A zero carbon elevator? You don’t say! Among the innovations presented at last week’s London Festival of Architecture is this groundbreaking solar-powered lift. The elevator, on display until next week, provides handicapped access across the Duke of York steps in an effort to make London a more “Welcoming City” (the festival’s theme this year.)

Another highlight from London is the Union Street Urban Orchard, which will be open until September 19. Local residents built the orchard and community garden for the London Architecture Festival on an abandoned city parcel in Bankside using reclaimed materials and plants.