UNITED STATES
Kevin Schopfer from Ahearn Schopfer architects and Tangram 3DS, a company specialising in computer animation, have developed a solution for ecological living, specifically for New Orleans. The New Orleans Arcology Habitat is a floating city designed for concentrated use with 20,000 housing units, three hotels, 1,500 time-share units and 46,450 sqm of retail space. Three casinos, condominiums, a school, health facility and parking for 8,000 cars will also be included in the design, making it socially self-sufficient.
CHINA
BDP has won a competition to design a new town square, streets and park in Nan Tou, Shenzhen. The site will include a lotus pool with waterfalls, interactive fountains and a reflecting solar pool. BDP will also help to restore historic buildings and spaces in the city. "Nan Tou is a hidden treasure with a proud and important history. It contains many valuable built and natural assets, has characterful streets and spaces, is largely free from vehicles and has the potential to be a great place in which to love, work and spend time," said director, Nick Edwards.
UNITED KINGDOM
Maxim has become the UK's largest speculative office development, with the potential to attract 8,000 jobs. The development provides 10 international class office buildings with more than 70,000 sqm of grade A office space in a landscaped environment that includes a nine-hole putting green. Three office buildings are now complete along with a number of shops and leisure facilities. The Maxim development is privately funded by Tritax group and the Bank of Scotland.
BRUSSELS
The Architects' Council of Europe will launch its Declaration and Policy on Architecture and Sustainability at a seminar on 24 September. The seminar will be held in the context of the 'save-it energy efficiency days', organised by the European Economic and Social Committee. The Declaration and Policy on Architecture and Sustainability contains concrete goals and commitments that the architectural profession can undertake in order to ensure that the built environment is sustainable and of high quality.
RUSSIA
Gazprom, Russia's natural gas exporter, has been given approval from the city of St Petersburg to build what could become Europe's tallest skyscraper, standing 400m tall. In gaining building approval, the Okhta Centre has overcome objections by local residents and UNESCO who fear that St Petersburg's city centre will be removed from the World Heritage Site list if the skyscraper is built. Designed by RMJM Architects, The Okhta Centre will serve as the headquarters for Gazprom's oil unit.
