The Babylonia Residence project, developed by FMD Architects, was conceived to respond to the sloping terrain located in an established residential neighborhood in northeast Melbourne. The main inspiration for the design lies in the elevated garden at the rear of the lot, establishing an analogy with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Two mature eucalyptus trees serve as structural elements on the facade of the land, their canopies directing the gaze upwards. The residence integrates voluminous and cavernous internal spaces, arranged in layers within the terrain itself.
Curved geometries emerge from the boundaries of the lot, manifested in the roof lines that adapt and curve in respect to the existing trees, anticipating their future development. This attention to the local context is also reflected in the choice of materials, which include terrazzo tiles and Tasmanian oak. Despite the structure's sobriety, the inclusion of natural stones and selected tiles lends individuality to each space, preserving the overall cohesion of the complex.
At the center of the project, Babylonia is organized around a main volume with a double height. Cast concrete walls rise like trunks in an internal forest, guiding the flow towards lush terrace gardens. An external pavilion designated for meals is positioned among the vegetation, functioning as a 'folly,' whose dark steel structure dialogues with the architecture of the neighboring pool.
Two distinct wings radiate from this central core. On the west side, the height restrictions imposed by the lot boundaries and the prominent presence of an eucalyptus tree defined a series of more reserved and cavernous spaces, constituting the private refuge of the owners. This refuge includes a cozy master suite and a living room overlooking the garden. The wood-clad ceilings slope towards the tree canopy, and customized openings intentionally frame the landscape.
In contrast, the east wing opens widely to the exterior, incorporating communal areas, dining, and a kitchen integrated with the ascending garden. The kitchen features a non-traditional T-shaped arrangement, combining wood and stone in forms that recall the architectural design of the house itself.
Below ground level, the architecture takes on a more closed, although still permeable, character. The main access occurs through a kitchen and bar area, where a glass skylight covered by a shallow water mirror projects aquatic and undulating light onto the lower surfaces, suggesting a deliberate descent.
Further on, a vast dining area reveals itself for social events, connecting to a game room. A large rotating panel and a sliding door provide flexible separation, allowing the space to easily adapt into a children's playroom.
A small outdoor patio signals the passage to the wellness area. The pool is lined with terracotta tiles, whose warm, earthy tone offers a soft contrast to the water. The leisure program is complemented by an infrared sauna, bathroom, gym, and ice bath.
Ascending to the upper floor, the experience focuses on luminosity and the external view. The children's bedrooms and bathrooms are accompanied by a naturally lit guest room overlooking the garden, as well as an office facing directly towards the front eucalyptus trees. Mirrored ventilation panels reflect the tree canopies into the space.
Babylonia is defined by contrast, transitioning between enclosure and openness, where overlapping thresholds and integrated landscaping constantly redefine the living experience in the house. Thus, the residence achieves its goal of being a sanctuary immersed in a suspended landscape, offering a welcoming refuge to its residents while maintaining a silent dialogue with the scenery that conceived it.
Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Sutlej' has become one of the most controversial films of this year. It was suddenly released on an OTT platform and removed within just 48 hours. Several reasons have emerged for the ban on the film, including the censor board demanding over 100 cuts. However, the producers did not comply with these demands and released the film without any changes. Subsequently, the film leaked online, causing significant financial loss to the producers.
Originally known as 'Punjab 95', this film was based on events that took place in Punjab during the 90s. It brought to light sensitive issues of the state that concealed a deep and bitter truth. Because of this, the government imposed a ban on the film so that it could not be used against the country.
This ban created considerable controversy. Before this, films based on sensitive issues in Punjab had been made and screened. For example, Gulzar's film 'Matchis', which came out in 1996, was based on the period of militancy in Punjab during the 1980s. This film was very successful and won several national awards.
Recently, Jimmy Shergill, who was part of the film 'Matchis', expressed his opinion on the ban of 'Sutlej'. In an interview with a news agency, he shared his views on the controversy surrounding Diljit's film. When asked why a film like 'Sutlej', which deals with a sensitive subject, faced difficulties in release, while his first film 'Matchis' was also based on the same period in Punjab and was highly acclaimed?
To this question, the actor replied that 'it is politics and it will always be'. He further stated that when a sensitive issue is discussed, many of its hidden aspects also come to light. He believes that as soon as discussion begins on one aspect of a sensitive issue, people's attention turns to other related aspects, and this is the political dimension of the entire situation.
Jimmy Shergill is currently in the news due to the Netflix series 'Operation Safed Sagar'. This show is based on the Kargil War of 1999, presenting the saga of bravery of the Indian Air Force.
The new trailer for Yasha's film 'Toxic' caused a wide resonance due to its impressive visuals, but one specific shot sparked active discussions among fans. In the trailer, Yasha is presented shirtless, which led to comparisons with Ranbir Kapoor's look from the film 'Animal'. In this frame, where Yasha stands without a T-shirt holding a bottle, his intimate parts were censored.
After watching the 'Toxic' trailer, internet users began drawing parallels between the character Yasha in 'Toxic' and the character Ranbir Kapoor in 'Animal'. One user shared photos of scenes without shirts of both actors and commented: 'Yasha has earned a doctorate in imitation and inspiration from Ranbir.'
Other viewers recalled the scene of Ranbir Kapoor from 'Animal' while looking at this frame. Although some fans reacted negatively to this comparison, asking questions like 'Isn't this an imitation of 'Animal'?', one fan highly praised the star of 'Toxic', writing that Yasha will show what a real 'Animal' looks like.
The film was produced by Yasha under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. The technical team includes cinematographer Rajiv Ravi, music composer Ravi Basurur, and editor Ujwal Kulkarni. The acting choreography was performed by Jay J. Perry, Anbariv, Kecha Hamfadi, and Amrit Singh.
'Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups' is a historical action-thriller directed by Gittu Mohandas, with the screenplay written by Yasha and Mohandas. The film's action unfolds against the backdrop of Goa's criminal world. In this picture, Yasha plays the role of Rai, while Nayantara plays the main role of Ganga, Kiara Advani plays Nadia, Huma Qureshi plays Elizabeth, Rukmini Vasant plays Melissa, and Tara Sutaria plays Rebecca.
After several postponements, the film 'Toxic' is scheduled for a global release on August 26, 2026, in Canadian, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and English languages.
