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The Wide Open

from 99% Invisible [alt+shift+b] in architecture

When the Endangered Species Act passed in 1973, it was considered a bipartisan home run. The Act established protections for plants and animals on the endangered and threatened species lists, and across the aisle, everyone seemed to agree that it would be bad for a bunch of species to go extinct. When the act went
4th Feb 2025

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More from 99% Invisible

Weeding is Fundamental

On October 17th, 1989, the Oakland A’s were playing the San Francisco Giants in the World Series, but just as the game was kicking off—the television broadcast cut out. When the signal came back, it was no longer the baseball game. These were the early minutes of the Loma Prieta earthquake, which struck near Santa

5th Aug 2025 • 41 votes
Open Borders

A border is an idea so powerful that we never even have to see it to believe it. Or believe in it. Global borders can be sites of peace and conflict, violence and celebration, opportunity and confinement. And borders as they exist today – which is to say, increasingly militarized and clearly defined – are

1st Jul 2025 • 48 votes
Left to Write (1 of 3): Adaptive Keyboards & Writing Technologies for One-Handed Users

Last year, an accident left my right arm and shoulder numb and paralyzed. After extensive testing, doctors determined that I had severely injured my right brachial plexus — a crucial nexus of nerve pathways carrying signals back and forth between my spinal column and right upper extremities. It was made clear that I shouldn’t expect

1st May 2025 • 28 votes
The Great American Pyramid

Memphis, Tennessee is home to many historic landmarks. Like Graceland, and Beale Street. But one of their biggest tourist magnets is their Bass Pro Shops. Usually, Bass Pro is the place to buy hunting and fishing gear. But the one in Memphis, it’s less of a store, and more of a camo-colored amusement park. On

1st Apr 2025 • 59 votes
A Beetle By Any Other Name

In a limestone cave deep in Central Slovenia, an unremarkable insect lives in complete darkness. This tiny beetle, barely visible to the naked eye, has no eyes and a brownish-yellow coloration—adaptations to a life spent entirely underground. The beetle has survived for approximately two million years in this harsh environment, yet in the past century,

4th Mar 2025 • 71 votes

More in architecture

New and Old #288

The scale of commerce, preservation versus urban life, manufactured housing, and a funny restaurant review

8 hours ago • 1 votes
Seemingly Out Of Context

Given the vast numbers of commuters that the Long Island Railroad carries, It’s easy to forget that it also carries freight. From a couple of years ago, a view of tracks elevated above Glendale, Queens, as a freight train with a much-grafittied hopper car goes by some brick bow-front rowhouses:

23 hours ago • 1 votes
Inside A Modern Australian Home Surrounded By Tropical Rainforest

Designed by Void Building Design, Raintree is a contemporary three-level home located beside Noosa National Park in Queensland, Australia. The residence occupies a compact 350-square-metre site, yet manages to create a generous sense of space, privacy, and openness. With rainforest views, natural light, and cooling breezes influencing the design, the home offers a relaxed coastal […]

2 weeks ago • 3 votes
Does Building More Housing Bankrupt Cities?

The Numerate Case for Aesthetic Abundance

3 weeks ago • 1 votes
What Happens After the Zoning Code Says "Yes"

One extra home can change the rules, the costs, and who can afford to build.

2nd Oct 2026 • 1 votes
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