How Sleep Became A Status Symbol For years, the wellness industry focused on eating clean, exercising harder, and optimising every aspect of the health. Today, however, attention has shifted to sorting much more fundamental: sleep. Once considered a waste of time, sleep in now one of the strongest predictors of physical health, mental well-being, productivity, and even longevity. From wearable sleep trackers to so-called “sleepmaxxing” routines, millions of people are investing time and money to improve quality of their rest. “I'll sleep when I am dead.” was a sentence often proudly used by many individuals. However, attitudes have changed. Today’s culture still rewards productivity, yet attitudes toward rest are beginning to change. High-performing athletes, CEOs, entrepreneurs and health experts openly prioritise sleep because they recognise that recovery improves performance more than working another late night. The question is what is “sleepmaxxing" and whether it actually works. It is one of the biggest trends of 2026 and it refers to intentionally optimising sleep through habits, technology, and bedroom design. For some people, this simply means maintaining a regular bedtime, keeping the bedroom dark and cool, or avoiding the screens because of the blue light. Yet, other are taking it further by acquiring smart mattresses, sleep trackers, special pillows, blackout curtains, and cooling technology to improve their nightly rest. The trend has even entered the luxury travel industry. Equinox Hotel New York, for example, developed an entire experience around optimising sleep. Its Sleep Lab room, created in collaboration with world-renowned sleep scientist Dr. Matthew Walker, is designed to enhance deep, restorative rest. Room is equipped with Eight Sleep Adaptive Mattress Technology, sleep + wake automation tuned to your natural rhythm, specially designed shower with steam and ice to prepare for body for sleep or energise you wake-up, and more sleep assessments. This leads us to another phenomenon known as “sleep tourism” or in other words, travelling specifically to rest and recover rather than filling a vacation with activities. Yet, there is an interesting contradiction at the centre of it all. Many basic conditions associated with good sleep such as darkness, quiet, a comfortable temperature and sufficient time in bed do not necessarily require expensive technology. The fact that businesses can now package and sell these conditions as premium experience raises a bigger questions: how did something as basic and necessary as a good night’s sleep became a status symbol and why we are so eager to follow it?

The Untold Story of Joseph Pilates and the Birth of Contrology In 1945, Joseph Pilates published his thoughts regarding our lifestyle. Return to Life Through Contrology is an incredible book full of insights that would go on to shape one of the most enduring fitness methods of the twentieth century. Long before "core strength exercises" or "mind and body connection" became fitness industry buzzwords, J. Pilates was convinced that modern life itself was making people physically weaker through poor posture, shallow breathing, and sedentary habits. From his perspective, all of these are silently eroding the body's natural vitality. His answer to the issue was not yet another workout routine, but a complete philosophy. He called his creation CONTROLOGY. It is built on the belief that true health will come if an individual controls his body, mind, and spirit simultaneously. Arguing that it does not come from isolated muscle-building or mindless repetition. In his published material, J. Pilates not only covers his philosophy, but also includes an exercise manual. In the first few chapters of the book, the author explains why his thoughts have to be taken into consideration before he further expands with his nowadays worldwide famous sequence of 34 mat exercises. To this day, they remain the backbone of the Classical Pilates routine. His legacy can be seen in every Pilates video, studio, and in each one of us. Why does it still matter? As a writer of this article, I have to say that I have been practising Pilates for nearly 5 years. I have tried various studios and types, which include Reformer and Classical Pilates. Contrary to popular belief, Pilates is far more than a series of exercises performed strictly on a mat. The main difference between the two styles is in the equipment necessary. Pilates studios may vary in the present equipment and routine they offer. Practitioners may also use specialized apparatus such as the Cadillac (can be recognized as the Trapeze Table), Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and other pieces of equipment originally designed by Joseph Pilates himself. Despite the fact that Pilates is by some considered more for females, anyone can benefit from this type of exercise. Sessions can be held either as private one-on-one lessons or in small group classes, with the equipment providing adjustable resistance and support to suit different fitness levels. Book: Return to Life Through Contrology Part 1: The philosophy In the first part of the book, Joseph Pilates focuses on how modern lifestyle is negativly effecting lifes of all of us. He argues that poor posture, shallow breathing, and less movement in day-to-day life cause physical decline that can not be healed by exercises that overdevelop muscle growth without control and neglect the necessary balance that should be reached by the individual. He calls his method Contrology, which ensures the complete coordination of body, soul, and mind. Part 2: The exercises A photographed sequence of Pilates himself (in his 50s) performing each move, with short captions. Movments itself largely speak for themselves once they are understood. While performing these exercises, it is important to focus on the ideas he is trying to shed light on. At the beginning of the book, through the quote "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness," he is communicating the importance of loving and practicing sports with a positive attitude. Moreover, he emphasizes breathing and quality of movement over speed and quantity. The 34 mat exercises All these exercises mentioned below build a flow, making it a system of specific exercises in specific order. They start with opening movements to warm up the circulation and prepare the body for the upcoming workout. The Hundred Roll-Up Roll-Over with Legs Spread One Leg Circle Rolling Back (Rolling Like a Ball) One Leg Stretch Double Leg Stretch Spine Stretch Rocker with Open Legs Corkscrew Saw Swan-Dive One Leg Kick Double Kick Neck Pull Scissors Bicycle Shoulder Bridge Spine Twist Jack Knife Side Kick Teaser Hip Twist with Stretched Arms Swimming Leg Pull (Front Support) Leg Pull Front Kneeling Side Kicks Side Bend Boomerang Seal Crab Rocking Control Balance Push-Up

Photo: bruno Lopes (www.maat.pl) How a Hundred Birds Turn Movement into Music Can a melody exist without a composer? More importantly, can it be heard once and never again? In an incredible live exhibition currently on view at Lisbon's Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), French artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot answers both questions with an installation unlike anything I have ever experienced. from here to ear can not be described as an exhibition; it is a living ecosystem where art, music, and nature merge into a performance with a low probability of ever being repeated once more. The concept appears almost deceptively simple. Twenty electric guitars are scattered across a landscape of sand, grass, branches, and suspended nests. But instead of musicians, one hundred zebra finches (bred in Portugal) freely reside in the gallery space. They fly around, hop, and explore the instruments as they would in any unfamiliar environment. Yet every time they land on a string of instaled guitar, a melody is born. With more movement from all hundred birds created is one-of-a-kind symphony. Photo: Bruno Lopes (www.maat.pt) Extraordinary installation: Movement becomes music We have spent our entire lives listening to birds through their voices. Here, on the other hand, we listen to their movements. Their physical activity becomes the instrument itself. Every hop transforms into a note, every landing into a chord, every interaction into part of a melody. One hundred birds. Thousands of movements. Millions of possible melodies. And not a single one will ever be heard in exactly the same way again. This realization becomes the emotional aspect of the exhibition. Every composition exists only for a fleeting moment before it will disappear forever. The precise identical melody can perhaps never be recreated. Each visitor witnesses a unique concert that belongs solely to them at the specific moment. Boursier-Mougenot's artistic philosophy Originally from here to ear has evolved through numerous site-specific versions of its exhibitions, each carefully adapted to its architectural surroundings. Trained as a composer artist no longer writes music in the traditional sense. Instead, he creates environments where sound emerges naturally, surrendering its power to nature and the unpredictable interactions between living creatures and space. Although bird lovers will undoubtedly appreciate the opportunity to observe one hundred zebra finches so closely, we can not reduce the exhibition to an experience for ornithology enthusiasts. This installation is an exploration of creativity, architecture, sound, movement, and time along with wildlife interactions . It reminds us that often the most beautiful and worthy things are created spontaneously. From hear to ear: In person experience I had an absolute pleasure to experience the from here to ear in person this weekend in Lisbon. With confidence, I can say that it left a lasting impression on me and other guests visiting the gallery at the moment. I have visited countless museums, immersive exhibitions, and contemporary art installations, yet none has surprised me quite like this one. This experience will stay forever with you. Moreover, to make it an unforgetable and memorable experience, guests are asked not to take photos or make videos. Instead, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the space and exist in the moment. In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, from here to ear celebrates the opposite. It celebrates the unpredictable. It reminds us that some of the most beautiful moments in life are meaningful precisely because they cannot be repeated. This exhibition's greatest achievement is that every person leaves carrying home a melody that belongs only to them. If you are currently in Lisbon, or plan to come, do not miss this incredible exhibition that will be at MAAT till 31.08.2026.

A New Future for The Industrial Landmark Picture from: MARVEL Architects project Barcelona is once again demonstrating how architecture can bridge the past and the future. The city’s Les Tres Xemeneies, a former thermal power station that has stood dormant since 2011, will be transformed into Catalunya Media City. A dynamic hub for digital invention, education, research, and culture. The winning proposal, developed by MARVEL Architects and Garcés - de Seta - Bonet (GdSB), places preservation at the heart of the design. Rather than replacing themonumental industrial complex, the redevelopment embraces its architectural legacy, transforming one of the landmarks for a new purpose. The massive concrete turbine hall and the three towering chimneys, long regarded as symbols of Barcelona's industrial heritage, will remain the defining elements of the project. The interior of former power station will accommodate exhibition spaces, digital studios, research and education facilities, workshops, an auditorium, and public areas. New program will be introduced through lightweight, adaptable interventions within the existing structure, while integrated vegetation will soften the concrete interiors and bring a bright new life to the space. A new southern extension compliments the existing structure through a lighter, more sustainable approach, featuring an LED media façade that reflects the site’s connection to the digital world. To the east, a new low-rise volume accommodates technical support functions while defining a permeable logistics street that improves the site’s operational efficiency. Last but not least, the elevated public space seamlessly extends into the urban surroundings and invites people from both Barcelona and Badalona. Sustainability plays an equally important role in the redevelopment. By preserving the existing structure, the project significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with demolition and new construction while retaining the embodied carbon within the existing structure. Passive environmental strategies, landscaped public areas, enhanced pedestrian connections further reinforce the project's commitment to a more sustainable urban future. Projects of this kind reflect a growing international movement towards adaptive reuse, where cities recognise the value of the industrial heritage rather than erasing it. Barcelona now joins this conversation with a redevelopment that balances preservation, innovation, and environmental responsibility. It represents a new chapter for Barcelona’s waterfront, one where industrial history is not forgotten, but reimagined as the foundation for the city’s creative and technological future.

Picture: Marta Kostyuk wearing lace-adorned Wimbledon dress from Wilson (wilson.com) No cream. No ivory. No eggshell. At Wimbledon, white means white. Among the four Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon is one of the most anticipated events of the year. From tennis enthusiasts and professionals to loving fans, it is the tournament of the summer. Its grass courts, bowls of strawberries and cream, and elegant atmosphere are instantly recognizable. Yet perhaps its most famous tradition is also its simplest: players must wear white. As an onlooker, this strict rule does not apply to you, but competing players must follow it. But if you closely follow fashion trends in the past 2 weeks, you would have noticed that even fans tend to favour white as well. In the past, this rule was broken or challenged by a few players. For example, Roger Federer, who had been asked to change his footwear due to the orange soles, or Andre Agassi, the most famous rebel, who from 1988 till 1990 did not partake in tournaments due to his own beliefs. As a fan of tennis and a fashion lover, I find this rule very elegant and unique. While in other tournaments this rule is absent, this makes Wimbledon distinctive. But this tradition has not been created recently; it has its roots back in the 19th century. The Tradition Behind Wimbledon’s Dress Code Tradition dates back to the Victorian era (19th century), when lawn tennis became popular among Britain’s upper classes. At the time, visible perspiration was considered improper in society and even embarrassing. White clothing was believed to make sweat marks less noticeable, allowing tennis players to maintain a clean and polished appearance. Before the first Wimbledon Championship that was held in 1877, white had already become associated with lawn tennis. Over time, from being a practical choice, it has grown into one of the strictest and most recognizable dress codes in professional sport. Wimbledon requires players who are competing to wear clothing almost entirely white, with no large logos or colorful splashes of color. Cream and off-white shades are generally not accepted; it is required to wear white for both male and female competitors . The rules apply not only to shirts, dresses, skirts, and shorts but also to shoes, socks, hats, and other visible accessories worn by athletes on the court during the tournament. Time-honoured tradition Today, white is no longer worn primarily to conceal perspiration. Instead, it has become an essential part of Wimbledon’s identity. While both major and non-major tennis tournaments allow players to experiment with bright colors and designs, Wimbledon preserves the tradition. The white dress code creates an elegant visual contrast with the green grass courts and makes this particular tournament recognizable. What began as a reflection of Victorian social expectations and ideas about appearance and social etiquette has evolved into a tradition, symbol of elegance, and timelessness. In a sporting world where constant changes occur, Wimbledon’s commitment to white is precisely what makes it stand apart from others. Congratulations to this year’s winners Jannik Sinner and Linda Nosková! *Sources: GQ, “Why Does Everyone Wear White at Wimbledon?”, Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Why Do Tennis Players Wear White at Wimbledon?”, TIME, “Wimbledon’s Dress Code and Its History.”

One of the most powerful ideas connecting economics and finance is time preference, the tendency for people to value present benefits more than future benefits; in other words, to prefer value now rather than later. Essentially, highlighting that the longer you wait to use your money, the less valuable it will be in comparison to its present value. This concept is closely related to the time value of money (TVM) from finance, which states that a sum of money today is generally worth more than the same sum in the future because it can be invested to earn returns, is affected by inflation, and is subject to less uncertainty. Because of these preferences and the time value of money, some individuals have trouble with continuous saving, may postpone long-term goals, and find investments that pay off later less attractive. Economists illustrate these behaviours using present value/discounting graphs that show how the value of future payoffs falls the longer one waits. Together, these frameworks help explain how both psychological preferences and financial principles influence decisions about saving, investment, and planning over time. An example could be that we have two projects we have to decide between. Both of them will return €10 million, but project 1 in two years and project 2 in six years. For this calculation, we use a simple mathematical equation: *n = years *i = discount rate *CF = future cash flows *PV = present value From this, we can calculate the present value of both projects and decide which project is better. Of course, there are other factors that have to be considered while deciding, but for this we imagine that the only important factor is the discount rate and time. For simplicity, the example assumes a discount rate of 10%, although in practice the appropriate rate depends on factors such as the project's risk, the cost of capital, and prevailing market interest rates. Project 1: PV = 10 million / (1+0,10)^2 = 8.26 mil Project 2: PV = 10 million / (1+0,10)^6 = 5.64 mil Here it is obvious that Project 1, according to this calculation, is preferable in this case if it is solely based on the return from the investment, time, and discount rate, because it has a higher present value. Even when the time value of money is not applied directly in daily tasks, understanding it supports better strategic decisions. By comparing the present value of expected future returns, organizations can identify which projects are most beneficial. Investors also use this approach to evaluate companies based on anticipated performance, helping them decide where to allocate capital. For entrepreneurs, faster returns increase the present value of cash flows and improve the chances of attracting investment. Risk vs return vs liquidity Risk describes the possibility that an investment’s actual outcome may differ from what was expected, including the chance of losing money. In general, higher potential returns come with greater risk, while safer investments tend to offer more modest earnings. Most people are naturally risk-averse, meaning they prefer a guaranteed outcome over a risky one, even when the risky choice could have a higher return. For example, many would choose a guaranteed €100 over a 50 % chance of €220, even though the latter has a higher expected value. This preference for certainty influences investment decisions and behaviour in financial markets. Risk attitudes shape how people allocate their money: more cautious investors tend to favour low-risk assets like government bonds, while others may choose stocks or other higher-risk investments. Another important idea is liquidity, which refers to how quickly an asset can be converted into cash without significantly affecting its market price. Investments that are difficult to sell quickly may be less attractive to some investors, and this liquidity concern also factors into returns. Together, risk, return, and liquidity help explain how people balance potential earnings against uncertainty and accessibility when making investment choices. Magic Triangle of Investing These three factors are often represented by the MAGIC TRIANGLE OF INVESTING (created by Harry Markowitz), a framework illustrating the trade-offs between risk, return, and liquidity. One of the fundamental principles of finance is that no investment can simultaneously offer high returns, low risk, and high liquidity. Investors may prioritize one or two of these characteristics, but usually at the expense of the third. For example, highly liquid and low-risk investments generally provide lower returns, while investments offering higher potential returns often involve greater risk or lower liquidity. Therefore, investors must balance these three factors according to their financial goals, investment horizon, and willingness to take risks. *Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It is based on concepts and knowledge acquired through academic study in economics and finance. The content does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice and should not be relied upon when making financial decisions. The authors are not licensed financial advisers, and readers should consult a qualified professional before making any investment or financial decisions.

Why human behavior makes markets unpredictable and why models still matter. When many people nowadays hear the word economics, they picture spreadsheets, equations, and complicated graphs. Many imagine that economics is like accounting, purely about numbers and fixed rules. But economics is not just the study of numbers. Economics is the study of human choices, and that makes it both fascinating and exciting to learn about. The most unpredictable variable in economics is not inflation, GDP, or exchange rates. It’s people! Humans don’t behave as they are described in theory. We don’t always act rationally, as we are expected to. We don’t always have the complete information that is necessary to make decisions. We can be emotional, impatient, social, and biased, and yet, these messy decisions collectively shape entire economies and financial markets. Once you understand that economics is about people, everything starts to make more sense: price changes, booms and recessions, inflation waves, even financial crises. Let me give you a few examples of when, in real life, our irrationality plays a key role and shapes not only our lives but also markets. 1. Economics starts with scarcity and choices. In microeconomics, students cover one of the first topics: SCARCITY. No one has unlimited money, time, energy, or attention. That means every decision involves a trade-off. When you choose one thing, you give up something else. Economists call this the opportunity cost. Another term that every single student has to know is marginal utility. In graphs, referred to as (MU), is the additional satisfaction or benefit a consumer gets from consuming one more unit of a good or service. In most cases, marginal utility decreases as consumption increases, meaning each extra unit brings less satisfaction than the previous one (law of diminishing marginal utility). Even everyday decisions are economic: • If you work more hours → you earn more money, but you give up time for studying, rest, or relationships. • If a government spends more on pensions, it might have insufficient funds for education, healthcare, or infrastructure investments. • If a company raises salaries, it might limit its investment budget. So economics is not “math for fun.” It’s a structured way to understand how people and institutions make trade-offs. 2. The myth of the perfectly rational human Traditional economic models often assume a rational decision-maker: someone who weighs all options logically and chooses what maximizes their benefit. That assumption is valuable because it provides a clean foundation. But the real world is not perfect. Behavioral economics, strongly influenced by psychologists like Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, shows that people regularly deviate from “perfect rationality.” Instead, we take shortcuts and are often influenced by emotions and social cues. Some famous behavioral patterns include: • Loss aversion: Losing €100 feels more painful than gaining €100 feels good. • Present bias: We value rewards today more than rewards in the future. • Overconfidence: We overestimate our ability to predict markets or outcomes. • Anchoring: Our decisions are influenced by irrelevant starting points (like “original price” before discount). In finance, this matters a lot. A rational investor might say: “If my stock has bad fundamentals, I should sell.” But a human investor may hold it just to avoid realizing a loss, even if the rational decision is to exit. 3. Why models exist Some people criticize economics because “models are unrealistic.” But that criticism misses the point. Models are not meant to copy reality in every detail. They are meant to simplify reality so we can understand key mechanisms. A good model is like a map: a map doesn’t show every tree and building, but it helps you navigate a city. Economists use models because: • Reality has too many variables to analyze directly. • Models allow us to isolate relationships. • Models help us build forecasts and test scenarios for further analysis. This is especially important in macroeconomics and central banking, where policy decisions depend not on today’s inflation, but on inflation 12–18 months from now. 4. Expectations: the invisible force driving the economy One of the most “human” parts of economics is expectations. People do not react only to current economic conditions, but also to what they expect will happen in the future. For example, if individuals expect prices to rise, they may try to negotiate higher future wages to protect their purchasing power. Firms then have to respond to these higher wage demands by increasing their costs, which can lead to higher prices in the economy. In this way, expectations themselves can influence inflation. Other example: • If households expect prices to rise, they may buy more today. • If firms expect demand to fall, they may reduce hiring or production. • If investors expect interest rates to go down, bond prices rise. This is why economists often say markets are “forward-looking.” It’s not simply news but how people interpret news. Economics, therefore, is not just about mathematics, Excel, or financial models. It is about understanding how individuals behave in an imperfect world. Economics is not a crystal ball. It doesn’t give perfect predictions because humans are not perfectly predictable. Economics offers something more valuable: frameworks for understanding. What makes economics truly powerful is this balance between a combination of logical frameworks and the unpredictability of human nature. Markets move not only because of us, but also because of our fear, confidence, expectations, and decisions made by millions of individuals every day. So the next time you hear about inflation, stock markets, or economic growth, remember: behind every number is a human choice. And that is what makes economics endlessly fascinating. *Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It is based on concepts and knowledge acquired through academic study in economics and finance. The content does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice and should not be relied upon when making financial decisions. The authors are not licensed financial advisers, and readers should consult a qualified professional before making any investment or financial decisions.

Picture from: Article published in issue no. 166 of Résidences Décoration. International Klein Blue When Yves Klein once described the blue sky as his first artwork, he was redefining the very nature of art. From that moment, his work became a continuous exploration of the infinite, the immaterial, and what lies beyond what we can physically see. Born on April 28, 1928, in Nice, into a family of painters, Klein was surrounded by art from day one. However, his first passion was not painting but judo. His artistic philosophy was shaped by his interest in judo before he became a painter. During his life, his dedication led him to Japan, where he trained to understand space and balance. It was only after returning to Paris in 1954 that Klein fully devoted himself to art. This marked the beginning of what he called his “monochrome adventure,” his desire to free colour from the limitations of line and form. Experience the Colour For Klein, monochrome painting represented artistic freedom. He believed that a single colour covering an entire canvas could open a space where an individual can fully immerse themselves in the essence of colour. By painting in monochrome colour on a full canvas, he shifted attention to emotional and sensory experience. Although he worked with different colours, his most iconic pieces are associated with a colour known as International Klein Blue (IKB), a vivid ultramarine shade that became his signature. Klein considered this colour a tool for expressing the infinite, inviting viewers to experience art on a deeper level. Klein’s work pushed beyond artistic boundaries. He was interested in revealing what cannot be normally perceived. Often, Klein described his artwork as something intangible, being evidence of the existence of something that is invisible to humans. He incorporated natural elements such as fire, water, and air into his work, treating them as active creative forces. He also created performances, including his well-known Leap into the Void, and even presented empty exhibition spaces as artworks, emphasizing presence through absence. Check out some visulas here. Art as a Lifestyle For Klein, art was not limited to art or galleries; it was a way of understanding the world. He believed that beauty exists everywhere, even if it is not immediately visible ot tangible. His role as an artist was to reveal hidden beauty in physical materials or empty spaces. Between 1954 and his death on June 6, 1962, at the age of 34, he created works that continue to influence contemporary art. Before his death, he expressed his vision in these words: “I am going to go into the biggest studio in the world, and I will only do immaterial works.” Yves Klein and Pierre Restany at the opening of the exhibition ‘Yves Klein le Monochrome. Il nuovo realismo del colore’ Picture from: https://www.yvesklein.com Legacy Yves Klein’s legacy is beyond his famous blue paintings or original performances. His true contribution lies in how he transformed people's understanding of art, from solely observing to a deeper experience. Klein’s focus on emotion, perception, and the unseen opened new directions for art and artists. Now you should also experience his art that is exhibited for visitors in Stedelijk Museum Schiedam (Schiedam, Netherlands) from 22nd of March 2026 till 25th of October 2026. Picture from: p55.art *Source: Yves Klein - Yves Klein, The untold story of the International Klein Blue (IKB) of Yves Klein - Pompidou+ - Centre Pompidou