The Grammys have split the country album category into traditional and contemporary to reflect genre evolution and promote diversity, following Beyoncé's historic win for best country album, which sparked discussions on genre boundaries and representation.
The elusiveness of capturing the present moment in movies is explored through the example of "Civil War," a film that, despite being written during the pandemic and election year, consciously steps away from the current societal fissures. The article also discusses the scarcity of movies that confront present reality, highlighting two recent releases, "Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World" and "The Beast," which use separate timelines to illuminate present reality while pondering if we aren’t just doomed to repeat the past. These films, unlike "Civil War," are making an effort to grapple with the messy and muddled present in distinct and outlandish ways.
Mexican architecture showcases a unique aesthetic characterized by the use of materials such as stone, adobe, chukum, wood, and brick. These materials have been integral to the country's architectural history, from pre-Hispanic times to the present day. Architects have played a crucial role in shaping the distinctive Mexican architectural identity, which is deeply connected to the country's cultural heritage. The article highlights various contemporary projects that exemplify the use of these materials, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of Mexican architecture.
Casa Calm, designed by architect Mateus Monteiro, is a contemporary and minimalist summer house that may become a permanent residence in the future. The client's request for concrete as a central material was fulfilled, along with a focus on landscaping and a kitchen surrounded by plants. The personalized and emotional project incorporates curated pieces referencing the couple's favorite city, Ouro Preto. The house features soapstone elements, including a sculpted bathtub in the master suite, and a pool covered in soapstone. The design aims to create a complete experience that meets the family's desires and routine.
Sandway House in Surrey, England, is a contemporary dwelling inspired by a formal walled garden and minimalist Japanese courtyard house. The design focuses on honest materiality, craftsmanship, and the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, using carefully selected and handcrafted finishes. The front of the house features defensive architecture for privacy and security, while the back opens up to a large covered terrace for year-round alfresco living. The finishes transition seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces, and a small courtyard provides a unique openness to the master en-suite.
The RA House, designed by Bernardo Bustamante Arquitectos, is a 220m² home for a family of four, with a second home of half the area for the grandparents, and a large area for parking and storage. The house was designed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a program and concept based on what homes had already experienced in the second quarter of 2020. The architects aimed to generate workspaces, open and ventilated spaces, spaces for family enjoyment, quality spaces outdoors, and spaces for the care of elders. The house blends with the topography and appears discreetly within the complex, blending in with the vegetation, with high-quality interior spaces.