Portland is experiencing an unprecedented architectural boom, impacting citizens across many neighborhoods. While the city's Design Review process evaluates new buildings, its most stringent

Portland is experiencing an unprecedented architectural boom, impacting citizens across many neighborhoods. While the city's Design Review process evaluates new buildings, its most stringent oversight applies only to downtown and a few inner districts.

A panel will explore how Design Review functions, its effectiveness, and potential expansion city-wide. Experts Michael McCullouch, Guenevere Millius, and John Russell will share insights, with Randy Gragg moderating the discussion.

Alejandro Aravena's architectural philosophy is to "bring the community into the process." Ten years ago, when tasked with building housing for 100 families in Chile, he found inspiration in

Alejandro Aravena's architectural philosophy is to "bring the community into the process." Ten years ago, when tasked with building housing for 100 families in Chile, he found inspiration in favelas. Instead of small units in large buildings, he designed flexible "half-homes" that each family could expand. This complex problem found a simple solution through direct collaboration with the families themselves.

Aravena showcases three projects where clever rethinking led to beautiful, beneficial design. Learn more at Alejandro Aravena's website, or follow TED on Twitter and Facebook.

Janine Benyus, Jason McLennan, and David McConville discuss the relationship between human lives, nature,

Janine Benyus, Jason McLennan, and David McConville discuss the relationship between human lives, nature, and ecological design.

Their insights are drawn from speeches given at the 2013 Bioneers Annual Conference.

This content was published on December 9, 2013.

In her TEDxPhilly talk, "Moving from The Grand Vision to The Grand Adjustment," architecture critic Inga Saffron challenges cities to prioritize existing dwellers over skyscraper fantasies. She

In her TEDxPhilly talk, "Moving from The Grand Vision to The Grand Adjustment," architecture critic Inga Saffron challenges cities to prioritize existing dwellers over skyscraper fantasies. She argues for a shift in focus towards improving urban amenities.

Saffron advocates for upgrading transit, adding bike lanes, increasing walkability, and creating great parks and public plazas. She believes density and sustainability can be achieved through a range of densities, not just skyscrapers, citing successful mid-rise buildings. Cities must be flexible and adaptable.

Architects can build a new world of sustainable beauty by learning from nature. At a TEDSalon in London, Michael Pawlyn described three natural habits that could transform architecture and

Architects can build a new world of sustainable beauty by learning from nature. At a TEDSalon in London, Michael Pawlyn described three natural habits that could transform architecture and society.

These principles include radical resource efficiency, closed-loop systems, and drawing energy from the sun. Adopting these strategies can lead to a more sustainable and beautiful built environment.

Professor Nico Larco presented "Fringe Urbanism: Untapped Potential for Sustainable Suburbs" as part of the UO-Portland Architecture Lecture Series on January 20, 2010.

Larco's lecture

Professor Nico Larco presented "Fringe Urbanism: Untapped Potential for Sustainable Suburbs" as part of the UO-Portland Architecture Lecture Series on January 20, 2010.

Larco's lecture explored the ongoing transformation in urban peripheries, where social constructs and physical realities are colliding. He emphasized the significant potential of suburban redevelopment to adapt to evolving societal needs and promote more sustainable forms of growth.

Swedish ICT is leading a VINNOVA-funded project to develop a generic information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure for Stockholm Royal Seaport. This initiative, titled "Smart ICT

Swedish ICT is leading a VINNOVA-funded project to develop a generic information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure for Stockholm Royal Seaport. This initiative, titled "Smart ICT for living and working in Stockholm Royal Seaport," focuses on enabling sustainable living in the city's new district.

The project brings together approximately a dozen companies from the telecom and construction sectors, along with the City of Stockholm. This collaborative effort aims to establish advanced ICT solutions for the area.

Published on December 30, 2013.

Karl Sharro is an architect, writer, and commentator on the Middle East. He is co-author of "Towards a New Humanism in Architecture" and a Senior Associate Partner at PLP Architecture in London.

Karl Sharro is an architect, writer, and commentator on the Middle East. He is co-author of "Towards a New Humanism in Architecture" and a Senior Associate Partner at PLP Architecture in London. His architectural experience includes practice in London and Beirut, and teaching at the American University of Beirut.

He advocates for freedom of movement and immigration.

Existing buildings consume 72% of our nation's electricity, much of which is wasted. This significant consumption, often from fossil fuels, impedes our ability to transform the energy system and

Existing buildings consume 72% of our nation's electricity, much of which is wasted. This significant consumption, often from fossil fuels, impedes our ability to transform the energy system and prevent runaway climate change.

Join the movement to address this critical issue. Visit RMI.org/stand to get involved.

Eco-Eye Series 10, Episode 10, hosted by Duncan Stewart, explores sustainable building practices. The episode features a visit to a 'solar city' and passive holiday homes in Austria.

It

Eco-Eye Series 10, Episode 10, hosted by Duncan Stewart, explores sustainable building practices. The episode features a visit to a 'solar city' and passive holiday homes in Austria.

It also highlights an Irish house performance and external insulation upgrade project in Rathfarnham. This episode was originally published on February 28, 2014.