Plants That Clean Your Air and Provide Extra Oxygen

If you are planning on adding some plant-life into your life...these might be some excellent options to consider.  I had an aloe plant that survived nearly 9 months without water.  When I returned and gave it more water, it continued on with its life.  Not only do plants have effects on our emotions but also on our physical well-being.

Paint That Acts as Electrical Wire

What if you didn't have to bury electrical wires in the walls and ceilings?  What if they could be indiscreetly located on the surface of the wall in a safe (and even attractive) manner?  The idea isn't that far off!  Using carbon in a paint sample to make it conductive, Bare Conductive has invented a new way to transfer energy between a light and its power source.  Whenever I think technology has made us so advanced that everything that could be invented has been, I am blown away again.  Invention.  Ingenuity.  Design.

Drone: Fireworks from a Different Perspective

Technology takes us to places we never could have imagined.  Sometimes for worse, and sometimes for better, but always teaching us something new about human innovation, ambitions, and capacity.  This Independence Day in the USA, such technology in the form of a drone literally brought us to new heights.  A new perspective of a fireworks show that is already captivating from the ground, but whose beauty is surpassed from the aerial version of the same show!  Enjoy!

A Pulley for some Life-Altering Light!

I love when invention and design combine with technology to make the world a better place.

Not only can this fixture help users in Africa to have light when the sun goes down, for family time, homework, and more, but the use of this light means the reduction in the use of dangerous kerosene lamps / candles which produce gases that are hazardous to human health.  So physically healthier homes that also allow for emotionally, socially, and educationally healthier lives?  Win win win win!

Pull the pulley, get 20 minutes of light.  No second-hand hazards.  Love.

Sustainable Construction: Bamboo

Elora Hardy quit her job to build sustainable bamboo homes in Bali! Credit: Ibuku
Posted by Higher Perspective on jueves, 31 de marzo de 2016

Not only are these buildings GORGEOUS, they're also made with one of the fastest-growing renewable resources: bamboo!  Bamboo grows extremely fast and because of it's fibers and cylindrical form, it is extremely strong in both compression and tension for building members.  It's also, obviously, got the potential for curves and is naturally beautiful.

One thing that should be considered if you plan to grow your own, is if bamboo already grows naturally near you.  If not, please research first as introducing foreign species can cause damage to the existing environment, especially if the new species is more dominant and doesn't have as many local threats.  It is likely that bamboo will eventually become an item easy to find in the lumber store, but for now...there's always time for a trip the tropics!

Healthy citites: Why deterring vehicular traffic is not the end of the world!

When you design for pedestrian and bicycle traffic that keep people healthy, allow them safe and fast access to their daily activities and special events, and deter vehicular traffic from interference with them...the world does NOT explode.  Go figure.

Groningen: the World's Cycling City
For those of you who didn't know yet: Groningen - the World's Cycling City :)!Worth the watch!
Posted by University of Groningen on domingo, 20 de octubre de 2013

Perspective is key: Design for the Deaf

It's all about perspective!  Having or not having certain senses, limbs, body parts, features...everything that we have or do not have not only makes us who we are, but also has a distinct influence on how we perceive the world around us.  How can having, or not, gives us design clues on an environment for people who are deaf?

How architecture changes for the deaf
Architecture takes on a new look when desiging for the deaf. Here's how:
Posted by Vox on miércoles, 2 de marzo de 2016

Perspective is key.  

Don't just look; See the world.