SOM’s Urban Sequoia Is at the Forefront of Environmentally Sustainable Architecture

Architizer Editors Architizer Editors

Imagine if new buildings could help heal the planet. SOM has developed a prototype—the first step to achieving this goal—that can be built today. Taking inspiration from natural processes and ecosystems, Urban Sequoia envisions forests of buildings that create a new carbon-removal economy. Leveraging existing technologies and emerging solutions and backed by research that has been years in the making, Urban Sequoia envisions an architecture that employs bio materials (made of cyano-bacteria, hydrogel, sand, warm water), nature-based micro algae systems for carbon sequestration and technologies that can transform their buildings into sources of biofuel.

Check out more work by SOM on their Architizer firm profile:

Read More About the Firm

Best Sustainable Firm, 10th Annual A+Awards.

Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry — and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!

WIT Design & Research Renovate a Listed Brick-Wood Building

Learn more about how the firm's unobtrusive design for the restoration of a famous economist's house museum clocked in under $250, 000.

Slide Around This Playful Reimagining of an Old Gabled Brick Cottage

Using hidden slopes, concealed steps, split levels and slip bookcase walls, this intervention subver ts standard residential formulas.

+