The Hamburg-Berlin rail line reopens Sunday after a 10-month renovation. Travel times on some routes will be under two hours. Despite reopening, trains will run at reduced speeds on some sections until late June due to outstanding final inspections. The renovation also enables new direct ICE connections to Sylt.
Days after a $14 million renovation, green algae has reappeared in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The Interior Department claims it's a temporary, normal startup process, but the issue adds to controversy surrounding the project's cost and no-bid contracts.
Former presidential aides are accused of illegally diverting 2.09 billion KRW from the Ministry of Interior and Safety budget for presidential residence renovations. Despite concerns from government bodies, they allegedly pressured officials to approve the funds for an unqualified contractor.
Donald Trump's $14.2m renovation of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool is complete, but early public reactions are mixed. Visitors are underwhelmed by the "American flag blue" color and concerned by algae appearing shortly after filling. A spokesperson defended the process, while critics question the cost and contractor selection.
Japan's Fair Trade Commission plans to order over 30 construction companies, including Haseko Reform and Daikyo Anabuki Construction, to pay approximately 1.6 billion yen in fines for violating the Antimonopoly Act through bid-rigging on large-scale condominium renovation projects. Two design consulting firms will also be subject to orders to prevent recurrence.
Japan's Fair Trade Commission plans to issue cease-and-desist orders to 38 construction and design consulting firms for bid-rigging on condominium renovation projects, also planning to impose fines totaling approximately 1.6 billion yen.
Gaziantep Municipality's subsidiary GASKİ awarded a 312 million TL renovation tender for its new service building to its own affiliate company, GBB Konut İnşaat AŞ, via a restricted bidding process (21/b). Critics question the necessity and cost, especially given public water bill disputes and economic hardship.
A provocative sculpture of a Japanese sex doll's torso, titled "Eva," is part of a pop-up art exhibition at Bellevue Palace, the German president's official residence. The exhibition "Freiraum Kunst" explores themes of democracy and artistic freedom.
A provocative sculpture of a Japanese sex doll's torso, titled "Eva" by Alexandra Bircken, is on display at Bellevue Palace, the German president's official seat, as part of a pop-up art exhibition exploring themes of democracy and freedom of expression.
Frankfurt Airport's Terminal 2 will close for several years starting Tuesday for extensive renovations. Operator Fraport plans to reopen the terminal, which handles over 10 million passengers annually, by mid-2030s after investing €1.5 billion to modernize its systems and infrastructure.
Taipei City Hall's plan to renovate its plaza, including a new entrance canopy at the East Gate, was debated at the Urban Design Review Committee. While the project was conditionally approved, members expressed concerns about the canopy's heavy design, color, and materials, urging for optimization and simplification.
The Yeongdo Lighthouse in Busan, a 120-year-old landmark and cultural space, has reopened after renovations aimed at improving visitor safety and convenience. The project included upgrades to facilities, accessibility, and the creation of a more comfortable cultural and resting area.
Hong Kong authorities have charged seven individuals and two companies with manslaughter and other offenses, including fraud and tax evasion, over the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire that killed 168 people last year. The charges stem from a major renovation project of the public housing estate.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's renovation, painting its basin 'American flag blue,' has finished under Trump's administration despite controversy over costs and drought conditions, with water refilling started.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's renovation, including painting it "American flag blue," is nearing completion under the Trump administration. Critics question the project's escalating costs, estimated at $14.8 million despite Trump's $1.5-$2 million estimate, and its aesthetic, with one group suing to stop the work.
President Donald Trump's renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, painting it "American flag blue," is complete and set to be filled with water by Sunday. Critics argue the project is a vanity project amidst voter concerns about cost of living.
日本生活品牌MUJI無印良品與臺中市立美術館合作，於館內地下一樓及地下二樓打造「安靜空間」及「共融空間」，運用家具靈活配置，回應不同族群多元情境需求。
Renovation reality shows like Restoration Australia and Grand Designs often feature projects that run significantly over schedule, sometimes stretching to two years or more. Factors include ambitious homeowners, unexpected issues like asbestos, and volatile external environments such as rising trade costs and global conflicts.
The Trump administration is reportedly diverting $90 million from national park entry fees to fund a $1.6 million July 4th fireworks show and $76 million for memorial renovations in Washington D.C., drawing criticism from park advocates concerned about deferred maintenance.
Russian State Duma deputies proposed a mechanism to transfer abandoned rural houses to citizens for free, provided they renovate and live in them. The initiative aims to reduce municipal costs and boost rural development.
A mother in Thornaby, North Yorkshire, is struggling with intensified grief after her home, renovated following an arson attack, no longer holds the same memories of her son Dylan, who died there.
China is expanding the use of its housing provident fund beyond home purchases to include renovations for older homes, adding elevators, and adapting homes for children and the elderly. Policies in cities like Shenyang, Anqing, Wuhu, and Xiamen now allow withdrawals for these purposes, alongside paying property management fees and purchasing parking spaces. The reforms also aim to include flexible employment workers in the system.
Nagoya Port Aquarium, Japan's largest public aquarium, has postponed its major renovation plans. Initially set for announcement, the project was halted to explore private sector involvement, following the discovery of a significant financial shortfall in its reserve fund.
Japanese aquariums, many built during the bubble era, are undergoing major renovations due to aging facilities. Some are shifting to private management, while others face project cancellations due to high costs and operational issues.
