a vertical forest inside a city of gardens: “bosco verticale”

I’m fascinated by something called the Garden City Movement of the early 20th century, and was intrigued when I heard about this similar sustainable urban restructuring plan in present day by Stefano Boeri. Currently under construction in Milan, “Bosco Verticale” is comprised of two apartment towers with giant cantilevered balconies that accommodate a vertical forest.

The forest includes approximately 900 trees as well as a plenitude of shrubbery and other floral vegetation, and has a flattened footprint of about 10,000 square meters. Each apartment has a balcony enveloped by a lush garden which is irrigated by  filtered grey water produced by the building.

Not only have solar and wind energy systems been built into the structure to increase energetic self-sufficiency, but these forested patios also create microclimates that require less energy to heat and cool. These microclimates are a result of the forest’s humidity and oxygen production, carbon dioxide and dust absorption , and protection from direct sunlight. The biodiversity of the plants within this forest in addition to the attraction of birds and insects hope to create a self-sufficient ecosystem. Bosco Verticale is the first element in Boeri’s urban project BioMilano, a proposal for a green belt around Milan that would restore 60 abandoned farms on the outskirts to community use.

-Caroline

underground skyscraper

There is a new project in Mexico City for an underground skyscraper, names “Earthscraper.” In a town that only allows building of eight stories, the building goes 65 stories deep into the ground. Although this building is significantly deep, the design allows for natural air and light to reach all 65 stories of this huge building.

The shape itself is an inverted pyramid, and although many of the floors are reserved for residential areas and offices, there is also a museum with Aztec and Mayan artifacts for cultural awareness.

Check out videos on this building here and here.

Until Next Time,

Christine

high performance buildings

Comcast Center with High Performance Glass

Contributors to greenhouse gas emissions? Cars! Cars are the first things that often pop into people’s minds.

However, cars shouldn’t take all the blame. It’s also important to look at buildings, because they are accountable for 72% of total U.S. energy consumption.

And here are two positive reasons to make the change to a more efficient building:

1. Customers, investors, and tenants are attracted to high performance buildings.

2. Efficient buildings improve the performances of people.

Click here fore more information on how building renovations change a lot more than just the buildings themselves.

Until Next Time,

Christine

what’s up? high rise renovations

High Rise Buildings in Toronto, Ontario

Renovations at home can be daunting projects, but imagine renovating a building that has dozens of floors. The biggest skyscraper in the world is the Dubai Tower, and it actually has 162 stories!

The Energy Saving Trust company in the UK and Scotland compiled some advice for high rise renovations.

I never knew that gas heating, humidistat controlled extract fans, and lesser windows sizes would be a good choices for skyscrapers. The bring up some interesting suggestions, that are specific to large buildings.

Read about floating floors, thermal bridges, and pitched roofs in the original article here.

Until Next Time,

Christine

What’s Up? A Vertical Solar Farm

Willis Tower

The aforementioned Sears Tower apparently has a new name: Willis Tower. With all the changes being done to the building, a new name is the next logical step because it will definitely be a “new” building in so many different ways.

For example, the windows of the building will be replaced with high power density photovoltaic glass so that the windows will act as solar panels. This means that the windows will produce energy similar to that of a 10 acre field of solar panels. The employees within the building will still be able to enjoy the natural light due to reflective prisms that are worked into the windows.

In other words, Chicago will have the equivalent of a 10 acre field of solar panels, smack dab in the middle of its urban streets.

Read the original article here for more information on these amazing windows.

Until Next Time,

Christine

What’s Up? Sears Tower

Sears Tower Plan

Amazing news of amazing proportions!

There are some pretty big buildings out there, but Sears Tower is one of the biggest. It has 110 stories and it contains 4.5 million square feet.  As Adrian Smith, an architect, says, “It is a village in and of itself.”

The building’s owners, leasing agents, and architects have announced a project to install wind turbines on the roof. The total project will cost $350 million, and the various adjustments will reduce electricity usage by 80% over the course of five years.

It’s inspiring and comforting to know that big changes are occurring; whether it be in single-family homes or giant skyscrapers.

Original article here.

Until Next Time,

Christine