Etania Green School in Sabah, conceived by a Singapore-based non-profit, shows how good design can help inspire young thinkers. It’s hoped it will be the first of 30 schools to be built for thousands of children left stateless.

One estimate claims we waste a year of our lives looking for things we mislay

Cycles, treadmills, rowing machines, smart mirrors and apps can connect to real-time and on-demand exercise classes

Wearables that vibrate to restore calm, ‘smart, self-care lights’ and a waterbed that keeps you cool at night are among the latest innovations

The social media platform has changed the way we value design, but it’s also raised questions about originality and authenticity. Following the trend may create ‘kitsch’ projects that will have no longevity.

Start-up industry disrupters such as Van de Sant, Pentatonic, ecoBirdy, and Vepa/Ocean Plastic are circular-economy pioneers who upcycle waste resources, including marine trash, into tables and chairs which customers can return for reuse.

Interior designers have scoured the world’s trade fairs for upcoming trends. Recycled plastic, wood and metallic finishes will be popular, as will wall rugs.

A robot crime-fighter, Knightscope K5, is now in use by Microsoft and Uber to patrol car parks and large outdoor areas in the US

Dutch-led consortium’s proposal for Des Voeux Road Central, centred on themed tram stops linked to amenities and Central heritage sites, wins design contest; competition drew 43 entries from 11 countries.

The building recently awarded one of architecture’s most coveted trophies is no twisted tower or glitzy skyscraper. It’s boarding school accommodation for poor children in rural Brazil.

• An automatic cocktail maker, a robotic bartender that serves drinks as it cleans, and lights with rhythm will impress guests – and help gatherings go with a bang

Solar emulsion that produces clean energy from sun and water vapour in the air and ‘spray on’ antennas offering internet connection among innovations

Research shows the average person has 48.6 thoughts per minute, so it’s lucky firms are devising ever more hi-tech digital gadgets so we can record them all

A study has shown the link between well-designed schools and improved academic performance. Some architects and school boards are taking note, and building well-lit, airy and sustainable school buildings.

Many of us fill up valuable space at home by storing redundant mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers ‘just in case’

• Researchers find up to one million mites in beds, plus mould and bacteria in house dust – all of which are bad for our health – but hi-tech help is at hand

Fears over chlorine and fluorine and excessive heavy metals found in supplies in Hong Kong housing estates spark demand for purifiers to improve quality

New realistic-looking AI devices ‘learn’ and grow smarter over time, act as therapeutic companions – and recharge their batteries themselves

Designed to absorb 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year and produce about 60kg of oxygen per day, the vertical forest being planted in Nanjing, eastern China, is a move against nature-deprived urban development.

Smart ukuleles, pianos, guitars and other devices are revolutionising the way we now learn and play music

Hi-tech, saltwater-filled tanks – shown to boost mental wellness and reduce anxiety in tests – and chaise-like meditation pods will help you ‘chill’ at home

‘Recharge stations’ designed by Sleeep, a company Jun Rivers co-founded, might just be the antidote to over-tiredness

Breakthroughs see technology used to make body parts such as corneas, a home in 52 hours, lightweight cars and electronic devices worn on the skin

Copying prints, slides, old videos and film reels to your computer will take time – but hi-tech devices will help you preserve – and organise – the past

Today’s digital products are ‘a computer hacker’s dream’ – leading to a huge rise in the online theft of personal documents, bank details and identity fraud

Instagram-worthy looks and smart spatial planning are key to designing living spaces for millennials in the city, many of whom define their lives on a Pinterest board.

Online MBAs – and quality digital tools – secrets of success for people seeking qualifications to get on in careers, but lack time and chance to study full-time

Voice or app-controlled lighting, music, fans, all-weather TVs and stylish yet compact barbecues will help create a luxury space outside – whatever the size

The idea of using LED bulbs to provide a broadband internet connection through light waves was floated in 2011; now companies are coming up with different ways to harness this power.

Designers come up with furniture solutions for cats living in small urban properties, from shelves that clip onto furniture to scratching poles. These innovative accessories allow your pets to interact and move around without taking up floor scarce space.