The Blueprint America series on PBS has been taking a look at what to do about the challenges of maintaining and modernizing infrastructure in the United States.

Wired has published a fascinating series of photos which highlight the very physical backbone of the Internet.

Solar Roadways is a series of structurally-engineered solar panels that can be driven on, replacing all current asphalt roads, including driveways and parking lots. The panels would collect and store solar energy to be used for our homes and businesses.

The charter city concept is a model of urban development seeking to start new cities within developing countries that foster rapid economic growth through the establishment of autonomous zones that operate outside the normal policies and regulations of a given nation.

Interesting thought piece over at The Big Money examining the subtle shift that will take place in our habits as we make the transition from gas-fueled vehicles to electric cars. New infrastructure, in the form of “fast-charging” stations, will be needed to meet the growing consumer demand. While the average “fast-charge” may eventually take as little as 15 minutes, that’s still 10 more minutes than the average conventional trip to the gas station. Which is to say, that gap translates into a lot more idle time on our hands. How will our culture of immediacy learn to cope with this [...]

Electric car infrastructure start-up Better Place has announced a recent round of funding totalling $135 million, which will help to ensure the company’s plans for a massive network of electric car charging stations in Denmark. The country has made owning an an electric car a lucrative proposition by charging no tax on the purchase of the car, as opposed to the 180% tax on a gas vehicle.
Silicon Alley Insider explains Better Place:
Better Place implements and oversees a system for countries wanting to wean themselves from gas powered autos. Rather than refuel your car at a gas station, Better Place wants [...]