Tuesday, April 29, 2008

ECOTECT

Amazing yet free tools for architectural building design can be found in Ecotect~!
"ECOTECT is a complete building design and environmental analysis tool that covers the full range of simulation and analysis functions required to truly understand how a building design will operate and perform. It finally allows designers to work easily in 3D and apply all the tools necessary for an energy efficient and sustainable future.
Check out it's features to learn more." to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.squ1.com/products/ecotect

Monday, April 28, 2008

Energy efficiency and Renewable Energy

U.S. Department of Energy had a website of 'Energy efficiency and renewable Energy' as topic, providing tools, programs, systems, components and studies in related of building an energy saving environment. A very useful website to understands more of Eco-friendly buildings and environments. There are tools for analysis for energy simulation, inclusive of free sketchup energy design plugin.
"The Energy Design Plugin is a free plugin for the Google SketchUp 3D drawing program. The plugin makes it easy to create and edit the building geometry in your EnergyPlus input files. The plugin also allows you to launch EnergyPlus simulations and view the results without leaving SketchUp"[1] to find out more...
"In partnership with the private sector, state and local government, national laboratories, and universities, the Building Technologies Program works to improve the efficiency of buildings and the equipment, components, and systems within them. The program supports R&D activities and provides tools, guidelines, training, and access to technical and financial resources. Read our program fact sheet for more information (
PDF 363 KB)." [2] to find out more...
"The Building Technologies Program advances the research and development of the next generation of energy-efficient components, materials, and equipment. The Buildings R&D portfolio focuses on the following emerging technologies:

To help near-term emerging technologies overcome market introduction barriers, the program uses a combination of strategies including demonstration/evaluation and technology procurement. These strategies are designed to increase buyer confidence and build demand for new energy-efficient technologies. Learn more about near-term emerging technologies and market introduction strategies." [3] to find out more...

Passage [1] from http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energy_design_plugin.html
Passage [2] from http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/about/index.html
Passage [3] & Image from http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/tech/emerging.html

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

URA Singapore

" 'Singapore 1:1 Island' is a follow-up exhibition to “Singapore 1:1 City” launched by President S R Nathan in 2005. It is curated along 3 themes: the Provision / Production (1965 – 1975); Communication / Connection (1976 – 1985) and Innovation / Distinction (1986 – 2007). The architectural productions weave a story on the distinct character in the history of Singapore architecture. The variety of works exhibited, ranging from residential and commercial buildings to public institutions, demonstrates the diversity and creative energy of architectural talents in Singapore.
The exhibition is part of URA's ongoing effort to promote architecture and urban design (A&UD) excellence in Singapore. It is organised in collaboration with the Board of Architects (BOA), National University of Singapore (NUS), Real Estate Developers' Association of Singapore (REDAS) and the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA).
The exhibition is curated by
Dr Wong Yunn Chii, Head of the Department of Architecture at the National University of Singapore (NUS)." to find out more...
Visiting URA Singapore is a must to get to know more of this fasinating international business hub.
Passage and Image from http://www.ura.gov.sg/spore1_1/island/introduction.htm

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Solid deck, transparent building

I had been relocated to Singapore with new working environment and pampered with new work and a giant project. Experienced lots of new things within these few days. The leaders have great openness, analytical power and passion towards architectural design. However, "Objective and purposes of the projects are more important then final results." Patrick stated.
We need to build up a system towards an entire city, an urban design. Generate an idea towards architectural design. Creating transparent building but solid landscape deck allowing green features linking the entire city is just great ideas to be shared here. A solution towards global warming is to create more green.