Invasive water hyacinths turned into a resource
Water hyacinths on Lake Victoria are negatively impacting the lake’s ecosystem and fishermen, but crafts groups in Kenya have found a use for the invasive plant.
The evolving Mongolian ger
The ger is the traditional shelter of the nomads of Mongolia, but today the nature of the ger is changing as it adapts to modern and urban life.
The qanat, a man-made underground river in the desert
The ancient qanat technology of Iran can teach us a lot about the sustainable management of groundwater resources in dry regions.
Cyclical design at the Icehotel
The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is a work of art that brings out the unique properties of ice and snow in different ways every year.
Floating villages and gardens of Inle Lake
Floating villages and gardens of Inle Lake in Myanmar are a source of livelihood for the Intha people, but human activities are also a threat to the lake.
Permaculture and knowledge sharing in Kenya
A Common Tomorrow is a student project I helped develop that shows how permaculture and knowledge sharing across cultures can improve lives in rural Kenya.
Recycling of bombs in Laos
Unexploded ordnance and the recycling of bombs are simultaneously a threat and an opportunity for the people of Laos.
Natural ventilation with windcatchers in Iran
Traditional Iranian windcatchers are passive ventilation and cooling devices that can inspire energy efficient natural ventilation systems today.
METI Handmade School – design from tradition
METI Handmade School in Bangladesh shows how modern technology and design can be used to improve traditional building techniques – and rural lives.
4500-year-old urban planning at Mohenjo-daro
The Bronze Age city of Mohenjo-daro is a reminder of how simple technology and materials can be used to provide the most basic human needs.