SEPT 26—OCT 4, 2026
Atlanta Design Festival is a platform to celebrate, convene, & connect creative industries. The festival invites the brightest creative leaders and organizations to host installations, exhibitions, design and architecture tours, film screenings, conference panels and more, to showcase Atlanta as a global powerhouse and innovator of ideas. Read More
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Stories
DesignStation Ponce City Market and Citywide DesignStations
DesignStations have been part of Atlanta Design Festival for several years, giving visitors opportunities to explore design through exhibitions, activations, and events hosted across the city. For 2025, the program
MA! Architecture Tours Expand Nationally in 2025: the leading platform for modern architecture opens new cities for participation
This fall, the MA! Architecture Tours return to Atlanta and Serenbe as part of the Atlanta Design Festival. In 2025, the platform expands with a national invitation: cities across the
Atlanta Design Festival Launches ‘Creative Exchange Events’ and New Home-Building Event Blueprints & BBQ
The Atlanta Design Festival 2025 introduces Creative Exchange Events, a new series of professional development events designed to support architects, designers, and creative businesses. Running September 27–30, the program builds on
Atlanta Design Festival Announces theme for 2025: BE MUSICA
Design begins where words end. Like music, it reaches us through rhythm, repetition, silence, and variation. It pulls the future forward through pattern and disruption. This year, the Atlanta Design
Atlanta Design Festival Announces Advisory Board to Shape Next Era, Doubling Down on Community, Knowledge, and Global Perspectives
The Atlanta Design Festival today announces the formation of its inaugural Advisory Board, marking a significant shift in how the city shapes its cultural leadership through design. As many design
A Platform for Growth, Equity, and Innovation in the Creative Economy
Atlanta’s creative community takes center stage as the Atlanta Design Festival returns from September 27 to October 5, 2025. This year’s festival builds on its role as a cornerstone for
Design is Human Awards Honor Innovation Across Disciplines at Atlanta Design Festival 2024
The Design is Human Awards return to the Atlanta Design Festival, spotlighting the most innovative and transformative work across architecture, digital design, and film. The Design is Human Awards stand
Sustainability in Architecture: A Growing Movement Finds Its Footing
As the world confronts the escalating challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the architecture and design industries are increasingly pivoting toward sustainability. Architects and designers are embracing a paradigm
Lil Baby’s Luxe Home Designed and built by Atlanta’s Own
Here stands a striking example of modern architecture and design—Lil Baby’s newly renovated home. The project, a creative collaboration between Master Builder BJ Kerr of Regents Custom Builders, and Atlanta-based
Now That You Know, What Will You Do?
The recent Atlanta Design Economy Report 2023 has unveiled some striking statistics about the city’s burgeoning design sector. With 111,800 people working in design-related occupations, accounting for 4.1% of Atlanta’s
Atlanta Design Festival 2024 unites Global Innovators in the Heart of the Southeast
This year’s festival promises to be a celebration of design, highlighting Atlanta’s significant contributions to the global design economy. Drawing inspiration from the 2023 Design Economy Report, the festival will
The Darwin Hotel in Atlanta’s Historic Old Fourth Ward
Adding to the distinctive charm of the Old Fourth Ward district, the 111-room Darwin Hotel joined a growing roster of boutique and upper-midscale properties. Its strategic location near Atlanta’s Beltline
Podcast Ep14. Terence Lester: Love Beyond Walls & The Dignity Museum
Elayne DeLeo speaks with Terence Lester about homelessness, Love Beyond Walls & The Dignity Museum in Atlanta. Terence stands as a beacon of compassion and advocacy in the realm of
MA770 Wireless Speaker
Concrete wireless Speaker by Master & Dynamic with Sir David Adjaye presents the new shape of sound Master & Dynamic partnered with renowned architect Sir David Adjaye to design a
Carla Swickerath of Studio Libeskind — Meaningful Urbanism
ADF Virtual Talks 2020 ‘Creating Equity and Opportunity in the City” Overpopulation, climate change, and aging infrastructure are major challenges facing cities today. These issues are also design problems that
The Whale
Dorte Mandrup Wins Competition for New Arctic attraction Dorte Mandrup once again proves her ability to create architecture in extraordinary, irreplaceable landscapes. The Danish architecture studio has won the inter-national
Mycelium
The Growing Pavilion, beautiful products with fungus and biomass Societal challenges such as climate change, land subsidence, CO2 emissions and the scarcity of fossil fuels require new, sustainable solutions. The
BAUX
Behold the Temple of Sound, Stockholm Furniture Fair Swedish brand BAUX designs and produces environmentally friendly acoustic solutions that are used across the world. Among its clients are Google, Amazon,
Coal Drops Yard
Part of Kings Cross Design District, a once coal depot finds new life reimagined by Heatherwick Studios Reimagined by Heatherwick Studio, the Coal Drops are today the unique shopping and
BAUX Acoustic Felt
BAUX continues to push boundaries — launches new material made out of 100% traceable textile offcuts BAUX introduces a new sustainable and innovative acoustic product: BAUX Acoustic Felt. The acoustic
Aging Textures
The test of time creates lasting beauty — Stone, Wood, Glass and Metal Stone, wood, glass and metal where first used in constructing Medieval and Renaissance cities, the earliest precursor
Biobasecamp
The Economic benefit of biobased building with trees address CO2 paradox is revolutionary “The scale of the Biobasecamp pavilion at DDW clearly demonstrates CLT‘s (cross laminated timber) structural and environmental
Bella Venezia (Beautiful Venice)
A historical city full of architectural gems Queen of the Adriatic, The Floating City, are but some of the many names that describes Venice. The city is famous for some
South Bank Book Market
London’s outdoor secondhand and antique book market. At London Design Festival, we came across this under-the-bridge book market and massive offering of hundreds of secondhand classics, contemporary titles, comics, maps
Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes)
Mini pancakes treat part of Dutch tradition Dutch pancakes known as poffertjes, resembles mini pancakes and are traditionally made with buckwheat and yeast. The texture is best described as light
Railway Piano Players
Go slow —How London St. Pancras station preoccupies travel waiting times Street piano playing has become part of the furniture and made London St. Pancras (LSP) a destination beyond that
BeltLine’s Fourth Ward becomes Atlanta’s Nerve Center for Festival 2023
Fourth Ward is one of the largest and most transformative mixed-use developments on the Atlanta Belt Line. It will open in Fall 2023 just in time for the annual Atlanta
The Book of Acoustics
BAUX on Making People Happy at Work Launched at the Stockholm Furniture Fair 2020, The Book of Acoustics was written in collaboration with several experts in the field of acoustics.
Brickhorse Lane Ateliers
A house of makers of the world‘s best jeans Based within a tastefully renovated 1920s factory building, Brickhorse Lane Atleliers (BLA) under the vision of its founder, Bilgehan “Han” Ates,
ADF Unveils MARTA Vision for Next Generation Rail Transport
Inspired by robust feedback from thousands of riders, MARTA revealed its vision for a new fleet of rail cars featuring a host of customer-centric amenities, inside and out. The overall
The Archives
An ADF Exclusive with The Peoples Outfitters Launched in 2018, The Archives is an independent clothes shop in Leeds (UK) which is dedicated to the classic, time-honoured gear from around
Antony Gormley
The master of metal‘s most significant exhibition in over a decade In this breathtaking exhibition, the visitor is centre stage. Across thirteen rooms, sculptures and installations call for our
La Biennale di Venezia
May You Live in Interesting Times Commissioner: Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. Curator: Anne-Claire Schmitz. Exhibitors: Jos de Gruyter & Harald Thys. Open to the public at the Giardini and the Arsenale, the
Tokyo Ride, a film by Ila Bêka and Louise Lemoine
The internationally-acclaimed filmmakers spend a wandering day with celebrated Japanese architect Ryue Nishizawa After the multi awarded Moriyama San, Tokyo Ride is a new step of Bêka & Lemoine‘s immersion
Designing In A Crisis
Instacart’s transformation into an essential service On the evening of March 19, 2020, the first stay-at-home order in North America was issued in California, setting off an en masse move
Africa Craftsmanship & Makers
Senegalese weaving passed down through generations Woven by hand in West Africa, beautiful Senegalese baskets are detailed works of living architecture created by mothers and daughters. These modern baskets come
Carl Hansen & Søn
Crafting modern design for over a century Passionate craftsmanship —through the years, Carl Hansen & Søn has maintained a strong focus on preserving Danish design classics while continuing to expand
Cassina
The iconic brand‘s perspective goes outdoors A first and complete collection for the open air presented with a selection of novelties at imm cologne 2020. Surrounding this invitation to relax,
Plants and Design
imm Cologne is down with nature, the new inspiration in green interior design Plants and botanicals including a large variety of cactus continues to point to a future with plants.
Podcast Ep13. John Ferguson: Inspiring Young Designers through Mentorship
Elayne DeLeo speaks with designer John Ferguson on how taking an elective class in desktop publishing at his Atlanta public school sparked his path to becoming a digital design professional,
Tula House Opens in Greenpoint
Tula opens flagship storefront, transporting visitors to a Cuban inspired courtyard filled with exotic plants and carefully curated objects and apparel. After three years selling from Tulita, the plant truck,
#RailtalkATL
Give metro riders something to do while waiting for their connection! #RailtalkATL is a research project implemented in collaboration with MARTA’s Artbound program and Atlanta Design Festival. During the 9-day
The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) next generation black taxi
British cultural icon re-created for modern era TX5, the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC, formerly London Taxi Company) newly designed zero emission captures the spirit of past generations models draws
ÖSA by CAKE (Sweden)
Clean and Efficient commuter with utility and offload capabilities The ÖSA, apart from being a light, clean and quiet electric motorcycle, derives from the diversity of work and differentiated needs
Introducing Biomega Oko
The Danish brand delivers hassle-free commute and comfort with this ebike. This ebike has a custom made and ultra light carbon fiber frame which integrates both battery, front and back
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Material shapes the ages — Designing a New Material Age After the Stone, Bronze, Iron and Silicon Ages, the 21st century presents major technological challenges that we will be able
Design Academy Eindhoven
A radically different approach to impacting the world The 2019 DAE Graduation Show The Design Academy Eindhoven’s 2019 Graduation Show continued for its second year at the historic Campina milk
Georgia Tech School of Industrial Design
Specializing in design research, Georgia Tech industrial designers are uniquely equipped to lead in technical environments regarding topics such as parametric modeling, rapid prototyping, interactive environments, wearable technology, universal design, and
Podcast Ep12. APT Kenya Appropriate Paper Based Technology: Changing Lives of the Disabled
Speakers: Ruth Stevens, Chairman, The Potters House CBO/APT Kenya Cath Barton, Pediatric Physiotherapist APT Kenya is a project run by The Potter’s House CBO since February 2022 addressing this need
Podcast Ep11. Donald Burlock, Jr. Designer and Author, Let Empathy Go
Elayne DeLeo talks to designer and author of Superhuman by Design, Donald Burlock, Jr on his path from dreaming of designing airplanes to experience and brand designer, how to make
Foil Fire Blanket
Case Western Reserve University have found a way to protect homes from the blaze of a forest fire Each year, fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), the place where homes
Foundation de France clever campaign to save the bees
“B”, an influencer building buzz about saving the bees B. was the first bee influencer. Her mission: save bees, many of which disappear every year. Thanks to her 275,000 followers
Talk To Me
Two giant figures stance on Mental Heath & Communication As visitors approached the breathing wooden sculptures, a sensor was triggered, and the figures voiced poignant and uplifting words. These conversations
America needs Social Designers
New discipline fuses creative and cognitive abilities to tackle society challenges Social design is the application of design methodologies to tackle complex societal issues and placing society at the center
A Journey led by the Senses —DD-2, a story written in wood
Led by artist-researcher Sissel Tolaas, a variety of Dinesen Douglas smells captured in the brand’s first scent product In collaboration with Norwegian artist and artist-researcher in smell, Sissel Tolaas, Dinesen
Dinesen Copenhagen Showroom and Design Studio
OeO Studio created a place that illuminates and celebrates Dinesen’s passion for wood Visit the Copenhagen showroom and experience Dinesen’s passion for wood is reflected in every little detail. The
Noma 2
Noma reopened in a restaurant and village space featuring wood from Dinesen The award-winning restaurant and Dinesen have worked together for more than six years. The new restaurant features high-quality
The Space that Dinesen Owns
MA! is excited to introduce and be the Atlanta & Southeast region representative to Dinesen —the preferred choice in unique wood flooring for leading architecture “MA! is poised to bring
After much demand, Moab80 enters Atlanta market and partners with MA! Design Is Human
Celebrating 25 years of design, 2021 IF Design Award and Archiproducts Design Award winner, Moab80 introduces LVR, the worlds first raw fibreglass-resin bathroom system “Just viewing the online images of
HOK brings equitable design to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
HOK’s modernization of the domestic terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport creates a memorable new entry point into Atlanta. Upgrades include modernization of the security checkpoints, a contemporary, metal-and-glass façade
Ortus Economic Research unlocks Atlanta’s Design Economy
Workshop articulates awareness, edging Atlanta closer to designing a future economy The creative industries in Atlanta, a key sector to its sustainable economy, has a substantial design economy valued at
Room & Board Business Interiors Exclusive
ADF Interview with Nicole Gaynor, Market Manager, Room & Board Business Interiors Atlanta Design Festival: How is Room & Board‘s workplace furniture line different from what you offer for residential
London Design Biennale 2021
Somerset House is home to LDB 2021 with 38 exhibitions from across six continents considering the vital role of design in addressing global challenges The third edition of London Design
Scandinavia & Minimalism in Atlanta
Habachy Designs + Atelier (HD+A) delivers on a straight-forward approach to design Our exclusive interview with Atlanta designer Michael Habachy, principal at Habachy Designs + Atelier (HD+A), on Scandinavian design‘s
Podcast Ep10. Elisa Celis, Assistant Professor of Statistics & Data Science, Yale University
The Good, the Bad, and Ugly of Artificial Intelligence Elisa Celis is an assistant professor in the Statistics & Data Science department at Yale University. She studies the manifestation of
Curiosity Lab
A national leader in smart city tech, autonomous aerial and ground mobility Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners is a 5G-enabled 1.5-mile autonomous vehicle test track and smart city living laboratory.
Podcast Ep9. Jason James, VP of Design for Instacart
Elayne DeLeo speaks with Jason James, VP of Design for Instacart about his path to a career in design and the reality of “imposter syndrome” when success comes early. He
ADF welcomes Major Art Department
How Hannah Meachin turned her inspiration into a top-contender production design company Hannah comes to Atlanta Design Festival to share her journey and every aspect of building her career as
Podcast Ep8. Andrew Graves, Director of Ortus Economic Research
Elayne DeLeo has a conversation with Andrew Graves, Director of Ortus Economic Research on what defines a design economy, the data and outcomes of his research for the Design Council
Das Haus 2020
MUT Design presents ‚a La Fresca‘ and turns home life inside out The title of their design for Das Haus 2020 – “A la fresca!” – already hints at the
Podcast Ep7. Victoria Ayo UX designer
In our last podcast of 2020, Elayne DeLeo spoke with multidisciplinary designer and researcher Victoria Ayo. They discuss why designers need to create with intention for greater equity, and her
Podcast Ep6. Catherine Clark, Architect and President of the RIBA-USA
Elayne DeLeo spoke with Catherine Clark, architect and President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)-USA and former Chair of the New York Chapter of the RIBA-USA. They discuss
Instagram Live Tour of TaC Studios
Join renowned Atlantan architects, TaC Studios for a virtual tour via Instagram Live of their studio space. Cara Cummins and Jose Tavel will show you around their space and discuss
Video Tour of Portman Architects Anthem and CODA Projects
Design is critical to Atlanta’s sustainable economy and future prosperity. For Portman Architects, the primary purpose of the design is to put the needs of humans first. Join Portman Architects
Tour of Designer Mark Williams Home in Nashville
What does it take to transform a house into a home? How does one seamlessly marry unique and eclectic with cozy and warm? House Beautiful invites you for an exclusive
Gensler Q&A: West End Mall Redevelopment
The redevelopment of Atlanta’s West End Mall is an exceptional opportunity to leverage the community’s historical and cultural significance and engage local talent, businesses and institutions. Located in a federal
Pushing Boundaries: Integrating Art and Function in Space with designers Michel Boyd and Bradley Bowers
Alex Delotch Davis, founder of Gallerie 88, moderates a discussion with designer Bradley Bowers and interior designer Michel Smith Boyd about pushing the boundaries of design and bringing the client
How to Design with Acoustics
Does achieving the ideal acoustic environment have to mean sacrificing form for function? This is a common concern among designers and architects new to acoustic design. However, the palette of
Design for the Times: 5 Ways the Pandemic has Prompted Change at Home
COVID-19 is changing how we live—and what we want from the spaces we live in. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our homes have been serving as makeshift workplaces, schools,
Conversation with “Dont Waste Your Vote” Designers Daan Wubben and Bouke Bruins
Presented by Jamestown, the Atlanta Design Festival, and Flux Projects. Installation Opens Sept 15 at Ponce City Market. What if your trash becomes your ballot? And the size of a
Lessons Learned from COVID: The Free Range Workplace
A conversation with Gensler, Room & Board and Cambria on how the future office will be “open section” — providing multi-level settings where our views, movements, and ideas are not
Designing for a Downtown Public Life
Broad St cuts through the heart of Downtown Atlanta. From the Broad Street Boardwalk, restaurants along North Broad St to the historic buildings on South Broad St, the street has
Snapshots of Design: recent projects in four Atlanta neighborhoods with Square Feet Studio.
Square Feet Studio has long been committed to #Atlanta’s growth through very personal work with local businesses and residents. This short video provides a look into a few of their
Norman Foster Interview: Striving for Simplicity
“Quality is an attitude of mind.” The great architectural mastermind of our time,Norman Foster here reflects on a long and prosperous career – and life – with prominent buildings and
In Residence : Ruth and Richard Rogers
Photographer Matthew Donaldson turns his lens to the sleek London home of British architect Richard Rogers and wife, River Cafe owner and head chef, Ruth, in the sixth instalment of
Instagram for Architects
A primer on best practices for architects (+ students) looking to boost their following + leverage on Instagram. More than just a host for your ad-hoc online portfolio, Instagram has
Architect John Portman, a Life of Building – True Story
Once a maverick who was nearly run out of the American Institute of Architects, John Portman is now recognized as one of the most innovative and imitated architects ever. Over
Redesigning restaurants post-COVID-19
We discuss the post-pandemic playbook – addressing how restaurants need to change and adapt their design to accommodate the new guest experience. Are capacity restrictions, table spacing, order ahead technology,
The Housing System: New Methods, New Materials
While the housing production industry hasn’t changed much in the last century—it remains slow, costly, and unsustainable—architects and others are exploring advances in material production and novel methods of working
Design Masters: Vignelli
Design Masters: Vignelli from VCUdesign on Vimeo. Massimo and Lella Vignelli are designers who have created work in a wide variety of areas, including interior design, environmental design, package design,
In Residence: Kelly Wearstler
The LA property was built in the Georgian Revival style with a barrel-vaulted entry fit for the arrival of any Hollywood luminary. As a designer, Wearstler’s home reflects her artistic
How to improve your website | 5 tips for interior design websites
Did you know that most people spend around 5 seconds on your website deciding whether they will stick around or click out of it? You don’t have long to attract
Post COVID-19 Workplace Design webinar
The workplace is where we spend more of our lives than anywhere else. The spaces where we share ideas and build relationships. The environment where we reach to achieve goals
Podcast Ep5. Carla Swickerath of Studio Libeskind
Elayne DeLeo spoke to Carla Swickerath, Partner at Studio Libeskind about the rewards of working closely with government, 9/11 families and businesses on Libeskind’s World Trade Center Master Plan, how
In Residence: Jim Olson – inside the architect’s treetop house
The home of architect Jim Olson—founder of Seattle-based practice Olson Kundig—is a monument to the principles that have underpinned his entire architectural career: the idea that buildings can serve as
Archiculture: a documentary film that explores the architectural studio
Archiculture takes a thoughtful, yet critical look at the architectural studio. The 25-minute film offers a unique glimpse into the world of studio-based, design education through the eyes of a
Owner-built Atlanta glass “treehouse” floats among hardwoods
When the financial crisis hit in 2008, architects Mary Clare DeReuil & Carlos Tardio were without work, but determined to continue creating buildings. “We were scouring the city all the
How Might COVID-19 Change Home Design?
As we have spent significantly more time at home in recent months, could there be a change in top design priorities? What impact will health and wellness, outdoor living, or
Peter Cook discusses the rise of Archigram in the 1960s
In the first of a series of video interviews with former members of Archigram for VDF, architect Peter Cook recounts how the influential avant-garde architecture group rose to prominence in
Rep John Lewis’ Speech at March on Washington
‘We want our freedom and we want it now.’ — Watch the historic words of 23-year-old John Lewis at the March on Washington. In US news and current events today,
The Remote Work Revolution
Kavi is a writer on a mission to transform how the world thinks about work. Over the past three years, Kavi has travelled tirelessly across Asia, Europe, Australia-Pacific, and North
In Residence: Muller Van Severen
Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen—the creative duo behind Ghent-based design studio Muller Van Severen—are no strangers to having unknown visitors explore their carefully curated home. For the 2017 edition
By Design Undivided: Inner Strength during COVID-19
By Design Undivided: Inner Strength from A Very Good Agency on Vimeo. To urgently provide support and unity to architects worldwide during the COVID crisis, we rapidly transformed our multi-award
Segregated By Design
Segregated By Design from Silkworm on Vimeo. Examine the forgotten history of how our federal, state and local governments unconstitutionally segregated every major metropolitan area in America through law and
John Portman: Five Decades of Atlanta Architecture
Watch five decades of Atlanta architectural development by architect John Portman. And be sure to view the “John Portman: Art & Architecture” exhibition currently on view at the High!
Architecture + Influence
Architecture + Influence from The Glass House on Vimeo. Interviews with Norman Foster, Michael Graves, Charles Gwathmey, Richard Meier, Jaquelin T. Robertson, Richard Rogers, Vincent Scully, and Robert A.M. Stern.
Podcast Ep4. Dr. Pierce Gordon Innovation Catalyst, Researcher, Facilitator, and Evaluator
Dr. Pierce Gordon—An innovation catalyst, researcher, facilitator, and evaluator. He specializes in interdisciplinary research that unpacks how communities value, support, and practice innovation in social justice and international development. His
Podcast Ep3. Jonas Pettersson of Form Us With Love
Jonas Pettersson—CEO of the award winning design firm Form Us With Love, spoke with Elayne DeLeo about the collaborative process between their design team and the brands they work with,
Podcast Ep2. Gene Kansas Commercial Real Estate
Gene Kansas—Atlanta commercial real estate broker and cultural developer Gene Kansas joins MA!’s Elayne DeLeo for a conversation on how his childhood in the gumbo of New Orleans inspired his
Podcast Ep1. Chris Hardy Industrial Designer
Chris Hardy—In the first episode, Elayne DeLeo speaks to designer Chris Hardy—he describes the early influences that led him to industrial design as a profession, how he navigates designing for
Dutch Design Week 2019
DDW Theme —If not now, Then when? About DDW In October of each year, Dutch Design Week (DDW) takes place in Eindhoven. The biggest event in Northern Europe presents work
London Fashion Week 2019
Street fashion scene, Asa Yoji shares more images of LFW’s other big attraction London Fashion Week (LFW) is a clothing trade show that takes place in London twice a year,
designjunction 2019
The award-winning designjunction is one of the most anticipated interior design shows during the London Design Festival. Presenting a mix of over 200 world-renowned furniture, lighting, accessory and technology brands
King’s Cross Design District 2019
For the first time, King’s Cross is a London Design Festival Design District vAlready home to incredible design brands, the District saw some of the biggest names in the area
imm Cologne 2019
Interior moments of tomorrow The imm cologne is the most important furnishing show in the world‘s most important furnishing market. Right at the start of every year, it presents the
Milan Design Week 2019
The world’s most important design week With over half a million visitors descending on the most iconic of all world design events, including the 59th edition of the Salone del
Educated Guess Podcast: A Virtual Art School
Educated Guess—We are bridging the cultural gap for careers in art + design. Our interview episodes dive deep into community, tactics, and mentorship. We share candid conversations with the best
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