Cutting-edge tech captures pollution from vehicle brakes
Spotted: When vehicles slow down, brake pads press against the brake discs, emitting a fine dust of particulate matter. The dust is a major source of air pollution and is highly damaging to lung tissue. Ironically, because electric vehicles are heavier – and so take more braking force to stop – they actually contribute greater amounts of this toxic, braking-related particulate matter than fossil fuel equivalents.
Tallano Technologies is one company working to tackle this problem. Its TAMIC system can capture fine particulates emitted by braking systems, including the brakes of cars, heavy goods vehicles, and trains. The technology consists of a suction and filtration system that prevents fine particles from being dispersed into the air by retaining them at source.
The system is activated using an onboard electronic control and requires very little maintenance – changing of the filter every two years or 30,000 kilometres is all that’s required. The startup claims that its TAMIC system can reduce fine particle emissions from brake abrasion by up to 85 per cent.
From 2025, emissions standards (Euro 7) will come into effect on new vehicles sold in Europe, requiring a 27 per cent reduction in particulate emissions until 2035 and further reductions after that. It is therefore no surprise that Tallano won the Grand Prix Impact award for mobility and transport at the end of last year, and has already partnered with companies like Audi.
Reducing air pollution is the subject of several recent innovations spotted by Springwise, including a concrete that cleans the air in road tunnels and tyres that reduce pollution.
Written By: Lisa Magloff
Admittedly, the most famous BIM software for architects is Revit, developed by Autodesk. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for designing, documenting and managing building projects. Central to Revit’s functionality is its parametric modeling capabilities, allowing architects to create intelligent 3D models that capture both the geometry and data of building elements. Supported by Autodesk, Revit also has an array of third-party plugins and libraries, providing architects with additional features.
ArchiCAD is a BIM software specifically tailored for architects and designers. Its core strength lies in its intelligent virtual building model, which integrates both the visual and data aspects of a project. This model-based approach allows architects to efficiently explore design alternatives, simulate building performance, and generate accurate construction documentation. Additionally, ArchiCAD includes features such as BIMx for interactive 3D presentations and Open BIM for interoperability with other software platforms.
Renga is an architectural design and BIM software developed by ASCON Group. It offers a user-friendly interface and powerful tools such as parametric modeling, real-time rendering and an extensive object library as well as many interoperability options with other BIM software. Its comprehensive workflow as well as wide variety of assets that can handle routine tasks like calculating schedules or making cost estimations marks it as the perfect tool for architects to dive into BIM technology.
Founded in 1972, Vabi is a plug-in software solution for BIM developed in the Netherlands, which advances simulation 3D models for energy and comfort within buildings. Its features include Vabi Assets that enable the calculation and management of energy labels as well as Vabi Elements that allow architects to facilitate simulations of heating loss or cooling load calculations. Finally, the Vabi EPA tool is used for feasibility studies to speed up the inspection processes for both residential and non-residential buildings.
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.
Incentivizing Your Participation
Calling All Innovators in AEC Technology: Add Your App
To this end, we are thrilled to announce the launch of Architizer’s Tech Directory, a database of tech tools that benefit all those involved in architecture, from concept to construction.
We hope you enjoy exploring the Tech Directory and find it useful when doing your research into the latest architectural technology. As noted, this is just the beginning: We plan to develop this platform into a comprehensive directory that will benefit everyone in the construction industry.
