Vivobarefoot, in collaboration with material science company Balena, has introduced a ground-breaking concept in sustainable footwear with its “scan-to-print-to-soil” compostable trainers. The prototype shoes, revealed at the Biofabricate materials conference, are 3D-printed using a compostable thermoplastic material developed by Balena. The “fully automated process – scanned on phone and automatically printed” offers a unique approach to creating shoes, challenging the conventional industrial system of design, manufacturing, and disposal. Vivobarefoot envisions a future where products are produced on-demand, reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.
The “scan-to-print” process not only promotes sustainability but also emphasizes individual customization. By allowing customers to scan their own feet for a tailored fit, Vivobarefoot recognizes the diversity in foot shapes and aims to create footwear that complements the natural structure of the human foot. The prototype shoes, made from Balena’s BioCirflex material, meet international biodegradation standards, emphasizing the commitment to environmental responsibility. However, the company acknowledges that establishing a composting infrastructure will be crucial before a mass launch, underscoring the importance of building a circularity logic for the material.
Vivobarefoot’s initiative aligns with its broader mission to revolutionize the footwear industry by challenging the negative impact of heavily cushioned shoes on both feet and the environment. Co-founder Asher Clark believes that the traditional manufacturing process is inherently wasteful and environmentally damaging. By introducing compostable trainers and advocating for a shift to an on-demand, sustainable model, Vivobarefoot aims to set new standards in the industry, emphasizing the importance of minimal material usage and considering the end-of-life impact of footwear.
In the UK, farmers are taking innovative steps to combat flooding by returning sections of their farms to a more natural state. James Robinson, a farmer from Cumbria, has collaborated with the Ullswater Catchment Management CIC to transform parts of his farm into wetland habitats. This initiative has not only led to the return of wildlife, with birds and invertebrates making a remarkable comeback, but has also proven effective in flood mitigation. Continue reading “Farmer Combats Flooding by Returning Creeks to Nature: ‘Wildlife That Has Come is Phenomenal’” »
In the era of social media-driven organization trends, where every corner of our homes is scrutinized for its aesthetic appeal, IKEA’s KLIPPKAKTUS storage drawer emerges as a budget-friendly hero for transforming the chaotic landscape of our refrigerators. As Instagram and TikTok flooded with creative videos showcasing immaculately organized fridges, the KLIPPKAKTUS has swiftly become a game-changer for those seeking a practical solution to the perennial problem of forgotten and Continue reading “This New Fridge Organizer From IKEA Gives You Loads of Extra Storage Space — It’s the Best $6 You’ll Spend” »
The Crow’s Nest Treehouse with Twisty Slide is a captivating blend of beauty, boldness, and rustic charm, perched gracefully on stilts above the enchanting high desert landscape of Nogal, New Mexico. With panoramic views of the sprawling 30-acre ranch adorned with majestic juniper trees, this tiny house promises a unique and immersive experience in the heart of nature. Step inside, and the cozy interior unveils two twin beds cleverly arranged as a sectional sofa, providing a comfortable communal space. Ascend to the loft bedroom, where a queen-sized bed awaits, surrounded by the rustic charm of the treehouse.
The compact kitchenette and 3/4 bathroom, situated side by side, seamlessly integrate modern amenities into the small but chic dwelling. However, the true highlight of the Crow’s Nest Treehouse lies in its playful twisty slide, offering a whimsical descent from the porch to the lounge space nestled among the stilts. This inviting area serves as a perfect spot to unwind, play games, and share moments with loved ones before retiring for the night. What sets this treehouse apart is its ability to combine the thrill of a slide with the serenity of nature, making it a delightful haven for those seeking a memorable escape.
Lucky New Yorkers may soon find themselves enjoying a refreshing swim in a one-of-a-kind, floating, plus-shaped pool nestled in the East River. Conceived in 2010 by a dedicated team of engineers, the +POOL project aims to transform the East River into a safe and clean aquatic haven. At its core, +POOL functions as a cutting-edge aquatic filtering facility, capable of purifying a staggering one million gallons of the once-infamous East River water each day. Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement of a $16 million investment, combined from both the city and the state, signifies a significant step towards realizing this ambitious dream. With testing at scale expected to commence as early as summer 2024, the team envisions completing the project, transforming it into a freely accessible public swimming pool, by the following year.
The improved water quality of New York’s rivers and harbors over the past three decades, thanks to measures like the elimination of raw sewage dumping and the reduction of Combined Sewer Overflows, lays the foundation for the +POOL project. Friends of +POOL notes that these waters are now among the cleanest they’ve been in years, creating an opportune moment to explore safe access for public recreation. The innovative three-layer filtration system and final disinfection process developed by +POOL meet bathing beach standards for swimmable water. Having filed patents in 2017 and 2018, the project has already undergone successful testing phases in the East River, building confidence in the feasibility of this floating, self-filtering marvel.
The journey of +POOL began with a Kickstarter campaign in 2010, raising over $40,000 and leading to the initial filtration tests at Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2011. Subsequent campaigns in 2013, which raised over $300,000, funded scaled testing in the Hudson River in 2014. Collaborations with experts in naval architecture, fabrication, filtration textiles, and marine science demonstrated the viability of the technology. The establishment of the nonprofit organization Friends of +POOL in 2015 further solidified the project’s commitment to creating a chemical-free, natural river water filtration system. Governor Hochul’s substantial investment not only propels +POOL towards completion but also marks a historic effort, representing the largest statewide investment in swimming since the New Deal era of the 1930s. As New York seeks ways to provide safe water recreation in response to a record-breaking summer heatwave, +POOL stands as a promising solution to both cool off residents and promote swimming education.
Five-year-old Henley Wollack’s innocent love for swimming near Lake Michigan’s Green Island turned into a historic adventure during a recent fishing trip with her father, Tim. Mistaking the submerged wreckage for an octopus, Henley’s keen observation led to the discovery of something much more significant—an ancient shipwreck that had been lost to the depths of Lake Michigan for 152 years. Tim Wollack, realizing the historical potential, captured images of the mysterious find and shared them on social media. The pictures eventually caught the attention of the Wisconsin Historical Society, confirming Continue reading “5-Year-Old Girl Finds 152-Year-Old Shipwreck on Fishing Trip in Lake Michigan” »
DNA Barcelona, a prominent Spanish architecture practice, unveils a groundbreaking concept with the Toh Kuyabeh, a holistic boutique hotel nestled in the verdant landscapes of Tulum, Mexico. This innovative project, developed for the KUYABEH Sustainable Ecological Community, draws inspiration from the ethereal flight of the Toh bird. The design intricately mirrors the bird’s shapes, feathers, and radial flight patterns, resulting in a unique architectural structure that seamlessly integrates with the tropical terrain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding lagoon. Continue reading “DNA’s Solar-Powered Hotel Toh Kuyabeh Mirrors Ethereal Bird Flight Undulations in Tulum” »
CASE-REAL’s transformative renovation of an 80-year-old traditional Japanese house into Whale Brewing, a craft beer brewery in Saga, Japan, represents a thoughtful response to the challenges faced by the town of Yobuko. Historically known for its whaling and later renowned for squid fishing during the Edo period, Yobuko now grapples with issues such as a declining population due to youth migration and a surplus of vacant houses. The Whale Brewing project emerged as a strategy to attract young people to the town and breathe new life into its cultural and economic landscape. The chosen location, an abandoned traditional house along the bustling Yobuko Asaichi-dori street, served as the canvas for this ambitious undertaking.
Upon careful examination, the architects at CASE-REAL discovered the hidden potential within the aging structure. The interior, despite suffering from leaks, facade deterioration, and structural problems, revealed a robust nine-meter-tall framework. Following extensive discussions with clients, the decision was made to preserve and incorporate the existing strengths of the house into the brewery’s new design. The resulting layout features a storefront area with a unique ceiling design on the facade side, while the brewing space creatively utilizes the generous height of the second floor through an open atrium. A continuous glass facade connects both levels, providing a captivating view of the lively street below and showcasing the brewing process.
The architects’ meticulous attention to detail is evident in the choice of materials and design elements. Stainless steel, used selectively for components like the counter and handles, creates a cohesive aesthetic in harmony with the brewing equipment. The façade pillars, crucial for structural support, are crafted from solid Japanese cypress, introducing a touch of local authenticity and emphasizing the verticality of the space. The intentional incorporation of rounded shapes in the pillars and counter edges serves to soften the overall design, creating a seamless integration of structural elements with the brewery’s ambiance. The architects envision Whale Brewing as a new landmark firmly rooted in the local community, bridging the past with the present while providing a vibrant space for both locals and visitors alike.
In the heart of Cincinnati, a gloomy afternoon turned vibrant as Brad McCombs, NKU’s Art & Design Program head, and a group of students gathered to transform the historic Holloway House into a haven for teen mothers facing homelessness. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Rosemary’s Babies Company, led by founder and CEO Rosemary Oglesby-Henry, recognized a critical gap in resources for homeless parents. Determined to make a difference, Oglesby-Henry acquired the Holloway House in 2022, which had sat vacant for over a decade, and enlisted McCombs to create a forest-inspired play area within.
The play area, named “Levi’s Learning Area” is a testament to McCombs’ multidisciplinary artistic vision. Using large tubes coated with papier-mâché and paint to resemble tree bark, the installation features crawl spaces and a treehouse-like balcony, offering children a whimsical yet educational space. The room is awash in earth tones, with a mural painted by McCombs outside depicting a tree adorned with leaves acknowledging the organization’s donors. This transformative project was made possible through the collaboration of McCombs and four students, who were compensated through the College of Arts and Sciences-sponsored Student Success Impact Mini-Grant.
Rachel Paxitzis, one of the contributing students, expressed the invaluable experience of witnessing the project’s progression from conception to completion. Aspiring to teach art at the college level and specialize in community art, Paxitzis saw the project not only as an opportunity to apply her skills but also as a meaningful endeavor that could positively impact the lives of young mothers and their children. With the doors to the Holloway House and Resource Center set to open in the spring of 2024, the project serves as a beacon of hope, providing a nurturing environment for families in need. Oglesby-Henry envisions a space where young mothers can find support, and children can thrive in a thoughtfully designed, forest-inspired play area that transcends the challenges they may be facing.
