Wicked Design concepts

Conix Archtects (architect), Jan Hoet Jr. (scenographer) , JNC International (landscape architect), 3E (energy consultant), and CJI (Chinese contractor), all in collaboration with JV Realys (Asos Group) have won the competition to design the Belgian Pavillion for Shanghai Expo 2010.

It is interesting that the “structure of the “Brain Cell” was the chosen dominant conceptual image for the building, evoking the artistic richness of Belgium and Europe, as well as all its scientific achievements. The brain cell also refers to the role of Belgium as one of Europe’s main gathering centers and cross points. In contrast to the playful, organic and intriguing form of the brain cell, the exterior of the building refers to the pragmatism and the discretion typical of Belgium.“

via Conix Architects

poop house: an ama fairy tale

The Poop house is a water structure that, over time, takes all household bio-waste, including human excrement and food, and slowly constructs the roof. Australia’s the Maynard Architects take recycling waste to a whole new level. Their philosophy highlights how building any building is by nature, a waste-creating business. Read more here.

The greenest building is made of poop! How intriguing.

‘Moving the Grange’

For months we (the CCNY students and anyone in that area) have been witnessing the preparation of moving the Hamilton Grange, Alexander Hamilton’s 206 year old home to a different location. It is being literally extracted from its old location on Convent Ave to be moved down the hilll on Saint Nicholas park behind the Engineering building. NYTimes has a really really great flash animation on how all this was accomplished!

Future 3D city farms?

How would you like to live in a skyscraper growing your own fruits and vegetables? A real life vertical farm in an urban setting that is sustainable, ecological and agricultural – weburbanist lists five proposals whose designers have the vision of just that! Their common goal is to create an “all-in-one eco-towers that would actually produce more energy, water (via condensation/purification) and food than their occupants would consume.”