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The Future of Urban Planning: How AI Technology is Impacting Smart Cities
CategoriesArchitecture

The Future of Urban Planning: How AI Technology is Impacting Smart Cities

By Zarkon Group,

Architizer’s Tech Directory is a database of tech tools for architects — from the latest generative design and AI to rendering and visualization, 3D modeling, project management and many more. Explore the complete library of categories here.

Urban planning has always been a complex, large-scale “brain teaser” for architects. It requires the collaboration of several disciplines: architects, urban planners, sociologists, anthropologists, environmentalists and transportation planners, and the coordination of many bureaucratic governing bodies. Throughout time, there have been many urban planning theories, such as Garden City by Ebenezer Howard or Le Corbusier’s modernist Radiant City concept, which explored new modes of city organization and ways of living by suggesting speculative social structures, resource management and nature integration practices.

Following the rapid technological advancements in the early 2000s, the concept of “smart cities” gradually emerged, eventually gaining significant traction during the AI boom. Today, AI technology has opened up new realms of possibility, where algorithms and data are added to the architect’s tool belt, aiming to create sustainable, efficient and livable environments for burgeoning populations. However, first, it is imperative to define what exactly constitutes a “smart city” as well as how architects can employ AI in today’s urban planning practices.

Delving into city design requires two distinctive modes of thinking: ways of designing urban networks and ways of maintaining them. AI-powered design tools can analyze vast amounts of data, such as environmental conditions, demographic trends and urban infrastructure, to propose optimized design solutions that meet specific criteria, such as energy efficiency, pedestrian flow or complex cultural norms.

Alárò City_Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

Alárò City by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Lagos, Nigeria

At the same time, architects can leverage AI planning tools to explore a broader range of design possibilities and quickly iterate through multiple schemes, as well as create responsive architecture proposals, which can adapt to changing environmental conditions and user preferences in real time. Responsive architecture designs also foster dynamic interactions between buildings and their surroundings, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and nature and promoting sustainable urban ecosystems.

On the other hand, AI technology can be incorporated in the actual design of buildings, where for instance, sensors and actuators can adjust lighting, temperature and ventilation based on occupancy levels, weather patterns and energy demand. It can also serve as the backbone of interconnected infrastructure systems throughout a city. AI algorithms can analyze traffic patterns to optimize road networks, predict maintenance needs for public utilities, and even detect and respond to emergencies, enhancing the overall resilience and reliability of urban infrastructure. In other words, AI becomes an integral part of a city’s operation and maintenance.

Architizer’s new Tech Directory aggregates tech tools for architects, allowing you to search, compare and review AI softwares before selecting which to you in your next project:

Explore Architizer’s Tech Directory

These AI applications are essentially two sides of the same coin. They expose both implicit and explicit ways of using AI for urban planning and thus broadening the definition of “smart” cities. For instance, projects such as Liam Young’s Planet City, present a new mode of urban design which could potentially be characterized as an archetypal “smart city”. While the use of AI technology is not explicitly stated, Planet City introduces concepts of interactive solar panels for powering the ten billion population imaginary city. It also presents a rather eccentric idea of having a non-stop planetary festival, where different cultural celebrations are revisited throughout the year to preserve the cultural diversity of human civilization.

These two examples of AI-driven practices push the boundaries of traditional urban planning. More specifically, the first is an obvious case of responsive AI technology that leads to a more sustainable living, whereas the second one suggests employing AI algorithms to collect sufficient data and propose optimal cultural and social structures within the new city.

SmartCity Springpark Valley

SmartCity Springpark Valley  by planquadrat Elfers Geskes Krämer GmbH, Bad Vilbel, Germany

Another world-famous project, well-known for its AI integration, is The Line: a futuristic city currently being built in Saudi Arabia. NEOM, the company behind The Line, stated its ambition to create a digital twin backbone through the use of AI tools that will aid the city’s construction and minimize carbon emissions and material waste. Still, a “smart city” does not necessarily have to be a tabula rasa project. Using AI tools to improve existing cities that carry hundreds of years’ worth of human history might arguably be the most important endeavor in urban planning.

One example is the Barcelona Smart City Project, which revitalizes public squares and parks and integrates AI technology such as smart lighting and noise sensors, thus enhancing the city’s livability. Furthermore, Barcelona embraced open data initiatives, thus encouraging the development of numerous urban planning tools and real-time information hubs that continuously improve the city’s operation and maintenance.

Admittedly, designing as well as managing a city is no simple task. Still, whether acting as a medium through which provocative thought-experiments are designed (speculating about future urban design practices) or offering ways of utilizing data to physically realize innovative building environments, AI offers tremendous potential for reimagining urban spaces. By tackling the challenges of the world’s largest urban metropolises and striving for pioneering urban regeneration practices, AI becomes a catalyst for creating more equitable, inclusive, and resilient cities for generations to come.

Architizer’s Tech Directory is a database of tech tools for architects — from the latest generative design and AI to rendering and visualization, 3D modeling, project management and many more. Explore the complete library of categories here.

Reference

Sora for Architects: Will OpenAI’s Text-to-Video Enhance and Streamline Future Design Practices?
CategoriesArchitecture

Sora for Architects: Will OpenAI’s Text-to-Video Enhance and Streamline Future Design Practices?

By Zarkon Group,

Architizer’s Tech Directory is a database of tech tools for architects — from the latest generative design and AI to rendering and visualization, 3D modeling, project management and many more. Explore the complete library of categories here.

As I opened the OpenAI website, the phrase “Creating video from text” immediately caught my attention. A video of colorful paper planes soaring like birds through the air made me pause momentarily. Could this be real? Is it truly possible to transform text into videos? Instantly, a flood of thoughts rushed through my mind.

What does this mean for the movie industry?

Could filmmakers simply submit scripts to OpenAI and produce movies without actors or sets?

Could a single prompt revolutionize television shows, commercials, and the work of videographers and photographers?

Is there potential for such technology to be exploited during election season?

The recent launch of Sora by OpenAI showcases a groundbreaking advancement in the field of artificial intelligence and its versatile application across various domains. At the rate of development, this AI tool is heading in the direction of becoming an indispensable asset that could offer architects unprecedented capabilities, potentially revolutionizing their approach to design.

With a background in architecture, I’m particularly intrigued by its potential to transform the day-to-day creative processes intrinsic to the work in the field. In the ever-evolving landscape of design and architecture, technological advancements continuously emerge, challenging conventional boundaries and fundamentally reshaping the essence of creativity. This piece will delve into how Sora could trigger transformative shifts in the world of architecture and design.

Sora as Design Partner

I don’t perceive Sora as a replacement for designers or architects; instead, I see it as a tool that could enhance their work by enriching the design process and serving as a collaborative design partner to amplify human creativity. Sora works by dissecting, compressing and assembling video segments, similar to solving a puzzle, to create realistic videos. It also excels at generating dynamic animations from text and animating still or extracted images from videos.

Architects could leverage Sora’s vast knowledge base and computational powers to explore a multitude of design possibilities. Similar to Midjourney, in generating imagery from prompts, Sora could provide an immediate and immersive representation of specific objects, designs and project sites, offering a highly realistic experience. For architects, this could mean no longer having to wait until the design process concludes for realistic renderings, VR video walkthroughs and virtual tours. Instead, it can provide realistic imagery that enhances the project as designs evolve during the process.

From Concept to Reality: Streamlining Design Processes

Traditionally, architects dedicate significant time and resources to conceptualizing and refining their design ideas. However, with Sora’s advanced generative design capabilities, this paradigm is set to change. By harnessing machine learning algorithms and predictive modeling, Sora could empower architects to generate complex design solutions tailored to specific requirements and constraints swiftly. Imagine how different the concept design phase will be when you can prompt Sora with precise materialities and construction techniques tailored to your building’s requirements. This capability could enable optimization of building performance, maximization of spatial efficiency and enhancement of sustainability instantaneously —  all with a single prompt.

During the early stages of conceptual design, this tool could facilitate rapid exploration of fundamental design concepts, commonly known as “massing studies.” It could enable the creation of initial design studies directly from conversations, streamlining the ideation process significantly. This could be a valuable source of inspiration for the design team during the brainstorming phases, where all imaginative ideas are welcomed.

Here is an example of how I would approach using Sora by OpenAI:

Image generated by Architizer via Midjourney

Prompt #1 (Highly unspecific, beginning to brainstorm):

“Sora, generate video clips exploring different building massing options for the site in downtown Los Angeles. Experiment with a series of heights, configurations, and styles to convey spatial qualities and design ideas. Incorporate contextual elements like landscaping and surrounding buildings. Provide animated transitions between iterations for visual clarity and to facilitate early design discussions.”

Prompt #2 (Slightly more specific, beginning the concept design phase):

“Sora, illustrate three distinct massing options for a mixed-use development on a 1-acre urban site in downtown Los Angeles. Include variations in building height, orientation, and architectural style, with animated transitions between iterations. Implement a design where the building progressively lowers its height towards the street level, fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment. Incorporate street-level retail, public plazas, and green spaces to provide contextual understanding. Ensure high-resolution rendering and clear annotations for stakeholder feedback.”

Prompt #3 (Highly specific, design development):

“Sora, showcase Massing Option 3 for the downtown Los Angeles development. Implement a design where the 10-story building progressively lowers its height towards the street level at both corners of the site, fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment. Emphasize a modernist architectural style with circular perforated metal panels in copper and warm-toned wood cladding. Use animated transitions to highlight the interplay of light and shadow on the façades, showcasing dynamic reflections and textures.

Detail street-level retail entrances with polished stainless steel finishes and large glass storefronts. Enhance upper-floor terraces with seamless indoor-outdoor transitions and integrated planters. Highlight the rooftop garden with lush greenery and contemporary seating. Ensure the video conveys sophistication and urban elegance with attention to materiality, colors and façade detailing.”

Image generated by Architizer via Midjourney

This design approach would not only speed up the creative iteration process but could also streamline interdisciplinary collaboration. Architects would be able to integrate input from various consultants, including engineers, urban planners, and environmental experts in later project phases, bringing architectural visions to life with striking realism.

Designing for Human Experience

At the heart of every architectural endeavor lies the goal of creating spaces that enrich the human experience. With Sora, architects could gain access to powerful tools for analyzing user behavior, preferences, and spatial interactions. By synthesizing vast amounts of data, including user feedback, environmental factors, and cultural influences, this technology could enable architects to design spaces that resonate with occupants on a profound level. Integrating Sora as a plugin within the commonly used Rhino 3D modeling software could empower architects to create detailed models with enhanced design capabilities. Whether helping craft immersive environments that foster creativity and well-being or optimizing building layouts for accessibility and inclusivity, Sora could be a tool to help architects prioritize human-centric design principles, ultimately enhancing the quality of the built environment and enriching the lives of those who inhabit it.

Design development

As concepts materialize and visions evolve, architects transition to refining details and perfecting the finer aspects of their creations, presenting an opportunity for Sora to emerge as a valued design partner. Client meetings could evolve into interactive sessions, leveraging Sora to promptly incorporate client feedback on the fly. With its ability to simulate materials, construction methods, and building performance, Sora could enable architects to refine every aspect of their designs with precision and efficiency, enabling clients to visualize the ongoing work and decision-making process in real-time.

Pushing the Boundaries of Sustainability

Image generated by Architizer via Midjourney

In an era defined by pressing environmental challenges, sustainability has emerged as a central concern in architectural practice. Here too, Sora stands to make a significant impact. An architect versed in sustainability could guide the integration of a passive solar design strategy and the optimization of material usage, facilitating the creation of eco-friendly buildings without compromising design integrity through data-driven energy performance simulation.

For instance, a key part of an architect’s job involves meticulously studying how light interacts with buildings, observing where the light hits and where shadows fall. Understanding the sun’s patterns and its influence on a design is essential. One might request simulations to optimize building orientation, window placement, and shading devices, with the aim of maximizing natural daylight, minimizing reliance on artificial lighting, and reducing energy consumption. Even wind simulations could be conducted, exploring various scenarios to understand how wind direction and intensity might impact the building on the site. Sora could empower architects to explore and assess sustainable design options, resulting in energy-efficient buildings that effectively harmonize with their surroundings.

Looking Toward the Future

The way I envision Sora is as a valuable addition to a team of talented designers, capable of delivering high quality results at high speed. While not all ideas or solutions may be optimal, Sora could undoubtedly spark new conversations and introduce novel concepts that others may not have considered, serving as a foundation for future design iterations.

As it continues to evolve, Sora’s data-driven approach could help architects push the boundaries, rethink design norms, and aide in designing spaces that inspire and last. It could facilitate informed decisions, streamline workflows, and even accelerate project timelines. With its boundless creative potential, Sora could serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking innovations in the creative world. Unlocking limitless possibilities, it has the potential to enhance and streamline the design process across all stages, revolutionizing future approaches and practices in design.

Architizer’s Tech Directory is a database of tech tools for architects — from the latest generative design and AI to rendering and visualization, 3D modeling, project management and many more. Explore the complete library of categories here.

Reference

Plant-based and plastic-free: the future of alt leather
CategoriesSustainable News

Plant-based and plastic-free: the future of alt leather

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Leather is one of the most energy-inefficient and destructive textiles. In addition to animal wealfare concerns, leather production involves large amounts of energy, land, and water, alongside the use of harmful chemicals – leading to deforestation and pollution. One way to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry is to introduce more circularity into the production process. And this is exactly what startup ALT.Leather has done.

Unlike some other alternative leathers, bio-based ALT.Leather is not made from fossil fuel-based materials like PVC. Instead, the company used agricultural waste to develop a unique fibre with a structure that mimics the 3D webbing of animal leather, which helps to make the final product durable and strong.

The company’s founder, Tina Funder, told Springwise: “Our product contains zero petroleum plastic, zero animal products and is ethically made.” The Australian company also uses 100 per cent Australian ingredients, reducing emissions from transportation.

ALT.Leather recently closed an oversubscribed seed funding round, raising AU$1.1 million (around €667,000), exceeding the initial target of AU$750,000 (around €455,000). The round was led by investment firm Wollemi Capital Group.

Springwise is spotting more and more innovators making use of bio-based materials and textiles. These include a bio-based approach to leather recycling and textiles made from pineapple waste.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference

Scientists develop hybrid “beef rice” as future meat alternative
CategoriesSustainable News

Scientists develop hybrid “beef rice” as future meat alternative

By Zarkon Group,

Scientists from South Korea’s Yonsei University have invented what they believe to be a sustainable, high-protein food in the form of “beef rice”, made by growing cow cells in grains of rice.

Tinged a pale pink from the cell culturing process, the hybrid food contains more protein and fat than standard rice while having a low carbon footprint, leading its creators to see it as a potential future meat alternative.

The beef rice was made by inserting muscle and fat stem cells from cows into grains of rice and leaving them to grow in a Petri dish.

Photo of a bowl of pink-coloured rice viewed from abovePhoto of a bowl of pink-coloured rice viewed from above
The hybrid “beef rice” is made by growing cow muscle and fat cells within rice grains

Because the rice grains are porous and have a rich internal structure, the cells can grow there in a similar way to how they would within an animal. A coating of gelatine – in this case, fish-derived – further helps the cells to attach to the rice.

Although beef rice might sound like a form of genetically modified food, there is no altering of DNA in the plants or animals. Instead, this process constitutes a type of cell-cultured or lab-grown meat but with the beef grown inside rice.

In a paper published in the journal Matter, the Yonsei University researchers explain that their process is similar to that used to make a product already sold in Singapore – a cultured meat grown in soy-based textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Soy and nuts are the first foods that have been used for animal cell culturing, they say, but their usefulness is limited because they are common allergens and do not have as much cell-holding potential as rice.

Complex graphic depicting bovine and fat cells inserted into rice grains and the nutritional content table for 100 grams of cultured meat riceComplex graphic depicting bovine and fat cells inserted into rice grains and the nutritional content table for 100 grams of cultured meat rice
It contains more fat and protein than standard rice

The nutritional gains for their beef rice are also currently small, but the researchers from Yonsei University’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering say that with further optimisation, more cells and therefore more protein could be packed in.

The hybrid rice contains 3890 milligrams of protein and 150 milligrams of fat per 100 grams – just 310 milligrams more protein and 10 milligrams more fat than standard rice.

“Although hybrid rice grains still have a lower protein content than beef, advances in technology that can improve the cell capacity of rice grains will undoubtedly improve the nutritional content of hybrid rice,” the researchers said in their paper.

The scientists also believe the product could be inexpensively commercialised and tout the short time frame required to boost nutrition through culturing.

Whereas beef production usually takes one to three years and rice 95 to 250 days, they say their cell culturing process took less than 10 days.

“Imagine obtaining all the nutrients we need from cell-cultured protein rice,” said researcher Sohyeon Park. “I see a world of possibilities for this grain-based hybrid food. It could one day serve as food relief for famine, military ration or even space food.”

If commercialised, the hybrid grain is expected to have a low carbon footprint, similar to growing standard rice, because there would be no need to farm lots of animals. While the stem cells used for the process are extracted from live animals, they can proliferate indefinitely and don’t require animal slaughter.

An obstacle for some may be the taste; the cell culturing process slightly changes the texture and smell of the rice, making it more firm and brittle and introducing odour compounds related to beef, almonds, cream, butter and coconut oil.

Image of hybrid "beef rice" being grown in a petri dishImage of hybrid
The meat alternative was grown in a Petri dish

However, lead researcher Jinkee Hong told the Guardian that the foodstuff tastes “pleasant and novel”.

The team is now planning to continue their research and work to boost the nutritional value of the hybrid rice by stimulating more cell growth.

Lab-grown and cultivated meats have been a subject of great interest and investment since 2013 when the world’s first lab-grown burger was eaten live at a press conference.

However, scaling up production, clearing regulatory hurdles and creating an appealing taste and texture have proven a challenge, and there are few examples on sale anywhere in the world.

In the meantime, speculative designers have explored the issue. Leyu Li recently created three conceptual products that, similar to beef rice, combine lab-grown meat with vegetables, calling them Broccopork, Mushchicken and Peaf.

All images courtesy of Yonsei University.

Reference

The future of construction: building with CO2
CategoriesSustainable News

The future of construction: building with CO2

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: The global carbon capture and storage (CCS) market has increased significantly in recent years, and is projected to continue growing as the world looks for more ways to decarbonise. Often though, these solutions focus on storage underground, offering no commercial value. Paebbl’s technology, by contrast, turns carbon dioxide into a useful building material. 

Paebbl took the inspiration for its technology directly from nature. Carbon dioxide mineralisation, the process by which CO2 solidifies and turns into stone, is naturally occurring, but takes centuries to complete. Paebbl has found a non-energy-intensive way to accelerate mineralisation to make it over one million times faster, taking just 60 minutes.  

The company takes CO2 captured from the air or directly from polluting industrial sites and combines it with abundantly available silicate rocks to produce a carbon-negative raw material. 

This end product can be used as a filler in construction, as a replacement for parts of a concrete mix, and as paper, among other purposes. Unlike many methods of carbon storage or carbon-negative materials, the company also states that its material can be competitively priced.

Paebbl recently commissioned a 500-litre batch production unit, called Obelix, which has enabled the company to boost production capacity by 100 times in just half a year. With Obelix, Paebbl can create 100 tonnes of sustainable construction materials every year. The company expects to start shipping samples early 2024.

It’s not just the construction industry that’s using carbon to create new materials – Springwise has also spotted innovators turning it into chemicals and E-jet fuels.

Written By: Matilda Cox

Reference

Foam for the future: bio-polyurethane for cars and construction
CategoriesSustainable News

Foam for the future: bio-polyurethane for cars and construction

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Polyurethane is one of the main ingredients in insulating foam and industrial sealants and adhesives, and thanks to steady expansion of the construction and automotive industries, it is a rapidly growing market. Polyols are the chemical building blocks of those materials. Biopolyols are made from vegetable oils and are increasingly sought after for use in renewably produced and sustainable polyurethanes. 

The foam made from polyurethane can be rigid or flexible, with rigid foams used for insulation in construction, and flexible foams used in furniture and vehicle interiors. If alternatives to petroleum-based polyols can be produced at scale, industrial reliance on fossil fuel for this common polymer could be significantly decreased.  

Cypriot startup Ecorbio found a way to do this and more, with its patent-pending Crudyol project. Using biomass waste streams, the company produces biopolyols. Not only does the use of organic waste reduce global consumption of virgin feedstocks, but it also decreases pressure on arable land to produce crops for industry rather than food.  

The company works with a range of organisations in a variety of industries to chemically upcycle their biomass waste. As well as adhesives and foams, Ecorbio also produces customised products such as nozzles and gaskets. The biopolyurethane can be cast, making it an ideal replacement for hard-wearing, strong plastics. Ecorbio is currently working to bring Crudyol to market.  

Replacing plastic with sustainable alternatives and dealing with the mountains of waste that have already been created are global challenges being approached by innovators in multitudes of ways. Innovations showcased in Springwise’s library include using fungi to produce new packaging options and turning invasive plants into biodegradable plastics.

Written By: Keely Khoury

Reference

Amphibious Architecture: Designing Resilient Coastal Communities for the Future
CategoriesArchitecture

Amphibious Architecture: Designing Resilient Coastal Communities for the Future

By Zarkon Group,

Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards are officially underway! Sign up for key program updates and prepare your submission ahead of the Main Entry Deadline on  December 15th.  

As climate change unfolds, bringing about rising sea levels, increased occurrences of flooding and a surge in climatic events, the concept of living in a floating home — or houseboat — could potentially emerge as a pragmatic and innovative solution to face the environmental challenges associated with coastal living. Opting for a floating home is not just a practical choice but a visionary one. It signifies a departure from the vulnerabilities associated with traditional coastal housing and an embrace of a lifestyle that aligns with the dynamic and ever-changing character of coastal ecosystems. It is a bold step towards a future where adaptability and ingenuity are at the forefront of our response to the challenges posed by climate change along our coastlines.

Sustainably designed buildings that float on water could positively influence the preservation of at-risk waterside communities at a point where the evolution of coastal development stands at a critical juncture. This evolution demands a transformative shift to confront the adverse consequences of climate change, and the traditional paradigms governing coastal areas must undergo a profound reevaluation that calls for a departure from conventional practices. There is an imperative need for sustainable and adaptive approaches characterized by resilient infrastructure, eco-friendly design principles, and a profound understanding of the delicate balance between human settlements and the dynamic coastal environment.

Hope Floats: Embracing a Wetter Future

Floating Office Rotterdam

Floating Office Rotterdam by Powerhouse Company. Rotterdam, Netherlands. | Photo by Mark Seelen.

Coastal land areas have long endured the consequences of unchecked development. However, looking at the positive aspects amid the challenges of coastal development, there lies a realm of possibilities for innovative design solutions that address the complexities of proximity to water. Coastal development opens avenues beyond the construction of nature-based or man-made flood protection infrastructure, emphasizing adaptability and a symbiotic relationship with the dynamic forces of nature.

Within the realms of design and urban planning, attention turns to floating houses and amphibious architecture — some to float permanently, others built on special foundations allowing them to rest on solid ground or float when necessary. These creative solutions aim to mitigate environmental impacts and incorporate resilient design strategies in harmony with natural surroundings. Floating homes can integrate green infrastructure, sustainable building materials, and innovative water management systems, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. This aligns with a broader ethos of harmonizing human habitation with nature, forging a symbiotic relationship between dwellings and the surrounding aquatic ecosystems. Ultimately, these solutions could make existing communities more resilient and allow them to keep living in the places they are closely connected to.

Tides of Change: The Integration of Floating Houses in Urban Spaces

Waterwoningen

Waterwoningen by Architectenbureau Marlies Rohmer. Amsterdam, Netherlands | Photo by Marcel van der Burg.

Waterwoningen

Waterwoningen. Site plan.

Floating houses are integral to an urban design ethos. Financially categorized as immovable properties, they rival traditional land-based housing in both interior volume and comfort. The appeal of waterfront living lies in its practical response to climate considerations and its role in reshaping urban development paradigms. Additionally, there’s an aesthetic dimension, as living on the water fosters a sense of liberty and closeness to nature. This not only addresses environmental challenges but also contributes to the reinvigoration of urban areas and the sustainable utilization of available space.

Waterbuurt-est, within Amsterdam’s IJburg development, features a density akin to the central Jordaan district, with around 100 homes per hectare. The Netherlands has a history of living close to water. That means living on land protected by dykes, on mounds, ashore, or floating. Only recently have floating homes been eligible as a significant solution to Holland’s modern housing needs. The design challenge was highlighting water as a distinctive feature. Floating houses on jetties and the Quay building on a water-protruding platform solved this, providing an acoustic barrier and parking, considering the ban on vehicles on jetties. Jetties accommodate four to twenty-five houses each, creating a dynamic community. Three towering “pile dwellings” punctuate the landscape, aligning with bridges connecting jetties. This intentional arrangement ensures uninterrupted water views, blending architectural innovation with the natural setting.

Water Cabin: A Tranquil Oasis in Seattle’s Floating Home Legacy

Water Cabin

Water Cabin by Olson Kundig. Seattle, Washington, United States. | Photo by Aaron Leitz.

Water Cabin continues a long history of floating homes in Seattle. Located in a floating home community on Portage Bay, just south of the University of Washington, it establishes a cabin sensibility in an urban environment. Low to the water and small in stature, the home’s interior program is thoughtfully arranged across two levels to maximize connections to the surrounding marine environment. Water Cabin’s materiality draws inspiration from the weathered informality of a cabin. Lightly stained knotty western red cedar exterior siding will weather over time with minimal maintenance. Durable, low-maintenance metal elements like galvanized steel and flame-sprayed zinc nod to the demanding marine environment and will complement the color of the siding as it silvers.

Seascape Metropolis: Rethinking Urban Living with Vertical City

The visionary idea of residing on water transcends being solely an architectural marvel; it emerges as a comprehensive solution for coastal cities navigating the complexities of climate change. It is a testament to the possibility of redefining urban living to be not just sustainable but also regenerative, turning the threats of climate change into an opportunity for creating resilient, vibrant, and environmentally conscious urban spaces along our coastlines.

Vertical Cities

Vertical City by Luca Curci Architects. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Vertical City presents a visionary project proposing a water-settled “city-building” designed for 25,000 residents. This innovative initiative fosters a lifestyle deeply connected with water, challenging traditional notions of community and society. Integrating various renewable energy sources — such as wind and water turbines, solar panels, energy storage solutions, water desalination, and inclusive food production and farming — the project is dedicated to promoting a healthier lifestyle and reimagining urban living by eliminating suburban sprawl. By seamlessly blending sustainability with elevated population density, Vertical City aims to establish a zero-energy “city-building.”

While the challenges of developing land in contact with water are significant, they also offer a compelling canvas for reimagining urban landscapes. By embracing a holistic and sustainable design approach, we have the opportunity to transform potential drawbacks into catalysts for positive change, fostering resilient, inclusive, and harmonious urban environments along coastlines.

Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards are officially underway! Sign up for key program updates and prepare your submission ahead of the Main Entry Deadline on  December 15th.  

Reference

Can we attract a greener future with rare-earth-free magnets?
CategoriesSustainable News

Can we attract a greener future with rare-earth-free magnets?

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Magnets made from rare earths have become ubiquitous in several high-performance technologies and products ranging from wind turbines, electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and robots. However, while rare earth elements are essential for critical infrastructure, China controls the bulk of the supply chain, making the magnets subject to geopolitical tensions.

Now, Niron Magnetics has developed a high-performance permanent magnet that is as strong as a rare earth magnet but does not use any rare earth elements. Instead, the company’s Clean Earth Magnet is produced using abundant and easily recyclable materials (iron and nitrogen).

Not only do Niron’s magnets exceed the performance of rare-earth-based magnets by up to 50 per cent, according to the company, but they also have a 75 per cent lower overall environmental impact. Additionally, the Clean Earth Magnet is stable over a wide range of temperatures and, helped by the company’s scalable manufacturing processes, can be produced at a lower cost than those made from rare earths.

Niron’s magnets were recently selected as one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and TIME is not the only one excited by this technology. The company has forged commercial partnerships with companies like Volvo Cars, General Motors, Tymphany, and Western Digital.

Earlier this month, Niron announced an additional $33 million (around €30.4 million) had been raised, from investors including GM Ventures and Stellantis Ventures. This new financing will help the company scale its manufacturing capacity to support exclusive customer programmes and the first sales of its Clean Earth Magnet.

Replacing new rare earth elements is the goal of recent innovations that include the use of ferrite magnets in wind and tidal generators and the recycling of rare earth elements from products such as flat-screen TVs.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference

Could ‘biosolar leaves’ be the future of protein production?
CategoriesSustainable News

Could ‘biosolar leaves’ be the future of protein production?

By Zarkon Group,

Spotted: Agriculture and related land use represents around 17 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, global demand for protein is set to rise significantly by 2050, along with the growing population. Meeting this will require innovative approaches to efficiently scale protein production. One such approach is that developed by startup Arborea, which grows microalgae and phytoplankton on solar panel-like structures.

Arborea designed the panels to be placed on buildings, where they absorb CO2 and produce oxygen. The company claims that they do this at a rate equivalent to 100 trees from the surface area of just a single tree. At the same time, the organic biomass produced by the organisms can be harvested and used as additives for plant-based food products.

The company’s Biosolar Leaf technology mimics the function of a real leaf, using CO2 and sunlight as feedstock. But unlike real leaves, the system is able to self-regulate and indefinitely maintain ideal growth conditions with minimal energy inputs – and it doesn’t require fertile land or agricultural feedstocks.

Arborea was spun out of Imperial College London, with grant funding and support from Imperial’s SynbCITE, a synthetic biology and engineering biology industrial accelerator.

Improving food production while reducing carbon emissions is the subject of a number of recent innovations spotted by Springwise. These include an in-house mycelium production system for producing food additives and using acorns as a protein source.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Reference

The future of food: three key trends
CategoriesSustainable News

The future of food: three key trends

By Zarkon Group,

While some recent figures show a decline in meat consumption – notably in the UK and US – the reasons behind people’s choices are often more to do with the cost of meat than ethical judgements around animal welfare or the impact on climate. However, population growth, food security, and the climate are key concerns for governments globally, and are fuelling continued development of protein alternatives. In Singapore, it has been a key government policy to foster innovation and investment in this area to bolster domestic food security and reduce reliance on imports.

We compared notes with Jack Ellis, a Senior Associate specialising in agriculture and food at Cleantech Group, to identify the key drivers accelerating the development of meat alternatives.

1. Technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI), gene editing, 3D printing… New technologies are opening up exciting possibilities for growth in the alternative protein space, and innovative startups are pioneering their use.

“It feels like there is momentum building around AI, and startups are putting it to different uses,” says Jack. US startup Climax Foods utilises AI to design non-dairy cheese that mimics the texture and taste of several varieties, including brie, blue, and feta. NotCo, a Chilean startup that we first spotted in 2016 – which has since become a unicorn company – uses AI to analyse the smell, texture, and taste of dairy and meat at the molecular level, and then replicate it.

Gene editing can raise protein yields from raw ingredients by ‘tweaking’ the DNA of an organism to make it behave differently. It is generally different to creating a genetically modified organism (GMO), which typically refers to taking genetic material from one species and putting it into another one – a process that has been banned in the EU since 2001. In 2018, gene editing fell under the same law, but in July this year, the EU announced that this was under review.  “Startups in Europe have been vocal in pushing for more regulatory clarity on this,” says Jack. “And if that clarity does come to be and progress, then there will be an uptick, at least in innovative activity and partnering.”

2. Cell cultivation

To date, cell-cultivated meat has two key obstacles: it’s expensive to produce (and so would be prohibitively expensive for consumers) and it needs regulatory clearance as a biological product. The latter first happened in 2020, when Singapore became the first country to grant approval, with the US following suit this year.  Despite these blockers, startups are innovating to reduce the costs involved in cell cultivation. For example, Czech-based firm Mewery uses a technique based on microalgae to decrease the cost of cultivation by up to 70 per cent. Its range of meat-free pork should be available in 2025, pending regulatory clearance.

3. Fermentation

Food production accounts for a quarter of global greenhouse emissions, with cows and other farm animals contributing around 14 per cent. Agriculture is water intensive and uses half of all habitable land on Earth. A growing trend in making food production more resource-efficient is the use of fermentation to produce alternative proteins. Amsterdam-based agritech firm Farmless only requires one five-hundredth of the amount of land needed for animal protein production. Farmless’ process creates food packed with amino-acid complete proteins, fibre, essential vitamins, carbohydrates, and unsaturated fats. It does this by turning existing supply chains of liquid feedstock into the basis for its fermentation system. The company uses a naturally occurring single-cell organism that ferments at a rapid rate, and then, through careful selection of different microbes for different results, produces proteins and foods that can be customised to include almost any combination of macronutrients. 

According to Springwise Commissioning Editor Matthew Hempstead, “With alternative proteins, there are several avenues of innovation and multiple uncertainties. But more and more businesses like Farmless are developing industrial manufacturing capabilities and are set to play an increasingly central role in transforming the agriculture industry in time to meet 2050 climate goals.”

Written By: Angela Everitt

Our November edition of Future Now shares our full list of the top ten innovations pushing the boundaries of food production, leveraging AI for greater efficiency while harnessing other technologies to create alternatives to meat. It is free for members of our Innovation Database. For more information click here.

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