The innovative wind and solar powered hybrid street lamp concept can not only produce light by using renewable energy, also it’s a boost to an everyday object that can operate completely off-grid. This concept was derived from the effort of designers to create a more sustainable future that integrates a range of reusable energy technologies into everyday life objects. These lamps comprise a solar array connected with a wind turbine, and can produce up to 380W of power.
These wind/solar powered street lamps are fitted to locally made, usual galvanized steel poles and can be easily swapped with previous street lamps. The turbines can be either a horizontal axis wind turbine or a 2nd generation 300W vertical axis wind turbine. Two solar panels are mounted on the side of the pole that is capable of producing up to 80W of power.
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Dragonfly vertical farm is a concept urban farm specially designed for the Roosevelt Island of New York City which will reduce the problems associated with food shortage, mileage and connection between the producers and consumers. Because of the densely packed city civilization, this farm has been designed vertically, spanning 132 floors and 28 different agricultural fields for accommodating dragonflies aiming to produce fruit, grains, vegetables, meat and dairy. This Dragonfly wing shaped superstructure features wind and solar power producing capability and includes housing, offices, research labs and communal areas separated from farms, orchards and production rooms. Throughout the glass and steel set of wings, animal and plant farming is arranged as well as soil nutrient levels are maintained properly.
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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.
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Te Wero Bridge in Auckland, New Zealand is an International Design Competition Winner. It is not an ordinary bridge but this NZ$50 million bridge will link the city’s CBD with industrial area of Auckland. It is intended for public transport, cycle, pedestrian use. Te Wero is a twin leaf bascule aluminum bridge with a vertical tower of 60m. It will have an opening span of 40 meters to enable large boats to access Harbor. The deck is divided into two longitudinal components, south leaf and north leaf. South leaf carries two road lanes and north leaf provides a 6m wide path for cycles and pedestrians. This design looks like a ship if seen from distance.
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The new building concept designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in Farrer Road in Singapore would be an architectural wonder if one looks at the designs. The overall design wishes to communicate the florid vegetation in the Singapore’s climate. The overall project is organized into 7 towers growing from sunken private gardens in the landscape to the sky above. The lower floor highlight the point of buildings meeting the ground, yet providing private space for gardens and vegetation which is unique given the kind of construction involved. The overall look and feel of the tower is like petals blossoming and it sure will not just be an architectural marvel but a revolutionary one too.
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