Along the year attending for all the critical thinking unit, I have learned a lot of different methodologies on how to approach a critical argument to debate controversial. It is certainly helpful when it comes to make contact with the field of any specialized line of business or any other background status.
Critical thinking consists of criticizing, analyzing, study and breakdown any critical approach. Everything involved with criticizing, has its process and emotions. From this point of view this provides argumentation, opinions, and reasoning. This will enhance the skill of engaging informative discussions, texts and scenarios that will range at different contexts.
Throughout the process of publishing referenced and cited blogs led my confidentiality to build up the knowledge to create an analytical and critical thinking structure and style.
During the debated practical controversial topics, I think it was very essential and beneficial. As when I came across to do my debate, I felt more self-confident to approach my controversial partner.
Meanwhile on attending the lectures of critical thinking, I have also gained the knowledge of how to understand the weaknesses and fallacies during a debate, at conditions where necessary is versus sufficient.
Finalising my thoughts about this yearly unit, I believe that it had a lot of reflective thinking and all over, it has a potential of a good academical learning outcome.
Monday, 29 May 2017
Friday, 14 April 2017
Hi matic by Metali Crosset with Patrick Elouarghi and Philippe Chatelet
A French designer named Metali Crasset has designed a hotel called 'Hi matic'. This hotel has been designed to be completely organic and aware of the environmental friendly use. The stay allows visitors to check-in, order food and exchange tips on the city, all this service is made via through the hotel's online system and a plethora of screens throughout the building. (Anon, n.d)
The space designed in this hotel assists the customer to have concentration, reflection and attention, in order to focus on work or rather to enjoy the stay for leisure.
The Hi matic hotel allows guests to choose and change music in public areas, can plan their tour on the city guide map which is placed on one wall as you enter in the hotel and may collect meals from one automatic machine in the restaurant.
The hotel consists of 42 rooms, which are spread over five floors. Rooms are designed in a modular system where one can change its function throughout the day as required. As a must the hotel itself inquires the guest to respect the environment and keeps it clean whenever and wherever he/she will make use of the space. (K.Parker, 2011)
The hospitality of the Hi matic hotel, provides self-service machines where you can buy the object or food of your choice.
As a future reference this hotel consists a lot of good concepts that may refer for my intended thesis planning. The Hi matic hotel contains and focuses a lot on the self-service conservation, which it is why I have chosen to pick this concept design as a future reference to more upcoming studies.
Reference:
K.Parker, 2011. Hi matic by Metali Crosset with Patrick Elouarghi and Philippe Chatelet. Available on: <https://www.dezeen.com/2011/05/11/hi-matic-by-matali-crasset-with-patrick-elouarghi-and-philippe-chatelet/> [Accessed on 14 April 2017 ]
Anon, n.d. Hi matic Hotel Paris. Available on: <http://himaticecologisurbain.parishotels.it/> [Accessed on 14 April 2017]
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| Hi matic hotel, Paris |
The space designed in this hotel assists the customer to have concentration, reflection and attention, in order to focus on work or rather to enjoy the stay for leisure.
The Hi matic hotel allows guests to choose and change music in public areas, can plan their tour on the city guide map which is placed on one wall as you enter in the hotel and may collect meals from one automatic machine in the restaurant.
The hotel consists of 42 rooms, which are spread over five floors. Rooms are designed in a modular system where one can change its function throughout the day as required. As a must the hotel itself inquires the guest to respect the environment and keeps it clean whenever and wherever he/she will make use of the space. (K.Parker, 2011)
 |
| Vending machine at the Hi matic Hotel in Paris |
The hospitality of the Hi matic hotel, provides self-service machines where you can buy the object or food of your choice.
As a future reference this hotel consists a lot of good concepts that may refer for my intended thesis planning. The Hi matic hotel contains and focuses a lot on the self-service conservation, which it is why I have chosen to pick this concept design as a future reference to more upcoming studies.
Reference:
K.Parker, 2011. Hi matic by Metali Crosset with Patrick Elouarghi and Philippe Chatelet. Available on: <https://www.dezeen.com/2011/05/11/hi-matic-by-matali-crasset-with-patrick-elouarghi-and-philippe-chatelet/> [Accessed on 14 April 2017 ]
Anon, n.d. Hi matic Hotel Paris. Available on: <http://himaticecologisurbain.parishotels.it/> [Accessed on 14 April 2017]
Monday, 3 April 2017
CitizenM Hotel by Concrete
Looking into more depth on researching different keywords towards the exploration of my study, is finally getting closer to what I want, and need as a backup to approve the en-roots for my cultivation.
A hotel in Schiphol Airport, has been designed by a company called Concrete. This hotel is made with prefabricated room modules in CitizenM's own factory, it caters for 230 rooms with a 14sq.m net area. It is dedicated to customers that are looking for a luxury feel with a reasonable price during a city or business trip.
The concept of the hotel was to cut out all hidden costs and remove all unnecessary items. The rooms are configured with stacked shipping containers, which they have formed the hotel. These consist of a dynamic lobby included with a living room space, other rooms that are designed to be with a bed and a bathroom only, and another zone was designed to be with food and beverage self-service function. (Kryzowski, 2008)
The choice of including this project in my blog is by reason of, that the construction planning/zones and customer self-service is closely related to my intended thesis project that I would like to add in.
Designing an accommodation that is stylish, centrally located, friendly with the technology that it has installed and reasonable at its price, I think that it is very reliable and conventional for whoever is looking for their intended stay.
Looking at the customers that have experienced their stay in the CitizenM hotel, the majority commented positive, regarding the location, design, price wise, experience and its general characteristics. Meanwhile, the few who have commented negative were reasons that relied on the aesthetics and room temperature.
Reference:
Kryzowski, 2008. CitizenM by Concrete. Available on: <https://www.dezeen.com/2008/11/07/citizenm-by-concrete/> [Accessed on 3 April 2017]
A hotel in Schiphol Airport, has been designed by a company called Concrete. This hotel is made with prefabricated room modules in CitizenM's own factory, it caters for 230 rooms with a 14sq.m net area. It is dedicated to customers that are looking for a luxury feel with a reasonable price during a city or business trip.
 |
| CitizenM Hotel in Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam |
The concept of the hotel was to cut out all hidden costs and remove all unnecessary items. The rooms are configured with stacked shipping containers, which they have formed the hotel. These consist of a dynamic lobby included with a living room space, other rooms that are designed to be with a bed and a bathroom only, and another zone was designed to be with food and beverage self-service function. (Kryzowski, 2008)
The choice of including this project in my blog is by reason of, that the construction planning/zones and customer self-service is closely related to my intended thesis project that I would like to add in.
Designing an accommodation that is stylish, centrally located, friendly with the technology that it has installed and reasonable at its price, I think that it is very reliable and conventional for whoever is looking for their intended stay.
Looking at the customers that have experienced their stay in the CitizenM hotel, the majority commented positive, regarding the location, design, price wise, experience and its general characteristics. Meanwhile, the few who have commented negative were reasons that relied on the aesthetics and room temperature.
Reference:
Kryzowski, 2008. CitizenM by Concrete. Available on: <https://www.dezeen.com/2008/11/07/citizenm-by-concrete/> [Accessed on 3 April 2017]
Thursday, 30 March 2017
Self-driving truck hits the road in the US to deliver 50,000 cans of Budweiser
I wanted to include this case study because it still has part to the theme of a self-automated system and I thought it would still be interesting to have a different case scenario.
This concept has successfully been achieved to its intention on delivering 50,000 cans of Budweiser with a self-driving truck with a journey of 120 miles long in the United States. It is stated that it is the world first company commercial shipment by a self-driving truck. (Alice Morby, 2016)
For the whole route the vehicle has functioned well autonomously for its entire way. For this operation success, the companies are now aiming to invest and develop into more functioning self-driving freight system.
I have included this successful autonomous tested vehicle, as a result of achievement towards the self-automated function. Although this function will not be used for my further study accomplishment of my dissertation, I still wanted this reference of a self-functioning system to be in my records.
Something that keeps me back from trusting the service system of a self-driving shipment, is that it might loose its automated system and cause any harm or damages that can involve the risk of other people's lives.
Reference:
Alice Morby, 2016. 'Self-driving truck hits the road in the US to deliver 50,000 cans of Budweiser'. Available on: <https://www.dezeen.com/2016/10/26/self-driving-delivery-truck-otto-budweiser-driverless-vehicle-design-transport-technology-colorado-usa/> [Accessed on 30th May 2017 ]
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| Self-driving truck, 2016 |
This concept has successfully been achieved to its intention on delivering 50,000 cans of Budweiser with a self-driving truck with a journey of 120 miles long in the United States. It is stated that it is the world first company commercial shipment by a self-driving truck. (Alice Morby, 2016)
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| Budweiser, Otto Self-Driving truck 2016 |
For the whole route the vehicle has functioned well autonomously for its entire way. For this operation success, the companies are now aiming to invest and develop into more functioning self-driving freight system.
I have included this successful autonomous tested vehicle, as a result of achievement towards the self-automated function. Although this function will not be used for my further study accomplishment of my dissertation, I still wanted this reference of a self-functioning system to be in my records.
Something that keeps me back from trusting the service system of a self-driving shipment, is that it might loose its automated system and cause any harm or damages that can involve the risk of other people's lives.
Reference:
Alice Morby, 2016. 'Self-driving truck hits the road in the US to deliver 50,000 cans of Budweiser'. Available on: <https://www.dezeen.com/2016/10/26/self-driving-delivery-truck-otto-budweiser-driverless-vehicle-design-transport-technology-colorado-usa/> [Accessed on 30th May 2017 ]
Monday, 27 March 2017
Floating City concept by At Design Office features underwater roads and submarines
Looking at a different proposal project, it declares the profession of thinking broadly or rather more creative that leads to enhancing the achievement of developing something further in our lives.
The concept of a floating city in an ocean metropolis was an alternative idea that could resolve the problem from the overcrowd in China. The At Design Office have dealt with a Chinese Construction company CCCC to design a floating island that would be built from prefabricated hexagonal modules. (Architecture & Design, 2014)
The floating island area would take four square miles. As a construction work it was thought to be built the same way on how the Chinese Construction company CCCC have build the 31 miles bridge between the cities of Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai. (A.Frearson, 2014)
The floating city concept features, underwater roads and submarines. The concept continues by defining more details which consist the working system of how this project can be possibly achieved.
As the architectural reporter Amy Frearson, declares that the transportation can work through a networking system of yachts and submarines. In the city of the floating concept includes a floating hotel, entertainment complex, recreation of green spaces both above and below the water's surface.
Farming and hatchery will also be accessible, and for rubbish collection it would allow the community to produce its own food and sustainability dispose of waste. (A.Frearson, 2014)
Another intriguing key for this concept, Siska said that the project may be developed further to obtain energy efficiency and self sufficiency for a new urban nucleus of world class residential, commercial and cultural facilities.
Overall the concept design of a floating city, is quite extraordinary, extensive and different from other projects that I have gone through. Yet, I see a potential at certain elements that are reliable. The most captivating system that interested me, were the vertical farms and fish hatcheries that will be produced on the island, as well as the trash dispose will be sustained in their own waste.
I think if the system and the overall project proposal is possible, it would be magnificent to be created.
Reference:
A.Frearson, 2014.'Floating City concept by At Design Office features underwater roads and submarines'. Available on: <https://www.dezeen.com/2014/05/13/floating-city-at-design-office/> [Accessed on 26 March 2017]
Architecture & Design, 2014. 'Floating Ocean Metropolis proposed by AT Design office to deal with overcrowding in China'. Available on: <http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/floating-ocean-metropolis-proposed-by-at-design-of> [Accessed on 26 March 2017 ]
 |
| Floating City Concept by AT Design Office |
The concept of a floating city in an ocean metropolis was an alternative idea that could resolve the problem from the overcrowd in China. The At Design Office have dealt with a Chinese Construction company CCCC to design a floating island that would be built from prefabricated hexagonal modules. (Architecture & Design, 2014)
The floating island area would take four square miles. As a construction work it was thought to be built the same way on how the Chinese Construction company CCCC have build the 31 miles bridge between the cities of Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai. (A.Frearson, 2014)
The floating city concept features, underwater roads and submarines. The concept continues by defining more details which consist the working system of how this project can be possibly achieved.
 |
| Floating City by AT Design Office |
As the architectural reporter Amy Frearson, declares that the transportation can work through a networking system of yachts and submarines. In the city of the floating concept includes a floating hotel, entertainment complex, recreation of green spaces both above and below the water's surface.
Farming and hatchery will also be accessible, and for rubbish collection it would allow the community to produce its own food and sustainability dispose of waste. (A.Frearson, 2014)
Another intriguing key for this concept, Siska said that the project may be developed further to obtain energy efficiency and self sufficiency for a new urban nucleus of world class residential, commercial and cultural facilities.
Overall the concept design of a floating city, is quite extraordinary, extensive and different from other projects that I have gone through. Yet, I see a potential at certain elements that are reliable. The most captivating system that interested me, were the vertical farms and fish hatcheries that will be produced on the island, as well as the trash dispose will be sustained in their own waste.
I think if the system and the overall project proposal is possible, it would be magnificent to be created.
Reference:
A.Frearson, 2014.'Floating City concept by At Design Office features underwater roads and submarines'. Available on: <https://www.dezeen.com/2014/05/13/floating-city-at-design-office/> [Accessed on 26 March 2017]
Architecture & Design, 2014. 'Floating Ocean Metropolis proposed by AT Design office to deal with overcrowding in China'. Available on: <http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/floating-ocean-metropolis-proposed-by-at-design-of> [Accessed on 26 March 2017 ]
Saturday, 25 March 2017
Daan Roosegaarde Van Gogh cycle path to open in the Netherlands
One case study I thought it was related on the subject of being self-sufficient is the cycle path that lights with an illumination effect. The patterns are interpreted from Van Gogh's painting, which it is called 'The Starry Night'.
This cycle path creates a wonderful atmosphere, experience and a land mark of the place. The surface of the path has been coated with a special paint that uses energy gathered during the day to glow after dark. (Dan Howarth, 2014)
The cycle route has been modified to be connected with a cultural history. In fact, the location is of a Dutch province of Noord Brabant, where the artist (Vincent Van Gogh) was born and raised. The kilometre long path, illuminates the swirling patterns of the Starry Night painting, which has been made in 1889. Another connection that has been linked with the painting is the night time scene.
This for sure, has been incorporated with the planning of the design project, in order for the person to feel and experience the same vibe, which one can easily link the incorporated glow in the dark swirling patterns to the painting of 'the Starry Night' painting by V. Van Gogh.
This project was a total new system that has been integrated with a self-sufficient and practical use. They know that it is safe, and that it makes use well as an energy efficient road network. (Dan Howarth, 2014)
I triggered for this concept because it seemed new to me, although it has been done four years ago, in 2014. It really inspired me from the thought behind the concept, on creating a historical connection by a remarkable and brave artist and also the thought behind the technical aspect of how it could consume energy to be lit at night.
Reference:
Dan Howarth, 2014. 'Daan Roosegaarde Van Gogh cycle path to open in the Netherlands'.Available on: <https://www.dezeen.com/2014/11/12/daan-roosegaarde-van-gogh-bicycle-path-glowing-patterns-nuenen-netherlands/> [Accessed on 26 march 2017]
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| 'The Starry Night' painting by Vincent Van Gogh |
This cycle path creates a wonderful atmosphere, experience and a land mark of the place. The surface of the path has been coated with a special paint that uses energy gathered during the day to glow after dark. (Dan Howarth, 2014)
 |
| Glow after Dark, Cycle Path by Daan Roosegaarde |
The cycle route has been modified to be connected with a cultural history. In fact, the location is of a Dutch province of Noord Brabant, where the artist (Vincent Van Gogh) was born and raised. The kilometre long path, illuminates the swirling patterns of the Starry Night painting, which has been made in 1889. Another connection that has been linked with the painting is the night time scene.
This for sure, has been incorporated with the planning of the design project, in order for the person to feel and experience the same vibe, which one can easily link the incorporated glow in the dark swirling patterns to the painting of 'the Starry Night' painting by V. Van Gogh.
This project was a total new system that has been integrated with a self-sufficient and practical use. They know that it is safe, and that it makes use well as an energy efficient road network. (Dan Howarth, 2014)
I triggered for this concept because it seemed new to me, although it has been done four years ago, in 2014. It really inspired me from the thought behind the concept, on creating a historical connection by a remarkable and brave artist and also the thought behind the technical aspect of how it could consume energy to be lit at night.
Reference:
Dan Howarth, 2014. 'Daan Roosegaarde Van Gogh cycle path to open in the Netherlands'.Available on: <https://www.dezeen.com/2014/11/12/daan-roosegaarde-van-gogh-bicycle-path-glowing-patterns-nuenen-netherlands/> [Accessed on 26 march 2017]
Sunday, 19 March 2017
Dissertation changes
After the first semester had finished and begun the second semester we, as the second-year degree students, had a meeting in the hall regarding our intended dissertation for the upcoming year. We were asked to look for a lecturer that base his/her profession to our dissertation topic and be guided well to be set on the right track within our subject.
As I found a lecturer that could be of a guide to reach my intended dissertation topic, I have discussed well on what were my latest aims to build up my target subject matter, and this lecturer has begun to guide me by suggesting on focusing on one specific subject rather than on two, as I thought on specifying on self-efficiency and sustainability. But in order to conduct a stronger reference to what I intend to dedicate my time doing my theses, it was suggested to focus on the self-efficient topic.
In addition to put forward my research regarding self-efficiency, as advised was to keep up looking further and get more knowledgeable and acquainted to the subject by keeping record of the references to what I would have researched on.
As I found a lecturer that could be of a guide to reach my intended dissertation topic, I have discussed well on what were my latest aims to build up my target subject matter, and this lecturer has begun to guide me by suggesting on focusing on one specific subject rather than on two, as I thought on specifying on self-efficiency and sustainability. But in order to conduct a stronger reference to what I intend to dedicate my time doing my theses, it was suggested to focus on the self-efficient topic.
In addition to put forward my research regarding self-efficiency, as advised was to keep up looking further and get more knowledgeable and acquainted to the subject by keeping record of the references to what I would have researched on.
Luckily
I thought, that by co-incident for the blog posts of the 'critical thinking'
subject that I recently have, are to be dedicated towards the related subject
of my intended theses topic. From now I thought it would be ideal to keep
researching more in depth on self-efficiency, and keep updating the reference
list accordingly.
Sunday, 12 March 2017
Dissertation case study -Sustainability in Interior Design
Another article that I have read about Sustainability in Interior Design was by Grazyna Pilatowicz. In her article this author has explained how Sustainability has grown in the field of interior design nowadays. As Pilatowicz continues explaining, the time when she wrote her book called, ''Eco-Interiors:A Guide to Environmentally conscious Interior or Design'' in 1994 was the time where a change about the environment responsibility strategies were about time to be changed. Now that the book is out of print, within the last 10 years textbooks with the topic of Sustainable design has been developed into a broader field. The connection between sustainability in interior design has been developed within the theory and practice intention. Further than just satisfying the operation and aesthetics of the clients needs, it is also a necessity to recover the health, safety, physical and psychological well-being of the residents interior space.
Later in 2004 an editor in-chief of Metropolis magazine, Susan Szenasy has wrote about the need to apply the do-no-harm rule of the Hippocratic Oath, to the designers work. This was to withdraw attention to the designers to take responsibilities about the design decisions on the global environment and the creation of materials and products. The method of cradle-to-cradle S.Szenasy said, that analyses and developments can be taken to evaluate better on the use of materials and products, therefor the components and strategic accounting on the project will impact well on the global environment. (Grazyna Pilatowicz, 2015)
Regarding the saying of Grazyna Pilatowicz saying, ''well-designed healing environments must be determined by an understanding of physical and psychological human needs''. This strategy saying has a good explanation to make aware an interior designer to look up for these elements and would make sure to spot them in their client design brief. Another saying of Pilatowicz, is that ''Special attention given in the program to the selection and specification of materials and products to create healthy indoor environments''. Something that this saying reminded me of, is from my previous project researches is of Dr. Pere Castell Muixi, where he mentions the use of the latest update of multifunctional materials that are constructed with energy efficient system.
Reference:
Grazyna Pilatowicz, 2015. Vol. 8 No. 03 "Sustainability in Interior Design". Available at: <http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/SUS.2015.28999> [Accessed on 22 Nov 2016]
Later in 2004 an editor in-chief of Metropolis magazine, Susan Szenasy has wrote about the need to apply the do-no-harm rule of the Hippocratic Oath, to the designers work. This was to withdraw attention to the designers to take responsibilities about the design decisions on the global environment and the creation of materials and products. The method of cradle-to-cradle S.Szenasy said, that analyses and developments can be taken to evaluate better on the use of materials and products, therefor the components and strategic accounting on the project will impact well on the global environment. (Grazyna Pilatowicz, 2015)
Regarding the saying of Grazyna Pilatowicz saying, ''well-designed healing environments must be determined by an understanding of physical and psychological human needs''. This strategy saying has a good explanation to make aware an interior designer to look up for these elements and would make sure to spot them in their client design brief. Another saying of Pilatowicz, is that ''Special attention given in the program to the selection and specification of materials and products to create healthy indoor environments''. Something that this saying reminded me of, is from my previous project researches is of Dr. Pere Castell Muixi, where he mentions the use of the latest update of multifunctional materials that are constructed with energy efficient system.
Reference:
Grazyna Pilatowicz, 2015. Vol. 8 No. 03 "Sustainability in Interior Design". Available at: <http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/SUS.2015.28999> [Accessed on 22 Nov 2016]
Monday, 27 February 2017
Dissertation case study -UN Green Headquarters in Copenhagen
One case study that has been given an award-winning is the UN Green Headquarters in Copenhagen. Solar panels, rainwater tanks and a sea water cooling system has been installed in the green building office complex.
The new UN city complex in Copenhagen has been promoted for its environmental sustainable trough the green building with a platinum-certificate of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). (denmark.dk. N.p., 2017)
The included sustainable criterias that were included in the UN City were, the building materials, reducing waste, minimizing impact on surrounding ecosystems and promoting indoor air quality, energy efficiency and smart water use. During the construction wood was being harvested from sustainable -managed forests that is located 800 kilometres away from the building site, to reduce emissions from transport. UN City limit its amount of traditional energy that is used for heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation for its every day use. (denmark.dk. N.p., 2017)
The rainwater that will be captivated in UN City, is being used to flush its toilets of an average 5,300 times a day for a whole year. The reuse of rainwater has provided more than 60 percent reduction of total water use in the building's toilet, kitchens and showers. An innovative way that they have regulated the building's indoor temperature is with a system that is pumping seawater to use it for cooling system in UN City, solar shades are also installed on the building's exterior roofing that can open and close to trap or reflect heat from the sun. (denmark.dk. N.p., 2017)
With a 1,400 solar panels generating electricity for UN City, wind energy makes up more than 35 percent of the additional power stated off the grid. With 1,200 employees that are in the building use less than half as much energy as a similar sized office building. (denmark.dk. N.p., 2017) This officially results the amount of energy saving that is being consumed within this project investment.
This case study managed to include a lot of innovative systems that has made a whole building function with its best economy saving from the energy efficiency. One clever idea that I really liked and thought it would be ideal for the hot summer season in Malta was, the system of the seawater pump that then it was used for cooling system. In addition to my thought is, since in advance the Maltese island is surrounded with seawater we (as designers) may use this function system in our buildings.
Reference:
denmark.dk. N.p., 2017. 'UN opens Green Headquarters in Copenhagen'. Available at: <http://denmark.dk/en/green-living/sustainable-projects/un-opens-green-headquarters-in-copenhagen> [Accessed on 27 Feb 2017]
The new UN city complex in Copenhagen has been promoted for its environmental sustainable trough the green building with a platinum-certificate of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). (denmark.dk. N.p., 2017)
 |
| Adam Mørk /3XN, 2017. UN Green Headquarters. [Photographer] (UN Green Headquarters in Copenhagen). |
The included sustainable criterias that were included in the UN City were, the building materials, reducing waste, minimizing impact on surrounding ecosystems and promoting indoor air quality, energy efficiency and smart water use. During the construction wood was being harvested from sustainable -managed forests that is located 800 kilometres away from the building site, to reduce emissions from transport. UN City limit its amount of traditional energy that is used for heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation for its every day use. (denmark.dk. N.p., 2017)
With a 1,400 solar panels generating electricity for UN City, wind energy makes up more than 35 percent of the additional power stated off the grid. With 1,200 employees that are in the building use less than half as much energy as a similar sized office building. (denmark.dk. N.p., 2017) This officially results the amount of energy saving that is being consumed within this project investment.
This case study managed to include a lot of innovative systems that has made a whole building function with its best economy saving from the energy efficiency. One clever idea that I really liked and thought it would be ideal for the hot summer season in Malta was, the system of the seawater pump that then it was used for cooling system. In addition to my thought is, since in advance the Maltese island is surrounded with seawater we (as designers) may use this function system in our buildings.
Reference:
denmark.dk. N.p., 2017. 'UN opens Green Headquarters in Copenhagen'. Available at: <http://denmark.dk/en/green-living/sustainable-projects/un-opens-green-headquarters-in-copenhagen> [Accessed on 27 Feb 2017]
Friday, 24 February 2017
Dissertation case study -Dr. Pere Castell Muixi
Another study that I have found is of Dr. Pere Castell Muixi, whom is qualified with a PhD in AITIIP Technological centre. Within this profession, he is a Manager and a member of Sustainable Districts and Built Environment, also a member that consists on Positive Energy Blocks. The goal of this study is to continue expanding the competitiveness of the companies that takes over in moulds and plastic parts that will be manufactured from the factories, as well as to advance the knowledge with new upgraded technological systems. (Dr. Pere Castell, 2016)
This project was based within a private group where they have configured to design materials towards the construction of energy efficient buildings. Their innovative aim towards this project was to integrate with technological terms. A basic description about this proposed project is to construct energy efficient buildings with low energy waste with a development of multifunctional and advanced materials that will provide the necessity service for a future developement building that will capture, transport and enhance the storage of highly energy efficiency. (Dr. Pere Castell, 2016)
A technical understanding of this proposed project is to produce advanced materials and have a bigger impact on the construction and development of self-sustainable buildings. As described in the proposal it is said that different parts of the buildings will compose organs dedicated to the capitation of energy, which would include solar cells and other systems that will distribute the energy among the whole building. In the current design the self-sustainable building is composed as a living creature with advanced materials. (Dr. Pere Castell, 2016)
The highly impact that this project can be of success is on the energy saving amount production, transport that will distribute the energy among the whole building and the installation that will be of a multi-functional lightweight material. The system of construction with lightweight modular structure can be used in new and old buildings, as the private group explained and the required maintenance of those buildings will be minimal since they will be serviced with self-repairing and self-cleaning materials on external parts. These materials will be generated with energy store and external energy dependency. The materials increase the lifespan of their habitant while it decreases the overall energy consumption. Their final idea of those buildings will result to have zero energy consumption, so that the city will have its highlight significance of energy efficient buildings. (Dr. Pere Castell, 2016)
Their whole idea of this project is for the buildings to benefit from this technology in reduction of external energy consumption. With the installation of multi-functional materials and construction methods will recover and reduce the energy bills. (Dr. Pere Castell, 2016)
Some interference that Dr. Pere Castell has exploited within technologies are of, new materials that are self-sustained and make use of all advanced functionalities, sensing capabilities to monitor air quality, quantification of pollutants and intelligent ventilation. The innovation regarding this proposal project has a great impact on the sustained materials that will be self-repairing and self-cleaning, which I believe if this study will be of success and distributed, it will make a great achievement also because it will be highly efficient on the systematized energy that will be taken from the solar cells.
What strikes me most from the intended project is the material installation. Since the material itself generates and store energy impacts well with the innovation of the energy saving. Including this study in my written literature review aided me to get a general idea of possibilities and upgraded technologies that can be applied on buildings. Along the years more studies regarding self-efficient and sustainability is being approved that it is being more highlighted, since one would know that including solar cells or any other agrivoltaic microsolutions will financially benefit well from the energy or water efficiency investment.
Reference:
Dr. Pere Castell, 2016. 'Construction of self-sustaining energy efficient buildings'. Available at: <https://eu-smartcities.eu/content/construction-self-sustaining-energy-efficient-buildings> [Accessed on 24 Feb 2017]
This project was based within a private group where they have configured to design materials towards the construction of energy efficient buildings. Their innovative aim towards this project was to integrate with technological terms. A basic description about this proposed project is to construct energy efficient buildings with low energy waste with a development of multifunctional and advanced materials that will provide the necessity service for a future developement building that will capture, transport and enhance the storage of highly energy efficiency. (Dr. Pere Castell, 2016)
A technical understanding of this proposed project is to produce advanced materials and have a bigger impact on the construction and development of self-sustainable buildings. As described in the proposal it is said that different parts of the buildings will compose organs dedicated to the capitation of energy, which would include solar cells and other systems that will distribute the energy among the whole building. In the current design the self-sustainable building is composed as a living creature with advanced materials. (Dr. Pere Castell, 2016)
The highly impact that this project can be of success is on the energy saving amount production, transport that will distribute the energy among the whole building and the installation that will be of a multi-functional lightweight material. The system of construction with lightweight modular structure can be used in new and old buildings, as the private group explained and the required maintenance of those buildings will be minimal since they will be serviced with self-repairing and self-cleaning materials on external parts. These materials will be generated with energy store and external energy dependency. The materials increase the lifespan of their habitant while it decreases the overall energy consumption. Their final idea of those buildings will result to have zero energy consumption, so that the city will have its highlight significance of energy efficient buildings. (Dr. Pere Castell, 2016)
Their whole idea of this project is for the buildings to benefit from this technology in reduction of external energy consumption. With the installation of multi-functional materials and construction methods will recover and reduce the energy bills. (Dr. Pere Castell, 2016)
Some interference that Dr. Pere Castell has exploited within technologies are of, new materials that are self-sustained and make use of all advanced functionalities, sensing capabilities to monitor air quality, quantification of pollutants and intelligent ventilation. The innovation regarding this proposal project has a great impact on the sustained materials that will be self-repairing and self-cleaning, which I believe if this study will be of success and distributed, it will make a great achievement also because it will be highly efficient on the systematized energy that will be taken from the solar cells.
What strikes me most from the intended project is the material installation. Since the material itself generates and store energy impacts well with the innovation of the energy saving. Including this study in my written literature review aided me to get a general idea of possibilities and upgraded technologies that can be applied on buildings. Along the years more studies regarding self-efficient and sustainability is being approved that it is being more highlighted, since one would know that including solar cells or any other agrivoltaic microsolutions will financially benefit well from the energy or water efficiency investment.
Reference:
Dr. Pere Castell, 2016. 'Construction of self-sustaining energy efficient buildings'. Available at: <https://eu-smartcities.eu/content/construction-self-sustaining-energy-efficient-buildings> [Accessed on 24 Feb 2017]
Thursday, 16 February 2017
Dissertation case study -UCLA
One case study of a project that has been developed with the new sustainability system and transformation of energy efficiency upgrades, which at this case it is perceiving expenses to high-return investment opportunities, is the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). (Alison Hewitt, 2014)
The UCLA has already invested in energy efficient building retrofits in the past five years with $20 million because the money invested in climate change, will then receive some of the cost each year and onwards at an advantage year after year will then receive back all the money that one will have invested them in. (Alison Hewitt, 2014)
Nurit Katz who is the UCLA's chief sustainability officer, supportively encourages on other colleges or universities to create their own sustainability, since they are very efficient and a good financial investment. (Alison Hewitt, 2014)
As Katz said, for further future fund projects to save more, in their previous projects at UCLA they have installed thousands of occupancy sensors that lights will turn on and off when the room are being in use or rather empty, more retrofits of heating, ventilation, and cooling systems in the campus, they made sure to replace the old light bulbs and install the efficient models in classrooms, auditoriums, streetlights and parking spaces. (Alison Hewitt, 2014) Keeping the campus fully sustained with the energy system and water technology would save and supports more the biodiversity.
Breaking down the bill to get an idea of how much all this would cost and how much one will save back in return, Katz says that for example if $1 million will be invested on a project, in return one will save $250,000 annually on energy costs. Later, half of the savings $125,000 would automatically return in the loan that will have been taken, until the $1 million good investment will be paid. (Alison Hewitt, 2014)
The UCLA has already invested in energy efficient building retrofits in the past five years with $20 million because the money invested in climate change, will then receive some of the cost each year and onwards at an advantage year after year will then receive back all the money that one will have invested them in. (Alison Hewitt, 2014)
Nurit Katz who is the UCLA's chief sustainability officer, supportively encourages on other colleges or universities to create their own sustainability, since they are very efficient and a good financial investment. (Alison Hewitt, 2014)
As Katz said, for further future fund projects to save more, in their previous projects at UCLA they have installed thousands of occupancy sensors that lights will turn on and off when the room are being in use or rather empty, more retrofits of heating, ventilation, and cooling systems in the campus, they made sure to replace the old light bulbs and install the efficient models in classrooms, auditoriums, streetlights and parking spaces. (Alison Hewitt, 2014) Keeping the campus fully sustained with the energy system and water technology would save and supports more the biodiversity.
Breaking down the bill to get an idea of how much all this would cost and how much one will save back in return, Katz says that for example if $1 million will be invested on a project, in return one will save $250,000 annually on energy costs. Later, half of the savings $125,000 would automatically return in the loan that will have been taken, until the $1 million good investment will be paid. (Alison Hewitt, 2014)
Mark Orlowski who is the executive director of the Sustainable Endowments Institute, says that a growing number of institutions are using development, fundraising and endowments. They want to help people think outside of their limited capital operating budget. (Alison Hewitt, 2014)
It is of a good benefit to invest in because you save from energy and water and not only, it will also help to combat the climate change. I have included this in my literature review as an indication with someone else's case study to approve how efficient and encouraging on how the system of loan can be easily invested into something that can automatically be paid off throughout the years, and in return you will also save up a good amount of money because of the new installation of energy or water system saving. This is also very ideal to suggest it to other people that will be looking for a good investment on their property.
For my dissertation, this qualitative research information will aid me to conserve a better choice of an installation, to sustain the carbon neutrality and reminds me better on how good it is to support and invest on the energy and water criteria. From the study made on the university building project, I could take a good idea on the estimate amount of the all-over project costing. I also have admired the feedback of Nurit Katz that has given his thought about the opinion of the financial investment that supports the background of sustainability and its own efficiency. It is always important to include all kind of perspective thinking, especially when conducting with total amount costings, an estimate or rather offers or great values that one can benefit from them, such like the given example of the energy and water saving efficient system of the UCLA investment.
Reference:
Alison Hewitt, 2014. 'UCLA creates nation's largest self replenishing fund for green projects'. Available at: <http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-creates-nations-largest-self-replenishing-fund-for-green-projects> [Accessed on 16 February 2017]
Reference:
Alison Hewitt, 2014. 'UCLA creates nation's largest self replenishing fund for green projects'. Available at: <http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-creates-nations-largest-self-replenishing-fund-for-green-projects> [Accessed on 16 February 2017]
Sunday, 12 February 2017
Dissertation topic part 2
As I have posted in my last blog, I clarified that until now my chosen dissertation topic will be conducting on 'Redesigning existent self-efficient accommodation'.
Regarding this subject at first, I have brainstormed and analysed what could make my dissertation so special to get to a point where I need to resolve a problem for my end result. Later, I started researching in many different secondary sources that were referred from books, web browsing data, articles, interesting documentaries, and other videos that relate to the same subject.
Of course, this lead me to reach and visualize better towards my intended subject by taking more in consideration and special attention on certain specifications that open up on the key literature and theoretical framework.
Due to my considered subjects, they emphasis on two key words, which are self-efficiency and sustainability. Each key word has its own strategy and statement. Looking at the reference of self-efficiency, results to ''requiring less effort than comparable devices or methods'' or ''acting directly to produce an effect'' (the free dictionary, 2016). Rephrasing the two resulted definitions, they are defining that being efficient doesn't require any unnecessary efforts. As a solving result for my intended thesis was to come out with solutions that rely on having the same service without any hesitations of anyone's need.
Processing to the other key word, 'sustainability' results ''the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance'' (dictionary.com, 2016). Although, the word 'sustainable' can be of a broad view point, I thought on using it to discover how I can sustain interior spaces, including green environments within the human zones.
One thought that has brought me to include the subject of sustainability, was because I want to keep helping the society to build up and enforce the encouragement towards the support of the environment and our everyday living.
As I looked up for further information regarding the sustainability subject, I have found a video clip by Noah hammond Tyrell, where it points out the damages and depletion that us human are creating, for a very long period of time, and now we want to recover it because we have been alerted that the nature is getting destroyed because of us, with all the factory fumes, exhaust, smoke, littering, and so much more.
This cause has hit us so big that it has affected our relationships, businesses, our health, the wealth generation, our spirituality, and everything else.
References:
thefreedictionary, 2016. ''Efficient''. Available at: <http://www.thefreedictionary.com> [Accessed 28 Nov. 2016]
dictionary, 2016. ''the definition of sustainability''. Available at: <http://www.dictionary.com/browse/sustainability> [Accessed on 28 Nov.2016]
Regarding this subject at first, I have brainstormed and analysed what could make my dissertation so special to get to a point where I need to resolve a problem for my end result. Later, I started researching in many different secondary sources that were referred from books, web browsing data, articles, interesting documentaries, and other videos that relate to the same subject.
Of course, this lead me to reach and visualize better towards my intended subject by taking more in consideration and special attention on certain specifications that open up on the key literature and theoretical framework.
Due to my considered subjects, they emphasis on two key words, which are self-efficiency and sustainability. Each key word has its own strategy and statement. Looking at the reference of self-efficiency, results to ''requiring less effort than comparable devices or methods'' or ''acting directly to produce an effect'' (the free dictionary, 2016). Rephrasing the two resulted definitions, they are defining that being efficient doesn't require any unnecessary efforts. As a solving result for my intended thesis was to come out with solutions that rely on having the same service without any hesitations of anyone's need.
Processing to the other key word, 'sustainability' results ''the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance'' (dictionary.com, 2016). Although, the word 'sustainable' can be of a broad view point, I thought on using it to discover how I can sustain interior spaces, including green environments within the human zones.
One thought that has brought me to include the subject of sustainability, was because I want to keep helping the society to build up and enforce the encouragement towards the support of the environment and our everyday living.
As I looked up for further information regarding the sustainability subject, I have found a video clip by Noah hammond Tyrell, where it points out the damages and depletion that us human are creating, for a very long period of time, and now we want to recover it because we have been alerted that the nature is getting destroyed because of us, with all the factory fumes, exhaust, smoke, littering, and so much more.
This cause has hit us so big that it has affected our relationships, businesses, our health, the wealth generation, our spirituality, and everything else.
References:
thefreedictionary, 2016. ''Efficient''. Available at: <http://www.thefreedictionary.com> [Accessed 28 Nov. 2016]
dictionary, 2016. ''the definition of sustainability''. Available at: <http://www.dictionary.com/browse/sustainability> [Accessed on 28 Nov.2016]
Sunday, 29 January 2017
Basic Introduction about the choice of my dissertation topic
One subject I had in the first semester that had to make me think to choose a particular topic for me to research on in-depth, and think about the techniques that I might be using to input in my own study was called 'Critical Studies and Research Methods'.
At the first week the topic was introduced, the lecturer has warned us (the class) to think well and pick a subject or topic to start thinking and research about it. This announcement of course was a bit cold at the start, since after the summer holidays my mind was still trying to settle in the school schedule. So, after three or four weeks that have passed I decided to base my research on 'Stone Reliefs and Features'. I thought on picking this topic, because I thought the historical stone reliefs of the Maltese buildings would be quite interesting to read and research about, I thought that I would manage to find enough information about it and that as a final representation for next year I would manage to interpret or rather get influenced to create an interesting feature wall design that would be linked in terms with the 21st Century style.
At a later stage I have told my lecturer about my dissertation topic, as she suggested me to talk with another lecturer which next year would possibly be the lecturer that will guide me to get to my intended result for my final design project. Then, I did as the lecturer has suggested and managed to discuss about the current topic with this other lecturer.
As I have told to the other lecturer about the subject that I was thinking about to keep researching on, the lecturer has suggested to rethink about a subject that I adore more while looking up the information and to create a more valid hypothesis that would lead me better especially when I get to analyse from my data collection.
At last I have done the exercise of thinking and pointing out all of my hobbies and topics that interest me the most and managed to gather the subject where I could research, collect data from target participants and make use of other research methods. The topic I decided to stick up to until now for my dissertation is 'Redesigning self-efficient Existent Accommodation'.
Looking forward for more upcoming studies that I would be needing to collect and build up more explorations and analyse more on the last entries that I have already found.
At a later stage I have told my lecturer about my dissertation topic, as she suggested me to talk with another lecturer which next year would possibly be the lecturer that will guide me to get to my intended result for my final design project. Then, I did as the lecturer has suggested and managed to discuss about the current topic with this other lecturer.
As I have told to the other lecturer about the subject that I was thinking about to keep researching on, the lecturer has suggested to rethink about a subject that I adore more while looking up the information and to create a more valid hypothesis that would lead me better especially when I get to analyse from my data collection.
At last I have done the exercise of thinking and pointing out all of my hobbies and topics that interest me the most and managed to gather the subject where I could research, collect data from target participants and make use of other research methods. The topic I decided to stick up to until now for my dissertation is 'Redesigning self-efficient Existent Accommodation'.
Looking forward for more upcoming studies that I would be needing to collect and build up more explorations and analyse more on the last entries that I have already found.
Tuesday, 17 January 2017
Flood Relief project
The national flood relief project was tackled between 2007 and 2013. They have spotted three places in Malta with the flooding problem and twelve different localities were included in this project to recover or reduce the problem. These are, Attard, Lija, Balzan, B'kara, Iklin, Msida, Marsa, Qormi, Zebbug, Gzira, Zabbar and Marsascala. (gov.mt, 2012)
The project is co-financed by cohesion fund of the EU with 85% and the remaining 15% by the Malta Government and the total allocated funds are of 42.9 million, excluding VAT. (gov.mt, 2012)
One controversy of the Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi said that although the project should reduce the impact of floods, the new system still would not solve the flooding problem all over the country. (TimesofMalta, 2015)
The project cost that will be taken by the European Union is of a €55 million, this should help ease the flooding in Birkirkara, Lija, Msida, Balzan, Attard, Iklin, Gzira, Marsascala, Zabbar, Zebbug, Qormi and Marsa. (TimesofMalta, 2015)
The minister said that the other areas that are not included in the project might mitigate a problem, since close to 17,000 people would vote positive and more than 213,000 vote indirectly. (TimesofMalta, 2015)
Only 4,500 properties would be benefiting from the damages of the flooding.
In September 2012, the Government has proposed an extensive project to cover these problems. The National Flood Relief Project was aiming to create channeling water more efficiently and reduce the flooding while in advance the water storage will increase. (In the reservoir this takes only around 10,000 cubic metres of water.)
The whole project to be done takes 16km in length and passes beneath both rural and urban zones. The whole project constitutes of 4 main sub-projects.
The Largest sub-project is of 11km tunnel, that start off from Naxxar and Attard, which then they merge in the outskirts Birkirkara before passing below Birkirkara Valley and Msida, finally it reaches to Ta' Xbiex Retention and the rain water will be drained through 82 across the road-gratings and will be discharged back into the sea, while the rest will be pumped into the Gzira Reservoir for recycling. This reservoir which has a volume of 10,000 cubic metres, will also collect water that drains from Wied Ghollieq area. The result of all collected water is of 650,000 cubic metres, that potentially, annually it will be exploited as necessary. (Anon, n.d)
Another tunnel system that has been excavated from Zabbar to Marsascala, is systematized similar to the project at Ta Xbiex, once the rainwater will go through all the tunnel and arrives at the Marsascala Retention and discharge structure, the water will be pumped to a retention basin at Wied il-Ghajn for aquifer recharge and will be used for agriculture use. (Anon, n.d)
The last sub- project is different from the other three projects done. This project subdivides in two, one part that starts from Qormi to Marsa and the other that starts from Wied Baqqiegha and Wied il-Hesri(Zebbug), this project consists to generate the flooding and allows a better flowing of water. This water will then drain from the town and discharge directly into Wied Qirda. (Anon, n.d)
The projects that calm the flood flow better and will be restored in the reservoirs will then can be recycled and used as a second class water that will access in the flushing water of the hotels that have applied for the second class water, such like the Paradise Bay Hotel. (Staff Reporter, 2013)
References:
gov.mt, 2012. 'Rainwater flood relief project'. Available at: <https://mti.gov.mt/en/Pages/WASD/PROJECTS/Rainwater-Flood-Relief-Project.aspx> [Accessed on 17th January 2017]
AI Engineering, 2007-2013. 'The National Flood Relief Project -Malta'. Available at: <http://www.aigmalta.eu/> [Accessed on 17th January 2017]
TimesofMalta.com, 2015. 'work on national flood relief project concluded'. Available at: <http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20151231/local/work-on-national-flood-relief-project-concluded.597334> [Accessed on 17th January 2017]
Staff Reporter, 2013. 'Second-Class water plans wins Business Bureau approval' Available at: <http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/business/business_news/26037/second-class-water-plans-wins-business-bureau-approval-20130412#.WH-SefkrKUk> [Accessed on 17th January 2017]
The project is co-financed by cohesion fund of the EU with 85% and the remaining 15% by the Malta Government and the total allocated funds are of 42.9 million, excluding VAT. (gov.mt, 2012)
One controversy of the Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi said that although the project should reduce the impact of floods, the new system still would not solve the flooding problem all over the country. (TimesofMalta, 2015)
The project cost that will be taken by the European Union is of a €55 million, this should help ease the flooding in Birkirkara, Lija, Msida, Balzan, Attard, Iklin, Gzira, Marsascala, Zabbar, Zebbug, Qormi and Marsa. (TimesofMalta, 2015)
The minister said that the other areas that are not included in the project might mitigate a problem, since close to 17,000 people would vote positive and more than 213,000 vote indirectly. (TimesofMalta, 2015)
Only 4,500 properties would be benefiting from the damages of the flooding.
In September 2012, the Government has proposed an extensive project to cover these problems. The National Flood Relief Project was aiming to create channeling water more efficiently and reduce the flooding while in advance the water storage will increase. (In the reservoir this takes only around 10,000 cubic metres of water.)
The whole project to be done takes 16km in length and passes beneath both rural and urban zones. The whole project constitutes of 4 main sub-projects.
The Largest sub-project is of 11km tunnel, that start off from Naxxar and Attard, which then they merge in the outskirts Birkirkara before passing below Birkirkara Valley and Msida, finally it reaches to Ta' Xbiex Retention and the rain water will be drained through 82 across the road-gratings and will be discharged back into the sea, while the rest will be pumped into the Gzira Reservoir for recycling. This reservoir which has a volume of 10,000 cubic metres, will also collect water that drains from Wied Ghollieq area. The result of all collected water is of 650,000 cubic metres, that potentially, annually it will be exploited as necessary. (Anon, n.d)
Another tunnel system that has been excavated from Zabbar to Marsascala, is systematized similar to the project at Ta Xbiex, once the rainwater will go through all the tunnel and arrives at the Marsascala Retention and discharge structure, the water will be pumped to a retention basin at Wied il-Ghajn for aquifer recharge and will be used for agriculture use. (Anon, n.d)
The last sub- project is different from the other three projects done. This project subdivides in two, one part that starts from Qormi to Marsa and the other that starts from Wied Baqqiegha and Wied il-Hesri(Zebbug), this project consists to generate the flooding and allows a better flowing of water. This water will then drain from the town and discharge directly into Wied Qirda. (Anon, n.d)
The projects that calm the flood flow better and will be restored in the reservoirs will then can be recycled and used as a second class water that will access in the flushing water of the hotels that have applied for the second class water, such like the Paradise Bay Hotel. (Staff Reporter, 2013)
References:
gov.mt, 2012. 'Rainwater flood relief project'. Available at: <https://mti.gov.mt/en/Pages/WASD/PROJECTS/Rainwater-Flood-Relief-Project.aspx> [Accessed on 17th January 2017]
AI Engineering, 2007-2013. 'The National Flood Relief Project -Malta'. Available at: <http://www.aigmalta.eu/> [Accessed on 17th January 2017]
TimesofMalta.com, 2015. 'work on national flood relief project concluded'. Available at: <http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20151231/local/work-on-national-flood-relief-project-concluded.597334> [Accessed on 17th January 2017]
Staff Reporter, 2013. 'Second-Class water plans wins Business Bureau approval' Available at: <http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/business/business_news/26037/second-class-water-plans-wins-business-bureau-approval-20130412#.WH-SefkrKUk> [Accessed on 17th January 2017]
Anon, n.d. 'Of Tunnels and Reservoirs: The National Flood Relief Project' Available at: <http://www.yremalta.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Of-Tunnels-and-Reservoirs.pdf> [Accessed on 17th January 2017]
Sunday, 15 January 2017
Buckingham Palace
The undergo of the Buckingham palace is about the amount of money that will be spent on the refurbishment and the money issue to the tax payers.
To introduce a short history of the Buckingham palace, the building was constructed and completed in 1850's and remolded in 1913. The building was firstly used by Queen Victoria and has not been redecorated since 1952.
The refurbishment that needs to be done is long overdue and from the maintenance survey they could tell that there has not been any updates since the 1950's, the building is found to be at a point in risk from electronics, plumbing and heating system. The total amount cost of the refurbishment resulted to be of £369 million, which is quite of a high amount to pay.
From my findings, it was said that the queen only spends 1/3 of her working year at the Buckingham palace.
In the Buckingham palace there are 775 rooms including, 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest rooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, 188 staff bedrooms and the garden that is the largest private garden in London.
The refurbishment that needs to be done are, a 33 year old boilers, 60 years old of a 100 miles electrical cable and a 20 miles of lead and cast iron pipework. The queen will still remain in residence during the refurbishment that will start in April 2017 and finishes in 2027.
The controversy and debate about this highlight is that Tory Government wants to reduce the parliament minister from 59 to 53, all this is to save more money for the Buckingham Palace. While Hannah Bardell said that although Tory Government is debating ''whether to cut the number of elected representatives in a cost saving measure'' rather, the steps should be taken to maintain and restore such buildings for people who finds it really hard to grasp the millions and restore their residential places. But the belief in Tory is to leave the poorest in the society, suffering.
In my opinion behind this situation, what I find unfair is to the lower class, that have an average payment and from 15% they have to pay 25% of the tax, until the ending of the Buckingham palace refurbished, that will last until 2027.
From my perspective the people that are taking care of the cost that needs to be payed, is not fair for the lower class families that are working so hard and doing their best to pay all the expenses and errands with just minimum amount of money. Adding more to this that I don't agree with is, from what Helen Goodman from the Parliament minister member that takes in charge of the Treasury Committee said that ''the government has stopped providing grants for the building of social housing to rent and yet the grant will be straightforward to the Buckingham palace''. (C.Davies, 2016)
Reference:
Caroline Davies, 2016. 'Buckingham Palace to undergo 'essential' £370m refurbishment'. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/nov/18/buckingham-palace-to-undergo-370m-refurbishment> [Accessed on 10th January 2017]
UK, 2016. 'Buckingham Palace to get £369 million refurbishment'. [online] Available at: <http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-38025513> [Accessed on 10th January 2017]
To introduce a short history of the Buckingham palace, the building was constructed and completed in 1850's and remolded in 1913. The building was firstly used by Queen Victoria and has not been redecorated since 1952.
The refurbishment that needs to be done is long overdue and from the maintenance survey they could tell that there has not been any updates since the 1950's, the building is found to be at a point in risk from electronics, plumbing and heating system. The total amount cost of the refurbishment resulted to be of £369 million, which is quite of a high amount to pay.
From my findings, it was said that the queen only spends 1/3 of her working year at the Buckingham palace.
In the Buckingham palace there are 775 rooms including, 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest rooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, 188 staff bedrooms and the garden that is the largest private garden in London.
The refurbishment that needs to be done are, a 33 year old boilers, 60 years old of a 100 miles electrical cable and a 20 miles of lead and cast iron pipework. The queen will still remain in residence during the refurbishment that will start in April 2017 and finishes in 2027.
The controversy and debate about this highlight is that Tory Government wants to reduce the parliament minister from 59 to 53, all this is to save more money for the Buckingham Palace. While Hannah Bardell said that although Tory Government is debating ''whether to cut the number of elected representatives in a cost saving measure'' rather, the steps should be taken to maintain and restore such buildings for people who finds it really hard to grasp the millions and restore their residential places. But the belief in Tory is to leave the poorest in the society, suffering.
In my opinion behind this situation, what I find unfair is to the lower class, that have an average payment and from 15% they have to pay 25% of the tax, until the ending of the Buckingham palace refurbished, that will last until 2027.
From my perspective the people that are taking care of the cost that needs to be payed, is not fair for the lower class families that are working so hard and doing their best to pay all the expenses and errands with just minimum amount of money. Adding more to this that I don't agree with is, from what Helen Goodman from the Parliament minister member that takes in charge of the Treasury Committee said that ''the government has stopped providing grants for the building of social housing to rent and yet the grant will be straightforward to the Buckingham palace''. (C.Davies, 2016)
Reference:
Caroline Davies, 2016. 'Buckingham Palace to undergo 'essential' £370m refurbishment'. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/nov/18/buckingham-palace-to-undergo-370m-refurbishment> [Accessed on 10th January 2017]
UK, 2016. 'Buckingham Palace to get £369 million refurbishment'. [online] Available at: <http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-38025513> [Accessed on 10th January 2017]
Friday, 6 January 2017
Malta-Gozo Tunnel/Bridge
The proposal of the bridge project has begun since 1972, as the Labour party administration has elected on having a feasible connection to cross from Gozo to Malta and vise versa. It was said that the project could possibly be constructed in four years with €1 billion and it would cost €4 million each year for the bridge to be kept maintained and be kept in good operation. A tunnel has also been considered but at that time the cost was found to be to high for the project to be done.
In 2006 an online poll of the Times of Malta have declared that 55 percent of the respondents have supported this proposal.
In June 2013 a Chinese company that could construct the tunnel bridge project from Malta to Gozo, said that the study to assess the feasibility would cost around €4 million. At a later stage Anton Refalo said that a referendum should be determined to see what the Gozitans would prefer, either a tunnel or a bridge.
Reading other articles about the decision of construction a bridge/tunnel or not, progresses to a Geologist named Peter Gatt says that there should be a National Geological Service before heading to construct a connection project from Malta to Gozo. Moreover an Environmentalist Alan Deidun concluded that as a disadvantage risk that may happen is that Gozo might be created with traffic congestion.
Although Gozo tries to preserve its natural environment, the 'Eco Gozo island' still took in consideration to construct the bridge/tunnel, yet the analysis study and ecstatically value resulted that this could cause damage to the environment.
In consideration to the advantages that can improve the system, if the bride/tunnel will be constructed are, students/employees/ family visitors and more can cross quicker and faster in much less time, if the Malta Public Transport will decrease its service it will also help the environmental system for people to make more use of the public transport to travel from Malta and Gozo, the bulk of the containers can be also faster and more reliable for the merchandise to be imported and exported, more businesses can be more of success in Gozo and avoiding the weather conditions problem from having a slower service or ferry cancellation.
On the other hand there are other issues that keep the project pending from being done, such like high costs, Gozo may lose its uniqueness, may cause more traffic conjunction in Gozo, the construction takes a number of years to get done, with the amount of money that they will spend to construct the tunnel/bridge they could buy another ship and make the service more frequent.
In my consideration I would suggest for the ferry to improve and update with the maritime engines, in order to be faster, stronger, safer for the travelers to cross from one island to the other and so that way they could save more money and time in order to spend that large amount for the construction to be done or spend the money by buying another ship.
References:
MaltaToday.com.mt, 2016. "Gozo Tunnel Movement Wants Project Up And Running By 2028". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Times of Malta, 2016. Ltd, Allied. "Tunnel Linking Malta To Gozo Most Viable Option – Muscat; 'Queue' Of Consortia Interested In Project". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Independent.com.mt, 2016. "Government Intends Moving Forward With Malta-Gozo Link, But All Options Open - PM - The Malta Independent". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Independent.com.mt, 2016. 'Malta-Gozo Tunnel A Plausible Solution To Transport Network Challenges' - Front Favur Il-Mina - The Malta Independent". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Times of Malta, 2016. Ltd, Allied. "Malta-Gozo Tunnel Study ‘Superficial’ - Expert". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
MaltaToday.com.mt, 2016. "Gozo Tunnel By 2030 Is In ‘Race Against Time’". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Times of Malta, 2015. Ltd, Allied. "Gozo: Bridge Plan Shelved, Focus Will Be On Tunnel". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Times of Malta, 2015. Ltd, Allied. "Tunnel Vision For Gozo? Lively Exchanges On Timestalk". Web. 6 Jan. 2017.
In 2006 an online poll of the Times of Malta have declared that 55 percent of the respondents have supported this proposal.
In June 2013 a Chinese company that could construct the tunnel bridge project from Malta to Gozo, said that the study to assess the feasibility would cost around €4 million. At a later stage Anton Refalo said that a referendum should be determined to see what the Gozitans would prefer, either a tunnel or a bridge.
Reading other articles about the decision of construction a bridge/tunnel or not, progresses to a Geologist named Peter Gatt says that there should be a National Geological Service before heading to construct a connection project from Malta to Gozo. Moreover an Environmentalist Alan Deidun concluded that as a disadvantage risk that may happen is that Gozo might be created with traffic congestion.
Although Gozo tries to preserve its natural environment, the 'Eco Gozo island' still took in consideration to construct the bridge/tunnel, yet the analysis study and ecstatically value resulted that this could cause damage to the environment.
In consideration to the advantages that can improve the system, if the bride/tunnel will be constructed are, students/employees/ family visitors and more can cross quicker and faster in much less time, if the Malta Public Transport will decrease its service it will also help the environmental system for people to make more use of the public transport to travel from Malta and Gozo, the bulk of the containers can be also faster and more reliable for the merchandise to be imported and exported, more businesses can be more of success in Gozo and avoiding the weather conditions problem from having a slower service or ferry cancellation.
On the other hand there are other issues that keep the project pending from being done, such like high costs, Gozo may lose its uniqueness, may cause more traffic conjunction in Gozo, the construction takes a number of years to get done, with the amount of money that they will spend to construct the tunnel/bridge they could buy another ship and make the service more frequent.
In my consideration I would suggest for the ferry to improve and update with the maritime engines, in order to be faster, stronger, safer for the travelers to cross from one island to the other and so that way they could save more money and time in order to spend that large amount for the construction to be done or spend the money by buying another ship.
References:
MaltaToday.com.mt, 2016. "Gozo Tunnel Movement Wants Project Up And Running By 2028". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Times of Malta, 2016. Ltd, Allied. "Tunnel Linking Malta To Gozo Most Viable Option – Muscat; 'Queue' Of Consortia Interested In Project". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Independent.com.mt, 2016. "Government Intends Moving Forward With Malta-Gozo Link, But All Options Open - PM - The Malta Independent". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Independent.com.mt, 2016. 'Malta-Gozo Tunnel A Plausible Solution To Transport Network Challenges' - Front Favur Il-Mina - The Malta Independent". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Times of Malta, 2016. Ltd, Allied. "Malta-Gozo Tunnel Study ‘Superficial’ - Expert". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
MaltaToday.com.mt, 2016. "Gozo Tunnel By 2030 Is In ‘Race Against Time’". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Times of Malta, 2015. Ltd, Allied. "Gozo: Bridge Plan Shelved, Focus Will Be On Tunnel". Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Times of Malta, 2015. Ltd, Allied. "Tunnel Vision For Gozo? Lively Exchanges On Timestalk". Web. 6 Jan. 2017.
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