In a recent article published on Inhabitat.com, the author, David Olson asks the question, “Can technology save the world?” His answer, “No, not by itself.” Olson goes on to explain that technology cannot make the world and our environment better, rather, it is our responsibilities as humans to implement current and new technologies in proper, more beneficial ways.

Olson later explains that this argument is a somewhat dangerous one because the decision-makers and influencers in this field are often persuaded by profits and votes, which make for clouded judgments. However, Olson does provides his own four-point list, that if attacked can help our environment tremendously. He labels them “World-Saving Technologies”. They are are follows:

ENERGY NEEDS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
The development and utilization of sustainable energy sources, either through controlled fusion reactions, or improved solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal technologies.

AGRICULTURE
Technologies to increase productivity, while at the same time limit by-products and the dependency on pesticides and other toxins.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND WELL-BEING
Cracking down on those who commit crimes against the earth and promote healthier food supplies and medical care for those in need.

WASTE MANAGEMENT
Minimize our waste while finding better alternatives to current waste disposal techniques.

The Norwegian practice, MAD arkitekter, was recently asked to develop a unique city space in the heart of Bjorvika, a hustling and bustling city in Norway.

The space is 10 x 90 meters in area and sits at the base of a large building which shades it from all exposure. But what makes this piece of real estate so special, is that it must successfully host 200 parked bicycles every day of the week.

The solution? Dozens of stainless steel artistic bike stands strategically placed throughout the space, replicating the tour de bjorvika, the region’s popular bike race. The bike stands emit white lights from the front handle bars and red lights from behind the seats, which help accent the direction of the race.

Tucked away in the Charente region of the French countryside stands The Domaine de Boisbuchet, a beautiful country estate from the 15th century. And you wouldn’t know by looking at it, but this elegant abode hosts internationally successful summer workshops for artistic visionaries, and unconventional thinkers.

One of the most important curriculums is the Liquid Fusion workshop, which teaches the participants all about the world of glass with a focus on the idea of “glass as a liquid”. Paul Haigh is a British designer and architect and leads the workshop. He teaches a variety glassforming techniques such as fusing, slumping, off-hand blowing, hand pressing, and cold glass cutting and forming.

The summer workshops have been going on for 20 years, and over this time, they have continued to expand not only their following, but their class offering as well.

Climate change affects people and animals worldwide, and it isn’t an isolated problem, rather one that needs to be addressed by all of us. As part of the observance for Earth Day, Earth Day Network wants you to submit your own photos and stories explaining how climate change has impacted you personally, or what you are doing to be part of the solution. Jump over to EarthDay.org to be involved in this eye-opening initiative.

Made up of minimal components, these low-cost housing units provide solutions to Vietnam’s numerous rural housing problems. These units are designed by H&P Architects, and will be implemented in areas of Vietnam that experience extreme temperatures and yearly floods.

Because of their construction, these bamboo structures are able to float in flood situations while still staying anchored to their specific location. They are also extremely ventilated, which helps combat the high temperatures.

And with a $2,000 price tag, these homes are affordable for low-income families and have enough space for up to six people.

“Street canyons” is a term given to corridors between large city buildings. And a recent study by Thomas Pugh, a Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Biogeochemist, shows that the levels of air pollution are much higher in these canyons than the open air above.

To combat this, his team continues to break ground on their “green-wall study,” which places large, vegetated surfaces vertically alongside buildings that make up these street canyons. These eco walls are then able to trap pollutants rising from the city streets and convert them before they pour into the open atmosphere above.

If this solution works as well as they hope, cities all over the world will be able to implement green walls of their own in order to lower air pollution levels in urban areas.

This stunning vacation home in the Finnish archipelago is the definition of indoor/outdoor living. Made entirely of untreated wood and emphasizing continuous living space right out onto the large outdoor terrace, this getaway is sure to impress.

The designers behind it at Huttunen-Lipasti-Pakkanen Architects were successfully able to infuse both outdoor and indoor space together, equalizing each’s importance and dependance on one another.

This home boasts astonishing views, a sauna, and even a hidden fireplace beneath the wooden floorboards. There is also a guest cabin located just a short walk away.

Giant robotic jellyfish floating above the Chinese skyline. No, this isn’t the opening sentence to a science fiction novel, rather it is an ingenious eco-friendly concept meant to combat worldwide atmospheric pollution.

Designers Hao Tian, Huang Haiyang, and Shi Jianwei are the masterminds behind the “PH Conditioner Skyscrapers,” which are basically giant floating SO2 and NOx converters that trap these pollutants as they rise, to then transform them into reclaimed water and chemical fertilizer.

The concept for these pollution-combating skyscrapers was awarded a honorable mention at this year’s eVolo Skyscraper Competition. Hopefully, we will see an idea as beautiful and futuristic as this come to life one day.

Located on the North Island in the Kuaotunu suburb, this beach house exudes characteristics more commonly associated with modern/contemporary luxury homes found in Beverly Hills. Stylish furniture, an open concept floorplan, completely retractable exterior walls, and vaulted ceilings are all benefits of this high-end beach retreat.

Of course it still has everything else a beachgoer would want, like a sun deck terrace, an outdoor fireplace, and natural wood floors throughout to handle the abuse. In the end, the owner successfully tied together luxury with functional to create this fabulous shoreside home.
 

But as exciting as it sounds to be able control so many aspects of these light bulbs, it is just as important to know how energy efficient they actually are.  With a lifespan up to 20 years, an iLumi bulb will account for nearly $340 in total savings, a reduction of 3,400-kilowatt hours, and a carbon dioxide offset of 2 tons, which is the same as saving 10 trees.  And that’s just for EACH iLumi light bulb.

Check out iLumi’s website (www.ilumisolutions.com) to access more information as well as to stay up-to-date on the product’s pending launch.