Design
These retractable sunshades can open and close without using electricity
In order to release seeds at the most opportune time, pine cones open their scales in warm and dry weather, and remain closed and sealed up when it’s cold and wet. Based on this phenomenon, engineers have created retractable sunshades that can automatically adjust to the amount of sunlight an Read More...
Swiss engineers are revolutionizing the way ceilings are constructed
Inspired by gothic architecture, Swiss engineers have invented an entirely new way of constructing ceilings. The new construction technique uses a mixture of concrete, rebar, and carbon fiber that form a super-light, super-strong slab ceiling. And the amazing thing is: not only does it make for a Read More...
Want to change your life? Use these design-thinking strategies to guide you
If your life isn’t meeting your expectations, you may think it’s time to make some changes. But rather than randomly deciding what to change, the best thing you can do is follow a structured path for identifying your problem and making a carefully considered shift. Here are 6 design-thinking Read More...
This is what happens when you combine mountains with architectural masterpieces
Building in the mountains is no easy task. Extreme environments have to be respected and make the cost (and task) of bringing a building to fruition even tougher. But it makes final results even more thrilling. For nature lovers and architectural appreciators alike, these are some mountain Read More...
What social inequality looks like from the sky
Although the realities of social inequality are not always visible in our day to day lives, from the skies they are easily distinguishable. Social inequality manifests itself in the physical structure of our cities and nowhere is that more apparent than from above. Using aerial drone photography, Read More...
These windows block the sun and produce power at the same time
There are windows in buildings and card that shut out light to lower heating and cooling costs. There are also windows that feature a coating of see-through solar cells that produce electricity. But, so far, there are no windows that do both. But Chinese scientists have now developed a new material Read More...
Village without cars collects water and energy, grows food, processes waste
A high-tech ecovillage planned outside Amsterdam in the Netherlands is to provide a glimpse of a future of sustainable living. The village will be nearly self-sufficient as it collects and stores water and energy, grows food, and processes much of its own Read More...
Cleaning up the emissions of the construction industry with root vegetables
Concrete production accounts for approximately 8 percent of carbon emissions worldwide. Researchers have now found a way to reduce both the energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with cement manufacturing by adding nanoparticles from waste root vegetables to the production Read More...
Behold the eccentric side of Istanbul you’ve probably never seen
You may think of Istanbul as a sprawling metropolis full of market streets and mosques, but the city also has a playful modern side not commonly known. This part of the city is filled with minimalist structures, modernist geometry, and even rainbow-colored high rises. For a good glimpse of the Read More...
Your next shirt could be made from fruit and vegetable scraps
The fashion industry is said to be the second most polluting industry on Earth after oil and gas. It requires enormous quantities of resources, including water, land, and fossil fuels, to make fabric. The production process is often harmful to the environment, relying on harsh chemical dyes and Read More...