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By the editor
June 4, 2024
Babel Tulum. Photo by Double Space
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This is not architecture AI. It’s the future of wellness living in Tulum.
According to architects Miguel Valverde and Daniel Villanueva of the Guadalajara-based architecture firm V Taller, the enchanting Babel Tulum villas’ uncanny valley effect is due to the use of a single material: pale pink stucco mimics chucum, a Mayan building material made from resin, and gives a sense of unity to the rhythmic undulations of the arched balconies and windows.
Residents of the 59-unit complex can choose from an array of wellness amenities, starting with the architecture itself: the circular shape prioritizes the distribution of natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. Sound baths, meditation altars, massage cabins, steam rooms and an on-site vegetarian restaurant are also on the list. Inside each unit, interior studio Carlos y Pablo creates a serene atmosphere using sandstone stucco, palota wood, art by photographer Manuel Zúñiga and artisanal ceramics from Jalisco-based studio Encrudo. —Jenna Adrian Diaz
Former Heim & Reed Gallery. Image courtesy of Serhant
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Chaim & Reed, which closed in December after 26 years in business, Selling 6,000-square-foot Manhattan building Sold through Sellhunt for $14,995,000. Joan Mitchell and Jenny HolzerThe gallery space includes five skylit showrooms with ceilings up to 24 ft. Gallery owners John Heim and Howard Reed bought the building in 2000 for $1.875 million but are selling it to avoid becoming landlords. Maria Bueno, the gallery’s longtime director, plans to open her own firm, Bueno & Co., nearby in the fall.
Over 100 representatives of Ukrainian museums Held in Berlin Donors are urged to recognize their role in the country’s reconstruction and pledge to create a modern and inclusive cultural sector. The two-day conference, “From Crisis to the Future: New Responsibilities of Ukrainian Museums,” produced 10 recommendations for the upcoming UNESCO-Ukrainian Reconstruction Conference. The recommendations highlight the key role of museums in the reconstruction and stress the need for their better integration into the reconstruction program and the creation of secure storage and digital preservation systems. Despite the extensive damage to cultural heritage, Ukrainian museums continue to operate by both adapting to wartime conditions and transitioning to online platforms.
Rendering of the renovated ICA LA’s Mohn Family Building. Image courtesy of ERAS.
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The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA) Buy and strengthen The East Seventh Street building will house a cafe, outdoor space and new artist studios. The $5 million purchase is supported by a $4.4 million donation from the Mohn Family Trust. As part of the plan, ICA LA aims to maintain a presence in the Downtown Arts District, provide affordable studio space and foster a vibrant community. The project demonstrates ICA LA’s commitment to the neighborhood, and also includes a new residency program for emerging chefs and artists.
Philadelphia University of the Arts Closed June 7th Due to financial uncertainty, the official announcement only reached many students and staff after media reports. Declining enrollment, rising expenses and missed revenue targets contributed to the closure, compounded by the immediate revocation of accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school faced significant infrastructure costs and cash flow constraints with no realistic path to survival. Efforts to assist with transfer to other institutions are underway, and town hall meetings are planned to address concerns and next steps.
Emirates Airlines Introducing new tools Following recent accidents on other airlines resulting in injuries and fatalities, Emirates is joining the International Air Transport Association’s Turbulence Information Sharing Platform to help prevent accidents caused by extreme turbulence, and will equip its pilots with Deutsche Lufthansa’s latest mobile navigation system. Emirates will equip 140 aircraft with software that shares turbulence reports between participating airlines, and will ensure all new Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets join the effort.
Image courtesy of Liquid Sky
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Flashy new book chronicles the life of New York’s cult store Liquid Sky.
Apex, the largest stegosaurus fossil ever discovered to be put up for auction.
Dopamine is now a cultural catch-all term for focus and concentration. What does that mean?
Notre Dame Cathedral will be making an appearance again, this time Very detailed Lego.
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