Architecture has an immeasurable impact on society and the environment. Trends come and go, but there is one that is about more than a pleasing aesthetic. Sustainable architecture minimizes the negative impact that building has on the planet, by using sustainable products, energy efficient tools, and a conscious approach to conservation.
With sustainable architecture, we can truly create a better future. From research centers to high rise apartments, these green projects are as sustainable as they are well designed.
Chu Hall Solar Energy Research Center
Chu Hall Solar Energy Research Center
Named after former U.S. Department of Energy Secretary, Chu Hall, this $59 million building is home to Berkeley Lab's Solar Energy Research Center. SmithGroupJJR sought to create a structure as sustainable as the projects it houses, with three stories housing more than 100 researchers focused on creating artificial solar-fuel generation technology. The building's energy efficient features and sustainable design adhere to the Department of Energy's 30% energy savings mandate.
High rise apartments might not be the first structure that comes to mind when you think of sustainable architecture, but Boeri Studio designed towers that are more than meets the eye. Named Bosco Verticale, these twin towers are part of the rehabilitation of the historic district of Milan. The high rise was given its moniker - translated as Vertical Forest - because each tower houses trees between three and six meters, which help mitigate smog and produce oxygen.
Denmark's prominent architecture firm, BIG, founded by visionary architect Bjarke Ingels, is known for creating otherworldly projects. The next creation coming out of BIG's office combines a power plant and a greenhouse, with the look of a spaceship. The firm proposes to adorn the plant with a dome that casts a jewel-toned glow across the city of Uppsala, Sweden.
In anticipation of resource scarcity expected to decrease by 60-70% by 2050 and a population expected to reach almost 10 billion, this architect headed to the water. Dubbed Jellyfish Barge, this floating structure allows for crop cultivation without relying on soil, fresh water, and chemical energy consumption by a hydroponic farming system. The barge is constructed of recycled plastic drums and a wooden base.
Located at the Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, is the NASA Sustainability Base. The building houses research for energy-saving technologies driven toward the federal government's plan to eliminate fossil-fuel consumption in any new government building by 2030. The building itself is a picture of energy efficiency, with water recycling features, natural lighting, solar panels, and fuel cell electricity generation.
Green Is the New Black: Stunning Sustainable Architecture
Architecture has an immeasurable impact on society and the environment. Trends come and go, but there is one that is about more than a pleasing aesthetic. Sustainable architecture minimizes the negative impact that building has on the planet, by using sustainable products, energy efficient tools, and a conscious approach to conservation.
With sustainable architecture, we can truly create a better future. From research centers to high rise apartments, these green projects are as sustainable as they are well designed.
Chu Hall Solar Energy Research Center
Chu Hall Solar Energy Research Center
Named after former U.S. Department of Energy Secretary, Chu Hall, this $59 million building is home to Berkeley Lab's Solar Energy Research Center. SmithGroupJJR sought to create a structure as sustainable as the projects it houses, with three stories housing more than 100 researchers focused on creating artificial solar-fuel generation technology. The building's energy efficient features and sustainable design adhere to the Department of Energy's 30% energy savings mandate.
See more photos of Chu Hall.
Bosco Verticale
Bosco Verticale
High rise apartments might not be the first structure that comes to mind when you think of sustainable architecture, but Boeri Studio designed towers that are more than meets the eye. Named Bosco Verticale, these twin towers are part of the rehabilitation of the historic district of Milan. The high rise was given its moniker - translated as Vertical Forest - because each tower houses trees between three and six meters, which help mitigate smog and produce oxygen.
See more photos of Bosco Verticale.
Vattanfall
Vattanfall
Denmark's prominent architecture firm, BIG, founded by visionary architect Bjarke Ingels, is known for creating otherworldly projects. The next creation coming out of BIG's office combines a power plant and a greenhouse, with the look of a spaceship. The firm proposes to adorn the plant with a dome that casts a jewel-toned glow across the city of Uppsala, Sweden.
See more photos of Vattanfall.
Jellyfish Barge
Jellyfish Barge
In anticipation of resource scarcity expected to decrease by 60-70% by 2050 and a population expected to reach almost 10 billion, this architect headed to the water. Dubbed Jellyfish Barge, this floating structure allows for crop cultivation without relying on soil, fresh water, and chemical energy consumption by a hydroponic farming system. The barge is constructed of recycled plastic drums and a wooden base.
See more photos of Jellyfish Barge.
NASA Sustainability Base
Nasa Sustainability Base
Located at the Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, is the NASA Sustainability Base. The building houses research for energy-saving technologies driven toward the federal government's plan to eliminate fossil-fuel consumption in any new government building by 2030. The building itself is a picture of energy efficiency, with water recycling features, natural lighting, solar panels, and fuel cell electricity generation.
See more photos of NASA Sustainability Base.
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Bosco Verticale
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