Prestige

A library dedicated in Little Rock, Arkansas to President Bill Clinton, is as progressive as the man himself. The William Clinton Presidential Library is the first federally constructed building that has received the prestigious L.E.E.D platinum rating for. The platinum rating is so rare that only 28 other buildings across the globe have achieved it. The primary eco-friendly component of this building is its innovative self-sustaining green roof. This green roof filters storm water into the native planted zones, and the vegetation also helps to insulate the building, thus cutting down on energy expenses. The roof is also quite functional, with seating benches, a wooden walkway, and a natural lawn where visitors can explore or just relax.

The Welt

One of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the 21st century is also one of the most Eco-friendly. The BMW Welt building in Munich, is an engineering marvel that contains an incredible 800 kilowatt solar energy station on its roof. The building is heated through the solar energy it collects, and specially modified interior surfaces help to increase natural ventilation and temperature levels. Natural vegetation is also strategically placed throughout the building to help natural rid the air of dust particles. Its an incredible example of green technologies that doesn't take away from the aesthetic experience.

Inside Discovery Green

Forward Progression..

Can you guess which city proudly boasts one of the greenest urban parks in the United States? Houston may not be your first choice, but in actuality this once concrete jungle is really beginning to turn the corner on sustainable design. The park, Discovery Green, received a Gold L.E.E.D rating in 2009 and encompasses a 12 acre area nestled between the Brown Convention Center, Hilton Hotel, and the Toyota Center. This park, is not only constructed on a Brownfield site, but it also went to extensive methods in the construction process to reduce its pollutant emissions. The buildings constructed within Discovery Green use natural passive air flow techniques and open air platforms which help to reduce direct sun to interior areas of the buildings, consequently naturally cooling the buildings. Discovery Green also has an extremely efficient irrigation system, and it even cleans reuses collected rainwater to help increase the water level of neighboring lakes. Thus it’s an incredible step forward for a city that at one time was blanketed by paved impervious surfaces. Discovery Green has pledged in the future years to generate up to a third of its power from green renewable sources, thus making great strides for the city health of Houston.

Gem of Portland

Tanner Springs Park is an urban pocket park in downtown Portland, Oregon in the Pearl District. The uniqueness of this park is its ability to fuse together design elements with historical context to really give this city park, a personality of its own. Before Portland into fruition, this area was boggy wetlands with Tanner Creek running through the center. Thus for the redesign of this park, looked to evoke the naturalistic wetlands with high native grasses and native trees such as: Oregon Oak, red alder and big leaf maple. From an environmental standpoint most of the newly planted trees were transplanted from dilapidated areas around the city. Along the east side of the park, old railroad tracks were salvaged and joined together to form an artistic wall with painted glass interspersed throughout the wall. The raised boardwalk that cuts through the “wetland” water feature helps to bring residents and visitors to the edge of the naturalistic features of this park. All together Tanner Springs Park is a proud symbol of the progressive design approach that the city Portland strives for.

Just the Fundamentals

Home size does matter to some, but to others it is a priority way down on the totem pole. Jay Schafer, founder of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company specializes in miniature house building for those who want to scale down their way of life. The “small house” movement is one that has been collectively gaining steam since the mid 90’s when Schafer originally built his tiny residence, in California. It’s clear that these small homes are not meant for a large family, but one even two people can fit inside many of these homes with relative ease. It is an ingenious way to really cut back on the resources that we, as human beings, consume on a daily basis. It’s simple, less building materials equates to less floor space which means less room to heat, cool, or brighten with electricity. In a time when resources are becoming thinner and thinner, a smaller home means a smaller environmental footprint is left behind.

Rock Solid

Despite what parents may say, positivity can arise from watching cartoons, specifically the Flintstones. Inspired by this antediluvian cartoon, this abode in the Fafe Mountains in Portugal boasts one of the more unique architectural designs I have ever seen. Sustainably constructed between two large boulders, this home is quintessentially progressive. At first glance it appears to be an oversized army bunker, but the more you study it, you begin to realize how it magically interconnects with its surrounding landscape on a purely minimalist level.

Hydraulic Power

For no more then 25$, one can start each day with a little cleaner conscious. Waking up to a liquid powered alarm clock is not only eco-friendly but it’s also very logical. Whether you are sleeping in your home or camping outdoors, this alarm clock works without batteries and without electricity. The liquid powered alarm clock is fully self sustaining once the rear fluid reservoirs are filled. The clock works by taking the electrons from the water molecules and converting them to a constant electrical current which then powers the functions and inner workings of the clock. These reservoirs only need to be refilled approximately once a month and there elongated shape can act as a tool to hold flowers or plantings. The rear liquid holders are elongated as well forming a vase that can even hold plantings. The clock’s modern design looks fresh, it’s concept is clean, and it works like a charm, all positives that point to a brighter morning for any user.

Infusion

Chicago did it once again. A city known for its urban green spaces (i.e. Millennium park, Grant park, Lincoln park etc.) has recently completed an urban makeover to a Chicago neighborhood that was slowly deteriorating. This neighborhood public park next to Greek Town in the West Loop area, boasts a design that flawlessly infuses modern art, with eco friendly design whilst connecting it to the surrounding cityscape. Named after the two streets that enclose it Adams-Sangamon Park, acts as the public yard for many surrounding residents. This is because the West Loop area of Chicago is notorious for wall to wall condos and apartments with little private yard space. Thus Adams-Sangamon Park plays hosts to a variety of local residents, as well as tourists both young and old throughout the temperate months.
Your experience is immediately heightened as you walk through the framed artistic gateways which spray a cooling mist during the warmer months. These hardscape elements give the park users not only a clear threshold, but also a central focal point, which will undoubtedly serve as the iconic image in future years. But the most positive aspect of the design is the use of sustainable features such as porous pavement to better control storm water runoff and excess pollutants. All together this is an exceptional urban park, that all Chicagoans can be proud of, both for its artistic, logical, and environmentally conscious characteristics.

On Edge

Completed in 2007, the Joule Hotel pool in downtown Dallas, Texas literally represents cutting edge design at its best. The pool actually juts out of the building’s exterior, creating a teetering effect as it hangs 80 feet above the street below. This design is forward thinking because of the way it effectively uses the diminutive urban space. The Joule pool increases its range by puncturing the outer barrier that inhibited it from reaching its full potential. Thus the pool users dive into a completely new threshold, one that hovers on the edge of daring innovation and honest practicality.

Sinuous Flow

While Montreal may be the first Canadian city that comes to mind, when thinking of progressive design and architecture, Toronto boasts an art museum that is on the cutting edge of architectural splendor. Completed by the awfully talented architect, Frank Gehry, the Art Gallery of Ontario went through a major renovation, with Gehry spearheading the effort. The sinuous staircases and ramps that wind through the gallery create a pedestrian flow that is both creative and logical. The outer glass façade represents a ship wading through the city. The building’s exterior also acts to interconnect the gallery with the rest of Toronto with its open views and reflective frontage.

Beltline Urban Oasis

One of the greatest urban revitalization projects in the Southern United States is currently in progress in one of the most economically depreciated sections of Atlanta. The Old 4th Ward neighborhood in Atlanta has been a haven for deviant behavior for many decades, partially because so many of the neighborhood’s residents are living right at or below the poverty line. The area contains one of the highest child poverty rates in the entire city. But in the last several years with the planning of the new Beltline in Atlanta, the 4th Ward neighborhood has begun to see steps towards revival, primarily with the new 35 acre park. This urban Atlanta green space will mark the first park project that the Beltline has undertaken. It will contain sustainable aspects, like the large storm water retention pond that will become a focal point for the larger park green space stretching roughly from North Avenue to Freedom Parkway. Other amenities of the park include an event lawn, a skate park, and an amphitheatre. This park, when completed should also provide a economic boost to the surrounding real estate, as well as provide a spark for the residents of Old 4th Ward Park.

Hand Power

Many eco-friendly gadgets have developed in recent years with the ability to use renewable energy as their main power source. Renewable energy can be supplied through solar power, wind power, geothermal power, water power, and in this case human power. The YoGen Hand Powered charger uses basic elements in both its design and function that equates to a simply brilliant product. The product works by pulling a string attached to the charger, which then powers a small energy mechanism which feeds the charge into the needed device. This small gadget can be transported anywhere with ease and weighs less than 3.5 ounces. As you can see below, it can also save your life if you happen to be caught in the "storm of the century."