Today with lot of environmental developments happening world over like global warming, energy crisis, lifestyle changes, it’s become even more difficult to design houses meeting all these requirements. More and more architectural designs are using digital technologies with respect to modeling, simulation, evaluation and fabrication resulting in complex shaped buildings which incorporates the above challenges. One such project is coming up in Tel Aviv whose primary resources are sun, wind, and land and these are fairly distributed amongst these complex structures thus making an optimum utilization of all. It’s of course high quality housing complete with latest gadgets but run on the natural resources. Architect Yiftach Ben Meir, the designer, is a recent graduate from The Faculty Of Architecture and Town Planning at Technion, Israel Institute of Technology (IIT). His final project SeaO2 was conceived under the framework of Tecnion Computer Oriented Design Studio, T_Code with the instruction of dr. Yasha j. Grobman.


Text from Yiftach :
SeaO2 is an experimental ecological housing project. The project poses an alternative to current plans for Tel Aviv North West coastal district. SeaO2 demonstrates vast use of cutting edge computer software, some being used in the aerospace industry, in order to improve building performance and to ensure the existence of a sustainable urban environment with a minimal ecological footprint. The project final form is a consequence of a scientific approach that calculates numerous of elements: the sun orbit, wind conditions, maximum open scenic views, very high density and more, all in a free-form organic manner.
Advanced Computer Simulations ensure the project’s credibility. The project’s unique morphology enables: optimized solar reception for heating at winter time, self-shadowing and solar reception for electricity generation at summer time, natural lighting, optimized natural ventilation, open looks to the natural coastal environment, public green spaces, rain collection and more. Various passive mechanical systems complement the basic morphology, enable better performance and create an energy efficient, environmentally friendly housing project
Designer : Yiftach Ben Meir
The new FC Sport fuel based car from Honda was recently displayed at the LA Auto Show is one traffic stopper. The designers have taken into their advantage the flexibility which is extended by the fuel cell powertrain as it is placed on the back of the driver. It’s a 3-seater with the styling of sports car major McLaren F1 vehicle, where in the driver is in the middle with passenger seats on side and back. The concept car is right now under study and testing to understand the full utility of the product. Though there may be a possibility of Honda releasing a full fledged version for commercial use.


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Nissan Nuvu is a concept designed to offer next generation car from Nissan with rear-mounted electric motor and lithium ion battery pack. The design of this concept car is quite unusual and small. For city use, the Nuvu’s performance is more than adequate. Across the all-glass roof are a dozen of small solar panels. Basically, natural, organic and recycled materials are used to make its cabin. The steering of the car is very direct for quickness and maneuverability in the city. No one will have any problem in crowded roads and limited parking slots with this tomorrow’s city car.


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Alberto Seco has introduced a concept of Moon Recreation Vehicle which consists of 4 different panels that can be assembled on the skeleton frame, suspension arms and wheels. The side panels are made up of glass in order to provide a bigger view to the passengers and the driver can also enjoy a big widescreen. The vehicle has giant and strong wheels so that it can move easily on the waved and hilly surface of Moon. All the parts of this vehicle can be separated and would fit into the shuttle easily. Once astronauts reach on Moon, they can assemble it. Overall, the concept pretends to be friendly with the Moon environment.


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Renault Ondelios is a concept car especially designed for long distance travel and will be displayed at 2008 Paris Motor Show. This style of the car is enthused partly by an aircraft. Its slippery and low drag body and a canopy-style will surely catch your attention. You cannot ignore its boomerang shaped tail lights which add to the style and overall look of Renault Ondelios. The butterfly-type side doors are extremely amazing giving it a shape of aircraft. This car can accommodate 6 people and individual seats are arranged in 3 rows of paired seats. Passengers will be having their own Samsung interactive portable multimedia devices for sharing data or playing multiplayer games. So, overall Renault is a luxurious car for those who can afford it.


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