Look At The Weird-Ass Basketball Court In Mike Pence’s Ugly New McMansion

Summer Alaedeen, co-owner of Adeas Interior Design, was tasked with transforming an 11-year-old basketball enthusiast's bedroom in Westlake, Ohio, into a surprise, sports-themed haven. The room, originally a light yellow with a vaulted tray ceiling, a large window with a window seat, and built-in bookcases, offered a blank canvas beyond the existing NFL team logo comforter and an over-the-door basketball hoop. Alaedeen aimed to create a unique and immersive environment, moving beyond typical themed decorations. Her inspiration for a distinctive wall feature came from seeing basketballs mounted on a social media site. This concept evolved into a collaboration with the homeowners, leading to the idea of transforming the tray ceiling into a Cleveland Cavaliers home court. The initial phase of the renovation involved painting the walls and ceiling white, and the ceiling's perimeter black. The cream carpeting was replaced with a heather-gray carpet. The existing baby blue and white-striped cornice box and dark blue window seat cushion were retained, influencing the decision to paper the bookshelf backs with a similar blue-and-white stripe and paint the cherry-stained built-ins ocean blue. For the wall installation, Alaedeen sought the help of professional thrifter Dina Younis to source 50 basketballs. The goal was to acquire a curated collection of basketballs with varying appearances, rather than new ones, to give the impression that the boy had collected them over time. Younis collected basketballs from thrift stores, including a gold Cleveland Cavaliers ball, a Spalding edition with Larry Bird's signature, and an NCAA Final Four promotional specimen, costing between $1 and $5 each. Alaedeen deflated most of the balls to create different sizes and shapes, while ensuring that those with significant logos, signatures, or designs remained sufficiently inflated to display their features. A one-inch slit was razor-cut into the back of each ball for hanging on coat hooks, and they were then mounted in rows above a royal-blue upholstered headboard and aged driftwood nightstands. The deflation process proved more challenging than anticipated, even with the razor cuts. Mo Ali of Limelights Entertainment collaborated with Alaedeen to create custom decal panels for the ceiling, approximating one of the Cavaliers’ home court designs, complete with surrounding fan-filled seating sections. The decision to place the court on the ceiling was driven by the homeowners' preference for carpeting in the bedrooms. Black wood trim strips were added to cover the panel seams, refining the appearance of the decal installation and addressing irregularities of standard walls. A Pottery Barn Teen lighting fixture, featuring a white globe within a black chain basket, was installed at the center of the ceiling court. Beyond basketball, Alaedeen integrated elements representing the boy’s passion for other sports. A helmet signed by Green Bay Packers players Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, and Jayden Reed, along with Reed’s signed gloves, were displayed on the bookshelves alongside his collection of NBA-star bobbleheads. The original NFL team-logo comforter was kept, as it was a cherished item for the child. Upon seeing the completed room, the boy's enthusiastic reaction, literally flipping onto his bed, confirmed the project's success. Alaedeen expressed confidence that the decor's enduring appeal to hoops fans means the boy will not outgrow it quickly. The room has also reportedly impressed adult male visitors, who expressed a desire for a similar space for themselves. #InteriorDesign #BedroomRenovation #SportsTheme #BasketballDecor #HomeStyling #CustomDesign #Thrifting #ClevelandCavaliers #WestlakeHome

ASB GlassFloor, a German company that originated by manufacturing glass floors for squash courts, has innovated by developing glass floors embedded with millions of LEDs. These advanced floors transform into massive display screens, offering dynamic visual experiences. The company has secured a contract to install one of these cutting-edge floor-screens at Germany's BMW Park arena, the home stadium for the FC Bayern basketball team. This installation is expected to revolutionize the fan experience through unprecedented animations during player introductions, halftime shows, and game breaks. Traditional static logos will be replaced by emotional video messages, and critical game data will be displayed directly on the court, enhancing audience engagement significantly. The technological sophistication extends beyond mere aesthetics. The floors are constructed using safety glass, with an elastic surface designed to be gentler on athletes' joints. Ceramic dots etched into the glass provide superior grip and prevent friction burns, ensuring player safety and optimal performance. This attention to both visual impact and practical functionality underscores the dual purpose of ASB GlassFloor's innovation. Moreover, the full-court LED display is poised to have a substantial impact on player training and development. The system enables the integration of real-time positional data, accurately capturing and visualizing player movements on the court. This capability opens new avenues for training methodologies, allowing athletes to monitor their running speed instantaneously. The system can also provide immediate, AI-driven feedback during practice games, suggesting optimal passing options or the best defensive positions. This real-time coaching mechanism eliminates the delay traditionally associated with post-practice feedback sessions, offering insights directly on the court and accelerating skill development. The potential for this technology to influence the future of sports coaching, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence, is a significant implication highlighted by the article. While the initial appeal lies in enhancing the spectator experience with vivid displays, the long-term impact on training efficiency and player performance, driven by AI coaches, is a notable development. The evolution from specialized squash court flooring to a comprehensive, interactive sports surface with embedded intelligence represents a substantial leap in sports technology, promising to reshape both entertainment and athletic development. #ASBGlassFloor #LEDDisplay #BasketballCourt #SportsTechnology #AITraining #FanExperience #BMWPark #FCBayern

The Pigalle Duperré basketball court in Paris has transformed from a mere sports facility into a cultural landmark and social media phenomenon. Located in a formerly grey neighborhood between the ninth and 18th arrondissements, near the Moulin Rouge, this 600-square-meter outdoor space, once a carpark, is now a vibrant community hub and a significant tourist attraction. Its aesthetic appeal, characterized by constantly evolving colorful patterns and designs, has earned it a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps and a reputation as one of the most visually striking basketball courts globally. The court's creation was spearheaded by Parisian designer Stéphane Ashpool in collaboration with creative brands Pigalle and Ill-Studio. Ashpool initiated the project in 2009, with the motivation to provide young people in the neighborhood a safe and engaging place to play. Over the years, the court has undergone five distinct design iterations, each meticulously planned and executed. The design process for each iteration is elaborate, taking approximately six months and involving up to 20 people working on various aspects, including design, production, and specialized flooring. The choice of rubber panels made from recycled shoe soles ensures durability and playability in all weather conditions, addressing the challenges of its uneven ground and narrow strip layout. Financial backing from Nike has significantly supported the development and regular redesigns of the court. The court's global recognition is evident from the diverse array of visitors it attracts, ranging from local basketball enthusiasts to international tourists and even celebrities like actor Adam Sandler and NBA stars such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, as well as rappers Central Cee and Skepta. The court's Instagram page boasts nearly 26,000 followers, highlighting its immense popularity and influence in the digital sphere. This widespread appeal underscores its role as a blend of sports, art, and urban regeneration. Ashpool acknowledges the viral trend of colorful courts that followed Pigalle Duperré's success, emphasizing the importance of not just aesthetics but also functional design to ensure a safe and healthy environment for players. Beyond its visual and recreational aspects, Pigalle Duperré fosters a strong sense of community. Ashpool, who has a long-standing affiliation with basketball, including playing in a French youth academy and coaching young players, emphasizes that the community is paramount. The court serves as a positive influence, offering a healthy outlet for teenagers and shaping the lives of many locals who have grown up with the court. The area around Pigalle Duperré has also experienced gentrification, with new businesses emerging, contributing to increased housing prices and attracting young professionals. Ashpool's design influence extends beyond Paris, with courts designed in Mexico City and Beijing, all sharing the distinctive blend of global appeal and unique colorways. His involvement in fashion is equally significant; he designed uniforms for Team France at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics and will do so for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. This cross-pollination of sports and fashion highlights basketball's unique position at the intersection of these two industries, with players often setting trends. The growing popularity of basketball in France, spurred by figures like NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and the national teams' Olympic successes, further solidifies Pigalle Duperré's cultural significance as a colorful beacon in an otherwise grey urban landscape, bringing positive energy and fostering a healthy lifestyle within its community. #PigalleDuperre #BasketballCourt #ParisCulture #UrbanRegeneration #StephaneAshpool #SportsArt #CommunityHub #SocialMediaSensation #BasketballFashion

The article showcases the Pigalle Duperré basketball court in Paris, highlighting its unique design and artistic appeal. This 480-square-meter court, a collaboration between Ill-Studio and Stéphane Ashpool of Pigalle, is presented as a vibrant and visually striking public space that blurs the lines between sports and art. The author, who admits to a general disinterest in sports, expresses an appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of the court, comparing its colorful geometric patterns to a Mondrian painting. The piece suggests that even those who are not typically drawn to athletics might find themselves captivated by the court's artistic presentation. The design of the Pigalle Duperré court is inspired by Kazimir Malevich's painting "Les Sportifs," reflecting a deep connection to modern art movements. Leonard Vernhet of Pigalle explains that the project's primary goal was not only to create a giant art piece in the city but also to establish a functional basketball court accessible to all children. This dual purpose emphasizes the project's commitment to both artistic expression and community engagement, offering a space where art and play coexist harmoniously. The materials used, including paint, EPDM rubber, metal, and plexiglass, contribute to the court's distinctive and durable aesthetic. The article emphasizes the court's ability to transform a conventional sports venue into an art installation, making it appealing to a broader audience beyond sports enthusiasts. The visual experience is central to the article's narrative, with several images accompanying the text to illustrate the court's striking colors and geometric configurations. These illustrations serve to underscore the argument that the court is a work of art in its own right, capable of drawing admiration purely for its visual impact. Overall, the article celebrates the innovative design of the Pigalle Duperré basketball court as a successful fusion of art and public utility. It positions the court as an example of how everyday spaces can be reimagined through creative design, making them more engaging and accessible. The collaboration between a design studio and a fashion brand underscores a contemporary approach to urban development, where aesthetics and functionality are equally prioritized to enrich the urban landscape and foster community spirit. #PigalleDuperre #BasketballCourt #ArtInstallation #UrbanArt #IllStudio #StephaneAshpool #PublicSpace #AbstractArt #KazimirMalevich

This article highlights the construction and design of an extraordinary 8,000-square-foot pool house in Scarsdale, transforming the traditional concept into a comprehensive recreational center. The project, undertaken by Alisberg Parker, Lucy Harris Studio, and James Doyle Associates, was initiated by a family seeking a large property to accommodate an indoor basketball court alongside a pool. Lead architect Ed Parker, with architects Will Jameson and Shaun Gotterbarn, spearheaded the interior renovation of the main house and the design of this separate, expansive structure, situated approximately 150 feet away. The design approach for the new outbuilding was to complement the main house's style rather than replicate it directly. This involved utilizing similar materials and color palettes but shifting the architectural vernacular from traditional French Normandy to a more contemporary aesthetic. The structure is organized into three distinct levels, each serving a specific function. The basement is dedicated to sports and recreation, featuring a regulation-sized indoor basketball court and a high-end golf simulator. The inclusion of a full-size basketball court necessitated complex engineering solutions, particularly due to local height restrictions that required the court to be built below ground level. Curved glulam beams, stained to match the interior's white oak elements, were incorporated to provide structural support for the 27-foot-high domed ceiling, while also cleverly concealing ductwork and motorized shades. The first floor of the pool house is designed for relaxation and entertainment. It includes a fully equipped kitchen and a bar, offering ample space for socializing. A notable design element in this area is the lilac marble backsplash with plum-colored veining, which creates a dramatic visual impact. Custom banquette seating adds a sophisticated, nightclub-like ambiance. The kitchen features white oak cabinets with white accents and a unique island designed by Jameson, which he describes as a "functional sculpture." This island, made of a 3D stone rectangle with a cantilevered stainless-steel plate, provides both serving and dining space, and includes functional storage drawers. Building codes prohibited ovens in the pool house, so the family utilizes a pro-grade grill and pizza oven in the outdoor kitchen. The top floor provides functional and guest-oriented spaces, including a fully functional home office and two guest bedrooms. These bedrooms offer privacy and comfort for longer-staying visitors, separate from the main residence. A roof deck on this level provides panoramic views. The saltwater pool itself is eight feet deep and features large steps for lounging. The surrounding and interior stone, Madras limestone from India, was chosen for its light color and ability to stay cool, extending the indoor-outdoor feel and simplifying maintenance. The overall design prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics, allowing for bold material choices and vibrant color accents in what is primarily an entertaining space. The project successfully created a magnificent and unique building that harmonizes with its surroundings while standing out as a self-contained vacation-like retreat within the property. #Scarsdale #PoolHouse #IndoorBasketballCourt #GolfSimulator #LuxuryHome #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeEntertainment #ContemporaryArchitecture

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) has transformed its first-floor exhibition space into a basketball court, an innovative art installation titled "CAMH Court." This project, which runs until April 27, reimagines the traditional museum experience by inviting active participation. The court itself is not a standard rectangle but a parallelogram, adding a layer of artistic challenge to the physical act of playing basketball. The artist behind this unconventional design is Trenton Doyle Hancock, a Houston-based artist with a history of exhibitions at CAMH, including "Trenton Doyle Hancock: The Life and Death of #1" in 2001 and "Trenton Doyle Hancock: Skin and Bones, 20 Years of Drawing" in 2014. Hancock collaborated with Creative Sports Concepts to bring his vision to life. The concept for turning the museum's gallery into a basketball court originated nearly three decades ago, in 1994, when a staff member jokingly suggested the idea. Over the years, this concept evolved into a museum legend, finally gaining traction and becoming a reality recently. The museum’s previous engagement with basketball, such as commissioning artists to create posters of Houston Rockets legends, may have contributed to the renewed interest in this project. Adidas also stepped in as a sponsor, further enabling the realization of this unique installation. Hesse McGraw, chairman of CAMH, highlighted Hancock's suitability for the project, noting the artist's desire to create an immersive environment where visitors could get lost in the space. McGraw explained that Hancock approaches his painting with a similar sense of play, making the transition of this idea into the basketball court space a natural fit for his artistic philosophy. This aligns with CAMH's identity as a non-collecting museum, which exclusively features temporary installations. This approach fosters a forward-looking perspective, constantly seeking innovative ways to connect artists with audiences. The author of the article describes a personal experience on the "CAMH Court," initially finding it challenging due to the unconventional layout and absence of traditional guiding lines. However, after adjusting, the experience became deeply engaging and even transcendent, surpassing a visit to a more traditional art space like Houston's Rothko Chapel on the same day. McGraw observes that the most compelling aspect of "CAMH Court" is how visitors spontaneously engage with the art by simply picking up a ball and participating, offering a stark contrast to the often inert experience of conventional museums. The installation provides an active and animated interaction with contemporary art, challenging perceptions of what a museum can be and how art can be experienced. #CAMH #ContemporaryArt #BasketballCourt #MuseumInstallation #HoustonArts #TrentonDoyleHancock #InteractiveArt #ArtExhibition