Green perspectives in architecture

Today's Property Plus supplement in The Hindu, Chennai edition, has readable articles on ethical decisions in modern living.

"How frugal are appliances?" That question is posed by Biju Govind, who then follows it up by providing some answers in the form of Bureau of Energy Efficiency tests on electrical appliances.

There is also a delightful article on garden houses in Chennai by Madhavi Desai, exploring the intersection of the bungalow type of building with the European villa style, resulting in a grand structure that nestles in a huge tree-filled garden with tall ceilings and a vivid white exterior.

Is it all too vulgar and elitist? Perhaps, from a historical perspective. In the latter day, can it be varied to provide aesthetic alternatives that include subaltern feelings?



Meanwhile, here is an interesting story on use of solar energy in Seville, Spain narrated by the BBC, and linked to by many architecture websites.

Sold on the Sun

As a seeker of the Sun, that unimaginably powerful nuclear reactor that sustains all life on earth, I believe that the answer to our energy demands comes from the sky.

I found this neat commercial on Youtube, which has a cinematic feel and conveys a vital message in under two minutes with a slick feel to it.

Indians can be among the biggest beneficiaries of solar photovoltaic and thermal power and it is encouraging that the first signs of recognition are there in the area of business. Moserbaer is developing its solar pv unit and if they will distribute their panels and devices adopting the same concept as the VCDs and DVDs, we can all buy panels without burning holes in our pocket.

Here goes the video: