Tag Archives: Olympics

Stunning waterfall hopes to make debut at 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

May 11, 2010Design, environment, Images, Technology2016 Olympics, Brazil, green, Olympics, solar energy, tower, waterfallScott Meisner

Solar City Tower, designed by Swiss architecture firm RAFAA.

Ever since Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was selected to host the 2016 Olympics, the International Architecture Competition has heated up with hundres of submissions from architecture firms. They are all vying to create a winning design that inspires people to visit Rio de Janeiro and conceptualizes Brazil’s “natural beauty and its commitment to a sustainable future.” The Solar City Tower is one of the most daring and tempting submissions that I hope takes top prize. The Tower is lined with solar panels; captured energy allows seawater to be pumped to its top and gravity forces the water back into the ocean. It’s a “green” waterfall! When the water falls it spins turbines that produces energy during the night. The designers call the waterfall effect “a symbol for the forces of nature.” The tower also proposes to house a amphitheater, auditorium, cafeteria, shops, and observation decks with bungee jumping. RAFAA on their design:

The aim of this project is to ask how the classic concept of a landmark can be reconsidered. It is less about an expressive, iconic architectural form; rather, it is a return to content and actual, real challenges for the imminent post-oil-era. This project represents a message of a society facing the future; thus, it is the representation of an inner attitude. Our project, standing in the tradition of “a building/city as a machine”, shall provide energy both to the city of Rio de Janeiro and its citizens while using natural resources.

[Via Likecool; DVICE; Treehugger]

Olympic landmark coming to London in 2012

April 6, 2010Design, Images2012 Olympics, London, Olympics, orbit, sculpture, UKScott Meisner

The ArcelorMittal Orbit, designed by artist Anish Kapoor, is “set to become UK’s largest sculpture.” The Orbit is being built as an attraction site just in time for the 2012 Olympics at the Olympic Park site in London.

[The sculpture] will consist of a continuous looping lattice of tubular steel. Standing at a gigantic 115m, it will be 22m taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York and offer unparalleled views of the entire 250 acres of the Olympic Park and London’s skyline from a special viewing platform. Visitors will be able to take a trip up the statuesque structure in a huge lift and will have the option of walking down the spiralling staircase.

Don’t you think this would make for one hell of a rollercoaster? Addtional images in the gallery below.

[Via Dezeen; Gizmodo]

Explore the Olympic Games mountains with Street View

February 10, 2010News, Sports, Technology, Videocoverage, Google, maps, Olympics, Street View, Winter Olympic GamesScott Meisner

In anticipation of the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Team Google brings us to Whistler Mountain with Street View. Just like you’d map out how to find a restaurant on Google Maps using Street View to precisely pick out the location, now you can search and explore the icy mountains where this month’s Winter Olympics will take place. Explore the mountains or “get inside the games” with a constantly updating menu system that features Olympic events, medals, venues, and news. Google’s got you covered.

[Via GoogleBlog]

“The Cloud” to “broadcast the climate of humanity” during 2012 Olympics

November 12, 2009Architecture, Technology, Video2012, Design, MIT, Olympics, research, structure, zero powerScott Meisner

Researchers at MIT have designed a tower structure to be built in London in time for the 2012 Olympics. It’s called “The Cloud” and its two towers will stand 400 feet tall and be connected by a series of plastic bubbles. LCD screens will display scores and highlights from the Games and also act as a “barometer of the city’s interests and moods.” “The Cloud” will run on ‘zero power;’ this means it will be powered by solar energy and will utilize regenerative breaking (like hybrid cars). Besides displaying information, the structure will also house an observation deck. The cost of the construction will be funded by citizens by way of micro-donations. The research team is still deciding on a final location. For more information visit raisethecloud.org.

[Via Engadget; BBC]