Who says solar power can't be gorgeous? The people of New Caledonia are out to prove the naysayers wrong with what may be the most beautiful solar farm on the planet. The heart-shaped solar farm will supply 2 megawatts of solar power to 750 homes on the Pacific island, reducing carbon emissions while enhancing the natural beauty of the plant's surroundings. A local beverage company called Froico SA commissioned the stunning plant, which is being built by Conergy, and should start generating power next year. New Caledonian's are building the plant to help reduce the French territory's dependence on foreign energy, and by the time the plant reaches the end of its life cycle in 25 years, it is expected to save around 2 million tons of emissions. The plant's shape was inspired by a nearby mangrove forest that has naturally grown into a heart shape, known as the "Coeur de Voh." The "Coeur de Voh" is an important landmark for the people of New Caledonia, and shows just how extraordinary nature can be," managing director of Conergy said. "The "Heart of New Caledonia" solar plant will be its man-made double, a landmark for clean power generation."

Construction has begun on a giant observation tower in the heart of the Amazon basin to monitor climate change. The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory is expected to rise 325 meters from the ground. Its instruments will gather data on greenhouse gases, aerosol particles and the weather in one of the largest continuous rain forests on the planet. Brazilian and German scientists hope to use the data to better understand sources of greenhouse gases and answer questions on climate change. The tower is being constructed out of steel that was brought thousands of kilometers from the south of Brazil to the site, about 160 kilometers from the Amazonian city of Manaus. Because of its height, the tower will make it possible to investigate the alteration and movement of air masses through the forest over a distance of several hundred kilometers. The Amazon jungle is one of the world's most sensitive ecosystems, with a powerful influence on the intake and release of carbon into the atmosphere. ""The tower will help us answer innumerable questions related to global climate change," said Paulo Artaxo, from the University of Sao Paulo and project coordinator for the Brazilians. The tower will be integrated into an existing structure of smaller measuring towers in the region. When finished, it will complement a similar observatory built in 2006 that already stands in Central Siberia (lower photo).

Architecture practice RMJM's Shenzhen office just won a design competition for a new observation tower in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai. Inspired by Doumen district's traditional water culture, the architects designed the skyscraper in the image of a jumping fish by covering the twisting structure in a scaly facade. The iconic tower will serve as a major city landmark and will be prominently located at the confluence of two major rivers in the center of the city's new promenade development. Measuring nearly 100 meters in height, the Zhuhai Observation Tower will be clad in 1,400 perforated aluminum panels that will give the building its fish-like look and protect the tower from the sun. Composed of twelve two-dimensional curves, the skyscraper's likeness to a jumping fish symbolizes the prosperity and rapid transformation of Zhuhai. Since the tower will be integrated in an urban promenade, RMJM minimized the building's footprint in order to make room for pedestrian-oriented landscape elements and recreational activities. Cafes and restaurants will also be located on the first floor of the tower to help spur activity in the plaza square. The mixed-use tower is split into three main activity zones: the ground podium with retail and restaurants, the leisure activity zone in the middle, and an observation deck on the top floor that will offer 360-degree views.

La Grande Arche in La Defense has dominated Paris' skyline for twenty five years, however the immense structure has fallen into disrepair as its marble facade crumbles and threatens to fall on people below. Fortunately, the French government has decided to invest US$ 267.5 million to renovate the iconic building and work is scheduled to begin in October. The 110-meter high and 110-meter wide cube of La Grande Arche surpasses the Notre Dame cathedral in size, and its large viewing platforms and commercial spaces once attracted over 250,000 visitors per year. It was designed by Danish architect Johann Otto von Spreckelsen, who won an international competition, but due to illness he had to pass on responsibility for its construction to French architect Paul Andreu. La Grande Arche was inaugurate back in 1989 as a symbol of prosperity and economic growth, but it has suffered substantial damage over the years. Several recent studies found portions of the building unsafe, partly due to the porosity of the stone. The weather and pollution have also left their mark on the architectural behemoth, and the area around the foot of the north side of the arch has been closed to the public. Additionally, some of the occupants of the office spaces on the south side have complained about the poor working conditions and the lack of natural light. The renovation work will focus on the building's south side and is expected to last for two years.

Koen Olthuis and Dutch Docklands have announced a new project: a five-star floating hotel off the coast of Norway named the Krystall. Reminiscent of their Maldives development the Greenstar, this cold-climate sister project will take the form of a six-pointed ice crystal. As with Dutch Docklands' other floating structures the development will be low-impact, and it's designed to "blend in with the "winter environment" between the most beautiful fjords." The Krystall will float offshore from the northern city of Tromso, located within the Arctic Circle. Designed to be completely self-supporting and self-sustainable, the hotel will have a diameter of 120 meters, and facilities will include 86 guest rooms, conference rooms, and spa and wellness facilities. It's also billed as a perfect spot for viewing the Northern Lights due to its glass roof. The five-star luxury and spectacular nature of the project is aimed at attracting wealthy visitors from Japan, Russia and Europe. As Olthuis told CNN, "In the hotel, you'll float through hallways lined with cool, futuristic blue shapes, recline by a fireplace faced in transparent bricks resembling ice blocks and sleep in rooms tricked out in minimalist, winter-themed designs." But true to Olthuis's green principles, the design is not just about the aesthetics. To be built in dry dock and then positioned in place, the hotel will not leave a lasting footprint on its location. "That's the only way to bring a hotel to such a precious and beautiful marine environment," he says. Floating structures are a pragmatic design concern for the development company, as they ameliorate the risks to coastal properties associated with rising sea levels. As Olthuis explains, "We live in a dynamic world where static buildings do not bring us the needed flexibility. Building on water brings us new space for expansion, safety against floods and flexibility to adjust developments without demolition whenever needed." The hotel is set to open in December 2016.