Green construction and eco-architecture is where the future lies for any budding architect, who is busy drawing up those rough sketches. Modern building techniques along with the use of revolutionary new materials has meant that today we can give shape to structures that are both planet-friendly and maximize on available space and resources. Created by Mass Studies, Air Forest is a giant inflatable pavilion that fills you with awe, as it springs to life using nothing beyond the power of the wind.

Made from nylon and sporting 9 hexagonal canopy units held together by anchors and other lighting equipment in each of its 35 column, Air Forest is like a strong and study giant inflatable that provides you with instant shade. The structure draws from wind currents to gain its mammoth size and once you are done with it, you can just deflate it, pack it up and move to another venue.

Perfect for temporary shelter arrangements, for quick disaster relief, small rock concerts and general gatherings, the Air Forest is a dazzling eco-solution to the problem of space.

Via: Archdaily

We have all heard about the rotating house or flats and have seen too. However, a rising trend has been to build offices that rotate, each floor independently of the other. The Dynamic Towers in Dubai was perhaps one of the first rotating buildings we saw. This time around, there have been apartment complexes and office towers that have each of their floors rotating 360 degrees every hour.

This definitely seems to be a great idea but issues of sanitation and plumbing had remained. Now, engineers are planning to use rubber hoses and central stationary suction pipes to solve such issues. A Brazilian developer is selling these rotating flats for $550,000 each.

These houses are also self sufficient in power and a metal brush that rubs against a metal ring provides power. Thus, this trend of rotating apartment and offices could become so common that one would never have to worry about seeing that same view every morning outside the window. Every hour is different and this time, the pun is intended. A chic and innovative architectural concept, we must say.

Via: Gizmodo

Janne Saario, a student at an architecture school in Helsinki has created ‘The Mill’ an architectural innovation of sorts. The design is exclusively done for those who are into kayaking and river rafting. When paddling the kayak becomes cumbersome, paddlers can seek refuge in this quaint shelter, which Saario calls The Mill.

The design was originally meant to be a green art and has now turned out to be a chic resting place for adrenalin pumped kayak paddlers. The Mill just doesn’t provide shelter but collects energy from the flowing river and contributes to the betterment of the environment. Such designs not only are green and inspire other designers but also can be exploited to encourage eco tourism in places like Finland where rivers and lakes are more than the number of people. The Mill definitely proves to be a great eco friendly design that is sustainable, chic and economically viable.

However, I am not sure if The Mill can be installed in places where the water is either too rough or too placid, for The Mill might break lose or not generate any electricity at all.

Via: DesignBoom

Green Architecture is the direction towards which every architect and designer is heading and it is no surprise that many of the modern cities of the world are now becoming sandboxes for these green architects to experiment and express themselves. Eco-friendly construction is reaching new heights that are in fact becoming structures far more attractive and ergonomic compared to the traditional form of construction. Here is a collection of 10 such skyscrapers that r\are defying convention and defining green norms. From the marvelous to the incredulous, from the crazy to the sensational; they sport it all…

1. MAD Green Creation with Webstar:

MAD is a design firm that often lives up to its acronym and there creations are often perceived as green architecture that is a touch eccentric. But the design of Webstar is really a revolutionary concept for future green cities. This giant floating star can camp above any city in the world and can house a perfect green city of 15,000 people. With its own ability to produce power, utilize resources by recycling them and even a digital cemetery, the Webstar seems too good and green to be real. Simple sensational indeed!

2. Rotating Wind Towers of Dubai:

By now everyone in the world and even beyond knows about the spectacular wind-powered rotating skyscraper designed by Dr. David Fisher. The structure twirls around and uses wind and solar energy to produce power that is sufficient to power another 5 skyscrapers along with power to supports its own residents’ energy needs. This is almost like a giant swiveling structure on a beam at center. To say that this is amazing would be an understatement.

3. Sky Village by MVRDV Architects:

This new and unique structure is a model that can be considered as a blueprint for many eco-structures in the future. Created to perfection by MVRDV Architects, it takes the shape of many blocks called ‘pixels’ being put together like green hubs. The best part of the design is that the building can expand strategically without occupying too much space at the base. Green parks put up in the sky, a concept that could do great for every edifice in future.

4. Precinct 4 by Putrajaya Waterfront:

The Precinct 4 Project by Putrajaya Waterfront in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is more like a city of delightful eco-friendly structures that stand like beacons of green architecture and amazing design. The design is special with green features like terraces, sunshades, natural ventilation and integrated green space and amazing architectural splendor inspired by marine life.

5. Fog Tower:

There is no green structure that in sheer concepts stands singularly alone as this Fog Tower does on the edge of the Atacama Desert. While just a concept for now, this gigantic tower in pristine while aims to harvest land that is barren in the desert by tapping into the fog on the land. The giant screw design progressively collects and condenses fog into water and supplies it down for irrigation. Alberto Fernandez and Susana Ortega have designed a magical white-green tower!

6. Fusionopolis:

Fusionopolis will be Singapore’s most eco-friendly building, what makes it so green is a vertical spine of planting that rises up through the 15-storey building. The building overcomes with its design the challenges that come with growing a fabulous green landscape at that level along with water and irrigation issues. The structure that is to take shape in Singapore will add a new green tinge to the already fabulous skyline of the city.

7. Sinosteel International Plaza:

Once again a project that is designed by MAD Architects, the Sinosteel International Plaza is a project that is far more real, yet as green as the Webstar created by the same designers. The design is modern, eccentric and still green with ample ventilation and sustainable features that are integrated fashionably into the design and form. Construction is underway in Tinajin, China and its impeccable design makes sure that there is no extra energy wasted on insulation.

8. Carbon Neutral Pyramid of Dubai:

A merger in architecture of Ancient Egyptian pyramids and Middle Eastern ziggurats along with modern green features makes these Carbon Neutral Pyramids that are to take shape in Dubai, one of the best green structures in the world. The pyramid shaped structures run on solar power and are completely carbon neutral. They can sustain an entire community of a million people in them and all with nothing but green energy! If the prototype works, then they could well be the cities of the future.

9. Bahrain World Trade Center with Integrated Turbines:

Being the world’s first skyscraper to go for integrated wind turbines, the Bahrain World Trade Center makes on to the list for being the pioneer in green technology and energy. The integrated giant turbines are expected to generate 11 to 15 percent of the whole structure’s power. The three 29m-diameter turbine blades on Bahrain’s iconic landmark are expected to operate approximately 50% of the time. One must never forget the roots of the revolution and for green architecture, this was a big beginning.

10. Municipal Pool Cover Soto del Real in Madrid:

This giant Carbon Neutral green-structure was built in the heart of Madrid to give a sustainable ecosystem to the growing urban community. Designed by Lorenzo Alonso Architects, this green facility is filled with plants and acts as a community center as it purifies air and provides meeting space.

Green architecture is about the judicious blend of form with function and hopefully we have done the same with our list of ten. Every one has a different favorite, but irrespective of personal tastes, each and every one of the buildings in this list and many more that silently spread the green wave and eco-friendly revolution go a long way in making our planet a better place both for us and the future generations!