Urupê Tower, an architectural marvel conceived by Victor B. Ortiz Architecture, is poised to redefine São Paulo’s skyline with its innovative design inspired by the organic beauty of nature. Taking cues from the intricate way mushrooms grow on trees, the tower boasts lush green terraces that ascend the building’s façade, offering a breathtaking manifestation of biophilic design. This integration of nature into the urban landscape not only imparts a stunning aesthetic quality to the structure but also serves a practical purpose by creating micro-climates that offset the environmental impact of the architecture. The incorporation of vibrant vegetation on all sides of the building allows residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a harmonious coexistence between manmade structures and the natural world, fostering a deep connection with the surrounding environment.

Victor B. Ortiz Architecture, rooted in São Paulo and cognizant of the ecological consequences of construction projects, underscores its commitment to sustainability in the Urupê Tower. The studio employs renewable materials and strategically integrates natural elements into the design to mitigate environmental effects. Beyond the aesthetic allure, the tower reflects the studio’s ethos of balancing functionality with environmental responsibility, aiming to set a precedent for future architectural endeavors in fast-growing urban landscapes. With panoramic views of São Paulo’s green neighborhoods, Urupê Tower stands as a testament to the transformative power of architecture that not only captivates the eye but also nurtures a symbiotic relationship with the natural world.

In a ground-breaking study conducted by researchers in Australia, the genomes of over 100 strains of Psilocybe cubensis, commonly known as magic mushrooms, were meticulously analyzed. This psychoactive fungi has been utilized by humans for centuries, and the research aims to unlock the genetic secrets of these mushrooms, potentially paving the way for the development of what the team refers to as “designer shrooms.” These tailored mushrooms could possess unique health benefits, offering a novel avenue for exploration in the realm of psychedelic compounds.

Psilocybin, the key psychoactive component in magic mushrooms, has traditionally been associated with recreational use, albeit often illegal in many jurisdictions. However, recent attention has shifted towards its potential therapeutic applications. Studies suggest that when combined with psychotherapy, psilocybin may offer promising results for individuals grappling with depression, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The research conducted by the University of Queensland delves into the genetic diversity of Psilocybe cubensis varieties, comparing commercial cultivars with their wild counterparts. The findings, published in the journal Current Biology, indicate a significant reduction in genetic diversity in commercial cultivars, potentially resulting from intentional or unintentional factors influencing their evolution.

As the interest in psilocybin-assisted therapy grows, the genetic insights provided by this study shed light on the domestication and cultivation of magic mushrooms. The research not only unveils the genetic variations within Psilocybe cubensis but also suggests the possibility of reinvigorating diversity in cultivated varieties. The study marks a crucial step towards understanding the evolutionary journey of these fungi and the potential for creating customized strains that cater to specific health benefits, opening up new possibilities in the emerging field of psychedelic research.

They are absolutely gorgeous! I’ve never seen anything like these before. We do live on a fabulous planet.
These tiny blue mushrooms are known as Mycena interrupta or Pixie’s Parasol fungi. These mushrooms can be found in small colonies on rotting, moist wood in rainforests, or eucalypt forests.

These small mushrooms stand out for the bright blue color of their hat, which is shaped like an umbrella and has a width that varies between 6 and 20 mm.

Mycenaceae is a family of fungi, of the order Agaricales, within this family we can find 11 different genera, which have 705 species of fungi, which are distributed throughout practically the whole world.

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This life-sized mushroom playhouse really brings woodland or forest pretend play to life! Measuring 61.5″ tall x 32.5″ diameter and made of a PVC frame and cotton cover, the playhouse makes a fantastic reading nook or sleepover tent. No matter how you slice it, this mushroom tent makes a beautiful addition to your play area! This is available in the llink below…

Find it HERE…

Nature is truly amazing and can be the scene for lots of epic photoshoots. Nature photographers are known to capture the most unique moments and bring us insight into unseen territories or situations.

Tanja Brandt, a German photographer managed to capture an adorable moment when a tiny owl hid under a mushroom in the middle of a storm.
The small owl is called Poldi and is Tanj’s pet, and it was love at first sight from day 1.
She took this cute photo of Poldi while he was trying to hide from the rain outdoors and found the perfect shelter: a small mushroom. Tanja is a huge animal fan and has several other pets, and one of them is Ingo who is a Malinois shepherd and Poldi’s best friend and protector. For Tanja, who is a wildlife photographer, her pets offer a neverending source of inspiration and they are often featured in her pictures.

The picture of Poldi won the Internet over when it was posted on her account and if you want to learn more about her life with five pets, make sure to follow her on Instagram.

Tanja is an animal and wildlife photographer, and she often photographs her pets too.

“I am always alone with my animals and my cam. I have no subjects in front of the camera and sometimes, it’s a little bit hard, especially with the Harris Hawks, because I have big lens and have to go far away.”

“I think my animals like to be photographed. Why? Because I am always outside with my camera and with my animals. So we get to walk together, have fun, go on adventures, have little breaks…

We take some pictures and after the animals can play again as we keep going. I know my animals very well and I can see their state of mind. If I go out with just one of my animals, the other gets antsy and wants to be with us. We have a lot of fun together.”

More info: ingoundelse.de | tier-collagen.de | Facebook

How to Take Good Photos of Nature

Wishing to grow up in Wonderland does come with its benefits: when you do grow up you can actually make the Wonderland to live in. This little house is an example of that. Hidden in the hills of British Columbia, the mushroom-looking home has lots of surprise in store. The interior design has a minimalistic approach but also features lots of design elements which will welcome you into a fairytale universe. Organic lines used throughout, in the kitchen, in the living and in the staircase. The use of wood makes it feel natural inside and plenty of windows, oval windows for that matter, gives the entire design a good feel. Just look at the photos to convince yourself.

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This cottage is a welcoming and cozy retreat hand sculpted of local, sustainable natural materials located on a lovely acreage with sheep, gardens and orchards…More details here…