Alejandro Aravena's architectural philosophy is to "bring the community into the process." Ten years ago, when tasked with building housing for 100 families in Chile, he found inspiration in

Alejandro Aravena's architectural philosophy is to "bring the community into the process." Ten years ago, when tasked with building housing for 100 families in Chile, he found inspiration in favelas. Instead of small units in large buildings, he designed flexible "half-homes" that each family could expand. This complex problem found a simple solution through direct collaboration with the families themselves.

Aravena showcases three projects where clever rethinking led to beautiful, beneficial design. Learn more at Alejandro Aravena's website, or follow TED on Twitter and Facebook.

Garry Bowen discussed sustainability with Michael. For more information, visit Garry Bowen's LinkedIn

Garry Bowen discussed sustainability with Michael. For more information, visit Garry Bowen's LinkedIn profile.

This discussion was published on February 8, 2013.

A 60-second animation by the Royal Society and the US National Academy of Sciences explains climate science.

Over the last 200 years, human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, have

A 60-second animation by the Royal Society and the US National Academy of Sciences explains climate science.

Over the last 200 years, human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, have increased atmospheric CO2 by 40%. If unchecked, these emissions could warm the planet by 2.6°C to 4.8°C this century, posing serious threats to societies and nature.

For more information, read the full document 'Climate Change: Evidence & Causes' on the Royal Society website: https://royalsociety.org/policy/projects/climate-evidence-causes/

Award-winning economist Paul Collier explores how to reconcile economic growth with environmental sustainability. He argues against "plunder," where a

Award-winning economist Paul Collier explores how to reconcile economic growth with environmental sustainability. He argues against "plunder," where a few exploit many, taking resources that belong to future generations. Our obligation to the future is a fundamental principle.

His book, "The Plundered Planet," delves deeper into these ideas. Purchase it on Amazon or at your local bookstore. This content was produced by the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce).

John Lloyd, the mind behind QI and Blackadder, poses a fundamental question: what do we truly need to know? He challenges our understanding of essential knowledge, what to teach children, and

John Lloyd, the mind behind QI and Blackadder, poses a fundamental question: what do we truly need to know? He challenges our understanding of essential knowledge, what to teach children, and whether intelligence is overrated. Watch his full talk, "General Ignorance," here.

Design and animation were created by TOGETHER. Learn more about the RSA, and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Legendary producer and QI mastermind John Lloyd visited the RSA to discuss a profound insight from his extensive reading: our understanding is shaped by what we don't know.

This

Legendary producer and QI mastermind John Lloyd visited the RSA to discuss a profound insight from his extensive reading: our understanding is shaped by what we don't know.

This presentation was published on February 13, 2013.

California is experiencing its worst drought on record. Learn about the crisis's severity and its impact on you.

Produced by Carrie Halperin and Sean Patrick Farrell, this story was

California is experiencing its worst drought on record. Learn about the crisis's severity and its impact on you.

Produced by Carrie Halperin and Sean Patrick Farrell, this story was originally published on July 7, 2014. Read the full article at the New York Times.

Climate change and increasing raw material scarcity demand a radical shift from traditional business models. A circular economy is essential.

Businesses are uniquely positioned to lead this

Climate change and increasing raw material scarcity demand a radical shift from traditional business models. A circular economy is essential.

Businesses are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation by controlling waste, utilizing cleaner energy sources, and collaborating with NGOs and governments.

This concept was highlighted in an article published on May 14, 2013, by The Guardian.

Jonathan Rowson, director of the Social Brain Centre at the Royal Society of Arts, highlights the problematic

Jonathan Rowson, director of the Social Brain Centre at the Royal Society of Arts, highlights the problematic nature of the word 'spiritual.' It means too much to some and too little to others, leading to diverse interpretations—from psychological depth to philosophical confusion, or a critique of materialism to capitalist exploitation.

Following a two-year RSA inquiry, Dr. Rowson proposes a framework for a post-religious spirituality. This initiative seeks to make the spiritual less nebulous while maintaining its inclusive ambiguity.

The new framework redefines four existential touchstones: Love (from romance to rootedness), Death (from denial to confrontation), Self (from esteem to transcendence), and Soul (from substance to perspective).