Berimbau Eco-tower is an emblem of ancient Brazilian culture

Shahnawaz Naaz:

Berimbau Eco-TowerBerimbau Eco-Tower is an emblem of ancient Brazilian culture

The concept:

The Berimbau Tower in Rio de Janiero is an eco-friendly high-rise building designed to be used as a building for telecommunications and other activities during the 2014 football World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games in the beautiful Brazilian city. The design of this building is largely inspired by Brazilian Capoeira dance and the Berimbau, an ancient Brazilian musical instrument. This spherical building has 5 levels. The lower level is meant for recreational activities, while the second and third level has a gazebo and shops respectively. The fourth level has space for offices, while the fifth and top most level has a large conference room equipped with all modern amenities. The building is sustainable because all its components are recoverable, recycled and reused. The bioclimatic characteristics of this building reduce its energy consumption as well. This building tower features a heated greenhouse and a geothermal heat pump.

The Inspiration:

A team of architects has finalized the design of Berimbau Tower. This sustainable structure will be a major center of attraction during the football World Cup in 2014 and Olympic Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. A look at the sphere-shaped structure shows that the team was inspired by Brazilian Capoeira dance and one of the oldest Brazilian musical instrument- the Berimbau. This 5 level building is suspended in the air. This building is sustainable and eco-friendly because it is made of recycled and reused products. A greenhouse and a geothermal heat pump maintain the heating of this house. Laminated glass curve on the outer skin of this tower gives it the spherical shape.

Eco Credentials:

The Berimbau Tower is completely sustainable as it uses natural resources for several useful activities. The tower used sun to generate hot water and keeps all offices in the building well lighted. It used wind and air to keep the building cool and also features rainwater harvesting system. The designers have maximized the used of the materials used in constructing the building. Proper designing has minimized the scope for waste generation. This building is made of components, which are recoverable and can be recycled. The bioclimatic characteristics of this sphere-shaped high-rise building keep its power consumption at a low level.

Feasibility:

The Berimbau Tower is a self-sustaining architectural beauty made of recoverable and recycled materials. This tower will serve as a multimedia centre during the football World Cup in 2014 and the Summer Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. The life cycle of this beautiful building is infinite. The overall height of this tower constructed over an area of ​​2,083′30 m2 is 113 meters. This building uses sun, wind and water to generate energy needed for different functions.

Related trends:

1. Arizona Solar Tower

Arizona Solar TowerEnviroMission to use Arizona heat to power 150,000 US homes

EnviroMission has set up a large solar tower in Arizona desert. The height of this tower is 2625 ft and its diameter is 130 meters. EnviroMission is hopeful that this solar tower would produce 200MW electricity, which could be use to provide electricity to 150,000 homes. This solar tower would be constructed at a price of US$750 million. This concept is simple but seems exciting because Arizona desert always receives good amount of sunlight. EnviroMission's plan is to create a greenhouse at the tower's base and raise the ground level's temperature to around 90 degrees. It is a known fact that when the air gets hot it moves up, allowing the cool air to fill in the gap. The idea is to fit the turbine in the building and when the air rises after getting hot, it rotates the turbine, which will generate electricity. This tower is completely eco-friendly because it produces emission-free energy. EnviroMission said that this whole system can work without any maintenance for 80 years.

2. Detox Tower

Detox TowerDetox Tower aims to pioneer on live matter integration in eco friendly skyscrapers

Buildings have emerged as a major contributor to climate change as they consume around 45% of the energy consumption of the world. The need of the hour is to design and build eco-friendly buildings which are self-sustaining and do not consume much energy. The designers of the new buildings should adopt new technologies to reduce the energy needs of the buildings as it will decrease the pressure on eco-systems. Detox Tower is also one such innovative project. The Detox Tower is a unique building because it has an internal and external membrane system. The internal membrane system is called Part A and external is called Part B. These membranes allow living organisms like algae, lichen, etc to process matter with synthetic matter. This integration will definitely reduce energy consumption significantly. This structure would also detoxify the air. The Detox tower is based on principles of micro engineering.

3. Michael Jantzen's Eco-Tower

Michael Jantzen's Eco-TowerMichael Jantzen's Eco-creation with a modern twist to it!

Michael Jantzen's observation tower is a Wi-Fi enabled eco-friendly building. The height of this tower is 120 feet and its structure is made of concrete and steel. The design of this eco-tower has seven platforms, out of which six are accessible by a spiral staircase which is located in the central part of the building. The perimeter of each platform has containers, which are used to grow plants. These containers also store rainwater, which is used to water the plants. The top of this eco-tower has a wind turbine and solar panels to harness sunlight. The wind and solar energy are stored in batteries which are placed at the tower's base. The design of this tower is stylish and its aesthetic brilliance is simply amazing.

4. The Net Lima Tower

The Net Lima TowerThe Philippines' first certified green building

Designed by renowned Miami-based architect Chad Oppenheim, the Net Lima Tower is Philippines' first certified 'Green' mega structure. Located just outside Manila in the Central Business District of Fort Bonifacio, this tower is eco-friendly and highly efficient. Chad has used several sustainability strategies to design this green tower. The three towers of this eco-tower cover a 3-acre block. The area covered by this green project is 1,550,000 square foot. This building has no AC, but it is uses aluminum solar screen overlays, which keep the building cool by rejecting heat. This building has storage tanks made of fiberglass.

Armadillo lizard

 The Armadillo Lizard is a lizard endemic to desert areas of southern Africa.The natural habitat of this lizard is scrub and rocky outcrops. It is diurnal. It hides in rock cracks and crevices. It lives in social groups of up to 30 to 60, but usually fewer.

10 Crazy yet creative jet-powered vehicles

 Naaz:

These days many creative people are using jet and rocket engines to design and create jet-powered vehicles. These vehicles are very strong and powerful but they are dangerous as well. They use lots of fossil fuels which raise questions over the need of creating these jet-powered vehicles but people are still busy making these vehicles. Here is a list of 10 crazy yet creative jet-powered vehicles:

Jet-Powered Vehicles

1. Jet powered lawnmower tractor

Jet Powered Lawnmower Tractor

Named Turbitrac, this jet-powered lawnmower tractor is powered by propane fueled jet engine, which can touch temperatures of around 600 degrees, which is too much and can burn down your lawn completely. This powerful tractor is designed by Nick Haddock but it has left open several questions. One of the most pressing question is that why did Nick decide to design and create a vehicle that is dangerous and can kill him as well? It seems that he went ahead designing the Turbitrac without thinking anything about the damage which it can create on his lawn.

2. School bus fitted with jet engine

School Bus Fitted With Jet Engine

Have you ever imagined a school bus powered by jet engine? Yes it's true! The designers at Indy Boys Inc have created a jet-powered school bus fitted with an engine which is meant to be used in an F4 Phantom fighter jet. This engine delivers 42,000 horsepower, which is incredible by any standard. This powerful school bus can hit a maximum speed of 367mph. This jet-powered bus however, is not very energy efficient as it requires as much as 150 gallons of fuel to cover just one quarter of a mile. The flame that comes out from the back can go as long as 80 feet.

3. Jet-powered supermarket cart

jet-powered supermarket cart

The credit for designing and creating a supermarket cart powered by jet engine goes to Andy Tyler. Andy used the information available on the Internet to design a jet engine and then fitted it in a shopping cart used in a local supermarket. The rear end of this cart features a heat shield, which protects the cart from getting burnt down due to the 600+ Celsius temperatures that is generated by the engine when it is switched on. This cart features scrap wheels, brakes and a steering as well. It uses all the fuel present in tanker in just two minutes and gets unstable after touching the 50mph mark.

4. Rocket powered car

Rocket powered car

This jet-powered car is actually a Toyota MR2 fitted with twin jet engines. This strong and powerful car is available for sale online on eBay. This car was put up for auction in 2005. Not much information is available about the maximum speed which this car can achieve or about its fuel efficiency. But one thing is certain, this car must be very powerful because it is powered by not one but two jet engines.

5. Street-legal jet powered Beetle

Street-Legal Jet Powered Beetle

This jet-powered Beetle is the brainchild of engineer Ron Patrick. Ron, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, said that he was interested in enjoying the wildest street-legal ride possible and that's why he replaced the conventional engine of his VW Beetle with dual jet engines. This car is street legal, which means that Ron can drive this car on public roads and can enjoy the thrill of the speed which is possible using jet engine by driving this vehicle at a rapid pace on track. Ron still does not know the top speed which this car can achieve but he says that it is a perfect vehicle to enjoy a thrilling ride.

6. Custom built jet-powered bike

Custom built jet-powered bike

Designed and created by Bob Maddox, this jet-powered bike promises one hell of a ride. This bike is powered by twin jet engines and requires just five seconds accelerating from 0mph to 60mph. Maddox has used pulse jets in this bike. These engines can run on any fuel but during testing, Maddox used regular gasoline. The sound generated by the engines is very muscular and aggressive. Maddox claims that this bike can hit a high speed of 200mph.

7. Fire truck equipped with MiG jet engine

Fire Truck Equipped with MiG Jet Engine

The idea to design and create a jet-powered fire truck seems bizarre but some crazy minds out there have come up with a fire truck fitted with MiG jet engine. This vehicle cannot be used as a fire truck because the 27-foot-long jet engine used in Russian MiG fighter has been fitted in it by removing its water tanks. It is said that this fire truck is fitted with world's largest turbine motor.

8. The world's fastest ambulance

The world's fastest ambulance

Touted as the fastest ambulance in the world, this emergency vehicle powered by jet engines could theoretically hot the high speed of 205mph. This ambulance however can't be used in emergencies because it has no space to carry patients. The space meant for carrying patients has been used up by engine fitted in the rear end of this vehicle. This land vehicle features a GE J-79 jet engine used in a Ford Phantom 4130. Priced at $189,000, this ambulance comes fitted with functional sirens and lights. It features aluminum wheels and disc brakes as well.

9. Hot, loud pulse-jet bike

Hot, Loud Pulse-Jet Bike

The credit for designing and creating a jet-powered vehicle out of a normal bicycle goes to Bob Maddox. This bike, which can touch a high speed of 75mph if driven properly, was put up for auction on eBay. The noise made by the jet engine used in this bike can damage the ear drums. This bike needs juts seven seconds to hit the high speed.

10. Ron Patrick's jet powered scooter

Ron Patrick's Jet Powered Scooter

Designed by Ron Patrick, this jet-powered scooter can hit a high speed of 40mph. Ron has used two JFS 100 jet engines in this scooter to help it achieve such a high speed. This scooter features a carbon fiber tank because it uses air-start. Ron is planning to put a shield over the engine to protect it from getting burnt down due to the heat generated by the engines.

Camouflage experts

10 most amazing amphibious vehicles for an uninterrupted ride

Tejas A:

Given the pace at which vehicles are coming to the road every year, that day isn't too far when we'll have to spend hours on the road in an effort to reach our destinations, owing to traffic jams and congestions. To address the grave issue, designers are coming up with amphibious vehicle designs that would allow the commuters tomorrow to ply their vehicles on waters, in event reducing traffic on compact urban roads. Here is a list of some of the most creative amphibious vehicles designed to ensure free flowing urban roads.

1. WaterCar

WaterCar

The water car is built to provide uninterrupted amphibious transportation to the masses just like the Rinspeed sQuba or Splash. The creators of this amphibious car claim that it is the fastest amphibian car, which can reach a top speed of 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds in water. The heart of this car is a Corvette's LS engine that powers this car and is faster than the bond inspired amphibious cars. This car is priced at $200,000.00 which when compared with the cost of a car, a trailer and a boat is an acceptable deal. This car is available in more than 60,000 exterior and 4,000 interior colors.

2. Humdinga

Humdinga

This is a 4X4 concept car created by the Kiwi entrepreneur Alan Gibbs. The Humdinga is a 5-seater amphibian SUV. It is powered by a V8 engine pumping out 350 bhp of power, which is capable of pushing this amphibian up to 160 kph on land and 65 kph on water. All that is required to transform from the land mode to the water mode is just the touch of a button. Wheels are retracted and the drive train switches to the jet propulsion system from the wheels and the SUV gets into the amphibian mode. To develop the HSA technology, it took its creators 7 years, more than a million man-hours, and millions of pounds of money. It accelerates to a speed of 100 kph in just 9.2 seconds on land and takes less than 10 seconds in water to reach to 65 kph. Its curb weight is 2000 kg and has an independent air suspension for every wheel.

3. Aquada

Aquada

Sir Richard Branson has said,

It is a great beast. It drives fantastically well on land and then it turns into the most remarkable boat on water.

It is a legend in the amphibians' category. It is a showcase vehicle of the Gibbs High Speed Amphibious technology. The Aquada is most often compared to the submarine car in the James Bond movie "The spy who loved me". The engine is a 24 valve V6 with EEC compliant immobilizer. It has a computer controlled air/hydraulic self-leveling suspension. It transforms from land to water vehicle at the press of a button in less than 10 seconds. It has a top speed of about 30 mph on water and 100 mph on land.

4. Amphibious Lamborghini

Amphibious Lamborghini

This is a real amphibious Lamborghini built by Mike Ryan of SeaRoader. This car looks like an Underwater Lotus Esprit from the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me. The car is an exact replica of the original Lamborghini Countach. It has the exact detailing and the same engine as the Countach. This car, as said by Mike Ryan, is so expensive that the windscreen glass alone cost him a hefty AU$4,250. Therefore, the car is obviously very expensive but still it is worth the price. It has a V12 engine pumping out a power of 375 bhp @ 8000 rpm. The wheels do not retract but the transmission shifts from the wheels to the jet propulsion in just the click of a button.

5. Wilcraft amphibious vehicle

Wilcraft amphibious vehicle

This incredible machine is built for the icy terrains and the water. It makes the fishing trip and hunting trips across any icy terrain more adventurous than you can imagine. The Skill with which it moves over the ice is so good that it can actually be used as a rescue vehicle. The vehicle is so light that it does not put more pressure on ice and it is just about the pressure applied by an average human being. This masterpiece is powered by a 305 cc engine and weighs 205 kg. It has a 2-speed gearbox and the vehicle can reach a top speed of 20 mph. The Wilcraft has a ground clearance of just 11 inches. It has a canvas cover, which makes it convertible, and when pulled, a cabin is created over the vehicle. The Wilcraft comes with a number of options to adjust to the environment. The price of the basic version is $10,495.

6. Amphibious ice cream van

Amphibious ice cream van

This is the world's first amphibious ice cream van designed to sell ice creams through the UK's rivers and canals and all its shores. It set sail in the Thames to dominate the ice cream vans in water after land. The van is a HMS Flake 99 and has a top speed of five knots. The slogan carried by this amphibian is "licensed to chill".

The main motto of the creation of this van was to highlight how the vans were being driven off the roads due to increasing fuel costs and council red tape during the national ice cream week. It was driven by Dave Mounfield, a stand up coming from Brighton. It finished a nationwide tour of Britain's beaches and canals of Venice.

7. Gibbs technologies amphibious Quadski

Gibbs technologies amphibious Quadski

This vehicle is created by the inspiration of the success of the Humdinga and it is the third in this category. This Quadski is a combination of a car and a jet ski, which is developed by the Gibbs technologies. It is the third vehicle to demonstrate the Gibbs HSA technology successfully. It is not just designed for fun but also for military and emergency rescue applications. It transforms from a land quad to a water ski in just a touch of a button. It is equipped with a powerful 140 BHP petrol driven engine that makes this Quadski a wonderful machine that can reach 50 mph on land and water as well. It is a four-wheel drive as well.

8. Amphicoach

Amphicoach

This is an amphibious touring vehicle, which enables the tourists to view the city as well as the water bodies surrounding it and in this category, Amphicoach is taking it to the next level of luxury and comfort. This vehicle has a capacity of 50 seats and is equipped with the latest luxuries that you will find in any five-star touring coach. The model took six years to be developed and tested before launching its first model. It is compliant with all the E.U. rules for the safety of the passengers and can sustain prolonged submerged stays either in salt or fresh water. It has a choice of two diesel engines along with two or four wheel drive.

9. DUKW

DUKW

This amphibian is one of the key vehicles used in World War 2 and is the most iconic amphibian in the present world. This amphibian is built on the GMC's six by six chassis and has a 270 cubic inch engine and the same transmission as in the GMC. It can handle even the rough seas surprisingly though it has a very low seaboard. After the restoration project of the DUKW's, they may cost from anywhere between £25,000- £30,000 depending on the condition and operation. Rex Ward is the specialist in operating and working on the DUKW and all the spare parts as well.

10. JMC amphibious pickup

JMC Amphibious Pickup

This amphibious vehicle was designed by the JMC Amphibious Vehicle Development Co located in the Nanchang city in the province of Jiangxi. It was mainly designed to overcome the problems in China during the floods and earthquakes to travel in both water and land and to use as a rescue vehicle as well. It is powered by a 4JB1 turbo charged engine, pumping 90hp @ 4000 rpm. It is a four-wheel drive with 5-speed fully automatic transmission system and a 70-liter on board fuel tank, power drive, and AC as well. It can carry five persons and can carry a payload of 350 kg easily. It is also equipped with a GPS to ensure that the owner does not get lost in case of an emergency rescue or a holiday trip in a river or a se

Seven unusual and interesting flower themed urinal designs

 Ram:

Flower shaped urinalFlower shaped urinal

Urinals are an important part of any home of office. Instead of sticking to the old models, you can as well choose from innovative and stylish designs that are going you make the users spellbound. The designers have been able to display their creativity at the best with the help of these stunning patterns. They can be used to enhance the overall look and feel and add a sophisticated touch to the surroundings. The best thing is that they come in various colors and sizes according to your specific needs. Take a look at these amazing models and decide which one you will use in your space.

1. Flower urinals

Flower UrinalsFlower shaped Urinals

Decorative flower urinals are now taking the place of the standard urinals. Your bathroom can look very different and provide a different experience by looking at the lively, colorful and decorative flower urinals. These are now exhibited at the San Francisco exhibition called 'Flush.' The detailed designing catches the eyes of the visitors. Instead of urinals, you can simply call them 'bathroom sculptures.'

2. Yellow orchid urinal by Clark Sorensen

Yellow Orchid Urinal by Clark SorensenYellow Orchid Urinal by Clark Sorensen

The yellow orchid urinal has been shaped and structured just like a real yellow orchid flower. It is made of durable and high-fire porcelain that is used to make the standard urinals. Each of his pieces is one-of-a-kind and is known to be made completely by hand. The designer has been featured in various art and design magazines. Each urinal comes with a standard drain connector and a flush valve connection. The cost of the urinal is $8900.

3. Orchid urinal

Orchid Urinalcool Orchid Urinal

Clark Sorensen has come up with beautiful and stylish urinals shaped in the form or various orchid flowers. The urinals are hand crafted and made in the shapes of various types of orchids. No one piece looks like the other. All of these urinals are fully functional and can be installed at homes and offices for use. Some of the different varieties include the pink orchid urinal, the yellow orchid urinal, etc. If you love orchids, use the orchid urinals in your bathroom and make it more decorative and attractive. The price is $7900 for each piece.

4. Floral urinal

Floral UrinalFloral Urinal

Here is an innovative way to decorate your bathroom. Choose from different kinds of floral patterns for your urinals. A San Francisco based artist, Clark Sorensen has created various beautiful and amazing urinals with high-fire porcelain. All these are aesthetically sound and functional too. Each piece is an art in itself and fits into all kinds of modern decor. Each fixture can be easily plumbed and used in your bathroom.

5. Calla lily urinal

Calla Lily UrinalCalla Lily Urinal

The Calla lily urinal is a unique piece of sculpture and looks like a giant lily flower. The urinal is designed by Clark Sorensen. It is 21 inches tall and is made of high-fire porcelain. This special design was hand-sculpted by Sorensen in 2003. It is a fully functional fixture that can adorn the men's bathroom in both residential and commercial buildings. You can buy one for $7900.

6. Flower-Shaped Urinals at English Country Garden Center

Flower-Shaped Urinals at English Country Garden CenterFlower-Shaped Urinals at English Country Garden Center

Instead of using the standard white bowls that are nothing less than boring, men's bathrooms can be decorated with special flower-shaped urinals. These urinals are designed by Clark Sorensen as a part of the collection called 'Nature's Call.' Three of these floral shaped urinals in the shape of a daffodil, orchid and hollyhock have been bought by the English County Garden Center for $24,700. People here are amazed to see the flower-shaped urinals.

7. Red Hibiscus Urinal

Red Hibiscus UrinalRed Hibiscus Urinal

Another amazing creation form Clark is the red hibiscus urinal which is in shape of a red hibiscus flower. The urinal can also be obtained in other colors such as orange or any color you need. The bright red urinal looks as if a huge hibiscus flower is attached to your bathroom wall. The flower designs completely transform the design of your bathroom. This urinal may cost you about $700.