Waterbank Schools

Kenya's educational system could revolutionize with this new design for their schools. British architects David Turnbill and Jane Harrison along with Atopia research designed the WATERBANK school in Nigare Nyiro, which mainly harvests water and eventually stores that in a reservoir on the school property. Not only does this ingenious system provide upto five liters per day to each student, it also enables girls normally responsible for collecting water outside of the home to receive education and attend the classes. The school has four classrooms designed to accommodate upto 60 students. Most of the construction was facilitated from afar...

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FDI in Retail Today

FDI in retail is being discussed in Lok Sabha today. The retail sector,one of the largest contributors to the GDP is one of the main topics of discussion currently. Should FDI, also known as the 'sunrise' sectors of Indian economy allowed in retail? This topic continues to be a rage in among the academicians and researches all over the world. To begin with, Indian retail landscape reveals to be made up of two sharply contrasting segments - traditional small stores and big chain outlets. It has been confirmed that the Indian retail sector comprises mostly of local 'kirana' shops that being compared with the retail sector in other countries that have low labour productivity. One of the main reasons that attribute to this are low skilled and inefficient supply chain processes. Other than having...

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Solar powered floating schools

A non-profit organisation callled shidhulai swanirvar sangstha, has a goal to provide year-round education to Bangladeshi elementary students living in the areas prone to flooding due to monsoons. During rains,hundreds of schools get shut down to their detriment. Due to the torrential downpours,some parts are flooded for 3-4 months in a year, becoming an obstacle for people to continue their education. Shidulai swanivar sangstha developed solar- powered floating schools to be used during those periods,which travel right up to the mainland to pick-up students. Around 30 students can be accomodated in each boat-cum-classroom and is equipped...

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The library design moving away from tradition

It is a well known fact that library designs are becoming more and more popular in the interior design sector of the world. Many designers are taking strides to revolutionize the modern design of these builidings as libraries are community spaces which serve both education and communication. Instead of simply rehashing the stark, institutional library motif, the 21st century library places focus on collaborative learning, features abundant natural light, inverts institutional design and is founded on a strong basis of environmental responsiblity. Located at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, which was recently officially opened by...

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Designing the world's greatest stadium

With an intention of fulfilling Japan's 2020 Olympic game ambitions, the Japaneses sports council held an international design competition open for architects from across the globe to redesign the new National Stadium located in Tokyo.The new 80,000-seat stadium will replace the existing Kasumigaoka National Stadium in Tokyo and could become the host for 2020 Olympic Games if Japan is successful in its bid to host the event. The arena is also earmarked to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup and will be offered to FIFA as a possible venue for future World Cup football matches. Zaha Hadid Designs won by their modern interpretation of the sporting...

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Concrete that heals itself!

Now here’s an invention that could revolutionise construction technology as we know it and set your home repair requirements back by years! Doesn't that sound like good news all round? Scientists in the Netherlands claim to have created a bio-concrete blend that allows concrete to …yes! Heal itself! Anybody who’s in the construction industry or has ever tried to repair cracked concrete knows what a nightmare it can be. Dry and cracked concrete can begin to disintegrate and be messy and nearly impossible to repair. Which, of course, is why this new technology is so exciting!  Inhabitat.com reports that the Dutch scientists have created a bio-concrete blend with built-in bacteria that patch up on small holes and cracks in concrete. The bacteria basically feeds on the...

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Mo' mo' store!

This is definitely one way to advertise. Let your store speak for itself. And the MOMO Shop, a pop-up store in the atrium of a busy shopping mall in Hong Kong definitely seems to be making use of that. Designed by Andy Tong, the glass-encased store is made entirely of recycled materials, with its glass exterior seeming to be a coming together of multiple windows. The result, however, is ingeniously eye-catching. Resembling a misshapen childhood fort, the independent store stands out from all the regular box stores and boutiques surrounding it. Put together with MDF board, wood and bubble wrap, the tent-like slanting exterior of the  structure...

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Cars of transparency - 007 style!

There's something definitely 007-ish about this technology. Perhaps, because it's so reminiscent of the invisible car chase scene on a frozen lake in Iceland from the Die Another Day franchise. While this technology being designed in Tokyo doesn't quite allow you to  shoot down your arch enemies with sophisticated weapons. However, if you have trouble parallel parking, this might be exactly what you've been looking for. The idea behind the technology as we understand it is to make the driver feel his car is transparent from the back by providing him a panoramic view and allowing him to see the lay of the land, literally, right behind his...

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Inspired design!

This place of worship is inspired and inspiring in more ways than one! In an attempt to bring all 27 Latin American Virgins together under one roof, the Fernando Romero EnterprisE (FREE) has proposed a spectacular design for a chapel in Miami, USA. It's unsurprising that they won the competition. Designed to resemble the folds of the robe of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Roman Catholic image of the Virgin Mary, the soaring structure of the chapel is awe-inspiring.  With the 27 Virgins accommodated in the niches of the billowing concrete structure and forming a ring of sanctuary around the congregational space with one central figure...

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Renaissance Architecture - Types of Architectural Moldings

When you enter a home or business that has been creatively trimmed with tasteful architectural molding, it would give you the feel of having entered into a world of timeless elegance and grace. Architectural molding has been the distinguishing highlight of finer homes throughout the world. However, in recent years, wide variations in new home styles have made architectural molding less common. But for those who still long for the stately beauty and grace of traditional homes from America's past, few can deny that adding the right combination of architectural molding to an otherwise plain room can easily add stature and style, transforming the room into a place seemingly built for royalty. There's nothing that can transform a plain drab room, or an entire home, from average to awesome like...

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A Touch of Technology to Your Shopping Spree - Online Shopping Trends

In this age of information technology, the growth in the trend of online shopping among the upper and middle class has received an immense boost. The concept of online shopping gained popularity with the ever increasing access to the Internet. Instead of shopping for your necessities at a mall or store, you can avail a range of products delivered at your doorstep. The advent of online shopping made the task of shopping easier and hassle free. A range of associated services makes online shopping a favorable option for both men and women. The trend of online shopping started gaining popularity in the 1990s. Initially, the online shoppers were the higher middle class who had enough money to spend and knowledge and access to the Internet. The search engines on the Internet help you in finding...

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Updating Visual Appeal of Your Home - Enhancing the Look with Windows and Doors

Updating your windows and doors can make a dramatic difference in the exterior design of your home and can greatly enhance your curb appeal. In addition to this, an update can also significantly reduce your monthly energy bills by improving the efficiency of your home and reducing heat loss from your current rickety and old casements. There are many different styles of windows and doors in Milton to choose from; therefore it is worth investigating several options in order to decide which choice is best for you and your home. Exterior front doors can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel and glass. Wood front doors offer an elegant and traditional appearance to your home and are one of the best options currently on the market for energy efficiency. The natural properties...

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Temple for the Lord of the Sky - Ambernath Temple

Located by the bank of Vadavan (Waldhuni) river, the Ambernath temple is a towering structure surrounded by a fenced wall. Richly carved and decorated out of a single black stone, the intricate carvings are inspired from Hemadpanti style of architecture. The name Ambernath literally means Lord of the sky. Ambernath is the site of a very old temple, the ancient Ambreshwar Shiva Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the construction of which dates back to 1060 AD in the 10th century. One belief suggests that the temple was constructed by the Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharta fame for taking a night refuge during their period of exile (vanvaas). They could not complete the structure which is reflected even today in the missing roof directly above the main sanctum area (Garbha Griha) of...

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Home.... Sweet Home! - Choosing the Right Gift for House-warming Party

Nothing is as exciting, or as exhausting as moving into a new home, and the perfect house warming gifts are the ones that allow the new movers to have a quiet moment of reflection. Many times, you want to give a house warming gift to someone moving in next door, or to someone you love who is moving away. While not expected, traditionally it is proper etiquette to arrive at a housewarming party with a thoughtful gift as a token of appreciation and warm wishes. A house warming gift, however, can be elevated to a higher level with just a little bit of thought. Buy gifts that are practical and useful for the one you are giving them too. Hence it is also important that you know what type of people they are. It will be useless to buy them a muffin tray if neither one of them bakes. You want...

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Cooking in Style - Designer Kitchens

Designer Kitchen speaks about who and what you are depending on the styles and design you choose. Since it's a designer's or your own idea- you still cook in style. There are a lot of kitchen designs that you can think of but, there's one that you really wanted and is an extension of your character and personality. Redesigning, rebuilding or a new one still requires rigorous planning to come up with a kitchen that you can not only boast of but is actually making your life easier when working in your kitchen. As how much you love cookery so is your desire to couple your skills with a nice and functional kitchen - inspires you even more. Outdoor kitchens much the same as indoor only here you have a lot of fresh air and natural lighting and I would say easier to clean plus the fact no...

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MIT to the rescue!

The planet is afire. Well, not literally. Not yet, anyway. However, with all the things that are constantly going wrong all over the world, perhaps, that day isn't far. And what we need more than anything else right now is a way to undo things. In that light this new technique developed by  MIT to magnetically separate oil and water is going to go a long way to help in the cause of our oceans that are suffering from increasing amounts of oil spill every year. The team claims their method to be so efficient that the oil can even be reused after separation. There has, of course, been a good deal of research that has been undertaken in...

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World of Chlorophyll - A conceptual Building by an Egyptian Architect

World of Chlorophyll, a project by IAMZ Design Studio, is an idea for a conceptual skyscraper containing the form of residential units in the near future. Their main concept involves the units taking the form of leaves, stemming mainly from the columns, based upon all residential units. This way, the building mimics nature, and in conformity with it, also makes for an easy configuration. With the main functions of the project including commercial, residential, administrative, hotel and entertainment, they also made sure to implement environmental considerations. These features included natural ventilation with the penetration of sunlight through...

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Settling For The Right Settee - Choosing A Settee For Your Home

Choosing settees and sofas can be quite a tricky prospect nowadays with a large array of styles colors and fabrics to choose from. There are a number of things that you might wish to consider when selecting settees and sofas. The vast selection of settees and sofas that are offered in the shops and on the Internet may be fairly daunting therefore it is increasingly vital that you plan properly for the purchase. Whatever style you decide on it will be important that the settees and sofas you opt for is likely to last and suit your family's needs. You will need to think about the space that you have available to you for your new settee or sofa. You should be aware of the sizes available to you and how they will look in a room. To be certain you should always get the sizes of any settees...

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Saving Energy at Work Place - Designing An Eco-friendly Office

Out of all the energy produced by a country, almost a fifth is used up by industrial buildings and offices. An office which is designed according to the purpose of utilizing energy in a resourceful way would not only be able to decrease its impact on the environment, but would also be able to improve the bottom line of the business over the course of time. An eco-friendly office design happens to be a combination of a number of factors such as equipment, location, building features as well as usage. Energy-saving procedures may even be implemented in order to make the cleverest use of effective tools. When designing an eco-friendly office, it is better to begin from the top. You need to weigh the pros and cons of setting up a green roof which conceals the top of a building with a living...

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KEEPING COOL!

If you were to visit this artificial lake in Hanoi, Viet Nam you’d find the stunning structure called Bamboo Wing created by the bamboo masters Vo Trong Nghia. Comprised of two structures one which is the restaurant and the other which is meant to be a bar and events centre, the complex is large and airy and one of their most striking projects to date. Situated next to an artificial lake the buildings are an excellent example of eco-friendly architecture that showcase the talent and handcrafting skills of the artistes as well as the brilliant use of ecologically sustainable materials. The surrounding water body not only adds a beautiful,...

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Talk about smooth sailing!

This one’s definitely a step-ahead in design as well as conservation! I wonder if the sailors of yore would have ever thought of seeing their beloved sails put to this use. But today, between Spanish company DVELAS and Spinnaker, the sails return from their maritime journeys to feature in entirely stunning makeovers. Both companies are recycling used sails that have reached the end of their life and putting them into use in a series of innovative furniture designs. The group of architects and designers from DVELAS launched their Living Sails line with the purpose of recovering materials that hold unique histories, and give them a fresh new life through art and expert craftsmanship. Much like the stylish and extremely comfortable Spinnaker chairs. With a frame made out of spring steel, the...

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Small wonder!

As our number becomes larger spaces available to us become smaller and the challenge today in some of the biggest and busiest cities of the world is to ... well, of course find some kind of space to call your own and then to make the most of what is usually a small space. The challenge, of course, being to not just us the space intelligently but also making sure its well-equipped and presentable. So coming to the rescue of small-home owners it would seem to IKEA. The Swedish furniture manufacturer is now boasting a new small number on its sign-boards and this time they don't claim them as prices. Advertising their 391 sq. ft. apartments in their Brooklyn stores, their designers have come up with some rather well-designed and assembled living units. "It might be compact but its more spacious...

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Artistic Spectacle: Egyptian Temples

One of the most beautiful and impressive aspects of architecture of an Egyptian temple are the spectacular columns, resembling groves of stone trees. These columns, especially at Karnak and Luxor, dwarf human beings and bear inscriptions, carved relieves, and a weighty majesty unequaled anywhere else in the world.  Columns held special significance for the Egyptians, representing as they did the expanses of nature. Columns alluded to the times when vast forests dotted the land, forests that disappeared as the climate changed and civilization took its toll upon the Egyptian environment. They also represented the Nile reed marshes....

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Home décor: Embellishing the Interiors of Your Home

The art of decorating your home interiors is an expensive and a complicated, so to say. However, with a little thought and imagination you don't have to live with bare walls because you can't afford great works of art or even reproduction prints. You can create a number of stunning wall displays by simply using wall picture frames and your own photos to make your walls come alive. There are numerous ways that you can use your own photos as part of your home décor. Even the worst photographer amongst us has a few exquisite pictures we have managed to take of that colorful sunset, that cloudy sky, the gaily colored field of flowers or the squirrel...

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Color the Right Ambiance: Coloring Innovations for Your Home

Walls can indeed do a lot more than just hold up the ceiling. They are the largest expanses of decorative surfaces you have to work with, and they set the stage for the rest of furnishings. What you do with your walls can make up for construction shortcomings, so don’t treat them lightly. Do treat them warmly, coolly, quietly, lively, cleverly. whatever the mood you want to achieve and whatever the room problems you need to overcome, you’ll find a universe of possibilities in a can of paint. Color and pattern are two of the most powerful forces in the visual world. Harness them and you can move walls, raise or lower ceilings, stretch...

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It's all topsy-turvy!

Finally, India can boast of an upside down building of its own! The Caracella Club, named after the first building created as a club by the Romans, has been inspired by the WonderWorks’ ‘inverted amusement parks’ in the USA. Perched to look like it’s about to tip over, it’s been built by the Meriton Group as a part of the Indirapuram development in the NCR region, as a centrepiece for the development. Though, it’s the first of its kind in India, the building is now on the short list of upside down buildings existing the world over.  Japan’s Nagano Prefecture, aside from hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, also has the pretty...

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GiraDora and how!

I know from personal experience that washing clothes without a machine is one of the most dreary, time consuming, exhausting and, often likely to be, thankless job ever! So when I read the news of this super cool eco-friendly washer and spin-dyer I just had to talk about it! Created by Alex Cabunoc and Ji A this rather brilliant invention called the GiraDora is powered by a foot pedal! Priced at $40, the GiraDora looks like an old fashioned ice bucket or water camper or perhaps ice cream maker! All you have to do is fill it with soap and water put the lid on top and then sit on it. Yes, sit on it! And start pedalling! It’s portable...

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Green on wheels!

Now this is what we call Smart Greens! Artist Matteo Cibic has come up with a rather clever way to put the green back in the dense concrete jungle that is modern day Milan. In response to Inhabitat Editor, Jill Fehrenbacher’s question posed on Smart Urban Stage – ‘In crowded cities, how do we create better and more public green space to improve quality of life?’ - the artist came up with what is a rather ingenious idea of a ‘tree trolley wifi bench’. What it is, is a mobile bench and garden combined. So the bench is equipped with wheels and has its own little garden behind it. And not just that, the tree trolley also doubles as a mobile work station for those to enjoy the idea of working outdoors, considering it is wifi enabled and also has charging dockets. And as if that isn't...

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Taipei 101 - Architectural Landmark of Taiwan

Taipei 101 is a renowned skyscraper in Taiwan and a famous landmark in Taipei. This skyscraper is considered as an architectural wonder by the people of Taiwan for the architectural skills it has been made using. After its dedication in 2004, this eye-catching tower was for a brief moment the world’s tallest building. It measures 1,474 feet not including its spire, and Taiwanese insist it still ranks as the globe’s loftiest, as Dubai’s Burj Al Arab tower owes its dominant height to its sail-like crown. Composed of 101 stories above ground and five below, Taipei 101 embodies the King Kong-luring Art Deco glamor of a New York skyscraper....

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On The Go..... Hire A Portable Toilet & Rest Room

Most of the people these days have been into the usage of portable restrooms for outdoor events and celebrations of all kinds. If you are planning for any outdoor event, hiring a portable restroom based on the number of people attending the event would really help them in meeting their sanitary needs in clean and hygienic environment. You can hire portable toilets for any kind of event like celebrations, birthday parties, outdoor events, outdoor weddings, and all other occasions. If you plan to rent a restroom then you must consider few factors that depend on hiring restrooms. The first thing to consider while renting a restroom is the size of the outdoor event. If it is for a large outdoor event, then you are likely to need more portable toilets. This ensures that there are sufficient cleaning...

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Drip Traps! - Waterproofing Basements

Basement of your home is prone to the forces of nature, particularly water as they are situated below the normal floor area of the house. It is very common in most houses in rainy season, water seeping through the cracks that occur in the walls. Basement walls tend to produce cracks and leaks overtime and if not treated immediately, it can cause major damage and money for repair at the same time. With time to time inspection, these predicaments can be achieved by waterproofing basement walls. There are certain measures to follow in order to prevent cracks and leaks. You can start by inspecting the walls of your basement to see if there are evident cracks or holes. If you see some or those attempting to go beyond those of normal cracks, safeguard it by using waterproof products available...

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