Inhabitat | Design For a Better World!
A landscape of the Los Angeles city skyline.
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Architecture

From the urban tapestry of Los Angeles to a sustainable city

Los Angeles, often hailed as the entertainment capital of the world, is not only a hub for the film and music industries but also a fascinating canvas of urban design. The city's architectural landscape reflects a rich tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, and innovation. As one navigates the vast expanse...
A man wearing a safety vest and hard hat installing a solar panel
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Architecture

How to choose the best solar power products

Solar energy has emerged as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to power homes and businesses. According to the UN, solar is the number one source of renewable energy in the world. However, because of quality issues, the adoption of solar panels has been slow. In recent years, technological...
A home with the roof covered in green
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Architecture

Here are tree species that rock in carbon absorption

The latest Emissions Gap Report by the UN shows that the world has to cut current emissions by 45% to avoid reaching the dreaded 1.5 degrees temperature rise. According to the report, the signatories to the Paris Agreement have done little on the ground to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This effectively...
A blocky home with outdoor seating
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Homes

A Connecticut home with a green roof and minimal site impact

Meeting the challenge to gently place a home into a valley below the access road and adjacent to a scenic river, Weston Residence is both a primary residence and an award-winning example of minimal site impact architectural design.  Specht Architects designed the home, a 2,400-square-feet house that...
A red EV pickup truck driving up a hill
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Electric Vehicles

Rivian R1T is the best glamping truck on the market

The new Rivian R1T pickup is the fabulous EV glamping truck you didn’t know you needed. This unique EV truck has all kinds of features you need, plus a few you never even thought of. Come along on our test drive of the Rivian R1T and decide for yourself if this is your next daily driver. What makes the...
The roof of a neighborhood with solar panels on them
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Design

Here are the latest sustainable construction materials

According to the U.N. Environmental Program, the construction industry is not making enough efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. While all sectors are making efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the construction sector is still to get an organized strategy. Today, up to 50% of the world's climate...
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An up-close bouquet of flowers An up-close bouquet of flowers
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Plants

Best cut flower varieties for a sustainable home garden

Cut flowers sounded easy when I started gardening. Just plant some flowers and then cut them, right? Well, there is a lot more to it than that. Cut flowers are often grown from specific varieties that tend to have long, sturdy stems and big, beautiful blooms, and each variety has its own tips to keep them healthy....

Cut flowers sounded easy when I started gardening. Just plant some flowers and then cut them, right? Well, there is a lot more to it than that....
A timber structure in the middle of a field during a foggy day A timber structure in the middle of a field during a foggy day
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Schools

University Mass Timber Pavilion was designed by students

Nestled on the Rice University campus, amid multiple microhabitats and surrounded by green, you will see a small pavilion that looks a bit like an ancient Greek temple. But this pavilion was carefully crafted to have a modern design. It's sustainable, beautiful and an example that might just inspire campuses around...

Nestled on the Rice University campus, amid multiple microhabitats and surrounded by green, you will see a small pavilion that looks a bit like...
Two llamas sitting on a hill Two llamas sitting on a hill
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Travel

Travel to the ancient beauty of Machu Picchu, Peru

Our group sat in a circle at a 15th century Inca site. We each held three coca leaves glued together with llama fat and concentrated on protection, prosperity and a balanced life. A young shaman named Lucas alternately prayed in Quechua and explained things to us in Spanish, both translated by our guide Wilfredo...

Our group sat in a circle at a 15th century Inca site. We each held three coca leaves glued together with llama fat and concentrated on protection,...
A long building that is shaped triangularly A long building that is shaped triangularly
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Homes

Biophilic building enhances biodiversity in the neighborhood

Kaiserstraße is a new residential building currently under construction in Blumenau, Brazil. The project is designed by Alencar Arquitetura and aims to harness connections between residents and the natural world. The project's name reflects the German colonial influences of the city of Blumenau....

Kaiserstraße is a new residential building currently under construction in Blumenau, Brazil. The project is designed by Alencar Arquitetura...
An aerial rendering of an acre of land An aerial rendering of an acre of land
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Landscape Architecture

The first agricultural community of its kind in Ontario

Humans living in harmony with nature and with each other is really the goal of sustainable, environmentally-friendly design. And it is hardly a hip and modern idea, not unless you think the Stone Age is trendy. Long ago, people banded together in groups to live and work together as one community, rather than as...

Humans living in harmony with nature and with each other is really the goal of sustainable, environmentally-friendly design. And it is hardly...
A 3D printer with a light up needle A 3D printer with a light up needle
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Technology

These are 5 industries being propelled by 3D printing

When 3D printing first took off, it was difficult to imagine how diverse the field would grow. Nowadays, the realm of additive manufacturing is growing daily. In particular, five sectors are advancing rapidly as a result of developments in additive manufacturing. These are healthcare, food, fashion, motorsports...

When 3D printing first took off, it was difficult to imagine how diverse the field would grow. Nowadays, the realm of additive manufacturing...