Architecture & Web Art

Posts Tagged ‘Utopia’

Beijing District

Today in the Utopia section of Archtopia, we’re going to talk a bit about a concept presented by SOM in Beijing. I’m sure you will find this appealing since the planet really need our care in the current situation, and this proposal shows consideration and pays attention to the nature needs, creating inhabiting green spaces.

Not so long ago SOM revealed the future plans for a new urban center in Beijing’s Dawangjing District that will feature an integrated heating and cooling solution designed to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. The new development will include a central park that utilizes a geothermal heat-exchange system to help passively heat and cool all of the district’s buildings, something like the roman heating system, I’d say.

Beijing District

The district will be positioned at about 11 kilometers from the Beijing Capital International Airport, and will include multiple public parks, cultural attractions and high-rise buildings that will welcome visitors to the capital city.

If you have a passion for cars you may have heard about James May. The guy is producer and co-presenter on one of Britain’s best TV Shows, Top Gear. Also known as Captain Slow, James is more than just a guy with a passion for engines. He also loves LEGO and to prove that he’s serious about it, after beer with the “mates” he decided to build — entirely from LEGO pieces  — a real two-storey house, where he’ll live upon completion. Located in the middle of the Denbies Wine Estate, in Dorking, UK, the building is going to use 3 million colorful bricks, will feature a Lego toilet and LEGO furniture. – via