In sub-Saharan Africa, traditional building techniques are no longer feasible; due to increased deforestation use of timber for roofing and posts is not viable. Adapting an ancient architectural technique used in Sudan and Asia to West Africa, provides an affordable alternative. The Voute Nubienne (VN) or Nubian Vault technique uses local materials (mud bricks dried...

The first solar powered StarSight virtual utility poles were installed in Istanbul, Turkey four months ago. The poles will provide a communication and emergency network in case of a large disaster (such as an earthquake) with a full Wi-Fi CCTV network attached to a lamppost. The first five poles include internet access, one mobile unit...