American architecture studio Kohn Pedersen Fox has unveiled images of a supertall skyscraper that is currently being built in Midtown Manhattan.
Commenters analysed the structure, with one praising the “contextual design approach” while another questioned: “Can we declare this day the end of messianic Miesianism?”
However, a commenter thought the design “kind of falls apart when you look at the details.”
Rafael Viñoly Architects unveils plans for vineyard-covered airport terminal
Other stories in this week’s newsletter that fired up the comments section included Rafael Viñoly Architects’ plans for a vineyard-covered airport terminal, a pavilion designed for The OWO hotel in London and the news that Elon Musk’s company Neuralink has implanted a brain chip into its first human patient.
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London studio Oskar Kohnen has outfitted a Mayfair office with mid-century modern furniture and contemporary pieces, which “are so well curated that no one would ever dare to throw them away”.
Spread across three floors, the office is housed within a rectilinear building in London’s Mayfair neighbourhood with a gridded facade.
Oskar Kohnen designed the office in London’s Mayfair area
“It has a townhouse feeling,” studio founder Oskar Kohnen told Dezeen of the office, which he designed for developer Crosstree Real Estate.
At its ground level, Kohnen clad the entrance hall with dark-stained wooden panels and added sconce lights to subtly illuminate the space.
A cream Djinn sofa was placed in the entrance hall
An amorphous Djinn sofa, created by industrial designer Olivier Mourge in 1965, was placed in one corner.
“We worked a lot with vintage furniture, and as for the new pieces we sourced, we hope they are so well curated that no one would ever dare to throw them away,” said Kohnen.
The first floor features a living room-style space
“Warm and inviting” interiors characterise a living room-style space on the first floor, which was created in direct contrast to the industrial appearance of the exterior.
An L-shaped velvet and stainless-steel sofa finished in a burnt orange hue was positioned next to white-stained brise soleil screens and a bright resin coffee table.
Terrazzo accents were chosen for the kitchen
“The social spaces have an earthy and calm colour palette – yet they are lush and dramatic,” explained Kohnen.
A pair of low-slung 1955 Lina armchairs by architect Gianfranco Frattini also features in this space, while floor-to-ceiling glazing opens onto a residential-style terrace punctuated by potted plants.
Oskar Kohnen added a bright gridded ceiling to one of the meeting rooms
Similar tones and textures were used to dress the rest of the rooms on this level.
These spaces include a kitchen with contemporary terrazzo worktops and a meeting room with a red gridded ceiling that was set against cream-coloured panels and modernist black chairs.
The second floor holds the main office, complete with rows of timber desks and an additional meeting room-library space characterised by the same reddish hues as the low-lit entrance hall.
“The idea was to create an office space that had soul to it and would offer a more personal take on a work environment, rather than the usual corporate spaces we are so familiar with in London,” Kohen concluded.
The second floor holds the main office
Founded in 2011, Kohnen’s eponymous studio has completed a range of interior projects, including a mint-green eyewear store in Berlin and a pink-tinged paint shop in southwest London.
The world throws away a vast quantity of banana peels each year, and Discarded Spirits is putting some of this material to good use with its banana peel rum. In the final instalment of our special series of articles for Discarded Spirits, we look at a snapshot of the creative ways innovators around the world are using banana waste.
A useful ingredient and a tasty, nutrient-rich snack, the banana is among the world’s most traded and consumed fruits, with well over 100 million tonnes of bananas produced every year. This production causes a lot of waste, both during the harvest and at the consumer level, with the world generating around 3.5 million tonnes of banana peels annually.
Traditionally, this discarded material has mostly gone to landfill, where it contributes to emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. However, a new generation of innovators is looking at banana waste differently, seeing it as a valuable tool in the fight against climate change.
Sustainable, animal-free leather
In India, leather is big business, but the industry has a significant negative impact on the environment. Not only does it lead to toxic chemical pollution, but the production of just one leather bag requires 10,000 litres of water. Fossil-fuel-derived plastic alternatives, meanwhile, are not much better. For Kolkata-based material innovation firm, Atma Leather, banana waste holds the solution to this problem. The company’s leather alternative, called ‘Banofi’, is made up of 50 per cent banana stem waste and 30 per cent natural additives. The remaining 20 per cent is composed of primarily recycled polymers, with the firm continuing to invest in innovation to reduce this remaining reliance on plastic. The material has a significantly lower environmental impact than both animal and synthetic leather, offering a 100 per cent reduction in toxic wastewater and significant reductions in CO2 emissions. Find out more.
Handmade textiles
Beyond the fruit itself, the banana plant also has a ‘pseudo-stem’ – a trunk-like structure made up of a soft central core surrounded by tightly-packed leaf sheaths. With a high cellulose fibre content, it is well-suited to a range of applications. Ugandan organisation TEXFAD teaches people to use banana pseudo-stems and other waste materials to create sustainable, hand-made textile products. This non-formal, hands-on skills training is accredited by the country’s Directorate of Industrial Training and designed to encourage job and wealth creation. In addition, TEXFAD runs a business incubation programme that provides budding businesses with equipped production space, business plan development, and technical support services. There is also an ‘earn while you learn’ option for those in vocational training. The types of handicraft produced under TEXFAD’s banana programme include coasters, glasses cases, rugs, and lampshades, among many others. Find out more.
Biodegradable food packaging
Every year, the world produces 141 million tonnes of plastic packaging, and food packaging is one of the most visible uses of plastic in our daily lives. Now, Australian company Papyrus is converting banana plantation waste into a fine fibre that forms the basis of a range of moulded food packaging products that are commercially viable. The organisation, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, takes rejected banana fruits as well as the stalks, leaves, and pseudo-stems of the banana plant and puts them through a chemical-free process that separates the biomass into organic liquids and raw fibres. The fibres are then refined and moulded into trays, plates, egg cartons, cup holders, and ‘clam shells’ (a type of takeaway box). The banana packaging replaces alternatives made from environmentally damaging materials like plastic and forest-sourced wood. Find out more.
Food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical growth enhancers
UK startup LyteGro highlights that around 30 per cent of the global banana crop is deemed unsuitable for sale in any given year. Seizing this opportunity, the company adds water to the otherwise unsellable bananas and then mixes, heats, and filters the resulting mash, producing Baclyte, a microbial growth enhancer. Highly potent, the mixture enables rapid microbial growth for a huge range of industrial applications. With everything from brewing and distilling to dairy and pharmaceutical production reliant on microbes, Baclyte has the potential to be a highly valuable addition to food and commercial manufacturing processes. This is because faster growth of microbes results in higher yields and accelerated production of the final product. Find out more.
Delicious liquids
Discarded Spirits’ banana peel rum is made using waste from the flavour industry. Discarded works with a flavour house in the Netherlands who would otherwise throw banana peels away once they’re finished with them. The peels are dehydrated and ground before being supplied to Discarded, who then take them and turn them into an extract. The extract is soaked in alcohol and then blended with the rum. The end result is something that tastes like liquid banana bread, in the best way possible! Find out more.
To learn more about how the other Discarded Spirits liquids are made, that also put organic waste to use, read our interview with Discarded Brand Ambassador Sam Trevethyen.
If you’re interested in shaving off perhaps 10% of your household energy use (and your electric bill) with a single purchase, it’s time to look into heat pump clothes dryers. “An electric dryer can use anywhere from 700 to 1000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. That’s about a tenth of the average American’s electricity usage,” said Joe Wachunas, electrification advocate for Electrify Now and Project Manager at New Buildings Institute. “You can cut that by 75% or more using heat pump dryers.”
With options on the market that use as little as 200 kWh of energy in a year, it’s not hard to see why their market share is increasing. “Heat pump technology is critical here in America, especially,” Wachunas says. “And heat pump dryers are an exciting, relatively new technology.”
Traditional vented dryers
Vented dryers can be either gas or electric, and they require venting to the outside of the home through ducts. A heating element heats the air in the drum, evaporating the moisture from clothes. Then as the dryer runs, the hot, moist air is vented outside and replaced with air pulled in from your laundry room, basement, or wherever it’s located. This influx of fresh air must be heated to continue drying the clothes.
Ga-Young Park, Residential Appliances Manager at ENERGY STAR, pointed out another inefficiency. “Because vented dryers pull in cooled or heated air from your home and vent it outdoors, your air conditioner or heater has to work even harder to maintain the indoor temperature.” Also, vented dryer drums get very hot during operation, which—aside from the fire risk—can overdry clothes and potentially damage fabrics.
Heat pump clothes dryers
Electric-powered heat pump dryers (aka ventless or condensation dryers) dry clothes without using a heating element or vent. Instead, heat pump technology pulls air into a condenser, heats it, and sends it into the drum, where it absorbs moisture from the wet clothes. Then, the air cycles to an evaporator, where it’s cooled. As the air gets colder, it loses moisture, which is either drained or collected in a removable tray.
That same air is then pulled from the evaporator into the condenser to be reheated while it’s still warm. In other words, heat pump dryers recycle warm air instead of venting it to the outdoors. Not having to heat fresh, cold air leads to big energy savings. Park added, “Heat pump models dry laundry at lower temperatures, which is much gentler on clothes. And unlike vented dryers, there’s basically no fire risk.”
Hybrid heat pump dryers
Hybrid heat pump dryers combine the heat pump cycle with the heating element of a vented dryer. This pairing helps the dryer drum get hotter, so clothes dry faster. Hybrid heat pump dryers are much more efficient than vented dryers, but because of the heating element, they’re less efficient than pure heat pump dryers.
Bosch WTG86403UC 300 Series 24 Inch Smart Electric Dryer, ventless. Images courtesy Amazon.
Size, price, and dry time
“People often think heat pump dryers take way longer to dry clothes because they use lower temperatures,” said Park. In reality, heat pump models can have dry times comparable to many vented dryers on the market today. All models with the ENERGY STAR label meet an 80 minute maximum dry time for a “typical” cycle, and some newer models demonstrate dry times as low as 50 to 35 minutes.
Historically, heat pump dryers have been compact in size, smaller than typical US household dyers. Things are changing, though. Park reported only ten options for standard-size dryers with heat pump technology, but expects that more standard-size heat pump dryers will continue to come on the market, particularly as hybrid models become more available.
Heat pump dryers are definitely more expensive than traditional vented dryers, but more and more, utility-sponsored rebates are available to offset the cost differential. Owners may also save on installation. Heat pump dryers do not require venting ductwork, which makes them simpler and less expensive to install. Homeowners can install the dryers nearly anywhere, provided the condensed water is allowed to collect or drain along with the washer.
Of course, you’ll also see major savings on your monthly energy bill.
Finally, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will provide additional rebates and tax credits for homeowners looking to make energy-efficient home upgrades. (This savings calculator can help you estimate how much money you can save on a heat pump dryer through the IRA.)
Note: European households use an average of 3,700 kWh of electricity each year, just a third of what Americans use. Not coincidentally, while most of the world saves big money and energy by hanging clothes outside to dry, the practice is restricted or completely banned by many communities across the United States!
ENERGY STAR’s 5 Most Efficient Dryers
ENERGY STAR, run by the US Environmental Protection Agency, has overseen testing and labeling of quality, energy-efficient products for more than 30 years. The blue ENERGY STAR label signifies brands and models that are leaders in energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR ranks dryers based on their Combined Energy Factor (CEF), a measure of energy efficiency. The higher a dryer’s CEF, the more energy efficient it is.
This article springs from Electrify Now’s webinar on Heat Pump Dryers. Their followup, Heat Pump Dryers – Update on Brands and Options, compares units from Bosch, Miele, GE, and LG:
The author:
Catherine Poslusny is a freelance writer and content marketing specialist based out of Norman, OK. You can find her at catherinerosewrites.com.
For more ways to supercharge your workflow, check out more articles in our Tech for Architects series, which includes our recommendations of Top Laptops for Architects and Designers.
Inside the architect’s toolkit, 3D modeling stands at the forefront of the cutting-edge technology that has become paramount in bringing visionary designs to life. From digitally shaping conceptual ideas to advanced detailed models — ready for production — and immersive architectural imagery, 3D modeling software is the tool behind the modern architect’s workflow.
Still, what are the different features of those numerous 3D modeling programs? Admittedly, in the pursuit of architectural excellence, the choice of 3D modeling tools becomes a pivotal decision. In this article, we unveil the “8 Top Tools for Architectural 3D Modeling,” exploring their capabilities and strengths and thus enabling architects to push the boundaries of creativity and efficiency.
Without further ado, here are the top eight 3D modeling tools that serve as the architect’s digital canvas.
Best 3D Modeling Tool for Beginners
SketchUp is a 3D Modeling software inspired by hand drawn sketching. Its simple interface and smart commands allow architects to bring their designs effortlessly within the three-dimensional world. The software’s dynamic components enables users to generate precise and detailed models that can be later documented in 2D drawings. Additionally, SketchUp’s extensive 3D Warehouse offers a vast repository of pre-built models, textures and components as well as an array of additional plug-ins, significantly accelerating the design workflow.
Learn more and review this tool >
Best 3D Modeling Tool for Complex Geometries
Renowned for its advanced 3D modeling capabilities, Rhinoceros excels in its ability to create highly detailed, organic, and complex 3D models with precision and versatility. The software employs NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) modeling, allowing architects to sculpt smooth, free-form surfaces and create intricate geometric forms. Its familiar “type-in command bar” makes it easy for users to navigate Rhino’s 3D modeling tools. Finally, at a time when 3D scanning has become the leading method for architectural surveys, Rhino’s revolutionary new tool “ShrinkWrap” turns point cloud data into solid, editable meshes.
Learn more and review this tool >
Best 3D Modeling Tool for Architectural Visualization
Autodesk 3ds Max is a pivotal tool for architecture 3D modeling and rendering. It has a robust set of polygonal modeling tools and parametric modeling features that enable non-destructive editing, allowing for easy experimentation and design exploration. Still, 3ds Max’s greatest asset is its architectural visualization capabilities. The software delivers high-quality architectural renderings through flexible toolsets for texturing, shading and lighting and even animating architectural scenes.
Learn more and review this tool >
Best 3D Modeling Tool for Architectural Animation
Blender is a free and Open Source 3D modeling software. Its innovative array of modeling tools includes N-Gon support, sculpting kits and brushes and even 3D painting. Blender is ideal for architects who want to take their designs into the cinematic universe. The software’s Cycles Render Engine along with its VFX tracking and Animation and Rigging tools, transform architectural designs into stunning, immersive imagery. For the more advanced users, Blender has a Python controlled interface, allowing architects to customize the software according to their needs and even create their own custom tools and add-ons.
Learn more and review this tool >
Best 3D Modeling Tool for Concept Design
Modo is a software that makes the 3D modeling process fast and seamless. Instead of relying on parametric modeling tools, Mono introduces direct and procedural Modeling toolsets to accelerate the design process and eliminate any need for calculating dimensions and other parameters. Mono excels for early stage concept design, offering real-time rendering capabilities along with flexible modeling tools, becoming the perfect software for intuitive design endeavors.
Learn more and review this tool >
Best 3D Modeling Tool for Manufacturing
Even though it is mostly used for industrial design and engineering, Shapr3D turns any conceptual idea into a complete project. Prioritizing detail and manufacturing, Shapr3D uses a full 2D and 3D sketch suite that allows architects to accurate shape their designs and flexibly translate them into documented drawings that are ready for production. The software is also available on a tablet, making modeling by hand and collaboration between teams effortless and fostering to-the-point conversations even from a distance.
Learn more and review this tool >
Best 3D Modeling Tool for BIM Workflow
BricsCAD is a platform that combines 2D and 3D design and BIM. The software has a familiar CAD interphase as well as an integrated AI tool named “the Quad” that learns the user’s design processes, maximizing their workflow. In BricsCAD architects can switch from 2D drawing to 3D modeling in a matter of clicks. Finally, its most revolutionary feature is its “Scan to BIM” capability, turning point cloud data into detailed 3D models using flexible modeling and AI automation.
Learn more and review this tool >
Best 3D Modeling Tool for Feasibility Studies
ARCHITEChTURES is an interactive 3D platform, mainly used for residential design in real estate projects. Providing easy access to a country’s building regulations and topographic information, architects can use simple modeling tools to test their designs in context. The software uses manual project modeling with integrated AI that results to quick and flexible iterations. Through real-time 3D modeling, the project data and quantity takeoff documents are automatically updated and ready to use for feasibility studies, design comparisons and cost estimations.
Learn more and review this tool >
It is understandable that having so many 3D modeling tools to choose from, might be daunting. That is why the following tips and considerations will help architects choose the right software for their particular needs and design aspirations.
Envision the result: Every architect develops their own aesthetic, both in terms of design as well as visualization. Consequently, experimenting with tools that are able to digitally materialize this vision will aid the overall design process. Perhaps placing emphasis on producing complex geometries as seamlessly as possible becomes a priority; or ending up with an impressive, fully cinematic reel showcasing the space is the ultimate goal. Regardless, knowing which features are the most important to focus on will immensely help when choosing the right software.
Reflect on the workflow: Architects should consider how well each program integrates with other tools in their workflow. The ability to import/export various file formats is essential for collaboration and compatibility with other software used in the design process. Some 3D modeling programs can be integrated with popular software on the market, such as BIM tools or render engines, while others are stand-alone products that offer tools from 3D modeling to rendering and animation – all through a single interface.
Consider the learning curve: Architects should also assess the learning curve associated with each software. For beginners, perhaps opting for a simpler 3D modeling tool will accelerate their learning process. Another option is to choose a program that has a similar operating philosophy and familiar interface with the other tools in their arsenal, thus making the transition more seamless.
Look into the community: Navigating through such powerful software can be challenging. That is why, a strong user community is important, often offering access to forums, tutorials, and user-generated content that can assist in problem-solving and skill development. In fact, some 3D modeling programs also have additional plug-ins or 3D assets that can aid architects immensely.
Think of the hardware and budget: Advanced 3D modeling software is costly, complex and often has high system requirements. Therefore, before opting for a specific tool, architect should ensure that the program is compatible with their existing hardware as well as the software’s pricing structure. Some software options may have upfront costs, subscription models, or free/open-source alternatives. Before making a choice, it is useful to factor in the long-term costs and potential licensing fees.
For more ways to supercharge your workflow, check out more articles in our Tech for Architects series, which includes our recommendations of Top Laptops for Architects and Designers.
Father and son architect duo Luís and Tiago Rebelo de Andrade explain how they furnished Lisbon’s Art Legacy Hotel entirely with Moooi products in this video produced by Dezeen for the Dutch furniture brand.
Lisbon practice Rebelo De Andrade designed the interiors of the five star Art Legacy Hotel, located in the Baixa-Chiado district in the city’s centre.
The hotel is notable for its exclusive use of Moooi products and rooms with bold primary colour schemes.
Art Legacy Hotel is a five star hotel in Lisbon
“Hospitality is always about image and stories,” said Luís Rebelo De Andrade, founder of the studio, in the exclusive Dezeen video interview. “We wanted the guests, when they come to this hotel, to have a completely unexpected experience.”
“So, we proposed to our client that we make a hotel with only Moooi products, to give it a very strong identity.”
Moooi’s products were used throughout the hotel, including carpets, furniture, lighting, wall coverings and art pieces.
“Moooi is everywhere in the building,” said Tiago Rebelo De Andrade, who is partner and principal architect at the studio and Luís Rebelo De Andrade’s son. “When you enter the hotel, all the colours, all the textures, all the furniture from Moooi helps us to tell a different story in every floor.
Rebelo De Andrade furnished the Art Legacy Hotel entirely with Moooi products
The project is a renovation of a historical office building. Alongside overhauling the hotel’s interior, Rebelo De Andrade also redesigned its facade.
According to Tiago Rebelo De Andrade, Moooi’s blend of modernity and classical references suited the studio’s approach to designing the hotel’s interiors.
“Moooi is classic but in a way that can also be modern,” he said. “It’s a modern-classic building.”
Art Legacy Hotel is a renovation of a historic building in Lisbon’s centre
Luís Rebelo De Andrade decided to partner with Moooi on the hotel’s interiors after visiting the brand’s Museum of Extinct Animals exhibition at Milan design week in 2018.
Each room in the Art Legacy Hotel has either a blue, red, yellow or green colour scheme, with matching wall coverings, furniture and tiling in the bathrooms.
“When I first met Moooi’s products, I felt that it uses a lot of primary colours,” he said. “So I used primary colours in a very strong way in the hotel. They are colours that provoke you.”
Moooi’s lighting, furniture, wall coverings and carpets are used throughout Art Legacy Hotel
In the video interview, the duo also discussed their working relationship.
“My son, he provokes me,” said Luís Rebelo De Andrade. “We had to educate ourselves on how to work together.”
“I offer my experience, he offers his youth in projects,” he continued. “So I think it’s a good mix.”
Rebelo De Andrade used primary colour schemes in Art Legacy Hotel’s rooms
“It’s difficult because it’s a father and son relationship,” added Tiago Rebelo De Andrade. “We are always arguing, but at the end of the day, we drink a bottle of wine so that we can make peace with each other.”
Other recent projects from Moooi include the IDEO-designed Pallana suspension lamp, made up of adjustable ring lights, and the rope-like Knitty Chair designed by Nika Zupanc.
The photography is by João Guimarães.
Partnership content
This video was produced by Dezeen for Moooi as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen’s partnership content here.
Two British materials companies, Sages and Osmose, have collaborated to dye sheets of mycelium with natural food waste, mimicking the appearance of tanned leather and suggesting a colourful future for the biomaterial.
Osmose is a company making a leather alternative from mycelium – the fibrous underground root network of mushrooms – while Sages makes natural dyes from food waste such as avocado pits, blueberries, red cabbages and onion skins, which are normally applied to textiles.
The two believe they’ve achieved a world first with their collaboration, combining two emerging areas of sustainable material development to colour mycelium without resorting to petroleum-based synthetic dyes, thereby keeping the product non-toxic and able to biodegrade safely in soil.
Sages and Osmose have developed a natural dying process for mycelium leather
“There are lots of different types of vegan leather alternatives to traditional leather but the majority of them use either synthetic colourations or they use plasticisers, so they’re non-biodegradable,” said Sages CEO Emily Taylor.
“We wanted to explore an option where we could have a fully biodegradable leather that has also been coloured in a biodegradable and sustainable manner,” she continued.
Companies that prioritise biodegradability have offered mycelium in its natural shades of white and brown or black, which Osmose CEO Aurelie Fontan says is much easier to achieve naturally.
“I think the challenge for mycelium leather was that the offering just wasn’t there in terms of aesthetic,” she said. “When you’re presenting for brands and you’re like ‘we can only do brown’, it’s a little bit boring for them.”
The companies experimented with different food wastes in the dyeing process
“The colour sector is somewhere where you can develop your USP, essentially, which is why working with Sages is so interesting,” Fontan added.
Osmose and Sages have created tan-coloured mycelium sheets using avocado waste, which Sages sources from an importer and guacamole factory in Milton Keynes, where tens of tonnes of leftover pits and skins are produced each week.
It was a new area for both companies, as the food waste dye takes differently to mycelium leather than it does to the usually cellulose-based textiles that Sages has worked with.
The duo collaborated with materials science researchers at the UK’s Cranfield University on the project, for which the researchers focused on how to transfer and fix the dye to the material using “green chemistry” – an area of chemistry that aims to cut out hazardous substances.
In this case, the researchers sought to replace the formic acid and fluorinated acids that are often used in tanning to dissolve the polymers of the leather so it can be infused with dye. Instead, the team developed a method, which they say is significantly less toxic.
After working with Cranfield University, Sages and Osmose expanded the experiment and trialled other waste streams such as blueberries and onion skins to see what colours they could get, producing mycelium swatches in shades of violet and bordeaux.
Taylor and Fontan say they are trying to develop a process for mycelium that is akin to leather tanning, where both colour and durability properties are added in one or two steps. Their equivalent, they say, would be to dye and waterproof the material at the same time.
The tan colour was created by using waste avocado pits and skins
Osmose’s focus now is on developing a waterproof coating for their mycelium that, like the dye, is bio-based, non-toxic and able to biodegrade safely in soil. This is notoriously a challenge for plant-based leather alternatives, which almost always rely on a protective synthetic coating.
“It’s really hard to design a solution that fits all materials, which is basically what everyone is struggling with,” said Fontan. “Someone might have pineapple leather and they have their own coating but it doesn’t mean it’s going to work on mushroom and so on.”
Unlike some companies, however, Osmose says it does not want to bring a product with a non-biodegradable coating to market.
“If you’re doing a composite, it will not biodegrade at the end of life, which is compromising all the good work that you’ve been doing before that step,” Fontan said.
Mycelium is one of the most popular emerging leather alternatives. It has already appeared in luxury goods such as a bag by Hermes, clothing by Stella McCartney and trainers by Adidas.
Spotted: Despite a well-publicised difficult year in 2023, plant-based meat is on the rise, with the global market forecast to reach revenues of $24.8 billion by 2030. But while the long-term drivers for plant-based meat look promising, many in the industry feel that the ‘mouthfeel’ of the products available today is holding the market back, as is the high cost of production.
Now, Israeli non-profit GreenProtein AI hopes to tackle both problems at once by consolidating the knowledge of alternative protein innovators to help companies find the perfect ‘extrusion’ settings for meat-like plant-based protein.
In the context of plant-based meat, extrusion is the process through which various protein sources are converted into an output that has the sinuous texture of meat. Today, the process is unpredictable due to the number of parameters involved, and optimising outcomes through trial and error is expensive, particularly for smaller companies. GreenProtein’s artificial intelligence (AI), could prove a game-changer in making the process more efficient and predictable.
Key to the organisation’s approach is the collation of a diverse dataset from across the entire industry through the pooling of insights from individual manufacturers and facilities. All this data feeds GreenProtein’s algorithm, enabling it to simulate the texture produced by different combinations of ingredients and parameters, identifying the optimal approach. The AI can also help minimise production waste and energy consumption, leading to more sustainable manufacturing and reduced production costs.
GreenProtein works through collaborations with plant-based meat manufacturers, laboratories, extrusion facilities, and manufacturers of extrusion equipment, all of whom stand to benefit from unique insights and the maturation of the market as a whole.
Plant-based proteins are an important part of the puzzle for providing sufficient protein to a growing world population, and Springwise’s library contains several examples of innovations seeking to make them more affordable and delicious. This includes a company that is ‘spinning’ protein fibres like textile threads, and a company eliminating inefficiencies in plant protein production.
Written By: Keely Khoury and Matthew Hempstead
The post Is AI the secret ingredient for tastier alt meat? appeared first on Springwise.
The word is now out, and sales of heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are taking off. New rebates, mandates, and tax credits will likely drive sales through the roof by the end of this decade. Heat pump water heaters use a fraction of the energy of legacy technologies, with great performance, which means lower utility bills along with reduced carbon emissions. We’ve embraced the technology on our journey to electrify two different properties, and we were among the first in the US to buy and install a 120V plug-in heat pump water heater at our family home in Ohio.
Why do we sing their praises?
Cost!
The heat pump water heater is among the most affordable climate-saving technologies available. While solar panels and electric cars are vital tools for climate warriors, a heat pump water heater saves the energy equivalent of seven solar panels while costing only one-sixth the price. They run approximately $1600 for the appliance, plus $1000 to $3000 for installation, depending on the fuel your current water heater uses. This cost is higher than traditional gas or electric-resistance water heaters, but many utilities offer rebates to bring down the price. And then add the 30% tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act, if the property is your primary residence.
If your current water heater is gas, you may need to run a 240V electrical line, unless you get a new 120V plug-in model (for more info on this option, read about our fourth install below). If your current water heater is electric-resistance, it should already have a 240V line running to it, likely allowing a simple swap.
Efficiency
Hot water accounts for a substantial share of energy use in buildings—17% in single family homes and up to 32% in multi-family—hundreds of dollars a year. Heat pumps move heat rather than create it. So heat pump water heaters are three to five times more efficient than standard water heaters. They look just like a legacy water heater, but a bit taller because the heat pump sits on top of the water tank.
Sure heat pump water heaters are super energy efficient, but they also run on electricity, which means they can use renewable electricity. Replacing a single gas water heater with a heat pump unit will save around 1 ton of CO2 annually.
And the word is out. While heat pump water heaters currently account for only less than 2% of new water heater sales, they jumped 26% in 2022 as sales of natural gas water heaters fell. Heat pump water heaters could increase to half of all water heater sales by 2030.
Propelling electrification
Electricity is the only widely-available, scalable fuel option that is quickly decarbonizing. So reducing climate change involves converting everything to highly efficient, clean electricity. A common critique of the electrification movement is that the electrical grid can’t handle the additional loads to replace fossil fuels used in buildings and transportation. Enter heat pumps. Widespread deployment of heat pumps in HVAC and hot water production will save tremendous energy: enough to power new electrical loads, like electric cars (EVs), on the existing grid.
Heat pump water heaters (HPWH) will likely save nearly all the electricity a household needs to operate an EV.
As Americans transition to EVs over the next decade, heat pump water heaters alone will likely save nearly all the electricity that a household needs to operate an EV. This statistic shows how much energy we currently waste in heating our water. And this EV electrical load is replacing carbon-intensive gasoline and diesel fuels.
About half of the US currently has electric resistance water heaters, so as those homes switch to heat pump water heaters, we won’t have to worry about finding more electricity for EVs. Their utility bills will likely stay constant, saving them all the money they currently spend at the gas pump.
The other half of homes heats water with fossil fuels, so we will need to find added clean electricity for those water heaters and vehicles. (But transitioning electric-resistance space heaters and clothes dryers to heat pump units produces savings similar to switching out water heaters.) Most heat pump water heaters run on 240V (the same as conventional electric water heaters and dryers), but if your old water heater runs on gas, you may have to install a new power line from the panel. But a 120V plug-in model is the newest option. If your current water heater is electric, it will likely be an easy swap: no need for an electrical panel upgrade or service upsize from the utility.
2017: HPWH replacing an aging water heater
Our old gas water heater was nearing its end of life, and Joe was excited about the technological advance of heat pumps for water heating. Though we still had questions about installation and performance.
It’s easiest to install a heat pump water heater in a basement or garage, because they exhaust cool air. But our heat pump water heater resides in a coat closet in the middle of our living space, venting into the attic. There it draws the warmest air in our house and exhausts to an unconditioned space. (Note that there are lots of options for locating heat pump water heaters in living spaces without ducting.)
Of course there were no local installers familiar with heat pumps back then, but after watching YouTube, Joe felt OK working with a trusted handyman. Even though it was a gas conversion, an existing 240V electrical line made things much easier. Ever since, this unit has consistently provided our family plus an Airbnb with plentiful hot water.
2019: HPWH replacing a functioning gas hot water heater
We did not get the full life out of the existing gas hot water heater in the accessory dwelling unit on our property. We chose to replace a perfectly good appliance (only 7 years old) with a heat pump water heater powered by clean solar energy. Our goal was to eliminate fossil fuels from our home. We used the same attic-ducting technique as the water heater in the main house, locating the unit in a closet. This mighty unit provides plenty of hot water for the tenant and runs the radiant floor heating system as well. (We don’t recommend heat pump water heaters for floor heating, as it is not a proven or scalable application.)
2020: HPWH replacing a decrepit gas water heater
During COVID, we undertook an interiors and sustainability renovation of a duplex in Cleveland, OH, that has been in our family for 75 years. In transitioning to all-electric, we replaced an almost 30-year-old basement water heater with our favorite heat pump. In addition to reducing our energy bill by $200 a year, it provides great dehumidification: about 2–4 quarts of water per day. If you currently run one or more dehumidifiers in your damp, Midwestern basement, you may save hundreds more.
The plumber added a new 240V power line, and ran the condensate tube to the floor drain. The basement maintains about 60 °F all winter, and we’ve never needed to engage the less-efficient backup electric-resistance heating elements.
2023: The new 120V heat pump water heater
This past summer, we replaced the other 30-year-old gas water heater in the basement of the Cleveland duplex. This just-arrived-on-the-market 120V unit eliminated the need to run 240V power from the panel. As heat pump enthusiasts, we were excited to test the latest tech. Perhaps the most difficult step was placing the custom order with Home Depot. Though now it’s readily available!
The installation was the easiest part. It took the plumber (who had never heard of a heat pump water heater) only 2.5 hours to complete the job, about the same as a standard gas water heater. The 120V heat pump water heater plugs right into a standard outlet. But he did have to run the condensate tube into the floor drain nearby and cap the gas line.
The 120V unit has been humming along for months—it’s very quiet—using a mere 65 kWh in the first month of operation. We monitor its performance through the manufacturer’s app, so we know it remains ridiculously efficient and almost always completely full of hot water. At a total of $3,258 installed and estimated savings of $208 a year. The 120V models usually eliminate the backup electric-resistance heating elements by using a larger tank with more hot water stored, or by storing water at higher temperatures and then mixing in cold water to avoid scalding. Our 120V unit uses the latter strategy; see it in action.
If this were our primary residence, we might have taken advantage of the 30% tax credits for heat pump water heaters, lowering our cost to $2,281. That comes so close to the $2,000 average installed cost of a standard gas or electric water heater. And you’re still saving hundreds of dollars a year on energy costs. This proves that almost any of the 60 million US homes with a gas water heaters can easily and cheaply move towards a cleaner, decarbonized home that is less expensive to operate.
We’re big fans of making a long-term decarbonization plan, so you’re not rushing to replace broken equipment and being forced to install new circuit breakers or even a new panel or expensive electrical service upgrade. So before checking the cost of a heat pump water heater, understand your home’s installation requirements and identify a contractor or two. Then when the time, and rebates and tax credits, are right, you’re ready to switch. Because they save so much on utility bills, proactively replacing a functioning, but inefficient, water heater with a heat pump water heater may make sense—for the sake of our changing climate.
This article springs from several posts by Naomi Cole and Joe Wachunas, first published in CleanTechnica. Their “Decarbonize Your Life” series shares their experience, lessons learned, and recommendations for how to reduce household emissions.
The authors:
Joe Wachunas and Naomi Cole both work professionally to address climate change—Naomi in urban sustainability and energy efficiency and Joe in the electrification of buildings and transportation. A passion for debarbonization, and their commitment to walk the walk, has led them to ductless heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, induction cooking, solar in multiple forms, hang-drying laundry (including cloth diapers), no cars to electric cars and charging without a garage or driveway, a reforestation grant from the US Department of Agriculture, and more. They live in Portland, OR, with two young children.
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In the heart of Tampere, Finland, the Hiedanranta Innovation Bay project is a shining example of urban transformation, challenging the conventional suburban model of isolated campuses without integrated housing or commercial areas. They represent multifaceted ecosystems encompassing research centers, universities, corporate offices, government agencies, healthcare facilities, cultural institutions and technology hubs. This diverse mix creates collaborative environments for interdisciplinary interactions, fostering creativity and advancing research and development. The inclusion of community spaces enhances engagement and shared amenities within these districts. Steering away from the conventional blueprint, these districts strategically leverage mass transit, emphasizing a departure from car-centric developments. Avoiding the trend of urban sprawl and fostering vibrant, community-centric urban living is a focal point.
However, the idyllic picture painted by innovative districts comes with challenges. Concerns like gentrification, the potential loss of a city’s unique character and rising housing costs accompany their development. As these districts attract investment and development, there is a risk of pushing out existing communities, altering the cultural fabric and contributing to rising property values. However, thoughtful urban planning and inclusive design strategies can address these concerns, ensuring that the benefits of innovation are shared equitably and that the district enhances rather than diminishes the overall quality of urban life.
Hiedanranta Innovation Bay by Schauman & Nordgren Architects, Tampere, Finland.
There are proactive measures that local communities along with architects, planners, transportation specialists and environmental experts together can undertake to address these concerns. Engaging diverse stakeholders ensures a comprehensive approach that considers the needs, preferences and sustainability of the community, fostering a collaborative and inclusive urban development. The creation of ample public spaces, mixed-use development and initiatives for inclusive economic growth contribute to establishing a diverse and vibrant urban environment. Implementing smart transportation solutions further enhances accessibility, steering away from car-centric models. Through these strategic measures, professionals can transform innovation districts into positive contributors to communities, fostering economic growth, technological advancement and overall well-being.
The Hiedanranta Innovation Bay project in Tampere, Finland, aligns with the forward-thinking vision embraced by many cities aiming to integrate innovation districts into their urban landscape for the betterment of their economy, residents’ well-being, and environment. Upon completion, the Innovation Bay is set to accommodate over 25,000 new residents and generate 10,000 jobs. This transformation will convert the former industrial district into a dynamic innovation hub, emphasizing the principles of a circular economy and fostering sustainable development.
Metamorphosis in Steel City: The Assembly and Innovative Urban Living
In line with this transformative vision, another notable illustration is the project centered around Pittsburgh’s historic Ford Motor Plant. Undergoing a significant metamorphosis, this iconic site was reimagined as a hub for scientific research. The project encapsulates the essence of these evolving models of innovation districts, creating more integrated, sustainable, and vibrant communities.
The Assembly by ZGF Architects, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Photo by Halkin Mason Photography | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Higher Education & Research Facilities
The Assembly is the outcome of Pittsburgh’s historic Ford Motor Plant undergoing a transformation into a hub for scientific research, symbolizing a new era of innovation in the Steel City. Once part of the 31 Ford Motor Plants nationwide, this facility is now the home to the University of Pittsburgh and the Hillman Cancer Center, tailored for advanced cancer and immunology research. The building brings together academic researchers and private industry tenants in a central location.
The Assembly efficiently consolidates the elements of an innovation district within a single city block, incorporating ample amenity, retail, and conferencing space to attract top talent while benefiting tenants and the neighboring community. The district model prioritizes physical compactness and transit accessibility, reducing commuting barriers, and enabling researchers from different groups to easily connect. The incorporation of mixed-use spaces creates a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration beyond formal work settings.
Shaping Cities and Connecting Minds: The Hans Rosling Center’s Story
The positive impact of innovation districts extends beyond physical planning to encompass collaborative ecosystems. The interdisciplinary approach in their design brings together researchers from various fields, fostering a rich and diverse ecosystem that sparks innovative solutions and knowledge exchange. Adaptive workspaces cater to project-specific needs, enhancing the flexibility and responsiveness of the environment.
Illustrating the principles of innovation districts, The University of Washington’s Hans Rosling Center for Population Health stands as a compelling example of community-centric design that cultivates a sense of belonging, contributing to a collaborative spirit and facilitating the seamless flow of information among different research groups.
Hans Rosling Center for Population Health by The Miller Hull Partnership, Seattle, Washington | Photo by Kevin Scott.
The University of Washington’s Hans Rosling Center for Population Health — named after a pioneer in the data-driven approach to health improvement — serves as a central hub for collaborative efforts among faculty, researchers and students. Endowed with a $210 million gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and $15 million from the Washington State Legislature, the center focuses on human health, environmental resilience, and social and economic equity. Housing the Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation (IHME), UW Department of Global Health, parts of the UW School of Public Health, and the offices of the UW Population Health Initiative, the center has played a crucial role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. IHME’s projections have informed policymakers, and researchers have shared insights with major media outlets.
Designed to accommodate system shocks like pandemics, the Rosling Center’s layout features a variety of flexible office types, organized as neighborhoods, catering to different working styles. From 1–2-person shared offices to open workstations, each neighborhood encourages collaboration and innovation. The building’s design also includes a new accessible entry, a monumental covered porch, and an urban staircase, creating a welcoming space for the community and fostering intermingling among diverse groups.
Paving the Way for Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Futures
ResilienCity: Boston’s Innovation District by MapLab, inc. Boston, Massachusetts
Innovation districts are supplanting the traditional suburban model of corporate research and technology campuses by prioritizing denser, mixed-use environments and transit accessibility, fostering collaboration, connectivity, and innovation. Unlike isolated suburban campuses, these districts integrate mixed-use spaces, emphasizing sustainable practices and community engagement. This shift aims to optimize urban spaces, reduce commuting barriers, and create vibrant, dynamic hubs that contribute to a more sustainable and interconnected urban future. Architects, planners and city authorities can take proactive measures to mitigate concerns associated with innovation districts. By adopting such measures, stakeholders can contribute to the creation of innovation districts that not only drive economic growth and technological advancement but also enhance the overall well-being and inclusivity of urban communities.
The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” — a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe — is now available. Order your copy today.
SketchUp is a 3D Modeling software inspired by hand drawn sketching. Its simple interface and smart commands allow architects to bring their designs effortlessly within the three-dimensional world. The software’s dynamic components enables users to generate precise and detailed models that can be later documented in 2D drawings. Additionally, SketchUp’s extensive 3D Warehouse offers a vast repository of pre-built models, textures and components as well as an array of additional plug-ins, significantly accelerating the design workflow.
Renowned for its advanced 3D modeling capabilities, Rhinoceros excels in its ability to create highly detailed, organic, and complex 3D models with precision and versatility. The software employs NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) modeling, allowing architects to sculpt smooth, free-form surfaces and create intricate geometric forms. Its familiar “type-in command bar” makes it easy for users to navigate Rhino’s 3D modeling tools. Finally, at a time when 3D scanning has become the leading method for architectural surveys, Rhino’s revolutionary new tool “ShrinkWrap” turns point cloud data into solid, editable meshes.
Autodesk 3ds Max is a pivotal tool for architecture 3D modeling and rendering. It has a robust set of polygonal modeling tools and parametric modeling features that enable non-destructive editing, allowing for easy experimentation and design exploration. Still, 3ds Max’s greatest asset is its architectural visualization capabilities. The software delivers high-quality architectural renderings through flexible toolsets for texturing, shading and lighting and even animating architectural scenes.
