CityScope Project is a powerful tool created by MIT’s MediaLab that uses augmented reality to quickly and simply model the effects of large-scale urban-planning decisions, allowing urban planning to be more accessible to everyone. The technology employs TIM, a tangible-interactive rapid prototyping environment for matrices of data. TIM uses an array of optically tagged LEGO bricks on the tabletop with overhead projectors that beam color-coded metrics onto each brick: a combination of computer vision and 3D projection mapping.

Overview from MIT’s MediaLab: “We develop simulation systems to predict and quantify the potential impact of disruptive interventions within new and existing cities. We place a special emphasis on augmented reality decision support systems (ARDSS) that facilitate non-expert stakeholder collaboration within complex urban environments. Such systems blend hardware, software, human interface design, cloud computation, and variants of so-called big data. “CityScope” is an open source platform for shared, interactive computation.”

This technology works at follows: every LEGO piece has a special chip that communicates with the overhead projectors, which beams metrics affected by each decision onto the new configuration. So, chips of each brick are assigned a user-determined variable such as “150-unit residential building,” “2-ha park” or “4-lane road”; and other variables such as walkability, access to jobs, housing or open space can easily be estimated in the following way: once assembled on the tabletop, the objects are able to represent an existing neighborhood, city or region, and users are able to pick up and insert, move or remove individual components while this changes to the city are visually revealed in real-time by changing color-codes projected onto the pieces. For example, if you placed a “150-unit residential building” piece onto a previously empty plot of land, the color of the street in front of the new building would change to indicate a quantifiable increase in traffic density. Thus, users from any background can configure the table collaboratively.

Perhaps, the most important value of this technology as a tool of management and governance is the ability to offer information about specific locations: building legislation, transportation systems, walkability, access to jobs, etc. The CityScope method is well suited to model the physical effects of zoning and building regulations, and it can be considered as a repository for hyper-local concerns, public meetings regarding zoning or building projects, allowing planners to easily communicate with their constituency in a more clear and accurate manner.

In conclusion, the beauty and perhaps the most important feature of CityScope rests in its ease of understanding and simplicity of use, being a great example of a technology that adapts to the actions of people instead of the other way around. In other words, allowing urban issues to be more accessible for everyone and providing a much higher level of transparency and accountability than we are used to today.

+ Information

La entrada Open Urban Planning: CityScope | An interactive LEGO City | MIT’s MediaLab se publicó primero en More Than Green.

“Designed by” The Archimedes “, a Dutch company for research and development, ‘LIAM F1 UWT’ is a new generation of wind turbines for domestic use to produce much more energy than the current and generate no noise. A new trend in the world renewable energy.

Created to be installed on the roofs of buildings, with a diameter of 1.5 meters and a weight that is less than 100 kilos. It generates an average of 1,500 kilowatt-hours of energy per year with a wind speed of 5 m/s. “

“The design is based on a rotor captures the kinetic energy of wind to convert it into mechanical energy. Due to its form of screw, Liam automatically point to the optimum position of the wind, like a pennant and therefore have a peak performance.”

There are thousands of developments in energy-generating models. An interesting line in the extent to which they integrate and focus the energy independence in urban environments, where high rates of consumption per unit area are remarkable.

via ecoinventos.com

+info

La entrada LIAM F1 | Small wind turbine for urban environments se publicó primero en More Than Green.

“Boyan Slat is a 20-year-old on a mission – to rid the world’s oceans of floating plastic. He has dedicated his teenage years to finding a way of collecting it. But can the system really work – and is there any point when so much new plastic waste is still flowing into the sea every day?”

This technological proposal tackles the environmental problem of the millions of plastic bags that get into the ocean. Whether the system works or not it does not really matter; the importance of the proposal is that makes us aware of how such a common product like this entails a serious environmental issue.

“At school, Slat developed his idea further as part of a science project. An array of floating barriers, anchored to the sea bed, would first catch and concentrate the floating debris. The plastic would move along the barriers towards a platform, where it could then be efficiently extracted. The ocean current would pass underneath the barriers, taking all buoyant sea life with it. There would be no emissions, and no nets for marine life to get entangled in. The collected ocean plastic would be recycled and made into products – or oil.“

“This idea came to him at the age of 16, in the summer of 2011, when diving in Greece. “I saw more plastic bags than fish,” says Slat. He was shocked, and even more shocked that there was no apparent solution. “Everyone said to me: ‘Oh there’s nothing you can do about plastic once it gets into the oceans,’ and I wondered whether that was true.”

Over the last 30 to 40 years, millions of tonnes of plastic have entered the oceans. Global production of plastic now stands at 288 million tonnes per year, of which 10% ends up in the ocean in time. Most of that – 80% – comes from land-based sources.” BBC journalist, Vibeke Venema.

(+info)

(via BBC)

La entrada Cleaning the oceans | Boyan Slat se publicó primero en More Than Green.

In the department of intelligent constructions of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) is coming for years developing a very remarkable work, about the application of the technology to construction. These include Hydrocerámic, an experimentation about a new material that improves regarding thermal perception of space and energy consumption.

“The buildings begin to work as based on biological systems and interact with the environment and users agencies,” explains Areti Markopoulou, academic director of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia and head of a project carried out with three of his students, Akanksha Rathee, Elena Mitrofanova and Pong Santayanon. Between them, they have developed a system that cools the walls alone, helping to reduce the heat on days of high temperatures and thus helping to reduce air conditioning costs. What they have done is basically make them sweat.

They called hydroceramic, and is a combination of a hydrogel with support materials such as ceramic material, which responds to moisture and heat. “It works as an evaporative cooling device that reduces the temperature 5 or 6 degrees and increases the humidity Passive intelligence makes its performance is proportional to the heat in the outside environment. Colder when it’s hot outside,” says Markopoulou to Teknautas.”

“The structure of the final prototype is like a sandwich. Begins an outer layer of clay, the surface is filled with cone-shaped holes that allow access of water and air into the hydrogel. Follow with another layer of cloth, absrobe water that works as a transmitter and liquid, to be elastic and allows volume changes in the hydrogel while holding it in position. The final layer is also made of clay, but is thinner and is perforated, increases so that the cooling.”

“The final prototype is similar to a brick or tile, which could be used to create walls or facades of passive cooling. The use of clay has been key to optimize the evaporation process;. Certainly everyone knows the passive mechanism of earthenware pitcher” Areti points. Would only have to provide water in the interlayer of that brick, which in its proposal could be done with a tank that collects the rainwater, for example, so savings is greater. The hydrogel absorbs water and holds it until hot. When the temperature rises, the water evaporates, reducing temperature and increasing humidity. Naturally, the effect is greater with higher heat.”

(via elconfidencial.com)

(via materiability.com)

La entrada Hydroceramic: Intelligent walls | IAAC Research about thermosensitivity and autonomous thermal conditioning of surfaces se publicó primero en More Than Green.

Ele is a solar bicycle desgined by Mojtaba Raeisi with solar panels on its wheels that rotate 30 degrees on both sides, to face toward sun. This is to absorb as much sun-power that it can. This hybrid bike can be charged via electricity and the sun. It works in 3 modes though: Muscle power; Semi- electric, in which electricity helps the user to ride easier and faster; and lastly, The Electric, that it functions completely like an electrical bicycle.

The Ele Solar bicycle prototype does not have date of marketing; however, has a modern aesthetic and it is sustainable, two important aspects that could propel as product market soon.

(+info)

(Via Yanko Design)

La entrada Ele Solar Bike |A solar bicycle se publicó primero en More Than Green.

The Alicante shutters is part of our urban collective imagination. These wooden slat blinds have been in multiple windows and doors of houses that have seen every day, usually in historic buildings, are a response to climatic needs of the Mediterranean climate.

The design of these is the result of refined development, granted its permanence over the years: every detail is made on whether to allow the passage of the sun, prevent the entry of water into the house and to be rolled easily. The aiming disappearance has been suffering this blind for stylistic reasons, has made that this qualities covered historically, have been filled with other less suitable materials and ineffective.

However, in 2010 arises from an urban competition in Barcelona an initiative that adds value to this valuable parasol, even to commercialize it in this 2014:

“The idea was simple: replace plastic unfortunate balconies, in Malnom and Picalquers Raval streets, and put in place, traditional shutters of rope while at the same time also protect them of the water. Comfort and ventilation of housing would be recovered, and with them, the appearance of the facades.

From a simple idea to a location and specific problem, a product is born as a final goal, aims to solve an urban problem that extends beyond the scope of Barcelona’s Raval. “the authors say.

“Moreover, in the vintage era, blinds cords can fit into existing interiors and also claim to be an artisan and sustainable product. Now, to turn them into an attractive and modern elements, needed to rethink the product. “

“And with a very cool look: the new color pallet of Persiana Barcelona is inspired by famous modernist facades of Barcelona.

In order to give visibility to the project, architects recently organized a temporary showroom in Vinçon – Passeig de Gracia, the heart of the masterpieces that inspired the palette.

And another feature that the property is located in the home of Ramon Casas i Carbó, who in his youth created four works centered in the garden of his then home, which, of course, had shutters. “

The website of Persiana Barcelona, the blinds are already on sale. A “commitment to craftsmanship and the value of work on hand, to rethink the blind of rope as a sustainable product that is attractive, contemporary and modern.”

(via diariodesign.com)

(+info)

La entrada The Alicante roller shutter, unrolls again se publicó primero en More Than Green.

“Unveiled in a pilot project at the International Building Exhibition (IBA) in Hamburg in 2013, the world´s first bio-reactive façade generates renewable energy from algal biomass and solar thermal heat. The integrated system, which is suitable for both new and existing buildings, was developed collaboratively by Strategic Science Consult of Germany (SSC), Colt International and Arup.

The biomass and heat generated by the façade are transported by a closed loop system to the building’s energy management centre, where the biomass is harvested through floatation and the heat by a heat exchanger. Because the system is fully integrated with the building services, the excess heat from the photobioreactors (PBRs) can be used to help supply hot water or heat the building, or stored for later use.”

“Multiple benefits

The advantage of biomass is that it can be used flexibly for power and heat generation, and it can be stored with virtually no energy loss. Moreover, cultivating microalgae in flat panel PBRs requires no additional land-use and isn’t unduly affected by weather conditions.

In addition, the carbon required to feed the algae can be taken from any nearby combustion process (such as a boiler in a nearby building. This implements a short carbon cycle and prevents carbon emissions entering the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.

Because microalgae absorb daylight, bioreactors can also be used as dynamic shading devices. The cell density inside the bioreactors depends on available light and the harvesting regime. When there is more daylight available, more algae grows – providing more shading for the building.”

“Full-scale pilot project

SolarLeaf façade was installed for the first time on the BIQ house at the IBA in Hamburg in 2013. In total, 129 bioreactors measuring 2.5m x 0.7m have been installed on the south-west and south-east faces of the four-storey residential building to form a secondary façade.

SolarLeaf provides around one third of the total heat demand of the 15 residential units in the BIQ house.”

How SolarLeaf works

The flat photobioreactors are highly efficient for algal growth and need minimal maintenance.

SolarLeaf’s bioreactors have four glass layers. Either side of these panes, insulating argon-filled cavities help to minimise heat loss.

Compressed air is introduced to the bottom of each bioreactor at intervals. The gas emerges as large air bubbles and generates an upstream water flow and turbulence to stimulate the algae to take in CO2 and light. At the same time, a mixture of water, air and small plastic scrubbers washes the inner surfaces of the panels. SolarLeaf integrates all servicing pipes for the inflow and outflow of the culture medium and the air into the frames of its elements.

“Year-round operation”

The maximum temperature that can be extracted from the bioreactors is around 40 degrees celsius, as higher levels would affect the microalgae.

The system can be operated all year round. The efficiency of the conversion of light to biomass is currently 10% and light to heat is 38%. For comparison, photovoltaic systems have an efficiency of 12-15% and solar thermal systems 60-65%.

Future synergies

The bio-responsive façade aims to create synergies by linking different systems for building services, energy and heat distribution, diverse water systems and combustion processes.

The key to a successful implementation of photobioreactors on a wider scale will be cooperation between stakeholders and designers. It is a technology that benefits from strong interdisciplinary collaboration, combining skills in environmental design, façades, materials, simulations, services, structural engineering and control systems.

What is most needed is a understanding and view of the systems’ benefits for the user, the building and the environment.”

This system implemented in 2013, is a clear opportunity to advance in pro-environmental technologies. The results achieved in terms of energy savings are remarkable and to keep in mind this solutions to raise future in our city and in our daily lives; in terms of their aesthetic and functional aspects, stands out as a flexible system, as we see in other proposals that are being developed in this line.

(via metalocus.es)

(via arup.com)

La entrada SolarLeaf | Algae bio-reactive facade se publicó primero en More Than Green.

This tour shows the latest bicycle innovations in Copenhagen: a wonderful new bridge (the Cycle Snake); the Green Wave, where cyclists going 20 Km/hr get the green light and might never have to stop because green LEDs are built into the road beside the bike lane; or bins inclined at a comfortable angle for cyclist to deposite trash without stopping his journey. The result of that is a 5% increase to 42% share of trips into the city and a lot fewer cars.

In words of Clarence Eckerson, Jr:

“Copenhagen just keeps finding new ways to make it easier and more convenient to bike. Recently I had the chance to take a tour with Mikael Colville-Andersen of Copenhagenize and see some of the innovations that have changed the city’s streets since I was there four years ago.

First off, if you’ve seen my 2010 Streetfilm about Copenhagen’s bike infrastructure and culture, the busiest bicycle street in the world has changed: The Knippelsbro Bridge now boasts 40,700 riders per day! And speaking of bridges, Copenhagen is building six new crossings exclusively for biking and walking to help its citizens get around.

Last month another cool bridge debuted — the Cykelslangen (“Bicycle Snake”). You’ll see loads of footage as we traveled back and forth. It is truly a handsome piece of infrastructure. Even going uphill seems pretty easy!

You’ll see lots of other things that will make you happy (or angry your city isn’t doing more!), including waste baskets angled for cyclists, LED lights that indicate whether riders have to speed up to catch the green wave, and a cool treatment for cobblestone streets that helps make biking easier.”

(+info: STREETFIMLS)
(Vía Treehugger)

La entrada A journey around Copenhagen’s bicycle innovations se publicó primero en More Than Green.

“A new prototype brick hexagonal cells, developed by researchers at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, has been honored and awarded with an honorable mention as one of the best in research projects in the Joint International Conference on Mechanical, Design & Engineering advanced Manufacturing, held in Toulouse, France, in June.

Research has shown that the acoustic insulation of the new type of brick, the same width as the conventional, even more than four times a traditional, whose cells are rectangles parallel to the outer side faces of the brick. Furthermore, it has been found that this modification does not entail any increase in manufacturing costs or sale.”

“…looking for the wave thrilling through the maximum distance, several possible positions and deformations of the hexagons were studied. For example, it is noted that the development of the wave path through using hexagons side parallel to the face of the brick, is maximized by rotating the hexagons 90 ° sexagesimal.”

“As a final design has been given a geometry of non-regular hexagonal cells, which is four times the distance traveled by the sound wave between faces of a partition.”

“There are national and international companies interested in the patent, so they are starting to design nozzles for extruders proceed to manufacture. The first prototypes will allow work to know their behavior and follow up with more research work to improve it.”

Interesting line of research is carried out by this group of researchers, aiming to increase the acoustic comfort from the premise of not generating additional cost materials and workmanship.

(+info)

(pdf)

La entrada Brick of hexagonal cell | New geometries against noise se publicó primero en More Than Green.

“The research group of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia has developed and patented a biological concrete that has the ability to grow natural vegetable organisms and accelerated form. The advantages of this material are several: reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere, improve the aesthetics of the city and increase the thermal efficiency of buildings.

To create the concrete, in addition to pH, have also altered the porosity and surface roughness, leaving a multilayer concrete formed by a first sealing layer which protects against the structure against water, a second organic layer which accumulates water allowing the colonization of different vegetable spices and finally, a coating layer, discontinuous, which collects rainwater and prevents their loss.”

“This new concrete has many advantages. Biological material helps to combat and reduce CO2 from the atmosphere and captures solar radiation, regulating the thermal conductivity inside the buildings.

As a decorative element in both new construction and existing, offers a new concept of vertical garden in which you can make patterns with different species of different colors. This variation of hues also assessed according to the season.”

(+info)

La entrada Biological concrete | New materials to reduce CO2 se publicó primero en More Than Green.