Anthony DiFranco is a medical researcher, self-described bio-hacker, and cofounder of the Open Insulin Project that was started at the Counter Culture Labs in Oakland CA. He has Type 1 diabetes. DiFranco and his team are working on a protocol to extract insulin from genetically engineered yeast cells and produce a generic drug at a cost of around $10 for a month’s supply. He says users could even eventually produce the drug in their homes. Read more here.
The Benzonia 1919
This 100yr old ship was lifted on top of another WW2 ship during hurricane Isabel in 2003. Read more here about these ghost ships.
xkcd - Randall Munroe (cartoonist, author, engineer, scientific theorist...)
Munroe merges all of his interests through cartoon illustrations. Check out his work here.
Finnish Cabins - Aleksi Hautamaki & Milla Selkimaki
These sustainable spaces use the same Finnish sauna stove to heat both the running water and radiant floors. Solar PV takes care of their electrical needs. With the cold weather coming in, I’m a bit distracted by the idea of a wood stove. See more about this project here.
Stefano Boeri - Architect/Urban Planner
Boeri designed this elevated pathway that is to be constructed under Renzo Piano’s bridge in Geneo, Italy. The tower is a wind turbine for generating power to nearby buildings. See more about this project here.
Vertical Farming
Technology and science have been merging with farming, well, for centuries. However, at this point in time, the art of growing food has taken a leap. Here’s a company that uses 95% less water, no soil or pesticides and LEDs in a repurposed building with high yields of produce.
The Shed (NYC)
The Shed is a major collaborative project worked on by several architects/designers/etc. over a decade. It’s quite an engineering feat too, as the outer shell extends to double the building’s volume and many of the (int./ext.) walls are movable to transform spaces. Check out 4min. animated video here. Thanks again to Dan Sjogren at Sjotime Industries for sharing this.
Real San Fratello 3D Printed Cabin
This cabin has numerous elegant 3D printed solutions on both the interior and exterior. Watch brief walk-through here.
Basilica de la Sagrada Familia - Antonio Gaudi (architect 1852-1926)
The construction of Gaudi’s Barcelona cathedral was begun in 1882, a quarter of the construction was complete by the time of his death. His masterwork is slated for completion in 2026, 100 years after his death. Watch a brief animation here depicting what’s remaining to be finished in a relatively short time period.
3D Mud Printing - Rael San Fratello (architect)
There’s something great about the idea of something as high-tech as 3D printing combined with something as low-tech as mud structures. Check out more about this project here from the highly experimental architect Rael San Fratello.
4Ocean mobile Skimmer
Cleaning up the water ways with this simple solution. Watch short video here.
Aquaponics
Here’s a countertop version of a small aquaponics setup in action - the fish feed the plants the plants clean the water for the fish. These aquariums generally cost less than $100 and seem like a good reminder of healthy cycles. It’s on my list of things to try this year.
X- Shore - (solar powered) Electric Boat
This simple idea has taken a while to come together. It can cover a distance of 100 nautical miles on a single charge, making it suitable for leisure boating. Its top speed is 40 knots — although to keep cruising consistently for two hours, the consistent speed would have to be a lower 25 knots. Read more here.
Brooklyn Bridge - 1870
I have fond memories of biking over this bridge in the early 90’s to and from work at the Board of Ed. in Brooklyn. Leaving at the same time most days from my lower east side apt., I’d notice the same commuters and we’d often wave to one another. I became very aware that many people, especially in NYC, had very set patterns in their days.
For those interested, here is more fascinating history of the Brooklyn Bridge.
VW bug
I love all the subtle variations between these cross sections. This was the first car I learned to drive…so I’ve always had a soft spot for this vehicle. Learn more about the history of the tiny car here.
Emergency Housing Mexico (Competition Winners, Honorable Mentions, Finalists)
Below is the winner of the Archstorming competition. Here are some additional projects that placed - lots of strong ideas and clear graphics.
Seattle Public Library - by OMA + LMN architects
Architecturally, one of the more stand-out new libraries in the country. It seems to represent the modern house of information. Read more here.
Solar Decathlon - Competition
The Solar Decathlon is a great idea for an architectural/engineering competition. Ten U.S. colleges/universities participate and have a year to conceive of and execute a zero energy house. Each project needs to be transported to and assembled on the mall in D.C. and awards are given out in various categories. Read more here.
p.s. There is also now an international competition.
FormCard - moldable bio-plastic
My wife, Emily, got me this as a gift and I’ve mainly used it to wrap the weak-spot on cell phone charger cables…works like a charm. Here’s their short kickstarter video.
HyperLoop
Essentially, HyperLoop is a train in a tube that can go 600mph. Testing has begun and the plan would be to use this first for moving freight, then advance to moving people from city to city. Currently, it takes roughly 2hrs. to drive from Denver to Vail - HyperLoop would do it in 9mins. Read more here.
