Tech

Eric Crews: Pioneering Climate Change Mitigation Technology with Design Desk Inc.

Published

2 years ago

December 7, 2023

Climate change, an urgent and pressing global issue, demands visionary leaders who are willing to push the boundaries of innovation to find effective solutions. Eric Crews, the founder and driving force behind Design Desk Inc., is one such visionary entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to addressing environmental challenges and creating groundbreaking Climate Change Mitigation Technology. Through the lens of applied physics and innovative design principles, Crews and his company have revolutionized the fields of clean energy, sustainable transportation, and environmental protection.

The Visionary Entrepreneur

Eric Crews’ journey in the realm of climate change mitigation technology began with a profound recognition of the urgency of addressing environmental challenges. Long before many fully grasped the implications of climate change, Crews understood that the earth was facing a critical juncture. He was driven by a deep conviction that technological advancements could be a powerful tool in combating the devastating effects of climate change.

Crews’ visionary approach is rooted in the belief that we must embrace innovation to drive sustainable development and mitigate the environmental impacts that threaten our planet. He is not content with the status quo and consistently seeks to push the boundaries of what is possible through applied physics and a deep understanding of compound systems.

A Deep Understanding of Applied Physics

Eric Crews’ journey as a climate change mitigation visionary is inseparable from his profound understanding of applied physics. Applied physics involves the practical application of the principles of physics to create tangible solutions. Crews’ ability to harness these principles and utilize them to tackle a myriad of environmental challenges has set him apart as a true pioneer in the field.

His commitment to addressing climate change is evident in the way he utilizes physics to develop products and systems that address key environmental concerns. These include but are not limited to energy production, water purification, air pollution reduction, and sustainable transportation solutions. By employing the fundamental laws of physics, Crews has managed to make considerable strides in improving the world’s environmental health.

Innovative Solutions for a Better World

One of the core principles driving Eric Crews and Design Desk Inc. is the belief that the protection of the public and the environment is not just a moral obligation but also good for business. This philosophy aligns with the growing awareness that sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions are not only ethical but also financially viable in the long run.

The approach taken by Design Desk Inc. is unique in that it focuses on solving real-world environmental problems that disrupt and endanger the public. This involves addressing issues related to natural disasters, loss of life, and property damage, which are increasingly prevalent due to climate change. Eric Crews’ vision has led to the development of solutions that not only mitigate these problems but also provide sustainable alternatives for the future.

The Birth of Design Desk Inc.

Design Desk Inc. was founded in 2010 and has spent several years in relentless pursuit of logic reduction and innovative thinking. The company’s primary goal has been to conceive over-unity power production systems. Over-unity power production refers to systems that produce more energy than is initially invested, effectively challenging the traditional laws of energy conservation.

Design Desk Inc.’s focus on over-unity power production is a testament to Eric Crews’ unwavering commitment to creating groundbreaking technologies. These technologies have the potential to reshape the way we generate and use energy, significantly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary drivers of climate change.

Revolutionizing Clean Energy

Clean energy is at the forefront of the battle against climate change, and Eric Crews and Design Desk Inc. have made significant contributions to this field. Their innovative solutions in clean energy production not only reduce the environmental impact but also increase efficiency. By conceiving over-unity power production systems, they have unlocked new possibilities for generating electricity in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner.

One of their most noteworthy innovations is the application of advanced materials and design principles in solar panels and wind turbines. These technologies, with higher energy conversion efficiency, have the potential to make renewable energy sources more accessible and affordable for a broader range of consumers. This approach aligns with Crews’ vision of making clean energy solutions available to everyone, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Pressurized Hydraulics and Inclined Gear Systems

One of the key technologies employed by Design Desk Inc. involves pressurized hydraulics combined with inclined gear systems. This system utilizes ” counteracting upon” mechanical resistance within the gear system and electrical generator, effectively nullifying it by utilizing stored air pressure within a pneumatic pressure containment vessel.

This tilting motion allows for the generation of angular momentum, which is then harvested as electrical energy. This harvested energy is reintroduced back into the system to drive a cyclical “retained” work capacity.”

Sustainable Transportation Solutions

In addition to their remarkable work in clean energy, Design Desk Inc. has also ventured into the field of sustainable transportation. Eric Crews recognizes that transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and addressing this issue is essential for mitigating climate change. His visionary approach extends to the creation of sustainable transportation solutions that are both efficient and eco-friendly.

One of their pioneering projects is the development of electric vehicles (EVs) that integrate cutting-edge battery technology with regenerative braking systems. These advancements result in EVs that offer a longer driving range and shorter charging times, making electric vehicles a more practical choice for a broader audience. By making sustainable transportation options more accessible, Crews and his team are contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint of the global transportation sector.

Environmental Protection through Innovation

Beyond clean energy and sustainable transportation, Eric Crews and Design Desk Inc. are deeply committed to addressing environmental protection challenges. Their portfolio of solutions extends to areas such as air pollution reduction, water purification, and disaster response technologies.

One notable example is their work in air pollution reduction, where they have developed innovative air purification systems for both industrial and urban settings. These systems use advanced filtration and chemical processes to remove harmful pollutants from the air, contributing to cleaner and healthier environments for communities around the world.

Their expertise in water purification technologies has also led to the creation of compact and efficient systems that provide safe drinking water in regions with limited access to clean water sources. This technology has the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of people, particularly in developing regions where waterborne diseases are a significant concern.

A Vision for the Future

Eric Crews and Design Desk Inc.’s innovative approach to climate change mitigation technology goes beyond just addressing the symptoms of the problem; it seeks to address the root causes. Their commitment to harnessing the power of applied physics, logic reduction, and innovative design principles reflects a vision of a world where sustainability and environmental protection are not just buzzwords but central pillars of our society.

The urgency of climate change necessitates bold, visionary leaders who are willing to invest time, effort, and resources in developing groundbreaking solutions. Crews’ dedication to this cause, as evident through the work of Design Desk Inc., is a testament to the transformative potential of human ingenuity. With over a decade of experience and numerous innovative solutions, Eric Crews and his team are leading the way in the fight against climate change.

Eric Crews, the visionary entrepreneur behind Design Desk Inc., has become a formidable force in the ongoing battle against climate change. His deep understanding of applied physics and compound systems, combined with an unwavering commitment to addressing environmental challenges, has led to groundbreaking advancements in Climate Change Mitigation Technology.

From clean energy to sustainable transportation and environmental protection, Crews and his team are pioneering innovative solutions that promise a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. With their dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Design Desk Inc. is helping to drive positive change in a world that desperately needs it. Eric Crews’ visionary approach reminds us that the fight against climate change is a battle worth fighting, and innovative solutions are the key to a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Tech

AI in Placemaking: How ERA-co is Using Smarter Data to Build Better Cities

Published

1 month ago

September 23, 2025

Jonathan Grilli

ERA-co is exploring new ways to apply AI in urban design, utilizing data-driven tools to support more thoughtful and responsive placemaking. Rather than replacing human insight, the firm sees artificial intelligence as a partner — one that can enhance how designers understand and shape the spaces where people live, move, and connect.

This approach isn’t about flashy tech or fully automated cities. It’s about asking better questions, revealing patterns we might otherwise miss, and using that knowledge to make decisions rooted in real-world behavior. For ERA-co, AI becomes most valuable when it helps clarify how a city works, layer by layer, so design teams can create places that are not only efficient but also livable and meaningful.

Understanding complexity before optimization

Before talking about smart tools or predictions, ERA-co begins with a foundational question: “What kind of problem is a city?” Nicolas Palominos, Head of Urban Design and Strategy R&D at ERA-co, references the work of Jane Jacobs to frame this.

“As Jacobs reminds us, cities exhibit complex system behavior, where multiple elements vary simultaneously, in subtle interconnected ways,” Palominos explains. “AI can augment our understanding of these parameters to design better places with optimized social benefit.”

According to Palominos, that kind of social benefit can take many forms. It might involve modeling a housing system that supports proximity-based living, such as the concept of the “15-minute city,” or applying predictive analytics to anticipate and respond to events like floods, heatwaves, or infrastructure failures.

ERA-co doesn’t use AI to chase efficiency for its own sake. Instead, the firm uses it to gain a more comprehensive understanding and a clearer picture of a place’s behavior.

Data that matches people, not just places

Not all data is created equal. When it comes to placemaking, ERA-co prioritizes what Palominos calls “spatial and temporal granularity,” which entails not only examining how a space functions on a map but also understanding how people interact with it over time — from hour to hour, and season to season.

“The most valuable data are those with the greatest spatial and temporal granularity for observing people and urban environments,” Palominos says. “Video footage, mobile data, street view imagery, and satellite imagery enable a deeper understanding of how different groups of people perceive and use public space.”

One recent ERA-co proof-of-concept used AI to assess how people visually perceive streetscapes, analyzing elements like enclosure, complexity, and human scale. These insights informed more nuanced design strategies that align with local behaviors, not just abstract zoning plans.

This level of detail matters because even small design shifts can have ripple effects on how people move, feel, and gather. With AI, ERA-co isn’t just tracking patterns but learning from them.

ERA-co’s AI mobility work: Subtle shifts, broader benefits

Some of the clearest applications of AI can be seen in mobility — how people and goods move through cities. It’s here that ERA-co sees measurable gains in both function and experience.

“AI-driven fleet optimization balances supply and demand in bus services and bike-share systems,” Palominos says. “On the consumer side, it streamlines courier and delivery services through route optimization.”

These systems don’t operate in isolation. When they’re better coordinated, they can relieve pressure on road networks, reduce congestion, and lower energy use. But what makes ERA-co’s approach different is that it doesn’t stop at logistics. It examines how those systems impact the daily lives of people who live in and move through a place.

The limits of AI and the role of design judgment

As much as AI can help us see more, ERA-co is careful not to let it make the final call. Cities are more than just systems — they’re layered with memory, identity, and human connection. And not everything meaningful can be measured.

“There have been cases where AI insights pointed us in one direction, but human judgment and cultural understanding led us another way,” Palominos notes.

Sometimes a place functions well on paper, but feels hollow in practice. Other times, a community gathering space might disrupt traffic flow, yet provide invaluable support for social well-being.

This is where design intuition becomes critical. ERA-co uses AI to inform, not dictate, the design process.

Planning for a future in flux

Looking ahead, ERA-co sees AI playing a growing role in helping cities adapt — not just to top physical threats like climate change, but also to slower, less visible shifts in how people live and connect.

“AI will amplify our understanding of how cities function through enhanced spatial representation and analysis, informing better human decision-making,” Palominos says. He references recent findings (like an MIT study showing people walk faster and linger less in public spaces) as examples of trends that would have been hard to anticipate without AI.

Still, the goal isn’t to automate responses to those behaviors. It’s using those insights to reimagine what kinds of public spaces people may need in the future, especially as patterns of connection and isolation shift.