With China’s increasing population density deserts have been transformed into habitable landscapes. Located 800 kilometers west of Beijing, near the Hantai River, the Lotus Hotel stretches 30,000 square meters across the Xiangshawan desert. PLaT Architects took advantage of the arid landscape with the formation of specialized building techniques for which no water or concrete were necessary.
The exterior of the North Mediterranean Health Center by Ferrer Arquitectos features a series of adjustable marble slats. The use of marble is representative of refinement, dating back to Greek and Roman sculpture. Its modern use in this project, as maneuverable panels, allows for both a decorative and sustainable building material. As with any healthcare facility, the building adheres to public comfort offering several sustainable attributes.
Amidst the arid desert terrain of Phoenix, Arizona lies a shining, copper-clad structure. Surrounded by mountains, the South Mountain Community Library provides the desert city with superior design. The organic structure supplies a durable public oasis for literary enthusiasts as well a campus for the local community college.
The Paul S. Russell MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation serves as the new entrance to the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The famous American architect, Charles Bulfinch, built the original hospital building in 1811. For generations it has served as Harvard University’s primary teaching hospital. The new museum exhibits the hospital’s progression in the fields of medicine and surgery as well as its expansive achievements in research and development over the last two hundred years.
Green building among all market sectors is becoming an international standard. Each sector, from residential to educational building, continues to increase its commitment to sustainability. Green education construction in particular is now a 16 billion dollar industry. In the United States in particular there is a consensus to improve the well being of students K through university level by the production of green educational facilities. Green construction in the educational market has the support of countless green building organizations that have specific programs dedicated to this endeavor.
