What are sponge cities?

Sponge cities, also known as “sponge city initiatives” or “sponge urban planning,” are an innovative approach to urban development and sustainable urban design, primarily aimed at addressing and mitigating urban flooding and water management issues. These initiatives are becoming increasingly important as urbanization and climate change contribute to more frequent and severe floods in many…

Transforming City Office Buildings into Sustainable Apartments with Mass Timber Exoskeletons housing utilities for easy access

As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for housing in city centers rises steadily. One innovative solution to address this demand while also promoting sustainability is the conversion of existing city office buildings into modern apartments. Could we explore the concept of retrofitting city office buildings using mass timber exoskeletons, which not only allows…

What is the Earthshot prize? How does it help slow global warming?

The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize launched by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in 2020. The prize aims to incentivize and reward innovative solutions to environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss . The prize will be awarded annually to five winners over the next decade, with each winner receiving £1 million…

Top Ten Tips to Renovate a Building to Net-Zero

      Renovating an existing building to achieve net-zero energy consumption involves a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses various aspects of the building’s design, systems, and operations. Net-zero energy means that the building produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you…

Building a Sustainable Future: Constructing Houses to Halt Global Warming

Building a Sustainable Future: Constructing Houses to Halt Global Warming IntroductionImage: Orla Maison Global warming and climate change are pressing challenges that demand urgent action from every corner of society. One significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions is the construction and operation of buildings, particularly houses. To combat this issue, it’s imperative that we shift…

Architecture Hacker Guide to Rebuilding a City after a Wildfire destroys it

Rebuilding using the latest net-zero, carbon neutral techniques and creating a fire-resistant town would require careful planning and design, as well as the use of appropriate materials and technologies. Here are some possible steps and suggestions for achieving this goal. Rebuilding a town that has been destroyed by a wildfire while making it net-zero, sustainable,…

Architecture Hacker Guide to using Passive Cooling in your Building Design

Architects use passive cooling techniques to reduce the reliance on mechanical cooling systems and to create comfortable indoor environments without excessive energy consumption. Passive cooling harnesses natural processes and design strategies to maintain comfortable temperatures within buildings. Here are some common methods architects employ for passive cooling: Building Orientation: Properly orienting the building can maximize…

Architecture Hacker Guide to slowing Climate Change

Stopping climate change is a complex and challenging task that requires collective efforts from individuals, governments, businesses, and communities worldwide. While it may not be possible to completely stop climate change, we can take significant actions to mitigate its impacts and limit the rate of global warming. Here are some key strategies: Transition to Renewable…