heh, i can just see flocks of migrating birds being....decimated...by the trailing cables.
Yeah, unfortunately bird problems are one thing that affects almost any attempt to harness wind energy. It's definitely a major "con" to consider, but since at the moment we're just comparing different options, I thought I would mention the kites.
i have included it in the document; its a good idea.
beside, I'm sure that the birds would learn to avoid it, in time..
I believe me and Richard have decided on the preferred power source ;p
not the preferred. just the most versitatile
we still havent fully explored the enviromental effects, or that of the others..
cant deny it would be the most profitable though :p
Oh, it's "autfinity island" or "the autfinity project" not "infinity island". Amy invented the name as aspergia is copyrighted/trademarked by Edan.
thanks Gareth, i knew i had read it someplace, but i couldnt remember where 
well, Ian, i think you would be suited for the document about monies...
and Luai, its not just the Island model; while it is the one i personally prefer, EZ has also discussed "taking over" an existing neighbourhood. there is also the possibility of creating a whole new town, but...thats harder to do
Well the only way to gain funds is to set up businesses/a business in said neighborhood/island in my honest opinion.
I guess I could play around with some ideas re: finance, if nothing else it'll be practice.
good good.
dont forget to post the first draft :p
(oh yeah you've got mail re: our idea, Richard)
yes
Would the island produce any goods at all, or would everything be manufactured elsewhere and imported?
I don't think an early version of the island model would have the resources to produce many items, but to import everything seems expensive.
havent got to that yet.
I would imagine that it would be mostly tech industry anyway.
or just play to peoples skills. whatever works.
but to begin with, it would be quite....frugal, yes.
Just thinking - this is probably a developed enough plan that we should start actually looking at costing plans... In the next day or so, I'll try to find some figures on building materials (probably the most important part).
Does anyone know any figures for other things on the list?
so...i'll handle this side of the document, Ian handles the funding, and you look at costs?
oh, have a look at that concrete with optics embedded in it...cant remember what its called right now.
but its very visually stunning :p
Concrete with Optics?
*evil orwellian scheme.*
not like that...
its concrete, with fiberoptic cables running through it. it makes it slightly translucent
found it!
LiTraCon
observe the animation
WOW. That is pretty sweet looking. Obviously we couldn't use it for every wall of every building (ever heard the joke about the man in the glass house?), but it would definetly allow for some wacky-cool effects in architecture.
When I have some free time, I'm going to be doodling some ideas of what the buildings could look like. These will not be actual architectural plans; I have no formal training in architecture design; they're just an idea of what we could ask for, when we hire an architect.
I was thinking more for public buildings, the areas which would be seen the most. obviously, you wouldnt want your house made out of this stuff 
its as strong as concrete...and allows light through with no loss up to 20m.
the downside? i would imagine it costs a fortune.
No, that's just the power plant. The rest of the island's style will probably flow from the climate of where the island is.
And that leads to another critical question: "Where will the island be located?". I seem to recall that question was what shut down the old thread.
and there is the billion dollar question, the one I have been avoiding desperately.
at the moment, this remains an..intellectual exercise; obviously, the geography of the island, or the neighbourhood, or what have you, will drastically effect the layout of said commune.
I've been looking through their project gallery. I think the best uses we could have for it would be:
The occasional segment of wall.
Lights on top of a regular concrete wall, perhaps alongside a sidewalk or at the entrance to a building.
As decorative pavement. Who wouldn't want to be walking at night through a central square and have the autfinity logo shine up from under their feet?
We can use it very effectively without using too much of it, which will reduce the cost. I'll work it into my drawings to give a sense of how much we might be using.
Oh yes, one more thing: It's worthwhile to spend a little extra on aesthetics because it very strongly encourages people to come and live there, or just to visit, and I suspect tourism will be a very important economic factor for this project. Also, to tie in with a theme of a technology-oriented society, making use of cutting-edge materials and technologies in the design will really impress people, and pay off in other ways as well in the long run.
my thoughts exactly
