Libraries

Here is a quick look at some impressive libraries. With all of the budget cuts going on, I hope that libraries won't become a thing of the past - and that maybe, we can even create libraries in the future that are symbols of our civic pride.

http://itineraries.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/05/9228244-leaf-through-a-library-on-your-next-trip

Forest Farm

Here is a re-drawing out of Bill Mollison's Permaculture book of a Forest Farm. You-tube forest gardens to get a better idea of how these work. Essentially, they work impressingly on their own to provide an abundance of food. One that I've seen has over 500 species - each with a purpose.

Mandalas

I have always been enamored by mandalas. Keeping a sketch book this semester allowed me the opportunity to abstract a style that seems common in all of the permaculture styled renderings. Here is a stab at it from my sketchbook.

Apple Store at Grand Central Terminal

Apple is opening a new retail store at Grand Central Station that is supposed to blend classical architecture and with an "apple" twist. Should be interesting to see these styles merge.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/08/tech/gaming-gadgets/apple-store-secrecy/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

2012 Ted Prize Winner : The City 2.0

The 2012 ted prize winner isn't a person, but an idea. The City 2.0 must sustainable address the concerns of a world with 10 billion people living on it - and I would say landscape architects are poised to make it happen .

http://www.tedprize.org/announcing-the-2012-ted-prize-winner/

Dynamic Stormwater Management

Imagine water storage systems that manage significant rain events as well. When sizing for stormwater management cisterns, for example, can't be included because they may or may not already be full. But what if your cistern was connected to an internet weather station and released water before significant events? This could kill two birds with one stone, creating storage and management simultaneously. Pretty cool article here explains it in detail.

http://www.fastcompany.com/biomimicry/how-the-internet-of-things-is-turning-cities-into-organisms

More Tangible Reasons for Climate Change Policy have More Potential to Brainwash the Non-Believers

This pretty much sums up how I feel about the way we tackle climate change. There are a million other reasons to jump on board, even if you don't believe in the science.

http://placeshakers.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/resiliency-its-who-ya-know/