By Mary Velan
Gov1
What Happened?
City planners must take into account a variety of factors when designing and erecting new infrastructure in the community.
Efficient Concrete
Concrete, while a common building material, accounts for 5 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions – equal to all the emissions released in Russia - which makes it a silent yet persistent polluter in most communities. Because concrete is made of cement mixed with sand and water, it is an easy building material to acquire and use. The efficiency associated with concrete has allowed builders to complete projects faster than if they were to use more eco-friendly materials.
When creating concrete, the materials go through a dirty, inefficient industrial process. When limestone is processed into cement it emits carbon dioxide gasses. The furnaces used to produce cement often burn fossil fuels to achieve high enough temperatures to complete the process, CityLab reported.
New research, however, suggests that modern technology can aid in making the concrete creation process more energy-efficient. For example, researchers suggest using a different ratio of ingredients to make a more resilient concrete so less is required for each project. In addition, many buildings and infrastructure have concrete reinforced with steel beams. These beams can create cracks in the concrete, significantly reducing the material’s lifespan. Studies recommend reinforcing concrete with fiberglass which is stronger and longer-lasting than steel, CityLab reported.
Seniors
As the baby boomer generation enters into retirement age, infrastructure projects are taking their needs into account. Many senior citizens would prefer to age at home, and thus need certain amenities to remain safe, functioning and independent. However, these amenities cannot overshadow how infrastructure is used by other age groups.
A new report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development suggests cities worldwide must redesign infrastructure and development patterns in response to rising demand for social services, healthcare and public housing for the baby boomers. Rather than isolating this population as it ages, city planners should incorporate their needs into city center designs and public places.
For example, many railway stations and public transportation hubs are adding chair lifts, extra ramps and other accommodations to make it easier for seniors and individuals with disabilities to use public transportation options. When these demographics are able to navigate the community more easily, they are better able to engage with residents and organizations, as well as provide economic opportunities.
Germs
A building that is riddled with toxic materials or inefficient systems can have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of people inside them. A new hypothesis, however, suggests that altering the way a building is designed can do more than prevent illness, but actually make people healthier.
The hygiene hypothesis argues that creating an overly-sterile environment can deplete us of important, helpful bacteria that support our immune systems. As a result, autoimmune and allergic diseases have increased rapidly worldwide. The research suggests buildings should be designed to provide inhabitants with healthy exposure to bacterial flora to support stronger immune systems, CityLab reported.
To achieve this, scientists and developers are working to identify what building materials may affect how bacteria behave and survive. Designers can then use these findings to create bio-inspired structures that proactively improve resident wellness, CityLab reported.
One example of bio-inspired design currently being tested are bio walls which are made up of plants that filter the air in the building. The microbes in the plants’ roots remove volatile organic compounds and toxins in the air while producing fresh oxygen. These bio-inspired designs take green building to the next level, CityLab reported.