Restoration of Cambridge's city hall uses both old and new environmental practices.
"Green building... is the use of recycled and nontoxic materials, solar or thermal heating, natural sunlight, and natural ventilation so that buildings have a minimal impact on the planet. Historic preservation...[save] the value of turn-of-the-century structures that fit humanely into the urban fabric and have interior and exterior details that are deemed worth saving." Combining the two, HKT Architects have made City Hall green while preserving its history. "...HKT rebuilt the entire interior with skylights and glass office walls so sunlight can reach deep inside. Energy-efficient systems include hidden solar panels on the roof, a ground source heat pump, and auto-shutoff lights. The building has low-emitting paints, adhesives, and carpets; the maple and cherry in interior spaces came from a forest where sustainable practices are used; and 80 percent of the construction waste was recycled. The project is shooting for a gold and minimally a silver rating under the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification system."
Thanks to Adam Weiss
FULL STORY: Green meets history in annex
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
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