Design Archives - The Allegheny Front

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

Full Episodes

Episode for January 17, 2020

Episode for January 10, 2020

Episode for January 3, 2020

Energy

Assessing the Damage from Mining: a 5 Year Report

Wolf Says Despite GOP Compromise, Drilling Bill Poses Too Much Environmental Risk

DEP Orders Range Resources to Clean Up its Act on Well That Had Garnered a Then-Record $8.9 Million Fine

Climate

After String of Smoggy Days, Allegheny County Wants Polluters to Reduce Emissions During Some Weather Events

Rising Waters: Aging Levees, Climate Change and the Challenge to Hold Back the Ohio River

New Book from Longtime Environmentalist Offers Advice to the New Generation Solving the Climate Crisis

Pollution

Sunoco Fined $2 Million for Mariner East Spills in Raystown Lake

Allegheny County Issues Nearly $800K in Fines for Clairton Coke Works Violations

We Mapped the Toxic Wastewater Discharges Along the Ohio River. Here’s What We Learned.

Health

Allegheny County Issues Nearly $800K in Fines for Clairton Coke Works Violations

Whose Job Is it to Reduce Toxic Mercury in the Ohio River?

Residents Press Allegheny County to Do More to Address Air Pollution

Design

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