Richard Storer-Adam takes us from the first hypothesis of a vacuum in ancient Greece, through the scientific discoveries of the 17th century to the applications of vacuum technology in the modern day.

Richard Storer-Adam is Managing Director of Double Stone Steel Ltd.

Lola Adeokun gives us an evocative virtual tour of the botanical gardens, Jardim Botanico, located in the centre of Rio de Janeiro and looks at the benefits of large garden spaces in built-up areas.

Lola Adeokun is an architect with Colman Architects, London, UK.