Article Abstract:
Architype Dean Design has won a competition sponsored by Knightstone Housing Association focusing on ecological homes and housebuilding. The architect's EcoLite system is an organic approach to housing and the weight of the buildings is an important environmental feature. The use of lightweight building materials means that the EcoLite house weighs just 1.4 t/sq mt, against the typical 2 t/sq mt of a traditionally-built house. Materials used in the house's construction include Warmcell recycled newspaper as insulation. The project also takes into account the embodied energy costs, including transport of raw materials.
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Article Abstract:
John Parry has devised an electric, flywheel driven 'minitram' which could solve some of the problems of public transport. The People Mover was initially designed to provide cheap, easily run transport in third world cities but has applications in developed countries as well. The tram would run on narrow gauge track with recharging facilities every 4 to 5 Kilometers. It would be less environmentally damaging than cars and comparatively cheap. A vehicle for 20 people could cost 30,000 pounds sterling and have fuel costs of three pence per Kilometer.
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Article Abstract:
Virtual reality aims to provide an interactive computer generated world. Users control, explore and manipulate the images by use of a headset and glove which detect movement and change the images accordingly. Virtual reality in its present state of development can only provide low resolution images and the detection and stimulation of senses other than sight is problematical. Virtual reality may have applications in robotics, entertainment, medicine and design but more research work is necessary.
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