Green Technology and Architecture

Aquaria Grande - Cybertecture

2012-03-01T14:51:00.004-05:00

Located in Borivali, Mumbai, India, this beautiful structure really drew my attention. Luxurious condo living with your own private pool on your balcony. There's not more to ask, combining a simple fluid concept within the borders of a small space. Architecture firm James Law Cybertecture logo innovating the fabric of mankind really does just that. Check out the tree form of the buildings and the roof that could metaphor the notion of tree branches. What makes it even more sustainable is the following three things.
1. Solar panels to absorb excess heat gain and minimize use of indoor energy.
2. Opaque panels to resist awful glaring to indoor.
3. Transparent glass makes use of natural lighting to the roof garden.

Check out the above link for more info and let me know your thoughts on it.

Solar power advantages and disadvantages

2010-11-20T12:41:00.003-05:00

Our world has reached an unfortunate scenario where increasing prices in energy is forcing us to seek alternative cost-effective energy solutions. There are a number of renewable energy sources available and their implementation to our everyday lives is growing faster more than ever. One of these is solar power. Everyone more or less knows about how it works, but let's point out some advantages and potential drawbacks as well.

First of all, it's true...you save money. After the initial installation you are pretty much able to create your own energy (electricity) without any recurring costs. However, the initial investment might seem a sore disadvantage for some, compared to, let's say, energy generated by the usual means (fossil fuels, nuclear power). Luckily however, there are guides out there that teach you how easy, quick and cheap building your own solar panels are. Check here for example.

Second, it's GREAT for the environment. It protects it since there are no harmful CO2 emissions, it is completely renewable and sustainable and you are not dependant upon any other foreign energy sources even if there is a power outage. Moreover, solar panels require minimum maintenance...

Disadvantages are quite minimal. Even if there is no sun, advanced backup battery sytems will ensure that electricity is still being produced to some extent. Another disadvantage that some may see, is the look of the solar panels on your home. But really...people let's do something good for the environment...and if you care about looks that much, there are artistic ways to conceal them.

To summarize: need an easy way to generate electricity, easy to install and free? If you are environment-conscious and think solar power is the answer, then check this guide out for more info!

Convert your house to Green!

2010-11-14T21:47:00.002-05:00

Have you ever thought about converting your house green? Now you can by building your own renewable energy devices. This guide will show you how to:

build your own solar panels that you can use to power your home;
build a 500W, 800W, or even 1500Watt wind turbine;
design a renewable energy system to fit part, or all, of your power needs;
use these Green Energy solutions to live off the grid;
sell back your excess power to the utility company, and actually make money each month from your green power solution;
take advantage of government rebates to convert your home for very little cost;
accomplish all of that and more with the EASIEST GUIDE to RENEWABLE ENERGY!

Click Here!

Bird Island

2010-01-07T21:22:00.005-05:00

I haven't posted anything for a really long time. However, that is about to change and as my first post of 2010, look and admire at this very unique green and sustainable fluid structure. Located in Sentul Park, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it was created by Berlin-based architects of Graft Lab. "Bird Island" is an urban renewal development project. It is made with a silicone covered glass fabric. The skin twists and turns along the facade changing its transparency and guiding the view of the residents out to the landscape and views of the area. The tent structure reflects sunlight and prevents direct sunlight to heat the main structure. Grey water fro sinks and showers will be able to be reused as part of the water drainage system they have incorporated.

LM Project in Copenhagen, Denmark

2009-05-06T15:47:00.004-04:00

Steven Holl architects have won "the LM project" to design a new harbor entrance to the city of Copenhagen. Connecting office towers and civic spaces with a public walkway 65 meters above the harbor, the project is intended to form an iconic landmark for the city. The design consists of two towers with two bridges meeting
at an angle. Public amenities such as cafes and galleries are also included in the design. The project utilizes sustainable solutions as both towers have high performance glass curtain walls with a veil of solar screen made of photovoltaics; collecting the sun's energy. Wind turbines line the top of the pedestrian bridge roof; providing all electricity for lighting the public spaces.
More of this project and others from the enterprise can be found at www.stevenholl.com.

Nanotechnology for Green Builidng

2009-04-22T18:19:00.005-04:00

As I had stated in a previous post, Architecture will never cease to evolve as long as technology evolves. Therefore, nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter at the molecular scale, is opening new possibilities in green building through products like solar energy collecting paints, nanogel high-insulating translucent panels, and heat-absorbing windows. Even more dramatic breakthroughs are now in development such as paint-on lasers that could one day allow materials to send information to each other (remember this!), windows that shift from transparent to opaque with the flip of a switch, and environmentally friendly biocides for preserving wood. These breakthrough materials are opening new frontiers in green building, offering unprecedented performance in energy efficiency, durability, economy and sustainability...Please welcome the future of Architecture!
I would like to encourage you to visit greentechforum.net for more info as the director of the forum as well as associate professor in the College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University in Indiana, Dr. George Elvin, produces webinars for the particular topic and all its innovations and advantages.

Vertical Farms

2009-04-08T23:36:00.002-04:00

The concept of indoor farming is not new. What is new is the urgent need to scale up this technology to accommodate the increasing population which according to certain demographic trends could go up to 3 billion by the year 2050! An entirely new approach to indoor farming must be invented, employing cutting edge technologies. The Vertical Farm must be efficient (cheap to construct and safe to operate). Vertical farms, many stories high, will be situated in the heart of the world's urban centers. If successfully implemented, they offer the promise of urban renewal, sustainable production of a safe and varied food supply (year-round crop production), and the eventual repair of ecosystems that have been sacrificed for horizontal farming.

Some of the advantages of vertical farming include:
year-round crop production;
no weather-related crop failures due to droughts, floods, pests;
all VF food is grown organically: no herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers;
VF returns farmland to nature, restoring ecosystem functions and services;
VF converts black and gray water into potable water by collecting the water of
evapotranspiration;
VF adds energy back to the grid via methane generation from composting non-edible parts of plants and animals;
VF dramatically reduces fossil fuel use (no tractors, plows, shipping.);
VF converts abandoned urban properties into food production centers...

The above building is a concept called the Pyramid Farm by Eric Ellingsen.

Mission One: Green Superbike!

2009-03-29T01:03:00.005-04:00

"What do you get when you combine lithium-ion batteries with a high-performance electric motor and components straight from the racing circuit? Answer: The fastest production electric motorcycle in the world".

This is how Mission One describes this green superbike which promises frankly...a lot! Going "green" does not in any way mean that we have to sacrifice performance and the "Need for Speed"! On the contrary, its 100 foot-pounds of torque engine delivers a target speed of 150mph with a...battery pack. That's right, it uses a High Energy Lithium-Ion with Integrated Thermal Management System and can last up to 150 miles in a single charge. Recharge time is under 2 hours. How much would that cost? Less than $2!! More information can be found on their website. Take a look, and I promise you'll be mesmerized!

When and where can you buy the Mission One, and how much does it cost? They are now accepting reservations for the Premier Limited Edition of the Mission One, limited to 50 numbered units to be delivered in 2010. You have to complete a form. The deposit amount is $5000, and the sales price is $68,995. Pricy, but environmentally worth it (not to mention its style)!

Veg.itecture?

2009-03-16T23:38:00.002-04:00

One of the most interesting structure concept involving green buildings is called Veg.itecture and is based on vegetation as the primary component of a building. Until now it didn’t get too much attention, but Ken Yeang looks to change this situation. Ken is one of the most active promoters of this architecture and his designs are considered masterpieces.

Most of Ken’s buildings are bioclimatic skyscrapers, which means that the structures is alligned with the sun, adjusted to the climatic conditions throughout the year and makes use of lighting and ventilation.

I find this concept really inspiring because it can transform a structure from "dead" to "living", which translates to a harmonic co-existence among nature. By respecting nature, nature will respect us and we will be living in a healthy, clean and above all eco-friendly environment. Post your thoughts!

Green Classrooms

2009-03-02T22:21:00.003-05:00

A school in Lutz, Florida, officially opened the nation's first modular classrooms to be registered for Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED(R)) for Schools program.

With the opening of nine new environmentally friendly, modular classrooms, Learning Gate Community School, a place where students learn how to incorporate green living into their daily lives, now sets a new standard in education and environmental responsibility.

A Platinum LEED(R) rating is the highest designation given by the USGBC for sustainable building practices. The LEED(R) for Schools program is even more stringent, according to contractors working on the project.

"Virtually every aspect of the buildings is recycled, renewable or organic," said Principal Patti Girard, founder of the environmentally focused charter school. "We used recycled steel frames, lumber approved by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and even soy foam insulation to build the classrooms. We'll even generate a portion of our own electricity by using solar-paneled awnings."

Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation awarded Learning Gate a $250,000 grant for the planning and building of the new green classrooms. In appreciation, Learning Gate honored Lowe's today by naming one of the three new buildings "the Lowe's Building."

Green technology in the new buildings will ensure maximum efficiency of lighting and temperature control, important in Florida's hot climate. The windows are designed to maximize natural light and photo-sensitive light fixtures gauge the amount of natural light coming into the rooms and self-adjust. Humidity indicators show when it's favorable to open the windows for a natural breeze. The school's six pre-existing buildings will be retrofitted to sustainable standards over time, according to Girard.

Principal Girard originally opened Learning Gate Community School in 2000 with a vision to develop a school dedicated to ecology and the environment. The Platinum designation, when received, will mark the achievement of turning that dream into a reality.

The school puts environmental sustainability at the center of its daily activities and curriculum. The campus features outdoor classroom settings and an award-winning organic garden where the students learn to grow and harvest food used in their daily lunch preparation.

"There's no rule that students have to sit in a classroom to learn," said Principal Girard. "Our students learn math by measuring growth rates of the vegetables in their garden and find inspiration to write essays while overlooking the pond or watching a fox run by. They're as likely to learn about science at our outdoor student-built weather station as inside one of our new green buildings."

This fall, the school expects to open an organic school kitchen and cafe, along with a program to serve students healthy lunches five days a week and teach them how to grow and prepare healthy and organic foods.

M.A.R.S Floating Wind Generator

2009-02-04T23:20:00.000-05:00

Magenn Power’s MARS is a Wind Power Anywhere™ solution with distinct advantages over existing Conventional Wind Turbines and Diesel Generating Systems including: global deployment, lower costs, better operational performance, and greater environmental advantages.
MARS is a lighter-than-air tethered wind turbine that rotates about a horizontal axis in response to wind, generating electrical energy. This electrical energy is transferred down the 1000-foot tether for immediate use, or to a set of batteries for later use, or to the power grid. Helium sustains MARS and allows it to ascend to a higher altitude than traditional wind turbines. MARS captures the energy available in the 600 to 1000-foot low level and nocturnal jet streams that exist almost everywhere. MARS rotation also generates the "Magnus effect" which provides additional lift, keeps the MARS stabilized, and positions it within a very controlled and restricted location to adhere to FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) & Transport Canada guidelines.

The Advantages of MARS over Conventional Wind Turbines: Wind Power Anywhere™ removes all placement limitations. Coast-line or off-shore locations are not necessary to capture higher speed winds. Reaching winds at 1,000-feet above ground level allow MARS to be installed closer to the grid. MARS is mobile and can be rapidly deployed, deflated, and redeployed without the need for towers or heavy cranes. MARS is bird and bat friendly with lower noise emissions and is capable of operating in a wider range of wind speeds - from 4 mph to greater than 60 mph.

The Advantages of a MARS combined Wind and Diesel Solution over a Diesel Generator-only solution: MARS can complement a diesel generator by offering a combined diesel-wind power solution that delivers power below 20 cents per kWh. This compares to a wide range of 25 cents to 99 cents per kWh for diesel-alone, reflecting the high fuel and transportation costs in remote areas. The MARS combined solution allows lower pollution and green house gas emissions. It also results in lower handling, transporting, and storage costs.

MARS Target Markets: Developing nations where infrastructure is limited or non existent; off-grid combined wind and diesel solutions for island nations, farms, remote areas, cell towers, exploration equipment, backup power & water pumps for natural gas mines; rapid deployment diesel & wind solutions (to include airdrop) to disaster areas for power to emergency and medical equipment, water pumps; on-grid applications for farms, factories, remote communities; and wind farm deployments.

Motorola W233 Renew

2009-01-24T18:27:00.002-05:00

The new Motorola features the industry's first mobile housing made from plastics that contain recycled water bottles and the device is the first certified Carbonfree cellphone on the market. Through an alliance with Carbonfund.org, Motorola offsets the amount of energy required to manufacture, distribute and operate the phone. You can also enjoy your music! Not a beautiful phone, but it's a start. More features and specifications can be found here. There are more coming like the Samsung E200 (blackle it!).

Biomass

2009-01-15T22:17:00.003-05:00

Biomass is organic material made from plants and animals. Biomass contains stored energy from the sun. Plants absorb the sun's energy in a process called photosynthesis. The chemical energy in plants gets passed on to animals and people that eat them. Biomass is a renewable energy source because we can always grow more trees and crops, and waste will always exist. Some examples of biomass fuels are wood, crops, manure, and some garbage.

When burned, the chemical energy in biomass is released as heat. If you have a fireplace, the wood you burn in it is a biomass fuel. Wood waste or garbage can be burned to produce steam for making electricity, or to provide heat to industries and homes.

Burning biomass is not the only way to release its energy. Biomass can be converted to other usable forms of energy like methane gas or transportation fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. Methane gas is the main ingredient of natural gas. Smelly stuff, like rotting garbage, and agricultural and human waste, release methane gas - also called "landfill gas" or "biogas." Crops like corn and sugar cane can be fermented to produce the transportation fuel, ethanol. Biodiesel, another transportation fuel, can be produced from left-over food products like vegetable oils and animal fats.

Aguçadoura Wave Park

2008-12-30T16:35:00.002-05:00

For the last post of this year, I want to inform you of the first ever wave farm. Enjoy it and Happy New Year!

Aguçadoura Wave Park is the world's first commercial wave farm. It is located three miles offshore near Póvoa de Varzim north of Porto in Portugal. The farm uses three Pelamis wave energy converters to convert the motion of the ocean surface waves into electricity. The farm was officially opened on the 23 September 2008 by the Portuguese minister of the economy.

Developed by the Scottish company Pelamis Wave Power (formally Ocean Power Delivery), the Pelamis machine is made up of connected sections which flex and bend relative to one another as waves run along the structure. This motion is resisted by hydraulic rams which pump high pressure oil through hydraulic motors which in turn drive electrical generators. The three machines which make up the Aguçadoura farm are each rated at 750kW, giving an installed capacity of 2.25MW, enough to meet the average electricity demand of more than 1,500 Portuguese homes.

A second phase of the project is now planned to increase the installed capacity from 2.25MW to 21MW using a further 25 Pelamis machines.

New Green Complex in Singapore

2008-12-21T10:04:00.001-05:00

A new green complex from world renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners will be adding more than a dash of green to the Singapore skyline. As sustainability becomes an essential ingredient to development in this island nation, the UK-based firm is leaving no stone unturned to make good use of alternative energy sources in this 150,000 square meter mixed-use project. As the winning design from an international competition, Singapore’s new eco-complex from Foster + Partners is pushing the green envelope from top to bottom in this sophisticated downtown design.

The complex will fill an entire city block between Singapore’s Marina Center and the Civic District with commercial, residential, retail, hotels, and a ‘green’ link to an Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. All facades will be fitted with solar cells and, to help control solar gain, direct sunlight will be filtered through ribbon-like canopies rising from the base of the entire complex to the exposed east and west elevations of the towers.

The canopies will form vertical louvers at the elevations and provide more renewable on-site energy with integrated thin-film solar arrays. Vertical green spaces, and extensive sky gardens are also important components of the towers, further greening the whole structure with natural vegetation and ambient temperature moderation.

The slanted facades are designed to catch the wind and direct it downwards for natural cooling of the ground floor spaces. A rainwater harvesting system, geothermal heating system, chilled beams and ceilings, and an ice storage system for cooling are further enhancements planned for the complex.

Renewable Energy Sources versus Fossil Fuels

2008-12-09T10:37:00.003-05:00

In modern western world the demand for energy has increased dramatically in the past century and it will grow even further and harder in the near future than ever before. The need for energy rises with upcoming markets that also need more energy. Energy is needed for cars, buses, and other means of transportation, but also to run our appliances and provides us light. Energy is also important for our safety. At night or in the dark a lot can be stolen without proper lightning. Energy is therefore needed for our development and safety.
The way we use energy today comes from knowledge that has it's foundations in the past century and before. Great men like Newton and Philips have set the path for us today to make proper use of energy. The sources which we use for our energy demand are known as non-renewable energy resources. These sources will be discussed here in the article.

Definition of Non-Renewable Energy Resources

The name really explains it very well. Non-renewable energy resources are natural resources that cannot be recycled or re-grown. These natural resources are fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas. It also includes mined resources such as the elements used in the production of electricity (uranium and plutonium, for instance). These resources replenish itself in a quicker rate.
Fossil fuels are very versatile. One of their functions is to generate electricity. In order to generate electricity, fossil fuels are burned through the process of combustion. The energy produced from the combustion process is used to power a turbine. The turbine is responsible for the conversion of energy produced from combusted fossil fuels into electricity.

Coal

Coal is one the most used fossil fuels. It is consider too be the most important energy source to produce electricity. The U.S. produces 50% of its energy supply through the combustion of coal. The coal itself is a brownish-black sedimentary rock which contains carbon and other assorted elements. It is extracted from the ground through underground mining or open-pit mining.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is also used to produce electricity. The electricity is produced through steam turbines and gas turbines. Because the gas contains methane the combustion emits less harmful gasses that have a negative effect on global warming. Thus natural gasses are better for the environment compared to petroleum and coal.
There is also another use for it and that is as fuel for cars. It is much cheaper that gasoline and produces less harmful gasses. The disadvantage of running your car on natural gas is that you need more fuel compared to gasoline and the car needs more maintenance. In countries like Argentina, Brazil, Pakistan, Italy, The Netherlands and India it is used as a fuel for cars.

Crude oil

This fuel is the most talk about for the past year(s). The prices for crude oil have gone through the roof and will be rising even more. The demand is increasing while there is less crude oil available. The term black gold is now more applicable than ever before.
The oil itself is very think in consistency and has a dark brown or greenish colour characteristic. It is a complex mixture of different hydrocarbons.
Crude oil or petroleum has various uses. It can be used as fuel or cars and different industrial machines. It is also used as a raw material for products like plastics, solvents, fertilizers and pesticides.
Although the need for crude oil is high and the demand is rising the available crude oil is decreasing. That leaves us no other option than to look for alternatives.
Non-renewable energy plays a very important role in our daily lives. Non-renewable energy will be needed today and in the future. Because this energy source cannot be recycled or re-grown the reserves are limited. The consequences of the shortages of fossil fuels are experienced today and tomorrow. We will need to use these fossil fuels wisely and will need to shift our focus to other renewable energy source. These are the sources that we need to focus on today and years to come.

About the Author:
Bryan Wong is the owner of the renewable-energy information website
www.GetEasyInfo.com/renewable-energy > - A great website that shares quality Info, News and TIPS on Renewable energy.

Water Hybrid Conversion

2008-11-30T17:43:00.004-05:00

As long as we are talking about alternative fuels (see E85), you might want to check out How to Run your Car on Water! Sounds crazy? Maybe. Is it true? Ofcourse! You just use regular tap water and you can save up to 40% in fuel costs. In addition you increase your mileage and engine performance and it produces cleaner emissions which means a cleaner environment! Check it out. Click Here!

E85 Fuel

2008-11-30T01:58:00.004-05:00

The above supercar is a concept Ferrari F430. Beautiful and powerful car no doubt, but what is special about it is its capability to burn E85 biofuel. E85 is the term for motor fuel blends of 85% ethanol and just 15% gasoline. Besides its superior performance characteristics, ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline (e.g. up to 40% less gas emissions on the above car). It is also cheaper and above all, your car can become compatible (although a complicated process for the time being) to use it. More info on E85 fuel can be found here. As well, more info on the Ferrari can be found here.

Renewable Energy Solutions

2008-11-26T23:28:00.004-05:00

In one of my older posts I talked about how you can build your own wind generator. There are methods where you can build your own wind and solar generators as renewable energy that can reduce the amount of household electricity by 80 %. In fact, by applying this knowledge, the electricity companies will actually pay you if you produce more energy than you actually use. I really like the whole idea. Once again it is actual proof that society is attempting to find ways to renew energy and save the environment. Also (and most importantly) it is inexpensive to create renewable energy. Check the following link for more info and let me know what you thought of it.

Click Here!

Green Living Design you can adopt

2008-11-25T23:34:00.002-05:00

Interior Design is the single best experience in my life that has allowed me to experience fantastic creative energy each and every day. I must admit, however, that the move towards "Green Living Design" sometimes has me pulling my hair out.
Don't get me wrong, I've written many an article about the coming boon in Green Living Design and how we, as Designers, must be at the forefront of the movement. With that being said, I find that many of my clients often look at me with that "Deer in the headlight" look when I even casually mention the Green aspect of a Design element for their new home or addition.

It is not that most folks don't care; They do. It is that most feel that they are being handed a bill of goods because something is trendy or fashionable at the moment and can not have any direct implications on their lives in the present. "Going Green" is something that the Hollywood crowd does, not the average consumer.

That used to be true and, yes, in some quarters of "Green Design, " it still is. However, I have found that there are common elements that, if mentioned correctly, everybody can get behind from a Green standpoint.

So, what are the basic elements of some solid Green Living Design that most can see using in their lives? I will touch on four that if you are remodeling or building, can be done in that part of the design; Heating/Air units, HVAC, Wall design, Insulation elements and, finally, Door and Window design elements.

There has been an emergence of systems that use a "Forced Air" feature known as radiant space heaters. Many builders like the aspect of forced heating in that it eliminates a huge chunk of the duct work that must be used in a home design. Some builders, and many fire departments, like the aspect of a lower amount of duct work as it sometimes can aid in the spread of fires in a home.

Wall design has become something of interest, as of late, with the rising cost in energy prices. A lot of builders are liking the idea of walls that are a bit thicker in an exterior build. Many are looking at 12-inch-thick exterior walls with a high R value, which is the rating given a substance's thermal resistance. That gives you better energy values, and combined with better Green materials that go inside the walls, this could save a homeowner substantial money in overall energy cost.

Insulation elements continue to increase in the "Green" factor with some great cellulose insulation options available to consumers. Some of these ratings are as high as R-60, in some cases, and can greatly reduce the cost of running your home when it comes to energy.

Finally, doors and windows. This category is the one that seems to get the lease resistance from homeowners looking at new design elements. It seems that the industry has really taken the lead in this category by just explaining to the consumer, in terms that make total sense, that these design features can and will save them money. It seems that most homeowners have had a face-to-face confrontation with the dastardly windows and doors in their homes and immediately "Get it" when it comes to dealing with them. Still, some of the better energy saving features come at a price and can make many a home owner grimace when handed the bill.

So, there you are. Four design elements that are loaded with "Green Value," as I like to call it. Excellent ways to be a little more conscious about the environment in any Interior Design elements that you are considering and will help you move towards that ever elusive Green Living Design.

About the Author
DA Southern is a designer who learned the ropes as a set designer for theatrical productions and has taken what he has learned into all of his Interior Designs. DA blogs about design and the trends in the Design community from a Modern appeal. Catch him at his blog and see what trends seem to be moving the Design community and with the Greening of new Design.
design.itsyourshowitsyourlife.com

Carbon Trading

2008-11-23T01:47:00.004-05:00

A lot of big iconic enterprises, like PEPSI, GM, Ford, etc. are spending billions of dollars to go "green". There is a system called Carbon Trading and what it basically is is you become a green consultant and you help your clients go "green" by meeting their needs such as Carbon Credits Green Tags or Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). I took a look at it and it seems interesting for two reasons: one, it is proof that our world is actually doing something to become more and more environmentally friendly; and two, you can profit from something by doing your part as a green consultant. Just give it a look and post your comments! Here's the link:

Click Here!

Build your own Wind Generator!

2008-11-21T18:44:00.003-05:00

Have you ever wondered what the energy benefits would be if you built your own wind generator? I'm not talking for your pocket (!) but for the environment. It's easy, fast and inexpensive. Check this out and let me know what you think about it!

Click Here!

What is Engineering Psychology?

2008-11-19T22:00:00.007-05:00

In a few words, Engineering Psychology is a part of Ergonomics and it studies the relationship between humans and machines to ameliorate and facilitate the former's lives. It is a program that is not widely known and therefore not offered in many Post-Secondary Schools. In fact the only one I saw offering such a program is Georgia Tech:

http://www.psychology.gatech.edu/engpsy

Have a look and post any comments!

BMW M1 - Homage Concept

2008-11-06T02:56:00.007-05:00

Check out what wikipedia has to say about this supercar:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M1

As well as this article:

http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/GreenCentre/article.aspx?cp-documentID=12184465

Concept of a Green Building

2008-11-06T02:50:00.009-05:00

That is what I vision as a Green Building. It has to be one with nature - a sort of symbiotic relationship - where one requires the other.