There is beauty in designs like that. It really is radically simple, yet at the same time wonderfully functional. I was watching the Lord of the Rings the other day and started wondering about the benefits of living in burrows as they did in the fictional Shire. Ever wonder how many simple, yet wonderfully innovative ideas we're overlooking out of habit? Why do we have to get energy from burning coal? Why do we have to live in wood and sheetrock homes? Are there better alternatives?
Well yeah, I mean of course. This solar tower is one fantastic example.
Edit: here is another example:
http://www.geekologie.com/2007/12/ai...with_the_p.php
An air purifier that is just a plant.