How accurate are artificial intelligence tools for “text to image” generation? Can they correctly predict your fashion preferences, passions, furniture style or desired vacation destinations? Text to image tools Text to image generation tools such as Dall-e are gaining momentum in the marketplace. They can create images based on your stated preferences in words. While…
Smart and immersive glass technologies are showing up in building interiors as well as facades. Will their use expand rapidly? What are they and what do they do? Where are such technologies in New York City? Tinted, smart and immersive glass The simplest form of smart glass technology is tinted glass. Such glass can switch…
This book provides property profile data for selected high/mid rise (7 stories and up) new building projects in Manhattan. These are active construction projects with either an initial building permit or a renewal permit issued in 2022. Following information is provided for each project: Job Number, Street Address, Community Board, Block, Lot, BIN Number, Application…
The post pandemic world calls for novel solutions to limit the spread of infectious viruses. One such solution is a touchless elevator. While the industry is making rapid strides, the regulatory environment is slow to adapt. Here is an example of how a design team had to jump through hoops to get a building permit…
What makes architecture memorable? Why do some buildings leave a lasting impression? Based on many years of travel and research, here is what I think as an architect. Architecture that successfully fuses five basic elements in nature becomes genuinely memorable and timeless. These elements are earth, water, wind, fire, and space. They are identified as…
2022 has taught us that the next major climate event may arrive sooner than we expect. How do we prepare for it? Here is a list of 8 “must have” gadgets for you and your loved ones. Note: When you buy through product links, I may earn commission as an Amazon Affiliate. Power Inverter for…
Seven Climate Change related startups are doing amazing work to avert climate disaster and create long-term economic value. They are using technology, ingenuity, and invention to decarbonize the world and bring emissions to zero. Who are they, what is driving them and what are they trying to accomplish? The drivers of innovation Money is pouring…
As global leaders converge at the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27), we will hear loud debate on climate justice related to loss and damage. Who is responsible for loss and damage in the world’s poorest countries? Why should such countries suffer the most when they are not responsible for causing climate change? Regardless of what…
With growing frequency and intensity of weather events, power outages are becoming more common. Why do they happen? How long do they typically last? What should we do with perishable food in the refrigerator? How can we prepare for extended power outages? There are lots of questions and the best thing one can do is…
Just about everyone has felt the effects of extreme heat this year. It does not matter whether you believe in climate change or not, you felt it. The likelihood of getting severe heat waves in coming years is growing as global temperatures continue to rise. What can individuals and policymakers do to deal with future…
According a United Nations report, 3.6 billion people worldwide face water scarcity for at least one month each year. Even affluent communities in the United States restrict water usage during the peak summer season. Rainwater collection systems in homes and community wide infrastructure upgrades such as bioswales can help conserve water, reduce pressure on stormwater…
Can we live without clean air? Just hold your breath for a minute and you will know how critical clean air is for life. Vertical gardens and wall mounted trellis systems can improve air quality, bring nature to our living spaces, and enhance general health and wellbeing.
Is your building at risk of damage due to climate change? What are the chances? Where do you go for more information?
It was almost one year ago when Greta Thunberg galvanized the world against political inaction. She called it a “betrayal towards all present and future generations”.2 She called for immediate action to save the planet. What can we do to move away from blah blah blah and towards a sustainable future?
Gyms, martial arts studios, licensed massage therapy, and many other health-related businesses do not need to obtain a BSA special permit in New York City effective December 9, 2021.
Connecticut Governor’s Executive Order 7JJ states that building permits “valid as of March 10, 2020, shall not lapse or otherwise expire during the state of emergency, and the expiration date of the approval shall toll during the state of emergency.” What does that mean?
While reviewing plans for a building permit, code and zoning officials often raise objections citing potential illegal use due to proposed work. Is that justified?
Many people thought that their homes were safe because they were not in a flood zone. But recent weather events have changed their beliefs. Here what I would recommend you do if your home was flooded and sustained damage due to flooding or severe weather.
Touchless technologies promote safety through social distancing. But human beings crave interaction with people, places, and things. Will these technologies cause sensory deprivation?
Self-driving cars will make on-site parking spaces obsolete causing major disruption to commercial and multi-family residential real estate. As services such as Uber embrace self-driving cars, auto ownership will decline, and passengers will demand more curb space for drop-off and pick-up.
In absence of proactive local regulations, self-driving cars will exploit city streets for commercial use. These vehicles will provide dining, retail, entertainment, and other services to passengers without paying commercial rent. They will redefine city life, disrupt real estate industry and free up spaces occupied by parking structures.
Building Departments are often characterized by bureaucratic permit processes, red tape, and constant delays. But change is in the air as many departments take advantage of online permit processes, improved customer service, digital plan reviews, remote inspections, and nimble organizational structures.
The Future of US Pavilion was built to celebrate SG50, Singapore’s 50th year of independence in 2015. It demonstrated the power of parametric computing from concept to completion. The pavilion’s exterior skin consists of infinite variations made possible by mass customization and direct digital manufacturing.
A rock-cut sustainable home for a Buddhist monk in Junagadh in Western India offers a glimpse of what life and architecture were like during the Mauryan Empire (321–185 BCE).
“Know thyself”. That is the great wisdom inscribed at the Temple of Apollo in Greece. Apollo was the God of music, harmony and light and occupied a prominent position in the Delphic Sanctuary. It is at this temple in Delphi, Greece, where Pythia, the famous oracle uttered these words in 4th century BC.
What brings hundreds of people to Piazza Navona in Rome every day? Is it the history that dates back to the Roman empire? Is it great urban design that celebrates human existence by offering places to shop, worship and play? Perhaps the answer lies in all of the above and more.
I independently research everything I recommend. When you buy through these links, I may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate. My goal is to save you time and eliminate the stress of researching products and resources. Title image: Photo by Öljylautta, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons