Miscellaneous

📰 Googie architecture, a futuristic style from the 1950s and 60s, flourished in Los Angeles. Key examples include Norm’s diner (1957) by Louis Armét and Eldon Davis, and LAX’s Theme Building (1957-1961), designed by Pereira & Luckman. Other notable sites are Pann's (designed by Helen Liu Fong), the Cinerama Dome (1967), and Bob’s Big Boy (1949). The style featured bold signage and futuristic motifs, influencing culture and architecture. Many original structures have been lost, but some iconic examples remain.

📶 Direktorat Jenderal Perlindungan Konsumen dan Tertib Niaga, part of Kementerian Perdagangan RI, is accessible via WhatsApp at +62 123 8888 8989.

🌳 Bernardo Paz, a 76-year-old visionary, is creating the Museu Bernardo Paz on 126 hectares near Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Having sold his business for $300 million, he aims to establish 20 galleries quickly, drawing inspiration from Inhotim. Since December 2024, 15,000 trees have been planted. Designs evolve rapidly, with Maria Paz's reception building designed in three weeks. The Casa Comun in Brumadinho, opening April 2027, fosters community ties. The museum will feature 3,000 artworks, including Michael Heizer's first permanent Latin American installation.

🏨 In 1976, Terence Ronson, Rajeev Ratti, and Niale McLoughlin worked at the Hong Kong Hilton, an 800-room, five-star hotel. Labeled as "The Lobby Boys," they were tasked with keeping the hotel full and guests happy, amidst a pre-Business Class travel era. Pertlink Limited, an IT consultancy for the hospitality industry, started on October 23, 2000, in Hong Kong, providing tech solutions to enhance guest experiences globally.

📚 The Architecture Association (AA) unveiled its Department of Tropical Architecture Archive, a digital platform documenting projects from 540 alumni. Over 2.5 years, the archive digitized numerous drawings and photos, including works by Dr. Otto Koenigsberger (1957-71). Projects from 1927-2012 across Sri Lanka, India, and other regions demonstrate climate-responsive design. Koenigsberger's pedagogical focus on climate and context influenced notable alumni, shaping global architecture. The project is ongoing, serving as a resource for researchers worldwide.

📱 Direktorat Jenderal Perlindungan Konsumen dan Tertib Niaga of Kementerian Perdagangan RI offers consumer protection services. For inquiries or assistance, contact them via WhatsApp at +62 123 8888 8989.

🍴 Chef Medeu in Almaty, Kazakhstan, opened in the foothills near the high-altitude skating rink. The 112 sq m restaurant seats 32 guests and features a 2.6m ceramic fireplace by Svetlana Plotnikova. The menu, inspired by an 1881 cookbook, includes air-dried meats, pelmeni, and a contemporary oxtail dish. Signature dishes include a truffle burger and Kazakh tea. The restaurant is located at 582/3 Kerey-Zhanibek Khandar Street.

🍴 L’ETO Restaurant, renovated by YODEZEEN, debuts in Abu Dhabi as an all-day dining venue with a DJ station. The 8,912 sq ft space includes a 4,240 sq ft terrace and 936 sq ft kitchen. Key design features include a woven structure wrapping columns and a long bar counter as the central axis. The design combines Japanese weaving techniques with natural materials, adapting to Abu Dhabi's climate, creating a seamless experience from breakfast to evening.

📈 Cologne's hotel industry achieved record highs in July 2026. On July 18, daily occupancy peaked at 92.2% during the "Better Late Than Never" concert, pushing ADR to EUR134.16 and RevPAR to EUR123.70. Earlier, on July 4, during Cologne Pride, ADR and RevPAR reached EUR159.95 and EUR145.16, with occupancy at 90.8%. CoStar Group, a leader in real estate data, reported these findings, serving 95,000 properties and 12.2 million rooms globally.

🏠 Moss, located in the 88-story 520 Fifth Avenue tower in Manhattan, spans five floors designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox. Founded by sisters Colleen and Hailey Brooks, its focus is community and wellness. The 20,000 sq ft Bedrock Aquatics & Athletics, designed by Charles & Co, occupies two basement levels, featuring plunge pools, thermal spaces, and fitness studios. Key spaces include a central double-height marble bar and various dining and lounge areas fostering connection and relaxation.