Design
Swedish energy innovation can make any building net zero
Constructing a net zero building from scratch is one thing. Turning existing buildings into net zero structures is a different challenge. A Swedish innovation is using active elements systems, heat pumps, chillers, and solar panels to bring existing buildings to net zero energy consumption. The Read More...
Eco-friendly concrete that protects old buildings from earthquakes
On its own, the cement industry produces close to seven percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. That’s why researchers have created a type of material that replaces much of the cement with an industrial byproduct called fly ash. By replacing nearly 70 percent of cement with this material, the Read More...
Old prison complex to be transformed into a buzzing eco-forward neighborhood
OMA is in the business of turning trash into treasure by redeveloping an old prison complex and turning it into an eco-city neighborhood. OMA will be redeveloping the Bijlmerbajes prison in Amsterdam into a neighborhood called the Bajes Kwartier in Read More...
Italy’s high-rise forests take root around the world
Cities currently produce about three quarters of CO2 present in the atmosphere. To fight such pollution, more and more cities around the world are taking of note of the Bosco Verticales (Vertical Forests) in Milan, two apartment towers adorned with more than 20,000 trees and planets. Not only does Read More...
How Helsinki is weaning drivers from their cars
Countries from the U.K. to China are rolling out extraordinary plans to eliminate fossil-fuel-guzzling automobiles. But one Nordic capital city is mixing tech and urban planning to make sure citizens do not need a car at all. Finland's capital Helsinki is growing quickly as it attracts labor from Read More...
How one city plans to steer residents away from driving
Countries from the UK to China are rolling out extraordinary plans to eliminate fossil-fuel-guzzling automobiles. But one Nordic capital city is mixing tech and urban planning to make sure citizens do not need a car at Read More...
Forget latitude and longitude—this map is visually arranged by time
When we need to get from point A to point B, we still use traditional mapping systems that use distance as a measurement for travel time. A software engineer thinks that it’s an outdated and imprecise way to measure travel time, which is why he created a map that is visually arranged by how long Read More...
The Lyft vision for Los Angeles traffic with self-driving cars
When it comes to the western part of the world, Los Angeles likely stands as the prime example of failing infrastructure and traffic gridlock. It seems that public officials have given up on attempts to improve the mess. But maybe technology can do what government can’t. Self-driving and Read More...
The secret to Finland’s educational success can be found in their school designs
Finland leads many international education rankings. Why? One reason could be the flexible, open learning spaces that characterize Finnish schools. Instead of creating walled-off classrooms, many schools have an open floor plan with moveable walls and long, sprawling hallways that keep students of Read More...
This closed-loop shower is a win-win for pleasure-seekers and environmentalists alike
A Danish product designer has created a recirculating shower system that uses the same water over and over again instead of letting it go down the drain. Unlike the standard shower, which uses around 10 liters of warm water a minute, this closed-loop system adds only 1 liter of warm water a minute Read More...