inventions & innovations

architecture

2009-04-17T04:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to ARCHITECTS WITHOUT BORDERS.

WELCOME and thank you for visiting Architects Without Borders in our blog. Architects without borders is a non-governmental, not-for-profit, volunteer humanitarian relief organization. We are part of an international coalition of Architects Without Borders across the globe. This blog is dedicated to communication between members and volunteers and to provide visitors with information about the organization.

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built by builten

2009-04-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

Another project by the same architects, housing in Blaricum, also in the Netherlands, takes this blurring of roof and wall via thatching even further. Here the thatch covers all but the ground floor, like a cap of dried vegetation is placed atop the building and openings are cut for windows. Here the technique and material are used for sculptural effect, a bit strange but appealing.

[Blaricummermeent by Drost + van Veen architecten | image source]

A built example of a hairy facade is the Laren House in the Dutch town of the same name, by Monk Architecten. Actually compared to a hare in the recent book Inspired by Nature: Animals, the design utilizes thatch on the walls and standing seam metal for the roof, though the two surfaces are seamlessly integrated in an asymmetrical vaulting from one side to another.Here's a few buildings in London photographed by Manuel.A.69.

design of an architect

2009-04-17T03:35:00.000-07:00

3,500 Bacteria Per Square Inch

Holy crap that’s how much there is on the average elevator button according to designer Skeet Wang. Skeet Wang, yes, Skeet Wang, has taken the idea of the touchless button and applied it to elevators. Which is a good idea if the other fact Skeet Wang says is true: that the 3,500 is 17 times greater than the average toilet seat.

>" height="9" width="9"> Designer: Skeet Wang

04.16.09
Long Tran

Categories:
News
Technology

2 Comments

SpacePilot Pro 3D Mouse BREAKING!

A few weeks back 3Dconnexion gave me a sneak peak at the SpacePilot Pro 3D mouse. It addresses a number of issues I had with SpaceExplorer and ups the ante by adding a barrage of new technologies. It seems they really wanted to hear from users. Professionals spanning multiple mediums all gave their 2 cents and today the SpacePilot Pro makes its debut. Hit the jump for the official press release. We can’t wait to get our hands on one!

>" height="9" width="9"> Company: 3Dconnexion

04.16.09
Long Tran

Categories:
Automotive
Technology

7 Comments

The HARVESTER

Truth be told if I saw this thing barreling thru a forest, I’d probably wet my pants but wait! The Harvester is Forests’ best friend. The Designers wanted to create a machine that could sustainably deal with the forest and its natural resources without damaging our very limited supply. It optimizes the entire process and analyzes the work flow so future improvements can be made to guarantee the proper usage and protection of our forest grounds. I adore the little wheel plates that spread its surface area while lifting a heavy tree.

>" height="9" width="9"> Designers: Niko Kugler & Georg Heitzmann

04.15.09
Long Tran

Categories:
Cameras
Product Design
Technology

1 Comment

Photog Hounds Like The Leica S5

The Leica S5 concept is a technical and stylish evolution to its predecessor the S2. A reduced form factor accentuates the optical connection between body and lens. The objective was to design a body which emits harmony - underlining the technological advances of the S- System.

>" height="9" width="9"> Designer: Stefan Radev

Future Warships & Auxiliaries

2009-04-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

A guide to some of the warships under construction, on order or planned for the future.

This section is currently being updated.

Wave Class Auxiliary Oilers (AO)	Future Attack Submarine (FASM)
Albion Class Landing Platform Docks (LPD)	Future Aircraft Carriers (CVF)
Echo Multi-Role Hydrographic and Oceanographic Survey Vessels (SVHO)	Future Surface Combatant (FSC)
River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV)	Hospital Ships
Point Class Strategic Lift Transports
Bay Class Alternative Landing Ships Logistic (ALSL).
Astute Class Nuclear Attack Submarines (SSN)
D Class Type 45 Area Air Defence Destroyers
.

Above: A computer generated impression of some of the warships and auxiliaries envisaged, planned, ordered or under construction for the Royal Navy (RN) and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). Left to right are: a patrol ship, a Type 45 destroyer, an Albion Class LPD, an aircraft carrier, H.M.S Ocean, a Wave Class tanker, corvette and an Astute Class submarine.

Sci-Fi-Inspired Concept Ships Show Future of Travel

2009-04-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

By Jenna Wortham

09.17.08

Future worlds described by science fiction visionaries like Philip K. Dick, William Gibson and Robert Heinlein often included wildly inventive methods of transportation to other planets, galaxies and dimensions.

These brief glimpses into the possible future of travel were left largely to the readers' imaginations, but a flourishing group of dreamers, designers and illustrators are bringing those creations to life -- at least online.

The conceptships.org website run by Igor Tkac showcases these artists' renditions of spaceships and other fantastical creations. From retro-futuristic aerial attack machines to automated deep-sea treasure hunters, here are some of the coolest.

Left:

Nicolas Bouvier has always been fascinated with space travel. Growing up in Cape Canaveral, Florida, he vividly remembers watching shuttles and rockets launch. Now a game designer with credits including Prince of Persia: Warrior Within and Assassin's Creed, Bouvier also designs book covers. He fashioned this illustration for a French edition of a collection of Philip K. Dick short stories.

Future Attack Submarine FASM

2009-04-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

The seven Trafalgar Class submarines entered service between 1983 and 1991 and are due to start decommissioning from 2010. Under existing plans laid out by the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), two older Trafalgar class submarines will be replaced by two Astute Class submarines expected to be ordered within the next few years. The remainder of the class will be replaced by the Future Attack Submarine (FASM).

This vessel is still in the very early stages of research and development and a range of designs are being considered. Most are nuclear powered although a few of the options under consideration are conventionally powered. One such option is Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). This combines what is seen as the main advantage of nuclear power- endurance- with the cost effectiveness of a diesel electric submarine. Nevertheless, at this stage nuclear power seams the most likely alternative as the navy has both the experience and infrastructure to operate this kind of vessel. Nuclear power will probably result in a submarine between 5,000 and 8,000 tonnes in displacement.

A number of other design innovations are being considered for the Future Attack Submarine: one of these focuses on the use of fibre optics which could eliminate the need for a traditional periscope and conning tower. Other possibilities include the ability to operate unmanned underwater vehicles and machines in a mine warfare role.

It is likely that the Future Attack Submarine (FASM) will be armed with cruise missiles. However, unlike the Swiftsure, Trafalgar and Astute Classes, which launch these through torpedo tubes, the Future Attack Submarine will probably launch them vertically. It is also likely that the high level of automation onboard will mean the submarine could have a complement as small as 50.

Above: An artists' impression of the Future Attack Submarine (FASM), seen here launching a torpedo.

Above: Another artists' impression of the Future Attack Submarine. It is likely that it will be nuclear powered and armed with land attack missiles.

MOdern Wonders

2009-04-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Urban skyscraper farms are still purely conceptual for now but are amazing theoretical propositions. They would provide locally grown food in densely packed urban centers. Some such designs incorporate elaborate rainwater reuse systems and other sustainable strategies intended to minimize their environmental impact and maximize their productivity. However, they are massive in scale and would cost a great deal to build. This huge initial outlay is part of what is keeping them out of production.

The Dongtan Eco-City is designed to be the world’s first not only an environmentally but also a “socially, economically and culturally” sustainable city. The site is over 50 square miles in size and will be split between agricultural and urban areas. The city relies on its own wind and solar energy as well as organic farming strategies. Public transportation will be entirely emissions free. In many ways this is a prototype for large-scale city planning within a fully eco-friendly mindset.

Ecological Designs

2009-04-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

The so-called Lighthouse skyscraper is a 1000-foot-tall office skyscraper that is designed to use about half the water and energy of a typical high-rise building. The tower design employs solar energy collection and wind farming techniques coupled with strategies to reduce the use of and improve recovery of energy and water within the building. If/when built, this building will be a kind of working prototype for future green design in massive urban construction.

While these projects are extremely impressive in terms of their scope, scale and innovation many of them are expensive and difficult to replicate. They are, in short, large-scale solutions to a pervasive problem that exists on all scales with respect to sustainability in design. So what is the answer? Well, some designers have come up with alternatives that are meant to work at varying scales and within more limited budgets. Agustin Otegui’s Nano Vent-Skin is a perfect example.

What is it? In short it is a structure that acts like a skin. It is composed of mini wind turbines made out of micro organisms which generate energy from wind and sunlight. NVS was born as a small scale alternative after seeing all the gigantic projects (like those mentioned above) being built around the world. Where it seems that in order to be green you have to think big and build something impressively huge. This concept tries to make Architects and Designers think on a smaller scale and apply it to existing buildings, houses and structures or even tunnels and barriers to generate energy.

Green Art Design And Technology

2009-04-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

[This article created with generous assistance from Agustin Otegui]

Green architecture comes in many forms though lately it seems like these forms are stranger than ever. Urban skyscraper farms? Floating eco-cities? Glowing solar towers? Turbine-driven skyscrapers? Magnetically levitated wind collectors? Where does it end?! With all of these emerging green technologies it seemed an appropriate time to take a look at seven of the most amazing real and conceptual designs currently at the forefront of ecological innovation. These examples push the limits of ecological architecture and contemporary urban design discourse.

The so-called Lilypad Project is perhaps the most fantastical of these green wonders and certainly the farthest from being built but is too amazing a concept not to mention. The idea is to create a series of floating self-sufficient ocean-going eco-city islands. Each one would be able to house 50,000 residents and would support a great deal of biodiversity. Collecting pools located in their centers would gather and filter water for use on board. These would be places for adventurers and refugees alike as water levels rise around the world and threaten many, particularly island, habitats.

The most impressive feature of the new Bahrain World Trade Center is, no doubt, the three massive wind turbines situated between the two towers comprising the main building. Each of these 80-foot turbines projects from a bridge between towers. The shape of the towers themselves channels and accelerates air moving between them which will help the building generate even more power. It is by far the largest wind-powered design incorporated into a massive building project to date.

The MagLev Wind Turbine is a big step forward in the world of wind power. By using magnetism to levitate the blades friction is eliminated and more power can be produced without any additional power expense (since the magnetics require no energy to run). The MagLev has a low threshold velocity for producing energy, could theoretically survive for centuries and can power up to 750,000 homes. Though the initial investment involved hundreds of millions of dollars the payoff is potentially huge.

Amazing Design

2009-04-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

We are surrounded by the built environment day in and day out, but how many buildings still turn your head, make you scratch it or even turn it upside down (your head, not the building … well, not most buildings anyway). Over time we have collected some of the most crazy architectural designs and creative engineering marvels from around the world and grouped them by type, theme and (as always) adjective - from the remotest and most unattainable luxury private island architecture to hidden rooms and doors that may be lurking in your own house.

Contemporary Architecture and Cutting-Edge Design

Though there are some unbelievable homes and amazing house designs around the world, many of the most incredible buildings designed today do not fit readily into our standard vision of architectural types. Tree houses bring us back to our childhood while house boats bring out the adventurer in us. The institutional places where the public come together, however, are where you can find the work of many of the world’s most talented architectural designers.

Amazing Treehouses and Treehouse Designs: We all dreamed of having them as a child - or, if we had them, we dreamed of bigger, better and more awesome ones. Here are some dreams come true - unbelievable real-life tree houses that may make you wish to never return to the ground again. Bonus: here are 15 more.

Brilliant Houseboats and Houseboat Designs: Some are conceptual, some are real. Some are eye-poppingly ingenious and incredibly innovative while others are hilariously ill-conceived and quaintly impracticle. Whatever your budget, you can find a house boat to buy or at least one to ogle at. Bonus: here are 15 more.

Airport, Train and Bus Station Architecture: Planes, trains and automobiles make the world go ’round but too often overlooked are the designs of these buildings which harbor our indispensable vehicles. These architectural innovations push the limits of contemporary design to new heights, levels and speeds.

Ultramodern Museum Architecture and Interior Design: Museums are historically the places we house our most precious artefacts. Lately they have become themselves the subject of artistic endeavors - and critique. Here are some of the most offbeat, avante garde and thought-provoking modern and postmodern museum designs.

Green Art

2009-04-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

Green Architecture Past, Present and Future

‘Green design’ has become a perhaps-overused buzz-phrase in the world of contemporary architecture. What does it mean, after all, to go green? Some of the best examples that truly break the mold include works that take advantage of technological advances in prefabrication or utilize buildings that would otherwise be wasted. Here is a look at current creative and crazy green designs as well as ones soon to come in the ever-approaching future of green design and technology.

Prefab Architecture and Flat-Pack Furniture Designs: There are many advantages to building a structure off-site and transporting it to its destination - but also many unique design challenges and opportunities that help prefab designs transend any potential limitations to become an art form and design innovation all their own.

Current Green Architecture, Art and Design: Green can mean so many things - some serious, some humorous and some somewhere in between. This collection spans the spectrum and includes a little bit of everything from the world of current green art, architecture and other forms of design.

Recycled Architecture and Adaptively Reused Buildings: Some of the greatest architectural creations in the world were born out of existing buildings, believe it or not. There is something about the obstacle of an old structure that can become the perfect opportunity in the hands of the right designer.

Future and Futuristic Green Architecture and Design: We are developing green technologies at a rate like never before, both to meet climate challenges but also to save our local environments (and save on our energy bills). Whatever the reason, there are innumerable incredible eco-friendly architectural designs that will boggle your mind.

Art, Castle, Jail and Theme Hotel Architecture

When we want to get away from our daily grind it does not have to just be about the destination or the means of getting there. The strange theme hotels in which you stay and unbelievable theme restaurants in which you eat can themselves be a once-in-a-lifetime aesthetic experience, whether you seek a kitsch theme hotel or luxurious castle lodgings, artistic immersion or faux incarceration. - there is sure to be an incredible offbeat interior design for you.

Sweet, Sexy and Surreal Art Hotel Rooms: Art hotels have become increasingly popular as people pick their place to stay not only based on the surrounding attractions but also on the experience of their temporary abodes. These range from quirky and comical to serious and sensual. Bonus: here are 20 more. Double-bonus: here are 18 more.

Distinguished Palace, Castle and Fort Hotels: Here you can sleep like a duke, king or even emperor for a night. Some can be reserved by the room or are rustic and affordable entire buildings. Others can only be rented in their resplendent entirety and would cost the crown jewels just to reserve for a single weekend.

Luxurious to Painful Prison and Jail Hotels: Some jails have been converted into plush resort-like settings, completely redone to the point where their former lives are more of abstract note than real interest. Others have been maintained in the frightening condition they were left in and give visitors a disturbingly real prison experience.

Smallest Hotels and Hotel Rooms in the World: Some people shoot for the biggest and most impressive accommodations they can find. Meanwhile, some strange hotels are vying for the position of ’smallest in the world’ - from hollow pipes to pod hotel room slots or even a whole hotel room packed into a suitcase.

Architecture

2009-04-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

Recycled Architecture and Reused Materials

Offbeat Buildings from Standard Recycled Materials: Tin cans, hay bales, tires, glass and plastic bottles - all are ubiquitous urban detritus but each can be re-appropriated in much more creative ways than simple recycling. See how ordinary people have created extraordinary architecture from everyday trash objects.

The Art of Urban Adaptive Reuse: It never ceases to amaze most viewers when a building that seems perfectly sound is demolished and replaced. Could they have not found some use for the old structure? These architects have turned that question into a compelling challenge and in many cases have created something to outdo the original. Bonus: here are 7 more.

The Art of Oceanic Adaptive Reuse: One of the most incredible sets of building types to ever be abandoned and later reused are the army and sea forts found off the coast of Great Britain. These structures have been transformed over time into everything from luxury resorts to pirate radio stations and micronations.

Cargo Container Home and Office Architecture: Shipping container homes are a universal unit, found in the same sizes around the world. When they can no longer handle the hefty duties demanded by the shipping industry, however, this opens up international opportunities to create amazing architectural designs. Bonus here are 10 more and a how to buy, build or design your own.

More Uncanny Architecture, Related Art and Design

Of course, much of the best architectural work won’t fit neatly into a group based on the materials used, the intended purpose or even the type or style of building generated. For that reason, here is a collection of the remaining oddballs - the wonderful topics that simply refused to conform to any conventional categories. Enjoy!

Organic Architecture: Form over Function: Organic architecture can refer to a style, movement, approach or aesthetic. Here are a number of examples of each of these - curvilinear buildings that swoop and swerve, spirals that wrap around like conch shells and more.

Architectural Movement: Sweet Spinning Structures: A rotating building is not what people normally mean when they refer to ‘architectural movements’ - after all, aren’t buildings fixed in place virtually by definition? Perhaps these and other marvelous moving buildings are the exceptions that prove the rule.

Architectural Illusions: The Art of the Third Dimension: There are buildings that challenge our perceptions, defy conventions and bend in ways we never imagined a structure could. There are also architectural optical illusions that play with the second and third dimensions in novel and curious ways.

Architectural Apocalypse: The Art at World’s End: What would the planet be like without us? Many artists, architects and filmmakers have envisioned eye-popping post-disaster worlds in which our tallest buildings and most precious monuments have decayed and turned slowly back to dust.

More Green Architecture and Design from WebEcoist

Want more? The archives of our green sister site are also filled with all kinds of amazing eco-friendly and offbeat designs, from ancient wonders of green design to buildings carved from living rock and even incredible works of animal architecture. From the WebEcoist galleries, be sure to check out elementally themed ecological design and technology revolving around the earth, water, wind and the sun.

HI-FI HOTELS

2009-04-13T05:42:00.000-07:00

Ring Hotel

Giganticul hotel will be built in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and will look exactly like a wheel,
and booths will be represented by spacious and luxurious apartments.
The hotel will be over 180 meters tall and wants a copy of the famous wheels
London - London Eye.

Burj Al Arab Hotel

Finally be mentioned that the ballot box projects luxurious owners who wait and finalitatea was extracted and project already famous Burj Al Arab hotel Burj al-Arab, built in Dubai between 1994 and 1999. Dubai intre 1994 si 1999.

2009-04-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Floating hotels

Floating hotels are a very ambitious project, estimated at nearly 120 million U.S. dollars. The difference between a floating hotel and one subacvatic or land is that it can move, so if you trezi with a view other than that in front of you asleep, do not be surprised: be sure you plutit during the night to another island. The project is designed by a famous English architect who has promised that the hotel will not only remain at the stage of the sketch. It is possible that up to the end of 2020 we can travel in the world not only by plane, train or car, but also with a hotel…

Hotel Waterworld

The hotel won first prize last year for best design. The hotel is situated on the water, in a prapastie and is surrounded by walls abrupti. The 400 rooms, restaurants, cafes and rooms for guests are surrounded by water. The greatest attractions will be aquatic sports, luxoasele pools, and alpinismul opportunity to practice bungee jumping.

HOTEL OF THE WORLD

2009-04-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

Hotels of the World features small luxury hotels, resort hotels as well as world-renowned stately hotels offering all the possibilities for family getaways, romantic escapades and business meetings.

Top of the most luxurious hotel projects in the world

A select the most luxurious hotels in the world is like and how you try to compare champagne house with sparkling wine. Whatever you do, you will be subjective and you choose what you like or possibly what is your grasp. Although people differ regarding the passion for design, I composed a top of the most luxurious hotels in construction, able to impress those cunoscatori most selective in the field.

The Apeiron island hotel

The project is valued at over 500 million U.S. dollars and has a stretch of over 200,000 square meters on the level. Future hotel will be located on an island and will be the second 7-star hotel after Burj Al Arab. With height of 180 meters above the hotel will be equipped with 350 suites, private beaches, hi-tech equipment, conference rooms, restaurants, shops, cinemas and art galleries.

invention

2009-04-13T02:18:00.001-07:00

An alternative to airplanes, helicopters are a lightweight way of transporting many people. These machines range from small units to military types and also helicopters that rescue people like ones used by the Coast Guard.

Helicopters are often used in many movies. One of the most famous helicopter movies was Black Hawk Down which chronicled the United States in Somalia. Many action movies also showcase helicopters such as True Lies with Arnold and many others.

The military is a huge user of helicopters. From Army to Coast Guard rescues, these machines are very well used. Download free helicopter wallpapers below and if you have your own pictures of helicopters please submit them!

HIS-TORY

2009-04-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

The idea of the helicopter was first conceived by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century, but it was not until after the invention of the powered aeroplane in the 20th century that actual models were produced. Developers such as Louis Breguet, Juan de la Cierva, Emile Berliner, and Igor Sikorsky pioneered this type of aircraft. A flight of the first fully controllable helicopter Focke-Wulf Fw 61 was demonstrated by Hanna Reitsch 1936 in Berlin, Germany.

Helicopters have many uses, both military and civil, including troop transportation, infantry support, firefighting, business transportation, casualty evacuation (including MEDEVAC, and air/sea/mountain rescue), police and civilian surveillance, carrying goods (some helicopters can carry a slung load, which allows them to carry extremely awkward loads), or as a mount for still, film or television cameras.

Compared to conventional fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters are much more complex, more expensive to buy and operate, relatively slow, have poor range and restricted payload. The compensating advantage is maneuverability: helicopters can hover in place, reverse, and above all take off and land vertically. Subject only to refueling facilities, a helicopter can travel to any location, and land anywhere with a clearing a rotor disk and a half in diameter.

helicopter

2009-04-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

We've seen helicopters made of junk, mini-gunning helicopters, and even a couple renditions of personal helicopters, but this is the grandaddy of helisweetness -- Airwolf. Airwolf was an awesome TV show about a supersonic military helicopter and its crew. If you're too young to remember it then you should probably just ask your mommy for another sippy cup and to put you back in your playpen for a nap. I kid -- I barely remember it myself. But not because I wasn't alive and relatively coherent at the time it aired (1984-1987), it's just that I got spat on by a camel at the petting zoo and lost part of my memory. Or it could be all the drinking. Whatever the case, a replica of the helicopter is now for sale on eBay.

The full size Airwolf replica was made with an existing Bell 222A airframe. The side panels, nose panel and refueling port were all made from the specs from the original Airwolf and are exact. The ADF pod and chainguns are not included in this auction, but will be available if anyone is interested. The interior is not finished, but the pilot and co-pilot seats have been reupholstered and the instrument panel has been mocked up. Airwolf inspired a whole generation to learn to fly helicopters and this replica is beautiful.

Unfortunately it doesn't fly.

Q: Could it fly with the right components?
A: Not sure. It doesn't have any paperwork, but I don't know if there is a way around that. My guess is yes, but it would be a long(dealing with the FAA.) and costly process.

Well ain't that some shit. That's like selling KITT with no engine, wheels, flashing red lights, or ability to talk. Which, my friends, would be sad enough to make the Hoff cry tears of pure chest hair.

A bunch more pictures of the replica and a link to the auction after the takeoff.

NATURE INVENTION

2009-04-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

five Most Unusual City Names Around The World

January 11, 2009 by dolce
Filed under Destinations, Featured

MOST UNUSUAL BUILDING

2009-04-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Dancing House	Here's a building that should really get your attention when walking pass it. The Dancing House is considered as one of the more real controversial buildings in Prague. The DH was actually designed by a great architect from California, which only proves that he had done some type of hallucinogen while designing it.
Robot Building	The Bank of Asia is a very famous building in Bangkok. It was made way back in 1985, and its robotic appearance is just a symbol of the modernization of banking. It also has the ability to transform into a mega-robot. So, if Godzilla ever decided to show his green face in the land of Bangkok, they would have to fight!
Ripley's Building	If you saw this picture for the first time, you'd probably thought that it was hit by a massive earthquake. But it wasn't. In true fashion of the Ripley Legacy, it was built to reflect the odd 1812 earthquake that measured 8.0 on the rick. The building has now become one of the most photographed in the world because of it.
The Wilson Hall	This somewhat modernize building was actually built between 1971 and 1974. Its unique design gives the Wilson Hall a great sense of structure, and a prominent landmark for the skyline. The building provides big laboratories, offices, and supports space for over 1500 scientists. And it houses all kinds of strange experiments.
135 Degree Angle	This bizarre house really doesn't have an official name, but it does have a 135 degree angle. So that's what we're going to call it. Unfortunately, the only info we have about this house is that it was built in China or Japan. And that it has a silly pink roof. And if you look real close, you'll notice that its on a 135 degree damn angle.
Hotel Sofitel	This hotel's unique design was directly inspired by the traditional temples in Japan. The Tokyo Sofitel has over 72 rooms, and 11 suites with 3 non-smoking floors. And 5 meeting rooms that includes high-tech boardrooms. Please realize that you have to sell your soul in order to step foot inside this amazing hotel.
Triangle Building	We wonder what type of work goes on inside this kind of a building. The unofficial Triangle Building is just a wonder to look at and to ponder over. But, can this be one of the evil headquarters for Scientology or Starbucks? Does this building have triangle bathrooms? There's so many damn questions!
The Astra Haus	The strange building is actually a brewery in Hamburg, Germany. The floors can move up or down on its skinny column core. As of now, the unique building has been destroyed. One of its more famous beer brands was recently bought by a big refreshment corporation. And that beer brand was called Astra.
Upside Downer	Take a journey into the unknown with a building called Wonder Works. Its central Florida's only upside down attraction. And an amusement park for your mind, and your stoner friends. This odd building has over 100 wacky interactive exhibits for your entire family to experience. But make sure you free your weed before coming.
Crooked House	You know that your looking at a real building right? The Crooked House was built in 2004 as an addition at a popular shopping center, and is a major tourist attraction in Sopot, Poland. We just wonder what happens when someone who's under a controlled substance sees this building for the first time in their life.

AMAZAING BUILDING

2009-04-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

Amazing Shipping container Houses

Invented more than five decades ago, the modern shipping container is the linchpin in our global distribution network of products. In the containers go toys from China, textiles from India, grain from America, and cars from Germany. In go electronics, chocolate, and cheese.

While a number of resourceful people have converted shipping containers into make-shift shelters at the margin of society for years, architects and green designers are also increasingly turning to the strong, cheap boxes as source building blocks.

Shipping containers can be readily modified with a range of creature comforts and can be connected and stacked to create modular, efficient spaces for a fraction of the cost, labor, and resources of more conventional materials.

Discover some of the exciting possibilities of shipping container architecture, from disaster relief shelters to luxury condos, vacation homes, and off-the-grid adventurers. See what makes them green as well as cutting edge.

LAP top

2009-04-12T04:23:00.001-07:00

A laptop (also known as a notebook) is a personal computer designed for mobile use small enough to sit on one's lap.^[1] A laptop includes most of the typical components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device (a touchpad, also known as a trackpad, or a pointing stick), speakers, as well as a battery, into a single small and light unit. The rechargeable battery required is charged from an AC/DC adapter (aka, a wall wart) and typically stores enough energy to run the laptop for several hours.

Laptops are usually shaped like a large notebook with thicknesses between 0.7–1.5 inches (18–38 mm) and dimensions ranging from 10x8 inches (27x22cm, 13" display) to 15x11 inches (39x28cm, 17" display) and up. Modern laptops weigh 3 to 12 pounds (1.4 to 5.4 kg); older laptops were usually heavier. Most laptops are designed in the flip form factor to protect the screen and the keyboard when closed. Modern 'tablet' laptops have a complex joint between the keyboard housing and the display, permitting the display panel to twist and then lay flat on the keyboard housing. They usually have a touchscreen display and some include handwriting recognition or graphics drawing capability.

Laptops were originally considered to be "a small niche market"^[2] and were thought suitable mostly for "specialized field applications" such as "the military, the Internal Revenue Service, accountants and sales representatives".^[2]^[3] Battery-powered portable computers had just 2% worldwide market share in 1986^[4]. But today, there are already more laptops than desktops in businesses, and laptops are becoming obligatory for student use and more popular for general use.^[5] According to a forecast by Intel, more laptops than desktops will be sold in the general PC market as soon as 2009^[6].

[hide]

ABOUT - IT

2009-04-12T04:18:00.000-07:00

laptop computer

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- A laptop computer, usually called a notebook computer by manufacturers, is a battery- or AC-powered personal computer generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily be transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces such as on airplanes, in libraries, temporary offices, and at meetings. A laptop typically weighs less than 5 pounds and is 3 inches or less in thickness. Among the best-known makers of laptop computers are IBM, Apple, Compaq, Dell, and Toshiba.

Laptop computers generally cost more than desktop computers with the same capabilities because they are more difficult to design and manufacture. A laptop can effectively be turned into a desktop computer with a docking station, a hardware frame that supplies connections for peripheral input/output devices such as a printer or larger monitor. The less capable port replicator allows you to connect a laptop to a number of peripherals through a single plug.

Laptops usually come with displays that use thin-screen technology. The thin film transistor or active matrix screen is brighter and views better at different angles than the STN or dual-scan screen. Laptops use several different approaches for integrating a mouse into the keyboard, including the touch pad, the trackball, and the pointing stick. A serial port also allows a regular mouse to be attached. The PC Card is insertable hardware for adding a modem or network interface card to a laptop. CD-ROM and digital versatile disc drives may be built-in or attachable.

CONTRIBUTORS:	Blair Alpert-Sandler
LAST UPDATED:	28 Oct 2008

Read more about laptop computer:

-	Lenovo coupons are available on NotebookReview.com.

History of Laptop

2009-04-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

Left - Modern Laptop Today
It is a little hard to determine what was the first portable or laptop computer, the first portable computers did not look like the book-sized and folding laptops that we are familiar with today, however, they were both portable and lapable, and lead to the development of notebook style laptops. I have outlined several potential firsts below and how each qualifies, many of the off-site links provide good photos of the computers that will let you see the progression in design.
The First Laptop?

MaybeDesigned in 1979 by a Briton, William Moggridge, for Grid Systems Corporation, the Grid Compass was one fifth the weight of any model equivalent in performance and was used by NASA on the space shuttle program in the early 1980's. A 340K byte bubble memory lap-top computer with die-cast magnesium case and folding electroluminescent graphics display screen.
Gavilan Computer As The First Laptop?

Manny Fernandez had the idea for a well-designed laptop for executives who were starting to use computer. Fernandez, who started Gavilan Computer, promoted his machines as the first "laptop" computers in May 1983. Many historians consider the Gavilan as the first fully functional laptop computer.
The First Laptop Computer - Osborne 1

The computer considered by most historians to be the first true portable computer was the Osborne 1. Adam Osborne, an ex-book publisher founded Osborne Computer and produced the Osborne 1 in 1981, a portable computer that weighed 24 pounds and cost $1795. The Osborne 1 came with a five-inch screen, modem port, two 5 1/4 floppy drives, a large collection of bundled software programs, and a battery pack. The short-lived computer company was never successful. (second photo)
More History of Laptop Firsts

Also released in 1981, was the Epson HX-20, a battery powered portable computer, with a 20-character by 4 line LCD display and a built-in printer. In January of 1982, Microsoft's Kazuhiko Nishi and Bill Gates begin discussions on designing a portable computer, based on using a new liquid crystal display or LCD screen. Kazuhiko Nishi later showed the prototype to Radio Shack who agree to manufacture the computer.In 1983, Radio Shack released the TRS-80 Model 100, a 4 lb. battery operated portable computer with a flat and more of a laptop design. In February 1984, IBM announced the IBM 5155 Portable Personal Computer.Three years later in 1986, Radio Shack released the improved and smaller TRS Model 200. In 1988, Compaq Computer introduces its first laptop PC with VGA graphics - the Compaq SLT/286. In 1989, NEC UltraLite was released, considered by some to be the first "notebook style" computer. It was a laptop size computer which weighed under 5 lbs. (second photo)In September 1989, Apple Computer released the first Macintosh Portable that later evolved into the Powerbook. (second photo) In 1989, Zenith Data Systems released the Zenith MinisPort, a 6-pound laptop computer. (more Zenith laptops)In October 1989, Compaq Computer released its first notebook PC, the Compaq LTE.In March 1991, Microsoft released the Microsoft BallPoint Mouse that used both mouse and trackball technology in a pointing device designed for laptop computers.In October 1991, Apple Computers released the Macintosh PowerBook 100, 140, and 170 - all notebook style laptops. (more on Powerbooks)In October 1992, IBM released its ThinkPad 700 laptop computer.In 1992, Intel and Microsoft release APM or the Advanced Power Management specification for laptop computers.In 1993, the first PDAs or Personal Digital Assistants are released. PDAs are pen-based hand-held computers.
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Introduction of mobile

2009-04-11T05:58:00.000-07:00

The first radiotelephone service was introduced in the US at the end of the 1940s, and was meant to connect mobile users in cars to the public fixed network. In the 1960s, a new system launched by Bell Systems, called Improved Mobile Telephone Service” (IMTS), brought many improvements like direct dialing and higher bandwidth. The first analog cellular systems were based on IMTS and developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The systems were “cellular” because coverage areas were split into smaller areas or “cells”, each of which is served by a low power transmitter and receiver.

This first generation (1G) analog system for mobile communications saw two key improvements during the 1970s: the invention of the microprocessor and the digitization of the control link between the mobilephone and the cell site.

Second generation (2G) digital cellular systems were first developed at the end of the 1980s. These systems digitized not only the control link but also the voice signal. The new system provided better quality and higher capacity at lower cost to consumers.

Third generation (3G) systems promise faster communications services, including voice, fax and Internet, anytime and anywhere with seamless global roaming. ITU’s IMT-2000 global standard for 3G has opened the way to enabling innovative applications and services (e.g. multimedia entertainment, infotainment and location-based services, among others). The first 3G networks were deployed in Korea and Japan in 2000 and 2001. 2.5G networks, such as GPRS (Global Packet Radio Service) are already available in some parts of Europe.

It is to be noted that analog and digital systems, 1G and 2G, still co-exist in many areas. Similarly, 2G and 3G systems will co-exist for some time.

mobile technology

2009-04-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

What is mobile technology and what are the benefits?

Mobile technology is exactly what the name implies - technology that is portable. Examples of mobile IT devices include:

laptop computers
palmtop computers or personal digital assistants
mobile phones and 'smart phones' - high-end phones with more advanced capabilities
global positioning system (GPS) devices
wireless debit/credit card payment terminals

Mobile devices can be enabled to use a variety of communications technologies such as:

wireless fidelity (WiFi) - a type of wireless local area network technology
Bluetooth - connects mobile devices wirelessly
'third generation' (3G), global system for mobile communications (GSM) and general packet radio service (GPRS) data services - data networking services for mobile phones
dial-up services - data networking services using modems and telephone lines
virtual private networks - secure access to a private network

It is therefore possible to network the mobile device to a home office or the internet while travelling.

Benefits

Mobile computing can improve the service you offer your customers. For example, you could use your laptop computer to give a presentation. You could then transfer PDFs of your product literature to your client's computer. Or you could connect remotely to your diary to arrange a follow-up appointment. Alternatively, you can enable customers to pay for services or goods without having to go to the till. For example, by using a wireless payment terminal diners can pay for their meal without leaving their table.

More powerful solutions can link you directly into the office network while working off site, for instance to access your company's database or accounting systems. For example, you could:

set up a new customer's account
check prices and stock availability
place an order online

This leads to great flexibility in working - for example, enabling home working, or working while travelling. Increasingly, networking 'hot spots' are being provided in public areas that allow connection back to the office network or the internet.

Cell Phone

2009-04-11T05:08:00.000-07:00

Cell Phone Accessories

Wednesday April 8, 2009

Guide Picks - The use of cell phones has increased so much that the range of accessories can be overwhelming at times. I've selected some great cell phone accessories that help you to use your cell phone safely and stay connected while on the road. Always make sure that you are complying with laws regarding the use of cell phones in vehicles and during flights. Take good care of your cell phone and the information it contains.

rocking invention on bike

2009-04-11T04:41:00.000-07:00

Worlds Most Powerful 3800 HP Jet Bike

Built by Ron Laycock, this custom 3800hp jet bike is touted as the world's most Powerful. Though still under construction, it definitely looks to be on the right track.

future bikes

2009-04-11T04:28:00.000-07:00

Future Bikes Are On Their Way - The Shape (And Sound) Of Things To Come

By J. Joshua Placa

Text Size

Motorcycle design hasn't changed much in the last 100 years. Pour gasoline in, ignite, and blam, things start turning and that sweet exhaust note starts singing. Most powertrains we see rolling on the road today are based on ancient principles and old physics. There have of course been innovations and renovations to our beloved motors. Metals have gotten lighter and stronger, electronics more reliable and sophisticated, and itty bitty computer chips do the mechanical thinking. But now we ride on the precipice of a propulsion revolution and have to pause and wonder: Where the hell is this road taking us?

The signs are all around us. The revolution is not born of wallet-draining gas prices or a green, granola-munching love for the environment; it is something far more basic. It is our federal government, or more precisely its league of eco-do-gooders, the EPA. Of course protecting our environment is a good thing, but the high profile of motorcyclists makes us an easy target for whatever's wrong with the transportation world.

With mounting pressure to run clean, lean and green, alternative fuels and new technologies are coming online. Carburetors are nearly extinct, air-cooled motors appear endangered (clunky radiators are taking over) and the feds look more than happy to shove a fuel cell up our butts. Will internal combustion go the way of the dodo bird?

"The automotive industry leads the way for technologies that can be applied to motorcycles," says Jason Hoeve, engineering manager for Victory Motorcycles. "We kind of ride on their shirttails." This effectively lets the auto boys do the long-range R&D. "There's about a five-year lag, so motorcycle tech is not cutting-edge," Hoeve adds, "but if it's in a car you can pretty much figure it will someday end up on a bike."

Among the alternative energy sources that include hybrid, electric, fuel cell, diesel, biodiesel and even a back-to-steam effort, some are much more adaptable to motorcycles than others, Hoeve says. While there doesn't appear to be much threat of solar-powered bikes, Jetsonian sky-bike plutonium-pellet drive or-at the other extreme-Fred Flintstone-like footpowered contrivances, it's unlikely any motorcyclist looks forward to the day he hits the starter button and waits for an idiot light to tell him his engine is on.

"Yes, let's hope that won't happen," Hoeve says. "Diesel doesn't seem likely to see action because of motorcycle power demands; it doesn't offer the kind of performance motorcyclists want. But a hybrid system seems quite possible, especially as fuel efficiency becomes more of an issue, although we have yet to see a correlation between gas prices and bike sales. In more short-range, urban settings I can also see an electric motorcycle working." If you follow the auto lead, a hybrid bike may be closer than we think; the four-wheel version of that technology is already on the road.

Show Me What Ya Got
Bike manufacturers get jumpy when asked to make forecasts. In the ultracompetitive business of manufacturing motorcycles, any information about possible future products is held within a micrometer of the vest. The OEMs won't comment on what boots they'll be offering next year, much less what they have up their leather sleeves. It's understandable; any market advantage can mean the difference between a good financial quarter and shareholder panic. The fear of spilt beans runs so thick they don't even want to discuss the feasibility of alternative power, even less what shape it might take between two wheels.

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bike on sell

2009-04-11T03:54:00.000-07:00

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	dirt bike(CHPMOTOT-) Specs 1: JiaLing 125cc , oil cooling 2: SDG style chromoly frame 3: Folding lever 4: Aluminum clamp&mount 5: Hydraulic wavy disc 6: Aluminum fuel cap 7: Fastace USD adjustable front fork 8: Fastace 250lbs with chamber 9: Kenda tire F12inch R10inch 10:Triangle swing arm (extend) 11:Mikuni Carb 12:CNC muffler billet 13:High quality seat suit for racing We have a nice work line of dirtbike in China mainland and develope the best pit bike kit assembles of BBR, SDG, NHRC, etc. We are now looking for suitable dealers around the world to join us, so as to make both mutual .... Listed by: Champion international enterprise limited (China) [ view Champion international enterprise limited company information and listings ] [ view all in category Dirt Bikes ] [ related searches: dirt bike , dirt bikes ]	Select
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	Hi-Quality Bicycle with Most Competitive Price Senan International Limited specializes in manufacturing and exporting bicycles with more than 14 years' experience. Our factory is situated in Guangzhou, China. We carry a huge selection, including Mountain Bike, Trekking Hybrid Bike, City Bikes, Freestyle and kid BMX, Beach Curser and Folding Bikes. Senan's bikes also achieved ISO 4210, CPSC 1512 and AS/NZS 1927 certificated in safety quality standard. Therefore, we welcome any OEM or Custom tailor-made proposals with our esteem clients. In 2005, concerning the uninterrupted growth in the quality and performance of the bikes with the w.... Listed by: Senan International Limited (Hong Kong) [ view Senan International Limited company information and listings ] [ view all in category Bicycles / Bikes / Cycling ] [ related searches: bicycle , bicycles ]	Select
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futuristic car

2009-04-10T05:20:00.000-07:00

The future of cars lies in air cars. The mechanics involved in the functioning of these compressed air cars is compressed air that is released for propulsion purposes. This idea of building compressed air cars have been on the drawing board for many years but is very close to reaching commercial markets today.

In this car, air is compressed into a tank, at high pressure, with the help of an electric pump. This is done with the intention of storing energy, as in a battery. This energy is used for powering the car by allowing the stored air to escape like it does in a combustion engine. With this, the air presses on the vehicle’s pistons, to run the car.

It is possible to recharge the electric pumps of the car using a standard electrical outlet. It should be remembered that this futuristic compressed air car is not a hybrid vehicle because of its pump and outlet. It is just a compressed air car.

Advantages of the car

The advantage of this car over other cars is that it can be used to reach top speeds of about 65 mph, while reaching a range of over 100 miles. In fact, this is a car that offers high efficiency than most other BEVs can actually reach.

When compared to other vehicles, the emissions from this car are mostly cold air and not hot air. If you intend to buy this car, do it soon as some of the currently available models are available in limited quantities. However they are available at low rates, of under $15,000.

There is no need of having any additional form of infrastructure for supporting the car. Moreover, its mechanical designs are rather simple and easy to understand. So there is no problem in getting the car repaired if you find any problems with it.

The greatest advantage of the compressed air car is that there is no fear of the car suffering from any damage that will usually arise from continuous battery use and combustion in other cars.

Disadvantages of a compressed air car

There is basically only one disadvantage with this car, which is the fact that the pump that is used for compressing air requires electrical energy. This electrical energy that is used is currently produced using more of fossil fuels.

There are many models of compressed air cars in the making, where the most exciting model is Tata Motors’ AirCar. This is a car that is estimated to reach speeds of 68 mph, with a range of 125 miles. It is to be retailed for under $13,000 while its electric pump can be recharged in a matter of four hours, while its tank gets filled with compressed air within five minutes’ time.

Now, the next question that comes to your mind is the future of compressed air cars. Basically, with so much of hype covering battery electric and fuel cell vehicles, though compressed air cars have a strong position here, they still have a long way to go in their stages of development.

future car technologies

2009-04-10T04:50:00.000-07:00

Future cars will be lighter – but just as strong

Reference: 06/13

Through new advances in the casting process, super lightweight magnesium alloys is being used by a team of research engineers from CSIRO.

1 February 2006

Future cars will be far lighter – but just as strong – through new advances in the casting process that uses super lightweight magnesium alloys by a team of research engineers from CSIRO.

The technology, called T-Mag, consistently produces high-integrity magnesium alloy castings from permanent moulds, free of porosity and other defects.

T-Mag can cast lightweight magnesium-alloy engine blocks that will be only two-thirds the weight of current aluminium alloy blocks and less than one third the weight of cast iron blocks– a prospect that is already arousing the interest of high-performance car manufacturers in Europe.

It will also be possible to cast high-integrity magnesium alloy wheels. Current casting technology cannot produce wheels of sufficient integrity to be safe and practical at an acceptable cost.

T-Mag is being developed through CSIRO’s Light Metals Flagship by a team from CSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology. A pilot-scale unit built for research and development has already produced successful demonstration magnesium castings, including road wheels, and blocks for a 750cc, water-cooled, motorcycle engine will be cast shortly.

CSIRO believes that T-Mag’s technical and economic attributes will give it a competitive advantage over current casting technologies, and remove many obstacles to the economic production of high integrity magnesium parts.

Head researcher, Dr Thang Nguyen, describes T-Mag’s novel, integrated design as a critical enabling technology, with a range of applications beyond the high-pressure casting technique currently used to produce 85 per cent of the world’s magnesium alloy components.

High-pressure die casting has limitations which restrict its application to cast many automotive components, one of these limitations is low as-cast yields: typically, it takes six to seven kilograms of metal to produce a 3.5kg casting. The unused metal cannot simply be recycled because re-melting creates oxides and inter-metallic compounds, and both the initial melting process and re-melting the scrap consume large amounts of energy.

‘T-Mag requires only 3.7kg of alloy for a 3.5kg casting. This reduces recycling, and energy use and saves a lot of melt cost,’ Dr Nguyen says.

T-Mag is a permanent-mould casting process that requires neither applied pressure nor a vacuum to fill the die. The die fills smoothly from the bottom, minimising air entrapment and oxidation, and produces X-ray-quality castings that are virtually free of defects.

CSIRO is now seeking industry partners to commercialise T-Mag.

Future car technologies

2009-04-10T04:45:00.000-07:00

Advanced control

Platoons of cars that are controlled by the lead car
Automated highway systems
Vehicle infrastructure integration

Energy source

Main article: Alternative fuel vehicle

One major problem in developing cleaner, energy efficient automobiles is the source of power to drive the engine. A variety of alternative fuel vehicles have been proposed or sold, including electric cars, hydrogen cars, and compressed-air cars.

Energy savers

Various technologies have been developed and utilized to increase the energy efficiency of conventional cars or supplement them, resulting in energy savings.

Regenerative braking recaptures energy that would otherwise be lost as waste heat from the brake pads.
BMW's Turbosteamer technology to harness the heat generated by conventional internal combustion engines and use it to generate mechanical energy [1], which can increase in fuel efficiency by 15%. [2]
Compressed air Hybrid is an engine made by researchers at Brunel University, UK, which forces highly compressed air into the engine, which they claim reduces fuel consumption by 30%.[3]

Utilization of waste heat from D.W. as useful mechanical energy through exhaust powered steam, stirling engines, thermal diodes, etc..^[1]
Using computational fluid dynamics in the design stage can produce vehicles which take significantly less energy to push through the air, a major consideration at highway speeds. The Volkswagen 1-litre car and Aptera hybrid car are examples of ultra-low-drag vehicles.

Installing Vortex prevention devices at the back of the roof of a car reduces drag and therefore improve fuel efficiency. ^[2]

Materials

Duraluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and carbon nanotubes may totally replace all steel in cars (potentially improving lightness and strength). Aluminum, carbon fiber and fiberglass are currently being used more in cars today.

References

^ "BMW unveils the turbosteamer concept". Gizmag. 2005-12-14. http://www.gizmag.co.uk/go/4936/. Retrieved on 2006-11-15.
^ FuelSavers article on vortex prevention