http://annatroupe.com Just another WordPress weblog Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:49:06 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en In most African countries, 95% of the population is living off-grid with no access to electricity. To address this energy and lighting crisis, the World Bank held a competition and chose 16 winners. Read about the fascinating work of one of them, Lebone Solutions, here... http://annatroupe.com/index.php/2008/06/06/lighting-africa-with-pleds-powered-by-microbes/ The Kinkajou Microfilm Projector and Portable Library from Design that Matters, Inc. http://annatroupe.com/index.php/2008/05/23/improving-adult-literacy-at-night-with-no-electricity/ Above is the initial drawing. Now that we are in the prototype phase, I have decided to do away with the scalloped edges of the shade to better compliment the base and avoid competing with it. This is the two halves of the base just off the mold - they still ... http://annatroupe.com/index.php/2008/05/03/new-lamp-design/ Award-winning design by Cooler Solutions provides a portable sanitation solution ideal for refugee camps and developing countries... http://annatroupe.com/index.php/2008/04/14/where-sanitation-infrastructure-does-not-exist-now-there-is-the-dignity-toilet/ 5000 kids, 15 million discarded icecream sticks and a dream: "The Children kept repeating what I had been teaching them, things like.. “Hey Rob Don’t Give Up or Give in..” “Anything is Possible.” It was just enough." http://annatroupe.com/index.php/2008/04/09/viking-ship-of-icecream-sticks/ I'm straying from my humanitarian design theme a little here because I love when art and nature come together in such a thoughtful and beautiful way. Michel de Broin is the brilliant artist who produced this work called "Superficial." http://annatroupe.com/index.php/2008/04/07/mirrored-forrest-sculpture/ I was blown away by this idea for a living, breathing house that is a direct contributor to the ecosystem. In this era of non-stop and irresponsible development, it's comforting to know someone is working out every detail of how to make this happen. Pics and explanations here. Story via ... http://annatroupe.com/index.php/2008/03/27/grow-your-home-mit-concept-house-made-from-100-living-nutrients/ Only the upper branches of the design have to be welded on and then it will be finished! http://annatroupe.com/index.php/2008/03/06/hollow-form-trellis-installation-action-shots/ Incredible story. An inventor is trying to harness the intelligence of crows and use it for good: "Don't hate the crows... Just let them save you." Read the npr story... Get more in-depth information about this project or donate here. http://annatroupe.com/index.php/2008/03/05/training-crows-to-buy-peanuts-first-save-human-lives-next/ http://annatroupe.com/index.php/2008/03/04/more-album-art-for-the-rock-n-roll-camp-for-girls/