Design, Science and Technology

While action toward building ‘greener’ more sustainable structures is gaining momentum in Europe and America, an office tower from down-under is putting Australia on the green buildings map.

A 30 story high-rise office tower in Sydney, Australia’s central business district, 1 Bligh Street a treasure trove of sustainable innovation and design.Designed by Architectus and Ingenhoven Architects, this environmentally responsible office tower is set to create a benchmark in Australia for sustainable high-rise buildings and provide an enduring presence on the city skyline.

“The dramatic, naturally-ventilated central atrium connects the office workers with nature at the inner depths of the plan, giving a sense of openness for the entire building. The series of communal spaces throughout the building, and especially the fantastic rooftop garden, add greatly to the quality of life for the tenants.”

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The New Orleans Bioinnovation Center is a prototype for nimble sustainability, located at a brownfield site in the burgeoning biotechnology district across from Tulane University Medical School on historic Canal Street.

When New Orleans began to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, NOBIC was back on track, helped by the state, which—like other states—had discovered the economic potential of attracting biotechnology incubators. The goal was to create a collaborative environment in which fledgling start-ups could grow into successful enterprises and spread the wealth.

The glass and steel structure New Orleans Bioinnovation Center strikes a lucid and gracious balance between hard-core sustainability, tenant harmony, and economic viability. Smith believes EDR's success is a result of creating "people ecosystems" by designing for "a long life and a loose fit."