Architecture
Tower of Power: Tokyo Sky Tree Officially Completed on Leap Day 2012
by Steve Levenstein
Tokyo Sky Tree, the world's tallest free-standing broadcasting tower, was officially completed on Leap Day of 2012. The 2,080 ft (634 meter) tall tower soars almost twice as high as the 1958-built Tokyo Tower and will take over most of the orange & white downtown landmark's digital broadcasting duties.
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Add new comment Beijing's Tallest Skyscraper Takes Energy-Saving Technology to New Heights
by China.new
The 108-story China Zun building will soar 510 meters (1,673 ft) into the sky over Beijing, China, when it's completed in 5 years time. The distinctively shaped, skyline-changing building has been planned from the ground up as an eco-friendly structure featuring the latest energy-saving technology.
Calling All College Students: The Biomimicry Institute Student Design Challenge
by T Goodman
For the third year in a row, the Biomimicry Institute, a non-profit organication that promotes the study and imitation of designs found in nature, is sponsoring the Biomimicry Student Design Challenge. This year the Challenge, which is open to college students world-wide, is to use biomimicry to design a solution that results in more efficient use of energy and ultimately reduces greenhouse gases. No small feat, but the Institute provides students with plenty of resources on biomimicry....
Freedom Tower Will Tower Over NYC's Skyline
by Ron Callari
When the World Trade Center landmark twin towers were completed in May,
1973, they rose 1450 feet to become the tallest buildings in the
world, surpassing the Empire State Building. Its demise as the result of the horrific
devastation of September 11, 2001 has launched a decade of debates as to
what type of architecture could possibly replace its iconic imagery
remembered by so many.
12 comments China's 'Dead Sea Water Park' is a Human Froot Loop Soup
by China.new
China's largest indoor waterpark, or Godzilla's breakfast bowl of Froot Loops? Sorry big guy, the “Dead Sea of China” resort in Daying County, Sichuan Province, was visited by over one million people this summer. From the looks of it, they all came on the same day!
China's 'Most Awesome Wall of Air Conditioners' Building
by China.new
The "coolest" building in China stands in the city of Fuzhou, though not for much longer if the force of gravity has anything to say about it. Tenants frustrated by the lack of central AC in the modern office tower have festooned the 25-story building's exterior with over 500 window AC units.
China's Xinhua News Agency to Shine Out from Times Square Sign
by China.new
Call it a sign of the times: China's Xinhua news agency has leased a 60 by 40 ft space at 2 Times Square, the most prominent advertising spot in New York City. Landing the prestigious LED-lit block, called a “spectacular”, signifies China's arrival at the crossroads of the world.
ICU In A Can - Emergency Disaster Relief Delivered Anywhere, Anytime
by Norm Cassian
Natural disasters often occur in the world's most remote regions, where emergency care is impossible to deliver at the level necessary to save
the lives of the survivors. Or as in the Great East Japan Earthquake and
Tsunami, the devastation is so complete as to incapacitate many
hospitals. Kukli Han has designed a fully-functioning, mobile hospital
that can be delivered via helicopter, within hours of disaster, to even
the remotest regions.
Helter Shelter: A Cheap Portable House made from Packing Materials
by China.new
The problem of temporarily housing refugees from natural disasters is being addressed by students from Nanjing Forestry University in Nanjing, China, who have created a cheap, lightweight house made from common packing materials.
Macau Makes Like Manhattan with a Spectacular Central Park
by China.new
Call it "Central Park East" if you like. Macau's exciting new Taipa Central Park will take a bite out of the Big Apple by providing city dwellers with an unexpected oasis of pastoral charm.
Japan's Power Plan: Solar Panels for All New Buildings
by Steve Levenstein
What's your roof done for you lately? If you're in Japan, it just might be collecting the Sun's most useful renewable resource, solar power. Even better, if a plan due to be announced by Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan at the upcoming G8 summit in Deauville, France, is carried out, by 2030 every new house and building in the country will be fitted with solar panels.
If You Could Talk To Walls - Your Body As An Antenna
by Jamie Reygle
Your body is an antenna, and Microsoft Research have worked out a way for you to use it.
Picasso Pad? - Living In A Cube
by Jamie Reygle
You really can live in comfort in a small space. The Cube Project is proof.
True Economy - Getting Value For Virtually No Money
by Jamie Reygle
The $300 House is a project that enables the poorest of the poor to build the best houses they can for next to nothing.
Hot Stuff! - Airport Saves $8 Million With Geothermal Heat
by Jamie Reygle
By using heat that already exists, Portland Jetport will save over 50,000 gallons of oil a year.
Roller Coaster Made of Prius Parts Could Power More Than Just The Coaster
by Gloria Campos
I haven't been on a roller coaster ride in years. They no longer appeal to me like they use to. Pretty soon though, my kids are going to be old enough to want to ride a coaster. It is interesting to think that roller coasters like the innovative hybrid one below may be in their eco-friendly future.
Putting Yuppies To Use - Volunteerism For Urban Professionals
by Jamie Reygle
Catchafire connects skilled professionals with nonprofits and social enterprises for unique volunteering opportunities.
Final Turbine at China's Three Gorges Dam Begins Testing
by China.new
Testing of the 32nd and final turbine at China's massive Three Gorges underground power station has begun, as the hydroelectric project's highly anticipated final completion date draws ever closer.
World's First Solar-Powered, Underwater Ocean Golf Course
by Chris Weiss
I can tell it, but you still may not believe it--a golf course built on the surface of the sea. What will rich dudes think of next?
A Winning Design Tor The Primorksiy Zoological Park In St. Petersburg
by Amanda Hinski
Two architects from Beckmann N'Thépé and two designers from TN Plus have teamed up to create a winning design for Russia's new Primorskiy Zoological Park in Saint Petersburg. The layout of the zoo is reminiscent of a Paleolithic Pangea, wherin each continent is represented throughout the zoo.