Human Interest

Seven million premature deaths in a single year were the result of air pollution exposure, the World Health Organization reported recently. That’s one in eight of total global deaths in 2012. This new finding doubles previous estimates, confirming that air pollution is now the world’s single largest environmental health risk. Cities around the world are increasingly turning to technology for solutions, and here are some of the most innovative designs...

More images at the link.

Via Lauren Moss

These cities that are doing the best at embracing the future are focusing on improving technology, equality, sharing, civic participation, and more.

Over the past several years, the idea of the being "smart" has emerged as a key mechanism for cities to find innovative solutions to the challenges that they are facing. Increased demand for infrastructure, housing, transportation, jobs, energy, food and water are all straining city governments and infrastructure, as people around the world flock to urban centers in hopes of a better life and more opportunity. For many years, the push to create smarter cities was led by technology companies looking for uses (and buyers) for their products. But in recent years, cities have begun to think more holistically about what being a smart city could mean, and have innovated new ways to modernize how a city serves its citizens.

Via Lauren Moss, GTANSW & ACT

Australian practice Room 11 has completed the Melbourne headquarters of Royal Wolf – a specialist in the hire, sale and modification of new and refurbished shipping containers. 

Appropriately, the workplace is built entirely from the steel units, utilizing the fabrication and construction methods employed by the organization.

20ft and 40ft containers are positioned to create four courtyards, forming a complete rectangle. The ends of each unit are replaced with full height glazing, while ceilings are also left exposed, covered with rigid insulation and a membrane roof. Two are set vertically, placed on end to create a narrow void with a skylight naturally illuminating the building’s interior.

The scheme repurposes the enclosed volumes as a series of connected light-filled rooms interspersed with areas of plantation. Offices and reception areas articulated around a central courtyard, while the meeting room, kitchen and principal offices are linked to further external enclosures.

More images at the link.

Via Lauren Moss