Policy

Could Jet Taxis Make Waves in NYC?

October 1, 2014

Could Jet Taxis Make Waves in NYC?

New York is often criticized for being a city that doesn't take advantage of its waterfront location in the way that Chicago or Baltimore, for example, do. But with new developments like Brooklyn Bridge Park and ideas for floating pools, we are well on our way to becoming an aqua-fied metropolis. But are we ready for the newest water transportation model, the jet taxi? Luca Solla and Pierpaolo Lazzarini of Italian-based company Jet Capsule are launching their 8-12-passenger vehicle in their home country in 2015, but expect other major cities around the world will want to get in on the action. They envision the jet functioning in hybrid, electric, private, personal, diving, and ambulance versions.
More on the sleek vehicle here

NYC Buildings That Add Solar Panels Will Now Get an Even Bigger Tax Break

September 30, 2014

NYC Buildings That Add Solar Panels Will Now Get an Even Bigger Tax Break

New York is serious about going green and Governor Cuomo just signed into law a bill to extend—and double—the possible tax breaks given to those who install solar panels on their properties. A press release notes that the break will offer a rebate of 5 percent on either the solar panel installation cost; property taxes the year panels are installed; or $62,500—whichever is less. The new bill is meant to offset the 25 percent higher cost of installing solar systems in the city due to stringent regulations and the complexity of building sites.
Find out more on here

Pressed Objects: Floris Wubben’s Brutally Tactile Designs for the Human Touch

September 24, 2014

Pressed Objects: Floris Wubben’s Brutally Tactile Designs for the Human Touch

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Tactility is especially important in today's day and age, as we're in constant competition with a world full of screens. That is the beauty of Floris Wubben's Pressed Objects; they aim to bring back textures to our day-to-day life. Made from pressed epoxy clay, the objects come in the shape of vases, flowerpots, and recipients, all created by a coalition between the hands and a machine.
Learn more about this textured design

<b>INTERVIEW: Architect Adam Kushner on Building the World’s First 3D-Printed Estate</b>

September 19, 2014

INTERVIEW: Architect Adam Kushner on Building the World’s First 3D-Printed Estate

3D printing has been making the design and tech rounds lately, from ceramics and construction bricks to cars and mini castles. But there's one project in the works that's looking to blow the rest out of the water. New York City-based architect and contractor Adam Kushner of KUSHNER Studios plans to build the world's first 3D-printed estate in Gardiner, New York, which will include a pool, pool house, and 2,400-square-foot main house--all of which will be constructed using this new technology. Kushner has teamed up with Italian inventor and engineer Enrico Dini, who will ship a modified version of his D-Shape printer to New York in January. Dini's printer uses his patented magnesium-based binding process combined with a material like sand to render stone-like objects. Kushner also teamed up with Enrico's local contact James Wolff, co-founder of Deep Space Industries, which works with NASA on asteroid prospecting, mining, and processing. The three men, along with Nigel Woods, founded D-Shape Enterprises New York. Adam's construction company In House Group, Inc. will hire D-Shape Enterprises to build the estate.
Read our interview with Adam Kushner and get an inside take on the project

World’s First OLED Panel Will Bring Buildings 40,000+ Hours of Energy-Efficient Lighting

September 17, 2014

World’s First OLED Panel Will Bring Buildings 40,000+ Hours of Energy-Efficient Lighting

New York buildings racking up big energy bills may soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief. Thanks to new OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology, lighting will be getting greener, healthier and much more energy efficient. This November, LG Chem, Korea's largest chemical company, will bring their new OLED panels into production. The new panels will boast 100 lumens per watt, a life of 40,000+ hours (a world's best, outperforming Osram, Philips, and Panasonic; and almost on par with conventional LEDs), and be flexible enough to be used in everything from automotive to architecture. Currently plans are to focus distribution on markets in North America and Europe, and so far LG Chem has secured contracts with more than 50 lighting companies, including Atlanta-based Acuity Lighting.
More on the technology here

Moleskine’s New Livescribe Notebook Is Like an iPad Made From Paper

September 12, 2014

Moleskine’s New Livescribe Notebook Is Like an iPad Made From Paper

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Moleskine, the legendary notebooks used by artists and writers including Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso, just launched their new pad. Called Livescribe Notebook, it comes with a Livescribe pen and is, as always, made from acid-free paper. Much like an iPad, it lets you write, draw, and make notes, allowing the 'intelligent' pen to automatically back up and transfer your ideas from paper to screen.
Learn more about the new Livescribe Notebook

You May be Able to Print Your Own Solar Panels Soon

September 10, 2014

You May be Able to Print Your Own Solar Panels Soon

Are you one of the many eagerly awaiting the iPhone 6 and iWatch? Well, pretty soon, you may be able to print your very own solar panel to serve as an energy-generating skin or case for your new device. Scientists at CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, along with those at Melbourne and Monash universities, report that they hope to offer the printed solar panels for low-power applications within the next few years. Printed on plastic--and faster, cheaper, and easier to use than traditional silicon panels--they could mean big things for a gadget-obsessed world, as well as for simple building and design applications.
More on the technology here

New Adaptive Architecture Project Explores How Physical Spaces Can Morph Based on Heat

September 9, 2014

New Adaptive Architecture Project Explores How Physical Spaces Can Morph Based on Heat

Generally, if a building starts moving, it's a very bad thing. But a new shape-shifting architecture concept from the students at Barcelona’s Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalunya proves otherwise. Responding to the notion that as buildings become smarter and greener they should also be responsive to their external environments, the project, dubbed Translated Geometries, explores how physical spaces could someday morph based on various environmental inputs.
More on the new technology here

Frank Gehry Bounces Back from WTC Snub with New Construction Technology Endeavor

September 8, 2014

Frank Gehry Bounces Back from WTC Snub with New Construction Technology Endeavor

It was big news last week that Frank Gehry's designed plans for the Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center were axed by execs of the site. Though he may have felt slightly snubbed, based on quotes he provided to the New York Times, Gehry seemed unaffected overall. His mellow reaction toward the dis is now further substantiated by news that his IT company Gehry Technologies has been acquired by American location technology firm Trimble (the owner of 3D drawing software SketchUp) in order to "transform the construction industry by further connecting the office to on-site construction technologies," according to Trimble.
More on the starchitect's new partnership here

Olivier Van Herpt Crafts Beautifully Functional 3D-Printed Ceramics

September 3, 2014

Olivier Van Herpt Crafts Beautifully Functional 3D-Printed Ceramics

By Ana Lisa Alperovich

Dutch designer Olivier Van Herpt has been experimenting with 3D printing for many years. But it wasn't until he made his own machine that he managed to craft the imposing designs he imagined. Olivier created his own extruder and experimented with different types of clay before coming up with his stunning Functional 3D Printed Ceramics collection.
Learn more about this 3D-printed ceramics collection

Popular Articles

INTERVIEW: Andrew Berman, Executive Director of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation

September 2, 2014

INTERVIEW: Andrew Berman, Executive Director of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation

There's been a lot of controversy around preservation in New York City as of late, and through it all, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP) seems to always make its voice heard. From debunking myths about affordable housing and historic districts to advocating for the Village's next great landmark, GVSHP remains on the front lines of the field. Founded in 1980 to preserve the architectural heritage and cultural history of the Village, the organization now includes the East Village, South Village, Far West Village, Noho, and Meatpacking District in its purview. Part of the reason for GVSHP's expansion stems from the tireless efforts of its longtime Executive Director, Andrew Berman. Since 2002, he has overseen the research, educational programming, and advocacy of one of the city's leading preservation nonprofits. We recently sat down with Andrew to learn more about his views on the current state of preservation in the city and where he hopes to take GVSHP in the future.
Read our full interview here

Rudolf Stefanich’s SONO Could Help Block Out City Noise and Keep Your Home Quiet

September 2, 2014

Rudolf Stefanich’s SONO Could Help Block Out City Noise and Keep Your Home Quiet

If you're one of the many who love city living but constantly curse the stress-inducing sounds of construction, car horns, garbage trucks, and yelling children, SONO will restore your sanity and bring your home to the pin drop quiet, peaceful state only found in the suburbs. Designed by Rudolf Stefanich, this pebble-shaped device could be applied to all of your home's windows, turning them into a comprehensive noise canceling system.
Find out more here

Study Finds That Most People Who Live in Glass Buildings Keep the Shades Drawn

August 29, 2014

Study Finds That Most People Who Live in Glass Buildings Keep the Shades Drawn

When we talk about apartments in glassy towers we always emphasize the stunning views, ample natural light, and cross ventilation. But according to a study from the Urban Green Council, most residents in these all-glass buildings are not taking advantage of those attributes. The "Seduced by the View" study surveyed 55 glassy buildings around New York City and found that on average, 59% of the window area was covered by blinds or shades. And over 75% of buildings had more than half of their window area covered. Results were similar regardless of time of day, direction the window faced, and whether the building was commercial or residential."
More on the study here

Become Your Own Meteorologist with BloomSky, A Crowdsourced Weather Information System

August 28, 2014

Become Your Own Meteorologist with BloomSky, A Crowdsourced Weather Information System

While we love a good one-liner by Al Roker or staring at Sam Champion's perfectly coifed hair, we admit to getting a little frustrated when we get stuck in the rain with no forewarning. But a new product called BloomSky lets you control your own meteorology destiny through a crowdsourced, hyperlocal weather information system. The personal station comes with an outdoor module and an app, and its nifty functions include: a rain sensor that can tell exactly when it starts and stop raining; weather pattern push notifications (never be caught without an umbrella again!); a wide-angle HD camera that captures weather scenes; an auto-generated timelapse video of every sunset; and subscriptions to worldwide BloomSky stations.
More on the weather device here

Take a Load Off Anywhere, Anytime with the Chairless Chair

August 25, 2014

Take a Load Off Anywhere, Anytime with the Chairless Chair

You know those instances when your feet are killing you, your back is sore, and all you want to do is sit down, but, of course, there's not a seat in sight? Well, these uncomfortable dilemmas can now be a thing of the past. In a bid to keep factory line workers more alert and comfortable during long, tedious shifts, Zurich-based startup noonee created the Chairless Chair, a locking leg support device that allows you take a load off regardless of where you are.
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August 22, 2014

Could JPods’ Solar-Power Commuter Pods Make Their Way to Manhattan?

Every day the NYC subway carries more than 1.3 million riders to all corners of our fair city. A feat yes, but if you're a rush hour commuter, you know the hellish conditions that can arise when trying to pack several hundred (though it can feel like thousands) of people into a line of sardine cans. If you're one of the many who constantly curse the MTA, try not to get too green-eyed as you read on. As it turns out, our neighbors in grid-locked Secaucus, New Jersey are gearing up to test a out new form of solar-powered public transit called JPods. This innovative new system uses a combination of light rail and self-driving car suspended above roads, and unlike the NYC subway, you can leave your running shoes at home. This rail network is designed to get you as close to your final destination as possible.
More on the new venture here

With New Transparent Solar Concentrators, Glass Towers Can Generate Solar Energy

August 20, 2014

With New Transparent Solar Concentrators, Glass Towers Can Generate Solar Energy

It's no secret that super tall, glassy towers are the go-to architectural style for many of today's leading starchitects. But environmentalists worry that the huge expanses of curtain wall windows are not very eco-friendly. A new product, though, just might satisfy those on both ends of this debate. Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new transparent luminescent solar concentrator that creates solar energy when placed over a window. The exciting part is that the product is totally translucent, so people can still see through the window while the green technology is working. The concentrators can also be placed on cell phones or any device with a flat, clear surface.
Learn more about the solar cells here

Forget the Crayon Box: Scribble Pen Draws in 16 Million Colors

August 20, 2014

Forget the Crayon Box: Scribble Pen Draws in 16 Million Colors

It's hard to even imagine 16 million colors, let alone draw in them, but the Scribble pen does just that. The first-of-its-kind creation, developed by the San Francisco-based startup Scribble Technology, scans colors and transfers them either to paper or a mobile device. See a paint hue you just love or want to capture the shade of a dress in a store window? Just tap your pen on the wall or object and, voila, you can draw in that color.
More about the new technology

Morpholio’s Innovative Mood Board App Lets You Design Your Entire Apartment on an iPad

August 18, 2014

Morpholio’s Innovative Mood Board App Lets You Design Your Entire Apartment on an iPad

The brilliant minds over at The Morpholio Project are at again, and this time they've introduced a real doozy to their already impressive suite of design apps. Devised for interior design professionals and design enthusiasts alike, this ground-breaking new application is pretty much like Pinterest on steroids, but made for the tech savvy who never stop creating. Featuring an incredible cloud library of over 1,000 top-notch curated design products and a highly refined suite of editing tools, this powerful app allows you to pull images of everything from furniture to materials to complete backdrops, onto a digital board that can be manipulated and transformed into a one of a kind vision: your own. The app was launched today and is now available at the Apple store for free!
More on this game-changing design app here

90% of NYC Buildings Fail to Meet Energy Codes

August 18, 2014

90% of NYC Buildings Fail to Meet Energy Codes

In early 2014, the Department of Buildings (DOB) set up a permanent audit unit and started reviewing the architectural plans for thousands of new and renovated buildings. What they've found is alarming; nine out of every ten office and/or residential buildings failed to meet the New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC). The energy standards were implemented over 30 years ago, but are just now being enforced. And while environmentalists welcome the stricter monitoring, some building owners and construction companies are nervous about the potential increased costs of compliance, both in terms of money and time.
More on the city's energy codes and how they're being updated

Let the Sunlight In and Save Up to 70% on Energy Costs with the Lightcatcher Solar Dome

August 18, 2014

Let the Sunlight In and Save Up to 70% on Energy Costs with the Lightcatcher Solar Dome

In theory, it seems silly to pay for light bulbs and electricity when natural sunlight is free, and now this eco-fantasy is becoming a real possibility. Developed by EcoNation and installed on the roof, Lightcatcher is a sun-tracking solar dome that uses a mirror and technology-based system to generate green energy, bring light indoors, and mitigate temperature fluctuations. The sensors and motorized mirror and lenses harvest sunlight, reducing energy costs and environmental impact eight times more than solar panels, according to EcoNation. The company also claims that Lightcatcher can provide sufficient light for up to ten hours per day, using only 1-3% of roof surface area.
More details on the new technology

Technicon Design’s IXION Windowless Jet Offers Panoramic Views of What’s Outside

August 15, 2014

Technicon Design’s IXION Windowless Jet Offers Panoramic Views of What’s Outside

Admit it--you've perfected your selfie pose. And now that you've got the duck face and skinny arm down pat, why not explore the art of the skyline selfie? We're not talking an upward-gazing shot of the Empire State Building or semi-panoramic view of Manhattan; we mean full-on aerial photos taken from 40,000 feet up in the air. That's exactly what the IXION windowless jet from Technicon Design is doing. The firm's groundbreaking new design has removed windows from the cabin and, using near-future technology, displays the surrounding environment on interior cabin surfaces via external cameras. Not only does this provide incredible views, but greens the aircraft by reducing weight (thereby requiring less fuel and maintenance), simplifying construction, and opening doors for a variety of design possibilities. To boot, expansive solar panels would power the on-board, low-voltage systems, creating a one-of-a-kind visual for the jet's exterior body.
More on the sky-high design here

Sunbreak Shades Could Control Skyscraper Temperatures Right From an iPhone

August 12, 2014

Sunbreak Shades Could Control Skyscraper Temperatures Right From an iPhone

You know the drill, wear a wool sweater to work in the summer and layer with a thin t-shirt in the winter. It's the curse of working in a tall, glassy, climate-controlled building. But a new shading prototype called Sunbreak, created by the architects at NBBJ, acts as a skyscraper skin that adjusts on a window-by-window basis depending on the angle of the sun, conserving energy and allowing workers to control office temperatures. Sounds like just what we've been waiting for, huh?
More about the proposed product

Sabin Design Lab’s 3D-Printed, Ceramic PolyBricks Eliminate Construction Waste

August 11, 2014

Sabin Design Lab’s 3D-Printed, Ceramic PolyBricks Eliminate Construction Waste

3D printing has been making the design rounds lately, popping up as the construction method of choice for many new furniture pieces. Now, though, a team of researchers has created a 3D-printed product that can be used to construct entire buildings. Developed by the Sabin Design Lab in collaboration with Cornell and Jenny Sabin Studio, the ceramic bricks are interlocking and require no mortar, the first of their kind. Additionally, the technology eliminates construction waste completely.
More about the one-of-a-kind product here

A Subjective Map of New York City: Dutch Graphic Artist Takes Virtual Check-Ins to a New Level

August 7, 2014

A Subjective Map of New York City: Dutch Graphic Artist Takes Virtual Check-Ins to a New Level

By Stephanie Hoina

Social media has certainly made it easier to take a nostalgic look back in time; a quick perusal of one’s past Facebook statuses or Twitter feeds is all it takes to remind us of what we were doing last week, month, or even last year. (Yes, we know some of those photos are cringe-worthy; we have them too.) Consider all of the different places those statuses and tweets were generated from, and imagine what it might look like if you tracked all of those locations on a map of the city – a literal "walk" down memory lane, if you will. That’s exactly what Dutch graphic designer Vincent Meertens and his girlfriend did between March 2012 and January 2013, using an application called OpenPaths. The result? An intricate series of dots and lines (10,760 data points in all) representing all of their movements through New York City.
More details ahead

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