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- James Patten
- Brooklyn, NY
- United States
This conversation is closed.
If you could give computers one magical power, what would it be and why?
Live TED Conversation: Join TED Fellow James Patten
James is an inventor who is exploring new ways that physical objects can represent and control digital information.
This conversation will open at November 14 at 1:00PM EST.
Closing Statement from James Patten
Thank you to everyone for sharing some great ideas! One theme that I was really struck by was the extent to which people wanted their computers to have human qualities. Also there were some great suggestions about new types of input and output, ways of processing information and many others. I think that within the next several decades many of the things mentioned here will some to pass (some much sooner than that). Ultimately what we think of as a "computer" will change drastically in the next several years, as things adapt to better suit human abilities. Thank you everyone for participating!
Nov 14 2011: A USB device that when connected to my skin could perform a complete physical analysis, including scanning for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses.
James Patten
Nov 14 2011: Hi Richard, that is a great idea. My company shares studio space with another TED Fellow, Oliver Medvedik, and Oliver runs a small synthetic biology lab. One of the things they are working on is building low cost lab instruments. It seems like the natural course for this sort of work is toward medical diagnostics. I think others are working on cheaper diagnostic tools as well. Of course, regulatory approvals and patents are obstacles to be overcome in this effort, but it seems like things are inevitably heading in this direction.
- +1
Morris Dovey
Nov 14 2011: Kodak did some very interesting related work in developing the Ektachem400 body fluid analizer back in the 70's. Info may be available...Nov 14 2011: similarly, how about a handheld device that could scan food and breakdown the nutritional values, including things like the amount of pesticides..
- +1
Marcel Paans
Nov 14 2011: Like Star Trek's Tricorder! :)Nov 14 2011: Since I have been away from my city and the people I love I realized computers have a lack. When you try to hug someone you are calling on skype they just act like obstacles. I wish my computer could turn into the person and just hug me back. That would be so great!
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Nov 14 2011: Hi Caterina, this is such a great comment because it really captures one of the ways that technology can stand in the way. I can't remember where I saw this, but I believe someone is working on a machine that can hug you. I think it's intended more as an art project than a practical device, but it shows how computers can function as obstacles in certain kinds of human to human contact.Nov 14 2011: I think the power to pick up commands directly from the brain. So I would "think" something, and the computer does it. Now that would be very cool...
James Patten
Nov 14 2011: That's an interesting thought and there is a lot of work going on in this area now, particularly in the domain of helping people control replacement limbs, and that sort of thing. One question that comes to mind is: out of all the things I might be thinking at any one moment, how would the computer know which ones it should do, and which ones it should not do?
- +1
Nov 14 2011: We'd have to all practice meditation to master our concentration and be "empty" until we want to have a commanding thought. Idealistic maybe, but we are experiencing a trend in that direction in the western world.
Nov 14 2011: hmm... yes you're right that meditation is gaining a lot of traction. I've always thought of my interaction with the computer as the antithesis of meditation (except perhaps while programming) but perhaps they could come together in the way you mention.Nov 14 2011: i think that can be done by gathering information from experts & experienced psychiatrists.They can actually advise what should be done at that particular situation.Nov 14 2011: I think you'd have to have a "trigger" to let the computer know to activate the thought. rolling your eyes could take on a whole new meaning..Nov 14 2011: I'm a big supporter for this man-machine interface (hence, I was gonna make the same comment ;) )
So much time is being wasted by opening windows, moving them around, find the right line to edit (I'm a programmer), etc. etc..
I'm pretty sure we will achieve this level of interfacing.. just watch the Ghost in the Shell movies/series.. in my opinion, this is exactly the reality that we are headed for.Nov 14 2011: hi james, i believe the point of separating between a tool or a colleague is a big issue. why don´t we put them together? would it be possible that computers act like tools that correct ourselves, some do already, but in a more human way? or maybe like a tool that continues working when you are tired or lazy, that you start doing something and it continues it by adapting to the method you started...
Nov 14 2011: Hey Xavier!! That makes sense, maybe there can be a middle point between the two. There is an idea called collaborative interfaces that tries to be a middle point, but it seems like the human qualities are where things are really lacking still.
Derek Mathis
Nov 14 2011: The power to allow human beings to directly perceive the thoughts and motivations of others...
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Because I think we all sometimes need a jumpstart in this area.Nov 14 2011: Compassion. My parents and their generation are literally scared of computers ; computers expect and do things they don't understand. If computers/applications could adapt (not just the language it uses for prompts and alerts) to the user's skill and fear levels, offering multiple approaches, allowing mistakes with kind and constructive advice, and gradually teach users how to use them, this would allow technology to enrich their lives as much it does our generation and the rest.
Nov 14 2011: Hi Yoo, it seems like every generation has its own unique set of needs and expectations when it comes to computer technology. I agree they are definitely lacking in the realm of emotional intelligence. We can already see some basic efforts in this direction, such as giving users simpler ways to do things when they are having trouble. Also, there is some research in the lab about detecting frustration and responding to that. People are writing software to recognize facial expressions, and there are sensors that one can wear that measure physiological signs of stress/frustration. So, people are taking baby steps but there is a long way to go!Nov 14 2011: @James, looking at your bio you said you are interested in "...[how] computers can adapt to serve human needs". The thing that I wish is not magical but little futuristic; it'd be magical if it is granted right now. I propose "Personal Assistant", definitely analytics are used to analyze human behaviors and pattern. Similar technology can be adapted to serve every individuals needs, computers can be our very own personal assistant. They can analyze our work life and suggest if there is any news or article that we should be aware of, if we are looking for a job they can continuously keep searching - instead of us going to websites every week, they can suggest us to do our laundry, if some of your friend likes something particular and if something of that sort is newly released in the market they can advise us to gift to them on their b'day or send them a friendly fb message to inform them.. let your imagination go wild.. basically one single platform that can do everything..
Nov 14 2011: Hi Roshan, that's an interesting thought. It seems like one can think of computer technology as a series of tools, just like a pencil or a hammer is a tool, or one can think of computers more like companions or collaborators. Though this discussion is just getting started it strikes me that many commenters are thinking in terms of human traits, roles and responsibilities that they would like computers to have. That's an interesting perspective and I wonder if interest in that way of thinking will continue to grow.Nov 14 2011: The problem with this thought is that it requires each person to completely give away his personal life to a computer. And since what you're describing would fit much better if it was an online services, they'd be giving their online lives to a company.Nov 14 2011: The ability to reverse the effects of fossil fuels on the environment as I surf the web because I feel incredibly guilty about how much energy we all use in general.Nov 14 2011: Computers should have the magical power of nudging you towards productivity in a healthy way, adequate ergonomics, brightness/font size, frequent breaks, and never ever ever loose a file.
They should also remind you of projects you might have left hanging when you have time again to pursue them.
Nov 14 2011: Hi Fernando, if computers could do what you suggest, a lot of us would be much better off given the amount of time we spend sitting in front of them. The closest thing I can think of is a robotic weight loss coach made by my friend Cory Kidd: http://intuitiveautomata.com/
Nov 14 2011: That's pretty cool, but I don't think it would work for me.. I'm too lazy to walk over and input what I ate and did for exercise.. too much obstacles there! Now, if it could recognise my voice and inquire, learn my patterns and anticipate (like every morning a coffee), i'd find it more interesting!
I believe that these kind of applications shoud not take more time of your day than absolutely necessary.. I think this is also why the iPhone/Pad/Pod are a success.. there are hardly (if any) obstacles that keep you from getting results.
I'm also working on a Task Manager (just a little pet project for now) that allows me to add, edit, complete and restructure tasks within a matter of seconds. The whole premise is that managing tasks should not become a task itself. I think this should be true for all our interactions with machines/devices.Nov 14 2011: Thank you to everyone for sharing some great ideas! One theme that I was really struck by was the extent to which people wanted their computers to have human qualities. Also there were some great suggestions about new types of input and output, ways of processing information and many others. I think that within the next several decades many of the things mentioned here will some to pass (some much sooner than that). Ultimately what we think of as a "computer" will change drastically in the next several years, as things adapt to better suit human abilities. Thank you everyone for participating!Nov 14 2011: To diagnose or predict illness to some degree of confidence (with just one scan).. And the ability to examine / make physical contact with the patient. Because, (I expect) a computer can more effectively process/connect diverse bits of information (risks, symptoms, irregularities etc).Nov 14 2011: The physical construction of portable computers may well change given the rise of tablets (iPad etc.) To retain marketability for both home/office use and on the move, perhaps construction could follow this trend by allowing the screen to be removable and behave as a tablet. Once reattached, behave like a normal laptop screen. This is possibly in the pipe line at an RnD level already?Nov 14 2011: Before I give computers any magical power I'd make sure the three laws of robotics according to Stanislaw Lem are in place.
Now they are ready to receive the gift of creativity in Arts, Engineering and Science.
Why? Because it could make a big difference. I am not sure if it were beneficial to give them emotions, too.
What do you think?Nov 14 2011: An AI that can convince us that the "singularity" will never pose a threat to humanity, and forever work to the improve the human condition ; )Nov 14 2011: What I would like may already exist - I'd like my computer to track my eyes so that I could look at the screen instead of using a mouse or trackball. By thinking "click" or something similar, I could then "press" a button or navigation item. This would be a large improvement in speed and ease of use.
Nov 14 2011: Hi Daniel, this does exist, but traditionally has been very expensive. There is at least one effort to make it easier though. Check out this project by Zach Lieberman: http://www.eyewriter.org/
At its current state it's mainly targeted at people with ALS and other handicaps. I don't think you would find it faster or easier in its current form. One issue is that the movement of the human eye is actually very jumpy compared to what one might expect.Nov 14 2011: Having progressed through data systems, information systems, and various flavors of expert systems, I'd like to see the advent of wisdom-based systems - systems that can process a question into lesser sub-questions (ad nausea) until it can formulate a complete set of propositional alternatives and then apply consequence criteria to produce an optimal ("wise") solution. I realize that I'm asking a lot, so wouldn't expect delivery until 3Q12. :-)Nov 14 2011: How about a way to capture dreams just as you awake? Or even cooler, while you're dreaming?Nov 14 2011: It would be great to have a software/hardware tool that could diagnose conditions like depression, panic disorder, etc., or help with seizures.Nov 14 2011: I'd love if computers could help us understand health, wellness, and the process of disease more richly. With all of the evidence-based medicine we have and all of the studies in all of our journals, I always feel like the "day to day" is lacking a little bit. It also happens that "day-to-day" health behaviors (really, just how a person lives their life) can lead to certain illnesses. Perhaps a reasonable magical power computers could have would be to provide individualized preventative medicine and health suggestions based upon the individual's genetics, environment, social ties and support networks, etc., ideally accounting for more than just the biological process of disease (meaning, the social determinants of health as well). If a computer could continuously monitor things like levels of stress and diet intake and other things we know cause disease, perhaps we could understand that disease process more fully, and, more importantly, understand what being health means more fully. Also, the computer would give feedback to health professionals and provide lots of data, allowing the entire evidence-based field to become more personal.
I'm curious to hear what everyone thinks.Nov 14 2011: CompassionNov 14 2011: I can imagine a computer that first scans our mind and the way we solve different problems. Than links more people who try to solve the same problem which they obviously cannot solve on their own, and with some real time combinatory, mathematical magic application it would give us a solution or alternatives of solution by using our thought fragments and combining them. Like a computer synchronizing our minds and the results from our thinking processes in a way we would never use.Nov 14 2011: The question is if computers will drive us not to use our brain any more, or our human invention will be driven by computers ? I hope it will not.Nov 14 2011: One of the thing that seperate computers from Human Beings is the Common sense.
so i would love to give this power to the computers.Nov 14 2011: If computer processed information in the speed of light.
Solving complex problems in real time.
Each spectrum is a value and each wavelength is a value.
With millions of colors and and wavelengths you'll have a tremendous amount of information at your disposable being detected at light speed.Nov 14 2011: I'm not sure if it's a magical power, but what about giving computers the ability to speculate about the outcomes of decisions before they're made. A computer would have the advantage of being truly dispassionate and so would not suffer from the human penchant for pre-selecting a sentimental course. Such a computer could, I think, greatly improve the lives of many people faced with difficult decisions.Nov 14 2011: To evaluate and improve their effects on humans based on those humans' predefined goals.Nov 14 2011: My wife votes for 'Google Home' - search lost articles at home, or in any given space. "Siri find my remote!"
Nov 14 2011: Hi Jofree, one of the capabilities I've been excited about for a long time is the ability for the computer to track the positions of arbitrary objects in 3D space. It seems like this would open up a lot of different kinds of applications, including finding lost objects and turning walls and tables in your home into interactive surfaces. finding lost things would be really helpful!Nov 14 2011: Ability to format your short-term memory (e.g delete the last 2 hours from it)
Nov 14 2011: You can actually achieve that by drinking a bottle of liquor in one go..
I don't recommend it tho!Nov 14 2011: This is changing already but if could give them one magical power it would be to get rid of all of its hardware (but have it be practical too).
I want to pull information out of the air like pulling a rabbit out of a hat! I want to slide pieces of information around in front of me like I'm some conductor at a symphony but instead of music I'm directing blocks of information to move about all at the same time and I don't want a square box (a computer monitor) getting in my way.
You know, just like they do in futuristic movies (life imitates art?)
Why? Do you really have to ask? lolNov 14 2011: empathyNov 14 2011: Battery life. OS, RAM and storage gets enough attention, can someone pay attention to the batteries please! (I'm assuming hand held devices fall into 'computer').
But since the question is 'magical power' I'd like invisibility... or nano tech, or simply wi-fing google pages to my head- that would make me magical. Add a little Siri and Milo/Mylo there!
Nov 14 2011: Hi Jofree, yes, battery life is always a problem. Here is one clever solution that was developed for OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Peripherals/Hand_Crank
(I guess the URL gives the idea away..)
Nov 14 2011: lol, was solar energy too expensive?
kalyan v
Nov 14 2011: A computer is actually a machine which reduces human efforts.Lets come up with one which can simply reduce the stress and work,its should make the life a much simpler to live than it looks like.I think gesture technology will be the next evolution for the present computers.Nov 14 2011: To be able to list it's alments as it begins to run slow... for example and then able to speak clearly and produce the answer to the problems. And then mend it self quickly and quietly without fuss...adding to your knowledge. With out a whole lost day becoming an expert in a NOT need to know.Nov 14 2011: Interesting question: I think the computer (or artificial limb or whatever it may be) would need a signal, the way the brain sends an electrical impulse to command your mouth to open and sound to come out of your throat. Normally, unless someone has a neurological problem, we don't start moving limbs or shouting unless we want to. So there must be a way that, say, a limb knows not to move when the brain is sending the message for the eye to make wink, for example. A way to "ignore" the impulse if that impulse is not meant for you.
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Necessity (or in my case, laziness) is the mother of invention, they say. I had written the premice to a story where people had implants in their hands. The impulses from the brain and through the implant would command nanites to accomplish a task. Say: "install drapes over that window" or "clean those dishes". In my story, the nanites were highly evolved and could compose themselves into shapes in order to accomplish the task they were commanded to do. There were even nanite cops that could reshape as needed. So there... That should give you plenty to work on for, oh, a century or two! :-)Nov 14 2011: I'd like an option to plug into the matrix. I want to be able to explore a digital world while feeling like I'm within my own body, using my senses to explore. I know this is a huge feat, but I know scientists are beginning to decode our brain chemistry to understand how our brain processes images, so intercepting nerve signals and replacing visual ones could be a start, but it's a long way out.Nov 14 2011: A computer should be able to work like an experienced assistant. It should be able to know that, first thing in the morning, I want to read a certain website, check certain emails which are more important to me, and perhaps hear a certain type of music. It should observe my actions, and adapt to them, offering what it thinks I might like, but quickly accepting (and adapting) to my changes. A computer should do for actions and living what Pandora is beginning to do with selecting music.
Nov 14 2011: Hi Ken, I agree and it seems like things are starting to take steps in that direction, but in a piecemeal way. e.g. google priority inbox and the favorites pages that many web browsers have now..Nov 14 2011: Remedy loneliness for the user. Loneliness is rampant. Social media helps somewhat but hasn't quite remedied it. What's missing?
Nitin k
Nov 14 2011: How about an advanced version of Siri launched recently by apple in a computerNov 14 2011: I've always wanted to send and receive food via computers.Nov 14 2011: 1. Teleportation.
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2. To make the human brain understand skills, places, cultures etc with the help of images, videos, demonstrations, interviews streamed/ distilled into the consciousness of the mind in a matter of hours/ minutes. I guess something akin to finding the access areas in our brain and enriching them.Nov 14 2011: Ultimately being able to download and upload our consciousness to a computer, thus conquering death.Nov 14 2011: Portal technology. Cuz then my cell phone would be replaced by the ability to travel through space instantaneously. Face to face communication is waaaay better than FacetimeNov 14 2011: instant on would be a good start. Also I would hope that computers become less of a box or device or operating system. I would like to have access to information and computing anywhere and on any display or device, my stuff should follow me wherever I am and whatever I'm doing.
Audrey D
Nov 14 2011: Teleportation would cause an elimination of cars, trains, commercial aircraft, etc. Those businesses would be killed, but I'm sure something else would work out. They could create transportation for leisure in/on water, land, air and space. We may even be able to work more on energy efficient vehicles.Nov 14 2011: The magic to not be used as a weapon or exacerbate wealth inequity.Nov 14 2011: In place of artificial intelligence, use natural intelligence to respond to human behavior. Should be able to understand the user.
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For Example:
In today's world we usually use the existing database to find the similar action of other human beings for the query posed by user and get the action taken by those other users as a response which may not be the exact response the user is expecting. So its obviously not the exact response/solution he is looking for. If the computers can understand the user along with his questions, then it can appropriately respond and retuen what user is expecting.Nov 14 2011: The ability to dispense cash. We can do virtually all other types of banking online except that one .....Nov 14 2011: Anyone who says anything but 'Decide the halting problem' obviously doesn't understand computation.Nov 14 2011: The only thing that we want at the end of the day is SOMEONE who can listen to us whatever we say . . . who can understand us . . . who can feel your problem rather then understanding it . . who can bear our anger , , who can laugh along with us on our silly things that we do . . in short i would love it if my computer can read my heart and give it what it wants . . . i want my computer to be that SOMEONE which can never be found in HUMAN BEING . . even if 1 wants !Nov 14 2011: I have two ideas:
I would like a computer that had the power to stay where i put it in the air. like neutrally buoyant in the air, that would be so cool. iFloat™
Or the power to have smell input and output. because how smell is tied to memory, it would add a whole new dimension to everything. iSmell™
haha. I like this topic. I'll try to think of another one later...
i got another one already.. the power to link to the human memory to organize and search through thoughts and ideas i've had.
Nov 14 2011: Hi Dustin, I'm curious, if a computer could float in air, how would you use that?
Smell would be fun, and people have worked on that... usually there are a few containers loaded with various scents (or components of scents), and those are opened and closed to release different smells. Check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smell-O-Vision
If you were to search human memory, how would you express what you were searching for? I think it will be an exciting (and perhaps a bit scary) time when/if computers reach that level!Nov 14 2011: The ability to solve P=NP?
Dan Mitu
Nov 14 2011: The one thing I want from a computer will inevitably happen. We're already seeing it with applications like Siri for the iPhone. I want my computer to be alive and intelligent. I want my computer to be it's own being and to be able to learn from me, it's user. I'd like to be able to have an emotional relationship with it, maybe? Not a deep intimate wen, but to be able to talk to it and to have name recognition. I can imagine my computer telling me I've been on for too long and that I need to go for a walk. I'd want my technology to humanize.Nov 14 2011: I wish computers can have the power to give birth to a new generation of computers without human intervention, endlessly. Give them the chance to optimize their design according to their own requirements.Nov 14 2011: The power of Love. The possibilities for ways that computers could change the world would are endless!Nov 14 2011: The ability to develop a personality. That way, they could be our friends rather than use them to look and interact with friends. I think that would be cool.Nov 14 2011: To have the processing power of the computer meet or exceed the passion of it's user. In other words, if I have the passion to build a star, my computer would have the power to do so.
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welcomeThis is Sky Cage, where Lethe's joined fanlistings are listed!
The current layout features Violetta from Grandia III; I like the character art, but that's all there is to it. The character itself is extremely underdeveloped - as is pretty much everything in that game - and her ingame render doesn't look anywhere as pretty. Oh well!
A fanlisting is simply an online list of fans of a subject, such as a TV show, actor, or musician, that is created by an individual and open for fans from around the world to join. There are no costs, and the only requirements to join a fanlisting are your name and country. Fanlistings do not have to be large sites (although some are), they are just a place where you can sign up with other fans. ( TFL.org )
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subset: commoncrawl


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The National Security Agency says they requested the records to protect the nation from terrorist threats.
But some say it's a simple matter of invasion of privacy.
2 month ago Katrina Hanning was a Verizon wireless customers who switched carriers for a cheaper plan.
But learning that the national security agency has ordered a collection of records under a secret court order shocked her.
"It's absolutely ridiculous. The fact that they are even requesting our information is an invasion of privacy," said Medford resident, Katrina Hanning.
The order requires sharing telephone numbers, location, time and duration of the calls.
But it does not require that the contents of conversations be turned over.
There are nearly 100 million Verizon customers and the company has declined to comment.
"It's not just Verizon. I assume it's all the other carriers as well," said Sen. Jeff Flake.
The House Intelligence Committee says they've been monitoring calls for years to help catch terrorists and it's been a successful operation.
"That within the last few years, this program was used to stop a program - excuse me - stop a terrorist attack in the United States. we know that," said Rep. Mike Rogers, (R) Chair-House Intelligence Committee.
Oregon senator Ron Wyden released a statement saying "I believe that when law-abiding Americans call their friends, who they call, when they call, and where they call from is private information. Collecting this data about every single phone call that every American makes every day would be a massive invasion of Americans' privacy."
Oregon senator Jeff Merkley also released a statement saying he has "significant concerns" about over-collecting information from American's.


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SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC HOUSING by Foreign Office Architects
Faced with a shortage of public housing, the City of Madrid commissioned Foreign Office Architects to create a sustainable multi-unit residential alternative for its new public housing development at Carabanchel. Simply known as Carabanchel 16, this building shows how simple housing designs can be transformed into a beautiful canvas of light and shadow using the simplest tool in an architect's arsenal: shading devices.
For most cities, the need to create affordable housing would mean erecting mass quantities of mediocre housing with little regard to the real needs of the occupants or the environment. Not so for Madrid, which commissioned its public-sector works office, EMVS, to work with some of the best architects in the world to create what can only be described as an open gallery of social architecture.
The design, by FOA's Alejandro Zaera Polo, is a simple 88-unit building with units of different types and sizes. The building is organized around the north-south axis (meaning that it faces the harsh east-west sun for most of the day). To help alleviate heat gain from the sun, the architects have surrounded the units with a 1.5 metre terrace enclosed with bamboo louvres. Mounted on folding frames which can be opened whenever the occupants want, the bamboo is both eco-friendly and works seamlessly with the design. Screens also help diminish solar gain in the units, while turning the facade into a kaleidoscope of shadow and light.
This ever-changing facade sits atop parking areas in order to conceal them from view. Choosing to cover the structures, the team at FOA opted for grass, giving the building a touch of color without distracting from the rest of the facade. This clever design also provides a multitude of options–units have access to good cross-ventilation as well as access to both the east and west sides of the building.
FOA's design shows what a bit of inspiration and thought can do to what is most often a neglected area in a city development. Through creativity, innovation and sustainable design, designers turned what could have been a simple public housing building into an inspired development with character. The building is expected to be finished this year.
+ Foreign Office Architects
+ Screen Stars @ RIBA Journal
+ Carabanchel 16 Gallery @ Nuevos Vecinos
Related Posts
17 Comments
March 12, 2008 at 1:42 am
can anyone tell me who was the facade consultant for the rue des suisses, by herzog????
February 24, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Estaba pensando exactamente lo mismo. Gran Idea pero costosa en el largo plazo. Bambu expuesto al sol 24/7 necesita mantenimiento constante y cuando hablamos de Public housing no necesariamente hablamos de high en upkeep. en cuanto al Disenho formal del edificio, pobre para mi gusto pero arquitectos tendemos a ser criticos de las obras ajenas y muy rara vez diremos que obra ajena en buena. Arquitectura para mi tiene mas connotacion funcional y si hablamos de disenho Verde porque no estamos usando las orientaciones en nuestra ventaja. Todo el edificio parece bloqiueado al sol Norte sur etc. Hmmm.. to many questions about the building design.
Great Idea though.
February 13, 2008 at 4:37 am
este edificio es un FRACASO, ya tenemos los dichosos babum podridos y funcionan fatal, parece que vivimos en una CAJA DE CERILLAS. cualquier dia prendemos.
November 25, 2007 at 3:44 pm
[…] Housing Project: Madrid Carabanchel 16 is a public housing complex commissioned by the city of Madrid to realize an efficient and […]
July 20, 2007 at 8:51 pm
It's an interesting project, though it will be interesting to see how it ages and weathers in the hot sun of Spain. Is that green wall covered in grass sod? Is that going to have to be watered? If so I wish FOA put a bit more thought into that. It will require a lot of maintenace and watering, especially for a place that is very dry, has a water shortage and quite high water prices. It could have easily been done using native plantings or another material. Nevertheless, I'll definitely have to go take a look next time I am in Madrid.
July 12, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I agree with Ann, to some degree. Great concept with the right intension in mind, but think 10, or even 15 years down the road when the shades start to break, fade, when the wood needs to be treated again (think of moisture), whos funding? I do believe that something timeless, as affordable housing will always be needed, should be well thought out….choose materials and details to sustain. Perhaps this building will surprise us, becoming better with time.
July 11, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Jared, I think you're being too harsh with Ann. She makes a very valid point. I'm an architect who has worked on affordable housing for years (it's just about all my firm does) and I have found that durability is absolutely critical. It's a fair generalization to make that affordable/subsidized/supportive housing projects take a tremendous beating. I don't know anything specific about the population living in this building, or the funding available for construction and maintenance, but I wouldn't even consider trying something like this on one of my projects. The shading system would likely be broken, and the available maintenance funds would never cover its repair – and unrepaired damage seems to only promote more abuse. I don't even put exposed downspouts on some of my projects, because they've been quickly flattened by kids with sticks and baseball bats. It's a very unfortunate reality.
Furthermore, I don't think Ann was talking about taking anything away from anyone: I think she was talking about providing a sensible, durable building that will continue to look good and function well for years. That's nothing to criticize – it's why we do the work we do.
As an aside, your previous point about it looking like "home" without looking like a "house" was right on the money. Nicely said. I'd be happy to live in such a gorgeous building.
July 10, 2007 at 10:41 pm
yeah ann you are so right… so let us never try! better yet lets take away from those that need it.
i think you have never worked with those in public housing; in fact they do the exact opposite of what you "speculate" they would do.
July 10, 2007 at 9:34 pm
this idea is quite ols.
check out this web site: http://www.baumschlager-eberle.com/
project is at least 15 yrs. old.
of course. this is all very much trad japanese architecture withits use of shoji and fusuma partitions….
July 10, 2007 at 8:02 pm
[…] G by Foreign Office Architects […]
July 10, 2007 at 6:40 pm
[…] clipped from http://www.inhabitat.com […]
July 10, 2007 at 5:15 pm
[…] Inhabitat » SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC HOUSING by Foreign Office Architects […]
July 10, 2007 at 9:13 am
I agree with everyone's comments but I see a big problem here. In less than a month some of those moveable shades will be broken or removed or just not functioning, more over time. This is an unfortunate aspect of public and subsidized housing, nothing of a remotely delicate nature or of moving parts lasts. The residents typically have little sense of ownership and take out their frustrations on where they've been given to live. This, no matter how good the living condition is.
July 9, 2007 at 5:58 pm
what looks like housing and what looks like institutional? i think it is all relative and this is a new idea for a problem that is not addressed….
just because it does not look like your idea of "house" does not mean it does not feel like "home"
July 9, 2007 at 12:17 pm
[…] Read the full post at Inhabitat. Faced with a shortage of public housing, the City of Madrid commissioned Foreign Office Architects to create a sustainable multi-unit residential alternative for its new public housing development at Carabanchel. Simply known as Carabanchel 16, this building shows how you can is a simple housing design transformed into a beautiful canvas of light and shadow using the simplest tool in an architect's arsenal: shading devices. • • • […]
July 9, 2007 at 12:13 pm
It may be groovy, but it's still public housing and very institutional looking. If it was an office block I'd be more impressed.
July 9, 2007 at 7:58 am
This is beautiful, although almost a direct (but wooden) copy of Herzog and De Meuron's housing at Rue des Suisses in Paris. In fact I used a similar idea about a year ago for a design project, it creates a beautiful and dynamic facade really easily. Plus it's environmentally responsive whilst keeping control in the occupants' hands…
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Sunday, September 24, 2006
In the Flight A championship match, Yevgeniya Stupak (
"It would have been good for us to pick up the win in the Flight A," said head coach Steve Brooks. "Yevgeniya, was up 7-5, but just couldn't close it out. Hirsch is just a very good player."
Competing in Flight B singles, senior Masha Ilina (Kyiv, Ukraine) defeated Koren Fleming of Charlotte, 6-0, 6-3, while sophomore Tara Byrne (Johnson City, Tenn.) fell after a hard-fought match to Kasia Zawadzki of Syracuse, 2-6, 6-2 (9).
In Flight C junior Elena Volobueva (
Whitney Trotter (
"Overall it was a very good tournament. We're very beat up right now after playing two consecutive weekends of tournaments," added Brooks. "Right now we're looking forward to coming home and resting up and getting back into shape."
The Lady Bucs will take the next two weeks off before continuing fall tournament action at the ITA Southeast Regional hosted by UNC in
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Mom vs. Stepmom
How Do I Handle Seating When the Moms Are Not on Good Terms?
It's prudent to think about this before the rehearsal dinner so that you can give divorces parents specific seating instructions in advance.Traditionally the bride's mother and her husband sit in the front row (if the bride is much closer to her father, he and his wife may sit there). Members of the mother's immediate family sit behind her, in the next one or two rows. After escorting the bride down the aisle, her father should sit with his wife in the next row back.
If emotions are especially raw, the stepmother may wish to sit even further back. If you plan ahead for the reception, you can make it easy for your mom and stepmother to avoid interacting. Assigning them to tables at opposite ends of the room is a good start.


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Best-dressed lists may be as ubiquitous as peplums and platforms in this town, but three ladies consistently make their marks on all of them: Nicole Richie, Kate Bosworth, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. And, we all know the ensembles of these busy bombshells don't just put themselves together! In the case of these three beauties, credit should be paid to mega-stylist Cher Coulter.
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Yea i think bess and hartline and the new additions, plus the rbs tes and fbs will be great, lots of spreading the ball around. I think te skillsets were looking for are all similar. Different size and speed combos for mismatches but similar skillsets. Reliable hands, precise route running and timing. Quick not fast, dont lose speed in breaks and cuts. Able to sell routes. Able to open hips, plant feet, stop at a dime and start up again quick. Contested catches and good focus. Watching tannehill against okl and lsu its so clear our game is going to be a lot of passes out of the backfield utilizing backs and tightends. So well require good blocking all around. Unbelievable amount of outs and comebacks. Some slants and posts. Quite a bit of redzone fades. Tannehills game seems to be biding time, using his athleticism and throwing sideline catches where only his receivers can male the grabs. Does well against the zones and in redzone something were not used to
These rookie wide receivers appear to be steals!
Both seem like good pickups to me, as well as the UDFA the picked up from A&M.
Twitter: @ckparrot
Fast forward to about 2:37 into this video and watch that reverse he ran against Boise State in 2010. This was a Boise State team many thought should've been given a shot at the National Championship (if not for this loss to Nevada at the hands primarily of Rishard Matthews).
He had 10 catches for 172 yards and a receiving TD in that game against Boise State back in 2010 with Colin Kaepernick throwing the ball. He added the 44 yard TD run in the 3rd quarter. Boise State was the #3 team in the country an Rishard Matthews beat them with 216 rushing and receiving yards and 2 TDs.
Came across an interesting interview with Matthews. Don't know if it's been posted but thought others might like to read it.
Another later round wr that can suceed in the Dolphins offense compared to the earlier rd wrs...Great pick
agreed Fuller was a good get as udfa wonder why he slid out of the draft I know his sr season wasnt the best but still a good player
The time has come for us to stop talking about Marlon Moore and Roberto Wallace to somehow "realize their constantly talked about potential" that they're just special teamers. BJ cunningham and Matthews were highly productive in prosystems in college (as opposed to past picks we just assumed would become productive) and I think either will start day 1. My money is on BJ cunningham to come right in and start opposite hartline with Bess in the slot.
Rishard Mathews is another guy who was very productive in college. Why can;t they be productive at the pro-level? They can be!


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In 1994, two screens were constructed in a former collision shop adjacent to Little 2-3. This included what staff lovingly refer to as "Little 5." Little 5 seats 168 people. In 2013, new digital projection and state of the art sound, while retaining 35mm film capabilities. This theatre has wheelchair accessibility.
Little 5


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Welcome to My Crafty Picks. This is a weekly post where I showcase other pieces of art made using Stampin' Up! product that have inspired me in one way or another. These inspirations are created by other talented artists so please visit their site for all the details and let them know that I sent you!!
**Please know that these artists were notified by myself about being chosen and have been given the chance to decline my offer.
I hope you have enjoyed my twenty first installment of My Crafty Picks and have found some inspiration and/or joy!! This is something I do each Sunday so make sure you check back often!! And don't forget to visit these lovely artists blog and let them know that they were featured here on My Crafty Picks!! Until next time......
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I designed the synthesizer to have direct feedback, bright colors, and big parts. This makes it easy to understand, easy to use, and fun for children of all ages. Even if the person using it does not quite understand what all of the buttons and knobs are doing, it is fun to just smash buttons, and flick switches and listen to the sound change.
Overall, I am pleased with how this came out. I am hoping that my nephew will enjoy playing with this half as much as I do.
Step 1: Kid-Friendly Design
For starters, I decided to use big colorful arcade buttons because of their sturdy construction and inviting appearance. I tested this theory on the Instructables resident toddler and she seemed more than pleased to smash away at the button panel, whether or not the buttons did anything. I next decided to replace the switches, sliders, and potentiometer knobs with home lighting fixture parts. From my experience, I find that small children like to play with light switches and other big buttons. Unfortunately, they were not very colorful and inviting. I solved this problem by adding colored resin to the tops of each of the knobs.
The power switch was also a challenge. I wanted it to be easy enough that my nephew could feasibly use it himself, but difficult enough that he would not get the immediate feedback of turning the synthesizer on and off repeatedly (which would defeat the point of all other switches). I resolved upon a lamp pull switch for this task. Toddler testing thus far has proven successful.
One more thing I had to keep in mind was how to make changing the battery easy enough my sister could do it, but impossible for my nephew. I didn't want him to be able to get into the case and tug at the wiring. I resolved to use a hatch system with two child-proof magnetic latches. In order to get into the inside of the case, you need to know to carefully place a magnet on two specific places on the hatch. This makes the case both seamless, and easily accessible (to those in the know).
The one weak point in the case is the speaker grill. I considered reinforcing this with a metal mesh, but ultimately decided against it. I'm just hopeful he won't try to jab anything long and skinny inside the holes. I did, however, water seal speaker cone, because - well - you never know.
Beyond that, I simplified the synthesizer circuit that I was working with to only include functionality that gave immediate or near immediate feedback. While some knobs may not work when some of the switches are toggled, my nephew will never be far from making it create some sort of noise, or toggling it back into some sort of highly playable state. This makes it fun enough for a toddler to wail away on, but complex enough that it will still be rewarding as he gets older. This toy is compelling to children of all ages.
Just a thought, could you bring your connections to a central PCB, say with an old computer or floppy IDE cable and save a little on space?
That's a good suggestion. That would keep things cleaner.
Your exhaustive yet focused write-up allows me to understand this project just as I would a romance novel at the grocery check out counter. So approachable, so pretty, such nice white balance.
Having heard the synth is person, it's certainly impressive. It beeps and bops with a slight tone of crazy to it, but more of in a way that seems to inspire some kind of artistic genius rather than institutionalization.
I see this as the mozart toy for the 21st century and I think that it's full effects are excitingly not yet known.
Love, The Grandmother. :-)
and would you sell parts
i live in England
Nit picking, I know. The 'ible is simply brilliant.
(ps) almost "just in time" for Moog's birthday!