Very impressive idea and implementation of a net zero house that is also a mini farm and education tool with all systems working together. Check out this 8min video highlighting many of the smart ideas.
Origami Tessellations
Our 15yr old daughter has been getting into making these for a while now. She shared this site with me the other day. I love how architectural they are.
S. Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) by Woods Bagot
“Inspired by a pinecone, the skin simulates a living organism with sunshades that adapt and respond to the sun’s orientation to mitigate daylight, heat load, glare and wind noise, while enhancing views and natural lighting and reducing energy use. This external treatment was selected early on to optimize the building’s conflicting requirements of large spans, curved envelope and the stringent vibration conditions needed for sensitive laboratory equipment. This project also includes collection & recycling of water, reduction in energy loads and intelligent mechanical systems that draw air in from the cooler lower levels. “
When a laboratory can turn out like this, you know there were focused progressive people involved and committed all along the way. Read more.
The Rub’ al Khali OCULUS - AIDIA STUDIO
Angkor Wat Temple (Cambodia)
Flying MicroChips
“What could go wrong?” he says half jokingly. These teeny tiny data collectors mimic natures’ seed distribution designs. Read more and watch informative video here.
Bee Artwork by Ava Roth
I love the idea of this - making artwork with the help of little insects. The hoop in the middle of this piece has porcupine quills, thread and seed beads too. Visit Ava Roth’s site here.
Note: Emily, the girls and I took turns taking the kayak on a few spins this morning at Berkley Lake (Denver). Super fun and can’t wait to make some more fine tunings.
Bionic Limbs - MIT
These prothetics use magnets and sensors to pick-up on the slightest cues from muscle tissues to manipulate artificial limbs. Read more and/or watch the 2 min. animated video showing how this could work with feet, hands and spinal injuries.
Hens and Chicks
Our neighbors have created the perfect conditions for these Fibonacci succulents to thrive. So cheery.
3D Printed Clay House (TECLA) - near Bologna, Italy
Somewhat mimicing a mud dauber wasp home, TECLA (technology and clay) is a nearly zero-waste project using recyclable & reusable materials (clay). The hope is to provide a new means of efficient and elegant affordable housing in response to the increasingly serious climate emergency and the need for sustainable dwellings. More here.
Vaccine - FDA Emergency Approval (Pfizer & BioNTech)
Curious to see how fairly this vaccine rolls out. Here’s an interesting article from NYMag that lays out possible challenges.
Lightness In Architecture - Masters in Advanced Studies/Digital Fabrication (ETH Zürich)
Twelve groups of students collaborated with researchers on robotic fabrication processes & 3D printing technologies. All topics show the ability to turn concepts into software and digital building processes with the power to transform the way we build. Check out projects here.
Parametric Design
Parametric Design can be thought of like a spreadsheet, you supply the parameters and the computer kicks-out a summation. It’s a quick way to explore designs while adjusting the variables.
Venus Fly Traps
Creepy but pretty cool. How do they remember they’ve caught an insect? Japanese scientists are working on it and here’s what they’ve learned.
BIOLACE - reprogramming plants to create textiles
This is mind-expanding and suggests a potentially sustainable means of fabricating textiles and so much more. Read/see more here.
