Delays for Trump

The revelation that the agency had not audited Donald J. Trump during his first two years in office despite a mandatory presidential audit program raised concerns about potential politicization.

Health: Why Are Flu, RSV And Strep Surging In 2022?

Daniela Hernandez | WSJ – Getting the flu can increase the risk of getting a second infection, including strep throat. WSJ’S Daniela Hernandez explains the science behind that, plus what it means for the rest of the winter and how we can protect ourselves so the tripledemic doesn’t get worse.

Video timeline: 0:24 – Flu Damage 1:25 – Lower population immunity 2:03 – Who’s most vulnerable? 3:05 – How can we protect ourselves?

Research Preview: Nature Magazine – Dec 22, 2022

Volume 612 Issue 7941

nature – December 22, 2022 issue:

One year. Ten stories.

As 2022 enters its final weeks, we look back on the past 12 months through the lens of Nature’s 10 — ten people who helped to shape science during the year. The cover takes its inspiration from the stunning images that have so far emerged from the James Webb Space Telescope. Launched on Christmas Day 2021, the telescope sent its first image back to Earth this summer and has since provided astronomers with views of the Universe in unprecedented detail.

Why does fat return after dieting? The microbiome might have a hand

Experiments on mice suggest that gut bacteria contribute to the post-diet rebound of fat tissue.

Blue diamonds from the deep Earth are all wet

Chemical analysis of rare gems suggests that seawater played a part in their creation.

Previews: The Guardian Weekly – December 23, 2022

The cover of the 23 December edition of the Guardian Weekly.

The Guardian Weekly (December 23, 2022) issue:

As we near the end of another tumultuous year, one story has dominated the news agenda on almost every level. Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February had been signposted for months, but the shattering of Europe’s postwar order still came as a seismic shock.

The economic and human cost inflicted by Russia on Ukraine has been enormous, while the concurrent shock waves of energy, food and migration crises have reverberated around the world. In a special essay for the final Guardian Weekly magazine of 2022, diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour examines the competing grand narratives of the past that lie at the heart of the conflict – and which make it so difficult to resolve.

In other reflections on 2022, we look back at a year of scientific successes, from medicine to mathematics via the moon. From the Observer, we remember those we lost over the course of the year, by those who knew them best. There’s a stunning photo gallery featuring work from the agency photographers of the year, and a comprehensive look at the best film and music of 2022 – not forgetting the now traditional roundup of the Guardian Weekly team’s must-see TV.

From Montreal came some hopeful news to round off an otherwise alarming year for the environment. The Cop15 biodiversity summit reached international agreement to try to halt the destruction of Earth’s ecosystems, including targets to protect 30% of the planet for nature by the end of the decade and restore 30% of degraded water, coastal and marine ecosystems. Biodiversity reporters Patrick Greenfield and Phoebe Weston have the details.

Mexican Travel Tours: Mexico City To Sonora

DW Travel – Follow DW’s Lukas Stege as he travels through Mexico, the country he considers his second home. On his first big trip here many years ago, he learned Spanish, made many friends and found his calling as a journalist. Lukas visits the metropolis of Mexico City, millennia-old pyramids and beaches of Sonora.

Swiss Views: The Lucerne Christmas Market 2022

Located in the heart of Lucerne‘s Old Town, the Christmas Market creates a highly evocative seasonal atmosphere.

Lucerne, a compact city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture, sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Its colorful Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by 870m Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), a 14-century rampart. The covered Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), built in 1333, links the Aldstadt to the Reuss River’s right bank. 

Books: TLS/Times Literary Supplement – Dec 23, 2022

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The Times Literary Supplement @TheTLS (December 23-30, 2022) features @pgodfreysmith on deer and birds; @LaurenElkin on Sophie Calle; @natsegnit on Craig Brown; a new poem by @glynofwelwyn ; reflections on the BBC at 100; @BorisDralyuk on A. E. Stallings; @irinibus on gifts – and more.