Before They Pass Away

First kisses, net neutrality, Bill Cunningham and more in our weekly look at the web

The unyielding forces of globalization and urbanization continue to shape our planet and cultures, with permanent impacts. One of them is the disintegration of the world’s tribal cultures. In his stunning portrait series “Before They Pass Away,” British photographer Jimmy Nelson documents secluded, shrinking tribes around the globe—from the Mongolian Steppe hawk-wielding Kazakh nomads to Guachos on Tierra del Fuego. Though the series has been …

Extreme Makeover: Landmark Edition

First kisses, net neutrality, Bill Cunningham and more in our weekly look at the web

The head-to-toe $27 million restoration of the former Williamsburgh Savings Bank headquarters in Brooklyn (built in 1875) was footed by a developer who plans to open a hotel next door. Birdcage elevators, stained-glass skylights, a great dome, hand-cut mosaic floors and even replica doorknob and hinges with the “WSB” logo are some of the beautiful features of the restored building, which will now function as …

Sou Fujimoto’s White Tree

First kisses, net neutrality, Bill Cunningham and more in our weekly look at the web

Set to dominate Montpellier, France’s skyline, Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto’s latest design has been aptly dubbed the “White Tree” (or “Arbre Blanc” in French). The 17-story mixed-use building will feature residential, commercial and office space as well as an art gallery. Structurally, the building resembles a tree with each unit representing a branch and its balcony acting as a leaf. Aesthetically, the building draws equally …