Clean Energy Project – Nuclear Battery Exhibition Towards a More Equal Future | Triennale Milano 2025 Since 2019, the Norman Foster Foundation team has explored the potential and application of microreactors or nuclear batteries. These compact power units, roughly the size of a shipping container, can generate 15 megawatts of heat and electricity, enough to power a Manhattan city block or a small town. A network of such autonomous units would provide energy security, reducing reliance on large, vulnerable power stations and transmission lines. Nuclear batteries are manufactured similarly to jet engines on an industrial production line. Their passive safety design ensures that, even in catastrophic events, the fuel remains secure and cannot melt down. The fuel used in these reactors is non-weaponizable, highly robust and resistant to extreme temperatures. After approximately eight years of maintenance-free operation, the fuel capsule is replaced and the spent capsule is either stored safely or recycled for future use in new reactors. The technology behind microreactors has been tested and proven since the 1960s, with applications in aircraft carriers and submarines for propulsion. With an abundance of clean, carbon-free energy, microreactors could potentially convert sea water into kerosene or jet fuel, offering a path for global airlines to transition to greener operations. Despite skepticism surrounding nuclear power, it remains the safest energy source, with no fatalities linked to its waste storage, which is negligible compared to the 7-10 million deaths annually caused by 40 billion tonnes of fossil fuel emissions. This project was conceived and designed by the Norman Foster Foundation in collaboration with CANES at MIT and is still ongoing. 📍 Viale Emilio Alemagna 6, Milan, Italy @NormanFosterFnd @NormanFosterInstitute (fb)

Essential Homes Research Project – Costa Rica Exhibition Towards a More Equal Future | Triennale Milano 2025 The Essential Homes Research Project offers a sustainable solution for natural disasters and affordable housing. First showcased at the Venice Biennale 2023, this design utilizes lightweight frames and low-carbon cement to create cost-effective, durable homes with 70% less carbon footprint. This project has evolved to address Costa Rica's affordable housing crisis. With a population of 5.1 million and a housing deficit of nearly 200,000 units, 4% of the population lacks access to adequate housing. The Essential Homes in Costa Rica system, presented for the first time at the Towards a More Equal Future exhibition at the Triennale Milano 2025, offers a permanent, modular, and customizable solution based on precast construction. Sustainable due to its locally sourced materials, these homes are seismic-resistant (up to magnitude 7) and designed to withstand the region's heavy rains (8 months/year). The facades are prepared for bioclimatic adaptation, featuring cementitious boards in a variety of colors to enhance thermal efficiency and environmental integration. Priced at $16,000 per unit, they provide high-quality housing. The Essential Homes Research Project and Essential Homes in Costa Rica were conceived and designed by the Norman Foster Foundation team, developed in collaboration with Empty and BAU. We are grateful to our patron Holcim. 📍 Viale Emilio Alemagna 6, Milan, Italy Stay tuned for more updates! #EssentialHomes @normanfosterfdn @normanfosterinstitute @holcim.ltd (fb)