Architects have designed an incredible 65-storey 'earth-scraper' which plunges 300 metres below ground.
The stunning upside down pyramid in the middle of Mexico City is designed to get around height limits on new buildings in the capital.
The subterranean building will have 10 storeys each for homes, shops and a museum, as well as 35 storeys for offices.
Deep: The 65-storey 'earth-scraper' is set to plunge 300m into the ground beneath Mexico City
Epic scale: The enormous complex is intended to get round the city's planning laws, which state that buildings can be no more than eight storeys high
Landmark: The earth-scraper would be located in the city's main square, and topped with an enormous Mexican flag
A glass floor covers the massive 240m x 240m hole in the city's main square to filter in natural light from the world above.
The design has been crowned with a Mexican flag.
Esteban Suarez, from architecture firm BNKR Arquitectura, said the building would also house a new cultural centre.
Scary: The core is all made of glass to ensure that all parts of the building receive natural sunlight from the world outside
Relaxing: Designers expect the public areas of the building to become a popular destination for those wishing to escape the bustle of the city
Heritage: The earth-scraper is expected to contain a museum and cultural centre which will explore the history of Mexico and its pyramids
He said: 'New infrastructure, office, retail and living space are required in the city but no empty plots are available.
'Federal and local laws prohibit demolishing historic buildings and even if this was so, height regulations limit new structures to eight storeys.
'The city's historic centre is in desperate need of a makeover but we have nowhere to put it, this means the only way to go is down.'
He added: 'The Earthscraper preserves the iconic presence of the city square and the existing hierarchy of the buildings that surround it.
'It is an inverted pyramid with a central void to allow all habitable spaces to enjoy natural lighting and ventilation.
'It will also allow the numerous activities that take place on the city square year round such as concerts, open-air exhibitions and military parades to go ahead.'
Unobtrusive: One advantage of the unusual structure is that it would create space in the centre of Mexico City, which is full of historic buildings which cannot be demolished
Green: The interior of the building is supposed to look natural and welcoming
Efficient: The creative use of space would allow the plaza to be used for events such as concerts and military parades
Massive: The space covering the earth-scraper will take up 240 square metres in the heart of Mexico's capital
Pyramids play a large part in the architectural history of Mexico, as the country's anicent civilisations have often build huge pyramid structures.
When the Aztecs first came into the Valley of Mexico they built their pyramids on the lake they found there.
As the Aztec Empire grew in size and power they conceived a new and bigger pyramid, but instead of looking for a new site they just built it on and around the existing one.
The traditional pyramids are therefore composed of different layers of historical periods.
Modern: Much of the building is expected to be devoted to office space
Shopping: The earth-scraper would almost certainly become one of the city's top retail destinations as soon as it opened
Connected: This picture shows the proposed metro station which would pass through the earth-scraper just below ground level
When the Spanish arrived in America and ultimately conquered the Aztecs, they erected Christian churches on top of the pyramids.
Eventually their whole colonial city was built over the Aztec one. In the 20th century, many colonial buildings were demolished and modern structures raised on the existing historic foundations.
Esteban added: 'The Earthscraper digs down through the layers of cities to uncover our roots.'
Novelty: No other public building extends so far beneath the ground
Technical: The building would be an extraordinary feat of engineering
Today: The plaza, shown as it looks currently, would be transformed by the radical plan
I have not posted much of the recent work of Michael Jantzen on TreeHugger; he has interesting visions but very little reality, mainly renderings of architectural wonders in open fields. (Jerry covered a recent one here.) But I learn from a reprint of a 1982 Popular Science in Modern Mechanix that thirty years ago he was designing very green, cutting-edge stuff that pushes every button that we talk about today. The Liberated House, or Autonomous Dwelling from 1979 is a wonder.
The goals of the Autonomous Dwelling Unit were not dissimilar from what so many architects are trying to achieve today:
First, be a mobile home, light and small enough to be towed long distances over the road, or be carried by helicopter, or even be floated on water.
Second, be independent of utility hookups--electricity, gas, water, and sewage--and of fossil fuels.
Third, be mass-producible at a cost competitive with luxury travelers of comparable size.
Partner Ted Bakewell III explains the construction:
"Let's look at the external features first," says Bakewell, leading the way through the large muddy field in the center of a Bakewell office park. "The shell, for example." The interlocking, aluminized-steel sections that form the rounded ends of the vehicle are normally used for silo tops. The center section would normally be used to join twin silos. "They're very thin sheets, fabricated with a ridge in each panel, so they easily slide together, interlocking, for a totally watertight seal," Bakewell says.
The exterior has rainwater collection and solar panels.
With the sun shining, it has a peak output of 80 watts, going to 120 at noon when the reflector comes into use. Four 12-volt marine batteries store the electricity. "It works because we have designed our electrical needs with the most energy-efficient appliances available," Bakewell says. "We have a truly microload demand that is matched to this small solar panel."
The funkadelic interior includes a thermal storage system under the bed that gathers heat in the daytime and releases it at night, that I am thinking of knocking off for a LifeEdited. A round wood stove hangs from the ceiling. Transformer furniture abounds:
In the dining area, inventive design abounds. Leaves drop down or snap up to extend the table. Seats drop down to get out of the way. Most of Bakewell's cooking is done on an alcohol stove; he believes in using renewable fuels as much as possible. The refrigerator was designed from scratch. In winter, ducts below bring in cold air, saving electricity. A butterfly valve controls the amount. In summer, a solid-state thermionic device supplies cooling.
The toilet area contains a shower and a Clivus Multrum Bio-Loo, a Swedish waterless toilet that composts human waste odorlessly. The shower resembles a nylon telephone booth. Square hoops support an ingenious curtain arrangement (see photo) sewn together by Jantzen's wife, Ellen. Bakewell economizes on water by using a special nozzle head, developed for distributing chemicals from crop-dusting planes. It is capable of producing a very fine water-conserving mist that is, he says, nonetheless very effective in washing. Or, if he feels like splurging, he can open it up all the way. Bakewell showers with, basically, recycled water from a gray-water (used wash water) tank, to which he adds, as needed, fresh water taken from the vinyl rainwater bladder.
"We pump gray water into a pressure tank," he says. "Then it's forced through a five-micron filter, then a 0.25-micron filter, then an iodinator. Then it goes into a storage tank. Before it's delivered to a faucet or shower, it goes through a carbon polisher-activated charcoal. We take out the bacteria with the filters, and then we kill the viruses with the iodine."
It is a wonderful design, full of ideas that are just being rediscovered today. I so wish Michael Jantzen still built things like this, we have so much to learn from him. More at Modern Mechanix.
While reviewing other older work on Jantzen's site, I found this wonderful summer house from 1976. The exterior is certainly a period piece, but the interior!
Look at that transformer kitchen in the middle of the unit, with the sides that fold up to make a dining area. The bunks, hanging around the side of the unit with seating below, just like a railway car. The whole thing is brilliant.
Its main focus? The greening and improvement of public space to encourage community building.
Main points of the plan include every green urbanite's dream: improvement of diminished neighborhoods, library-parks, new schools and kindergartens, social housing, pedestrianization and greening of streets, new public transport and better security.
Here are 12 of our favorite new architectural endeavors in this city.
Madrid's green wall is a veteran... First noted here in 2008, it was designed by Patrick Blanc, who has created some of the most famous vertical gardens in Europe.
It was installed on an exterior wall of a former power station which was renovated by equally famous architects Herzog & de Meuron. The garden and the building have been braving the pollution, hot sun and elements for four years and we are pleased to announce that both mother and child are doing well.
Photo: B. Alter
First the building: it was a former power plant built in 1899 and one of the few examples of industrial architecture left in the old section of the city. Caixa Forum is a cultural and arts centre that hired Herzog & de Meuron to convert the building and retain the industrial feel. A Swiss firm, they renovated the Tate Modern in London which was formerly a power plant as well.
Photo: B. Alter
Their master stroke was to remove the base of the building so that it seems to hover over the ground. That created a large plaza which provides a place to sit and meet away from the burning sun. The building goes underground, for an auditorium, and three stories above with gallery space, shop and cafe. The rusted iron cladding on the top level has aged and corroded and is a warm bronze colour.
Photo: B. Alter
The vertical garden, designed by Patrick Blanc, is 4 storeys high and takes up one outside wall, overlooking the plaza. It has 15,000 plants from more than 250 different species and most of it is flourishing.
There is an irrigation system which seems to be ongoing, given the gentle mist of droplets that emanates from the garden. The architects said that they wanted to "create a very unusual encounter between the rough and the natural, ...to incorporate nature so there can be the smell of a garden where you would not expect it."
With the goal of recovering the historical center of Peru's capital city, a group of organizations put together an event called Gran Semana de Lima or Lima's Great Week, which aimed to create new life in the streets.
Among other activities, there was a contest for urban interventions and one of the winners was this amazing project called Green Invasion by architects Genaro Alva, Denise Ampuero, Gloria Andrea Rojas and industrial designer Claudia Ampuero.
Using recycled tires, plastic and lots of grass, the team turned the concrete filled Pasaje Encarnacion in a beautiful park and point of encounter where kids were allowed to step into the green, as Plataforma Arquitectura notes.
Photo: Musuk Nolte.
Photo: Genaro Alva.
As in many cities in Latin America, in Lima there's a real state frenzy that is rapidly moving forward building the highest amount of sq. meters per piece of land at the cheapest price, leaving recreation and public places relegated. While the World Health Organization says there has to be 8 sq. meters of recreation area per person, in Lima there's only 1.98.
The green invasion was a response and a call for attention to this subject, showing how important public areas and green spots are for a city and its inhabitants.
Photo: Genaro Alva.
Photo: Musuk Nolte.
Although it's not entirely clear, most likely this park was left in the neighborhood after the event ended, and local organizations and people were invited to add plants and items to the park.
The architects also hoped this could be an example for other neighborhoods to copy.
Photo: Genaro Alva.
Photo: Genaro Alva.
What's more to say? Great urban interventions make our cities more livable, even more if they're filled with good old plants that embellish the surroundings and purify air. More on Lima's Great Week at their website.
The restaurant business can be an extremely wasteful one -- and those times when you don't have time to cook or just feel like someone else's cooking, can have a serious impact on your footprint. Luckily the foodies have options, with more and more sustainable restaurants springing up around the world. With this in mind, we've culled 10 great new restaurants in the U.S., with help from the extensive Green Restaurant Association database and reviews from both diners and other publications. Each restaurant -- offering a variety of cuisine -- has been in operation for less than a year.
Restaurants can accumulate points in seven categories to earn a green badge from the Green Restaurant Association:
Chemical and Pollution Reduction
Water Efficiency
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Sustainable Furnishings and Building Materials
Sustainable Food
Energy, and Disposables.
Based on the number of points earned, restaurants are designated as a 2-Star (at least 100 points) or a 3-Star (at least 175 points) Certified Green Restaurant.
I opted for the chocolate milk and my bf got the maple w/bacon...wowza!! I'm telling you..we could've skipped breakfast and just had some of those! It tasted like pancakes w/bacon and syrup..mmmm.. The cupcakes were very moist and generous w/the topping as well.
Highlights:
At CUPS, 30% of main dishes are vegetarian. They source certified organic items, boast many vegan options, and feature recycled flooring, countertops, and decor. They also recycle cardboard, paper, plastics, glass, and aluminum, and staff dines on 100% reusables.
Owners Rick and Deann Bayless are widely credited with bringing authentic Mexican regional cuisine to a wider audience. Their restaurant is the place to taste real Mexican food, so don't show up expecting a plate of nachos with processed-cheese topping. The building actually houses two restaurants: the casual Frontera Grill (plain wood tables, terra-cotta tile floor) and the fine-dining Topolobampo (white linen tablecloths, a more hushed environment). At both restaurants, the focus is on fresh, organic ingredients supplied by local artisanal farmers.
Highlights:
Frontera features local and regionally-sourced certified organic foods and water is served only upon request. If every U.S. restaurant did this, the Green Restaurant Association tells us, we would save 26 million gallons of water per year.
The restaurant has a full-scale recycling program, composts pre-consumer and post-consumer waste and is conveniently located close to major public transportation outlets, helping reduce pollution. Plus, their vehicles use alternative fuels.
Adam's recently received the award as the first 3 Star Certified Green Restaurant in Oregon. This might lead you to think that the food is MERELY good for you, but Adam has maintained his reputation as a fine chef while sticking to his mission: sustainability and a zero carbon footprint. We go back regularly for the salads, the hormone free meat and fresh fish. Especially good last time was the "hand cut papardelle with braised lamb". We also love the bread, baked in the restaurant. Though the menu has changed from the original Adam's Place, the martinis have remained. And they are excellent.
Highlights:
At the Sustainable Table, to-go containers are made from 100% recycled (35% post-consumer recycled) content that's processed without chlorine; others are made from corn-based material. The restaurant's decor is made up of everything from refurbished chairs and tables to bamboo window treatments and lamps made from recycled cans.
Del Posto, which means "of the place," has ample ethnic grounding in Italy's fancier restaurants. It also has something more important: mostly terrific food, distinguished by first-rate ingredients (the arugula here makes arugula at many other restaurants seem like iceberg in drag), clear flavors and, more often than not, superior cooking.
Highlights:
Del Posto sources sustainable seafood; uses low-flow sink aerators, which help conserve water; and installed compact fluorescent lamps and occupancy sensors in the restrooms and walk-in cooler. They also buy free-range and hormone-free meats.
A full-scale recycling and composting program includes grease recycling, and the interior features recycled materials including tables made from salvaged wood.
When you're looking for refuge from Cubs game days and party nights in Wrigleyville, Uncommon Ground offers a dose of laid-back, vaguely bohemian civility. Just off busy Clark Street, the cafe has a fireplace in winter (when the cafe's bowl -- yes, bowl -- of hot chocolate is a sight for cold eyes) and a spacious sidewalk operation in more temperate months.
Highlights:
Uncommon Ground serves local food, and uses reclaimed wood in its decor and furniture. The uniforms are even made from organic cotton, and there's a full-scale recycling and composting program.
In a land where people get confused when you try to explain what being vegetarian means, Comb Ridge Coffee is a king among restaurants. My soy chai latte was so awesome, I went back for another and the food is excellent. Great atmosphere; my fiancee and I sat on comfy sofas and read magazines for awhile before continuing our journey. I'm so glad this place exists!
Highlights:
Comb Ridge serves only organic food and fair-trade coffee. In addition, kitchen equipment is energy efficient; glassware and dishes are reusable; and the restaurant runs a full-scale recycling and compost program.
7. Michael & Ping's Modern Chinese Take-Out (2-star certified, 134.5)
You'll find standards like beef and broccoli, kung pao chicken and steamed pork dumplings, but unorthodox (and un-Chinese) additions like banh mi and pad thai announce that this isn't your typical old-school delivery joint.
Highlights:
Michael & Ping's offers vegan and vegetarian food options and has installed energy efficient dish and ice machines, hand dryers, and occupancy sensors.
All the ingredients were locally made and you can taste the goodness. I had the Tyler recommended special of grilled cheese and tomato soup. Bread - it's like a 9 grain. Cheese - mix was 2-3 different cheeses - white cheese, which is yum not sure which type, but it's tasty. Tomato soup is light and not too heavy. Totally recommend it.
Highlights:
Muir Woods purchases local food, sourced from less than 100 miles away; certified organic food; sustainably sourced seafood; hormone-free meat; and 30% of their main dishes are vegetarian. They also have salvaged booths and tables, and recycled countertops.
Went for drinks & ap on a week night (wed) and as everyone confirms the view is awesome, esp if you can sit by the window. Had the signature martini with the blue curacao which was delicious, my wife got a margarita, I think it was yummy. We split the ahi tuna ap, which was perfect. We were so impressed with the view we reserved a window table for a saturday night for her b-day. Hope the dinner is as good as the ap and the view.
Highlights:
Seaglass features locally sourced food from less than 100 miles away and recycles cardboard, plastics, glass, and aluminum. The business vehicles are fueled by waste vegetable oil, and paper products are recycled. And can you go wrong with a view that has been called breath-taking?
The menu at the cafe includes thin crust pizzas, pizza-stuffed peppers, an extensive selection of salads (such as the Hilltop with candied walnuts, fresh pears, dried cranberries and gorgnozola), gourmet sandwiches with roast beef, tuna and turkey served on the signature flatbread, lasagna and homemade soup.
Highlights:
With several locations in the Windy City, Sopraffina offers several vegan and vegetarian purchases; 30% of their main dishes are vegetarian. There's also a reusable mug program and all deliveries are made by foot or bicycle.
photos by I See For You / Föllmi Photography via DailyTonic
Suzanne Labarre at CoDesign is "smitten" with FARO Architecten's Woonhuis Weijnen 2.0, a townhouse near Amsterdam. No wonder; it is one of those rare combinations of true green and great design.
The layout is open and airy, all warm and wood-lined. There is some clever structural work, with the mezzanine held up by a monster tree trunk. But the systems are there too; according to Daily Tonic,
Thermic mass is reached by using clay plaster with phase changing materials for some walls. A very large boiler feed water container of 2 m3 provides a large accumulation of energy. The heat exchanger in combination with the high level of insulation and triple glazing provides a great level of comfort. The air supply comes via the outside and will be heated by a Sole ground source heat exchanger two meters under the house. Extra energy for space heating and warm water will be supplied by warm water collectors. These are integrated in the cornice of the façade. The temperature can be increased if needed by use of a pellet stove with a heat pump. The horizontal windows lie deep in the façade to prevent excess sun coming into the house.
The large windows have adjustable sun screens. Rain water is used for both toilets and laundry. The large openings in the facade allow the use of solar heat. When there is a surplus of sun, sun screens will be used. The deep lying windows keep most of the sun out on a daily basis. The sun heats through vacuum tube collectors in the cornices the water for heating. Warm water collected in the large collection vats is used for floor heating and warm tap water. A heat exchanger is used for ventilation, returning heat from the 'used' air to the fresh air without mixing these (HR technique). For extra support, an earth heat collector can cool air in summer and heat air in winter. A wind turbine produces energy when the wind blows. This can be used directly in the house. Overcapacity can be send to the grid, and can be used again by no wind. The grid works as a buffer.
I want that home office. More images at Daily Tonic
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All you art collectors out there. Here is a chance to get a Giclee copy of some of Ian M Sherwin work. Ian is planning on doing a whole series of Marblehead, Massachusetts paintings. His work is amazing.
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