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This company specializes in designing interactive architectural installations for a variety of setting. One of my favorite projects by ART+COM is titled Kinetic Rain". It uses 608 "drops" composed of copper-coated aluminum. Each element is connected to a computer-controlled motor that allows for a variety of programming options for visual art displays. Mounted over an escalator in Changi Airport's Terminal 1, the installation can morph into several different shapes. Please click here to see a video of the installation in action. Another interesting project, Duality, uses pressure-sensitive plates to transfer motion from passersby into visual and fluidic displays.
One of the most sustainable cities on the planet, Masdar City offers a creative and entrepreneurial atmosphere where businesses can thrive and innovation can flourish. The city serves as a model of green urban development, designed to provide a high quality of life with a low environmental footpring. Masdar City serves as a platform that provides opportunities for the development, testing, and implementation of the latest technologies in a large scale environment. Masdar City focuses on sustainable design in the following areas: Planning and Design, Energy Management, Water Management, Waste Management, Transportation and Supply chain. Masdar City is a pedestrian-oriented community. One area of interest is the transportation systems. Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) and Freight Rapid Transit (FRT) systems of electric-powered, automated, single-cabin vehicles offer private non-stop travel within the city.
"The Story of Stuff" with Annie Leonard is an interesting video that everyone should watch. The video explains production and consumption patterns and explores the connections between economic, environmental and social issues. Many people are not aware of the complex relationship between corporations, governments, and the commercialization of goods and services. We also may not be aware of how the disposal of products in the U.S. impacts other countries, or the fact that many products are designed with shorter life-spans and lower quality levels to perpetuate the consumer cycle. The Story of Stuff Project focuses on providing educational resources to improve public awareness of environmental issues.
We are currently experiencing one of the most exciting times in Fort Worth's history. A massive project is underway to connect every neighborhood in the city to the Trinity River Corridor by using recreational amenities, improved infrastructure, environmental enhancements and event programming. The Trinity River Vision Authority (TRVA) is the organization that is responsible for implementing this master plan. Part of the project includes the creation of Panther Island, a mixed-use development just north of downtown Fort Worth that will foster a vibrant urban waterfront community in the heart of Fort Worth, embracing the Trinity River and expanding Gateway Park into one of the largest urban-programmed parks in the nation. TRVA has worked with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to design floodgates, channels, bypasses, bridges, a dam and a seawall which will provide flood control during severe weather and maintain water levels year-round for the residents of Fort Worth to enjoy. Please visit the website for additional information, including some videos on the features of Panther Island.
The City of Dallas also has undertaken an urban renewal project to revitalize the Trinity River Corridor, working in conjunction with several public and private organizations. Key components of this project are two signature vehicular bridges that were designed by Santiago Calatrava. Other amenities include the Trinity Audubon Center, parks and trails, office, retail, housing, and other indoor and outdoor venues. Several components of this project are under construction or have already been completed. Feel free to check out the progress and see what's happening next.
For additional interesting architecture-related tidbits please visit my blog: "Arch Bark" at www.tdparch.blogspot.com