Many innovative creations are yet to see the light of day despite being practical and forward thinking. Funding is one major issue, curbing their designs. Luckily, there are organizations and foundations that seek to give creative people a platform where ideas can be generated and, hopefully, come to life. We recently stumbled onto a handy concept entered as part of the James Dyson Foundation Award. Presented as Austria’s entry, it is called Open Privy and envisions a waterless toilet system that is easy to use and eco friendly.

Open Privy- the top soil lodge

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Open Privy- the top soil lodge

Open Privy- the top soil lodge

Most toilets are designed for use indoors and require a lot of water to flush. This can be a problem if you live in areas where water is scarce. The waterless toilet is based on the Bukashi method of composting. Open Privy can be installed in the outdoors or in the bathroom. If it’s placed in the open, rainwater can be collected and allowed to filter down to a downpipe. Bent metal and willow sticks have been woven to cover the toilet and guard against weathering. A hinge that connects the toilet’s inlay, seat, downpipe and cover masks the smell, letting air circulate freely.

Open Privy serves as a good method of composting and enhances the top soil effectively to act as a natural fertilizer. Users can choose to either throw away the excrement collected or reuse it in the composting process. Ideal for use in places where water isn’t in abundance, Open Privy is also a solution to those disadvantaged areas that cannot afford to build water-guzzling toilets.

The toilet has been built such that it can be dismantled which serves as the perfect solution for rehabilitation centers in times of natural and man-made disasters. Easily maintained and hygienic, we‘re hoping that Open Privy will soon be mass produced.

Via: JamesDysonAward

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The world is now taking green living seriously in view of the increased damage being caused to the environment. Manufacturers of consumer products are looking at eco friendly resources for producing goods and are also utilizing what is known as eco packaging to market their products. These packages made from biodegradable materials are replacing plastic and metal rapidly. If every manufacturer joins the bandwagon, we may soon see the world get rid of plastic, leaving the earth cleaner and healthier.

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Does your idea of a perfect trip mean getting close to nature that comprises of jungles and coral reefs? If yes, then you surely are an eco adventurer who would embrace the idea of eco tourism like no one else. It is a fast catching trend and there are many who’d like to spend a few days connected with nature. The fragile and protected areas that make eco destinations provide ample opportunities for nature lovers to explore animal and plant species commonly unknown, and this is an added advantage.

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The hybrid pedal transportation endeavors to bring in an all new class of transportation for modern commuting. We all are aware about the environmental pressures that are building up as roads are clogging with rapidity, constantly anguishing the scientific world. As an answer to this problem, designer David Bonanni, has came up with a healthy alternative in the form a hybrid tricycle, which comes loaded with both, functionality and aesthetic beauty.

Hybrid Pedal Transportation.jpg

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Hybrid Pedal Transportation.jpg

Hybrid Pedal Transportation.jpg

Starting with the physical description of the hybrid transporter, you’d be amazed that the designer has integrated it with the best traits of the three main transporting mediums availed on the road i.e. a car, a bicycle and a scooter. The chassis is designed similar to a car, but with two wheels in the front and only one at the rear. It embodies the lightness of a bicycle, and therefore will not consume huge amounts of energy for running around. Lastly, its dimensions are compact like that of a scooter, which allow you to swivel it around comfortably through congested alleys.

Now talking about the technical aspects of the Pedal Transportation, as the name suggests it is a hybrid vehicle that works with a brushless motor, allowing it to advance on the road with the help of pedal assistance. Besides this, it also has a pivoting front, which imparts greater agility to the vehicle and is not a common feature among other similar mediums. Since it is a three wheeler the need for parking tripods too has been eliminated.

Once out on the roads, the hybrid pedal transport will impress you with its sporty looks and relaxing ambiance. The addition of green technology makes it worthy of our modern times, when most of us our grappling to assimilate eco friendliness, efficiency and visual harmony.

Via: Davidebonannidesign

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As our conventional sources of energy are about to go extinct, scientists are developing unique and indifferent technologies to meet the global demand of energy. Carl Peart, a Mexican student, entered the ‘Create the Future Design Contest, 2011′, with this unique design to produce clean energy. Named ‘Solar collection and Transfer Satellite’, it uses the system of Electro Mechanical Batteries to store energy, which is collected by the solar panels installed on the satellite. EMBs are simple and have amazing potential to store energy.

Solar Energy Collection & Transfer Satellite

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Solar Energy Collection & Transfer Satellite

The Satellite collects energy through the incorporated solar array.

A composite flywheel spins with an electric motor and is comprised within a battery. The flywheel using magnetic force floats in a vacuum chamber and can spin at speeds above 60,000rpm. The chamber is almost friction-less which makes it possible to store energy for a long period of time. The electricity can be used by slowing down the flywheel and using the motor as a generator.

Energy is collected by the satellite using parallel connected solar panels. After storing this energy a microwave antenna transfers it to earth where a rectenna converts it back into electricity. The antenna can be repositioned; hence energy can be easily transferred to various locations on the earth, from one position in the orbit. The system features easy access doors and also allows easy replacement of worn batteries. The batteries are placed on a circular plate which rotates. They are mounted in a way which helps nullify gyroscope. Each satellite contains 360 batteries with a capacity to hold about 25 kWh each.

In future, this satellite can be used for producing and storing clean energy. It would constantly provide clean energy for meeting the rising global demands.

Via: Techbriefs

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Porsanger Blossom can be billed as Norway’s strategy to prepare for future climate changes. These are essentially greenhouses that will help people survive in Norway, as the region is expected to witnesses large scale migration, owing to submergence of the tropical islands in the vicinity.

Porsanger Blossom

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Porsanger Blossom

They are located in the tip of Porsanger-fjord in Finnmark.

Summer sunlight and rough wave energy will be used to power these greenhouses, making them self sustainable units in the true sense. The target and challenge is immense and it is hoped that these self sustained greenhouse units will be able to serve ten million people in hard times, when the region witnesses large scale migration due to abrupt climatic change.

Use of local knowledge and skill will maximize the benefits that can be derived from Porsanger Blossom. Located in Finnmark, the region is exposed to heavy wave motion and therefore, the greenhouses have been given a modular design, which will maximize the kinetic energy captured by the energy handles. Porsanger Blossom is a true innovation that has been designed keeping the needs of future generations in mind.

Also, Norway has been a hub for Marine research technology and Porsanger Blossom is being seen as preserver of frozen samples of crops. With time and concerted efforts on part of the scientific community, Porsanger Blossom can develop as a global plant bank, with frozen samples of plant species that originate in the tropical region.

Norway government has been working on a prototype of this plant bank that can serve as a gene bank for the flora of neighboring islands like Tuvalu, Maldives, Tonga and Marshall Island.The adaption process has been initiated and the prototype of the flora is being developed to make the crop seed accessible. Maintaining a region specific culinary identity will be possible with the execution and implementation of Porsanger Blossom concept, as people from neighboring tropical islands will have access to the culinary delicacies of their region.

Via: Cargocollective

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Green car concepts are ruling the roost these days with many individuals presenting their own visions of what an ideal eco friendly vehicle should look like. There’s a lot to be taken into consideration when dreaming up a truly green vehicle. You would have to factor in green energy, zero emissions and cost of production in terms of resources used. The result should be a car that’s reliable, cost-effective and low maintenance.

Morphex

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Morphex

Skin -nickel-titanium (NiTi)-Shape memory alloy .

A certain Romanian designer named lulian Vornicu has caught our interest with his unique car concept that can survive even in Arctic temperatures. Called Morphex, the concept vehicle was entered into the Alaska Motors Competition and though it didn’t bag any honors, it’s well worth mentioning.

Morphex is a beast of a car. Powerful looking, its body is made from shape memory alloy, an alloy that recalls its shape. In the event of scratches or grazes to the vehicle, the alloy will get back to its original shape when heated. This saves customers a lot of money on trips to workshop as they don’t need to go for paint jobs unless the damage is extensive.

Shedding the need for a windshield, Morphex instead relies on a Sonar Pulsar that can scan the environment and project what it sees into a holographic image. Since conventional windshields can be fragile in Arctic temperatures, the Sonar Pulsar takes over. Also it has a large cargo hold of 500 liters and can seat three people.

Morphex will run on two engines and hydrogen fuel cells manufactured by Ballard Power Systems. Incidentally, hydrogen fuel cells are increasingly being seen as an alternative to lithium ion batteries as hydrogen is found in abundance unlike lithium. However, Vornicu has also incorporated 10 lithium ion batteries to boost the capability of Morphex. What’s unique is that the batteries won’t need to be recharged from a conventional power source as they get their energy from friction produced by the air and the NiTi skin. Wheels with caterpillar like tracks, filled with ferrofluid controlled by a magnetic skeleton, reduces friction which saves energy and enables the vehicle to run faster.

If you’re wondering just how powerful the Morphex is, then you must know that it can hit an impressive top speed of 300 mph. This is made possible by the 1,400 hp it produces and a max rpm of 8,000. Pretty cool for something that needs to cross over vast stretches of snowy and icy terrain.

lulian Vornicu’s skill isn’t limited to automobiles and he’s also come up with cool ideas for interior home designing plans for development projects like Palas Iasi for Romania’s mixed use development market.

Via: Forge

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Our dependence on cars has led to high levels of pollution. Cities are now so fraught with noxious fumes that certain areas witness citizens walking about with their faces covered in masks. Since it doesn’t seem possible to revert back to walking long distances, there’s an urgent need to find alternative ways to curb carbon emissions. This has led designers to come up with concepts for greener cities in which carbon emissions are kept at zero or near zero levels through the use of green energy.

Submergence by Paul Typa

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Submergence by Paul Typa

Proposal introduces the concept of the protective bubble.

A city teeming with people and vehicles, Hong Kong is an ideal contender for such visions. . With tourism seeing a constant flow of outside visitors, there’s a need to craft ideas that will seek to change the city in a subtle manner without affecting tourist footfalls and the lives of its citizens.

Paul Tse and Evelyn Ting are two designers who teamed up to present their concept titled ‘Submergence’, at the competition for international design ideas. Hong Kong itself is a bustling city that sees many automobiles on the road. Using this as inspiration, the duo envisioned creating protective bubbles around the cars which would reduce emissions.

The project sees cars at the border of the island of Hong Kong undergoing a sort of transformation. Here, each vehicle will be fitted with a capsule as it will go through a transition kiosk. The capsule has a double layered skin which acts as individual sound barriers and restricts carbon emissions.

The two architects hope to see these protective bubbles transforming the landscape. When the volume of traffic is low, the bubbles will appear as water droplets. When traffic is at its peak, the island appears to be submerged in water. Readers may be wondering about the purpose of changing landscapes but as per the rules of the competition, designers were required to harmonize their concepts with the surroundings, allowing for aesthetics to play a major role.

Cities like Hong Kong that have achieved iconic statuses cannot afford to dramatically alter their attributes. As such, Tse and Ting’s proposal seeks to work around this by subtly changing aspects like landscape without capping the number of cars on the roads or imposing other restrictions on citizens.

Tse’s ideas are extremely artistic. A look at his works will give you the impression that he works with the surrounding rather than against it. This lends his designs a unique touch, winning him coveted titles in conceptual designing competitions.

Via: PaulTypa

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When we come across modernistic conceptualizations, the majority of the designs tend to flaunt their somewhat presumptuous and even vainglorious bearing. But if we talk about ‘down to earth’ practicality, it is the simplistic, credible conceptions that really matter in the massive commercial scheme of things. Well, the Yamaha Hecta is one among such very few facile contrivances that marries the high points of sustainability and innovation.

Hecta

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Hecta

RCA Final Personal Project.

Conceived by designer James Harness, the Hecta has been envisaged as a simple fusion of a human powered bicycle, or rather a tricycle, and an electric vehicle. Coming to the visual essence, the conspicuous front section of the craft insinuates a heavily built chassis with curvaceous lines. In stark contrast, the rear part of the vehicle embodies a minimalist approach with a simple bicycle form and pedals.

As for the structural mechanism, this is where the designer effortlessly demonstrates his deft expertise. The bulky front component is covered by a stylized blue lexan top surface, which is fully removable. This structural ‘draping’ conceals a uniquely voluminous cargo space defined by light weight carbon fiber bearing. The hefty section is also supported by two hubless wheels, infused with sturdy electric motors and disk brake cooling.

Coming to the rear part, the simplistic single wheel frame encloses a fully integrated battery pack, along a with SRAM I-motion 9 hub gear system. As for maneuvering, the Hecta will pose as a hybrid ‘green’ vehicle with dual driving mechanism. This means the driver can use it as a conventional bicycle powered by pedaling, while the electrical circuitry can alternatively provide for an automatic yet low emission form of transportation.

And since we are talking about the intrinsic driving experience, the whole facet is improved upon by an advanced system of integrated computer with RFID sensor and GPS navigation capability, embedded along the front handles. So, at the end of the day, the Hecta certainly thrives to epitomize that novel essence of simplicity, intelligence and most importantly sustainability.

Via: JHarness

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City streets are already choked with a lot of traffic and this makes commuting from one place to the other very stressful. Mu Cong, an industrial and automotive designer, has come up with an amazing concept, which has been conceived keeping the year 2046 in mind. Christened the Smart Ball, it is a futuristic vehicle that will bow down to all the demands of a city life.

Smart Ball

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Smart Ball

Smart ball provides you with a dynamic space.

Smart Ball is eye appealing and has a dynamic outline. The body structure is unique and has been shaped like a sphere. The wheels of the car blend beautifully with the transparent body of the futuristic vehicle. The see through body of Smart Ball will make sure that a driver gets a great view of what lies in front of him. The best part of the design is that it won’t consume of a lot of space in parking lots. It will easily squeeze in tight spaces and can be flexibly parked just anywhere. This will save a lot of precious space and will create room for more vehicles without any additional efforts.

The wheel structure of Smart Ball comes wedged with light, which moves with the turning angle of the tire. Such a placement of lights will result in better lighting and in turn ensure a safe ride when dusk sets in. The tire has a transparent outer wall that has been crafted using rubber. The brake lights have been embedded in the back of the seat, which is definitely very smart and gives the Smart Ball a stylish appeal. The inside is very spacious and comfortable, which will make rides fun. So, kill all worries that come tagged with parking in a tight spaces and move around in style.

Via: Michelin Challenge Design

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Today’s world, which is deprived of fossil fuels and needs a change from emission-intensive fossil fuels, is definitely in need of a major transformation from gas-guzzling vehicles to cleaner vehicles that are powered by electricity or other forms of alternative energy. However, the lack of charging infrastructure is one reason that is preventing a high-scale adoption of electric cars. Recognizing the need for better EV charging stations, industrial designer Diego Vencato has come up with a concept EV charging station, dubbed the “PS Power Station”.

PS power station

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PS power station

Designing a device to charge electric vehicles.

The designer believes that designing such a system means creating an object that changes our relationship with the eco system, bringing in the need to go green. Moreover, an EV charging infrastructure helps increase the adoption of clean electric vehicles, which in turn helps reduce harmful emissions, noise pollution and guarantees a cleaner air, at least on the highways.

The “PS Power Station” has been designed to express a positive and eco friendly way to thinking. The product has been inspired by nature, specifically by the plant kingdom, and hence features a tree-like appearance. The system is entirely different from the charging stations we see today as it looks more natural and hence easily blends into the adjoining natural surroundings.

We’re not sure if the charging station would be useful in replenishing depleted batteries of all electric vehicles or would it be designed according to the charging requirements of a specific brand EV, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. However, we would also like to see such systems generate electricity by harnessing renewable energy, so that emissions are not only reduced on the highways, but are reduced at every stage.

Via: Coroflot

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Rise in global temperature

Naysayers argue that global warming is a natural progression and even if humans were to cease their activities, the earth’s atmosphere would still witness temperature rise. Nonetheless, human activity is significantly contributing to the burgeoning global warming.

Taiwan Skyscraper

The greenhouse effect is essential to our survival, keeping the earth warm enough for us and other living beings to thrive. The problem arises when too much heat is trapped in the atmosphere owing to increased emission of gases like methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. According to scientists, since 1925, the earth’s temperature has risen by 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

What we’re seeing now are melting polar ice caps, an increase in the number of storms in the North Atlantic, an average of 15 every year as opposed to 10 before the year 1990, and a rise in carbon emissions in almost every country of the world.

Melting of glaciers

Most proponents of global warming have cited melting of glaciers and ice caps as a clear indicator of the greenhouse effect. According to a study, six major glaciers from the Greenland Ice Sheet recorded the same initial ice buildup in six years and each of these glaciers witnessed a slowdown during the warm years, when a greater amount of melt water was produced. Countries in low lying areas are at risk of being submerged if melting of glaciers continues at the current rate. Three main areas have been identified as being especially vulnerable.

1. Palau, Micronesia: Palau has gained recognition after figuring in the list of Seven Underwater Wonders of the World. The Pacific Island nation has a very rich underwater life, beckoning divers and researchers to study its rich biodiversity. Despite efforts to protect the area, however, Palau may just end up underwater if current trends continue.

2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on the planet. Harboring 2,900 individual reefs, it’s a hot bed of marine activity. But, if waters rise, acidity levels can change and this could ultimately kill the reefs. As it is, Australia’s slow efforts to curb its carbon emissions has already led to substantial damage to the Great Barrier Reef.

3. Maldives, Indian Ocean: Maldives is already witnessing significant erosion on its borders. Aside from climate change, human activities like reclamation, illegal sand and coral mining have led to some houses collapsing because of sand bank erosion.

The future of architecture

Opinions are divided on the concept of climate change, as we all know and many companies, environmentalists and governments have called for change in policies to halt global warming. Architects and designers have already dreamed up housing projects that seek to minimize impact on the environment by utilizing green, non polluting energy and making provisions for effective waste management. An example is the Float House by Arman Fissette, which attempts to make use of Western Europe’s canal banks. The ‘house’ can either float or lean over an embankment, taking up just a meter of space so as not to affect canal traffic.

Your world of tomorrow

The five concepts listed below don’t envision living beneath the earth’s crust but do project surviving in underwater cities.

Taiwan Skyscraper

As part of the Annual Skyscraper Competition of 2006-09, Taiwanese designers came up with a concept of an underwater skyscraper that is self sustaining. The structure has an upper level garden as well as spheres that house offices, residences and lounges. Translucent soft plastic tubes act like elevators, transporting occupants from one level to the next. Food will be grown in the skyscraper itself and waste water will be properly treated for reuse. Electricity will be produced through solar, tidal and wind energy.

Gyre

Gyre

Home design studio, Zigloo, created the Gyre Seascraper concept, an underwater science lab and resort at a dept of 400m, capable of housing gardens, offices, shops, restaurants, residences and recreational areas. A double hulled vortex covered in reinforced glass with concentric rings for each layer, Gyre will be powered by renewable energy through solar cells and wind turbines. Underwater nacelles will act like tidal generators when Gyre is anchored and function as thrusters for propulsion.

Undersea Scraper, self sufficient tower

undersea scraper self sufficient tower

The Undersea Scraper designed by Spanish architects lfigeneia Arvaniti and Higinio Llames, hopes to give future victims of climate change some respite. The structure is self sufficient with the building’s skin having the capability of interacting with the surroundings for generation of tidal power. The dome, meanwhile, converts solar energy into power through photovoltaic generators. The double skin of the Undersea Scraper enables it to float or submerge by acting as a ballast tank.

Scraper city

Scraper city

Malaysian designer, Sarly Adre Bin Sarkum, drew up a concept for the eVolo Skyscraper Competition titled the Water Scraper, which envisions integrating a floating island with an underwater skyscraper. The self sufficient structure generates renewable power by utilizing solar, wind and wave energy, and also produces its own food via aquaculture, farming and hydroponic techniques. A small forest dominates the top of the skyscraper while the lower levels house living spaces. Ballasts and tentacle like protrusions keep the Water Scraper upright.

Underwater Skyscraper 7 by De Bever architects

Underwater Skyscraper 7 by De Bever architects

Conceived by De Bever architects, the Underwater Skyscraper 7 seeks to harmonize living with underwater surroundings. Not many details have been given but from what we can see, the city will house about 6,000 inhabitants with layers of concentric circles acting as living spaces.

The benefits

1. Underwater skyscrapers will give vacationers and scientists a safe and non polluting platform to understand the world of oceans.

2. The structures will utilize renewable and clean energy as well as grow food through aquaculture, farming and hydroponics.

3. The skyscrapers will give us a way out and provide us shelter when effects of global warming reach an alarming stage, making living on land next to impossible.

4. Underwater cities use green technology and energy and we might eventually see mankind forever shedding his dependence on conventional energy systems.

The challenges

While underwater skyscrapers do give us an alternative, it’s obvious that they come with many drawbacks.

1. Sea storms: No technology can keep sea storms at bay and this poses a huge problem for underwater living.

2. Transportation: Since roads won’t be used anymore, we’d have to build whole new transport systems.

3. High humidity: Humidity is higher under water and there are no solutions yet on how to accommodate growing populations.

4. High cost: The cost of building underwater infrastructure will be huge, more than land based living.

The bottom line

There’s no doubt that underwater cities seem like an attractive solution to global warming. But, how do we ensure that air, water and food quality will be maintained? Moreover, how do we ensure that the ecosystem will be left undamaged by our activities? The sheer volume of work and capital needed to make underwater living feasible is one of the biggest obstacles we’d have to overcome. A far simpler and cost effective solution is turning our lifestyle around by incorporating green energy, proper waste management and innovative architecture in our way of life.

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We aren’t new to furniture made from vehicles, but each time we come across a new design, our perception takes a new swing, and our eco conscious heart tells us to take it home. This old Vespa scooter converted into a desk brings to life similar emotions. It has been designed by David Giametta who used the frame of the genuine 1968 Vespa Piaggo scooter and mounted a laptop over its handlebars, and placed a few books on its back seat.

Recycled Vespa Scooter Desk

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Recycled Vespa Scooter Desk

Recycled Vespa Scooter Desk

The design is lovable and you will surely enjoy sitting on it for playing video games, reading or even completing your pending office work. Due to strict government regulation, it is difficult to keep old classic vehicles on road, therefore, according to the designer it is better to transform and recycle these vehicles into useful items like desk, chairs etc.

There are many creative people with different ideas but this one stands apart because it gives the illusion of a real ride while sitting on the old Vespa and doing your work. Ergonomically the design of the stationary scooter may not be too sound, but then a little sacrifice for style and coolness might be worthy. It will be great to have friends over at home, who would not only admire the aesthetic beauty of the desk but might also have some good words in your praise for going green.

Via: Walyou

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Everyone is making himself a part of the recycling buzz, be it for fun or advertising. Cardboard as we know can be easily recycled and hence is among good sources of eco friendly raw materials. Furniture Industry has already tapped the traits of cardboard and has introduced green furniture, which is both trendy as well as environmentally friendly. Catching on the theme of recycling as a new marketing strategy for its annual sale, IKEA, world’s largest furniture retailer came up with the idea of making furniture with recycled cardboard. The furniture is created by AUGE Headquarters of Milan and is made from flatpack boxes used by IKEA for packing.

IKEA Furniture out of its own cardboard

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IKEA Furniture out of its own cardboard boxes

These are created by noted Milanese agency, AUGE Headquarter.

Dubbed as the ‘You Can Get More’ campaign, the furniture showcased includes a bed, a table lamp and a chair. The campaign emphasizes on the concept of quantity and has all the above mentioned items made exclusively from cardboard boxes. By assembling these three furniture pieces, AUGE Headquarters was able to advertise an impressive sale of 40%. This campaign has clearly sent across the message to its customers that packaging material is no waste and can be recycled for making useful things, in this case furniture.

Via: Psfk

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Smartphones of today

The world of cellphones is expanding with new models being launched almost every day. Back in 1973, when the first cellphone was made; it was a bulky object with not many functions other than that of making and receiving calls. Now, cellphones have become like mini computers with multipurpose cameras, capable of storing substantial amounts of data, recording videos and music, linking to the internet, playing games and a whole host of other features. These phones fall under the category of smartphones owing to their intelligent capabilities. So essential have they become to consumers that the third quarter of the year 2011 saw 115 million units of these phones being sold worldwide.

Smartphones

Considering the number of applications smartphones support and the various features they present to consumers, battery life is a major issue. Any battery operated device that functions on a very intelligent level is bound to consume a lot of power. This is why smartphones have relatively short battery lives than their simpler counterparts, posing a problem to consumers and researchers alike. Currently, smartphones run on lithium ion batteries but the increasing power requirements of smartphones is outrunning the actual power capacity of these batteries. Such phones usually have to be charged every day and if you’re in a place that has no power source, it can become a huge problem.

Need for change

Conventional power is the only way to charge smartphones and, since we’re living in a world that’s going through an energy crisis, we can’t afford to waste too much power on electronic devices. If we could develop self sufficient smartphones that could charge themselves, we would no longer have to worry about battery drain and other related problems. Luckily, a segment of forward thinking individuals has found ways to address this problem. Their methods may not have produced phones that have been mass produced, but they’ve given us an insight into how we can go about manufacturing smartphones that are self sustaining.

Future perfect

1. Solar cells in OLED Screen

Cambridge Team

The developer: University of Cambridge

A team at the University of Cambridge has devised a way by which smartphones won’t need charging every so often. Most smartphones have displays made up of OLEDs. About 36 percent of light emitted by an OLED screen is projected outwards while the remaining 64 percent scatters through the edges. The Cambridge team has found a way to capture this scattered light by equipping OLED displays with solar cells made from a thin film of hydrogenated amorphous silicon. Since the cells are also placed on the edges of the display, they can capture scattered light and send it back to the display. To offset any fluctuation caused by the solar cells that could damage the phone’s battery, the team installed a thin filmed transistor circuit. A thin filmed super capacitor was also placed for intermediate energy storage. While their prototype doesn’t guarantee a charge free smartphone, it does ensure that power isn’t wasted and users won’t have to charge their smartphones every other day.

2. Phones that never need recharging

Nokia

The developer: Nokia

Cellphone manufacturing giant, Nokia, has announced that it’s in the process of developing a smartphone prototype that will never need to be charged from a conventional power source. Instead, the device will convert ambient radio waves into electricity for powering the phone’s battery. According to a researcher at Nokia Research Center, the radio waves can be emitted from any device such as a TV mast, another cellphone or Wi-Fi transmitters. The prototype is capable of capturing about 50mW of power. However, there are still some kinks to be worked out as harnessing that amount of electricity means that a person would need a powerful source.

3. Conversation powered phones

Phone charged by conversation

The developer: Korean scientists

This may seem pretty farfetched but Korean scientists have proposed to build a smartphone prototype that will convert sound waves into electricity using zinc oxide, an ingredient found in the humble calamine lotion. The scientists created a mass of nanowires placed between two electrodes. The set up was then subjected to sound waves of about 100 decibels. A mild electric current of 50 millivolts was produced, not exactly enough to power a smartphone which requires a few volts. But, the technology offers scope for sound waves to power a smartphone and the scientists have resolved to improve their research and technology.

4. Self charging phones

Smart phones self charging

The developer: UCLA Team

A UCLA team has developed an organic photovoltaic polarizer which will be capable of converting light emitted from the backlight of a smartphone into electricity. Ordinarily, a phone’s backlight switches on when the phone is being used. The light is transmitted via pixels and transistors embedded in the microchip. All in all, just about 25 percent of this light reaches the users eyes while the remaining is absorbed in polarizing sheets. The UCLA team hopes that their photovoltaic polarizer will convert this absorbed light into electricity which will then be used to charge a smartphone’s battery. Moreover, the polarizer will also absorb light from outside sources like the sun and indoor lighting.

5. Solar powered iPhone

Apple

The developer: Apple

The iPhone is set to get a makeover if Apple has its way. In keeping with growing concerns about energy depletion and short battery life, the company has announced a patent that will see the use of solar cells being used for its very popular smartphone, the iPhone. Apple has said that the cells will be installed beneath the display’s surface to harness solar energy which will power its battery. iPhone users needn’t worry about the exterior appearance of their beloved smartphone as the solar cells will be neatly hidden.

Benefits

Self sufficient

The smartphones listed above will no longer have to depend solely on conventional power for charging as they’ll have the capability of charging themselves.

Power source

With solar energy entering the picture, we will see a marked reduction in the use of conventional power, saving us a large amount of electricity which can be put to better use.

Energy efficient

No energy is wasted with these smartphones as they capture scattered energy and reuse it to power themselves.

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If you thought that planes could only be tinted in those old dull shades of primary colours, you might well, be severely wrong. The Boneyard Project is hunch bent upon proving that colours can make every object, starting from a small canvas to a huge aerial carrier, resume life; and stand a class apart. The project is all about making use of airbuses that are no more in commercial use and turning them into awesome pieces of artwork.

Astonishing Airbus Artwork

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Astonishing Airbus Artwork

The wings have badass skulls painted on them.

An image with such fine detailing, it would make you hold your breath back for a moment. The artist here has tried to reflect the plea of two men in grey suits, trying to hold on, while something seems to be pulling them away. Another such creation shows a skull in black and white, the kind you would find raging a dangerous presence on macho bikes and sporty race cars.

It is a marvel, as to how an entire vehicle, as massive as an airplane, could be painted with such innovative detailing. With different themes trying to impart distinctiveness to the vehicles, it would be sheer pleasure to find such metal monsters hover around in the clear blue sky. After all, a splash of colors, scattered around in frenzy is enough to wipe away all the dullness that could dwell in anyone’s life.

Source: trendhunter

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Very few of the aficionados can deny the ‘overpopulation’ of flaunting yet insentient concepts in the ever thriving field of automotive design. But when it comes to adroit automobile creations, innovative designers look for an exclusive factor, which would push their contrivance from a multitude of other conceptions. Well, in this case, Indian industrial designer Kiran Gangadhran has certainly demonstrated his unique factor, with the Uniq electric scooter concept for the year 2040.

Uniq electric scooter concept

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Uniq electric scooter concept

UNIQ gives its new dimensions towards breaking the identity of linear vehicles.

Envisaged as a trike with an invariably futuristic connotation, the sleek vehicle will supposedly bridge the gap between two wheelers and four wheelers. Now, beyond the three wheel oriented design, the intrinsic form and attributes transcends to the level of personal user experience. In simpler words, according to the designer, the driver will feel the unabated freedom of two wheelers, while still deriving the imposing pleasure along with the associated safety of four wheelers.

The external bearing in itself alludes to this ‘hybrid’ nature of maneuvering. The overall chassis is kept on the compact and balanced side, with two large semi hubless tires on the rear side and a smaller wheel at the front. Almost ‘Batpod-esque’ in its demeanor, the inherent aerodynamic propensity along with the sharp lines certainly jumps from the linearity of the conventional scope.

But beyond the symphony of contrasting visual styles, it is the ‘green’ side of affairs that has caught our attention, here at EcoFriend. The low emission power train of the vehicle will comprise of sturdy electric motors, embedded within the system of the conspicuous rear wheels, while the expansive spatial volume of the mid section will house the battery component. Finally, to accentuate upon its sustainable credentials, the bulging wind screen can be infused with advanced transparent solar cells for generation of further clean power. By this, the designer endeavors to tread that fine line between smooth driver experience and essential green technology.

Via: KiranGangadhran

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With the growing craze for eco friendly gadgets, 2011 was the year that saw greater potential in the demand of greener gadgets. This year the predictions are that yet more innovative projects are in the making. There are a few eco friendly gadgets that will be the talk of the town in 2012 for their functions and efficiency.

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The Pacific Trash Vortex or better known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the world’s largest marine landfill. Comprising of an expansive patch of the Pacific Ocean, constrained by long range ocean gyres, the polluted space is characterized by exceptionally high concentrations of plastics, chemical sludge and other contaminating components. As a matter of fact, some scientists consider it to be a slow moving polluting mass which is likely to expand even further in the future. Now, given the alarming scope and the current adverse impact on the surrounding ecology, it is highly pertinent to contrive a collective solution for this ever growing marine predicament. In relation to this, fortunately there have been a few innovative conceptions that righteously pose as our sustainable savior. So, as ardent ‘eco friendly’ citizens, we should certainly have a look at some of these ambitious proposals.

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According to statistics in America women comprise of only 25 percent of the total bicycle riders. One of the reasons for this is the lack of bicycles on the market that focus on this niche, and provide a viable and comfortable product to its clientele. “Velo chic”, is one such concept that aims to bring a trendy, comfortable line of bicycles to the female audience and bridge the gender gap in the bicycle industry.

Velo Chic

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Velo Chic

It is designed to increase bicycle ridership among females.

With the soaring costs of fuel and congestion problems in cities, governments around the world have been encouraging its citizens to ride to their office or other nearby places on bicycles. This includes a large fleet of bicycles available on rent to travel on daily basis. While males have resorted to this trend and are using this mode of transportation extensively, the number of females using the same is minimal.

The front and the rear sections can be folded together, which ensures that the minimal parking space at office or in the market doesn’t bother you a lot. The foldable hinge and the handlebar also ensure the you don’t need to specifically park it somewhere in your house but can place it in any corner of your house. It offers more storage space in front as well as rear by attaching your purse or groceries that you have picked up from the market, to its body. It comes with a Sussex Shaft Driven System and an electric Power Assist System that ensures comfortable ride during peak traffic hours. Designed by Guo-Shiung Hung, “Velo chic”, certainly makes bicycling a lucrative prospect for urban women.

Via:Popmonbo

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Environmentally friendly homes can reduce inhabitants’ carbon footprints, save resources and lead the way for others to live the same way. Most of us, however, have been living in homes that are pretty standard, in that they don’t help us reduce our carbon footprints. The US Department of Energy has been trying to further green living in terms of homes and has been organizing the Solar Decathlon for a while now. The international competition is a biennial event that challenges 20 college teams to come up with conceptual homes that utilize solar energy. The teams get to work on site, detailing their prefabricated houses for 10 days in a bid to take home the Solar Decathlon title. 2012’s competition is set to begin and we’re eager to see who wins the coveted prize.

SLIDES

SLIDES

A team from the American University in Cairo has designed a solar powered home called SLIDES, as an entry into the 2012 Solar Decathlon. Making use of Egypt’s desert climate, they’ve proposed to install solar panels on the roof of the house. SLIDES is unique in that the façade of the house can slide out during the day and slide in during the evening. To combat the heat of the region, the team has made way for plenty of natural ventilation through the use of perforated designs on the façade. Adding to the green factor is the material the house will be constructed from; fiber reinforced polymer made from recycled plastic bags and wood waste and quite possibly, local papyrus.

ekihouse

ekihouse

ekihouse, from the University of the Basque Country, is the next contender for the Solar Decathlon. The team has made use of wood extensively to create their solar powered house. This sun house eki, meaning sun in the Basque language, has the ability to contract during winter and expand during summer. The north façade of the house is isolated during the cold season and opens during warm climes to let in breeze. Moreover, the roof of the south façade opens to provide extra shading, in essence expanding the house.

SunBloc

SunBloc

SunBloc is the project conceived by HelioMet, the team at London Metropolitan University. Their futuristic urban concept is built from lightweight materials in a parametric design, which uses solar energy that can also power surrounding buildings. The interior is contemporary with furniture and utilities integrated into the design that can be custom made to cater to the inhabitant’s needs and living style.

Andalucia Team Patio 2.12.

Andalucia Team Patio 2.12

Patio 2.12 is an entry by the Andalucia Team made up of students from the universities of Jaen, Malaga, Grenada and Seville. The concept is built around Mediterranean living and features a patio with living quarters built around it. The building system consists of structural shells that can be erected and disassembled quickly. No foundations are needed, save for punctual supports. The patio, which also houses a pergola structure, is connected to the housing modules via a similar support system. Since there are no foundations, Patio 2.12 can be taken down with minimal impact on ground surface. Solar panels are integrated into the housing modules as well as on the pergola.

The Revolt House

The Revolt House

Delft University of Technology has presented its entry to the Solar Decathlon of 2012 with the Revolt House, a home that can float as well as rotate. Considering the amount of water available in The Netherlands, the team has sought to integrate the house with water, the latter having the ability to maintain stable temperatures, keeping inhabitants relatively warm during winters and cool during summers. The house can track the sun’s rays due to its revolving feature and harness its energy via solar panels on the roof. Inhabitants can also choose to change their locale through the Revolt House’s floating capabilities.

ECOLAR

ECOLAR

ECOLAR is the entry by Germany’s Hochschule Konstanz University of Applied Sciences which envisions six modules – four for interior spaces and two for the outside. The walls and the roof are translucent, letting in daylight as a source of natural light. The roof is covered in solar cells to harvest solar energy which will be used to power the house. The house’s heating system is made up of a combination accumulator and a heat pump, of which the former acts as a heat storage and provides hot tap water. Waste water is treated through an effluent treater which can then be used for flushing toilets and washing clothes.

Odoo

Odoo

The Budapest University of Technology and Economics has developed Odoo as its project for the Solar Decathlon. An outer shell covers the transparent house with a roof consisting of solar panels. Emphasis has been given to the courtyard, where majority of the recreational activities will take place. The students have incorporated plenty of glass to make use of as much natural light as possible.

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Nature has always been a source of inspiration for humans and when it comes to solving complex architectural design problems, architects seek shelter from it to understand and learn the natural way of dealing with things. The process in which inspiration from nature and its elements like tree, plants, hills, etc. determines the course of architecture, has been termed as ‘biomimicry’. Learning from nature not only helps in solving design related problems, but allows integration of sustainability for constructing eco sound structures.

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In an age of highfalutin automobile concepts and ostentatious architectural projects, our scope of imagination has certainly expanded beyond the domestic ambit. Interestingly, very few of us would have really thought about how a futuristic washing machine would look like in 2050. But, Orbit washing machine concept design by Electrolux, rendered by industrial designer Elie Ahovi, is bamboozling and worthy of your attention.

Orbit

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Orbit

Orbit is a new washing machine concept by Electrolux.

Set in the year of 2050, the designer has anticipated that majority of the global population, 74 percent to be exact, is shifting to urban areas. As an evolutionary impact of this city based environment, people would be surrounded by advanced technology. The Orbit washing machine will be one of those contraptions that truly epitomize this rampant technological progression on the domestic front.

In the conventional scope, washing machines and associated drying components tend to use chemicals, high power and large spaces. Thus he came upon the practical and user friendly functionality of the Orbit; a self sufficient machine that would not require any soap or water to clean your clothes, while operating in a noise free ambiance.

Oddly enough, it is the blatant novelty of the visual design that has seriously tickled our fancy. The designer has intriguingly envisaged the system to be of a completely spherical shape, along with a hollow ring like component fitted with magnets. The spheroid is composed of double layers of shatterproof glass with heat insulation and a superconductive material.

For starting up the machine, the users just have to place the transparent sphere ,with unwashed clothes inside it, on the rim of the hollow ring. As for activation, this spherical drum is fitted with inconspicuous yet sturdy batteries that generate the required power. These batteries adhere to the self sufficient system of charging up by induction technology.

Now, coming to the main working mechanism, the aforementioned spheroid is infused with liquid nitrogen to accentuate upon its superconductive capacity. So, once there is a level of persistent electric current flow through the spherical drum, a unique case of magnetic levitation occurs due to the effects of electromagnetism within the circular field helped on by the embedded magnets in the ring. This in essence, turns the floating spheroid into an electromagnet, which is automatically controlled by electrical impulses.

Finally, coming to the washing mechanism, the spherical component follows the system of cryogenic cleaning. This includes a jet of solid carbon dioxide being purged at supersonic velocity from pipes installed within the spheroid, which in turn helps in removing all the stains and contamination from the clothes. Moreover, the negative ions from the reaction improve upon the freshness of the clothes and also purify the internal air.

So, at the end of the day, the Orbit washing machine insinuates a totally sustainable form of cleaning clothes, without the wastage of water or use of chemical components. And since we have come across an innovative technology fueling this ‘green’ mechanism, the chances of its commercial success with future consumers becomes higher.

Via: ElieAhovi

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Poor people, who can’t afford proper housing facilities, have to live in adverse weather conditions, bearing temperatures below zero degree at times. Peter Toronyi has come up with a concept named Kalha that will provide comfort when the temperature outside dips. The object designed by Peter deals with three issues simultaneously; sustainability, survival and ecology.

Kalha Concept

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Kalha Concept

The social aim is ecological if helps the striving for survival.

Every year hundreds of people die because of cold temperatures. Kalha has been crafted using a material that is somewhat like fire clay. It has exceptional heat preserving properties, which will help poor people enjoy the pleasure of being warm during winters. It can be made using local raw materials, which will bring down its cost. Kalha can be used by one person at a time, which means everyone in the family needs to own one to keep warm. The Kalha works by burning waste wood and stays warm even for an hour or two after the wood has burned out, thanks to the material used.

When a user sits on Kalha, which looks like a stool, the body gets warmed up. The design will help prevent hypothermia, which can cause death in extreme cases. At night time while sleeping you can remove the upper part of Kalha and slip it under the blanket, as it can be used as a bed pan too. Apart from this, it can also be used as a stove to cook food when not used for keeping your body warm. Its multipurpose nature makes it even more economical and useful, and is surely a good means for the poor to fight the wrath of winters.

Via: Behance

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The stunning design of the coffee booth will draw you in, and once inside, you will be enthralled by other remarkable features of this cubicle. This is an eco friendly coffee kiosk that does not stay stationed at one place and its showy and avante garde design will surely lure in customers. The space inside is well planned, airy and bright, thanks to the long carved out windows.

Evobean coffee kiosk

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Evobean coffee kiosk

The reclaimed materials were pervasive to expose the green influence behind the design.

The structure is quite robust. The columns installed in the booth add to its look tremendously and also provide functional significance. The thickset columns and beams can easily bear the vertical load of the structure. The thinner columns and beams aid in managing the lateral load, which comes into play when the kiosk is being towed. All columns are linked with the roof to make the facade look trim and neat.

The space inside has been planned out carefully. There is enough room for all necessary equipment despite the compact size. You can fit in a cashier counter along with large as well as small tanks and sinks. Full barista equipment like espresso machine, coffee brewer, grinder, blender, fridge and ice machine will also be accommodated inside.

As the space was limited, interiors had to be chalked out cleverly to manage work flow. In fact, the space has been planned to make the employees feel relaxed and refreshed all the time. In addition, the kiosk boasts several green credentials. Recycled panels and translucent corrugated skylights have been fitted on the roof and reclaimed materials have been used for its construction, giving it a green tag.

Via: Dave Eaton

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