Architecture and design trends you can look forward to in 2019

The year 2019 is fast approaching. Experts in the field of architecture and design are expecting new directions that will influence projects in the coming months. If you're curious of what the future of the industry looks like, here are some of the trends we're looking forward to:

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Rethinking open space designs

In the past years, open space designs have been gaining popularity in commercial and residential spaces. This year, instead of just designing without dividers and barriers, experts are seeing a shift with how people conceptualize open spaces. This year, even without walls and dividers, designers will be more creative with differentiating the various parts in a home or an office. Instead of the usual plain design, the pros will start to incorporate artistic elements and features to better organize a place.

Widespread use of sustainable materials

Experiencing the effects of climate change has led to the use of sustainable and environment-friendly materials in construction projects. When it comes to commercial structures, acquiring certifications from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) have been a requirement in recent years. Even in residential spaces, more people are choosing these cost-effective recycled and sustainable materials.

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Integrating technology in the structure

The arrival of IoT and other innovations have made it possible to integrate technology into a home's design. From appliances to entertainment devices, having a "connected" home is now possible. While it's easier to obtain the technology these days, architects and designers are still mastering ways on customizing spaces for these additions.

With these trends, we can look forward to modern designs that will prioritize comfort and safety.

Joe Cianciotto here. Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I work as an architect and enjoy classic, superhero blockbuster, and indie mumblecore movies. Visit this page for similar reads.

How 'Empire Records' rocked its way into cult status

In 1995, in the midst of the teen movie revival of the decade, a small production made it to theaters to minimal fanfare. The film was “Empire Records.” It was by no means a blockbuster hit, and after its run, it was found that even the soundtrack of the movie did better in terms of overall sales.

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But as the years went by, “Empire Records” started to get a cult following, perhaps started by the fans that were there during its original release.

The plot was mind-numbingly simple as the film takes us through a day in the record store manned by a group of ridiculously quirky but painfully flawed teens and their no-nonsense manager. They each have issues, making the film an anthology of sorts, not unlike a collection of short stories all happening in a day.

While the performances were nothing to write your mom about, it was how the film was treated, with all its colors and characters blending seamlessly with its oddball humor and a superb soundtrack that make it incredibly easy to watch and enjoy.

Image source: mentalfloss.com

And speaking of the soundtrack, it stood out in an era of amazing soundtracks, with many of the songs still being played by radio DJs and club bands today.

Hi, the name’s Joe Cianciotto, and I’m a San Francisco Bay Area-based architect. I like to write about buildings, new gadgets, and movie blockbusters. Follow me on Twitter for similar updates.

Groundbreakers: Top CGI moments on film

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Many of today’s audiences casually take CGI work for granted, which is a shame.  Thirty years ago, we hardly had this tool to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality.  But today, almost every big-budgeted action film makes use of this technology. 

On that note, we present to you our favorite CGI moments on film.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

For many of us born in the ‘80s and ‘90s, this was one of the first times we encountered amazing CGI.  The antagonist, the terrifying T-1000 was made of liquid metal, and the CGI used to create it just blew everyone away.

Jurassic Park

When the first “Jurassic Park” came out, everyone everywhere was taken by surprise.  Steven Spielberg set the bar so high with the CGI dinosaurs that people actually thought they were giant robots.

Spider-Man

Before Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man,” we had choppy editing to show some dude in costume swinging from building to building.  But Raimi used full-CGI sequences and edited them seamlessly to create a then-once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Lord of the Rings

For us, the CGI work from The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the gold standard of CGI work.  From creating entire labyrinthine caverns to whole orc armies, Peter Jackson took CGI technology and blew the door wide open.

Avatar

James Cameron created an entire world (and almost an entire film) on CGI.  That on its own merit deserves recognition.  “Avatar” is the king of CGI films, for better or for worse.

Joe Cianciotto is a San Francisco Bay Area-based architect. He is a movie buff and enjoys a diverse selection of genres, including superhero films, independent science fiction, mumblecore, and Golden-age dramas and epics. For more on Joe and his interests, visit this page.

Time for a change? Know when it’s time to get a new smartphone

They say one would instinctively know when it’s time to replace a smartphone.  But this is easier said than done these days with the endless temptations to upgrade (even if one doesn’t need it) or to switch to another brand.  What should be the signs and considerations to look out for when replacing one’s phone?

Image source: CNET.com 

The current one has persistent issues

There’s nothing a hard reset can’t do in restoring smartphones to factory default software and settings and get back in the swing of things.  But if there are persistent problems such as more-than-frequent crashes and black screens, it might be time to trade in the device for a new one.

Can’t download the latest OS

Another pressing reason to get a new phone is the inability to download new software updates.  This is important for security purposes, as updates are made to fix flaws in the older systems and to prevent vulnerabilities to attacks and hackers.

The battery always dies on you

This goes beyond the occasionally forgotten charging time; the battery actually dies halfway through the day, even when on a full charge.  If a phone is dying more quickly after a full charge, it may be time to replace the battery or altogether get a new phone.

Image source: Pixabay.com  

Everything’s painfully slow

Another strong case for replacing one’s phone is the nightmare of waiting an eternity for it to start or switch from one app to another.  The device takes so long to respond after a call, and moving from Facebook to WhatsApp seems like slow torture.

Pictures already look ugly

This might not be a big deal for everyone, but for a number of people it’s important to have an acceptable level of quality in images and videos.  If the phone’s lens was scratched or bumped in the past, it can also affect the expected quality.

Joe Cianciotto is an architect based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He likes staying updated on the latest gadgets, drones and cameras. Read more on this page.

Remembering 2017s Surprising Fan Favorite Films

Just when you thought big blockbuster superhero films were about to crush the indie studios forever, 2017 happened and spewed out a number of gems that revive mainstream cinema. Let’s take a look at some of the best the year had to offer. 

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The Shape of Water

“The Shape of Water” won big at the Oscar’s bagging the awards for Best Director and Best Picture, giving Guillermo del Toro much-deserved validation for his work. While many film buffs feel that a sci-fi romance may have been too “child-like” for a Best Picture, there were simply too many perfections that came together for this hodge-podge of a masterpiece.

Get Out
While many don’t necessarily agree that “Get Out” was a comedy, it was heavily infused with dark humor. It also seamlessly poked fun at several social injustices, which made the film resonate beyond its intended audience. Another big winner in numerous award shows, what makes this film more impressive is the fact that it was Jordan Peele’s feature directorial debut.

Gook
Not as well-known as the previous two films on this list, “Gook” was a screwdriver that hit a sledgehammer. First-time director Justin Chon shot the movie in black and white and revisited the catastrophic LA riots while dissecting colored communities in the area. This is undoubtedly a must-see for film lovers everywhere.

Image source: chicagoreader.com

 
Hi there, I’m Joe Cianciotto, an architect based in San Francisco, but a true New Yorker at heart. I love movies. Visit my LinkedIn page to know more about me.

My Top Three 'Spider-Man' Films

Even perhaps more than Captain America and Iron Man, Spider-Man has been the face of Marvel comics.  The only problem was that Sony had rights before anyone else did, delaying our favorite web-crawler’s debut with the MCU.  That said, Spidey’s had his share of decent features.  Now before I go on, I didn’t include ensemble movies where Peter Parker was only a part and not a central character.  So don’t expect to see “Captain America: Civil War” or “Avengers: Infinity War” here.

Third place: Spider-Man: Homecoming

This was Spidey’s very own MCU feature, and it was tons of fun.  I would’ve preferred Peter Parker to be a tad older, but hey, having him in the MCU is reward enough.  Michael Keaton’s Vulture was a classy villain, one which we could all root for.

Image source: denofgeek.com

Second place: Spider-Man

When Sam Raimi first released “Spider-Man,” everyone was blown away.  He moved just like everyone thought he would.  And Raimi, being an amazing visual director didn’t spare any expense into creating the most agile version of Spidey we can imagine.  

First place: 'Spider-Man 2'

If you thought Sam Raimi’s initial foray into the webslinger's canon was amazing, its sequel was superior in almost every way.  Doctor Octopus was a terrifying villain with a good heart.  Peter’s personal story with his lady love and his best friend was explored on further.  And the action sequences were some of the best in film history.

Image source: thewrap.com

Hi there, I’m Joe Cianciotto, an architect based in San Francisco, but a true New Yorker at heart. I love movies. Visit my LinkedIn page to know more about me.

Why The Debate On Which 'The Godfather' Film Is Better Doesn’t Matter

For decades, people have debated which "The Godfather" movie is better, the first or the second (the third figures into a different discussion entirely).  If you to your favorite movie websites, you’ll see that the original "The Godfather" stands head and shoulders above almost every film ever made, including its sequel. 

Film critics, however, almost always mention how the second film is just as good, or perhaps in some aspects, even better.  After all, after the unparalleled success of the original, Francis Ford Coppola received a hefty budget, which he poured into the second.  The sets were bigger.  Production hired more extras.  And Coppola expanded "The Godfather" universe into something we all were pulled into. 

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Although the debate will never stop, especially from people who won’t take “no” for an answer, it doesn’t really matter.  Filmmaking-wise, they are equally as good.  And while the original opened the doors to a new age in filmmaking, the second complemented that and added to it.

You could say both films had its strengths and practically no weaknesses.  To say that one is better than the other would be like saying Coppola did something wrong with one of them, which he didn’t.  It’s like comparing two Ferraris from different eras.  It boils down to personal preference.  But in the end, what they really should be compared to, is every other sports car ever made..

Image source: tasteofcinema.com 

Hello, my name’s Joe Cianciotto from San Francisco. I’m a huge fan of sci fi films and superhero blockbusters. More of my film musings and insights here.

What We Know So Far About 'Captain Marvel'

Moviegoers who were patient enough to watch the post-credit scene of “Avengers: Infinity War” were in for a treat when the ace up Nick Fury’s sleeve turned out to be Captain Marvel. For the initiated (those knowledgeable about Marvel Comics), they know that Captain Marvel is “Marvel’s biggest female hero” and “quite possibly Marvel’s mightiest Avenger.”

Image source: digitaltrends.com

Most viewers probably gasped at the aftermath of Thanos’s snap and wondered how what’s left of the Avengers would be able to defeat the Mad Titan, who was mighty enough to wield all six stones infinity at once. With the help of Captain Marvel, their odds of doing so will rise exponentially.

But before we get to see the Avengers battle Thanos again in the unnamed-yet sequel, Captain Marvel and her alter-ego, Carol Danvers (to be played by Brie Larson), will grace the big screen first in March 2019.

Marvel Studios have always been great at keeping things under wrap and preventing big spoilers from coming out prior to their movies’ release dates. However, some details have already been made public, such as the following:

It will be set in the 1980s and 1990s and serve as an origin story, telling of how Danvers gained her superpowers.

Nick Fury, who is portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, will be in the limelight once more – this time with both eyes still intact. The movie will also show Fury’s first encounter with a superhero.

Fan-favorite Agent Phil Coulson will make his way back to the silver screen. His role will be reprised by Clark Gregg.

Image source: geektyrant.com

Captain Marvel will help protect Earth as the planet will be caught in the center of an intergalactic conflict between Skrulls, a shape-shifting alien race, and Krees, a militaristic alien race that was first introduced in the MCU in “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

The film is currently in principal photography and already halfway completed.

Big superhero film fan Joe Cianciotto here. If you want more movie discussions, follow me on Twitter.

The Usual Suspects: My all-time favorite mystery movie

When “The Usual Suspects” first came out in theaters in 1995, it wasn’t a blockbuster hit. But those who got to see it left theaters wide-eyed and smiling, having seen one of the greatest Hollywood mystery movies of their generation. 

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Directed by Bryan Singer (who would later go on to direct most of the “X-Men” franchise), “The Usual Suspects” is a brilliant and stylish mix of mystery and action. The plot centers on five individuals accused of burning down a ship and killing all the mercenaries on it. These five men are all hounded by an FBI agent looking for the truth.

And there is one question everyone will be asking the entire time -- Who is Keyser Sose? Probably one of the most popular questions in film history, Keyser Sose here is referred to as “the Devil himself.” The harrowing tale of five hardened and formidable men reaches its climax in ways nobody could ever predict. 

The ending will hit you like no other Hollywood movie ever has, which is a testament to how great the buildup was. 

Truly, “The Usual Suspects” is Singer’s best film by far. Kevin Spacey, who has very recently, fallen from grace, won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Verbal Kint, the person with disability among the five tough guys. 

Plus, a huge chunk of the movie takes place in New York City, my favorite place in the world. 

Image source: shortlist.com

I'm Joe Cianciotto, an architect from San Francisco. I’m also a film buff and love talking about movies in general. For more articles on the stuff I love, follow me on Facebook.

What Keeps 'The Fast And The Furious' Franchise Interesting?

Since 2001, people have been captivated by “The Fast and the Furious” films. Almost 20 years later, we're still waiting for the next films. Here are some of the reasons why I think the franchise is still gaining fans all over the world:

The diverse cast

While Dominic Toretto has always been the ringleader of the team, we can't help but root for Brian, Giselle, Han, Roman, Tej, and all the new additions to the squad. The ragtag team of anti-heroes and their adventures all over the world has exposed us to different cultures as well. The diverse cast shows us that different types of people can be represented in one film. For a movie that started in the early 2000s, the FF series paved the way for diversity on film.

Image source: Flavorwire.com

The nice cars

I'm not that much of a car geek but every time there's a scene where the characters pick their cars, I can't help but watch with jaws dropped. The vehicles are unbelievably beautiful, luxurious, and fast. Seeing our heroes drive through cities and terrains with these vehicles is exciting enough for me. My favorites are Brian's Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, the W Motors Lykan Hypersport that passed through skyscrapers, and Roman's bright orange Lamborghini Murcielago.

The unbelievable plot

Another thing that I love about the franchise is that every movie is fast and action-packed. Sometimes the scenes could seem ridiculous, but that's what why we're watching. We want our heroes to jump from planes, drive their luxury cars through military tanks and live through the whole experience. Adding The Rock and Jason Statham to the team guarantees more out-of-this-world action sequences.

Image source: Popsugar.com

What do you think? Is it time to schedule a movie marathon with friends?

Joe Cianciotto here. Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I work as an architect and enjoy classic, superhero blockbuster, and indie mumblecore movies. Visit this page for similar reads.

A Beginner’s Guide To Drone Technology

Drones have become very popular and commercially available in the past few years, giving people a novel way to take expansive and sweeping shots of various terrains for both personal and professional video use. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these drones work.

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The technology is known as UAV, short for unmanned aerial vehicle. It doesn’t just refer to the drone itself, but to the device’s aerodynamics, materials used for manufacturing, circuit boards, as well as the chipset and software that powers it.

A typical drone is made of light, composite materials that reduce weight and increase the unmanned aircraft’s maneuverability. Most military drones need these materials for high-altitude surveillance. Drones are remote-controlled using a system called ground cockpit. Military-grade ones often come with infrared cameras, GPS, and a laser.

Today, civilian use of UAVs vastly outnumbers military ones, with already over a million drones estimated to have been sold in 2015. The sale of drones has been increasing rapidly and exponentially, as the device offers tons of benefits to various industries from agriculture and real estate to aerial photography and video-blogging.

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Soon, drone technology will complement other autonomous technologies like unmanned cars, A.I.-powered medical equipment, and home robots.

Hi there, the name’s Joe Cianciotto. I like to keep updated on the latest developments in consumer tech, particularly cameras and drones. For more on my work and interests, visit this page.