We Be Curious

Close to 2000 years on, the Pantheon stands. While its fine marble decorations and bronze ceilings were stripped away, and modifications like bell towers have come and gone, Agrippa’s legacy lives on.

The Romans used advanced techniques. The dome was supported by wide walls, and it was made to get thinner as it neared its center. The materials used at the top were less dense, and decorative niches were carved into the inner surface to further lessen its weight.

THREAD. The Pantheon, located in Rome, was originally commissioned by Marcus Agrippa. Agrippa was a close friend and advisor to Augustus. He was also a famed general and architect, and commissioned many of the most beautiful buildings in Rome during Augustus’ reign.

Shenzhen’s tech sector has a liberal take on intellectual property. A culture of remixing and remaking is widespread. The city is a hub for pirating, as well as of clones of foreign goods. Even giants like OPPO and Vivo borrow design and technology heavily.

The city houses Huaqiangbei Market, where a myriad of technological goods can be found. 40 years ago, these halls were populated by sellers of basic goods. Today, anything from a cutting edge drone and high end gaming equipment to decorated thumb drives are on offer.

THREAD. Shenzhen, with a population of 12 million, has become the “Silicon Valley of Hardware”, and the third richest city in China. Growing from a population of 30,000 in 1980, the city serves as an interesting example of China’s breakneck growth.