Cities New technologies for smart grids and intelligent metering can enable urban energy networks that dynamically respond to human mobility and behavior patterns. Today, networked demand response systems can reduce peak loading on our aging electric grids but the integration of renewable energy sources is still difficult due to intermittency. Project in this theme will focus on the exploration of DC microgrids for compact urban cells that incorporate localized renewable energy generation sources such as rooftop solar and microturbines. These local DC power networks can reduce AC/DC conversion losses in residential buildings and provide direct connections to photovoltaic energy and battery-based energy storage. Projects include: Dynamic smart grids that respond to human mobility and behavior patternsElectric (DC) microgrids for compact urban cells and renewable energySecond-life of auto batteries for energy buffer and vehicle chargingDC power networks for residential buildings
Open Source Cities Open Source Cities is co-hosting a panel discussion and meetup on urban mobility, cities and the built environment in New York City on May 2nd from 4-6pm at the offices of BMW i Ventures. The event co-hosts are Green Parking Council, AECOM, BüroNY, and TimHaahs. Presentations by: John Schmid, Chairman, Green Parking CouncilJoachim Hauser, BMW Mobility Services Panel Discussion: Susan Szenasy, Editor in Chief, Metropolis Magazine (Moderator)Gisela Baurman, Büro NYDave Kooris, AICP, Vice President, Regional Plan AssociationGary Lawrence, Chief Sustainability Officer, AECOMJohn Parkinson, Director, Urban Land InstituteJim Zullo, AICP, PE, Vice President, TimHaahs Associates Limited space available, please RSVP to: salon@greenparkingcouncil.org
Open City: Blogging Urban Change Quelle gouvernance pour les espaces publics dans la ville de demain ? Quelle gouvernance pour les espaces publics dans la ville de demain ? 26 Septembre 2011 Suite au séminaire organisé par La Fabrique de la Cité autour de la place des espaces publics dans la ville de demain, Marcus Zepf, ingénieur-architecte, professeur et directeur de l’Institut d’Urbanisme de Grenoble, a dirigé une étude intitulée « Gouvernance des espaces publics - repères internationaux ». Son objectif ? Présenter des réflexions innovantes sur les enjeux de conception et de gouvernance des espaces publics, à partir de huit études de villes emblématiques à travers le monde. Les tendances dégagées en matière de gouvernance illustrent les problématiques liées à l’implication des différents acteurs dans le processus de conception des espaces publics, à la flexibilité des projets ou encore à la possibilité, pour les principaux acteurs concernés, d’anticiper les aménagements futurs. La Fabrique de la Cité a posé 3 questions à Marcus Zepf. Qu’est-ce qu’un langage partagé ?
gogoparis.com 12 hrs in Berlin – Travel guides for people like you! Walk back to the subway stop Kurfürstenstraße, take the U2 to Potsdamer Platz and switch to an S train there that takes you to Friedrichstraße (S1 and S26). From there, it’s a very short walk to Boros Bunker. This bunker has a very interesting backstory, one of the reasons Herbert sends us there. It was built in 1942 as a bunker for the inhabitants of Berlin during World War II, occupied by the Red Army afterwards and used as a prison for prisoners of war, and then used for keeping fabrics inside. Starting in 1957, the government of the DDR used it to store tropical fruits from fellow communist country Cuba. This is where the Bunker got its name: Bananenbunker (Banana bunker). In 2003, Christian Boros decided to buy the bunker and to use it to display his vast modern art collection there. You’ll see works by Ai Weiwei, Olafur Eliasson, Marieta Chirulescu and many others, all mixed together with the great history of the place that is still visible in every corner.