For the architects in here, this is a really good short video.

Below are images I recieved in an email showing construction images of the Empire State Building.  Enjoy!!!

Sustainability is a significant issue of our times. Considering the social as well as the environmental benefits resulting from sustainable development, it is a no-brainer to direct all concerted efforts towards this notable cause. Sustainability can be defined as the ability to fulfill today’s needs without affecting the ability to fulfill tomorrow’s needs.

Sustainable development is recently being actively pursued by several developers and planners; the following are the primary factors that have contributed to its relevance, awareness and prominence:

You might have a hard time believing this...just as I do writing it, but I recently found myself in a conversation with a friend at his office about the concept of "form versus function"...you know, the old architectural standard. For those not schooled directly in the architectural arts (like myself), the principle states that there are two ends of the spectrum for building...one end for functionality, the other end for aesthetics or "looks". The debate centers around which point of the spectrum is optimal.