Dubai-based environmental design firm Timelinks recently released some eye-catching renderings of the gigantic eco pyramid – aptly named Ziggurat. The ginormous pyramid will cover 2.3 square kilometers and will be able to sustain a “community” of up to 1 million. Timelinks claims that their Ziggurat will be capable of running completely off the grid by utilizing steam, wind, and other natural resources. The tightly knit city will also feature a super efficient public transportation system that runs both horizontally and vertically, and plans are being drawn up to utilize both public and private green spaces for agricultural opportunities.According to the International Institute for the Urban Environment, the technologies incorporated into the Ziggurat project will make it a viable metropolis, and Timlinks has responded by quickly patenting the design and technology developed for the project. (source).
According to architect Vincent Callebaut, the Paris of 2050 could look very different than the city we know today. The architect recently unveiled plans to transform the famous locale into a futuristic “smart” city. His design is a nod to the metropolis’ historical architecture as it’s punctuated by flourishing, eco-friendly structures, and was commissioned as part of the Climate Energy Plan of Paris. Buildings use green construction strategies like passive heating and cooling, rainwater recycling, and living green walls. These unique walls are especially helpful because they infuse the urban atmosphere with fresh air. Exteriors of the honeycomb-esque towers are solar energy generators that harvest sunlight and produce biofuel. And, using “phylolights” produces light and energy thanks to wind turbines. Buildings are mixed-use and encourage the integration of residential and commercial enterprises. By having all these things within walking distance to one another eliminates the need for daily transportation and cuts the fuel pollution in the air. (source).
This surreal walkway recently installed in Cape Town, South Africa, creates a meandering, aerial path that allows visitors to stroll through the treetops. The steel-and-pinewood Kirstenbosch Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway begins on the forest floor, gradually sloping upward and eventually elevating guests to a spectacular vantage point above the canopy. From the heights, guests can witness the South African forest in all its glory — and in all kinds of weather. The snaking bridge, inspired by the shape of a snake skeleton, measures 130 meters long. By carefully hoisting the prefabricated steel beams over the canopy, the builders were able to give people an amazing new way to appreciate the forest while causing minimal disturbance to the natural environment. (source).
This amazing prototype, rolled out by green architectural and manufacturing firm ArchiBlox, is billed as the first pre-fabricated, carbon-positive house. The one bedroom, one bathroom unit ingeniously generates more energy than it uses. The first model was recently installed as an exhibition in a public square in Melbourne, Australia, but the company plans to make more for resale. Designed to face north, the small unit harnesses natural forces to minimize the manmade carbon footprint and actually gives back to the environment. Underground tubes help cool the house, and “airtight building envelope” technology keeps energy from escaping wastefully. The roof features solar panels, which power the unit, plus green space for growing herbs and vegetables. (source).
The city of Newark, New Jersey will soon be home to the world’s largest indoor vertical farm. Having this facility means that they’ll be able to aeroponically grow two million pounds of pesticide-free baby leafy greens and herbs each year. A converted steel factory will house the vertical farm. There, AeroFarm’s aeroponics technology will spray a mist of high-nutrient solution onto the crops. No soil is necessary for growth. Instead, the plants root themselves in microfleece cloth that’s stretched across modular, stackable planters. The sustainable process also uses recycled water and monitoring equipment. This manages the plant’s carbon dioxide intake as well as the intensity of the overhead LED lighting. AeroFarm is part of a larger redevelopment project called Maker’s Village. They will be an anchor establishment for the locale, which intends to bring “maker-type” businesses to the Ironbound neighborhood in Newark. (source).
Dubai-based environmental design firm Timelinks recently released some eye-catching renderings of the gigantic eco pyramid – aptly named Ziggurat. The ginormous pyramid will cover 2.3 square kilometers and will be able to sustain a “community” of up to 1 million. Timelinks claims that their Ziggurat will be capable of running completely off the grid by utilizing steam, wind, and other natural resources. The tightly knit city will also feature a super efficient public transportation system that runs both horizontally and vertically, and plans are being drawn up to utilize both public and private green spaces for agricultural opportunities.According to the International Institute for the Urban Environment, the technologies incorporated into the Ziggurat project will make it a viable metropolis, and Timlinks has responded by quickly patenting the design and technology developed for the project. (source).
According to architect Vincent Callebaut, the Paris of 2050 could look very different than the city we know today. The architect recently unveiled plans to transform the famous locale into a futuristic “smart” city. His design is a nod to the metropolis’ historical architecture as it’s punctuated by flourishing, eco-friendly structures, and was commissioned as part of the Climate Energy Plan of Paris. Buildings use green construction strategies like passive heating and cooling, rainwater recycling, and living green walls. These unique walls are especially helpful because they infuse the urban atmosphere with fresh air. Exteriors of the honeycomb-esque towers are solar energy generators that harvest sunlight and produce biofuel. And, using “phylolights” produces light and energy thanks to wind turbines. Buildings are mixed-use and encourage the integration of residential and commercial enterprises. By having all these things within walking distance to one another eliminates the need for daily transportation and cuts the fuel pollution in the air. (source).
This surreal walkway recently installed in Cape Town, South Africa, creates a meandering, aerial path that allows visitors to stroll through the treetops. The steel-and-pinewood Kirstenbosch Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway begins on the forest floor, gradually sloping upward and eventually elevating guests to a spectacular vantage point above the canopy. From the heights, guests can witness the South African forest in all its glory — and in all kinds of weather. The snaking bridge, inspired by the shape of a snake skeleton, measures 130 meters long. By carefully hoisting the prefabricated steel beams over the canopy, the builders were able to give people an amazing new way to appreciate the forest while causing minimal disturbance to the natural environment. (source).
This amazing prototype, rolled out by green architectural and manufacturing firm ArchiBlox, is billed as the first pre-fabricated, carbon-positive house. The one bedroom, one bathroom unit ingeniously generates more energy than it uses. The first model was recently installed as an exhibition in a public square in Melbourne, Australia, but the company plans to make more for resale. Designed to face north, the small unit harnesses natural forces to minimize the manmade carbon footprint and actually gives back to the environment. Underground tubes help cool the house, and “airtight building envelope” technology keeps energy from escaping wastefully. The roof features solar panels, which power the unit, plus green space for growing herbs and vegetables. (source).
The city of Newark, New Jersey will soon be home to the world’s largest indoor vertical farm. Having this facility means that they’ll be able to aeroponically grow two million pounds of pesticide-free baby leafy greens and herbs each year. A converted steel factory will house the vertical farm. There, AeroFarm’s aeroponics technology will spray a mist of high-nutrient solution onto the crops. No soil is necessary for growth. Instead, the plants root themselves in microfleece cloth that’s stretched across modular, stackable planters. The sustainable process also uses recycled water and monitoring equipment. This manages the plant’s carbon dioxide intake as well as the intensity of the overhead LED lighting. AeroFarm is part of a larger redevelopment project called Maker’s Village. They will be an anchor establishment for the locale, which intends to bring “maker-type” businesses to the Ironbound neighborhood in Newark. (source).