Worth Another Look: Cool City #1… Malmo
via Dhogborg
This is a shot from the 56th floor of Calatrava’s “Turning Torso” skyscraper in Malmo. I’m still stuck on this place. It has inspired me to find some other great cities to talk about. I’ll be doing some research over the weekend, and next week we’ll talk about some of the greatest cities all around the world. If anybody has any input on some wonderful cities, please let me know. Here’s a long clip of Malmo. You have to put up with a little bit of drama, but there’s some good architecture in it.
Throwback to Segovia
Segovia, Spain
Segovia has to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. There is an aqueduct, a cathedral, tiny streets and a castle to top it all off. I lived in Segovia for the good part of a year, and it’s just fantastic. Walking around the streets is an architectural thrill-a-minute. It’s all very old and protected so don’t expect modern, but it is very charming. This aqueduct was built about 100 AD, it stands 93.5 feet tall, and runs almost 20 miles from the source of water. I went back about 3 years ago with my wife, and I recommend it to everyone looking for old school beauty.
My Wife in a Skinny Street
Malmo, Sweden
In “all” my years as a nerd, I have never heard of Malmo, Sweden. I don’t even know how to describe my new favorite city in Sweden. I guess it all starts with a picture that I found of a development called Bo01. So I google the place and find 20 others in the same development, and find out that Bo01 is an old shipyard and industrial site that is being converted into a residential area that will use 100% renewable energy. There are lots of green spaces, water features, small streets and amazing residential architecture. Turns out Calatrava (who I love love love) has designed a skyscraper for the development, and that is the only “high density tower block.” The rest of the city is traveled by walking, riding bikes, and buses that run on a combo of natural gas and biogas. Living roofs control rainwater, the size and position of buildings control wind, the ponds and water add to wildlife, solar panels create electicity, and a heat pump 300 ft. below the surface uses the temperature of water in the limestone bedrock to heat in the winter and cool in the summer. I can’t get enough of this place.
ps. check out the song by Album Leaf entitled “Malmo.”
via BBC News
via BBC NEws
Check out the article in BBC News,
EcoRock
So, I don’t know if I’m the last person to have heard of this, but Serious Materials Inc. has released a product called “EcoRock.” It’s a very green alternative to drywall. It’s said to use 80% less energy to create it, and it lives up to all of the same standards as a standard gypsum panel. “Inhabitat” posted on EcoRock in November, and got some serious discussion going about the quality of the product. Here’s some stats right off of SeriousMaterials.com:
EcoRock: Superior Performance Attributes and Unique Green Characteristics
- Meets 100% of ASTM C1396 physical drywall properties
- Used just like gypsum drywall
- Cleaner, smoother score & snap
- Generates less dust than gypsum drywall
- 50% more mold resistant face (fiberglass) and core
- Termite resistant face and core
- Impact resistant
- Ceiling sag resistant
- Tile backer board qualified
- Generates no mercury in production
- Can contribute up to 8 LEED credits
It sounds spectacular, and it’s supposed to be available right about now. So check out how sweet it is at SeriousMaterials.com or Inhabitat.com, and let’s hope to be buying it soon.
Nationwide Foam, Inc.
Nationwide Foam, Inc. is a company that recycles the foam that is used for making flat roofs. When demolishing a building or replacing a roof, NFI will place a trailer at your jobsite for you to fill with the foam (hence, the picture). They also have started a program to recycle EPDM rubber. The beauty of using their products is that you keep massive amounts of non-biodegradeable products out of landfills, and you can earn LEED points by using their products. I think it’s fantastic to see people creating services that are so responsible. NFI services all of North America.
