Picks and pans from the INDEX: Design To Improve Life Competition
A look at some of the nominees which are brilliant, and others that are something else.
Latest Stories in Design
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The construction industry has a productivity problem
The Economist has some suggestions for fixing it. We have more.
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Carpenter lives, works & travels out of this well-crafted bus conversion (Video)
Putting his carpentry skills to work, this young man finds a happy work-life balance thanks to his hand-built home-on-wheels.
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Urban swimming is becoming a thing again
More and more cities are cleaning up their act and their water, and it is a wonderful thing.
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What are the world's most livable cities? Depends how you measure it.
The Economist puts Melbourne in number 1 spot, Vancouver in 3. They're not.
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Solar-powered Bike Sharing Farm is a mobile community garden for the city (Video)
No community garden in your neighborhood? Inspired by bike sharing schemes, this portable garden can come to you.
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"Women in Wood" promotes women in an industry dominated by men
As the need for more sustainably harvested wood grows, we are going to need a lot more women working in the business.
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Extra-wide modern tiny house comes with a pop-out reading nook
This roomier tiny house in Australia is built for a couple and their two dogs.
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Passive House beats building code box in Ice Box Challenge
But is it a pyrrhic victory?
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Derelict grain silo converted into post-industrial residences in Copenhagen
An old concrete silo is transformed into private residences and public spaces on the city's waterfront.
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Stair of the week is bold and bamboo
Because if you make it beautiful and open, people will use it.
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Author & filmmaker's ultra-minimalist van conversion done for $1,200 (Video)
This man's DIY van conversion has become a part-time home-on-wheels when he travels on book tours and filming expeditions.
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Apple employees are "in revolt" over open offices. Really?
They may be giving up four walls, but they are getting a lot in return.
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How the cost of lighting has changed over time
The cost of lighting is dropping faster than we can think of silly ways to waste it.
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What happens to back lanes when self-driving cars take over?
Austin Maynard Architects build a back lane dwelling with plans for an autonomous future.
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Modern Shotgun Chameleon House is an affordable DIY home (Video)
Built with passive cooling and flexibility in mind, this family home is a prototype for low-cost, energy-efficient affordable housing.
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The problem with Net Zero: The grid is not a bank
You can't deposit energy in it and take it out when you need it.
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Sakura is a luxurious modern tiny house for cold climates (Video)
Built on a gooseneck trailer, this big tiny home features a lot of clever small-space design ideas.
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How does Vienna build such terrific housing?
Seattle architect Mike Eliason describes what he learned about their housing policies.
