Cate St Hill examines the futuristic systems being employed by the most biologically advanced buildings in the world.
Several architecture firms in Europe and Asia have incorporated algae, plants and micro-organisms into their building facades. The move is part of a design trend toward creating bio-adaptive structures that can provide shading, temperature control, natural air and water filtration and even food for their inhabitants.
Algae are very responsive to sunlight for their growth and, when incorporated into facades, including into an engineered three-layer concrete, act as a natural barrier between climates and materials and generate renewable energy in the form of bio-fuel. Like other members of the plant kingdom, they absorb carbon and release oxygen into the atmosphere.
Imagine an office building where dividing walls are passion fruit trees, tomato vines hang above conference tables and a rice paddy fills the lobby space.
Between vertical urban forests and the implantation of algae and micro-organisms in bio-reactive facades, buildings are evolving into true living systems.
FULL STORY: Five of the most biologically advanced buildings in the world
Study Promotes 'Better Biofuels' by Focusing on Waste Sources
There are many environmental benefits to bioenergy, particularly when the feedstock comes from waste, as opposed to agricultural products that could be used for food. A new study applies life cycle analysis to four types of waste matter.
Iowa Caucus Results: Cruz wins, Ethanol Mandate Loses
The only major candidate, Democrat or Republican, to call for an end to the contentious ethanol mandate won the Republican caucus, clearly beating Donald Trump. That could doom what many even in Iowa, among even some farmers, call a boondoggle.
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A former EPA official makes the case in a New York Times op-ed that the ethanol mandate, a major issue in Monday's presidential caucus in Iowa, the nation's top corn producer, is implemented so poorly that it is not benefiting the environment.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
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San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions