Design Archives

The playground at Liberty Green in Larimer

Stormwater Infrastructure Hidden Beneath Two New Pittsburgh Parks

Susan Scott PetersonSeptember 16, 2021

Pittsburgh's sewer system was built in the 1800s for a much smaller city, and it's notorious for overflowing. But there's a new way to capture stormwater, hidden beneath the green grass of two new parks.

DesignWater

Inside one of Pennsylvania’s most energy-efficient buildings

Marie CusickJuly 12, 2019

The building actually generated 75 percent more energy than it consumed–thanks to more than 500 solar panels on the roof, a ground-mounted solar array, and 20 geothermal wells.

Climate ChangeDesignEnergy

Art That Grows Awareness and Appreciation for Trees

Kara HolsoppleJune 28, 2019

A Pittsburgh artist hopes to reconnect people to trees through Tree Pittsburgh's new exhibit FRUITFUL.

ConservationCultureDesignWild PennsylvaniaYour Environment Update

This Machine Will Change The Way You Think About Plastic

Kara HolsoppleAugust 2, 2018

Plastic has become the poster child for the wastefulness of the modern world. But Dutch designer Bart Bleijerveld says it’s a really useful, even beautiful material. We’re just using it the wrong way.

DesignPollutionTechnology

A Giant Cheeseburger and the Fight Against Blight

Kara HolsoppleSeptember 23, 2016

Though vacant lots are often seen as the bane of many communities, a group of Pittsburgh artists is trying to reimagine them as an opportunity.

CultureDesign

Pittsburgh’s Industrial Past Finds New Life as Public Art

Kara HolsoppleSeptember 16, 2016

We pay a visit to Pittsburgh's inaugural Re:NEW Festival, an art and performance event that’s all about reusing materials and environmental sustainability.

CultureDesign

Hey, Pittsburgh. You Now Have the Greenest City Building in the World.

The Allegheny FrontSeptember 9, 2016

Geothermal heating, a parking area covered in solar panels and a rainwater collection system are just a few of the bells and whistles that make Pittsburgh's new Frick Environmental Center a marvel of green design.

CultureDesign

Are Corporations Cashing in on Earth Day?

Reid FrazierApril 8, 2016

Many corporations are using Earth Day as an occasion to advertise green products. But for consumers, there's a subtle line between savvy marketing and greenwashing.

CultureDesign

Artist renderings of the new Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh. Photo: Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

This is What the New Environmental Center at Frick Park Will Look Like

Kara HolsoppleDecember 11, 2015

In 2002, a fire destroyed the environmental education center in Pittsburgh's Frick Park. But the new center, now under construction, will be a world-class green building.

DesignEnergy

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Energy

More flaring at Shell’s Beaver County plant after compressor problem

Electric grid reliability is questioned by Pennsylvania lawmakers

Pennsylvania ranks near bottom of states in renewable energy generation

Climate

Spring arrived early for some this year. And it’s complicated

Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal includes Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Study to look at flooding and health outcomes in 2 predominantly Black Pittsburgh neighborhoods

Health

U.S. Steel reaches tentative settlement with Allegheny County, groups over air pollution following 2018 fire

EPA proposes first limits on toxic ‘forever chemicals’ for public drinking water

The paradox of East Palestine: safe test results, while residents report health problems

Design

Stormwater Infrastructure Hidden Beneath Two New Pittsburgh Parks

Inside one of Pennsylvania’s most energy-efficient buildings

Art That Grows Awareness and Appreciation for Trees

This Machine Will Change The Way You Think About Plastic

A Giant Cheeseburger and the Fight Against Blight

Pittsburgh’s Industrial Past Finds New Life as Public Art

Hey, Pittsburgh. You Now Have the Greenest City Building in the World.

Are Corporations Cashing in on Earth Day?

This is What the New Environmental Center at Frick Park Will Look Like