Building Landscapes

Academy of Sciences Museum in San Francisco, CA
The rooftop mimics surrounding hills, while planted with native plants
Mounds reflect the planetarium and rain forest exhibits within.

Smart Bus Stops

This bus stop shelter in San Francisco offers the rider detailed information on where they are and how long they will be standing there for the next bus to arrive.

visualized information...efficiency, safety....all aspects promoting the use of public transportation.

what other means of informing users of public infrastructures be communicated?
mobile devices, light displays, audio, spatial?

Parking Lot Power

What new forms of exchange can an electric car bring?

What are the possibilities that the automobiles themselves could become the power plants? While sitting in parking lots across American automobiles could become utilized resources. And with new electric cars with charged batteries, could a corporate office size parking lot actually run the building during the day? The cars could be charged through the night via home units and then while sitting in lots, charge the buildings while being plugged into on site solar collectors?

The potential of course depends on the different locations, businesses and schedules. How can mall shoppers participate? How can the local business use it as an incentive?

Image from : Los Angeles Community College District: a 1.2-megawatt solar farm spread over the 3-acre, 530-spot space in Monterey Park. With 5,952 photovoltaic panels tapping energy, the array is expected to last at least 40 years and provide up to 45% of the college’s electricity needs.

Scaffolds

Ever the remodeling city, a NYC block is not complete with at least one building sheathed in scaffolding. The need arises due to aging brick buildings. They could serve multiple purposes. What if they weren't temporary? Especially at the sidewalk, the scaffolding covering protects pedestrians from falling construction debris, but also fend off the summer sun and rain outbursts. It reminds me of European covered walkways, Spanish portals, the gallery. What is the modern equivalent? How does it serve the pedestrian, as well as the building inhabitant, the motorists, the bus rider? Environmentally, how can scaffolds address water, plantings, energy? and socially? with protected space, second tier sidewalks?