ING Group headquarters, Amsterdam
Designed by Roberto Meyer of Meyer en Van Schooten architects, Amsterdam
The designers of ING Group's HQ came up with an ingenious and energy saving device for a building which is made up of a lot of glass. A double skin faÁade reduces the need for air conditioning and provides natural ventilation for the workers inside it as well as saving energy.
Plantation Place, London
Designed by Arup Associates, London
As well as having a double skinned faÁade, like the ING Bank, Plantation Place has a blind system which responds locally to the sun, keeping it in or out only where and when absolutely necessary. It also has an air filtration system which works rather like our lungs.The polluted air is kept out at ground level and cleaner air is pulled in from higher up and pumped through the building.
Munich Olympic Stadium, Munich, Germany
Designed by Behnisch & Partner, Stuttgart, Germany
The Munich Olympic Stadium is notorious for the terrorist attack at the 1972 games but it has also become one of the most iconic Olympic venues. It can be compared to a spider's web in the way it uses strength and grace together and is a perfect example of using the minimum amount of material to cover a vast area.
Commerzbank, Frankfurt, Germany
Designed by Foster & Associates
At 300 metres high this is Europe's tallest building. Despite its size, the architects have come up with really ingenious design solutions to get the best out of the 2,500 staff that work here. One third of the building is taken up with gardens. Plants provide enriched oxygenated air which makes the brain work better, resulting in higher performance from staff.
The Eden Project, Cornwall
Original concept by Tim Schmit, Eden Project designed by Grimshaws
The Eden Project is biomimetic in all five areas touched upon in the programme.It's aim is to promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital relationship between plants, people and resources, leading towards a sustainable future for all.
