The 24th of October is an international day of climate action, with more than 4,220 events being held in 170 countries around the globe. The 350 day, calls for a fair and effective climate treaty to stabilise atmospheric CO2 at less than 350ppm (parts per million) and for everyone to play their part in reaching a safe climate and a just world. There are a number of Brisbane events happening. Continue reading ‘350′
Tag Archive for 'green'
350
are you doing it?
“…and the ones who are, aren’t doing it very well ” (That is the end of the anonymous quote that’s missing from the photo). This is part of the “What Has Architecture Done For You Lately?” exhibition currently at the Toronto Design Exchange. The exhibition explores architecture through perceptions of success, equality, emotion, health, and the environment.
I think this is genius. You print the page and just hold it up to to your webcam. Some fancy digital technology recognises the shapes on the paper and creates a ‘hologram’. It’s fun to try for yourself - download it here.
Greenhouse by Joost
via That’s Melbourne: Melbourne will witness an Australian first in Greenhouse by Joost - a self-sustaining temporary event venue at Federation Square that will engage and inspire from October, 30 2008 to January 2009, constructed entirely from recycled or recyclable materials. Open to the public by day as a gallery, cafe and place to ponder your impact on the planet. Feast on the freshest fare in town, using ingredients from the rooftop garden worked into delectable dishes by the lads from Seamstress. At night, Greenhouse will entertain the new “in-crowd” -being the savvy set who’ve simply grabbed a ticket from one of the outlets around town. Greenhouse by Joost is also available for exclusive functions, with food by Shannon Bennett. Greenhouse by Joost is a joint venture between flower artist & waste wizard Joost Bakker, and events guru Corina Baldwin, Director of bttb (bigger than ten bears).
As Adam Wernbach indicated in his speech launching Saatchi & Saatchi’s S project, the influencing power of the corporation is intertwined with the general public’s ability to respond to climate change and other environmental conditions which require social, economical and cultural related behavioural changes. Always the villain and accomplice, many corporations and consumers respectively, are now engaged in a new relationship. It’s almost like their meeting for the first time again. And while the products may be the same and serving the same needs, the language has changed, the transaction has changed and the ramifications of that swipe are being felt around the world. Continue reading ‘it seems everybody’s doing it.’
Passionate and smart people are sexy. Passionate, smart and environmentally-minded people are hot! EarthFirst.com have put out their list of the 25 Hottest Guys and Girls in Green. The Guys List. The Girls List. Its a bit too easy to say some actors and celebrities are the hottest guys and girls, but look past that and it’s a list of some amazing people (including some people I bet you already have crushes on).
get dirty
Monitor green sea turtles in the Northern Territory’s remote Cobourg Peninsula, work with local Aboriginal landowners to conserve a nature refuge behind Broome’s Cable Beach, or spend an afternoon restoring remnant bushland around Brisbane. Australia’s largest practical conservation group, Conservation Volunteers Australia, teams volunteers with short and overnight-stay conservation projects nation-wide. With over 10,000 volunteers a year and over 2,000 conservation projects under its tool-belt, there are stacks of unique opportunities to contribute, learn and explore. Connect to a local opportunity, or plan a trip to the other side of the continent.“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but seeing with new eyes.” - Marcel Proust
The Musee Du Quai Branly designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel is another recent addition to the famous Paris cultural scene. The museum seems to emerge from behind a block of heritage buildings, into a long exhibition hall that curves with the Seine River. The mass of this large building is broken up by a colourful collection of different buildings facades. One of the most striking ones is a ‘green wall’ covered with 15,000 plants from 150 different species. Like a green roof flipped on its side, the wall is not just visually inspiring, but also provide thermal insulation and acoustic control. The plants grow in a layer of special acrylic felt stapled to PVC sheeting, attached to metal frames, attached to the building. These vertical systems mostly support plant materials found on cliff faces including wild berries, mosses and berries. It is watered through a drip irrigation system, and these kinds of walls can be connected to rainwater and grey water reuse.
Arup UK with WaterAid have been running the “drawing water challenge” competition to find innovative solutions to help people access clean water. These ideas tend to be more targeted for developing nations, but as we face water restrictions it’s increasingly relevant in our cities that we think of water in new ways. The winning design “WatAir” was inspired by spiderwebs and the dew-catching properties of leaves and uses lightweight panels to funnel moisture to one collective source. The panels are flexible, movable and also provide shade and some shelter.
WatAir is a nice example of biomimicry. Biomimicry is based on the idea that there are lessons and inspirations in plants, animals and nature that can help us design better and more efficient solutions. It can result in both low-tech solutions or highly sophisticated designs – but it seems that any idea taken from nature has this great certain logic, integrity and grace. Last year I heard Janine Beynus speak about it and she mentioned how all university design courses like engineering and architecture should study biology as a compulsory unit - I think that’s a great idea.
Who can honestly say they’ve never dreamed of living in a tree house? Well, now there’s an opportunity to satisfy the little kid inside of you and it doesn’t involve you roughing it in a sleeping bag while your mum sends much-needed rations up the ladder every few hours. British architecture firm, Sybarite, has designed a modular tree house concept that they hope will encourage a more organic approach to country living. The eco-designed dwelling, which incorporates lightweight recyclable materials and wind-powered electricity, can be installed in under two weeks and sits serenely amongst the treetops. And its modular design can be adjusted to include anywhere from one to five bedrooms, so you can make it your own peaceful hermitage from busy city life, or the ultimate luxe party pad for you and your fellow sybarites. So, with a starting price tag of only £1 million, why not go ahead and satisfy that childhood dream?
live life in a sanctuary
The word sanctuary often conjures up images of somewhere safe and quiet. Perhaps a lush green rainforest where you can hear, smell and almost taste nature. But did you know you can create your own sanctuary where ever you live in Australia? Be inspired by Sanctuary, a new magazine for people who care about sustainable living with style. This magazine, published by the not-for-profit organisation Alternative Technology Association (ATA), is full to the brim with ideas to create or renovate a home that offers the latest in sustainable design. The ATA has been promoting renewable energy, sustainable building and water conservation since 1980. So if you’re passionate about the environment and are about to build a new house or renovate your existing home visit sanctuarymagazine.com.org.au for more information.
