Rainwater-harvesting roofs and natural cooling: architects draw inspiration from naturePhoto by Diego Fraga on Pexels
Business

Rainwater-harvesting roofs and natural cooling: architects draw inspiration from nature

Euronews Portugal29 August 2026 at 06:05

The World Architecture Festival revealed its shortlist of finalists, highlighting projects that incorporate biomimetic design principles and sustainable solutions inspired by natural processes. The participating architects demonstrate a growing interest in integrating nature into their architectural projects.

Among the standout entries are projects featuring roofs designed to harvest rainwater, functioning as passive water management systems. These designs allow water to be stored during precipitation periods for later use, reducing pressure on urban infrastructure and promoting building self-sufficiency.

Natural cooling constitutes another central theme among the finalist projects. Architects are developing solutions that mimic thermoregulation mechanisms found in nature, such as cross-ventilation and materials with reflective properties, eliminating or minimizing the need for artificial air conditioning systems.

The festival highlights this trend of returning to nature as a response to contemporary climate challenges. The finalist projects demonstrate how the application of biomimetic principles can contribute to more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable buildings.

Related articles

Tiago Cabaço Winery conquista lugar na meia-final nacional das Novas 7 MaravilhasPhoto by Mike Art 🎥 Visual Creator | Photography and Video 📸 on Pexels
Business

Tiago Cabaço Winery Secures Spot in National Semi-Final of the New 7 Wonders

The Tiago Cabaço Winery, located in Estremoz, secured a place in the national semi-final of the New 7 Wonders of Portugal, in the 21st Century category, after being chosen as a regional finalist in the competition dedicated to Alentejo and Ribatejo. The winery, characterized by contemporary architecture partially buried in a half-moon shape, combines wine production with tourism experience, offering visitors a privileged view over the vineyard with Estremoz castle as a backdrop. This recognition represents a milestone for the municipality, which now competes in the semi-final scheduled for Saturday in Sintra, with the goal of advancing to the next phase and asserting Estremoz on the national scene.

Rádio Campanário29/08/26, 19:30
Vai receber o mesmo se pedir a reforma com 40 ou com 48 anos de descontos? Veja o impacto na pensãoPhoto by Jonathan Córdova R. on Pexels
Business

Will you receive the same if you request retirement with 40 or 48 years of contributions? See the impact on your pension

The article analyzes the differences between retiring with 40 or 48 years of contributions in Portugal, clarifying that years of contribution above 40 do not count just as three months each, but rather allow reducing the personal retirement age by four months for each complete year. With 40 years of contributions, it is possible to access early retirement through flexibility at age 60, but leaving before the personal retirement age implies penalties of 0.5% for each month of anticipation. With 48 years of contributions and at least 60 years, there is access to early pension without penalty under the very long careers regime. The pension value depends on various factors, including the best years of remuneration, and the calculation considers only up to 40 years of contributory career, although additional years can replace periods with lower salaries. Social Security recommends simulation before making any decision.

Postal do Algarve29/08/26, 19:30
Risco para marcas ao contratar influenciadores que falam de política é menor do que parecePhoto by Matheus Santana on Pexels
Business

Risk for brands when hiring influencers who talk about politics is smaller than it seems

A survey by Grapa'C, the influence marketing operation of the Dreamers Group, analyzed more than 114 thousand comments on 100 posts by ten influencers known for their political positions and concluded that brands' fear regarding the political positioning of these content creators may be exaggerated, since only 3% of the manifestations associated politics and brand.

oglobo29/08/26, 19:23
Por que restaurantes estão acabando com as gorjetas nos EUAPhoto by Carlos Hernandez on Pexels
Business

Why restaurants are ending tipping in the USA

The tip, traditionally rooted in American culture, has generated a wide debate in the United States in recent years, leading many restaurants to eliminate this practice. The movement seeks to rethink the way employees are paid, especially waiters, who frequently depend on tips as a significant part of their income.

BBC News Brasil29/08/26, 19:18