Reviews

**__ Summary __**

 **Follow this link: __ http://archrecord.construction.com/features/digital/archives/0501dignews-1.asp# __** ** Virtual reality and digital modeling go on trial for a federal courtroom design. The technology has advance so much that juridical problems in Mississippi can be seen in 3D, thanks to a pilot project by the General Services Administration (GSA). Virtual Reality use in this project produce court models, where each element is evaluated according to federals` preferences and architects’ indications. Problems as acoustic and illumination that aren’t taken in account in original scale models, thanks this program they can be solved. Although there are some project’s limitations, it is an approach to overcome design’s errors as said Renee Tietjen, who is GSA`s architect. “We need to bring the technology to clients, not the clients to the technology”, said Tietjen, now, only they can wait good results **

__**Video-Podcast summary**__



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 * The video is about an interview made to Peter Kageyama and Arthur Aw; both are architects but Aw is an Urban Planner and a designer too. Aw is the head of the ICT (Information Communication Technologies), a national development organization for Singapore; he is basically in charge of all constructions in Singapore.

Peter and Arthur talk about SARASOTA International Design Summit 2006 where professionals of design discuss and share opinions or ideas about how design and urban planning can be used to spur better relationship with the environment, better innovation and better business. With respect to innovation and creation, Singapore has become an icon in the field of urban planning due to the unique things made in terms of development and creativity.

They also talk about Biopolis, a project where experts in urban planning, architects and scientists work together to get better results. For both experts, the discussion and agreement between scientists’, designers’ and planning professionals’ ideas is essential to get better benefits for citizens, without leaving behind the aesthetic aspect, as it is happening in Singapore thanks to the work done by Arthur Aw’. **

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**__Bangkok Bio-Solar House __**   
 * First Bio-solar house! Is completely self-reliant and is located in Bangkok, Thailand. Soontorn Boonyatikam is the Architect, designer and occupant of this brilliant house. **
 * Although the exterior features of the house differ little from the average middle-class Thai dwelling, its true powers lie in the installed functionalities that course through its interiors. **
 * The additional investment for a Bio-Solar House may seem a tad costly in comparison to a conventional home but proves worthwhile when you think about never having to pay for another utility bill ever again **