Through the Artemis program &#; a collaboration with commercial and international partners to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before &#; NASA has signaled that the Moon will be the first off-Earth site for sustainable surface exploration. ICON, a developer of advanced construction technologies such as robotics, software, and building materials, was awarded a government Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, including funding from NASA, to begin research and development of a space-based construction system that could support future exploration of the Moon. From landing pads to habitats, this collective effort between BIG, ICON, SEArch+, and NASA is driven by the belief that humanity can and should become a spacefaring civilization.

Trotz des schnellen Wachstums und der Urbanisierung der Stadt werden Anstrengungen unternommen, um die Lichtverschmutzung in Mekka zu reduzieren. startete die saudische Regierung die „Green Light“-Initiative, die darauf abzielte, den Energieverbrauch zu senken und eine nachhaltige Entwicklung in der Stadt zu fördern. Die Initiative umfasste die Installation energieeffizienter LED-Leuchten in öffentlichen Bereichen und die Umsetzung von Beleuchtungsvorschriften zur Minimierung der Lichtverschmutzung.

Eight outdoor roof terraces located on the corner perimeters of each ‘bar’ offer sweeping -degree views of the mountains to the north, the campus to the west, and the Roberts Campus to the east. Designed with a mix of hardscape and softscape areas featuring native plantings, these “green roof” spaces are multi functional, designed to be used for outdoor classrooms, study areas, or places to meet classmates and professors.

Nearly all of the units have unique layouts, appealing to the diverse group of residents across different age groups. The interior spaces are inspired by Scandinavian design and touches from South American modernism that feature tactile natural materials, including white oak floors and unique wooden details. Ceramic granite is used in the bathrooms while the kitchens boast natural stone. Large windows invite greenery from the terraces and views from the national park into the residences, creating a smooth transition between inside and outside.

Upon entering The Smile, residents are met by red, blue, green, and yellow tiles, inspired by Harlem’s Puerto Rican and Caribbean murals. The exterior of the building trickles into the interior, with the multicolored mailbox mirrors, colored tiles, and the wooden furniture shaped to mimic the curve of the building form. The material palette, herringbone tile pattern and sparks of color are carried into the elevators and the upper floor residential lobbies, creating a unified experience throughout the building.