Elemental

Ever noticed when you start thinking about a word or a topic, it starts popping up everywhere?  Found this great discussion over at Ann Thorpe’s blog:

Within the professional design framework there is little space for activism. At best, designers can legitimize activism by finding “win-win” solutions that meet client profit-making needs while also addressing social concerns. At worst, designers might find themselves using the activism associated with current social trends (eg concern over climate change) merely as a guide to enhancing consumer appeal for buildings, clothing, products and the like. “Greenwashing” is a classic example, where ecological concerns are addressed superficially (eg stating that “the package is recyclable” although no facilities actually exist to recycle the material) with the main aim of enhancing a product’s competitiveness and profitability.

The whole article is worth reading (and has a wealth of sources to plunder/add to wishlists too) but i shall be pondering this question for the next while:

How does design reconcile its conventional role as servant to commercial clients and their users with its potential role as transformative change agent and societal leader (read public service/not-for-profit sectors of the economy)? Does it have to? Will it remain primarily a ‘change agent for hire’?

Good question – any takers?

mel starrs Uncategorized Ann Thorpe

What caught my eye today, March 19th:

• One year on, is the Code for Sustainable Homes working? – Building Design – Mark Brinkley on the ‘no’ side of the debate (I know there’s a word limit on this piece which explains why Mark’s not his normal verbose self ;o))
• 40 Under 40: Nominate a young engineer today – 3/19/2008 – Consulting-Specifying Engineer – via lagavulin – contest is open world wide and “young” is defined as under 40 – yay! Not allowed to nominate yourself though…
• Get Things Done with Bi-Modal Work Styles – A two hats approach to productivity – either you can disturb me (open) or p*ss off, I’m working (closed). Would add – you can do this with headphones in the office – if I’m wearing headphones – DO NOT DISTURB
• Keys to Climate Protection (Extended version): Scientific American – Jeffrey Sachs claims we need large-scale public funding of R&D and demonstration projects; IP policies to promote rapid dissemination to poor countries; the promotion of public debate and acceptance of new options. Carbon tax not enough.
• Amazing Green Roof Art School in Singapore – I LOVE green roofs and this is the best I’ve seen yet – gorgeous.
• Wal-Mart CEO: Wal-Mart Will Push Chinese Suppliers To Be Greener – Market forces rather than governments working here – both scary and good in equal measure…
• Dantherm News2Blog – Dantherm have a blog – and it’s actually quite good!
• The Designers Atlas of Sustainability – Book and blog by Ann Thorpe. “The Atlas presents an accessible conceptual overview of the three main landscapes for sustainability ?ecology, economy and culture?and how designers can navigate them.”
• ReGreen – 182 pg pdf available at USGBC Green Home guide. “The American Society of Interior Designers? Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council have partnered on the development of best practice guidelines and targeted educational resources for sustainable

mel starrs News Amazing Green Roof Art School, American Society of Interior Designers, Ann Thorpe, Jeffrey Sachs, Mark Brinkley, Singapore, U.S. Green Building Council, Wal-Mart, Will Push