Eco-Labs
If things happen as they need to, sustainability will not simply be a trend or fad. It will really need to root itself into the values of Western society. As of right now, with society based on consumption, in order for sustainable principles to become integrated into lifestyle habits, it will require (and of course I am clearly not the first person to say this) a paradigm shift. Here's the question: do you think communication design could play a major role in this shift?
Yes, if communication design were not powerful, designers would not get paid so much to do it! Design is a lucrative industry for some because design is a means to make new ideas understandable and also seductive. Building a sustainable society will require dramatic change. The design industry could help create a understanding of the issues and the solutions. Unfortunately, this is not likely to happen if we rely only on the market to solve our problems. We need to look at the systemic causes of the problems, and recognize that designers are implicit in driving a model of consumption which is now seriously effecting the biosphere. We have not very much time now to bring about the necessary changes, and we need to harness the skills in design immediately to address this global level crisis.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Conversation with Ali Kriscenski
The following interview with Ali Kriscenski, managing editor of Inhabitat, took place by e-mail with the bulk of the responses coming on 5 July 2008.
What is the work that you are currently doing?
I work in new media (blogging/internet) and communication design. I am managing editor of Inhabitat, freelance writer and new media specialist. I also continue to work as a design consultant on residential restoration and new construction projects during the initial design and/or project development.
What does the design process entail for you? How do you go about designing?
For me, design is a process of meeting client's needs while incorporating sustainable ideas whenever possible. For instance, on remodel and new construction I try to start at from a baseline of basic green build principles like solar orientation, solar shading, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, and work up from there.
How is sustainability integrated into the design process and/or the end result of your work? How do you balance the aesthetics of design with the requirements of sustainability?
I pretty much see everything through a sustainable lens, but also have an awareness that theory and practice are not always the same. It is important to me to advocate sustainability and also accept that it is not the only factor for clients. Time, budget and other variables play a part in design. In other words, do the best I can.
How did you get involved with design? What was the education path? What would you say the most important skills are for designing?
In my opinion, a multi-disciplinary understanding of environmental issues is crucial. I studied environmental design at the beginning of undergraduate work, as a compliment to liberal arts studies in graphic design, art history and cultural studies. (BA Art history – UConn). I then studied environmental science with field study in tropical ecology, ornithology and environmental justice (Environmental Science at Antioch New England Graduate School). Since building science is an integral part of overall environmental issues, I felt it was important to have an understanding of technical issues related to green building and completed a Master's Certificate in Sustainable Design from Boston Architectural College.
While many people think that bird studies are completely unrelated to green building, I have found that the knowledge gained through a multi-disciplinary approach to training has given me a unique perspective and skill set to use as an environmental communications specialist.
If you are interested in green building, I would highly recommend looking into the certificate programs offered by BAC. The courses are taught by adjunct professors, including Alex Wilson of www.buildinggreen.com and are on the USGBC's Education Provider Program list. (www.usgbc.org).
How popular do you think eco-consciousness is among designers? Is it becoming more popular?
I think the trend is towards eco-awareness in design and it has definitely become more popular, but is still a small part of the design industry at large. I think the trend towards sustainability is overall a good development, but not without some related problems. My concern with "green" as a trend is that it is at times sensationalized and might not become truly rooted in the values of society, but only a superficial acknowledgment of what is "in" at the moment. In order for the trend to become long lasting, society needs to understand that going green is a long term commitment.
What role do you think designers can/will play in the movement towards popular sustainable living?
The designer has a vital role in sustainable living, as they have a deciding role in what products reach the consumer. Even small efforts in design, like efficient stacking for transport, can make a big difference. But I also think the consumer has a responsibility to consume more efficiently and be less careless.
Is the simpler answer for sustainability not to make 'stuff'? That is, do you think the making of products is in contradiction to sustainability?
In many ways, yes. Most of the things in my life that are "green" are old ideas - clothes drying rack instead of electric dryer, hand crank coffee grinder, natural cleaning products, reused jars for kitchen spices, second hand furniture, second hand clothes, bicycle transportation, train transportation, basket for grocery shopping, growing one's own food, being frugal. At times, the green trend in the US feels like a new way to sell more stuff that we don't really need.
It is important that everything new is done with sustainability in mind, but making new things in the name of sustainability is not the answer to environmental problems. The answer is in a shift in societal values from more to more frugal. One of the best professors I've had, Tom Wessels, articulates this in a recent commencement speech which you can view online - http://www.antiochne.edu/commencement/ - his latest book is also a good resource on this issue - The Myth of Progress: Towards a Sustainable Future. Tom teaches forestry and ecology, so he's not a designer, but his is an important perspective.
In what areas is the most interesting work in sustainable design occurring?
I think that some of the most interesting work is in technology, computers, cell phones, etc. Building green is an age old idea that has regained momentum under new labels, but technology is still pretty new and has no real sustainable history. That this industry is making a shift towards more energy efficient and material conscious design is, I think, a true sign of change.
What is the most challenging part of your work? The most fulfilling?
The most challenging part of my work is shutting off and stepping away. Another challenge is not getting frustrated with some of the self-righteous attitudes I encounter. I don't believe that alienating people or judging other people is an effective way to further the environmental movement. Yet I find it does still happen quite a bit, particularly in the US. Here in Germany, green is more common sense and absent of the "look how green I am" attitude. It is more an accepted responsibility rather than something to brag about so, in that way, feels and probably is more deeply rooted.
The most fulfilling part of my work is the opportunity to be continually learning.
Is there anything I should have asked that I haven't?
Maybe: Who are we designing for? It’s a question about intent. Is the intent of the designer to solve real problems (like meeting basic needs with the environment in mind: food, shelter, so on) or to solve problems of luxury (convenience factor, status) that have no effect on most of the global population / environment? Are we designing things to perpetuate consumerism or are we designing to alleviate the burden that over-consumption has on the people who live with less? It is a monster question, but one that can't be ignored in today's global world.
Do you have any advise for me?
No matter what you do in your professional career, there are ways to bring sustainability into the picture.
What is the work that you are currently doing?
I work in new media (blogging/internet) and communication design. I am managing editor of Inhabitat, freelance writer and new media specialist. I also continue to work as a design consultant on residential restoration and new construction projects during the initial design and/or project development.
What does the design process entail for you? How do you go about designing?
For me, design is a process of meeting client's needs while incorporating sustainable ideas whenever possible. For instance, on remodel and new construction I try to start at from a baseline of basic green build principles like solar orientation, solar shading, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, and work up from there.
How is sustainability integrated into the design process and/or the end result of your work? How do you balance the aesthetics of design with the requirements of sustainability?
I pretty much see everything through a sustainable lens, but also have an awareness that theory and practice are not always the same. It is important to me to advocate sustainability and also accept that it is not the only factor for clients. Time, budget and other variables play a part in design. In other words, do the best I can.
How did you get involved with design? What was the education path? What would you say the most important skills are for designing?
In my opinion, a multi-disciplinary understanding of environmental issues is crucial. I studied environmental design at the beginning of undergraduate work, as a compliment to liberal arts studies in graphic design, art history and cultural studies. (BA Art history – UConn). I then studied environmental science with field study in tropical ecology, ornithology and environmental justice (Environmental Science at Antioch New England Graduate School). Since building science is an integral part of overall environmental issues, I felt it was important to have an understanding of technical issues related to green building and completed a Master's Certificate in Sustainable Design from Boston Architectural College.
While many people think that bird studies are completely unrelated to green building, I have found that the knowledge gained through a multi-disciplinary approach to training has given me a unique perspective and skill set to use as an environmental communications specialist.
If you are interested in green building, I would highly recommend looking into the certificate programs offered by BAC. The courses are taught by adjunct professors, including Alex Wilson of www.buildinggreen.com and are on the USGBC's Education Provider Program list. (www.usgbc.org).
How popular do you think eco-consciousness is among designers? Is it becoming more popular?
I think the trend is towards eco-awareness in design and it has definitely become more popular, but is still a small part of the design industry at large. I think the trend towards sustainability is overall a good development, but not without some related problems. My concern with "green" as a trend is that it is at times sensationalized and might not become truly rooted in the values of society, but only a superficial acknowledgment of what is "in" at the moment. In order for the trend to become long lasting, society needs to understand that going green is a long term commitment.
What role do you think designers can/will play in the movement towards popular sustainable living?
The designer has a vital role in sustainable living, as they have a deciding role in what products reach the consumer. Even small efforts in design, like efficient stacking for transport, can make a big difference. But I also think the consumer has a responsibility to consume more efficiently and be less careless.
Is the simpler answer for sustainability not to make 'stuff'? That is, do you think the making of products is in contradiction to sustainability?
In many ways, yes. Most of the things in my life that are "green" are old ideas - clothes drying rack instead of electric dryer, hand crank coffee grinder, natural cleaning products, reused jars for kitchen spices, second hand furniture, second hand clothes, bicycle transportation, train transportation, basket for grocery shopping, growing one's own food, being frugal. At times, the green trend in the US feels like a new way to sell more stuff that we don't really need.
It is important that everything new is done with sustainability in mind, but making new things in the name of sustainability is not the answer to environmental problems. The answer is in a shift in societal values from more to more frugal. One of the best professors I've had, Tom Wessels, articulates this in a recent commencement speech which you can view online - http://www.antiochne.edu/commencement/ - his latest book is also a good resource on this issue - The Myth of Progress: Towards a Sustainable Future. Tom teaches forestry and ecology, so he's not a designer, but his is an important perspective.
In what areas is the most interesting work in sustainable design occurring?
I think that some of the most interesting work is in technology, computers, cell phones, etc. Building green is an age old idea that has regained momentum under new labels, but technology is still pretty new and has no real sustainable history. That this industry is making a shift towards more energy efficient and material conscious design is, I think, a true sign of change.
What is the most challenging part of your work? The most fulfilling?
The most challenging part of my work is shutting off and stepping away. Another challenge is not getting frustrated with some of the self-righteous attitudes I encounter. I don't believe that alienating people or judging other people is an effective way to further the environmental movement. Yet I find it does still happen quite a bit, particularly in the US. Here in Germany, green is more common sense and absent of the "look how green I am" attitude. It is more an accepted responsibility rather than something to brag about so, in that way, feels and probably is more deeply rooted.
The most fulfilling part of my work is the opportunity to be continually learning.
Is there anything I should have asked that I haven't?
Maybe: Who are we designing for? It’s a question about intent. Is the intent of the designer to solve real problems (like meeting basic needs with the environment in mind: food, shelter, so on) or to solve problems of luxury (convenience factor, status) that have no effect on most of the global population / environment? Are we designing things to perpetuate consumerism or are we designing to alleviate the burden that over-consumption has on the people who live with less? It is a monster question, but one that can't be ignored in today's global world.
Do you have any advise for me?
No matter what you do in your professional career, there are ways to bring sustainability into the picture.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Conversation with Niels Peter Flint, Experience Designer
The following are my notes from a Skype conversation with Niels Peter Flint (see his website: www.exdl.com ) on 1 July, 2008.
What is the work that you are currently doing?
Experience design. He's developing concepts in the fields of design and architecture. The result should not only be a finished product, but an experience for the eventual user. In his work, he attempts to integrate as many different disciplines as possible to create sustainable experiences that provide a fusion of the physical or material with the immaterial. Since technology is not going away, he feels it is important to utilize and integrate it appropriately.
What is 'appropriately?'
When determining appropriateness, it comes down to some basic thinking: everything is in constant cycles. Everything comes from planet, and goes back to the planet. Humans need to enjoy life thoroughly, but respect eternal cycles.
Appropriate use of technology acknowledges and respects these eternity principles.
What does the design process entail for you? How do you go about designing?
It is very difficult to describe, as he has no recipes – he's never used the same formula for different design problems. He profoundly doesn't believe in systems and structures. He'll often look for systems and structures and then jump back out, as he finds them restraining. True creativity means having the ultimate freedom all the time. Of course, he recognizes that this doesn't necessarily work for everyone.
But he finds an ordered format for designing a hindrance to creative innovation. As things are changing all the time, one must also invent new thinking every time.
Every time products or ideas are developed, one must constantly reassess their context. The only structure truly important to the underlying ideas of ethics, where ethics relates back (of course) to an understanding of eternity.
How is sustainability integrated into the design process and/or the end result of your work?
Most of his projects more mind oriented. For example, with a project he did called
Painted On, people harnessed their creative abilities by painting their own carpets. The materials were not very eco-friendly, but the whole point was to get humans to start to look at things in new ways. If you can't think creatively, you can't comprehend things in new ways, which means you'll be completely lost a few years from now because everything is changing so quickly.
How did you get involved with design? What was the education path?
He started work in architecture at age 18, although before that he had worked with stage design. Continuing this work in stage design while studying architecture, he realized he found stage design more provoking and switched over to study it formally. With this, he also studied some industrial design. After his studies, he did some performance art.
What brought him into experience design?
He was doing performance art and working as apprentice in Italy Ettore Sottsass (founder of the Memphis movement, and according to Neils Peter Flint, one of the most creative and elegant designers out there.) when he had an epiphany. He realized the harm to the world the design field was causing and realized he couldn't continue at it. He felt he must do something better for the world.
What would you say the most important skills are for designing?
Constantly challenge yourself spiritually, physically, mentally.
For example, He's purchased an Old Mill in the middle of nowhere in France, and is now living there, renovating it to create the Micro Macro Monde. This is a huge change for someone who's always lived in a city.
Frank Lloyd Wright offered a similar educational experience for his students when he brought them out to a desert and said, 'build your own home.' Flint greatly appreciates this type of hands on approach and feels we need to adapt our system of education. For the upcoming generation of designers, he feels the most important thing will be to have completely open mindsets and be emotionally intelligent. Holistic creative skills allow the designer to be capable of seeing and understanding, and since technology will quickly surpass human abilities, the capacity of emotional mindset will be the ultimate ability separating us from our technology. Of course, as for everyone in the world, it is important that the young designer understand and respecting eternal principles.
How popular do you think eco-consciousness is among designers? Is it becoming more popular?
When he went to the Milan furniture fair, he was (unhappily) surprised at the little consideration the design field exhibited. He does feel that there is definitely a lot more than there was when he started. Unfortunately the amount of designers is colossal, and most of them are still making junk. They exhibit a complete ignorance where making money is the big thing.
As for it becoming popular, its no longer a decent question. All the world's biggest companies know there's no excuse. If they're not considering the environment, then they're completely oblivious.
What role do you think designers can/will play in the movement towards popular sustainable living?
The designer of tomorrow must be a holistically wise person, especially in emotional, spiritual, and immaterial dimensions. They will develop quality experiences to the world., as opposed to things. Smart engineers will take over roles current designers play. There may be a few designers left who are exceptionally sophisticated at handling form. In tomorrow's world, a machine can take the place of today's form shapers. Also, currently, oly the rich are capable hiring designers. Hopefully in the future, ordinary people could be able to get wise, interesting designers into their everyday life.
Is the simpler answer for sustainability not to make 'stuff'? That is, do you think the making of products is in contradiction to sustainability?
No. It very much depends on what you do. Right now he's experimenting on how to get rid of personal excrement. Right now, we live in a culture of 'Flush and forget.' We handle our garbage, excrement, and death in the same way: we don't want to think about it, and this is a huge emotional issue. IN this case, the tools of design can be used to solve a major problem. It really is a matter of changing habits
In what areas is the most interesting work in sustainable design occurring?
Here are two of the most interesting: an enormous development is necessary in designing the no waste world, i.e. making waste a resource. There are "a zillion" possibilities that haven't been explored. The second is the creation of experiences that enhance our life quality in a sustainable way.
What is the work that you are currently doing?
Experience design. He's developing concepts in the fields of design and architecture. The result should not only be a finished product, but an experience for the eventual user. In his work, he attempts to integrate as many different disciplines as possible to create sustainable experiences that provide a fusion of the physical or material with the immaterial. Since technology is not going away, he feels it is important to utilize and integrate it appropriately.
What is 'appropriately?'
When determining appropriateness, it comes down to some basic thinking: everything is in constant cycles. Everything comes from planet, and goes back to the planet. Humans need to enjoy life thoroughly, but respect eternal cycles.
Appropriate use of technology acknowledges and respects these eternity principles.
What does the design process entail for you? How do you go about designing?
It is very difficult to describe, as he has no recipes – he's never used the same formula for different design problems. He profoundly doesn't believe in systems and structures. He'll often look for systems and structures and then jump back out, as he finds them restraining. True creativity means having the ultimate freedom all the time. Of course, he recognizes that this doesn't necessarily work for everyone.
But he finds an ordered format for designing a hindrance to creative innovation. As things are changing all the time, one must also invent new thinking every time.
Every time products or ideas are developed, one must constantly reassess their context. The only structure truly important to the underlying ideas of ethics, where ethics relates back (of course) to an understanding of eternity.
How is sustainability integrated into the design process and/or the end result of your work?
Most of his projects more mind oriented. For example, with a project he did called
Painted On, people harnessed their creative abilities by painting their own carpets. The materials were not very eco-friendly, but the whole point was to get humans to start to look at things in new ways. If you can't think creatively, you can't comprehend things in new ways, which means you'll be completely lost a few years from now because everything is changing so quickly.
How did you get involved with design? What was the education path?
He started work in architecture at age 18, although before that he had worked with stage design. Continuing this work in stage design while studying architecture, he realized he found stage design more provoking and switched over to study it formally. With this, he also studied some industrial design. After his studies, he did some performance art.
What brought him into experience design?
He was doing performance art and working as apprentice in Italy Ettore Sottsass (founder of the Memphis movement, and according to Neils Peter Flint, one of the most creative and elegant designers out there.) when he had an epiphany. He realized the harm to the world the design field was causing and realized he couldn't continue at it. He felt he must do something better for the world.
What would you say the most important skills are for designing?
Constantly challenge yourself spiritually, physically, mentally.
For example, He's purchased an Old Mill in the middle of nowhere in France, and is now living there, renovating it to create the Micro Macro Monde. This is a huge change for someone who's always lived in a city.
Frank Lloyd Wright offered a similar educational experience for his students when he brought them out to a desert and said, 'build your own home.' Flint greatly appreciates this type of hands on approach and feels we need to adapt our system of education. For the upcoming generation of designers, he feels the most important thing will be to have completely open mindsets and be emotionally intelligent. Holistic creative skills allow the designer to be capable of seeing and understanding, and since technology will quickly surpass human abilities, the capacity of emotional mindset will be the ultimate ability separating us from our technology. Of course, as for everyone in the world, it is important that the young designer understand and respecting eternal principles.
How popular do you think eco-consciousness is among designers? Is it becoming more popular?
When he went to the Milan furniture fair, he was (unhappily) surprised at the little consideration the design field exhibited. He does feel that there is definitely a lot more than there was when he started. Unfortunately the amount of designers is colossal, and most of them are still making junk. They exhibit a complete ignorance where making money is the big thing.
As for it becoming popular, its no longer a decent question. All the world's biggest companies know there's no excuse. If they're not considering the environment, then they're completely oblivious.
What role do you think designers can/will play in the movement towards popular sustainable living?
The designer of tomorrow must be a holistically wise person, especially in emotional, spiritual, and immaterial dimensions. They will develop quality experiences to the world., as opposed to things. Smart engineers will take over roles current designers play. There may be a few designers left who are exceptionally sophisticated at handling form. In tomorrow's world, a machine can take the place of today's form shapers. Also, currently, oly the rich are capable hiring designers. Hopefully in the future, ordinary people could be able to get wise, interesting designers into their everyday life.
Is the simpler answer for sustainability not to make 'stuff'? That is, do you think the making of products is in contradiction to sustainability?
No. It very much depends on what you do. Right now he's experimenting on how to get rid of personal excrement. Right now, we live in a culture of 'Flush and forget.' We handle our garbage, excrement, and death in the same way: we don't want to think about it, and this is a huge emotional issue. IN this case, the tools of design can be used to solve a major problem. It really is a matter of changing habits
In what areas is the most interesting work in sustainable design occurring?
Here are two of the most interesting: an enormous development is necessary in designing the no waste world, i.e. making waste a resource. There are "a zillion" possibilities that haven't been explored. The second is the creation of experiences that enhance our life quality in a sustainable way.
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