The hallmark of modernism in the 20th century was the idea that “form follows function.” Now, architect Koichi Takada is challenging designers to create a new architectural movement focused on environmental responsibility. He believes that in this new style, “form follows nature.” His Sunflower House responds to this call as a single-family home designed to create its own energy. It was commissioned by Bloomberg Green in order to meet the standards of a greener future for Europe. The home is inspired by the sunflowers in Umbria in Central Italy—not only in aesthetic but also in function. Takada explains that “designers and architects talk about drawing inspiration from nature in an aesthetic sense but we must go much deeper than that.” This visual inspiration is one form of biomimicry, where humans design buildings or spaces to look like something found in nature. Takada believes that we must not use biomimicry to superficially reproduce nature just for its beauty, but rather we must reproduce its environmental benefits. “It’s not just about making a building look natural, it’s about creating positive environmental change in the homes we live in, the neighborhoods we work and play in, and ultimately the planet we are […]
Latest Articles
5 Unusual Waste Products That Have Been Recycled Into Something New
Takeaways: Transitioning to a circular economy (minimizing resources, reducing waste and carbon emissions) is the way forward to protecting the planet.
Belgian company PermaFungi...
Nestlé Has Cut Greenhouse Gases by 4 Million Tons Since 2018. How?
Takeaways: Nestle's mission is to be environmentally sustainable and is working towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
Some of the things the company is doing...
Weaving Food in Antimicrobial Threads Could Replace Plastic Wrap and Cut Waste
Takeaways: Researchers from Harvard University may have found a way to tackle food waste sustainably.
They have created an antimicrobial thread which coats the...
Uber Goes Full-Throttle on Electric Vehicles
Takeaways: Uber is committing to being a fully electric, zero-emission platform by 2030 in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
The company hopes to transition...
IKEA Focuses on Forestry Management, Energy Efficiency, Adding Renewables
Takeaways: To reduce their CO2 emissions, IKEA makes furniture from wood harvested from rainforest nations.
As of 2017, the company has sourced over half of...
Using Candy and Jam to Protect Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest
Takeaways: Luiz Henrique Lopes Ferreira is a 22-year-old who makes and sells candies, jam and liqueurs from more than a hundred varieties of local...