OCW
The incredible engineering of Venice
To escape Germanic invaders, people fled into the Venetian Lagoon in the 6th century. The settlers set out to tame the mudflats and built a foundation in the marshy maze to support heavier, longer-lasting structures. Little did they know, this system of wood, water, and mud would still be supporting..
TED
Reimagining traditional architecture for modern needs
Architect Riyad Joucka believes your home should be a mirror of who you are. Using 3D printing and ancient architectural wisdom, he's designing efficient, personal homes that respond to context, climate and culture without sacrificing character. He makes the case that we should start designing ..
TED
The haunting history of the Paris Catacombs
For centuries, Parisians had buried their dead in the Cemetery of the Innocents. By the 18th century, the grounds had become overcrowded — spewing foul odors across the city. Residents worried that it posed a public health threat, and petitioned the government for a solution. But where could they ..
TED
Why the world is still not built for women
Design consultant Virginia Santy set out to create an office space built specifically for women, flipping the script on the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways that workplaces and cities still fail them. The results were striking: greater productivity, deeper collaboration and an environment where women..
TED
The brilliance of bridges and roads that repair themselves
Your skin heals after a scratch. What if our roads, bridges and cities could self-repair after getting damaged, too? Scientist and engineer Mark Miodownik describes a new class of materials — animate matter — with the potential to sense damage, self-heal and even biodegrade when the job is done...
TED
Why are we demolishing homes during a housing crisis?
Every minute somewhere in Europe, a house is demolished — along with the memories and sense of community it holds, says architect Olaf Grawert. Exposing the human and environmental cost of demolition for profit, he highlights a bold alternative that could address the growing housing crisis. Learn ..
TED
