Concrete construction has been used at least as far back as the Roman Empire. In the modern age, the overuse of concrete has created a mixed reputation (no pun intended).

Concept cars, dream machines and technology-packed prototypes give us hints of what the future holds. Here are 15 that have not, though they live on in our imaginations.

Futuristic utopias have long been the dream of urban planners, sociologists and science fiction writers. These 10 examples showcase some of the weird, wild, and workable plans for living tomorrow's lifestyle today.

One's home may be their castle but that doesn't mean the furnishings have to look medieval. These 15 concept designs prove there's a lot of future in furniture... not to mention the letters R, N and I.

Audio geeks - sorry, "audiophiles" were pushing the envelope of obsessiveness long before the rise of computers and all things Trek. 10 ways geeks got their grooves back:

Television exploded onto the social scene as an essential component of Baby Boom culture just over 60 years ago. These 10 steps trace the evolution of TV.

Planes, trains and buses are all part of the daily grind. Travel's not trivial, however, thanks to architects the world over who add excitement to the journey with truly dynamic designs. Roll 'em!

To provide some additional options for the newly addicted, this collection of coffee and tea mugs features designs that are unique and practical at the same time.

From public archives of knowledge to centers of learning at colleges and universities, libraries are cool so why shouldn't they look the part?

Seeing is believing... or is it? These architectural optical illusions constitute very public ways to fool the eye, please the mind and satisfy the soul.

Examples of staircases that go far beyond the basic, entering the realm of modern art.

From floating eco-cities to sustainable skyscraper farms, modular folding origamic architecture to gigantic green super-spires, here are 24 future green designs.

Organic - shapes, methods and patterns modeled after those found in living systems. These 12 examples of organic architecture showcase some of the ways designers transform a lot by learning to bend a little.

When disaster strikes, homes are often lost and people left homeless. These temporary shelters provide a place for refugees to sleep until order is restored.

Green art and design - from transforming green boxes to rotating dome homes, creative eco-art to exotic eco-landscapes and tree houses to tree sculptures.