Steven Holl unveils office clad in colorful photovoltaic glass for Doctors Without Borders

Steven Holl Architects just beat out a slew of other firms with plans for the new Doctors Without Borders headquarters in Geneva. The energy-efficient “Colors of Humanity” building features an innovative facade made of multi-hued photovoltaic glass and it’s topped with a lush green roof . The New York-based architect’s design was chosen over various proposals from architecture firms around the world. According to Mathieu Soupart, Logistics Director for the MSF Operational Centre Geneva, the winning design best represents the MSF ethos of community: “Steven Holl Architects’ project is the opportunity for MSF to integrate its core values like independence, impartiality, neutrality, altruism and dynamism in a challenging new architecture and project itself in the future.” Related: Steven Holl Architects designs LEED Platinum-targeted cultural center for Shanghai The massive photovoltaic facade , which is 40% transparent, pulls double duty: it produces up to 72% of the building’s energy needs and creates an interior framework for the community inside. Solar panels will also be installed on the building’s roof, sharing space with a large roof-top garden . Additionally, the innovative glass wall system is “open ended,” which means the building could be expanded in the future if need be. The inside layout is focused on the needs of the MSF community, and each individual space is designated by its color. Designed to foster interaction , the building has various circulation paths where workers and visitors can take a break in one of the many seating alcoves. This design feature was strategic to encourage community collaboration: “These centers serve as a friendly catalyst for interaction, acting like social condensers within the building.” + Steven Holl Architects Via Archdaily

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Steven Holl unveils office clad in colorful photovoltaic glass for Doctors Without Borders

Erasmus University’s student pavilion design features a roof with intelligent solar panels

Eco Factor: Sustainable student pavilion aims to remain energy neutral in its operation. Paul de Ruiter Architects have unveiled their designs for the Erasmus University’s student pavilion that aims to remain energy neutral in its operation.

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Erasmus University’s student pavilion design features a roof with intelligent solar panels

Green-themed Bronx River House supports the eco mission of the Bronx River Alliance

Eco Factor: Sustainable multipurpose facility harvests energy and water. In an effort to support the environmental mission of the Bronx River Alliance, Kiss + Cathcart Architects have designed a new multipurpose facility for the alliance, that can provide space for the alliance’s canoes and kayaks, while providing a sustainable working area

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Green-themed Bronx River House supports the eco mission of the Bronx River Alliance

Sun Associates propose a sustainable passenger terminal for Taiwan’s largest port city

Eco Factor: Solar-powered cruise ship passenger terminal for Kaohsiung. The largest port city in Taiwan, Kaohsiung, has always felt the need of a cruise ship passenger terminal that can contribute to the island’s growing cultural importance. Sun & Associates have come up with a sustainable proposal for the Passenger Transportation District for the Port of Kaohsiung that intends to make a statement of public use and sustainable urban design

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Sun Associates propose a sustainable passenger terminal for Taiwan’s largest port city

Lightning Car Company to bring all-electric GT to UK in 2012

Eco Factor: Zero-emission vehicle to be powered by electricity. Lightning Car Company has announced that its all-electric GT should be ready for the UK by 2012

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Lightning Car Company to bring all-electric GT to UK in 2012

Activated carbon cloth could remove pollutants from wastewater

Eco Factor: Activated carbon cloth promotes decomposition of pollutants. Developed in the 1980s to protect British soldiers from chemical attacks, activated carbon cloth could have a number of other uses as well

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Activated carbon cloth could remove pollutants from wastewater

Abu Dhabi Media Zone to generate renewable energy through its façade

Eco Factor: Sustainable development to generate renewable solar energy. Bernard Tschumi Architects have re-imagined their master plan for the new Abu Dhabi Media Zone , by incorporating several environmentally-friendly features that help reduce the overall energy consumption of the facility. The architectural team planned to orient the towers north-south instead of east-west, which helped streamline the silhouette from the water and allows maximizes sun exposure to the east and west façades.

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Abu Dhabi Media Zone to generate renewable energy through its façade

Intel Israel becomes Israel’s first LEED-certified green building

Eco Factor : Intel Israel adopts sustainable measures with minimal environmental impact. Incorporating business with environmental protection, Intel Israel inaugurated its most environmentally friendly office building.

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Intel Israel becomes Israel’s first LEED-certified green building

Mitsubishi readies electric i-MiEV for Europe

Eco Factor: Zero-emission vehicle powered by electric engine. Mitsubishi’s MiEV range of electric cars has seen frequent modifications since 2006. Previously available only in Japan, the company is now revamping the vehicle to make it ready for European countries.

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Mitsubishi readies electric i-MiEV for Europe