Lovnish Thakur: Porsanger Blossom can be billed as Norway’s strategy to prepare for future climate changes. These are essentially greenhouses that will help people survive in Norway, as the region is expected to witnesses large scale migration, owing to submergence of the tropical islands in the vicinity. Porsanger Blossom Picture Gallery Porsanger Blossom They are located in the tip of Porsanger-fjord in Finnmark. Summer sunlight and rough wave energy will be used to power these greenhouses, making them self sustainable units in the true sense. The target and challenge is immense and it is hoped that these self sustained greenhouse units will be able to serve ten million people in hard times, when the region witnesses large scale migration due to abrupt climatic change. Use of local knowledge and skill will maximize the benefits that can be derived from Porsanger Blossom. Located in Finnmark, the region is exposed to heavy wave motion and therefore, the greenhouses have been given a modular design, which will maximize the kinetic energy captured by the energy handles. Porsanger Blossom is a true innovation that has been designed keeping the needs of future generations in mind. Also, Norway has been a hub for Marine research technology and Porsanger Blossom is being seen as preserver of frozen samples of crops. With time and concerted efforts on part of the scientific community, Porsanger Blossom can develop as a global plant bank, with frozen samples of plant species that originate in the tropical region. Norway government has been working on a prototype of this plant bank that can serve as a gene bank for the flora of neighboring islands like Tuvalu, Maldives, Tonga and Marshall Island.The adaption process has been initiated and the prototype of the flora is being developed to make the crop seed accessible. Maintaining a region specific culinary identity will be possible with the execution and implementation of Porsanger Blossom concept, as people from neighboring tropical islands will have access to the culinary delicacies of their region. Via: Cargocollective

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Porsanger Blossom: Tropical greenhouse for the Barents Sea

Heather Peters won a suit in small claims court against Honda, claiming the company misled her through fraudulent advertising into buying a Civic Hybrid. Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

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Judge rules Honda overstated hybrid fuel economy

Sonia Renthlei: Green car concepts are ruling the roost these days with many individuals presenting their own visions of what an ideal eco friendly vehicle should look like. There’s a lot to be taken into consideration when dreaming up a truly green vehicle. You would have to factor in green energy, zero emissions and cost of production in terms of resources used. The result should be a car that’s reliable, cost-effective and low maintenance. Morphex Picture Gallery Morphex Skin -nickel-titanium (NiTi)-Shape memory alloy . A certain Romanian designer named lulian Vornicu has caught our interest with his unique car concept that can survive even in Arctic temperatures. Called Morphex, the concept vehicle was entered into the Alaska Motors Competition and though it didn’t bag any honors, it’s well worth mentioning. Morphex is a beast of a car. Powerful looking, its body is made from shape memory alloy, an alloy that recalls its shape. In the event of scratches or grazes to the vehicle, the alloy will get back to its original shape when heated. This saves customers a lot of money on trips to workshop as they don’t need to go for paint jobs unless the damage is extensive. Shedding the need for a windshield, Morphex instead relies on a Sonar Pulsar that can scan the environment and project what it sees into a holographic image. Since conventional windshields can be fragile in Arctic temperatures, the Sonar Pulsar takes over. Also it has a large cargo hold of 500 liters and can seat three people. Morphex will run on two engines and hydrogen fuel cells manufactured by Ballard Power Systems. Incidentally, hydrogen fuel cells are increasingly being seen as an alternative to lithium ion batteries as hydrogen is found in abundance unlike lithium. However, Vornicu has also incorporated 10 lithium ion batteries to boost the capability of Morphex. What’s unique is that the batteries won’t need to be recharged from a conventional power source as they get their energy from friction produced by the air and the NiTi skin. Wheels with caterpillar like tracks, filled with ferrofluid controlled by a magnetic skeleton, reduces friction which saves energy and enables the vehicle to run faster. If you’re wondering just how powerful the Morphex is, then you must know that it can hit an impressive top speed of 300 mph. This is made possible by the 1,400 hp it produces and a max rpm of 8,000. Pretty cool for something that needs to cross over vast stretches of snowy and icy terrain. lulian Vornicu’s skill isn’t limited to automobiles and he’s also come up with cool ideas for interior home designing plans for development projects like Palas Iasi for Romania’s mixed use development market. Via: Forge

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Vornicu’s Morphex is an Arctic beast to contend with

Sonia Renthlei: Our dependence on cars has led to high levels of pollution. Cities are now so fraught with noxious fumes that certain areas witness citizens walking about with their faces covered in masks. Since it doesn’t seem possible to revert back to walking long distances, there’s an urgent need to find alternative ways to curb carbon emissions. This has led designers to come up with concepts for greener cities in which carbon emissions are kept at zero or near zero levels through the use of green energy. Submergence by Paul Typa Picture Gallery Submergence by Paul Typa Proposal introduces the concept of the protective bubble. A city teeming with people and vehicles, Hong Kong is an ideal contender for such visions. . With tourism seeing a constant flow of outside visitors, there’s a need to craft ideas that will seek to change the city in a subtle manner without affecting tourist footfalls and the lives of its citizens. Paul Tse and Evelyn Ting are two designers who teamed up to present their concept titled ‘Submergence’, at the competition for international design ideas. Hong Kong itself is a bustling city that sees many automobiles on the road. Using this as inspiration, the duo envisioned creating protective bubbles around the cars which would reduce emissions. The project sees cars at the border of the island of Hong Kong undergoing a sort of transformation. Here, each vehicle will be fitted with a capsule as it will go through a transition kiosk. The capsule has a double layered skin which acts as individual sound barriers and restricts carbon emissions. The two architects hope to see these protective bubbles transforming the landscape. When the volume of traffic is low, the bubbles will appear as water droplets. When traffic is at its peak, the island appears to be submerged in water. Readers may be wondering about the purpose of changing landscapes but as per the rules of the competition, designers were required to harmonize their concepts with the surroundings, allowing for aesthetics to play a major role. Cities like Hong Kong that have achieved iconic statuses cannot afford to dramatically alter their attributes. As such, Tse and Ting’s proposal seeks to work around this by subtly changing aspects like landscape without capping the number of cars on the roads or imposing other restrictions on citizens. Tse’s ideas are extremely artistic. A look at his works will give you the impression that he works with the surrounding rather than against it. This lends his designs a unique touch, winning him coveted titles in conceptual designing competitions. Via: PaulTypa

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Paul Tse’s ‘Submergence’ might give Hong Kong a complete makeover

Dattatreya Mandal: When we come across modernistic conceptualizations, the majority of the designs tend to flaunt their somewhat presumptuous and even vainglorious bearing. But if we talk about ‘down to earth’ practicality, it is the simplistic, credible conceptions that really matter in the massive commercial scheme of things. Well, the Yamaha Hecta is one among such very few facile contrivances that marries the high points of sustainability and innovation. Hecta Picture Gallery Hecta RCA Final Personal Project. Conceived by designer James Harness, the Hecta has been envisaged as a simple fusion of a human powered bicycle, or rather a tricycle, and an electric vehicle. Coming to the visual essence, the conspicuous front section of the craft insinuates a heavily built chassis with curvaceous lines. In stark contrast, the rear part of the vehicle embodies a minimalist approach with a simple bicycle form and pedals. As for the structural mechanism, this is where the designer effortlessly demonstrates his deft expertise. The bulky front component is covered by a stylized blue lexan top surface, which is fully removable. This structural ‘draping’ conceals a uniquely voluminous cargo space defined by light weight carbon fiber bearing. The hefty section is also supported by two hubless wheels, infused with sturdy electric motors and disk brake cooling. Coming to the rear part, the simplistic single wheel frame encloses a fully integrated battery pack, along a with SRAM I-motion 9 hub gear system. As for maneuvering, the Hecta will pose as a hybrid ‘green’ vehicle with dual driving mechanism. This means the driver can use it as a conventional bicycle powered by pedaling, while the electrical circuitry can alternatively provide for an automatic yet low emission form of transportation. And since we are talking about the intrinsic driving experience, the whole facet is improved upon by an advanced system of integrated computer with RFID sensor and GPS navigation capability, embedded along the front handles. So, at the end of the day, the Hecta certainly thrives to epitomize that novel essence of simplicity, intelligence and most importantly sustainability. Via: JHarness

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Hecta: A ‘green’ user friendly vehicle that fuses bicycle with an electric mechanism

Jaspreet Kaur Walia: City streets are already choked with a lot of traffic and this makes commuting from one place to the other very stressful. Mu Cong, an industrial and automotive designer, has come up with an amazing concept, which has been conceived keeping the year 2046 in mind. Christened the Smart Ball, it is a futuristic vehicle that will bow down to all the demands of a city life. Smart Ball Picture Gallery Smart Ball Smart ball provides you with a dynamic space. Smart Ball is eye appealing and has a dynamic outline. The body structure is unique and has been shaped like a sphere. The wheels of the car blend beautifully with the transparent body of the futuristic vehicle. The see through body of Smart Ball will make sure that a driver gets a great view of what lies in front of him. The best part of the design is that it won’t consume of a lot of space in parking lots. It will easily squeeze in tight spaces and can be flexibly parked just anywhere. This will save a lot of precious space and will create room for more vehicles without any additional efforts. The wheel structure of Smart Ball comes wedged with light, which moves with the turning angle of the tire. Such a placement of lights will result in better lighting and in turn ensure a safe ride when dusk sets in. The tire has a transparent outer wall that has been crafted using rubber. The brake lights have been embedded in the back of the seat, which is definitely very smart and gives the Smart Ball a stylish appeal. The inside is very spacious and comfortable, which will make rides fun. So, kill all worries that come tagged with parking in a tight spaces and move around in style. Via: Michelin Challenge Design

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Smart Ball: A futuristic concept vehicle for 2046

Rahul Gupta: Today’s world, which is deprived of fossil fuels and needs a change from emission-intensive fossil fuels, is definitely in need of a major transformation from gas-guzzling vehicles to cleaner vehicles that are powered by electricity or other forms of alternative energy. However, the lack of charging infrastructure is one reason that is preventing a high-scale adoption of electric cars. Recognizing the need for better EV charging stations, industrial designer Diego Vencato has come up with a concept EV charging station, dubbed the “PS Power Station”. PS power station Picture Gallery PS power station Designing a device to charge electric vehicles. The designer believes that designing such a system means creating an object that changes our relationship with the eco system, bringing in the need to go green. Moreover, an EV charging infrastructure helps increase the adoption of clean electric vehicles, which in turn helps reduce harmful emissions, noise pollution and guarantees a cleaner air, at least on the highways. The “PS Power Station” has been designed to express a positive and eco friendly way to thinking. The product has been inspired by nature, specifically by the plant kingdom, and hence features a tree-like appearance. The system is entirely different from the charging stations we see today as it looks more natural and hence easily blends into the adjoining natural surroundings. We’re not sure if the charging station would be useful in replenishing depleted batteries of all electric vehicles or would it be designed according to the charging requirements of a specific brand EV, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. However, we would also like to see such systems generate electricity by harnessing renewable energy, so that emissions are not only reduced on the highways, but are reduced at every stage. Via: Coroflot

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Nature inspired PS Power Station concept to charge your green car anywhere

Just how much energy does the U.S. military use, what the costs in dollars and the risk to soldiers, and how can they all be reduced? The American Council On Renewable Energy and Advanced Energy Economy are working with the Defense Department to answer those questions.

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What Will It Take to Power the US Military with Green Energy?

Walmart in particular marks a big leap forward, coming up from 15th place three months ago to land in third place. Generating green power on-site — where Walmart is the second-biggest green power creator — is what helped move the retailer up.

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Intel, Kohl’s, Walmart Lead EPA’s Green Power Purchasers List

Sonia Renthlei: Rise in global temperature Naysayers argue that global warming is a natural progression and even if humans were to cease their activities, the earth’s atmosphere would still witness temperature rise. Nonetheless, human activity is significantly contributing to the burgeoning global warming. Taiwan Skyscraper The greenhouse effect is essential to our survival, keeping the earth warm enough for us and other living beings to thrive. The problem arises when too much heat is trapped in the atmosphere owing to increased emission of gases like methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. According to scientists, since 1925, the earth’s temperature has risen by 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. What we’re seeing now are melting polar ice caps, an increase in the number of storms in the North Atlantic, an average of 15 every year as opposed to 10 before the year 1990, and a rise in carbon emissions in almost every country of the world. Melting of glaciers Most proponents of global warming have cited melting of glaciers and ice caps as a clear indicator of the greenhouse effect. According to a study, six major glaciers from the Greenland Ice Sheet recorded the same initial ice buildup in six years and each of these glaciers witnessed a slowdown during the warm years, when a greater amount of melt water was produced. Countries in low lying areas are at risk of being submerged if melting of glaciers continues at the current rate. Three main areas have been identified as being especially vulnerable. 1. Palau, Micronesia: Palau has gained recognition after figuring in the list of Seven Underwater Wonders of the World. The Pacific Island nation has a very rich underwater life, beckoning divers and researchers to study its rich biodiversity. Despite efforts to protect the area, however, Palau may just end up underwater if current trends continue. 2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on the planet. Harboring 2,900 individual reefs, it’s a hot bed of marine activity. But, if waters rise, acidity levels can change and this could ultimately kill the reefs. As it is, Australia’s slow efforts to curb its carbon emissions has already led to substantial damage to the Great Barrier Reef. 3. Maldives, Indian Ocean: Maldives is already witnessing significant erosion on its borders. Aside from climate change, human activities like reclamation, illegal sand and coral mining have led to some houses collapsing because of sand bank erosion. The future of architecture Opinions are divided on the concept of climate change, as we all know and many companies, environmentalists and governments have called for change in policies to halt global warming. Architects and designers have already dreamed up housing projects that seek to minimize impact on the environment by utilizing green, non polluting energy and making provisions for effective waste management. An example is the Float House by Arman Fissette, which attempts to make use of Western Europe’s canal banks. The ‘house’ can either float or lean over an embankment, taking up just a meter of space so as not to affect canal traffic. Your world of tomorrow The five concepts listed below don’t envision living beneath the earth’s crust but do project surviving in underwater cities. Taiwan Skyscraper As part of the Annual Skyscraper Competition of 2006-09, Taiwanese designers came up with a concept of an underwater skyscraper that is self sustaining. The structure has an upper level garden as well as spheres that house offices, residences and lounges. Translucent soft plastic tubes act like elevators, transporting occupants from one level to the next. Food will be grown in the skyscraper itself and waste water will be properly treated for reuse. Electricity will be produced through solar, tidal and wind energy. Gyre Gyre Home design studio, Zigloo, created the Gyre Seascraper concept, an underwater science lab and resort at a dept of 400m, capable of housing gardens, offices, shops, restaurants, residences and recreational areas. A double hulled vortex covered in reinforced glass with concentric rings for each layer, Gyre will be powered by renewable energy through solar cells and wind turbines. Underwater nacelles will act like tidal generators when Gyre is anchored and function as thrusters for propulsion. Undersea Scraper, self sufficient tower undersea scraper self sufficient tower The Undersea Scraper designed by Spanish architects lfigeneia Arvaniti and Higinio Llames, hopes to give future victims of climate change some respite. The structure is self sufficient with the building’s skin having the capability of interacting with the surroundings for generation of tidal power. The dome, meanwhile, converts solar energy into power through photovoltaic generators. The double skin of the Undersea Scraper enables it to float or submerge by acting as a ballast tank. Scraper city Scraper city Malaysian designer, Sarly Adre Bin Sarkum, drew up a concept for the eVolo Skyscraper Competition titled the Water Scraper, which envisions integrating a floating island with an underwater skyscraper. The self sufficient structure generates renewable power by utilizing solar, wind and wave energy, and also produces its own food via aquaculture, farming and hydroponic techniques. A small forest dominates the top of the skyscraper while the lower levels house living spaces. Ballasts and tentacle like protrusions keep the Water Scraper upright. Underwater Skyscraper 7 by De Bever architects Underwater Skyscraper 7 by De Bever architects Conceived by De Bever architects, the Underwater Skyscraper 7 seeks to harmonize living with underwater surroundings. Not many details have been given but from what we can see, the city will house about 6,000 inhabitants with layers of concentric circles acting as living spaces. The benefits 1. Underwater skyscrapers will give vacationers and scientists a safe and non polluting platform to understand the world of oceans. 2. The structures will utilize renewable and clean energy as well as grow food through aquaculture, farming and hydroponics. 3. The skyscrapers will give us a way out and provide us shelter when effects of global warming reach an alarming stage, making living on land next to impossible. 4. Underwater cities use green technology and energy and we might eventually see mankind forever shedding his dependence on conventional energy systems. The challenges While underwater skyscrapers do give us an alternative, it’s obvious that they come with many drawbacks. 1. Sea storms: No technology can keep sea storms at bay and this poses a huge problem for underwater living. 2. Transportation: Since roads won’t be used anymore, we’d have to build whole new transport systems. 3. High humidity : Humidity is higher under water and there are no solutions yet on how to accommodate growing populations. 4. High cost: The cost of building underwater infrastructure will be huge, more than land based living. The bottom line There’s no doubt that underwater cities seem like an attractive solution to global warming. But, how do we ensure that air, water and food quality will be maintained? Moreover, how do we ensure that the ecosystem will be left undamaged by our activities? The sheer volume of work and capital needed to make underwater living feasible is one of the biggest obstacles we’d have to overcome. A far simpler and cost effective solution is turning our lifestyle around by incorporating green energy, proper waste management and innovative architecture in our way of life.

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Is future of human inhabitation heading below the waves?