Design Archives - The Allegheny Front

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

Full Episodes

Episode for September 24, 2021

Episode for September 17, 2021

Episode for September 10, 2021

Energy

Study Shows Significant Health Benefits From Pa. Joining RGGI, but Some Harms for Neighboring States

Downtown Pittsburgh Office Occupancy Is Way Down, but Energy Use? Not so Much.

Group Sues to Stop Permit for New Natural Gas Power Plant

Climate

Young People Take to the Streets of Pittsburgh, Demanding Climate Action

Pa. Won’t Hit Climate Goals Without Increasing Efforts Now, Report Says

Climate change threatens Pa.’s farmers. Healthy Soil May Be the Key.

Health

Why It’s Taking Pennsylvania so Long to Regulate Toxic PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water

Allegheny County Takes Aim at Air Pollution During Inversions

Study Shows Significant Health Benefits From Pa. Joining RGGI, but Some Harms for Neighboring States

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