Mexico’s 3D-printed neighborhood for impoverished families is coming to life
On May 13th of this year, the top story of the Optimist Daily was about a nonprofit called New Story that had plans to build the world’s first 3D-printed neighborhood for poor people in Latin America. Well, we’re excited to tell you that the first homes of this neighborhood have been Read More...
This startup is building post-disaster housing using a giant assembly line
After two of the worst fires in California’s history tore through the state in the last three years, a housing startup by the name of FactoryOS knew it had to do something. The homes of thousands were incinerated by the flames of the fire, and the people who used to live in those homes were still Read More...
These ingenious shutters keep buildings cool without using energy
Air-conditioning is disastrous for the planet, accounting for 9 percent of all energy consumption in the US on its own. As a means of cutting the fossil fuel emissions that come with the heating and cooling of buildings, an architect has invented a shading system made from a smart material called Read More...
This building produces twice the electricity it uses
There are sustainable buildings, and then there is the Powerhouse Brattørkaia—a new building from Norwegian architecture studio Snøhetta. The building, which is located in Trondheim, Norway, produces more than twice the electricity it requires each day. That makes it the world’s northernmost Read More...
The beautiful design of vertical forests is spreading to cities across the globe
The forest and the city may seem like opposites, but what if our architecture could meld our cities with our natural spaces? This is what architect Stefano Boeri’s vertical forest attempts to do. His prototype in Milan features two residential buildings with 20,000 trees, shrubs and plants. Read More...
This London building has the world's largest living wall
For some time already, climate scientists have highlighted that our built environment has the potential to help mitigate climate change, support adaptation, and improve public health. The general idea is that the way we design and develop our cities can have a long-lasting positive impact on the Read More...
North Miami is creating a park that doubles as a tool for flood prevention
There is no state that is more aware of the potential threats that the climate crisis poses than Florida. In particular, flash floods and rising sea levels could potentially leave millions at risk. Fortunately, urban designers are starting to plan ahead before disaster strikes. In North Miami, the Read More...
Fend off high blood pressure with these 6 foods
Bad news: the number of deaths from high blood pressure is on the rise in America. Good news: in many cases, dietary changes alone are enough to solve the issue. If you’re looking for a natural way to lower your blood pressure, here are six essential foods that will help do the trick. Beet Read More...
Boost your immune system by adding these healing foods to your diet
While your immune system is naturally smart and resilient, it needs your help to stay that way. One of the most simple ways you can help your immune system is with what you eat. Many foods and herbs have properties that boost your body’s natural immune response, such as garlic. Yes, garlic has Read More...
These 7 foods are proven to help you sleep deeply
The brain depends on a complex array of nutrients to ensure peaceful, uninterrupted slumber. If you’re struggling to fall asleep at night, here are seven foods that you should eat 1 to 4 hours before bed to sleep more soundly. 1. Spinach: The beauty of spinach is that it’s rich in magnesium Read More...