LEED-certified architecture was conceived by a nonprofit to save energy on heating and cooling, but it also makes for big business. According to the watchdogs at Mother Jones, an office building certified for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design costs $171 more to build per square foot than a typical structure—and the standards may be better at generating publicity than at encouraging truly cost-effective, environmentally friendly energy. At least that’s the contention of energy consultant Henry Gifford, who has filed a series of lawsuits against the U.S. Green Building Council, which developed the internationally recognized rating system.

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In Praise of Fallow Fields: An architect embraces the slowdown — The economic downturn hit my architecture business hard. For years, I had a running list of clients waiting for me to design their projects, but now the backlog is gone. I live and work only in the present tense, unsure of the outlook next year or even next month. This loss can be awkward to discuss with friends and colleagues. I see pained looks flicker across their faces when I answer “How’s business?” with an unequivocal “Really slow.” For my part, though, I am learning to embrace the slowdown for its cathartic qualities. The stillness holds another kind of wealth—one of reflection, grounding, and opportunity. I have come to appreciate the fallow period.

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Construction is under way for the “Bosco Verticale,” two residential towers by Italian architect Stefano Boeri within the metropolitan center of Milan, Italy. The concept of reforestation within the city context intends to minimize the expansion of established urban fabric for additional green spaces while still increasing biodiversity which has been lost during development. (via Designboom)

(via Designboom)

Argentinian-born and German-based artist Tomás Saraceno’s “Cloud Cities” installation is currently on display at Hamburger Bahnhof in Berlin… . These inflated, bubble and spider web-like gardens form communal ground between the earth and sky, aiding in the reorientation of physical representation of environmental influence.

(via Designboom)

The “Green Cell” proposal by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma of Tokyo-based Kengo Kuma + Associates has placed second in the international competition for the new Taipei City Museum of Art for Taipei City, Taiwan. An undulating double skin generates the iconic form which radiates in a waving manner into the encompassing urbanscape. A main hall connects the museum’s program with a nearby train station, cable car, riverbank trail transforming the site into a dynamic hub.

In short: 100 Abandoned Houses.

(via Designboom)

Brooklyn based street artist Aakash Nihalani uses brightly colored tape to create geometric pieces of art. Utilizing fluorescent colors and basic shapes, Nihalani only adds, but never changes the space since the nature of the material causes no damage to the built environment.

(via Designboom)

Scandinavian practice C.F. Møller Architects has collaborated with Swedish firm Berg Arkitektkontor to propose “Skipark 360°,” an indoor skiing facility in Stockholm, Sweden. Positioned within the Swedish countryside, this elevated, enclosed downhill ski slope and tunnel is supported with a series of descending pillars. The open air form maintains unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and allows wildlife to pass between the dominant column line. Capable of hosting the World Cup, the 70,000 square meter facility will serve as an amateur and elite training location for cross country skiing, ice hockey, snowboarding and figure skating along with a biathlon arena. Ground level restaurants, shops, conference centers and a hotel will accommodate visitors with access to the surrounding forest and lakes.

(via Designboom)

Mexican architecture practice ARQMOV Workshop has sent us images of “Kiral Apartments,” a multi-storey residential project in Mexico City. Featuring an undulating street facade that isfurther accentuated by the regularly-spaced railings, the design uses elements of optical illusionto mimic movement, establishing a dynamic identity within the urban site.