Design and the Environment

Geothermal Energy: This video is from 2008 so it is pretty recent. It is about clean renewable energy but how Ireland is unique in how they get this energy, through the ground's heat; geothermal energy. This idea is innovative to say the least. Instead of using what we can see or feel (the sun or the wind) for energy, why not use the heat the Earth's core gives off. The only real damage the harvesting of this energy causes on the environment is the digging into the Earth but other than that its effective.

Sustainable Architecture: This video is about the connection of nature and architecture. More specifically, it deals with sustainable living. Building to harness nature that effectively respects and uses nature to live without relying on city water or etc. It is a connection between biology and architecture. Personally i love this idea. When i visualize the future i think of homes not reliant on the city or companies for utilities. Why not harness what is free and created this world, the sun.

Solar Heating: Solar thermal is the sun heating up a metal plate and it transfers to a heat exchanger which could heat your home there or you can save it for later. It is a quick easy fix. Its a "green" way for hot water. Again I like this because we are utilizing the sun to better us. There is no damage done to the environment and your gas bill will go down.


Helix Wind Turbine: The helix wind turbine is a turbine that is shaped like the DNA helix. Its purpose is to utilize the wind to generate electricity. This design is better than the traditional fan design because no matter where the wind is it'll spin. Also this wind helix is more pleasing on the eyes. It doesn't look like it'll cut you up like a fan blade.


Rural Wind Turbine: This turbine is produced to be put up in residential areas to help people save on electricity. Utilize the wind to save on the bills. This turbine is more vertical than the traditional fan turbine so it can be placed in congested areas. I think that in the long run this would be a good investment especially around my hometown near Lake Erie where there is always a breeze. It is expensive but in the long run it will pay off. Also I'm all for not relying on the city and companies for utilities.