Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
32398 results for "historic buildings"
Britain could solve nearly half its housing shortage by transforming unused churches, prisons, and heritage buildings into homes. A cross-party committee says this overlooked solution could deliver 670,000 new homes by 2029.
Fixing up old buildings across America created 116,000 jobs and pumped nearly $13 billion into the economy last year. From a 1960s Florida apartment tower to a former Texas bus station turned boutique hotel, historic preservation is proving to be a powerful engine for community revival.
A new report reveals that Britain's heritage buildings generate more economic value than sports and could help solve the housing crisis. The think-tank Localis is calling for historic sites to be treated as essential infrastructure for growth.
A coalition of 540 Pittsburgh buildings has cut carbon emissions by 56% while saving nearly $50 million, beating their 2030 goal with years to spare. The city's historic buildings are proving that old structures can lead the way in sustainability.
A 3D printing company that won NASA's lunar habitat challenge is using space technology to create beautiful, strong building panels with 90% less material. The lattice printing method developed for Mars is making construction on Earth more efficient and sustainable.
A German company just solved a major roadblock for historic buildings going solar. The new red-brown panels blend seamlessly with traditional architecture while delivering full modern performance.
New York just completed a stunning $176 million renovation of five Carnegie Libraries, turning century-old civic landmarks into modern, accessible, climate-friendly community hubs. It's a blueprint for saving historic buildings while making them work for today's world.
Fifty women in Harvey, Michigan spent three days wielding electric saws and hammers to construct two new duplex homes for families in need. The volunteer event proved that construction skills matter less than the willingness to learn.
A nonprofit founded by NBA executive Masai Ujiri just hit the halfway mark of its mission to build 100 basketball courts across Africa. The milestone court opened at a historic Lagos school with coaching clinics for girls and a celebration that brought two communities together.
A revolutionary building material called mass timber is transforming construction by slashing carbon emissions while creating warmer, healthier spaces. The first multi-story timber office in over a century just proved sustainable buildings can be both beautiful and practical.
Swiss researchers have transformed sawdust and a mineral found in kidney stones into fire-resistant building panels that are stronger, lighter, and fully recyclable. The breakthrough could give new life to millions of tons of lumber industry waste while making buildings safer.
Nigeria's top structural engineers just unveiled an ambitious agenda to end the country's deadly building failures through stricter standards, green construction, and modern technology. The new leadership wants every building designed for safety and sustainability.
Madison, Wisconsin just made every new city building meet gold-level environmental standards, proving sustainable design saves money while fighting climate change. The city already exceeded these goals with 12 of 14 buildings earning top certifications.
Wales just became the first UK nation to require solar panels on new buildings, setting a powerful example for clean energy progress. Starting March 2027, nearly every new home and building will generate its own renewable electricity.
Sweden is funding projects that transform buildings from energy drains into power producers. The Swedish Energy Agency's new program will support innovations that help buildings generate, store, and share renewable energy.
After Hurricane Ida nearly destroyed Philadelphia's 200-year-old Fairmount Water Works in 2021, the beloved landmark has reopened and is now leading the charge to protect Pennsylvania's 65 National Historic Landmarks. Their recovery shows how historic sites can survive climate challenges.
Over 30 North American cities are changing building codes to allow single staircases in apartment buildings, cutting construction costs by up to 13%. The shift could unlock thousands of affordable housing units in cities facing severe shortages.
Italian researchers just proved that smart buildings can slash their grid electricity use by nearly 60% using solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps working together. The breakthrough could transform how office buildings stay comfortable while protecting the planet.
Singapore researchers just proved that 3D-printed concrete can build actual structural components for buildings while using 30% less material and half the workers. The breakthrough could reshape construction in crowded cities facing labor shortages.
At 72, Barbara Buser is transforming construction by refusing to build anything new. Her award-winning buildings made from salvaged materials prove the greenest structure might be the one already standing.
Showing 20 of 32398