The use of scent can have a profound effect on the impression of a space.

While quality design tries to evoke the senses, one element that may seemingly get lost as important in the process is the incorporation of natural aromatics.

Spaces are often more than just what is seen. There is also an invisible mood often which can be attributed to, among other things, fragrances in the air.

Sensory experiences, especially odors, can bring back memories associated with a particular smell or group of smells. Research on the importance of smell has been conducted in numerous studies.

Chemesthesis, or the detection of a chemical irritant, allows an ingrained sense of protection with regards to humans and animals. Coughing or other reactions to strong odors are natural reflexes. This defense helps safeguard against harmful substances in the environment (National Institutes of Health).

Ridding rooms of dustiness and chemical odors like those emitted from harsh paints, upholstery and carpeting made from synthetic materials can improve air quality. Things like air flow and ventilation can also affect one’s perception of smell.

Techniques of sensory design are evident in facilities like spas, hospitality destinations, hospitals and office spaces. This concept is also widely used in urban design and is a substantial marketing technique. Think of coffee, floral, bath and apothecary shops, which all use smell to entice customers. Aromatherapy is also used in many therapeutic forms.

Sense of smell as used in sensory design does not mean turning to chemicals to mask the air, though. There are simple things that can be done to naturally create an aromatic scent.

One researcher, Victoria Henshaw, states the significance of scent, and not just relying on aesthetics in a design. She has made studying scent experiences a focal point and has noted “smell walks” as an important tool for recognizing how many we actually encounter during for instance, a stroll. As part of her inquiry, she began taking partakers on these walks and has noted that many state things like breezes or flowing water can improve perception of air quality, lending to increased awareness of smells.

She provides an example of a landscape which creates a lingering fragrance. Located in the perfume capital of the world – Grasse, France is famous for its aromatic fields of jasmine and other flowers used in its popular formulas. She observed that throughout the area are also visual representations of the regional flowers, which can appear to make the spaces more fragranced with the familiar smell.

The concept of sensory gardens, or outdoor spaces that have been specifically designed to stimulate the physical senses, can be used at home to heighten the awareness of natural fragrances, as well as produce a relaxing effect.

Planting fragrant flowers or herbs by doorways and along walkways can entice before even entering an interior space. Stick with native varieties, but examples of powerfully scented ones are gardenias, honeysuckle, roses, violets, wisteria, lemon balm, rosemary and mint. Trees like cedars and pine also put off strong aromas. Certain plants can also be placed indoors in containers, such as herb gardens, for a lasting fragrance.

Homemade scents can also be used to naturally freshen the air.

Sensory design recognizes the importance of integrating the human senses, including sense of smell, into indoor and outdoor areas. Designs that keep the olfactory system, as well as the other senses in mind, can help produce stimulating spaces that are more than just visually based.

Image Source: Google Images

Kerosene lamps pose many health risks and other hazards, but are still used in many areas where there is no electricity.

Solar lighting provides a safe and efficient alternative, and many companies are taking the initiative and making durable solar light bulbs and lanterns that allow lighting without kerosene.

Discovery News has compiled great samples of solar powered lights and their designers that are making a real difference in the daily lives of those who have access to them by eliminating dependence on harmful kerosene based lighting.

Waterproof solar lanterns from Greenlight Planet in India have helped to replace some kerosene lamps which emit toxic fumes and reduce indoor air quality. Called Sun King, these also have a built-in stand and can emit about 16 hours of light per day. Another company called Nokero has helped to replace kerosene with their solar light bulbs that come with a hanging hook and a back-up rechargeable battery.

Evans Wadongo, an engineer, had his eyesight impaired from kerosene lighting as a child. Consequently, he was driven by this and developed a solar lamp which helps families in Africa have safe lighting. Meaning “good light” in Swahili, the lamp is named Mwangabora.

Another invention is the D.light that was developed by two design students, one of which had a neighbor whose son had suffered burns from a kerosene lamp. This light comes on a stand and is equipped with various settings and features a phone charger.

Other solar lighting systems on the list are the Nomad solar lamp, BoGo, a solar flashlight, and inflatable designs LuminAID LED lighting and the Luci solar lantern.

These are only a few illustrations of solar projects that are still prominently needed on a wide-spread scale.

Though it may not be the same as some of the above mentioned designs, you can make your own solar lighting at home. One idea is changing old kerosene lanterns that have been cleaned out to remove any residue into solar ones.

When others do not have something as basic as lighting, it is good to hear about people who have resourcefully stepped up to provide it.

Image Source: Wikipedia: Evans Wadongo

If you’re looking for the ultimate in clean air, consider the Airocide, which uses NASA-developed technology to eliminate indoor toxins and pollutants.

We talk a lot about the importance of clean air in our neighborhoods, but we sometimes we forget that the most important location for clean air is in the rooms where we live and work. The same air that is polluted outside of our buildings is the same air that gets pulled inside for ventilation, where it then also mixes with gasses and pollutants coming from the furnishings and building materials that make up the rooms.

Because we only have a minimal amount of control over the air outside, filtering or purifying that indoor air is the most effective way to mitigate the effects of toxins and pollutants. Air filtration units are fairly easy to find, but many of them are limited in their effectiveness, and offer only a physical filter to capture large airborne particles. but a new kind of air purifier goes way beyond that.

The Airocide unit, which is based on technology developed by NASA, doesn’t have a filter, but instead uses highly reactive catalysts to destroy pathogens and clear the air of all of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) it carries.

Originally developed by NASA engineers and researchers at the University of Wisconsin to eliminate ethylene gas from the space station, the technology behind Airocide has now been used for almost 15 years by grocery stores, food packers, and florists to extend the shelf life of their fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Once it was discovered that the units could eliminate viruses, bacteria, molds, pollen, and dust mites, the units have been installed in hospitals and medical facilities in order to slow or stop the spread of infectious diseases there.

Airocide draws pathogens and pollutants into a photocatalytic oxidation reactor, where they are destroyed, removing VOCs and harmful gasses:

“Our patented bioconversion process grabs fungi, mold, viruses, bacteria and more and disassembles them at their molecular level. Airocide also clears the air of virtually 100% of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’S) – the harmful gasses emitted by products like aerosol sprays, cleaning supplies, disinfectants, hobby supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, building materials, paints and paint thinner, strippers, pesticides and even air fresheners.”

The Airocide units don’t use a filter, so there is nothing that users need to clean in order to keep it working effectively, but once a year, the reaction chamber must be replaced ($99), and the units have a notification light for alerting users when it’s time to change it.

According to the company, 12 years of scientific testing in the U.S., plus data from field use on the Space Station, lab studies and case studies indicate that the Airocide can reduce the amount of bacteria and mold in household air by 75%, which could make a huge difference in personal health.

At a retail price of about $800, Airocide might not be for everyone, but the allergic, the chemically-sensitive, and those living in highly polluted areas may find relief with this high-tech air purifier. Find out more at Airocide.

Finland is a densely wooded land nourished by numerous lakes, with a sparse population that is short of five and half million. Nestled in the southeastern tip of Finland you’ll find Helsinki, the country’s capital and largest city. It is a city once shaped by Russian and Swedish influence, but has a distinctive culture imbued with the Finnish spirit and retains a high quality of life.

As a part of Green Efforts, we will delve into some of the practices, both old and advanced, that reveal the city’s environmental awareness.

Green Agenda
Helsinki’s strength lies in the city’s sheer determination to create a sustainable society that serves the urban and conserves the natural environment. This can be shown in city plans, implementations of the government, and the participation of its citizens, many of who are active in environmental affairs.

In a recent study comparing the politics of European capitals, the European Green City Index awarded Helsinki as the top ranking city for environmental politics. Currently, ten of its parliament seats are occupied by members of the Green league, which is Finland’s green purist political party.

Clean City
Helsinki has been ranked as the seventh cleanest city amongst other European capitals, taking into account air quality, waste utilization, land use and construction. It has also garnered attention in other international studies with good and satisfactory marks on air quality.

How Helsinki Moves
Along with walking, bicycling is a popular means of navigation and accounts for 6 percent of all trips made in the city. Helsinki’s extensive bike path system allows for uninterrupted travel throughout the city, with over meters of . One of newest additions to the cycling network is last year’s Baana. Baana was formerly a harbor railway corridor but was converted into a two-lane route for bike riders and pedestrians.

If you ever want to dismount your wheels and walk, the bicycle service station at the Kamppi Center is a safe place to stow your bike. For those without a bike to ride, they provide bike rentals. Other services include bike repair and information.

Another emphasis in the city’s development  is the advancement made in public transportation. Currently 72 percent of morning commuters use public transportation to reach the city center. Those that still use automobiles will find it pays in Helsinki to invest in a fuel efficient vehicle, as drivers of fuel efficient vehicles receive discounts, including a half price reduction on parking fees.

Urban Density and Helsinki’s Cityscape
While most the world’s housing is being spread out, and resources spread thin, new housing developments in Helsinki emphasize the importance of space utilization and plans center around the construction of apartment blocks and mixed-use buildings rather than single-family domes. This saves on energy use and allows residents easy access to public amenities by foot, cycling, and public transportation. The city’s built environment also makes plenty of room for nature. Parks, forests and other green areas account for 36 percent of Helsinki’s land and Finns, who are passionate about all things outdoors, work to conserve these green sanctuaries.

Other efforts at sustainable housing includes Eco-Viikki, a neighborhood designed with high ecological standards. The Eco-Viikki is located near the University of Helsinki’s Viikki campus. The goal of this neighborhood is to create carbon free living and is the first ecologically designed neighborhood in Finland.

Preparing for Climate Change
As a city cradled by the Baltic ocean, Helsinki runs future risk of flood due to rising sea levels. To lessen damage from climate change, the lowest level of buildings in future waterfront areas will be at least three meters above sea level. Flood embankments are planned for existing buildings that are below 2.5 meters above sea level, which total to 700.

Green Efforts: Intro
Green Efforts: St Louis

Source
http://en.uuttahelsinkia.fi/sections/5/environment, http://www.hel.fi/hki/Ymk/en/Etusivu
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The Vicarious by Nature collection of fashionable, organic & eco-conscious contemporary clothing will be on show on March 8, 2012 at the Attire to Inspire fashion show as part of Los Angeles fashion week.

Founded in 2007 by Robb Hanson & Devon Craychee, Vicarious by Nature (VBN) is an eco-contemporary clothing line that fosters the ideals of quality and style with a “naturally” conscious approach. They aim to be forward thinking environmentally, while still being fashion forward.

Attire to Inspire, Breathe LA‘s second annual charity fashion show, will be held at the Conga Room in downtown Los Angeles. Other eco conscious designers featured in the show are Yotam Solomon and Moods of Norway.

Breathe LA is a non-profit organization committed to improving lung health and air quality for Los Angeles area residents. Breathe LA serves as a clean air and healthy living advocate and is recognized for its educational series and wellness programs including environmental education, asthma control for children and groundbreaking research.