The sun is an inescapable partner in architecture, influencing lighting, energy efficiency, and comfort inside and outside buildings. This influence has become increasingly relevant in the context of ...

POP Projects is a collection of new and classic projects from more than a century of Popular Mechanics. Master skills, get tool recommendations, and, most importantly, build something of your very own ...

Elizabeth has worked since 2010 as a writer and consultant covering gardening, permaculture, and sustainable living. She has also written a number of books and e-books on gardens and gardening. When ...

A great way to help yourself (and wildlife!) cool down this summer is to build a shade garden. These gardens take on many shapes and sizes, from pre-built structures like pergolas to an abundance of ...

Changing your soil’s pH and picking the right grass seed can make all the difference. Grass needs sunlight to grow, so start by trimming tree branches to allow more sunlight to reach those shady areas ...

Students will design and build a structure that can block the sun to create a shaded area and will test to see if the shady spot is cooler. Sunlight warms the Earth’s surface. Certain structures are ...