A skyscraper made of wood is the Michael Green Architects of Vancouver, BC entry into the Réinventer Paris competition. The latter is intended to highlight and promote new architectural ideas for the city’s future. The skyscraper they propose would also be the tallest wooden building in the world.
The Elastic Woodscraper II was designed by Weingartner Architects as a possible solution to all the negative prospects of growing city populations, such as social alienation, limited resources, urbanization, and others. The Elastic Woodscraper II is envisioned in a way that promotes sustainability, social cohesion and efficiency.
The world is becoming overcrowded, and it is estimated that by 2040 the population of NYC will grow by another million. This is definitely a problem that needs solving, which is why Metropolis Mag launched the ‘Living Cities’ design competition. The aim of the competition was for designers and architects to propose plans for a residential tower of 30 to 40 stories. The designs also required the use of an innovative structural steel system. Sustainability, multi-use strategies, lifestyle amenities, and multi-generational design were also required to be a part of the proposal.
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This week in Jetson Green Energy News, we’re reporting on a new green skyscraper in San Francisco, Top 10 Green Cities, Top 10 Green Projects, Donald Trump’s controversial (banned) anti-wind advertisement, environmental clean up in Wisconsin, new environmental funding in Minnesota, a new research facility in Colorado, and earthquake-resistant wallpaper. And, even though Earth Day is over, we still have plenty of green events for you to enjoy.
Transbay Transit Tower in San Francisco
Project developers Hines, Houston, and Boston Properties broke ground on the 1,070-ft-tall Transbay Transit Tower after closing a land purchase for $192 million. Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, it will be taller than the Wilshire Grand tower being built in Los Angeles and become the West Coast’s tallest building. Green features include integrated metal sunshades to reduce solar gain, low-E glass, heat-exchanging coils in the foundation, comprehensive water recycling systems, and high efficiency fresh air handlers.
