Light shines on Shanghai's solar powered pavilion, UK architects remain pessimistic and Chicago's carbon reduction plans get underway.
CHINA
Naco Architectures has created a solar powered pavilion wrapped in an illuminated wave of LED lights for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. The 200 sqm Monaco Pavilion was inspired by the waters of the Mediterranean and is designed to soak up solar energy throughout the day and then project light as soon as the sun sets. The Shanghai Expo will commence on 1 May and its designs will centre around the "better city, better life" theme.
UNITED KINGDOM
Architects are becoming increasingly pessimistic about the future, with the RIBA's monthly future trends survey finding that only 28 per cent of practices expect their workloads to increase. This is despite the majority of practices reporting that their workloads and staffing levels had stabilised. There was also a five per cent rise in the number of respondents that were unemployed, which also stands at 28 per cent.
UNITED STATES
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture has completed the first phase of the Chicago Central Area DeCarbonisation Plan, a vision for helping the city reach its carbon reduction goals in the downtown Loop. These goals represent a 25 per cent reduction in carbon emissions from the 1990 levels by 2020m and a 100 per cent reduction of carbon emissions for new and renovated buildings by 2030. The second phase of the Plan will focus on meeting the energy and carbon reduction goals of university and medical campuses, towns, cities, states and countries around the world.
JAPAN
A Japanese design firm, Bakoko, has developed a circular structure that generated heat via a composting system built into its walls. The heat captured from the organic waste breaking down can heat the space to temperatures up to 49 degrees celsius, while also producing compost for the garden. According to Treehugger, the Comploo is suitable for use in large urban parks, community gardens or even as an outdoor cafe.
AUSTRIA
The Sustainability Award at this year's MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards will go to Coop Himmelb(l)au for its design of the Town Town Office Tower. Upon completion, the building is expected to generate more energy than it consumes, reducing carbon emissions by up to 1,100,000 kg each year. The building's shape and photovoltaic laminated facade maximises energy generation.
