Articles tagged with "sustainable-design"
Japanese firm unveils bathtub that promises full-body spa everyday
Japanese bathroom fixture manufacturer Science Co. has unveiled the "Human Washer in the Future" (Mirai Ningen Sentakuki), a fully automated, hands-free bathing system designed to transform showering into a spa-like experience. Displayed at the 2025 Osaka Expo, the device resembles a sleek, oversized bathtub with a canopy that encloses the user. Once inside, the user reclines as warm, soapy water fills the tub to chest level, while calming nature visuals and sounds play on a built-in display. The process, lasting a few minutes, is controlled by precision sensors that maintain optimal water temperature (around 100°F/38°C) and flow, with intelligent water recycling to promote sustainability. The Human Washer emphasizes convenience, relaxation, and accessibility, rooted in Japan’s traditional bathing culture that values hygiene and wellness. Science Co. envisions future versions incorporating AI personalization for temperature, scent, and sound preferences. Inspired by a similar concept introduced by Sanyo Electric Co. at the
IoTautomationsmart-bathroomsensor-technologywater-recyclingAI-personalizationsustainable-designVolkswagen ID. CROSS Concept debuts with smiling light signature
Volkswagen unveiled the ID. CROSS Concept at IAA Mobility, a compact electric SUV that introduces the brand’s new “Pure Positive” design language characterized by clean lines, clear surfaces, and heritage cues like Golf-inspired window lines and Bus-style pillars. Painted in Urban Jungle green, the concept features a distinctive smiling light signature, upright proportions, and a longer wheelbase than the current T-Cross, resulting in increased interior space and a taller, wider stance. The vehicle sits on unique 21-inch Balboa alloy wheels with integrated Goodyear tires that extend the wheel pattern, emphasizing its show-car character and hinting at future EV wheel designs. The ID. CROSS Concept offers practical features including a 450-litre boot, a 25-litre front storage compartment, and towing capacity suitable for e-bikes (up to 1,200 kg braked and 75 kg drawbar load). Its cabin emphasizes comfort and sustainability with a Vanilla Chai color scheme, fabric-trimmed panels
energyelectric-vehicleVolkswagen-ID.-CROSSEV-rangeMEB+-platformdigital-cockpitsustainable-designKia Design Triumphs at Red Dot Award: Design Concept 2025 with 5 Awards & Top Honor for PV5 WKNDR - CleanTechnica
Kia achieved significant recognition at the 2025 Red Dot Design Awards, securing five accolades including the top honor, ‘Best of the Best,’ for its PV5 WKNDR Concept. This electric adventure van stands out with its modular, adaptable platform designed for both urban and off-road use, featuring off-road enhancements, a customizable interior, and self-sufficient energy generation through integrated solar panels and a hydro turbine. The PV5 WKNDR exemplifies Kia’s commitment to innovative, sustainable lifestyle solutions that blend functionality with adventure. In addition to the PV5 WKNDR, four other Kia concepts—the PV1, PV5, PV7, and EV2—were honored for their user-centered and forward-thinking designs in the Cars and Motorcycles category. These models showcase Kia’s focus on versatile, practical mobility: the PV1 targets last-mile urban deliveries with autonomous capabilities; the PV5 offers flexible layouts for logistics and passenger transport; the PV7 provides expansive cargo space and mobile office features;
energyelectric-vehiclessustainable-designmodular-platformsolar-panelselectric-adventure-vanmobility-innovationEmbodied carbon is the next big challenge for structural engineers
The article highlights the growing importance of addressing embodied carbon in structural engineering as operational emissions decline. Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a building’s materials throughout their lifecycle—from extraction and manufacturing to installation and eventual demolition. It often accounts for over half of a building’s total lifecycle emissions in the first few decades, making it a critical focus area since these emissions are largely fixed once construction materials are in place. Given that the construction industry contributes around 40% of global emissions, reducing embodied carbon early in the design process has become a priority for engineers, regulators, and clients alike. Measuring embodied carbon is complex due to inconsistent data sources and project variability, requiring lifecycle assessments (LCA) and tools such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA) software, and carbon factor databases. However, quantification challenges remain, especially for materials like engineered wood or recycled content, forcing engineers to rely on proxies and assumptions. To effectively reduce
energyembodied-carbonstructural-engineeringsustainable-designlifecycle-assessmentconstruction-materialscarbon-emissionsFuel-cell powered BMW Ethos could be brand’s next exclusive halo car
The BMW Ethos is a newly unveiled concept car that reimagines the iconic 1990s Nazca C2 supercar with modern design and hydrogen fuel-cell technology. Designed by Sebastiano Ciarcia, the Ethos retains the Nazca’s aggressive low stance but replaces its sharp edges with smooth, aerodynamic curves and a futuristic full-width LED light bar. The concept features a glass roof that pays homage to the original’s transparent top while enhancing cabin openness and luxury. Under the hood, the Ethos swaps the original’s 5.0-liter V12 engine for a zero-emission hydrogen-electric powertrain, reflecting BMW’s commitment to sustainable performance that could rival current hypercars. The Ethos also incorporates advanced aerodynamic elements such as an active rear wing, blending race-inspired functionality with modern efficiency. Its interior is minimalist and tech-forward, featuring a fully digital dashboard with BMW’s latest iDrive system and sustainable materials like carbon fiber and recycled composites. Drawing design cues from BMW’s i8
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellelectric-vehicleBMW-Ethosautomotive-materialssustainable-designcarbon-fiberFuturistic jet flies 3,600 miles with no windows and 50% less fuel
energyefficiencyaviationfuel-consumptionsustainable-designtechnologyinnovation