Report claims VW is spending $15.5B to build a giant battery factory

Volkswagen is reportedly preparing to make a major investment in electric car technology, and hopefully buy some positive press as well. Less than a year after its enormous emissions scandal and the massive recall that followed, the German car company may spend up to $15.5 billion to build a manufacturing plant for electric car batteries. The move would support the company’s lofty goal to sell one million electric and hybrid vehicles annually by 2025. The massive battery factory...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green BuildingInhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://inhabitat.com/report-claims-vw-is-spending-15-5b-to-build-a-giant-battery-factory
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Sublime Nook Residence blends seamlessly into the snowy Canadian landscape

The home's sharp angles and stark white facade mimic the steep terrain and snowy landscape that lead up to the lot. The structure is comprised of two asymmetrical volumes "twisted" onto each other in an origami-like style. The top level is strategically placed on the smaller lower level, providing solar shading for the large, south-facing terrace. Related: MU Architecture unveils tiny copper and glass huts for Canada’s Bigwin Island Large, floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green BuildingInhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://inhabitat.com/sublime-nook-residence-blends-seamlessly-into-the-snowy-canadian-landscape
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40 lifeless tiger cubs discovered in Thailand temple's freezer

After officials began to remove tigers from Thailand's Tiger Temple this week, they discovered 40 dead cubs in a freezer. The tiger temple, marketed as a sanctuary, has been accused of animal abuse, wildlife trafficking, and breeding tigers illegally. The monks deny the accusations. Controversy has shrouded the temple for years. Visitors reported tigers seemed drugged. Ex-workers said tigers weren't fed properly, lived in concrete cages, and even were beaten. Others suspected illegal...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green BuildingInhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://inhabitat.com/40-lifeless-tiger-cubs-discovered-in-thailand-temples-freezer
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VIVID light art dazzles the streets of Sydney

This year, in addition to the regular sites where artists show their beautiful work every year, the organizers have included three new precincts, The Galeries, The Royal Botanic Gardens and Taronga Zoo. An artwork inspired by ancient routed across Australia lights the sails of the Opera House and features artwork by six indigenous artists. Related: Sydney’s mind-blowing ‘Light Origami’ is a crystal cavern filled with mirrors Large light projections will cover the facades of several...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green BuildingInhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://inhabitat.com/vivid-light-art-dazzles-the-streets-of-sydney
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World's longest, deepest rail tunnel opens after almost 20 years of construction

After nearly two decades of construction, a new 35-mile high-speed rail tunnel is now ready to carry cargo passengers on a route that cuts right through the Swiss Alps. The Gotthard base tunnel snatched the title of world’s longest and deepest tunnel upon its opening, and now connects northern and southern Europe. Swiss officials celebrate the high-speed rail as a major advancement for European transportation. The new tunnel in Switzerland is actually two tunnels, each with a single...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green BuildingInhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://inhabitat.com/worlds-longest-deepest-rail-tunnel-opens-after-almost-20-years-of-construction
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Crushed bricks recycled for a cave-like concert hall in Poland

Located between the Torún’s old town, protected by the UNESCO, and the new development area of the city this building employs in a very special way two conventional materials: red bricks and white concrete. Each personify a specific historical age and corresponding architectural aesthetics. More precisely, classic red bricks recall the old town streetscape and ancient building’s façades. White concrete, instead, represents contemporary architecture. The two materials symbolically fusing the...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green BuildingInhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://inhabitat.com/crushed-bricks-recycled-for-a-cave-like-concert-hall-in-poland
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Andrea Claire's unique chandeliers transition from fine art to green lighting at the flip of a switch

The beautiful hand-crafted lighting fixtures by Andrea Claire have a special magic when the electric switch is flipped- totally transforming their look from day to night. Thoughtfully made in Claire’s Brooklyn studio, the collection of unique pendant lamps and chandeliers appear as cutting edge (and totally opaque) modern art hanging sculptures during the day. But when activated, each piece is illuminated with vibrant texture and color only visible with the glow of an LED bulb, changing from sculpture...

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green BuildingInhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://inhabitat.com/andrea-claires-unique-chandeliers-transition-from-fine-art-to-green-lighting-at-the-flip-of-a-switch
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