#Western Suburban Projects

[hotdaemondtargaryen]

PHIA SABAN INTERVIEWED FOR CONTENTMODE MAGAZINE.

CONGRATULATIONS ON HOUSE OF THE DRAGON! HOW HAS THE PROCESS BEEN SO FAR?

"Thank you! It’s a cool thing."

"When we’re working on it we’re in our own little microcosm with each other and those characters, and now it’s coming out and we’re seeing it all link up and become something else."

"It’s very new to me."

"Acting on screen still feels very new to me."

"I am so lucky to get to work with this group of people, they are so clever and loving."

"Recently we’ve been promoting the show and have been asked for opinions and explanations about our characters and the story."

"I’ve found it a new and funny facet of the job, to be asked sometimes to represent myself and speak from the character and for the bigger picture."

"It can feel different from acting, where you engage with the contradictions and spend more time with the mystery and the magic than the answers."

"I guess I’m saying that I’ve found this process contains multitudes."

"And watching the show is surreal — there are all my pals in wigs!"

MANY DIE-HARD GAME OF THRONES FANS HAVE READ THE BOOK SERIES AND ANTICIPATE PLOT POINTS IN THE TELEVISION SERIES. HOW DO YOU PROVIDE A FRESH TAKE ON FAMILIAR MATERIAL?

"It’s major to be part of something that people already feel passionate about, but it’s also exciting to have the chance to subvert expectations."

"It’s fun to make up little secrets that only you know about."

"As a viewer, I always like to be surprised anyway."

"I think it’s important (and fun) to have some irreverence for the genre so that you’re not patronizing your audience."

"The hope is to be part of something that challenges people!"

YOU'VE FOUND SUCCESS IN THE FANTASY AND DRAMATIC GENRES. ARE THERE ANY OTHER GENRES YOU'D LIKE TO EXPLORE?

"Yes! I miss being in plays so much."

"I cannot wait to be in the theater again."

"I’ve never been in a film, I’d love to make an independent one."

"Oh! To be in something people call a ‘picture’!"

"Recently I’ve been fantasizing about learning motion-capture and playing some sort of animal or creature."

"I’d love to be part of a suburban coming-of-age film, like the ones I obsessed over growing up."

"I’d like to do a great limited series, an intense crime one."

"And I could narrowly avoid being eaten by a shark, or an alien."

"I have dreams of doing a time-spanning project."

"I’d like to be the voice of an animation!"

"I‘d love to have a go at the present day."

"And maybe a dystopian future."

"And a Western?"

"I always want to do something funny."

"And strange."

"There are so many TA and filmmakers I admire (I won’t list them but they’re always being lovingly scribbled in my notebook.)"

"I’ll learn Norwegian and French for them!"

"I’m excited to keep finding new people too."

"More than all these, there are so many more things I hope to do, if I’m lucky."

"Not that I give it much thought or anything…"

HAS YOUR REAL LIFE INSPIRED YOUR APPROACH TO YOUR CHARACTER IN ANY WAY?

"Sometimes a character can be an expansion pack for your real life, like a new way to see things."

"So maybe it’s more that the fantasy inspires your real life!"

"It’s been really fun to explore Helaena’s interests."

"I’ve thought quite a lot about bugs."

"I get a huge kick out of investigating how her mind works and finding all the ways her’s overlaps with mine."

"I do lots of people-watching, which is great because now when I’m staring at people on the bus I can tell myself that I’m ‘working’."

WHILE FANTASY CAN SEEMS UNTETHERED FROM REALITY, DO YOU THINK IT CAN REFLECT THE REAL WORLD?

"Haha I hope so, otherwise that would be boring!"

"I suppose these stories are full of archetypes, which should mirror universal truths."

"But maybe that’s just good TV?"

WHAT TYPES OF NARRATIVED DO YOU FIND YOURSELF DRAWN TOWARDS WHEN READING SCRIPTS AND CHOOSING ROLES?

"Something surprising and honest that doesn’t tell me what to think!"

"And I love it when a script lets sad things be funny."

WHAT INSPIRES YOU AS AN ACTOR?

"Other actors, a lot."

"On a good day, almost everything can…"

"That might be one of the best things about being an actor."

[midi-wizard]

Conversation Pit

a GIF commission for Rhizome and GIPHY

Description: “This GIF is a ghost story, a void of failed Feng Shui. Like the mock-up renderings created by contractors when a new home or public space is being built; unnatural spills of light and perspectives make very little sense when human images are implemented. Structurally palatial architecture harking back to a vapid but inornate Rococo interior. You’re seeing just the smallest snippet of a labyrinthian, suburban American home; needlessly sprawling but spiritually claustrophobic. Inanimate objects working as sponges of extreme human emotion, fumbling to grasp at a sense of comfort and status via possessions and excess. An “if these walls could talk” scenario with the tension softened, reckoned with by digestible cartoon depictions of manmade sadness and profitable unease. One of the many Pyramids erected in the Pyramid Scheme of Western Exceptionalism, the ones getting emptier, decaying every day. All this is a vulnerable, subconscious projection, haunting not only what occupies the home, but how the home ultimately functions.”

(2023)

[justforbooks]

David Lynch: the great American surrealist who made experimentalism mainstream

From disturbing debut Eraserhead to his masterpiece Mulholland Drive, Lynch’s dark tales combined radical experiment with everyday Americana

No director ever interpreted the American Dream with more artless innocence than David Lynch. It could be the title of any of his films. Lynch saw that if the US dreamed of safety and prosperity and the suburban drive and the picket fence, it also dreamed of the opposite: of escape, danger, adventure, sex and death. And the two collided and opened up chasms and sinkholes in the lost highway to happiness.

Lynch was a film-maker who found portals to alternative existences and truffled in them like they were erogenous zones, moist orifices of existential possibility. He was the great American surrealist, but his vision was so distinctive that he became something other than that: a great fabulist, a great anti-narrative dissenter, his storylines splitting and swirling in non sequiturs and Escher loops. Lynch was unique, in that he took a tradition of experimentalism in movies such as Maya Deren and Alexander Hammid’s Meshes of the Afternoon and brought it into the commercial mainstream, mixing it with pulp noir, soap opera, camp comedy, erotic thriller and supernatural horror.

Who did Lynch most resemble? Maybe Luis Buñuel from the pioneering 1920s, Douglas Sirk from the Hollywood 1940s, Alejandro Jodorowsky from the counterculture 1970s. Or maybe Edward Hopper (whose painting Office at Night has something Lynchian to it) or Andrew Wyeth and his mysterious midwest tableau Christina’s World. But “Lynchian” could as well mean mainstream or even conservative. Lynch himself was not joking when he talked about his pride at being an Eagle scout in his boyhood.

And he could direct conventionally plotted (if generically freaky) films such as The Elephant Man, with John Hurt as the exploited Victorian fairground attraction, and his adaptation of Frank Herbert’s SF standard Dune – and even the emotional and gentle The Straight Story (whose title concedes its outlying quality), based on the true story of an old man who drove his lawn tractor from Iowa to Wisconsin to visit his estranged brother. Lynch was always passionate about Americana, and Steven Spielberg shrewdly cast Lynch as the western movie legend John Ford in his film The Fabelmans.

Yet with films such as his disturbing, sepulchral debut Eraserhead and (what for me is his masterpiece) Mulholland Drive, a dark fantasia of Hollywood despair, he showed that the challenge to normality was itself erotic. He underlined it with the throbbing and groaning sound design and inspired musical scores from his longtime collaborator, composer Angelo Badalamenti. I will always remember after the first showing of Mulholland Drive in 2001, all of us dizzy and jittery with how very sensual and strange it had been, how witty and how erotic.

Perhaps most remarkably of all, Lynch’s ongoing smallscreen project Twin Peaks anticipated by decades today’s cultural prestige of streaming longform television. And in fact none of today’s Sopranos and Mad Men match Twin Peaks for auteur television. Watch the first two seasons of Twin Peaks from the 90s, the story of a straight-arrow FBI man (played by Kyle MacLachlan) investigating the metaphysical mystery of a violent murder, and see how the second ends with a promise to pick up the story in 25 years’ time – and it actually did. The brightly lit, theatrically soapy look of 90s TV drama was replaced in the third season by the darker, gloomier look of 21st-century high-class TV production. But it was Lynch, through and through.

“This whole world’s wild at heart and weird on top!” wails Laura Dern’s distraught Lula in Lynch’s Wild at Heart, anguished in her wretched motel bedroom, pregnant with her lover’s child – that is, the convicted killer Sailor, a Presleyesque figure played by Nicolas Cage. It’s actually not quite a description of the world as Lynch sees it. In the macabre Blue Velvet from 1986, the world is normal on top, weird underneath, but these layers can’t exist without each other. A clean-cut guy played by MacLachlan, walking home in a suburban American utopia, finds a severed ear on the ground: a symbol, perhaps, of the director’s own hypersensitive perception of underground stirrings and the hidden America. Soon this man is to conceive an obsession with a nightclub singer: part of Lynch’s own longstanding obsession with secret cabarets and occult theatrical rituals, and his particular rapture for the red curtain, rippling and stirring with the mystery it conceals. A Freudian image, yes, but maybe Lynchian is the superseding adjective.

Lost Highway, in 1997, was one of his doppelganger hallucinations, in which Bill Pullman’s troubled sax player and his wife (Patricia Arquette) are terrified by an anonymous tormentor who leaves video cassettes on their doorstep with footage of the outside of their house – an idea later borrowed by Michael Haneke in his movie Hidden.

But for me Mulholland Drive is his masterpiece of eroticism and despair, a brilliant riff on how in Hollywood disillusion is a toxic-waste byproduct of the dream factory. The relationship of Naomi Watts’s saucer-eyed ingénue and Laura Harring’s enigmatic troubled woman is one of the great fraught friendships of modern American cinema.

I myself met Lynch only once, and that was online: a video-linked Q&A for the unveiling of his photographs at the Photographers’ Gallery in London. One of the questioners was someone who had been a walk-on in The Elephant Man and Lynch was instantly hugely excited and insisted on her being brought up to the platform so that he could see her face; he could hardly be persuaded not to simply make the rest of the evening his reminiscences with her. Lynch was always plotting ways to smuggle his audience into new territories of fear, desire and pleasure.

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[allthecanadianpolitics]

The tornadoes that ripped across suburban Ottawa and near Montreal on Thursday highlight a growing concern for researchers.

Preliminary data trends suggest Canada's most densely populated zone — in Ontario and Quebec — may become the country's epicentre for twisters, with increasingly devastating consequences.

"What we're seeing is lining up with climate change projections," David Sills, executive director of the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP), told CBC News. He pointed to information collected in recent years by the team based at Western University in London, Ont.

Canada's Tornado Alley, long considered to be largely in the Prairies, appears to be moving east, home to millions more people. [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

[runawaycarouselhorse]

"Arabs think of animals as mindless" is such a racist and stupid thing of you to say. You are just projecting your own thoughts about animals It has nothing to do with the Arab's view, you just think they're mindless that's why you couldn't name any. We love animals and they're not brainless or dumb. Stop making Arabs look bad!

I am Arab and if you actually study Arabic language, animals are غير عاقل literally “without mind.” It upset me a lot in school, but this is literally Arabic grammar.

It shows how you can’t back up your own statements because you cowardly hid behind anon.

I don’t think that at all!! I always loved animals and anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge animal lover, that’s why I got so upset and defended them to my kindergarten teacher.

It’s very, very common for Arabs to think of all animals as “dirty,” unfortunately, so many hate keeping pets, with sliiight exception for cats. Many Arab boys make a game of hitting animals with stones in the streets. It’s cruel and sad, but true.

Did you actually grow up in the Arabian Gulf/Khaleej like me or not?! Especially in more suburban or even rural areas.

Have you even gone to school here and not seen how many schoolgirls scatter in fear and disgust if a cat wanders near, breaking up morning assembly?

Also, owls are literally seen as creepy or associated with witches by Arabs, many even associate it with bad luck, the “wise owl” concept only reached via Greek/Roman mythology and western concepts.

You didn’t mention a single example that is used in any common phrase as a symbol of wisdom, because none exist traditionally.

Even the raven/crow which taught us to bury our dead in the Quran is traditionally hated and associated only with death, despite its great intelligence, sense of justice (they have courts and enact punishment on those who commit crimes!), visit its elderly parents, and is loyal to its mate life-long, most people do not know this.

[practically-an-x-man]

Talk Shop Tuesday for creating Quinn? (If you haven’t answered already!)

Thank you!!!

Talk Shop Tuesday, and a link to Quinn's OC bio here

Long ramble ahead... they're a fun one :D

I actually created Quinn while writing my other 6 Underground fic, Nom De Guerre. I enjoyed writing that story and that OC, AJ, but partway through I got to thinking about a character who, rather than meeting the Ghosts during a mission, knew one of the characters before they joined the Ghosts and had a reunion after the fact.

Naturally, this character had to be Billy. He's my favorite, and his backstory as a parkourist who fell in a botched mission was just too good to pass up.

The base idea for Quinn as a character was this: they both fell in the botched job, but Billy got lucky and she didn't.

As with most of my characters, the rest of the details came... well, not exactly at random, but I picked them based on what felt right and seemed interesting to explore. She's punk because that seemed like a fun character design, and it's rare that I see genuine hardcore punks represented in fiction. She's a non-op trans woman for the same reason - it gives depth to her story, and I've worked hard to convey it as accurately and respectfully as I can, but it began with the understanding that characters like Quinn rarely get the chance to be protagonists.

I tend to see a lot of "everyman" OCs, particularly in fanfiction, and that's just not my style. For one thing, that's just not interesting to read, let alone to write. And for another, that "everyman" idea is typically based on this super heteronormative, cis-normative, white Western-focused idea of what makes a "default" character, and that's ignorant if not outright damaging to the millions of people who don't fit that mold. I don't want to make a character that some blank-faced Western suburban audience can project onto, I want to make a character that compels the audience to their story. That's not specific to Quinn, but it is a lot of what went into her story.

Once I decided how Quinn's fall would affect her, I did a lot of research into the medical side of things in an effort to portray it as accurately as I could. I looked into the physical side of things, like the specific damage that occurred to her body, but I also looked into a lot of personal stories from people with similar disabilities. I found blogs talking about mobility issues, the proper ways to depict crutches, canes, and other mobility devices, and descriptions of the various types of hallucinations from people who experience them regularly.

The one thing I've found that didn't exactly line up about her story is that traumatic head wounds aren't known to cause lasting hallucinations like what she experiences, but the brain is a complicated machine and it's very possible that Quinn had a latent schizotypal disorder that was expressed after the head wound. Uncommon, but not impossible - and isn't that all you really need from fiction? It's more realistic than House MD, at least XD

Quinn's experience with her disabilities is an interesting one to write. In some ways, her experience is very different from my own - her physical injuries are more severe, she regularly uses mobility aids, and I've never experienced hallucinations like she does. But in other respects, I do pull from my own life when I write her - I have congenital joint problems that do cause me pain and difficulty and a lot of Quinn's emotional responses to those issues are reflections of my own, and I have experienced some small sensory disturbances from time to time (particularly when I'm sleep-deprived).

And like Quinn, I was a very active person (martial arts, American Ninja Warrior training, etc.) and I still struggle with the idea that I've already lost some physical mobility and will continue to lose more as time goes on. I'm still a very active person and I work hard to try and keep my body in good shape while I can, but there's only so much I can do and it's tough to come to terms with that.

Quinn as a character is a bit of a journal for me. Her being transgender and struggling to feel like she'll be known and accepted and loved by the people around her, her experiences with disability and trying to accept that she is limited, and her being punk and the social judgement that comes with that, all of that are things that I experience and I work through those feelings by writing them out in Quinn's story. It takes a different shape in her than it does myself, but the intent and emotion behind it is the same, and it ends in some of the most raw and emotional scenes I've written.

Thank you so much for the ask!! I really appreciate you asking about my different OCs, and Quinn's story especially is one of my favorites!

[sunblonderealtors]

Top Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Mumbai

As We Know South Mumbai Is Know For The Epitome of Posh Living, Neighbourhoods Like Central Of Mumbai i.e Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Kurla & Chembur are gaining popularity, with Thane and Mulund emerging as a prime spot for affordable property sales. Here We are Sorted Key Factors For Upcoming Emerging Zones Of Mumbai.

Areas that are expected to see significant growth in the coming years

Ghatkopar emerges as a thriving location, primarily due to the introduction of metro lines.

Santacruz West is a suburban neighborhood in the heart of Mumbai that offers great investment opportunities in real estate. It's close to important commercial hubs like Bandra-Kurla Complex & Andheri and has easy access to the Western Express Highway.

superior connectivity and sound infrastructure, the properties in Thane & Mulund have also shown a steady increase in the past few years.

Why these areas are becoming popular

Malabar Hill Nestled atop Mumbai’s southern tip, Malabar Hill reigns supreme as India’s most exclusive residential address. With sprawling mansions, opulent condos, and panoramic sea views, this enclave exudes sophistication at every turn.

Cuffe Parade Home to Mumbai’s elite, this waterfront enclave boasts upscale boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and stunning waterfront promenades. Stroll along the historic Colaba Causeway, unwind at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, and experience the pulse of Mumbai’s cultural heart.

Worli Worli offers a seamless blend of luxury living and urban convenience. Indulge in world-class shopping at Palladium Mall, dine at acclaimed restaurants overlooking the Arabian Sea, and experience the cosmopolitan vibe of this vibrant enclave.

The types of properties available in these areas

Residential Properties Primarily designed as living spaces, In Mumbai We Can See Luxury To Affordable Segments Of Residential Projects With Convenience to Carpet area as We Wish.

Commercial Properties Used For Businesses To Investments Purpose, Mumai Commercial Property's Demand Touching Sky Level For Current Time.

The potential for investment in these areas

As We Think Of Investment We Start To Calculate Higher Returns On Investment. From Worli To End Of South Mumbai & Growing Suburbs Like Ghatkopar To Kurla has potential projects & Supply Of Services Which Can Show Green Line Of Stonks In Your Investment Chart.

[max1461]

I've talked about this in bits and pieces before, but my relationship to American culture is that I grew up in SoCal-but-not-LA, a place where little cultural survivals from the Old West seem to abound. There's a distinctly cowboy spirit to much of Southern California that I think non-Californians and even northerners tend to not to be aware of. I mean it's not like it's surprising: the population descends, largely, from Gold Rush prospectors, Okies, and northern Mexicans—three groups of people known for embodying particularly Western sensibilities.

Even LA, really, is kind of Western. It's not like the Bay Area, where everyone has a Project, a Grand Vision For Society. Where everybody wants to Change The World. In LA, people are out to look cool and make money. It's a distinctly different vibe.

I think there's a sense in which SoCal doesn't really have "high society". I mean there are rich people, obviously, tons of them. But there's no such thing as Old Money, here, nor is there a cult of progress, nor is there a protestant work ethic. There's, maybe, a "rugged suburbanism" for what used to be rugged individualism, and a whole lot of wheeling-and-dealing. Plenty of flim-flam men, and the local authorities will often be seen in a cowboy hat. I don't know.

I like it here though.

[mossy-covered-bones]

I absolutely cannot contribute my fair share to an architecture discussion as I know 0 about it but I would be 100% happy to listen

No thats totally fine i spent almost two hours rambling w my mom abt sociopolitical associations of some styles and she isnt too familiar either

But uh. I have many opinions i would love to share. On roofs and silhouettes. Gods i have so many thoughts about roofs

I will say the passion projects ive done have focused on the us and the western influences so my familiarity w architecture is very eurocentric but alas

First off: im generally a fan of gabled roofs. I like the triangles. Around 20 degrees is probably ideal

Also like. Look at this house its beautiful. Italianate fucks so hard, look at those windows! The tower!

Italianate actually tends towards really shallow hipped roofs, which i really love. Im not a huge fan of hipped roofs but the low angles + floor variation really sells it

Places hipped roofs do NOT look cool are the steeper angles in more uniform roofs, like in the classic ranch style shapes. Look at them. Wheres the flavor. These guys never even have covered porches, just garages too big for the building theyre attached to. I have mixed feelings abt ranch style

Like look how much flavor suburban houses add to their roofs. Yes suburbs objectively suck and only the street side looks good but the street side looks Very Good. All the gables and the intersections between the two different directions and that nice shaped dormer on the left. Huge fan of gabled dormers, the slanted roofed ones just dont hit the same

Also, and dont hate me for this, but i dont like craftsman style houses. Look at them. Their roofs arent as steep as suburban houses, w the 35-45 degree roofs necessary to provide enough variation between the many sections. Theyre just less interesting and so overdone—its like every western states upper middle class nuclear family ever, yknow? The style and colors have so little variation. You can do better, more inspired styles with those large wooden beams

Okay but back to silhouettes—one thing that never fails to improve a building are towers. Just look at the square italianate towers above, and look at the romantic area ~ideal fantasy castle~

(Fun fact the second picture is schloss newschwannstein. Ive been there its awesome and they really lean in ti the romantic aesthetic)

Like they add these nice little variations in form and height, rounded areas in seas of rectangles, and theyve got those awesome pointed roofs. Whats not to love, towers never lose. Also i just really love romantic architecture

Plus like. Scottish baronial style? Its romantic AND victorian inspired. Doesnt get any sexier than that

Look at the roof lines, the formers, the shapes. And those little tower protrusions on the right one, the tourelles? Those look so cool and theyve VERY typical to this style i love it. I love all the little variations of romanticism, especially the quainter Arts and Crafts style the gardens are always so beautiful

I am unfortunately out of image space so uh. Please feel free to ask me follow up questions! I love talking abt this shit and i have SO many opinions. And i love talking in general

Im trying ti get better at identifying styles rn too so lotsa wikipedia and photos its great

[rebeccakeyte]

Textual Analysis: “True Blue” music video by Boygenius

Still from the music video for ”True Blue’ by Boygenius, 2023, directed by Kristen Stewart 

The above still shows three adult women, Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers, the three members of Boygenius. They are stood in a living room in what appears to be a pleasantly decorated, middle class, suburban home, that however has deep blue paint messily splattered all over the walls, floor and furniture. The three women are all wearing white t shirts, with Baker and Dacus both wearing black formal looking trousers and Bridgers wearing blue boxer shorts. Their clothes, hands, faces and hair are also stained with splotches of the blue paint, as they all gaze off into different directions. 

The colour blue traditionally holds masculine connotations in western culture, as does the concept of DIY or home decoration, particularly seen as a man or husbands duty in the house in a typical American Dream-esque nuclear family. The clothing of the three women further convey traditionally masculine themes; formal suit trousers and boxer shorts, typically items that would be seen worn by men. This illustrates challenging gender role stereotypes.

Additionally, the fact that the wall painting project appears to be done in a messy and unpolished manner is also unconventional, as we are used to seeing walls painted neatly and professionally, especially walls inside well kept, family homes. Paint, as an object signifies creativity or art, therefore the messy way in which it has been used could represent risk taking and unusual elements to a creative process or piece of art. The women all looking off into different directions tells us that they are individuals with different perspectives, however also similar and unified by their similar clothing and shared stained blue paint covering them. 

Bex Keyte 

[xtruss]

Photo Booth: A Double View of the World From Inside Mosques! — In Marwan Bassiouni’s “New Western Views,” the Windows of Muslim Houses of Worship Provide an Unfamiliar Framing For Ordinary Sights.

— By M. Z. Adnan | February 27, 2023

Photographs by Marwan Bassiouni

Marwan Bassiouni’s Photographs in “New Western Views” capture two places at once. Each picture in the series was taken inside a mosque, with the camera pointing toward the windows to reveal the buildings or landscapes beyond. But the pictures give equal weight to the interiors of the mosques themselves, which might be colorful or muted, ornate or spare. Bassiouni began the series in the Netherlands, in 2018, touring the country to visit some seventy mosques while attending art school in the Hague. (A book of those images, “New Dutch Views,” was published in 2019.) Two years ago, he expanded his travels to the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Bassiouni told me recently that he sees the project as an act of portraiture. “I’m photographing spaces that, in a way, have a soul,” he said.

Bassiouni was born in Switzerland, in 1985, to an Egyptian father and an American mother. The nearest mosque was about thirty minutes away, in Geneva—he visited twice a year during Eid and for the occasional Friday prayers. He was not a practicing Muslim until the age of twenty-four, around the time that his interest in photography began. He was working in a restaurant at a ski resort, in the Swiss Alps, and living on its premises. Left alone each evening at the top of the mountain after the other employees left, he began photographing the view with his three-megapixel phone camera. Later, he assisted a commercial photographer on fashion shoots, and then worked as a documentary filmmaker for a human-rights organization focussed on the Middle East, a gig that coincided with the Arab Spring. In making photographs that simultaneously depict both the inside of mosques and their outside environments, he was interested in engaging with popular perceptions of Islam. In the easily suggestible Western imagination, the mosque has often been cast as a site of sinister machinations. Bassiouni’s images offer an alternative gaze from within, with the windows of the prayer rooms providing an unfamiliar framing for ordinary sights: a row of suburban houses; the parking lot of a supermarket, flanked by a red bus in London; looming apartment towers; a sports pitch; a highway; a church.

Bassiouni’s approach is informed by the aesthetic values of Islamic art, such as the importance ascribed to geometry, and the notion of euphony with regard to the poetics of the Quran. Every photograph is made with natural lighting and with two exposures, one for the inside and one for the outside space. The images are then combined digitally to produce a scene that corresponds as closely as possible to what appears in reality. “From the Islamic perspective, you’re trying to respect the way things are created,” he said. “So you wouldn’t want to change things, and you wouldn’t be able to do it better. There’s a natural balance and harmony.” Some of the images bring to mind the precision of Indo-Persian miniature paintings, in which elaborate scenes are encased within intricate borders.

Elsewhere, the interior spaces are palimpsests, bearing the quiet traces of previous tenants. In the United Kingdom, Bassiouni has photographed mosques that were formerly cinemas, churches, pubs, night clubs, gentlemen’s clubs, working men’s clubs—their floors now replaced with plush carpets in sapphire or crimson, walls adorned with minarets and Quranic verses. Clues of these past lives are mostly long buried, but occasionally one can identify an old radiator or wood panelling. A wall painted in lime green evokes the possibility of psychedelic forebears.

To view the photographs is to be engulfed in these mysteries. For exhibitions the images are presented at large scale to approximate the experience of being inside the spaces peering out, allowing viewers to imagine that they, too, are standing among the congregants in the room. Ultimately, Bassiouni hopes that audiences will forget that they are looking at a photo. Perhaps they might also forget that there is a separation between the two elements of each photograph, and see that the mosque is as much a part of the landscape as the church or grocery store it looks out on, enmeshed in the mélange of the architecture beyond and the lives that are led there. Bassiouni recalled a recent visit to a mosque in the Swiss canton of Valais at sunset, during the Maghrib prayer. The space was housed in a multipurpose industrial building, whose other rooms were rented out to various businesses. As the prayer concluded, the sound of upbeat music could be distantly heard. In another room, an aerobics class was beginning.

[thebigrideproject]

The significance of this corner of America

Hello again everyone!

I’d like to take this time to talk about the route of the project this summer. I plan to set out from my hometown where I now live and work (Houghton, MI) and head south. I will follow the Lake Michigan coast through Wisconsin, occasionally drifting in-land for certain story gathering opportunities, and then ride through the urban centers of Milwaukee and ultimately Chicago IL. Three states, over 450 miles.

Then, I plan to return through the middle of Wisconsin, starting through Madison and work my way through what I would describe as “fly-over dairy country”. Eventually, this will take me back to Houghton, this time slightly more west through the palm-heel of the Upper Peninsula (y’all Yoopers know what I’m talking about. If not, here’s a handy dandy guide below). Again, over 450 miles.

Figure 1: I've lived roughly around both thumbs! (michiganmittens.com)

There are a couple of ways this route is significant.

Its Significance as a Microcosm

The three states have fundamentally different social and political identities, even more so when you consider the chunks of the Upper Peninsula and Illinois I will be visiting. The Western Upper Peninsula is a deeply rural place, with expanses of northern woods occasionally cut by small towns or farms. Chicago is of course Chicago, one of the densest urban centers in the world, complete with suburban sprawl that extends into southeast Wisconsin. Both cultures tend to match the spaces: politically red in the UP, and politically blue in Chicago.

Between them lies the expanse of Wisconsin. A politically divided battleground swing state. In very few other places in the country can we see battles based on beliefs, politics, and ideology play out so openly. In a state with strong right-wing conservatism through its central and northern expanse to its urban/suburban blue in the southeast to the liberal center of Madison, not to mention the close engagement in the West with blue Minneapolis, MN… Wisconsin is a place where the ideas at the heart of this study, such as abortion rights and DEI are fought tooth and nail in legislation, libraries, universities, and communities themselves.

All this diversity within a single space we call “The Midwest”. The Midwest has long held the reputation as a place that can predict the trajectory of the nation, given the representation of views that are neither overwhelmingly left (e.g. New England and the West Coast) nor overwhelmingly right (e.g. The South).

It is a microcosm of us, the US. When we as a country are at war with ourselves, those frontlines are established, built, and fought over in the Midwest. Its significance to this study cannot be overstated.

Its Personal and Emotional Significance

I grew up here. I had family in Chicago. We made this drive countless times when I was young. Even though it was three states, it was our space, our place.

Today, Chicago is where the only airport that services our dinky little one terminal airport is. If we don’t fly to or through Chicago, we’re driving there.

My sister lives in Madison. My brother lives in Chicago. I live in Houghton.

My life and memories bind me to this route: Houghton to Chicago, through Wisconsin, and back. An 8-hour drive (approximately) where I saw the world through a backseat window. Just as it is a socio-political microcosm, it is also a personal microcosm. Through the window I saw a world that shifted from the northern forests to the agricultural fields and then to the suburban sprawls and urban centers, a shift in sense and sentiment one needed to breathe to understand.

In this place now where I am raising a family, I find that I’m not sure I understand it anymore. This is a personal pilgrimage of sorts, to find not just the soul of a people “fighting the good fight”, but also to find my, and my family’s, place within it.

[estateedge]

3 Key Factors to Consider Before Buying an Apartment in Western Mumbai

Western Mumbai is one of the most sought-after real estate markets in India, offering a range of investment opportunities for homebuyers. With numerous residential projects available, selecting the right apartment requires careful evaluation. Since every buyer has unique preferences, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, understanding certain critical factors can help make an informed decision. Here are three essential aspects to consider before investing in an apartment in Western Mumbai.

Prime Location and Connectivity The location of an apartment plays a vital role in determining its value, convenience, and overall quality of life. An ideal location should offer seamless connectivity through suburban railway stations, metro lines, and major road networks, ensuring hassle-free commuting. Choosing areas with minimal congestion can significantly improve daily travel experiences. Proximity to essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and shopping centers is another key factor. In Western Mumbai, locations like Andheri, Bandra, and Dahisar provide excellent connectivity while also ensuring a balanced lifestyle.

Property Prices and Builder Credibility Western Mumbai commands premium real estate prices, with multiple projects catering to different budget segments. Understanding price trends and evaluating options within a reasonable budget can help buyers make the right choice. Additionally, selecting a project developed by a reputed builder is crucial. Many apartments in Western Mumbai, including those in Dahisar, are developed by both established and emerging developers. Verifying a developer’s track record, checking for RERA registration, and ensuring timely project delivery can minimize risks. For those considering a 2 BHK in Dahisar, confirming that amenities align with the promised brochure details is essential.

Apartment Features and Investment Potential A well-designed apartment should prioritize proper ventilation, natural lighting, and a secure living environment. Gated communities with modern amenities, green spaces, and recreational facilities enhance the overall living experience. Additionally, considering the investment potential is crucial. Upcoming infrastructure projects, improved connectivity, and commercial developments in Western Mumbai can contribute to long-term property appreciation. Areas witnessing business growth and IT park developments tend to offer better resale value, making them attractive for both end-users and investors.

Final Thoughts Investing in an apartment in Western Mumbai requires thorough research and careful consideration. By prioritizing location, assessing property prices and builder reputation, and ensuring the apartment meets lifestyle and investment needs, buyers can make a confident and rewarding decision.

[hiimanshiiitsolutions]

Flats for Sale in Vasai-Virar, Maharashtra:

A Growing Real Estate Hub If you're on the lookout for flats for sale in Vasai-Virar, Maharashtra, you're in the right place. This region has become one of the most sought-after locations for homebuyers in recent years. Offering a blend of affordability, convenience, and potential for future growth, Vasai-Virar is attracting people from various walks of life—be it working professionals, families, or investors.

A Rapidly Developing Area Vasai-Virar, situated on the outskirts of Mumbai, is part of the Palghar district in Maharashtra. It has seen significant growth over the past few years, both in terms of infrastructure and real estate development. Vasai, a major part of the area, is a coastal town with easy access to essential amenities like schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and entertainment hubs. Virar, a neighboring town, has also witnessed a steady rise in residential projects, offering buyers a variety of options when it comes to flats for sale in Vasai-Virar, Maharashtra.

While Vasai-Virar has always been an attractive choice for those seeking a quieter and more suburban lifestyle, it has become even more desirable as the demand for affordable housing in Mumbai and its periphery continues to rise. Properties in Vasai-Virar offer more space at lower prices compared to Mumbai, making it a practical choice for many.

Connectivity and Accessibility One of the key factors driving the demand for flats for sale in Vasai-Virar, Maharashtra is the area's excellent connectivity. Located just 50 kilometers from Mumbai, Vasai-Virar is well-connected to the city by road and rail. The Vasai Road railway station serves as a crucial link to the Western Railway line, making commuting to Mumbai relatively easy.

Additionally, with the ongoing development of the Vasai-Virar-Bhiwandi-Kalyan (VVBK) highway and other infrastructural projects, the region is poised for even better connectivity. This has made Vasai-Virar an attractive option for people who work in Mumbai but prefer to live in a less crowded, more affordable area. The availability of buses, local trains, and taxi services further enhances the accessibility of this region.

Affordable Housing Options In recent years, the demand for flats for sale in Vasai-Virar, Maharashtra, has surged, largely due to the affordability factor. The cost of living in this area is significantly lower than in Mumbai, with property prices remaining comparatively reasonable. You can find 1BHK, 2BHK, and even 3BHK flats at affordable rates, which makes it an excellent choice for first-time homebuyers.

For those looking for budget-friendly options, Vasai-Virar offers a range of flats with basic amenities such as parking spaces, security systems, and nearby markets. More premium developments also offer luxury apartments with facilities like gyms, swimming pools, landscaped gardens, and clubhouses. This variety ensures that there's something for everyone in the region, no matter your budget or preferences.

Growing Infrastructure and Facilities The growth of infrastructure in Vasai-Virar is a key reason why the area is becoming a real estate hotspot. Over the last few years, several modern residential complexes have sprung up in the area, equipped with top-notch amenities and modern designs. Additionally, there are ongoing and upcoming projects to improve road networks, drainage systems, and sewage treatment facilities.

The presence of good schools, healthcare centers, and retail outlets further increases the appeal of flats for sale in Vasai-Virar, Maharashtra. The region is home to renowned educational institutions, medical facilities, and shopping malls, making it an ideal place for families to settle in.

The Future of Vasai-Virar Real Estate The future of the real estate market in Vasai-Virar looks promising, with the region expected to experience continued growth. As Mumbai's population increases and the need for affordable housing intensifies, areas like Vasai-Virar are likely to become more popular. The upcoming infrastructure projects, such as the Virar-Alibaug Multi-Modal Corridor and the Virar-Dahisar corridor, will further enhance connectivity and make the region even more accessible to the larger Mumbai metropolitan area.

Moreover, the government's focus on developing affordable housing in suburban areas is expected to benefit buyers looking for flats for sale in Vasai-Virar, Maharashtra. Investors are also eyeing the region, anticipating that property values will increase as the area's infrastructure and amenities continue to improve.

Conclusion In summary, Vasai-Virar in Maharashtra is quickly becoming one of the most promising real estate destinations for homebuyers. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking for an affordable home, a family searching for a peaceful and convenient location, or an investor seeking to tap into a growing market, flats for sale in Vasai-Virar, Maharashtra, offer an ideal solution.

With its unbeatable affordability, strong connectivity to Mumbai, growing infrastructure, and overall charm, Vasai-Virar presents an incredible opportunity to own a home in one of the most rapidly developing regions of Maharashtra. If you're considering a move or investment in this area, now may be the perfect time to explore the flats available for sale in Vasai-Virar.

[realestateinsight1]

Sunteck Oneworld: Transforming Naigaon East into Mumbai's Next Real Estate Hotspot

Naigaon East - The Emerging Real Estate Gem of Mumbai

Naigaon East is rapidly evolving into one of Mumbai’s most promising real estate destinations. Strategically located within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), this area is gaining traction due to its excellent connectivity, strategic location, and proximity to key hubs. Sunteck Realty, a leader in luxury and integrated township projects, has been instrumental in shaping Naigaon's transformation. At the heart of this transformation is Sunteck Oneworld, a landmark project set to redefine suburban living.

The Vision Behind Sunteck Oneworld: A New Era in Naigaon

Sunteck Oneworld is more than just a residential development—it is a vision to create a modern, self-sustained township.

Integrated Township Concept: This project emphasizes holistic living, combining residential, retail, recreational, and green spaces within a single community.

Redefining Suburban Living: Sunteck Realty is elevating Naigaon's profile by offering an urban experience tailored to contemporary homebuyers.

Innovative Architectural Designs and Sustainable Features

Sunteck Oneworld boasts innovative architectural elements and sustainable practices.

Modern Design: With sleek, contemporary architecture, the project offers both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Eco-Friendly Features: Sustainable construction materials, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient designs make the project environmentally responsible.

Comparison: Unlike traditional developments in Naigaon, Sunteck Oneworld stands out with its focus on innovation and sustainability.

The Impact of Sunteck Oneworld on Local Infrastructure

The launch of Sunteck Oneworld has catalyzed significant infrastructural improvements in Naigaon East.

Enhanced Connectivity: Close to Naigaon Railway Station, the project offers seamless access to the Western Line. Future infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Metro Line 10 and the Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor will further improve connectivity.

Social Infrastructure: The area is witnessing the development of schools, healthcare facilities, and retail spaces, driven by the project's presence.

Economic Growth: The influx of new residents is creating job opportunities and boosting local businesses.

Luxury Amenities and Lifestyle Enhancements Offered

Sunteck Oneworld provides an unparalleled living experience through state-of-the-art amenities:

Lifestyle: Amenities such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, gymnasium, landscaped gardens, and children’s play areas cater to families and professionals alike.

Housing Options: The project offers thoughtfully designed 1 BHK and 2 BHK flats in Naigaon, perfect for first-time buyers and small families.

Comparison: Few projects in Naigaon East rival the level of amenities and quality provided by Sunteck Oneworld.

Sunteck Oneworld: Customer Reviews and Feedback

Sunteck Oneworld has garnered a mix of positive reviews and constructive feedback.

Positive Feedback: Residents appreciate the township’s location, modern amenities, and spacious layouts.

Addressing Complaints: Sunteck Realty has been proactive in addressing customer concerns, such as project timelines or service requests, ensuring a satisfactory resolution.

Overall Sentiment: The project’s reputation is bolstered by its commitment to quality and customer service.

Future Prospects: What's Next for Real Estate in Naigaon?

The future of Naigaon East’s real estate market looks incredibly bright:

Infrastructure Boom: Ongoing projects like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train and Metro extensions will further enhance connectivity.

Appreciation Potential: With prices still competitive, investing in Sunteck Oneworld offers high ROI as the area develops.

Vision for Naigaon: Sunteck Realty’s continued involvement ensures the region’s growth into a premium residential hub.

Sunteck Oneworld - A Game-Changer for Naigaon East

Sunteck Oneworld is more than just a residential project; it is a transformative development reshaping Naigaon East into Mumbai’s next real estate hotspot. With its strategic location, luxury amenities, and sustainable design, the project offers a compelling option for homebuyers and investors. As Naigaon continues to grow, Sunteck Oneworld stands as a beacon of modern suburban living.

[phenterminetoxic]

Cladding Costs in the UK: Everything You Need to Know

Cladding has become an integral part of modern building design, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. Whether you are renovating your home or embarking on a new construction project, understanding the costs associated with cladding is crucial. This article delves into the details of cladding boards, the popularity of timber cladding, the importance of sourcing from a reliable timber store in the UK, and the factors influencing cladding exterior costs.

What is Cladding?

Cladding refers to the application of one material over another to provide an extra layer of protection and aesthetic appeal. It is widely used on the exterior of buildings to enhance durability, insulation, and overall visual appeal. Among the various types of cladding materials, cladding boards and timber cladding are particularly popular in the UK for their versatility and natural charm.

Types of Cladding Materials

In the UK, homeowners and builders have several options when it comes to cladding materials. From traditional brick to innovative composites, the choice depends on budget, desired appearance, and maintenance requirements. However, timber cladding remains a favourite for those seeking a rustic and natural look. Cladding boards, made from wood or composites, are available in different textures, sizes, and finishes, making them adaptable to diverse architectural styles.

Timber Cladding

Timber cladding is renowned for its eco-friendly properties and timeless beauty. It is sourced from sustainable forests and treated to resist weathering, pests, and rot. Many homeowners in the UK prefer timber cladding for its ability to blend seamlessly with natural surroundings, especially in rural and suburban settings. The cost of timber cladding varies depending on the type of wood, such as cedar, oak, or larch, and whether it is pre-treated or untreated.

Composite Cladding Boards

Composite cladding boards are an alternative to natural wood, made from a mix of recycled materials and polymers. These boards are designed to mimic the appearance of wood while offering enhanced durability and low maintenance. While slightly more expensive upfront, composite cladding boards are cost-effective in the long run due to their longevity and minimal upkeep requirements.

Factors Influencing Cladding Costs

The cost of cladding your home’s exterior can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a closer look:

Material Choice

The type of cladding material you choose plays a significant role in the overall cost. Natural materials like timber cladding often cost more than synthetic options but provide unmatched aesthetics. Composite cladding boards are a popular middle ground, offering durability and a wide range of design options.

Size of the Area

The total area to be clad directly affects the cost. Larger surfaces require more material and labour, increasing expenses. Precise measurements and a clear understanding of your project’s scale are essential for accurate cost estimation.

Installation Complexity

The complexity of the installation process can also influence costs. Intricate designs, multiple angles, and challenging heights may require skilled labour, which comes at a premium. Choosing professional installers from a trusted timber store in the UK ensures high-quality results.

Finishing and Maintenance

Post-installation treatments, such as staining or painting, add to the cost of cladding exterior. Maintenance requirements should also be factored in. While natural timber cladding may require periodic treatment to retain its appearance, composite cladding boards are virtually maintenance-free.

Thermo Ayous 20 x 144mm Channel Groove Vertical ST6.TA

Key Features

Thermally modified for stability and class leading durability

Almost defect free

Consistant colour and grain

Very light weight

Western Red Cedar 18 x 144mm Channel Groove ST6

Key Features

Natural Beauty: A stunning array of warm hues, from light amber to rich browns, and a fine, straight grain.

Durability: Naturally resistant to decay, moisture, and insects.

Versatility: Suitable for vertical fit, enhancing the visual height of your design.

Sustainability: PEFC Certified. Sourced from sustainably managed forests. An eco-friendly choice.

Easy to Work With: Lightweight and easy to cut, simplifies the installation process.

Modern Channel Groove Profile: Features a prominent, interlocking channel, or groove, that runs vertically along the edge of each board creating a fashionable shadow line effect, and a secure fit.

Range of Lengths: Full range of lengths in stock, available to select from the board length list.

The Role of Timber Stores in the UK

Selecting a reputable timber store in the UK is critical for obtaining high-quality cladding materials. These stores offer a range of cladding boards, including premium timber cladding, to suit diverse needs and budgets. A reliable timber store in the UK also provides expert advice on material selection, installation techniques, and maintenance tips, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Benefits of Buying from a Timber Store in the UK

Quality Assurance: Trusted timber stores offer certified products that meet stringent quality standards.

Wide Range: From natural woods to composites, you’ll find a variety of cladding boards to match your project requirements.

Expert Guidance: Experienced staff can help you choose the best timber cladding for your home’s exterior.

Sustainability: Many stores prioritise eco-friendly sourcing, supporting sustainable forestry practices.

Why Choose Timber Cladding?

Timber cladding remains a preferred choice for many homeowners in the UK due to its natural appeal and versatility. It can be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, offering a range of design possibilities. Additionally, timber cladding is an excellent insulator, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.

Cost of Timber Cladding

The cost of timber cladding typically ranges from £20 to £50 per square metre, depending on the wood type and treatment. Cedar, known for its durability and striking appearance, is often more expensive than larch or pine. Installation costs can add an additional £10 to £20 per square metre. Sourcing your materials from a trusted timber store in the UK ensures you get value for money.

FAQs

How Much Does Cladding Exterior Cost?

The cost of cladding exterior varies widely depending on material, labour, and project size. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between £50 and £200 per square metre. For accurate pricing, consult a professional and consider sourcing materials from a reputable timber store in the UK.

Are Cladding Boards Durable?

Yes, high-quality cladding boards are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and maintain their appearance over time. Composite cladding boards are especially durable, requiring minimal maintenance compared to natural wood.

Why is Timber Cladding Popular in the UK?

Timber cladding is highly sought after for its aesthetic appeal, sustainability, and insulating properties. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners looking to enhance their property’s exterior while supporting eco-friendly practices.

How Do I Maintain Timber Cladding?

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and applying protective treatments, is essential to prolong the lifespan of timber cladding. Many timber stores in the UK offer advice and products to help you keep your cladding in excellent condition.

Where Can I Buy High-Quality Cladding Boards?

A trusted timber store in the UK is the best place to purchase premium cladding boards. These stores provide a wide selection of materials, expert guidance, and competitive pricing to ensure your project’s success.

Conclusion

Cladding is a vital aspect of any building project, influencing both the appearance and performance of your home. Whether you choose natural timber cladding or modern composite cladding boards, understanding the costs and factors involved is key to making informed decisions. By sourcing materials from a reliable timber store in the UK, you can ensure a high-quality finish that enhances your property’s value and appeal. With careful planning and the right resources, your cladding exterior project can be a worthwhile investment that stands the test of time.