RCA Unveils Sleek Sustainable Concept Cars

RCA Unveils Sleek Sustainable Concept Cars
by Mike Chino

Imagine soaring along the road in a car composed entirely of aerodynamic glass, or piloting a red rocket-car with a split chassis mimicking a motorcycle and sidecar. Now consider the fact that these souped-up super-roadsters were envisioned with careful consideration paid to issues of emissions and energy-efficiency. The Royal College of Art recently revealed a rousing rally of auto designs that match sleek profiles with cutting-edge concepts in sustainability. From efficient electric engines to ultra-lightweight materials and driver-less navigation systems, the RCA’s 2008 crop of concept cars struck us as nothing short of stunning.

These concept cars build upon the RCA’s world-renowned vehicle design program, which has produced many exceptional designers over its 40 years of existence. Now that nearly every major auto manufacturer has announced plans for an energy-efficient automobile, we find it truly exciting to chart the territory that future forays in automobile design may take.

Pierre Sabas’ Airflow concept encases an electric engine and suspension within an exterior constructed entirely of glass, while Jon Radbrink’s Nuaero car integrates sophisticated aerodynamic principles such as airfoils, a venturi tunnel, and a catamaran-esque underbody to maximize its efficiency.

Sergio Loureiro Da Silva’s rocket-red Phoenix car pairs beautiful aerodynamic curves with a system that regenerates lost energy through movement, and Arturo Peralta Nogueras’ futuristic vehicle runs on algae and features an evolving solid hologram technology to adapt to its environment, passengers, and scenarios.

+ Royal College of Art

Via Wallpaper.com and designboom.com

LOTUS Looks at Lifecycle with the Eco Elise

LOTUS Looks at Lifecycle with the Eco Elise
by Jorge Chapa

Lotus is doing its best to convince us that they are the greenest car manufacturer, and their latest release, the Eco Elise, makes a great argument that this is the case. Not only is this an incredibly fuel efficient machine, it has been created to be manufactured with the greenest materials that Lotus could find. Embodied energy, material lifecycle, emissions and environmental impact of manufacturing and operating, and overall fuel efficiency are all factors that have been accounted for in the design and production of this soon to premiere vehicle.

Lifecycle was the key word for Lotus. It wasn’t content with just looking at the CO2 emissions of the vehicle’s operation. It looked at the emissions that the vehicle generated and at the emissions that the manufacturing of the vehicle generated. It made sure to select green materials, and even went as far as ensuring that the transportation of the hemp fibers involved as few carbon miles as possible.

The traditional carbon fiber is gone, to be replaced with a hemp composite material that is used throughout the body panels and spoilers. The paint in the vehicle is all water based, and looking sharp as well. The roof has been fitted with solar panels for on the road generation. The seats are covered with dye-free EU Flower certified biodegradable woolen fabrics, and the carpets are made from sisal. All of these improvements resulted in the creation of a lightweight vehicle that improved the performance and fuel efficiency.

Overall, an impressive package. The vehicle will be presented in the British International Motor Show this week.

+ Lotus Cars USA

Via Autoblog

Stunning New Sustainable Landmark for London’s Southbank

Stunning New Sustainable Landmark for London’s Southbank
by Ali Kriscenski

London-based Sheppard Robson architecture firm is bringing a new green office building to the shore of the River Thames at One Westminster Place in Southbank. With sustainability driving the design, the structure’s eye catching glass facade will reflect sunlight in a rainbow of colors creating a crystal like effect. The layers of glazing will also give occupants great views of the surrounding city, including Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge, and boost the building’s energy performance to an excellent BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) rating, the British environmental standard for buildings.

The building will be 345,000 square feet, 18 stories high and feature a central atrium that will open up the interior spaces to natural light. The glass features of the facade, as well as a 10,000 sq.ft. roof terrace, will optimize views of the historic setting. The building will be highly visible from Parliament and Westminster Place, so the design distinguishes itself with the eye-catching play of light and colors not unlike a prism. As the sun moves throughout the day, the reflections change with dramatic effects.

The layered glass facade helps control temperature by creating a buffer between the building’s exterior and the outside environment. The ’sandwiched’ air between glass layers is collected for energy. The building will connect to the existing setting through extensive landscaping that will connect to Westminster Park Plaza and other nearby pedestrian areas.

+ Sheppard Robson

Via World Architecture News

FUSIONOPOLIS: Singapore’s New Green Skyscraper

Singapore’s New Green Skyscraper
by Mahesh Basantani

The Singapore skyline has been getting greener these days with new developments from some of the world’s most renown architects. The latest design to join the trend is a new futuristic green building from architect Ken Yeang named Fusionopolis. A research and development complex, this structure will adorn Singapore as the island nation’s most eco-friendly skyscraper.

The 15-story building will be 1.4 Km high, and boast of a ‘green infrastructure.’ The building will be home to the longest continuous vertical stretch of vegetation of any building in the world. A vertical spine of planting will rise up through the building, and landscaped garden terraces will be located on each floor of the building. The vegetation will help in passive cooling and insulation. The vegetation will also improve the sense of well being of the residents.

Natural daylight will be directed into the building interior by prisms which deflect the sunlight as it hits them. The drainage and irrigation system will also integrated green features. The whole building will function as an ecosystem, and strive to strike a balance between the organic and inorganic elements so as to make the building work like a living system.

The building has been designed by the visionary architect Ken Yeang. He is currently working as the director of Llewelyn Davies Yeang, a leading design and architect firm. He is well-known for developing environmentally sustainable buildings for the tropics and believes in the philosophy that buildings should work like living systems.

+ Llewelyn Davies Yeang

Via The Telegraph

SUMMER STYLE: Banana Fiber Eco-Accessories by Creollus

Banana Fiber Eco-Accessories by Creollus

by Abigail Doan

There is no disputing that Brazilian fashion really sets the standard for sexy bikinis, Ipanema beachwear and curvy, nature-inspired design. With this weekend marking a high-wattage celebration of swimwear collections at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami, we are taking a little time out here in sweltering NYC – to celebrate all things Brazilian – Rosa Cha swimwear, a cool caipirinha drink with organic lime, ethanol made from sugarcane, recycled Melissa Shoes, and what the heck, Gisele Bündchen (she did once date Leonardo DiCaprio)! But not to be overlooked is the latest collection from Creollus designs. We were recently tipped off on their one-of-a-kind, banana fiber bikinis and eco-chic accessories. If going totally organic is truly your M.O. for flaunting what you’ve got, look no further as crocheted-pieces by Creollus will definitely reveal the real you!

The Candice recycled banana fiber Collection by Creollus is a fair trade enterprise that promotes artisan-made goods and recycled, homespun resourcefulness. Their super-cute bikini, tote, and beach pieces are hand-crocheted by two women artisans from southern Brazil. The founders of Creollus wanted to find a viable use for the banana plant fiber that is often discarded after fruit harvesting. They consequently found an innovative way to sustainably prepare and crochet this strong and biodegradable fiber into stylish cover-ups, bikinis, totes, and brimmed sun hats.

Launched in 2001, Creollus has created an impressive network of Brazilian handcrafters who aid in the protection of the environment when creating these one-of-a-kind garments. The founder states,” At Creollus, we are making a real difference by creating a sustainable resource for commonly discarded but highly recyclable materials. Our entire company product inventory is born from techniques that equally value and respect a cleaner and healthier natural environment through the recycling of common commercial and household materials. In creating our company, we are enabling a unique group of sorely underserved artists to form a business cooperative that will significantly improve their standard of living, and give them an appreciative, worldwide audience for their craft.”

+ Creollus Collection

Hand-crocheted banana fiber eco-bikini with pouch by Creollus

Hand-crocheted banana fiber eco tote by Creollus

Hand-crocheted banana fiber eco tote (detail) by Creollus

Banana fiber jewelry by Creollus

MOWERCYCLE! Human powered lawn-mower

MOWERCYCLE! Human powered lawn-mower
by Jill Fehrenbacher

Behold the mowercycle! Is this an awesome DIY design or what? This ingenious bicycle-lawnmower fashioned by an unknown suburban lawn owner out of an old bicycle and a broken lawnmower, is a testament to the creativity of the human spirit. Spotted in dot dream’s flickr stream, we have no idea who the original photographer was, nor do we know anything about the owner/designer of the MOWERCYCLE. All we know is that it is awesome and should be an inspiration to sustainable design fans and DIY tinkerers everywhere.

Build your own wind generator