ABC2 last night (11.07.2010) featured a program called Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner. Available now on ABC iview. John Lautner (16 July 1911 – 24 October 1994) was an influential American architect whose work in Southern California combined progressive engineering with dramatic space-age flair.
Griffith University has received $21m dollars worth of funds from the federal government to build a new zero-emission and self powered solar-hydrogen building. The $32 million Sir Samuel Griffith Building will be built just south of Brisbane in Nathan, one of Griffith University’s satellite campuses. The solar-panelled glass façade will generate its own power supply while at the same time flaunting its skeletal structure and the 4000m² of usable floor space across its six levels.
Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O’Connor said the world-class building was key to delivering a genuine sustainable energy option to Australian and global communities.”This building, which will generate its own power supply, is a model for remote communities that are ‘off-grid’ and cannot access power in Australia and across the world,” Professor O’Connor said. “It will also be a pilot for applying this safe, sustainable power supply in urban settings.
The building will be designed by Cox Rayner Architects. It’s exterior wil be made of transparent solar glass panels and will attract international attention as the building will become Australia’s largest solar powered-hydrogen building and will no doubt become a catalyst development for future green building technologies.
Issue 28, 2010 of SEGD Design magazine titled Design for a Living World features a summary of the different eco labelling systems and the materials and techniques for environmentally friendly signage at Green Depot retail stores and the Portland Transit system.
BIOflex is the world’s first landfill degradable PVC banner material suitable for use as a signage substrate and for outdoor advertising (billboard) banner skins. BIOflex is engineered to breakdown under landfill conditions (darkness, high heat and moisture) within three to five years without emitting toxic gases or other pollutants – standard vinyl retains its form and its toxic content for decades. In the US companies including Universal Pictures and Nike are using BIOflex for their nationwide billboard campaigns. It is being distributed in Australia by Adkote.
AECOM have launched their new publication on Climate Design – Design and planning in the age of climate change.
