Dear Inhabitants - As massive snowstorms swept the States this week causing widespread power outages, transit delays, and serious injuries, our thoughts naturally turned to resilient design, which can be used to create buildings, landscapes, and communities that are better equipped to deal with natural disasters. We also took solace in several amazing glacial dwellings: a monstrous Frankenstein-themed suite at Sweden's IceHotel, and the world's first supermarket made from frozen H2O. A team of winter sports fans launched a gigantic kite that can pull skiiers up hills, while New Yorkers shuddered at the discovery of a new species of cold-resistant cockroaches in the Big Apple. And we learned that London is planning to launch a flurry of edible fireworks to ring in the new year!  Scientists had good news and bad news for us this week - first, a team of researchers discovered massive reserves of freshwater under the ocean floor that are 100 times greater than all the water used in the 20th century. We also showcased a brilliant photosynthetic bike that could purify the air as you pedal down the street. On the not-so-great side, researchers found a new greenhouse gas that is 7,000 times more potent than CO2, and the supervolcano below Yellowstone Park was measured to be 250% larger (and more destructive) than previously thought.  Resilient Design: Is Resilience the New Sustainability? In the past few years we've seen tremendous hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters strike around the world. The greenest building is the one that is built to withstand disaster and the wear and tear of daily life - which is where resilient design comes in. Check out our new feature to learn how resilient design can be used to create lasting buildings, landscapes, communities, and regions. RESILIENT BUILDING DESIGN >  ANNOUNCING: Inhabitat's 2013 Green Gift Guide! The holidays are fast approaching - but don't worry if you have yet to find the perfect presents for your family and friends. We've rounded up over 300 gifts in 21 categories, so you're sure to find a green gift for everyone on your list! And if you're scrambling pick out presents for a long list of loved ones, don't miss our last-minute gift guide! LAST MINUTE GIFTS > GREEN GADGET GIFTS > DIY GIFTS YOU CAN MAKE YOURSELF > GREEN GIFTS FOR HIM > GREEN GIFTS FOR HER > GREEN GIFTS FOR KIDS > GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK > CRUELTY-FREE GIFTS FOR ANIMAL LOVERS > COZY KNIT GIFTS > GREEN GIFTS FOR PLANT LOVERS > AFFORDABLE GREEN GIFTS UNDER $20 > GREEN DESIGN NEWS Amazing Photos Reveal People Living Outside the System  Massive Freshwater Reserves Found Under Ocean Floor  Photosynthesis Bike Purifies the Air as You Ride  Spectacular Christmas Tree Made of 365 Sleighs Unveiled  Foodini 3D Printer Cooks Up Meals in a Snap  New Greenhouse Gas is 7,000 Times More Potent than CO2  Santa and the 'Shrooms: The Real Story Behind Christmas  Soaring Pertamina Skyscraper to Harness Wind Energy  London to Ring in 2014 With Edible Fireworks!  Honda Unveils Portable Airbags for Your Smartphone  Aarhus Botanical Garden Unveils New Greenhouse  Yellowstone Supervolcano is 250% Larger Than Expected Tiny Off-Grid Reading Cabin Built for Just $300  Pinpin Studio Unveils Frankenstein Ice Hotel Room  Prefab Pops Up in a Minute with the Push of a Button   Announcing Our Project Kitchen Upgrade Winner! After several intense weeks of online voting we're thrilled to announce the winner of our Project Kitchen Upgrade Photo Contest - chosen by you! Without further ado our winner is... Patricia Blake, who will receive a $1750 kitchen makeover courtesy of Moen! Thanks to everyone who entered, and a big congrats to our winner. PROJECT KITCHEN UPGRADE >  Rewined Candles Are Perfect Gifts for Wine Lovers Candles are a great holiday gift for moms and pops and anyone who enjoys warm ambience at home - and Rewined makes one of our favorites! Their handcrafted candles are carefully blended to mimic tasting notes from wines, and they're housed recycled vino bottles to boot! Once lit, they'll fill your giftee's home with beautiful scents ranging from blackberries and ripe peppers to soft herbal tones. REWINED CANDLES >  How to Meet Some Wolves at a Sanctuary Near You Did you know that there are wolves living in practically every state in the country? Don't be afraid - they're anything but big and bad - and you can visit them at your local wolf sanctuary! Check out our post to find a wolf sanctuary near you, and don't miss our video where we visit the New York Wolf Conservation Center. HOW TO FIND A WOLF SANCTUARY NEAR YOU >  10 Projects That Revitalize Damaged Landscapes Landscape architects are experts at turning damaged and neglected spaces into healthy, beautiful environments - and we've rounded up 10 extraordinary case studies that show how smart design can change the world for the better. From industrial factories turned lush green oases to the reclamation of polluted brownfields and abandoned infrastructure, check out our favorite projects here! 10 MONUMENTAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROJECTS > DESIGN COMPETITIONS  6 Simple Holiday Ornaments You Can Make with Your Kids  HOW TO: Make a Healthy Vegan Holiday Popcorn Sampler  WEARABLE STORIES FROM ECOUTERRE  Victoria's Secret Debuts 3D-Printed Lingerie  Beyoncé Wears Fur to Lunch at a Vegan Restaurant  Until next week, thanks for reading everyone! Jill and Mike, Your loyal Inhabitat editors -- Inhabitat http://www.inhabitat.com Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/inhabitat | |
No comments:
Post a Comment