Charge your Cell phone by walking

Time Magazine has named the Bionic Energy Harvester, a knee brace that harnesses energy from walking, as one of the Top 50 Inventions of 2008. The 3.5 lb brace works by generating power using the same technology that lets hybrid cars harvest energy from braking. One minute of walking with a single brace generates enough power for half an hour of talking time on a cell phone. The harvester is capable of generating seven watts of electricity from each leg— enough to operate 14 cell phones.

The brace, developed by researchers at Simon Fraser University, uses the energy put into slowing down the knee joint at the end of a person’s step.

Anara Tower – Next Line up in Dubai

The latest world-class superstructure to grace the modern megopolis is Anara Tower, an ambitious project crowned with an eye-catching propeller-shaped peak. Designed by Atkins Designs Studio and Developed by Tameer Holding Investment, the 2,150 foot tall skyscraper will be aiming for LEED silver certification when construction begins next year.

The Anara Tower will be home to offices, 300 of the most expensive apartments in the world, and a 250-room luxo-hotel. The tower will have a tremendous atrium in the middle and gardens every 27 floors. Topping the structure will be propeller-like structure, where the hub of those spokes will house a glass capsule containing one of the most swank restaurants in the world.

Watercube wins the Jorn Utzon Award for International Architecture

The iconic Watercube National Swimming Centre Beijing has been awarded one of Australia’s highest architecture prizes, the Jorn Utzon Award for International Architecture. The design and construction of the memorable facility was a collaboration between Australian firm PTW Architects, Chinese practices CSCEC and CCDI, and international firm Arup. National Aquatics Center ( Watercube ), the landmark building of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, is located inside the Beijing Olympic Green. The planning area of the NSC is 62950m², and the total floor area is 65,000 - 80,000m², in which the underground component is not less than 15,000 m².The total investment of the project is around 100 million US dollar. The building’s structure is framed in steel, while the bubbles themselves are made from ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) pillows measuring 0.2 mm thick. The structural design is based on the natural formation of soap bubbles which give a random, organic appearance. To achieve this, research was undertaken by Weaire and Phelan (professors of physics) into how soap bubbles might be arranged into an infinite array.

To bring the design to life, the individual bubbles were incorporated into a plastic film and tailored like a sewing pattern. An entire section was pieced together and then put into place within the structure. There are interior and exterior films. The plastic film was then inflated and continously pumped.

The membrane lets in more light and heat than traditional glass does, which keeps all 5 pools warmer, thus reducing energy costs by 30%. Rainwater from the roof is collected and recycled with efficient filtration and backwash systems, and an incredible LED lighting system turns the Watercube into a beautiful kaleidoscope at night.