Cities around the world are running into the same problems with their infrastructure: how can we create true eco-friendly living where cars, concrete and metal dominate? Its not simple. Problems of old infrastructure and traditional city planning curb significant efforts to recreate a city's environment. New urban developments, like Blue Springs' downtown revitalization, are much easier to reimagine with green living; the upper west side of Manhattan is another thing entirely. What is the answer? Instead of trying to take the cities back into the natural environment, architects, designers and eco-friendly entrepreneurs are attempting to bring the natural environment back into the cities, right underneath their noses. Â These eco-towers and sustainable skyscrapers could become a part of your skyline in the coming decades. Â What do you think? Â Green, or not? Â Inspiring or silly? Â Check out this description of one proposal in Vancouver:
"Romses Architects envisioned the ‘Harvest Green Tower’ for Vancouver, winning a competition held by the city of Vancouver ‘the 2030 challenge’ to find new methods of green building that can help address climate change issues. The Harvest Green Tower produces food – including boutique goat and sheep dairy – and generates its own energy through wind and solar power. Incorporated within the tower are also residences, transit, offices, retail space and research facilities."
Here's a few more photos from the story of these amazingly creative futuristic proposals:
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