No, it’s not another episode of Lost, although I kinda thought that too. You might wonder, then, what a flying greenhouse made out of 32 helium-filled transparent balloons, one with 31 smaller ones around it, held together by a special net is doing in the middle of a magical forest in the eastern part of the Netherlands in a place called Sonsbeek Park and why. Well… there’s a a festival going on this summer with sculptures (like this one made by architect Tomas Saraceno) placed around the forest. The idea is to experiment with pieces that can live harmoniously with nature.

“Saraceno dreams of a world in which people no longer need passports and since this cannot as yet be realized on the ground he is looking to the sky.” Source: Designnws.com

“Plants can grow in the large balloon while the smaller ones ensure the the temperature remains constant. The Flying Green House hangs between the trees and visitors can climb a ladder to take a look inside.” Source: Designnws.com

What a beautiful design and powerful symbology. We humans are capable of so much especially when given the opportunity. It’s easy to imagine peace on earth right here, right now.

That’s me (just a few hours ago) standing under the Stand sign at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland where Keen Footwear was celebrating its Stand Environmental Contest. Good for Keen putting up $75,000 for this contest and now putting on this part to promote the cause of sustainability at this festival.

I took the opportunity to interview different people for PPnG’s Green Streets which I will post here shortly. It’s always interesting to meet new people and learn about the different ways each one of us practices sustainable living. There are many similarities and yet many new surprises that come up and always something new to learn. And remember, if you’re interested in joining our Green Streets Team open to anyone, anywhere, simply send us e-mail at greenstreets@planetpinkngreen.com and let us know.

This was a fabulous booth offering ways to make your own cork board. Very eco-cute. Cork happens to be one of my favorite green designer resources. There are so many great uses for cork including flooring, inspiration boards, wall tiles, and my favorite right now; on the outside of refrigerator doors.

Another Keen contest called, “What’s your environmental confession?”

That’s me, Spencer Brown of Earth Friendly Moving Boxes and my dear friend and owner of Zot Baking Co., Linda Scarlett getting goofy in Mexican wrestling masks. Just say no to global warming.

Brazilian piece: Museu do Pão, Rio Grande do Sul, by Brasil Arquitetura

The London Festival of Architecture is going on for a month from June 20 to July 20, 2008 and Baby, I wish I were there. In the mean time, I can drool a bit over some of the stunning and award winning architectural works featured. As reported on WallPaper.com, “Eco themes are evident too at the Greener Than Thou exhibition at Swedish office furniture showroom Kinnarps, where Swedish A-list architects from Johannes Norlander to Marge are showing work.” Very cool. Check these out:

Brazilian architecture, Club NOX, Recife, by Metro Arquitetura+Juliano Dubeux What an other worldly piece of art.

Copenhagen, Denmark: Bikuben student residence by Aart Imagine : I love the orange gray combination. So European.

Oh Brazil, here you are again with Sonic Studio, São Paulo, by Anne Save de Beaurecueil+Franklin Lee. Check out that ceiling. It’s a designer’s dream.