Earthbag Structures

The phrase “form follows function” has morphed in meaning over time and is, perhaps rightly, open to interpretation. One interesting extension of this idea is that the form of a building can follow the functions of its constituent parts – that the visual result can reflect the process of construction and that this, in turn, makes the architecture more educational or “honest” – a way to learn the history of a building simply by taking a look at how it was made.

In addition to their do-it-yourself, easy-to-build and other sustainability-related benefits, “earth bag” homes – constructed of bags filled with local dirt, mud, sand and/or rock – are also potentially extremely expressive as works of design. Their structural properties and the ways in which they are stacked certainly preclude some design possibilities but they enable others.

 

The end product reflects not only the more universal properties of sand-and-dirt-built structures but also can indicate individual stylistic preferences and regional building practices. The final appearance is generally curved, organic and assymetrical – not things we are used to in home design – but invariably are anything but boring. All in all, they have a great deal of expressive potential for something so cheap, easy and fast to build – if nothing else as an eccentric guest house or secondary rural cabin.

Creative & Inovative Manhole Covers

The Map Hole concept is compelling in part due to its completeness. It takes advantage of the naturally-necessary distribution of manholes throughout a cityscape and makes them the basis for a mapping system. Moreover, the designer also proposes possible applications for amusement parks as well as the option of having ’sponsored listings’ for local businesses that would, in turn, yield revenue for further urban design improvements.

Though similar, this rainwater-powered guidance system takes things a step further (so to speak) – a  foot-activated display features information for the lost traveler at the push of a button, all sourced by hydroelectric-energy generated naturally via the flow of water through the streets.

They are everywhere – on every street in every major city, manholes dot the urban landscape. While these ubiquitous objects are essentially functional, some artists have found creative ways to add to their aesthetic and, more recently, certain designers

have come up with creative ways to add new uses and even generate passive eco-friendly power from their necessary presence.