In the 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote “Familiarity breeds contempt”. By definition “local” is “familiar”. Why are humans so thrilled to go beyond the familiar, the local, and reach for what is new, universal, and salvational? The word “local” has the weight of true value, like “density” or “sustainable” But the lure of connection between all humans is powerfully seductive, and that desire to connect almost always falls short of our hopes.
.jpg?1629315869)
Every time we publish an article about Hempcrete, we get a lot of comments on social media - with a certain level of irony - about what would happen if the material caught fire. This is actually a legitimate question, as there is still a lot of confusion about the differences between marijuana and hemp, both of which come from the same plant species (Cannabis Sativa). But while marijuana has psychoactive effects due to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), mainly present in the flowers of the plant, hemp-based building materials are produced from its stem, which contains small amounts of THC. To quickly answer the title question: no, the building won't be destroyed in the event of a fire. In fact, some tests have shown that these materials have excellent behavior against fire, dissipate flames, maintain structural integrity, and don't emit toxic smoke.
Al Salimi Real Estate Development invites to apply for designing a unique and landmark commercial strip mall and boulevard in the southern area of AlKhobar city, Saudi Arabia, to attract high-level tenants of retail shops and F&B shops, with dynamic and eye-catchy outdoor spaces such as terraces, landscape, hardscape, water feature & parking area. Alsalimi is looking for a dynamic, functional & attractive design.
.jpg?1630396129)
CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati has merged architecture with urban agriculture in the firm's newly-unveiled Jian Mu Tower in Shenzhen, China. The 218-meter high building incorporates a large-scale vertical hydroponic farm across its entire facade, producing vegetation that can feed up to 40,000 people per year. The 51-storey tower will also include housing offices, a supermarket, and a food court with inner gardens for recreation and social gatherings.
.jpg?1630396086 "Courtesy of CRA - Carlo Ratti Associati")
.jpg?1630396078 "Courtesy of CRA - Carlo Ratti Associati")
.jpg?1630396021 "Courtesy of CRA - Carlo Ratti Associati")
.jpg?1630396025 "Courtesy of CRA - Carlo Ratti Associati")
UNStudio has recently published a report exploring the broader scope of community building and placemaking in the post-pandemic urban environment. Through examples from their practice, UNStudio highlights various design strategies currently incorporated in architecture and urban planning that cater to the universal and crucial need to connect socially. In addition, the practice stresses the importance of “ third spaces” and human-scale connectivity, as well as the blending of digital and physical spaces of interaction.
.jpg?1630490207 "© Henry-Fussell Hitchcock, Jr and Philip Johnson")
.jpg?1630490219 "Courtesy of Weißenhofsiedlung Stuttgart")
.jpg?1630490299 "Courtesy of Bauhaus, Dessau, Germany")
.jpg?1629315913 "© Matheus Paixão")
.jpg?1629315616 "© Sandro Bispo")
.jpg?1629315216 "© Sandro Bispo")
.jpg?1629315875 "© Matheus Paixão")
.jpg?1629315869)
