#swimmable-cities

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Europe news
fromwww.dw.com
23 hours ago

The world ditched wasteful toilets, the US stayed behind

Toilet flushing methods in the US and Europe differ significantly, impacting water conservation efforts amid increasing water scarcity concerns.
Design
fromArchDaily
1 day ago

Architecture of Water: Disappearing Fixtures in Contemporary Wellness

Advanced bathroom design emphasizes minimalism by making fixtures less visible, allowing water and light to shape the experience.
London
fromTime Out London
1 day ago

It's official: London is the second greenest city in the UK

Green spaces in cities are essential for mental and physical health, with London being the largest urban forest globally.
UK politics
fromComputerWeekly.com
23 hours ago

Flood warning: How citizens' AI agents will swamp public services | Computer Weekly

AI has the potential to transform public services by reducing user friction and improving access for citizens.
Information security
fromSecuritymagazine
1 day ago

Venice Hydraulic Pump System Hacked, Hackers Claim Power to Create Floods

A group has hacked the flood risk management system in Venice, claiming they can manipulate floodgates protecting Piazza San Marco.
San Francisco
fromThe Oaklandside
1 day ago

Not loving your commute? Try San Francisco Bay Ferry

Commuter numbers are increasing in San Francisco as workers return to offices, with ferry services adapting to meet rising demand.
Environment
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 day ago

Troubled Lake Erie is being transformed into a vast water research facility

Lake Erie still faces significant pollution challenges despite improvements, with increasing demand for clean water driving technological innovations in monitoring water quality.
NYC politics
fromHell Gate
1 day ago

Sewer Socialism, Meet Pothole Politics

Zohran Mamdani emphasizes democratic socialism to serve working people in New York City during his first 100 days as mayor.
London startup
fromComputerWeekly.com
1 day ago

Datacentre developers tout benefits to local communities, but do they deliver? | Computer Weekly

Datacentre developments are causing challenges for local businesses, raising concerns about energy consumption and community impact despite potential local benefits.
#sustainability
Environment
fromNature
2 weeks ago

How buildings and cities can be aligned with life

Buildings currently harm the environment, but regenerative design can restore ecological systems and reduce waste through nature-inspired strategies.
Portland
fromPortland Mercury
5 days ago

The (Somewhat) Amazing Race - Portland Mercury

A race was conducted to determine the fastest mode of transportation in Portland among various participants using different vehicles.
Philosophy
fromApaonline
6 days ago

Promoting Civic Friendship: The Transformative Power of Public Spaces

The neighborhood in Lisbon faces challenges due to population growth, infrastructure strain, and a need for community-driven solutions like SAAL.
Public health
fromThe Nation
5 days ago

Public Health Needs to Get Off the Laptop and Into the Streets

Transformational experiences in South Africa with TAC emphasized the importance of community engagement and effective communication in health education.
#architecture
fromArchDaily
1 day ago
Design

Mapping the Technosphere: Architecture as an Interface Between Systems and Territories

Design
fromArchDaily
1 day ago

Mapping the Technosphere: Architecture as an Interface Between Systems and Territories

Architecture must be viewed as interconnected with technical networks that support modern life, requiring new approaches and understandings.
Environment
fromArchDaily
1 week ago

No Solid Ground: Three Approaches to Building Below Sea Level in Rotterdam

Architects adapt foundations to environmental conditions, influencing building durability and design choices, especially in flood-prone areas like Rotterdam.
#outdoor-living
fromAol
6 days ago
Remodel

Designers Say These 5 Backyard Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2026

fromAol
6 days ago
Remodel

Designers Say These 5 Backyard Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2026

fromAol
6 days ago
Remodel

Designers Say These 5 Backyard Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2026

Remodel
fromAol
6 days ago

Designers Say These 5 Backyard Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2026

Outdoor living spaces are now prioritized by homebuyers, with detailed designs and significant budgets reflecting a shift in focus from indoor to outdoor environments.
Remodel
fromAol
6 days ago

Designers Say These 5 Backyard Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2026

Outdoor living spaces are now prioritized by homebuyers, with detailed designs and significant budgets reflecting a shift in focus from indoor to outdoor environments.
Remodel
fromELLE Decor
6 days ago

Designers Say These 5 Backyard Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2026

Outdoor living spaces are now prioritized by homebuyers, with detailed designs and large budgets reflecting a shift in focus from indoor to outdoor living.
Remodel
fromAol
6 days ago

Designers Say These 5 Backyard Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2026

Backyards are increasingly prioritized in home design, with clients seeking detailed outdoor layouts and features for enhanced living experiences.
Brooklyn
fromGothamist
1 week ago

NYC health department has questions about the floating pool set for the East River

A floating pool project in New York aims to provide filtered East River water for swimming by summer 2027, despite ongoing delays.
Berlin food
fromArchDaily
1 week ago

"We Live in Toxic Interior Environments": Interview with Healthy Materials Lab

Material selection in architecture is crucial for public health and environmental sustainability.
Digital life
fromEarth911
6 days ago

Guest Idea: Why Sustainable Home Tech Choices Also Need Cybersecurity Awareness

Sustainable technology adoption is rising, but security risks of connected devices are often overlooked, impacting both environmental and digital safety.
#climate-change
fromThe New Yorker
1 week ago
Environment

Can Sponge Cities Save Us from the Coming Floods?

Flood control strategies are shifting from traditional barriers to more integrated, park-like solutions due to climate change impacts.
fromEarth911
2 weeks ago
Environment

Classic Sustainability In Your Ear: Coastal Flooding in 2050 With Climate Scientist James Renwick

Coastal flooding due to climate change could increase by two feet in the next century without immediate radical action to reduce emissions.
Environment
fromFast Company
4 days ago

This new interactive map shows which NYC blocks are most vulnerable to flooding

Climate change threatens New York City with flooding, as over one-fifth of the city is identified as vulnerable 'Blue Zones'.
Environment
fromThe New Yorker
1 week ago

Can Sponge Cities Save Us from the Coming Floods?

Flood control strategies are shifting from traditional barriers to more integrated, park-like solutions due to climate change impacts.
Environment
fromEarth911
2 weeks ago

Classic Sustainability In Your Ear: Coastal Flooding in 2050 With Climate Scientist James Renwick

Coastal flooding due to climate change could increase by two feet in the next century without immediate radical action to reduce emissions.
San Francisco
fromStreetsblog San Francisco
1 day ago

This Week: Seismic Tour, Regional Measure, Car-Free Happy Hour - Streetsblog San Francisco

A variety of community events focused on safety, transportation, and family activities are scheduled this week in San Francisco and surrounding areas.
New York City
fromStreetsblog New York City
2 days ago

Monday's Headlines: A Century of Days Edition - Streetsblog New York City

Mayor Mamdani's 100th day in office included commitments to waste containerization and a city-owned grocery store, while addressing misconceptions about his governance style.
Renovation
fromDesign Milk
1 day ago

Circularity Cements Memory in Cast Concrete

True ingenuity in architecture lies in negotiation with the past rather than erasure, as demonstrated by the Trace project in London.
Environment
fromFuturism
2 days ago

Heat Waves Are Getting So Brutal That They Just Kill You, Full Stop

Wet bulb temperature is a critical measure of heat and humidity affecting human survivability, revealing a lower threshold for mass heat death than previously thought.
New York Islanders
fromCurbed
1 week ago

This Electric-Green Stream Is Actually a Good Thing

Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island faces odor issues linked to wastewater management, prompting investigations by environmental authorities.
fromwww.bbc.com
4 days ago

Albert Bridge reopens to pedestrians and cyclists

The recent pattern of movement does not present any additional risk and it is safe to reopen to cyclists and pedestrians, the council said.
London
Washington DC
fromStreetsblog USA
1 week ago

How To Push A Livable Streets Project Forward - Even in the Era of Federal Clawbacks - Streetsblog USA

Christopher Coes is leading AmericaFWD to advance sustainable transportation projects in U.S. communities, especially those affected by funding cuts.
UK politics
fromwww.bbc.com
5 days ago

Greens launch local election campaign with focus on housing

Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticizes the government for failing to build affordable housing and calls for rent controls in London.
Design
fromArchDaily
2 days ago

Elevated Infrastructure and Public Space: Reclaiming the Ground Below

Elevation creates secondary spaces beneath infrastructure that are often underutilized and informally occupied.
Environment
fromABC7 San Francisco
4 days ago

Experts warn faster snowmelt could strain water supplies, urgency for storage solutions

California's snowpack is melting faster due to heat waves and climate change, impacting water management strategies.
San Francisco
fromArchDaily
5 days ago

The Embarcadero Freeway: Elevated Infrastructure and Urban Regeneration in San Francisco

Cities are demolishing elevated concrete freeways to create parks and enhance urban regeneration.
London
fromTime Out London
5 days ago

Plans have been approved for a cool new bridge in southeast London

A new 170-square-metre Albion Bridge will replace a cramped faux drawbridge in Canada Water, enhancing accessibility and space for pedestrians and cyclists.
fromPhilosophynow
1 week ago
Philosophy

The Collective City

Islamic philosophy invites plurality and coexistence, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and the acceptance of error in understanding.
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
6 days ago

Op-Ed | It's time to modernize SEQRA to ensure responsible development

Vacant office spaces in Midtown could be transformed into thousands of apartments, addressing housing shortages and environmental concerns.
Design
fromArchDaily
2 days ago

Edenland Pedestrian Bridge in Luxelakes / unarchitecte

Edenland Pedestrian Bridge enhances connectivity in Luxelakes using geometric forms, specifically a triangular pyramid motif, to express aesthetic value and tranquility.
fromwww.bbc.com
3 weeks ago

Campaigners celebrate after new town plans dropped

Campaigner Aysha Hawcutt stated that residents were 'not anti-homes', but believed the Adlington plan was 'the wrong proposal in the wrong place'. She expressed pride in the community's resilience against the development threats.
London politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
5 days ago

The danger and value of water are in my blood': how rain fences are making Dutch homes more climate resilient

Rain fences are designed to store rainwater, reducing pressure on drainage systems during heavy downpours and preserving water for gardens during dry spells. This innovative approach is gaining attention in neighborhoods like Veldhoven, where residents are eager to learn about the costs and benefits of such installations.
Environment
fromDefector
3 weeks ago

Dam It All To Hell | Defector

Hoppers, like Pixar's pre-Disney films, is a delight. The beavers' world is immersive and richly realized, grounded in science but never dry. The plot zigs and zags between moments of absurdity and emotional heft to stirring effect; I cried multiple times, and not just because of the low-hanging fruit of grandma death.
Independent films
fromTime Out London
1 week ago

The future of this beloved south London lido has been saved

Brockwell Lido was crowned London's best swimming spot by Time Out last year and was even named the best in the entire country just a month later.
London
Remodel
fromApartment Therapy
6 days ago

You Don't Need a Yard to Start a Garden - Here's What to Do Instead

Container gardening allows for thriving gardens in small spaces with proper tools and diligent watering.
fromWIRED
3 weeks ago

A New Generation of Big Water Filters-Without the Plastic

Most water filter pitchers are made of BPA-free plastic. But as new research shows that bottled-water drinkers ingest tens of thousands of excess microplastic particles, wellness lovers have begun to look askance at water filters that are themselves made of plastic.
Beer
Design
fromArchDaily
1 week ago

Building Light in a Flood Zone: Architecture for Seasonal Inundation

Flooding is a recurring condition that necessitates adaptable architecture and community organization rather than traditional resistance strategies.
Alternative transportation
fromStreetsblog
4 weeks ago

Why Some Congresspeople Want to Go Big on Greenways - Streetsblog USA

The Parks to People Act proposes $300 million in federal funding for walking and biking infrastructure as essential transportation tools, despite political opposition dismissing them as distractions.
#sea-level-rise
East Bay (California)
fromKqed
3 weeks ago

For This Bay Area Island City, Water Is Coming From All Sides | KQED

Alameda is developing an adaptation plan to address sea-level rise by 2028, incorporating various solutions including nature-based strategies.
Environment
fromMail Online
1 month ago

Sea levels may be up to 4.9 feet HIGHER than we thought

Sea levels could be up to 4.9 feet higher than previously estimated, putting 132 million more people at risk of flooding due to reliance on inaccurate geoid models in coastal threat assessments.
East Bay (California)
fromKqed
3 weeks ago

For This Bay Area Island City, Water Is Coming From All Sides | KQED

Alameda is developing an adaptation plan to address sea-level rise by 2028, incorporating various solutions including nature-based strategies.
Environment
fromMail Online
1 month ago

Sea levels may be up to 4.9 feet HIGHER than we thought

Sea levels could be up to 4.9 feet higher than previously estimated, putting 132 million more people at risk of flooding due to reliance on inaccurate geoid models in coastal threat assessments.
Renovation
fromArchDaily
1 week ago

Off the Mainland: Floating Architecture Projects Redefining the Built Environment

Floating architecture adapts to water levels, using buoyant materials and anchoring systems to address environmental challenges in coastal regions.
Environment
fromEntrepreneur
5 days ago

How Nature-Driven Innovation Can Give Your Business an Edge

Biomimicry offers innovative solutions to business challenges by emulating nature's strategies, yet it remains underutilized in corporate practices.
Environment
fromwww.theguardian.com
5 days ago

Behind this door is the huge fatberg that can't stop depositing poo balls on Sydney's beaches

A massive fatberg at the Malabar wastewater treatment plant has caused beach closures in Sydney due to dislodged waste being carried back to shore.
Environment
fromState of the Planet
6 days ago

Sinking Land Drives Hidden Flood Risk in One of the World's Most Populated Regions

Land subsidence on Java Island is significantly increasing flood risk, potentially accounting for 85% of sea level rise by 2050.
Environment
fromLos Angeles Times
5 days ago

Inside California's audacious bid to build the world's deepest floating wind farm

Humboldt Bay is set to become a hub for floating offshore wind energy, crucial for California's carbon neutrality goals by 2045.
fromwww.bbc.com
2 months ago

Swimming spots that could become designated dips

The government said the plans would increase the number of England's official bathing sites to 464. An official bathing spot on the Thames in London would mark a "vast transformation" in water quality in the river which was declared biologically dead in the 1950s due to pollution, officials said. Water minister Emma Hardy said rivers and beaches were "at the heart of so many communities, where people come together, families make memories and swimmers of all ages feel the benefits of being outdoors safely".
UK news
Miscellaneous
fromArchDaily
1 month ago

7 Unbuilt Masterplans Reimagining Urban Futures Through Ecology and Collective Space

Unbuilt urban masterplans explore adaptive spatial frameworks that recalibrate mobility, ecology, and collective life through climate-responsive design and public space integration across diverse global contexts.
Social justice
fromFast Company
2 months ago

Good urbanism isn't any good if you're not allowed to walk or bike

Cultural fear and aggressive policing curtail children's independent mobility despite urban design intended for all ages.
Environment
fromArs Technica
3 weeks ago

A bit of good news: It's possible to turn around a groundwater crisis

Groundwater recovery can mitigate subsidence but may also lead to flooding, structural issues, and chemical problems in various regions.
Real estate
fromTime Out London
1 month ago

First look: London is getting the city's 'first' floating park

Royal Victoria Dock West will create a 12-hectare floating hub with homes, a park, and a wellness centre featuring a lido, sauna, and spa.
London politics
fromLondon On The Inside
1 month ago

A Large Floating Park Could Be Coming to London

Royal Victoria Dock West will become London's largest floating destination with a large floating park, year‑round wellness facilities, floating homes, and increased public open space.
fromwww.bbc.com
2 months ago

'Landmark' gasholder may host wild swimming pond

a unique health offer, with nothing similar in London, the UK or Europe
London politics
Environment
fromwww.npr.org
1 month ago

Making wastewater drinkable is a growing trend as water resources become more strained

Treated wastewater recycling for drinking water is becoming a viable solution in water-scarce regions, with Florida, Arizona, California, and Colorado now allowing direct potable reuse through regulated pilot programs.
fromAeon
2 months ago

In solarpunk cities of the future, tech follows nature's lead | Aeon Essays

In Indra's Net of pearls and jewels, every gem reflects every other, a shimmering image of interdependence. This ancient Vedic metaphor for connection across the cosmos also illuminates what the environmental philosopher Glenn Albrecht first proposed in 2014as 'theSymbiocene': the era after the Anthropocene, in which human technologies take their cues from living systems and work in partnership rather than through dominance.
Philosophy
fromwww.archdaily.com
1 month ago

Waterfrom Design's Office / Waterfront Design

Studio Millspace Text description provided by the architects. Throughout eight months of design and on-site work, we realized that what truly matters is not the completeness of drawings, but the intuition shaped by being present. Around 70% of the layout was defined early on, while the remaining 30% was deliberately left without a set functionallowing light, behaviors, and moods to participate in forming the space.
Design
London
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

Repairs carried out on water main after flooding

A large split in a 30-inch water main in north London flooded a road and cut water supply to properties, requiring 40 firefighters and overnight repair efforts by Thames Water.
Design
fromFast Company
2 months ago

Top architects on the biggest challenges they'll face in 2026

Architects must prioritize collaboration, community-centered design, faster delivery without quality loss, clear high-performance standards, streamlined approvals, and AI-enabled workflows to address housing and infrastructure crises.
Environment
fromArchDaily
1 month ago

How to Design with the Rain: Architectural Strategies for Rainwater Collection across Climates

Architecture must shift from water disposal to active rainwater collection, storage, and reuse through climate-specific design strategies that address distinct precipitation patterns and regional environmental demands.
fromArchDaily
2 months ago

Health, Habitat, and Civic Infrastructure: Designing the City as a National Park

Cities around the world share a common goal: to become healthier and greener, supported by civic infrastructure that restores ecosystems and strengthens public life. The question is how to reach this. Global climate targets, local building codes, and municipal standards increasingly guide designers and planners toward better choices. Still, many cities struggle to translate these frameworks into everyday, street-level comfort and long-term ecological protection.
Environment
Environment
fromwww.standard.co.uk
2 months ago

Cleaner River Thames but effects of climate change remain, health check finds

The River Thames' water quality has improved significantly, but climate change and nutrient pollution threaten its long-term ecological recovery.
fromABC7 San Francisco
2 months ago

Palo Alto's horizontal levee passes test, reduces flooding during storms

So, with this storm surge and the King tide event, it was a great opportunity for us to test this out. So, we came out here and we were able to further document and see how well it performed. So, we got to see that the king tide came up very close to where the pathway is behind you, and it did what it's supposed to do,
Environment
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

If you're flushing the toilet with grey water, people should know': how China turned rain into an asset

A worker sweeps the track at the National Stadium during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which was disrupted by heavy rain. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images The secret weapon is a network of capillary-like tubes that weave through the Bird's Nest's outer lattice, which are specifically designed to siphon away rainfall. The pipes channel rainwater into one of three underwater storage tanks, where it is filtered and prepared for recycling within the building.
Environment
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