The new city center designed by Dutch architects MVRDV for Gwanggyo, a city coming up 35 kms from Seoul in South Korea seems to be something taken out of the sci fi movies. Expected to be completed by 2011, the city is sufficient enough to hold 77000 inhabitants and has a design envisioned with two centers which is a mix of housing, culture, office, retail, and leisure and education spaces. Various atriums are created in the towers catering to various categories, with box hedges being planted on the roofs and terraces which in turn improves ventilation and reduces usage of energy and water.
Read the rest of this entry »
The innovative conceptual product by Laura Sink of The Art Institute of Pittsburg is an interesting one. Natura Levo, is a small, vertical-axis wind turbine whose primary purpose is to catch wind from any direction. The beautifully shaped stationary shape is the center axis for the design, which can be mounted to any existing structure like a telephone pole or even the usual backyard and once mounted the device, is used to catch wind. It’s a nice and simple way to make us aware of the need to coexist within the natural surrounding. So it is a nice, sleek and practical educational tool for today’s generation.
Read the rest of this entry »
Parasolar is a revolutionary new green gadget which seems to change the way people view the public seating and thus setting a high standard pertaining to the green future gadgets which shall be subjected to public use. It uses solar energy thus making it a sustainable product and environmentally friendly. Many interactive & educational elements are also incorporated into this design, like, the OLED visual display projecting information to the masses which relates to sustainability issues. The structure design and execution look unique and cool. With natural resources surrounding the structures, Parasolar is sure a breath of fresh air in this concrete jungle.
Designer : Parth Sharma via EcoFriend
As the primary energy sources is depleting by the day, the emphasis is to find alternative energy sources. Solar energy is turning out to be one viable solution. Many devices are being developed keeping in mind the immense capability the solar energy can provide us. While doing this the prime motto is conservation. What best to do than to teach the same to the kids in school so that as the new generation grows up, they do so with conserving energy? Keeping the same in mind, Australian designers Buro North has come up with Solar Shades which educates school children of primary level about energy collection from the sun. It also provides shades to the playground.
The canopies (which look more like giant duck feet) have solar cells on top. The large handles on the base ensures that the canopy can be rotated by teachers or pupils to get the most efficient orientation from the sun throughout the day. The LED displays, communicate the energy generated and if the device needs to be turned around.
Read the rest of this entry »
