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Urban DesignShaping Tomorrow: The Role of Urban Design in Building Resilient Cities
As cities across the United States undergo a profound transformation, urban design has emerged as a crucial factor in fostering resilient and vibrant environments. The evolution of American cities has been marked by significant changes, driven by economic advancement, technological progress, and shifting societal needs1. CBRE’s analysis of real estate implications offers valuable insights into […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
Urban DesignReimagining Public Spaces: Urban Design for People, Not Cars
Urban spaces have traditionally prioritised cars, shaping cities in ways that often overlooked the needs of pedestrians. However, city planning is now shifting towards a vision that places people at the centre of urban design. This approach aims to enhance quality of life, promote sustainability, and foster greater community interaction. The concept prioritises walking, cycling, […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
Urban DesignFrom Concept to Community: How Urban Design Impacts Everyday Lives
Urban design profoundly shapes our daily experiences, influencing how we interact with our environment and one another. Everyday Urbanism, a transformative approach, celebrates the small, ordinary moments that define city life. It recognises that the bustling markets, lively street corners, and daily routines give a city its soul, emphasising sustainability, cultural expression, and community participation1. […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
Urban DesignBridging the Gap: Urban Design’s Role in Social Equity
In the dynamic urban landscapes of the 21st century, the role of urban design has become increasingly pivotal in promoting social equity and creating inclusive communities. The concept of the “1/18 Hour City” has shed light on the stark realities faced by many low-income households and marginalized communities, where limited access to public transportation, affordable […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
PodcastsS3, E19: The Nature of Our Cities with Dr. Nadina Galle, Part 2
The Nature of Our Cities with Dr. Nadina Galle, Part 2 In this engaging second installment with Nadina Galle, on Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca delves into the fascinating world of urban nature and environmental technology with Nadina, an ecological engineer and National Geographic explorer, widely recognised for her contributions to BBC Earth and […]
Dr. Nadina Galle · 11/12/2024
Solar EnergyPerovskite–Silicon Tandem Photovoltaics: Are They the Future of Solar Energy?
The search for clean energy has led to a new technology: perovskite–silicon tandem photovoltaics. This innovation is changing the solar power world. It’s efficient and affordable, making it a key player in the future of solar energy1. Perovskite solar cells have made huge strides. In 2006, they were at 3 percent efficiency. Now, they’ve reached […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/4/2024
Solar EnergyWhat is Solar Energy and How Does It Work?
Discover how solar energy works, its benefits for the environment, and why it's becoming a leading renewable power source. Learn about solar technology and its applications.
Jackie De Burca · 11/4/2024
FloodingValencia Floods 2024: The Role of Climate Change and the 1957 Turia River Diversion
Valencia Floods 2024: The Role of Climate Change and the 1957 Turia River Diversion Photos and videos by Patricia Sousa Sardinha “Seeing the water rise up to my sofa and then up to my kitchen work surface was so scary. I live alone in a ground floor apartment. Unless I had my washing machine in […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/3/2024
PodcastsS3, E18: The Nature of Our Cities with Dr. Nadina Galle, Part 1
The Nature of Our Cities with Dr. Nadina Galle, Part 1 Main feature photo credit: Roger Cremers for National Geographic In this thought-provoking episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca sits down with the remarkable Dr. Nadina Galle, a Dutch-Canadian ecological engineer, technologist, and the author of the new book The Nature of Our Cities: […]
Dr. Nadina Galle · 11/1/2024
GreenhousesS3, E17: Designing for a Healthier Tomorrow: Sustainable Greenhouses with Josh Holleb of Ceres
S3, E17: Designing for a Healthier Tomorrow: Sustainable Greenhouses with Josh Holleb “The goal has always been, how can we do this better? We live in Colorado with extreme weather, and the world was working off a European greenhouse model that didn’t fit our environment. So, we set out to design something different, something more […]
Josh Holleb · 10/23/2024
Urban DesignVancouver’s Walkable Wonders: Urban Design Secrets Behind a Pedestrian Paradise
Vancouver’s Walkable Wonders: Urban Design Secrets Behind a Pedestrian Paradise Vancouver, the crown jewel of Canada’s Pacific Northwest, has transformed itself into a veritable pedestrian paradise, captivating visitors and residents alike with its meticulously planned urban design. The city’s walkable neighbourhoods, seamlessly integrated with natural wonders, paint a vibrant tapestry of cultural riches and sustainable […]
Jackie De Burca · 10/20/2024
Urban DesignDensity Done Right: What Vancouver Can Teach Other Cities About Urban Living
Density Done Right: What Vancouver Can Teach Other Cities About Urban Living As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of urban sprawl and its detrimental impacts, Vancouver has emerged as a global model for successful high-density development. This coastal Canadian city has demonstrated that it is possible to double urban density while maintaining […]
Jackie De Burca · 10/20/2024
BiodiversityS3, E16: The Future of Urban Greening: A Conversation with Angus Cunningham
S3, E16: The Future of Urban Greening: A Conversation with Angus Cunningham “My vision is to cover cities with green. Imagine looking at a city from above and seeing a verdant blanket of greenery. Nature isn’t just something to visit—it should be where we live, work, and play.” – Angus Cunningham In this episode of […]
Angus Cunningham · 10/8/2024
BiodiversityS3, E15: How AI and Satellite Technology Are Revolutionising Biodiversity Net Gain with Shashin Mishra
S3, E15: How AI and Satellite Technology Are Revolutionising Biodiversity Net Gain with Shashin Mishra “Restoring biodiversity is not just about meeting targets—it’s about ensuring a future where nature thrives alongside development, benefiting both people and the planet.” – Shashin Mishra In this episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie De Burca sits down with Shashin Mishra, […]
Shashin Mishra · 10/4/2024
Green BuildingSpain Top Green Buildings 2026
spain top green buildings Spain is at the forefront of sustainable architecture and green building design. With its commitment to eco-friendly buildings, energy-efficient construction, and environmentally conscious practices, Spain has emerged as a leader in sustainable construction. From certified green building projects to innovative urban planning, the country is setting an example for the world […]
Jackie De Burca · 10/2/2024
Dr. Nadina GalleAddressing the Twin Crises of Urban Growth & Climate Change While Creating Abundant Nature, Health, and Wealth
Addressing the Twin Crises of Urban Growth and Climate Change While Creating Abundant Nature, Health, and Wealth The dual crises of rapid urban growth and climate change are among the most pressing challenges of our time. Cities are expanding at unprecedented rates, with over 55% of the global population now living in urban areas—a figure […]
Jackie De Burca · 10/2/2024
Dr. Nadina GalleHow Tree Sensors Are Being Used Around the World
Australia · Trees · Technology How Tree Sensors Are Being Used Around the World A street tree is infrastructure, but until recently it was infrastructure nobody measured. Sensors now turn trees into live data — growth, water use, stability and heat — and that data is changing how cities plant, water and keep them. In […]
Jackie De Burca · 10/2/2024
BiodiversityGlobal Perspective On Biodiversity Conservation With Satellite Imagery
Global Perspective On Biodiversity Conservation With Satellite Imagery In the vast web of life on Earth, every species, from the tiniest insects to the largest mammals, plays a role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems. But with climate change, habitat loss, and human activity reshaping our planet, this balance is increasingly at risk. […]
Maksym Sushchuk · 9/30/2024
ExpertsVictoria Burrows, World Green Building Council
VICTORIA BURROWS INTERVIEW Victoria is Director of Advancing Net Zero, World Green Building Council’s (WorldGBC) pioneering, global programme to accelerate total decarbonisation of the built environment. In this role at the World Green Building Council, Victoria oversees and supports Green Building Councils participating in the programme, as well as a number of other partnerships which […]
Jackie De Burca · 9/27/2024
ExpertsDr. Darshil Shah, University of Cambridge
DR. DARSHIL SHAH INTERVIEW Dr. Darshil Shah is Associate Professor in Materials Science and Design at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Architecture. He leads research at the Centre for Natural Material Innovation (CNMI). Shah is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. Understanding the relationships between materials, society, technology, history and nature, […]
Jackie De Burca · 9/27/2024
ExpertsRoberta Boscolo, World Meteorological Organisation
ROBERTA BOSCOLO INTERVIEW Roberta Boscolo is leading the Climate and Energy workstream at the World Meteorological Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland. Her main work is to enhance the capacity of all countries to contrast climate change and enact sustainable development through scaling up science-based climate adaptation and mitigation measures in alignment with the global landmark agreements. With […]
Jackie De Burca · 9/27/2024