architecture blog

Move Over Prius

Posted by Derek Leavitt on Thu, Apr 10, 2008 @ 06:04 AM

Rarely a week goes by here at the office without someone bringing up the topic of alternative transportation technology: electric cars, mag lev trains, etc. We have a bit of an obsession with the ideas of driving without oil/gas and two hour train rides to Las Vegas on a moments notice.

So there was a recent flurry of excitement when Christian found out about Aptera, a new hybrid/electric car company working on a very innovative new car to debut in the California market.

What makes this car so interesting is not only that it can get 300 mpg, but its beautifully designed from the ground up. The stunning design is not for just pure visual impact, but it is based on function; to reduce wind resistance and improve milage. It utilizes many of the principles of aircraft design to achieve this goal. Check out the car and the company here: www.aptera.com

Tags: electric cars, Transportation

Electric Car Parking?

Posted by Derek Leavitt on Fri, Jan 11, 2008 @ 06:01 AM


Having our office a block away from the historic Helms Bakery complex in Culver City/LA means hardly a day goes by without walking past its parking lot which features a solar array shading device. Utilizing photovoltaics (solar panels) to shade parking lots is a great idea to begin with. This device, however, built in 2003, takes it a step further by having the panels also provide power for an electric car charging station.

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Imagine arriving at work daily to have your car charged up for free in an environmentally friendly way - seems perfect right? The only problem is that electric cars, for the most part, are nowhere to be found. The movie, "Who Killed the Electric Car?", clearly illustrates some of the circumstances behind the electric cars' demise in the 1990's. As the green movement grows, hopefully the electric car and its numerous possibilities will be revived.

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As I walked by the solar charging station a few days ago I noticed a car parked in one of the charging spaces that clearly illustrated this problem.

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Tags: Green, Sustainable Design, electric cars, Transportation, Parking, photovoltaic, Solar