Vacation challenge: be completely offline

Posted on 23/08/2012 by DARMA

Tomorrow Darma goes on Holidyas. We’ll, that’s not really true, because we’ll dedicate a couple of days to work in Hotel Villaró project in Barcelona, but most of the time, we’ll try to enjoy and have fun. I was reading a really interesting article in Amalio Rey’s blog (in spanish) about how important is to disconnect completely during holidays. I confess that while reading, I felt kind of giddy and started to look for excuses to avoid the tips Amalio gives us. Luckily, in Blog.[cumClavis] I found the words I was looking for.

While Amalio finds that is essencial to disconnect during holidays, Manel from CumClavis defends the idea of feeling free to do what we want in every moment. I’m more for Manel’s advice but it’s true that Amalio’s answer is totally right: What usually an alcoholic feels like? (in all their shades, including the “workaholic”) keep drinking the same brew. So maybe to keep on hooked on our addictions couldn’t be good… Anyway I suspect that trying to put aside our virtual life during holidays is, at least for me, more stressful than staying stuck to it!

Amalio defends the need to disconnect and relax. To rest is a human necessity and to disconnect is a must to renew and refresh our knowledge and creativity. I couldn’t agree more, but when I do this and I need to go back to work after a few days, I can’t avoid the vertigo, I feel depressed and even I’m little bit lost in front the computer, I lost the rythm and I feel less productive. So, as Manel says, it’s not bad to keep connected to our daily life: check e mails, take a look to the social networks, read and write blogs,… I have the feeling you can’t not “erase” who you are, and we can’t deny that we are more and more “homus digitalis” with human-technology relations.

So, who’s right? Amalio or CumClavis? I promiss myself to try to be as analogical as possible during the holdyas, but I’m already worried about the WIFI connexion in the airport… I think I’m not going to be able to keep myself clen and sober….

Anyway, we wish you all a great end of August and, if not sooner, see you in September!

Fonts:

– ¿Desconectar?

– Amalio Rey. Elogio a la desconexión.

– Vacaciones y sobre-exposición digital.

– Apaguen los móviles y apaguen campamento (Elogio a la desconexión)

Think green: top 4 must see eco constructions

Posted on 09/08/2012 by DARMA

In Darma we are sustainable architecture enthusiasts. It’s a smart move and a way to coexist with the planet and our consciousness. To built and live making the most of natural resources without exploiting them, minimun consumption, maximum use and all that, without leaving aside the innovation and aesthetics.
We leave you with some of the projects we love the most.

Finca Bellavista: Highflying Treehouses in Costa Rica

Erica and Matt Hogan made their dream come true. This treetop neighborhood is still growing and there has been a lot of progress since its inception less than 5 years ago. Located in the south Pacific coastal region of Costa Rica, the comfy yet rustic private retreat welcomes people to get off the beaten path and explore the wonders of rainforest living.
More about Finca Bellavista

Stretched Egg, passive house in the UK

It’s not easy to find spare space for new eco-neighborhoods, so Evgeni Leonov Architects designed a series of narrow egg-shaped homes that extend from the historic Trent Villa in Nottingham. Considered to be one of the most energy-efficient forms found in nature, the egg shape served as the main inspiration for the urban regeneration project, which is designed to meet passive house requirements.

Blue Forest’s Beautiful Eco-PERCH Treehouse

Featuring natural materials and an organic form, the eco-PERCH will fit amicably within almost any environment, creating a harmonious balance between contemporary living and nature. But best of all? This perch can be assembled on site in just five days!

More about Eco-Perch

HOUS.E+ a self-sustaining home for the near future.

HOUS.E+ is a concept that relies on geothermal energy for efficient heating and cooling in Vancouver. Rammed earth walls made from soil excavated on site provide an eco-friendly enclosure while an aquaponics farm around the home produces fish and food. Topped with photovoltaic panels and lined with micro-hydro turbines in the walls, the HOUS.E+ is designed to produce more energy than it needs, sending the rest back to the grid.

More about HOUS.E+