[ earth day ] the organization, created the first earth day on 22 april 1970. since then over 1 billion individuals have mobilized for the future of the planet via the earth day network. 75,000+ partners in over 190 countries are now working to drive positive action.
their mission? to build the world’s largest environmental movement to drive transformative change for people and planet.
the theme for earth day 2020 is climate action. the enormous challenge — but also the vast opportunities — of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary.
above > climate strikers take to the streets of new york city in september 2019 for global strikes coordinated by the fridays for future youth climate movement | photo credit: inma galvez-shorts
above left > aircraft landing at heathrow airport over horses in a nearby field. photo: chris j ratcliffe / getty images
uk walking the talk and the world says bloody good news. ~ DA editor
heathrow airport’s plans to increase capacity of europe’s biggest travel hub by over 50% were stalled when a british court said the government failed to consider its commitment to combat climate change when it approved the project.
“the paris agreement ought to have been taken into account by the secretary of state,” lord justice lindblom wrote thursday, referring to the landmark climate deal in which nearly 200 countries vowed in 2015 to reduce their greenhouse emissions.
last year, the u.k. also became the first of the major group of seven countries to enact a pledge aiming to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 — a pledge that the office of chris grayling, then the secretary of state for transport, failed to keep in mind when crafting the plans in its airports national policy statement.
“that, in our view, is legally fatal to the anps in its present form,” lindblom said.
ultimately, the legal challenge decided thursday succeeded on environmental grounds. plan b, the climate-focused legal charity that brought the claim, cheered the decision as a landmark that “will be hugely influential across the uk and around the world.”
“the message is finally getting through,” the group said in a statement released thursday. “the bell is tolling on the carbon economy loud and clear.”
greta thunberg, the teen climate activist named time magazine‘s person of the year in 2019, also celebrated the decision: “imagine when we all start taking the paris agreement into account,” she tweeted thursday.
“we have not decided, and could not decide, that there will be no third runway at heathrow,” he wrote. “we have not found that a national policy statement supporting this project is necessarily incompatible with the united kingdom’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change under the paris agreement, or with any other policy the government may adopt or international obligation it may undertake.”
still, the plan isn’t exactly dead — a point that justice lindblom himself made clear in the judgment. he said the decision rests on a failure to consider the country’s climate commitments, not a fundamental incompatibility with those commitments.
and heathrow airport holdings has no intention of backing down, saying “the court of appeal dismissed all appeals agains the government – including ‘noise’ and ‘air quality’ – apart from one which is eminently fixable.””
we will appeal to the supreme court on this one issue and are confident that we will be successful. in the meantime we are ready to work with the government to fix the issue that the court has raised.
heathrow has taken a lead in getting the uk aviation sector to commit to a plan to get to net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the paris accord. expanding heathrow, britain’s biggest port and only hub, is essential to achieving the prime minister’s vision of global britain. we will get it done the right way without jeopardizing the plant’s future. let’s get heathrow done. [ npr ]
“airlines, for all intents and purposes, are becoming more fuel efficient. but we’re seeing demand outstrip any of that,” said brandon graver, who led the new study. “the climate challenge for aviation is worse than anyone expected.”[ nyt ]
unregulated carbon pollution from aviation is the fastest-growing source of the greenhouse gas emissions driving global climate change. in fact, if the entire aviation sector were a country, it would be one of the top 10 carbon-polluting nations on the planet.[ wwf ]
a lot will be happening in the ev, self-drive marketplace in 2020. above, nuro r2
now they get a great opportunity to prove themselves. the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) has awarded [ nuro ] with a permit to temporarily deploy up to 5,000 low-speed electric delivery vehicles free of human controls.
the nuro r2 has been designed to make short trips and will be restricted to pre-mapped neighborhood streets. the vehicles will be deployed during a two-year period and offer a delivery service for grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses.
in granting the nuro r2 a permit to test on public roads, the nhtsa has for the first time approved a petition for a vehicle that doesn’t meet all existing u.s. auto safety standards, such as featuring normal human controls like a steering wheel and mirrors.
u.s. transportation secretary elaine chao says that for vehicles like the nuro r2, “certain features that the department traditionally required – such as mirrors and windshield for vehicles carrying drivers – no longer make sense.”
nuro was co-founded in 2016 by a pair of former google engineers who had worked on the company’s self-driving car project. last year, nuro raised $940 million from softbank group corp and the company is now valued at $2.7 billion.
in december 2019, the state of california said it would allow ‘light-duty’ autonomous delivery vehicles to hit public streets across the state with a requirement test vehicles without a backup driver will need a certified link to a remote operator that can take control. at the time, nuro said it would apply for a permit to test the r2 in california, having already tested the vehicle in arizona and texas.
[ nuro ] dave ferguson and jiajun zhu have devoted their careers to robotics and machine learning, most recently as principal engineers at google’s self-driving car project (now waymo). they founded nuro in 2016 to harness the power of robotics and artificial intelligence to solve new challenges at a global scale. today their team consists of veterans in robotics, consumer electronics, autonomous vehicles, and automotive — from google, waymo, apple, uber, tesla, and gm.
if the new mustang mach-e doesn’t look like a duck nor walk like a duck why call it a duck? this new suv, though tagged with the past, hints of mustang in the head and taillights and ponies here and there. but this new all-electric suv is really built for an exciting future.
above > e-latch system – no door handles but when car recognizes you it will present door button
80% of electric vehicle charging happens at home. ford offers multiple home charging solutions to fit your needs a) the ford mobile charger comes standard – a slow but convenient charge using a standard (120v) electrical outlet. b) the ford connected charge station is an option that fully charges your vehicle overnight* in a 240V outlet.
above > massive 15.5-inch infotainment screen is standard / mobile phone as a key with fordpass – no more fumbling for a fob.
first edition / sold out!
$59,900 msrp (epa est. 270 miles, mid 5-second, awd, 19” wheels)
0-60 > mid-5 seconds
the first edition will be a limited run with an exclusive body color (grabber blue), red brake calipers, and unique stitching. available in late 2020
select (base model)
$43,895 msrp (epa est. 230 miles, awd or rwd, 18” wheels)
0-60 > mid-5 seconds
available in early 2021
premium
$50,600 msrp (epa est. 300 miles, awd or rwd, 19” wheels)
0-60 > mid-5 seconds
available in late 2020
california route 1
$52,400 (epa est. 300 miles, awd, 18” wheels)
0-60 > mid-6 seconds
available in early 2021
gt
$60,500 (epa est. 235 miles, awd, 20” wheels
0-60 > mid-3 seconds
available in early 2021
innovative features
phone as a key with fordpass – no more fumbling for a fob.
e-latch system – no door handles but when car recognizes you it will present door button
a heavier mini with a lighter carbon footprint, and maybe more nimble as her center of gravity is one inch lower. the mini se will start at $29,900 and be available spring 2020. also check out a mini history below.
[ pros and cons }
power > front-wheel powered 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque / similar to bmw i3
battery > space saving integrated into floor 32.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion
charging > 50-kilowatt fast charge of 80% in 35 minutes
weight > 1,400 pounds – battery pack adds 319 pounds but lower center of gravity
one inch taller > blame it on the integrated battery
range > 150 miles for initial offering designed primarily for urban environments, not for road trips
0 to 60 mph in 7.3 secs
[ premium features that come standard }
advanced heat pump technology
comfort access keyless entry
connected navigation
dc charging capability
dual-zone automatic climate control
electric parking brake
heated exterior mirrors and washer jets
heated front seats
led headlamps
sport leather multifunction steering wheel
[ details ]
[ mini history ] launched in 1961 via british motor corporation (1959 – 1968) bmw acquired the mini franchise in 2000.
below left to right > 1960s mini cooper s / designed by alec issigonis & john cooper // 2019 john cooper works 2-door hardtop with spoiler option
above > courtesy nendo and fritz hansen / photography akihiro yoshida
household waste redesigned – introducing the n02™ recycle chair from fritz hansen. n02™ recycle is a new, all-purpose chair from fritz hansen made of upcycled plastic, household waste – it is our first chair produced in colored, recycled polypropylene.
the chair is fritz hansen’s first move towards creating a chair for the circular economy, as it is made from recycled plastic and can be recycled again at the end of its life.
the strong, stackable chair is designed in collaboration with japanese studio nendo and inspired by a simple crease of paper on the designer’s work table. the folded paper translated into a crease in the chair’s shell that makes the design support the sitter’s upper and lower back.
the chair’s elegant shell is made of circular plastic, meaning it is made of recycled plastic that can be recycled again if necessary. the plastic used for n02™ recycle comes from household, plastic waste collected, processed and upcycled in central europe, reducing transportation.
7 shell color options are inspired by earthy, warm tones in scandinavian nature. these colors and multiple leg options make n02™ recycle a strong solution for dining rooms, home offices, meeting rooms or as extra, multi-purpose seating. the wipeable, plastic shell is child-friendly and very easy to clean.
“we wanted to do a versatile, plastic, stacking chair in recycled materials. collaborating with studio nendo meant the design would be simple and elegant, a really nice blend of scandinavian and japanese aesthetics,” says christian andresen, head of design at fritz hansen.
“n02™ recycle can also be considered a statement of intent from fritz hansen. we have developed extensive knowledge and experience creating beautiful, well designed stacking chairs such as the iconic series 7™ and ant™. the n02™ recycle is the latest chair design in that tradition. it was not easy to create a recycled and recyclable chair that meets fritz hansen’s quality standards, but the result was worth all the experiments and hours spent brainstorming,” he added.
“the fact that the material is constructed from everyday recycled plastic creates an extra connection between the user and the chair. it’s an accessible design made for everyday use and made from everyday recycled, household plastics,” says oki sato of nendo. (below)
[ vitals ]
the shell is made of 100% recycled/recyclable polypropylene
colors: dark orange, dark red, dark blue, light blue, grey, black, off white
sledge base is chromed steel (50% recycled)
swivel bases is polished aluminum (95% recycled)
all other bases come in powder coated steel (monochrome) or chromed steel upon request
arms always match the base finish
available in stores november 2019
man and nature are together again to investigate a possible and sustainable future – matteo ragni, curator
500 years after the death of leonardo da vinci, genius and symbol of the cultural rebirth of our country, de rerum natura proposes a reflection on contemporary design, that in the name of a newfound harmony between man and natura, investigates possible and sustainable futures. a new renaissance.
the city of chicago recently announced a $8.5 billion renovation of o’hare international airport including a new terminal that will be the centerpiece of the largest expansion in o’hare’s history.
to jump-start this vision, twelve global architectural firms were asked to submit proposals including danish architect bjarke ingels, studio fuksas of italy, chicago firms, gensler, hok, perkins + will, and chicago architect helmut jahn, who designed the stunning terminal 1 which opened in 1986.
a shortlist of five firms are highlighted below. two design contracts will be awarded: the winning team will design the global terminal and concourse. the second-place finisher is expected to design the satellite concourses. the eight-year project, made possible by the end of a 35-year lease with the airlines, would be paid for with future airline fees, and therefore would not require taxpayer dollars.
[ design objectives ]
> expand terminal and gate space
> replace aged infrastructure with state-of-the art systems
> introduce new technology and security innovations
> integrate domestic and international to create a seamless passenger experience
> enhance the passenger experience
> incorporate sustainability and enhanced accessibility features
> reflect the legacy of chicago’s innovation, architecture, and it’s diversity
[ scope of work ]
> increasing the airport’s overall footprint from 5.5 to 8.9 million sq ft.
> tearing down 55-year-old terminal 2 and creating a new global terminal
> adding 25% gate capacity at existing gates to accommodate larger aircraft
> increasing gate count from 185 to 235
> adding two new remote satellite concourses
> adding a tunnel to a new parking facility foreshadowing a future new terminal
> renovating terminals 1,3, and 5
while affirming the 14 project design objectives and scope of work expectations DesignApplause considers the heart of this project is replacing a 55-year-old terminal with a cutting-edge architectural solution that’s categorically a part of every world’s-best discussion.
[ uniquely different ] two concepts stand out: studio ord features ample neighborhoods and greenspace not seen elsewhere in terminals. foster epstein moreno jv boasts a world-first column-less concept under an extraordinary shell with a span of 550 feet.
[ wow factor ] one concept dominates: foster epstein moreno jv a space that pushes the limits of technology and truly lifts the spirits.
[ pro vs con ] what stands out…only one concept with zero con: foster epstein moreno jv.
[ shortlisted firms ]
above > the fentress-exp-brook-garza joint venture’s globally-minded terminal design for chicago provides an elegant, spacious, and sustainable gateway to connect chicagoans and the world with speed and efficiency. soaring spaces sparkle with sunlight and lift the human spirit. daylight and spatial composition guide passengers intuitively and purposefully. the latest technological advances shape a smart, seamless, comfortable, and unencumbered experience. from arrival to departure, every element of the new terminal is crafted to elevate the passenger, making their journey inspiring, engaging, stirring, and fun. our vision is to return the romance of air travel to all who pass through chicago’s o’hare.
above > foster epstein moreno jv / a joint venture led by foster + partners and chicago-based firms epstein and moreno. our design is based upon a sequence of memorable and distinctive spaces that create a gateway to chicago with architecture that is open, transparent, inclusive, welcoming and functional, in turn resolving the sophisticated security, airport and airline requirements in a way that meets the needs of both employees and passengers. three arches frame the landside of the building, merging into a grand single arch on the airside, thus dissolving the barrier between inside and out and allowing the spectacle of the airfield to be visible to all who pass through the gateway, and recapturing the romance associated with air travel.
above > studio ord / chicago is a city defined by motion; confluence – of our river, of trail networks, of railroads – has shaped our most vibrant civic spaces. studio ord’s elegant and efficient design for the o’hare global terminal and global concourse unifies the airport’s campus by converging seamless lines of motion across three terminals around a spectacular central oculus. this confluence becomes orchard field – a vibrant neighborhood that combines abundant green spaces with distinctive landmarks, bespoke retail pavilions, and diverse activity zones. richly layered and easily navigable, it captures the unique character of chicago and redefines o’hare as a 21st century international destination.
above > som / we have delivered global excellence in this great city, shaping chicago’s skyline, neighborhoods and public realm for more than 80 years. it’s said that our chicago buildings turn “pragmatism into poetry.”
our elegantly undulating o’hare global terminal aims to be the world’s best, through optimal functional planning, great design, and keen practicality – all quintessential chicago qualities.
we infuse the muscular heritage of chicago architecture and engineering with many lessons from the natural environment, to increase human comfort, save energy and define a distinctive sense of place. this can be chicago’s next great building and our new gateway to the world.
above > santiago calatrava, llc / o’hare’s global terminal by santiago calatrava is a masterwork of modern terminal architecture. with a glass façade and dramatic shell-like roof soaring over the approach road, the building unifies the terminal complex while establishing itself as its centerpiece.
inside, vaulted, light-filled spaces celebrate both the grandeur and simplicity of bygone travel as customers move easily to and from gate areas enlivened by chicago-focused concessions in an airy, park-like setting.
convenient links to adjacent terminals, satellite concourses, and public transit support a future vision plan that transforms the area opposite the terminal into a vibrant hotel, retail and business complex.
somewhat unusual is the jury is not being disclosed, not even to the architects. please stay tuned.
date> 18 september 2014 | 6:30p CST
>the lecture is being webcast. [ link ] password: wilsonart
grace jeffers to give closing lecture entitled “Man Made Natural” at the 9-city wilsonart roadshow.
the lecture, which is CEU Accredited, will explore our definitions of nature and what we consider natural. it will examine our ill-informed rejection of man-made material and illustrate how they functionally surpass natural materials. more importantly, she reveals how man-made materials are a vital part of the strategy to protect our environment.
On 6 August 1882 this printing press produced copies of Le Chaleur Solaire (Solar Heat) by Augustin Mouchot, a newspaper that he created in the Tuileries Gardens, Paris, for the festival of L’Union Francaises de la Jeuenesse. It printed 500 copies an hour, using solar thermal technology.
Solar power and the electric car are not new. Designers and engineers, as early as 1870, were creating working prototypes from Cairo to Boston. Over 500 electric cars were registered in Boston in 1902. In Paris in 1870, a solar powered printing press printed over 500 newspapers an hour.
What stopped this innovation? At that time, new technology driven by oil and war. Large ships, planes, and tanks were developed to be powered by oil. According to author David Thorpe, “around 1900 there were three types of powered vehicles on the street, each with a third of the market: steam-powered, electric and gasoline.” In 1900, early champions of the electric car argued that it was safer (gasoline engines at the time risked explosion) cleaner, noiseless, and unlikely to cause environmental problems. Much has changed in the past 100 years, and this storyline has sustained.