DESIGN

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT

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HIT ME HARD AND SOFT [ALBUM]

Billie Eilish has revealed details on her highly anticipated third studio album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT which will see its global release on May 17 via Darkroom/Interscope Records.

Her most daring body of work to date, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT is a diverse yet cohesive collection of songs, ideally listened to in its entirety from beginning to end. The album does exactly as the title suggests: hits you hard and soft both lyrically and sonically while bending genres and defying trends along the way. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT journeys through a vast and expansive audio landscape, immersing listeners into a full spectrum of emotions. It’s what the multiple GRAMMY® and Academy Award winner does best, continuing to affirm Billie Eilish as the most exciting songwriter of her time.

Pre-order/add/save HIT ME HARD AND SOFT HERE.

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT was written by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS, her brother and long-time collaborator, who also produced the album. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT will be available on all digital platforms, and in a continued effort to minimize waste and combat climate change; across all physical formats in limited variants on the same day, with the same track-listing and using 100% recyclable materials. For more information on all sustainable practices for this album release, please visit the official website.

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT is out everywhere on May 17.

DOLCE&GABBANA HIGH-RISE

Dolce&Gabbana unveiled 888 Brickell, its first real estate project in Miami, in collaboration with developer JDS Development Group. The project will be the tallest building in the city at 1,049 feet (319.74 meters). 888 features 259 custom residences interior designed comprehensively by Dolce&Gabbana, and a 5-star hotel — altogether a place to savor the splendor of luxury, and to experience the authentic Dolce&Gabbana lifestyle in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

The façade, designed in collaboration with architects Studio Sofield, features an elegant and restrained combination of ivory travertine and matte black steel beams that give the building an expressly vertical appearance, setting it far apart from its neighbors.

Each of the 259 residences, encompassing a range from 1-4 bedrooms, is meticulously curated by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. From bespoke hardware and rare wood and stone species to impeccably tailored furniture and hand-crafted millwork, Dolce&Gabbana brings its signature glamour and grace to every square inch of the residences at 888.

Dolce&Gabbana and JDS Development conceived, designed, and programmed every inch of the 115,000 square feet of amenities throughout the property. The idea is to just show up, and everything is taken care of. From the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, every whim and desire is anticipated.

“Dolce&Gabbana is the perfect partner to realize this new chapter and future vision for our iconic tower. The global fashion house’s pursuit of quality and detail in design — together with their ability to create a beautiful world of authentic lifestyle filled with incredible hospitality — ensures we are absolutely embarking on a successful, creative journey for our future residents and visitors alike.”—Michael Stern, developer

The Specs + Amenities

1049 feet

90 stories

259 units

1 to 4 bedrooms

44ft lap pool

hot & cold plunge

indoor padel court

golf simulator

IV therapy

massages

meeting rooms

office suites

screening room

theater space

wine cellar

juice bar

signature restaurant

Price Point

$3.5 to 35 million

NOW SELLING PRE-CONSTRUCTION FOR 2027 DELIVERY

CONTACT HOPE GAINER INTERNATIONAL TO SELECT YOUR DOLCE & GABBANA RESIDENCE

Dolce&Gabbana high-rise in Miami via 360 MAGAZINE.

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Exploring the Benefits of Bifacial Solar Panels

In the quest for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, the spotlight is increasingly turning towards bifacial solar panels. As the world leans more into renewable energy sources, solar panels have become a beacon of hope in addressing environmental challenges and energy security. Bifacial solar panels, a remarkable advancement in solar technology, promise to elevate the efficiency and feasibility of harnessing solar energy. This article delves into the multifaceted benefits of bifacial solar panels, highlighting how they shine brighter and enable smarter savings compared to traditional solar panel systems.

What Are Bifacial Solar Panels?

Bifacial solar panels are designed to capture sunlight from both sides, as opposed to the single-faced photovoltaic (PV) panels that have been the industry standard. This dual-sided design allows them to absorb sunlight not only directly from the sun but also reflected light from the surrounding environment. Made with transparent back layers, bifacial panels can utilize albedo (reflected sunlight) from the ground or other reflective surfaces, significantly increasing their energy production capacity.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

The hallmark benefit of bifacial solar panels is their superior energy efficiency. By harvesting sunlight from both sides, these panels can produce up to 30% more electricity than their monofacial counterparts under optimal conditions. This increased efficiency is particularly beneficial in areas with high solar irradiance and significant ground reflection, such as snow-covered landscapes or regions with light-colored ground cover.

Durability and Longevity

Bifacial solar panels are not just about increased power output; they are also built to last. The materials used in bifacial panels are typically more durable than those in traditional solar panels, contributing to a longer lifespan and better resistance to environmental wear and tear. This durability translates to a more reliable energy source over time, with reduced maintenance costs and fewer replacements needed.

Cost-Effectiveness

While bifacial solar panels may have a higher initial cost compared to traditional panels, their enhanced efficiency and longer operational life make them a cost-effective solution in the long run. The ability to generate more electricity from the same amount of space can significantly reduce energy costs, making them an attractive option for both residential and commercial solar energy systems. As production scales up and technology advances, the cost of bifacial solar panels is expected to continue decreasing, further enhancing their economic appeal.

Versatility and Aesthetic Appeal

Bifacial solar panels offer greater versatility in installation and design. They can be mounted on various surfaces, including rooftops, ground-mounted systems, and even as part of building facades or sound barriers, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Additionally, their transparent nature and sleek design can integrate more seamlessly into different architectural styles, providing an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional solar panels.

Environmental Impact

The increased efficiency of bifacial solar panels also translates to a more significant environmental benefit. By maximizing electricity production from the same solar installation footprint, bifacial panels reduce the need for additional land, materials, and energy required for larger solar farms. This efficiency helps lower the carbon footprint of solar energy production, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability.

Conclusion

Bifacial solar panels represent a significant step forward in solar technology, offering a blend of increased efficiency, durability, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and environmental benefits. As the world continues to search for sustainable and reliable energy solutions, these panels provide an innovative approach to maximizing the potential of solar energy. By investing in bifacial solar technology, individuals and businesses can shine brighter and save smarter, paving the way towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

FAQs

What are bifacial solar panels?

Bifacial solar panels are advanced solar panels designed to capture sunlight from both their front and back sides. Unlike traditional solar panels that only collect sunlight from one surface, bifacial panels increase energy production by utilizing the sunlight that reflects off the ground or other surfaces onto their rear side.

How do bifacial solar panels work?

Bifacial solar panels work by using cells that are capable of converting light to electricity from both sides. They are typically installed with a gap between the panel and the mounting surface to allow light to reach the back side. The panels can capture direct sunlight on the front and reflected sunlight on the back, leading to increased energy generation.

What are the main benefits of using bifacial solar panels?

The primary benefits of bifacial solar panels include enhanced energy efficiency, increased durability, cost-effectiveness over time, aesthetic appeal, and versatility in installation. They can generate more electricity in the same space as traditional panels, have a longer lifespan, and offer a sleek, modern look that can blend well with various architectural styles.

Hardwell + Apple

Renowned DJ and producer Hardwell announces an exciting collaboration with tech giant Apple to unveil an innovative Producer Pack, set to revolutionise music production for aspiring artists and seasoned professionals alike. Scheduled for release on March 21,2024, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in the world of electronic music production.

Hardwell expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I’m excited to share some very BIG NEWS! It’s been over a year in the making, but I can finally reveal one of the biggest projects I’ve had the pleasure of working on.My new collaboration with @Apple is a unique producer pack that offers users a gamut of sounds, presets, and so much more. Also, and best of all, the pack is available as a free download in GarageBand for iOS and Logic Pro for iPad. You will be able to find it in Logic Pro for Mac in a future update as well. I’m super proud of this project, and I want to thank Apple for this opportunity and collaboration. I hope it will inspire you and a whole new generation of creators to have fun with their music creativity!”

The Hardwell Producer Pack, meticulously curated by the acclaimed artist himself, offers users access to a diverse array of sounds, presets, and tools to fuel their creative endeavours.From dynamic synths to pulsating bass lines, this comprehensive collection empowers musicians to explore new sonic territories and craft their signature sound with ease.

Compatible with GarageBand for iOS and Logic Pro for iPad, the Hardwell Producer Pack seamlessly integrates into users’ existing workflows, allowing for seamless creation and experimentation on-the-go. Additionally, users can expect to find the pack available in Logic Pro for Mac in an upcoming update, ensuring accessibility across all platforms.

Hardwell’s collaboration withApple represents a ground-breaking initiative to democratize music production and inspire a new generation of creators to unleash their musical potential. By offering this innovative Producer Pack as a free download, Hardwell and Apple aim to foster a vibrant community of artists who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

The Hardwell Producer Pack is available for download in GarageBand for iOS and Logic Pro for iPad. Stay tunedfor updates on its availability in Logic Pro for Mac.

For more on Apple visit:

Website

For more on Hardwell visit:

Website| Facebook | Instagram| Spotify

Zeitz MOCAA Gala

Zeitz MOCAA was the center of the art world this past weekend as artists, collectors, philanthropists, and celebrities from around the world convened in Cape Town for the museum’s annual fundraising gala. The event was a spectacular celebration of art excellence kicking off Cape Town Art Week. The event mood and decor was designed by acclaimed artist Athi-Patra Ruga. The Gala featured an exclusive auction, showcasing works from revered artists, all aimed at raising funds to support the museum’s curatorial and education programming.

Speaking on the occasion, Koyo Kouoh, the museum’s Executive Director and Chief Curator, expressed gratitude to all attendees “I am honoured to have the continued support of the individuals and organisations who participated in this year’s Gala. It is vital in furthering our mission of promoting excellence in contemporary art.”

The Gala was a visual explosion of light, color, and glamour, taking inspiration from the rich artistic vision of world-renowned South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga, who conceptualised this year’s gala scenography. The museum’s iconic silo interior was transformed into a spectacular canvas of art with his uniquely camp and polychromatic style, immersing guests in a world of creativity and innovation. The signature Heatherwick cushion-windows of the museum have been altered to resemble Ruga’s innovative works in stained glass that glamorise and deify figures typically marginalised on the basis of their Blackness, queerness, and/or femmeness. Broken up into irregular sections of opalescent colours, the windows cast rainbows into Zeitz MOCAA and onto guests, transporting them to a utopian fantasy space that is overflowing with ornate flower arrangements and populated with luminous African wildlife that gallops across the silos on the sixth-floor terrace where Ruga’s video piece Public Service Announcement (2014) was projected.

Professionals from the realms of media, art, and entertainment graced the event, including media personality and businesswoman Bonang Matheba, contemporary multimedia visual artist Trevor Stuurman, musician Boity Thulo, and performer and curator Manthe Ribane amongst others. Renowned South African model and businesswoman Jo-Ann Strauss served as the host for the evening, while guests were treated to soulful performances by South African singer-songwriter Simphiwe Dana and Capetonian artist Nobuhle Ashanti.

Highlighting the evening were the presentations of the prestigious Honorary Award for Artistic Excellence and the Honorary Award for Philanthropic Achievement. This year, these honors were bestowed upon artist Wangechi Mutu and collector Louis Norval, respectively, whose contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of contemporary art in Africa.

A key feature of the Gala was an exclusive live virtual art auction facilitated by Strauss & Co, featuring works generously donated by internationally recognised artists, William Kentridge, Senzeni Marasela, Mary Evans, Zandile Tshabalala, Unathi Mkonto, Kemang Wa Lehulere, Abdoulaye Konaté, and Alfredo Jaar. All artworks were sold, and the auction exceeded expectations, raising a phenomenal R2’120’000. All proceeds from the Gala and Exclusive Auction benefit Zeitz MOCAA’s curatorial and education programs.

The Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2024 not only celebrated the richness and diversity of contemporary art but also served as a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and philanthropy. The Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2024 is proudly supported by Gucci, BMW, Strauss & Co, Ruinart, Viviers Studio, Hatem Imam at Studio Safar, Tandym Print PTY (ltd) with print facilitation by Philip Kannemeyer, Condé Nast South Africa, Hazendal Wines, and Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO).

LuisaViaRoma + Mithridate

LuisaViaRoma and Mithridate celebrated the launch of an exclusive capsule collection with an intimate dinner in Paris.

Held during Paris Fashion Week, at the historical Bastille Design Center, the night featured a special welcome cocktail followed by an intimate dinner for around 80 guests from all over the world, including international press and celebrities where Tina Jiang, CEO of Mithridate, warmly greeted the guests with a welcome speech. The dinner party was co-hosted by the actress Kelly Rutherford, a long-time maison enthusiast.

Mithridate fuses traditional with modern through oriental cutting designs and Southwest China’s bean dye technique alongside laser cutting and hydraulic spray painting. Infused with her signature maximalist style, the capsule collection plays with flowing textures, as well as depth of light and layering to embody healing energy.

“Personally, I am fond of street elements in design and style. Street fashion embodies cultural fusion—it’s vibrant, imaginative, and never conventional. So, sometimes I try to incorporate a “street” attitude to deal with the conflict and fusion between “East” and “West,” “tradition” and “trend.” For example, this season, we incorporated patchwork and woven textures of auspicious clouds and gourd patterns onto denim jackets, while balancing the complex patterns with an over-size silhouette”. Demon Zhang, Creative Director of Mithridate.

The Mithridate exclusive limited edition capsule, as well as the new Spring-Summer 2024 collection, is now available exclusively at LuisaViaRoma, online and offline.

Starting from March 8th LuisaViaRoma & Mithridate will host an in-store pop-up at the LuisaViaRoma store in Florence to celebrate and unveil the new exclusive collection. The pop-up will be open to the public until March 22nd.

Discover more about LuisaViaRoma x Mithridate exclusive capsule here.

SAKURA COLLECTION

The Sakura Collection, a project that aims to foster young creators, revitalize regions, and promote cultural and economic exchange through cross-border collaboration, is excited to present the beauty and diversity of Japanese traditional fabrics in two events in New York.

The first event was the Texworld New York City, one of the largest sourcing events on the East Coast, from at the Javits Center in New York where the Sakura Collection displayed a stunning array of fabrics from different regions of Japan, such as wool, cotton, denim, silk, and linen, each with its own story, craftsmanship, and charm.

The event also featured the final judging for the Sakura Collection Fashion Design Award 2024, a global competition for fashion students, who showcased their creations using the theme materials of “Natsu-Shiozawa” and “Upcycled Denim.” The jury included Osamu Saito, founder of Yohji Yamamoto Europe, Keiko Aoki, CEO of Altesse Co., Ltd. a New York-based international business consultant company, Hervé Pierre – an American fashion designer who has worked for top brands such as Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera and who has dressed the first lady and other celebrities.

The second event was an exhibition and fashion presentation held at the Pierre Hotel. On the final day of the event, three renowned fashion designers including Flora Rabitti from Italy (Florania), Irina Duhus from Ukraine (DZHUS), and Sabrina Goh from Singapore (Sabrina Goh) unveiled their exclusive collections made with traditional Japanese materials including Ojiya-chijimi, SanoAi Syo-Aizome, Hamamatsu Marunabe Denim, Nakaden Keori’s Bishu Wool among others. Models were supplied by the Barbizon Agency.

Their creations blended Japanese heritage with their own cultural influences and artistic visions, resulting in unique and valuable pieces that represent the future of fashion. A dance performance highlighted the versatility of the fabrics and the skill of the performers from the Vissi Dance Theater.

For more information, please visit: www.sakuracollection.com

Sakura Collection at NYFW via 360 MAGAZINE.

Sphaera + Bisphaera

Today, Oakley officially drops all new eyewear – Sphaera and Bisphaera – made by and for contenders and coined as Oakley’s most forgettable eyewear yet.

Featuring Prizm Lens Technology and an efficient and sleek design optimized for comfort and style, the two new pairs of eyewear inspire confidence and boundary-pushing performance set to make a statement at the 2024 Summer Games. See below for more details on each style:

Sphaera
- Exceptional fit and comfort: once on, you may forget they’re there!
- Lightweight O Matter frame, a front vent for enhanced airflow and no-slip grip when breaking a sweat
BiSphaera
- Dual-lens performance sunglasses blend a sporty aesthetic with adaptability to get your vision sport ready
- Offered with Oakley Authentic Prescription Lenses

The eyewear is now officially available on Oakley.com and in select Oakley stores and partners worldwide.

Sean Wu’s Bamboo Install

On the occasion of the 2024 Lunar New Year, LuisaViaRoma celebrates the Year of the Dragon with an immersive in-store installation in collaboration with the Chinese designer Sean Wu.

Sean Wu’s bamboo installation for LuisaViaRoma weaves together eastern aesthetics and sustainable materials to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Year of the Dragon starts from February 10th and it is one of the most popular out of the twelve zodiac signs. According to Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes good fortune, excellence and determination, dignity and divinity, power over weather and water, and a pioneering spirit.

The core element of the dedicated installation at LuisaViaRoma store is the bamboo, an extremely symbolic material for Chinese culture, representing toughness, grace and harmony.

Alongside the entrance of the store, immediately under the arch, an ornamental bamboo sculpture invites the visitors to immerse themselves into the peculiar masterpiece by Sean Wu, while the screen right behind it is reproducing video footage of bamboo artworks. To set up the main in-store installation, the artist crafted the bamboo sticks in order to recreate the undulating, waving dragon shapes, made even more attractive by an inner lighting system as artistic embellishment to let visitors dive into three different spatial artistic plans.

The dragon installations, crafted from organic materials, highlight Sean Wu’s focus on sustainable designs. The spatial experience showcases the captivating dragon motif to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

“I believe that creativity has the power to touch hearts and create connections between people. Just like the spirit of a dragon, it lies in the ability to connect and unite,” says Sean Wu.

The installation is on display at the LuisaViaRoma store in Florence from February 6th until the 21st.

LuisaViaRoma Celebrates the Lunar New Year together with the artist Sean Wu via 360 MAGAZINE.

About Sean Wu

Sean Wu is a Chinese contemporary artist and designer with a distinctive focus on sustainability and Eastern aesthetics. With a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the esteemed South China University of Technology and Politecnico di Torino, Sean seamlessly blends his architectural expertise with his artistic practice, transforming discarded materials into visually stunning art installations.

Sean’s artistic creations serve as powerful expressions of his commitment to environmental-friendly practices and sustainable design. By repurposing and upcycling materials that are often overlooked, Sean brings attention to the potential beauty that lies within the seemingly mundane. His visual language masterfully weaves together Chinese motifs and aesthetics with a contemporary twist, resulting in a unique fusion of the old and new, the organic and man-made.

As the founder of WILD Creative, Sean continually challenges conventional notions of both art and design, pushing boundaries with every project. His artistic vision extends to collaborations with renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton,Audemars Piguet, Aesop, New Balance, and more.

NEW CHICAGO ATTRACTION – FLYOVER

WATCH

CHICAGO’S NEWEST ATTRACTION – FLYOVER – REVEALS CREATIVE TEAM AND FILM TRAILER

New Multi-Sensory Experience by Pursuit to Take Viewers on an Immersive Journey through Chicago

Flyover, the immersive attraction that transports guests to the planet’s most epic places through exhilarating flying journeys, released the trailer for the new Chicago experience today.

Located within the city’s landmark waterfront Navy Pier, the multi-sensory experience features impressive aerial shots and first-person narratives, along with leading drone technologies, to showcase Chicago from perspectives never seen before.

Click here for the official trailer to the signature Chicago flying journey

“The Flyover journey in Chicago embraces the concept of the strength of the individual and the power of community that is present throughout the history of Chicago,” said Lisa Adams, COO and Executive Producer, Flyover Attractions by Pursuit. “The opportunity to try and capture the energy of a city and humanity within a city, and to do this in Chicago, was incredibly exciting.”

“When we began this journey and throughout the process, we had the privilege of speaking with hundreds of Chicagoans about Chicago and what makes them proud of the city. As we spoke to all these incredible people, we were excited to find common threads and fuse them into a story that ultimately inspires and brings people together,” said writer and director David Mossop.

Pursuit partnered with some of the entertainment industry’s most creative minds to bring Chicago’s flying journey to life. These include:

1. Creative Director: 30 years of experience as an “Imagineer” at Disney, Rick Rothschild.

2. Film Writer & Director / Associate Creative Director: Cannes Lion Award-winning David Mossop.

3. Composer & Executive Music Producer: Renowned film composer and music producer Elliott Wheeler, most recently known for his work as composer and Executive Music Producer for Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic.

4. Music Director: Decorated conductor Rich Daniels.

5. Film Producer, Act 3: Chicago’s Rich Lederer, a production manager and producer recently known for Power Book IV: Force, Empire, and Barbershop 2.

6. Director, Act 1 and 2: Rio Mitchell, from award-winning production and media house, Sherpas Cinema.

7. Drone Pilot: Gabriel Kocher, Ph.D. in astrophysics and Global Champion Drone Racing League pilot.

8. Flyover Attractions COO and Executive Producer: Lisa Adams.

Three Act Immersive Experience

Flyover’s journey begins when visitors step through the door, with Act 1 unveiling a gallery-style experience that introduces guests to Chicago characters, suburban settings, and thematic musical touchpoints.

Act 2 is where the story of Chicago deepens. Stories of the people that make up the fabric of the city are introduced, set to an energetic and powerful musical score. Located in our pre-show theatre, guests will be introduced to real Chicagoans up close and living real life in their diverse communities. Stirring words heard from various Chicagoans are combined with building musical emotions and stunning immersive cinematography from around the city.

Flyover’s climax, Act 3, is an exhilarating 9-minute flying journey unlike anything ever experienced. The audience weaves an impossible and continuous flight-line through Chicago. From 13,000ft above to diving straight down buildings and skimming sidewalks; from wall-riding skyscrapers, floating through fireworks, and even into buildings like the Chicago Theatre; all while choreographed action of Chicagoan lifestyle unfolds: L-trains sparking, boats ripping, car chases, sports being played, up in the airshow, and more.

“From new drone technology developed specifically for Flyover, to a musical score that introduces collaborative new music, to stories of Chicago told by its people, this journey will ultimately engage and entertain viewers with an immersive urban experience that pushes the boundaries of Flyover attractions in both technology and style,” said Adams.

Flyover’s signature Chicago journey will be shown on an impressive 65-foot spherical screen with flight motion seats engineered to swoop, dip, and turn, giving guests the feeling of flight. The attraction will transport 60 guests at a time, with complete sensory immersion using wind, mist, and scents, as fliers hang suspended.

The 48,000 square-foot immersive flying journey is located on the Navy Pier, directly across from the Chicago Children’s Museum at the west entrance of Navy Pier. The new Chicago experience will mark the fourth Flyover experience for Pursuit, which also includes Flyover attractions in Las Vegas, Reykjavik, Iceland, and Vancouver, Canada.

Flyover will debut on March 1. To learn more about Flyover or to purchase tickets visit ExperienceFlyover.com/Chicago

Watch the first Chicago Takes Flight video series on the production of Flyover here.

Photo | Vid: Flyover by Pursuit