Sustainable Design

After researching through articles about sustainable design in various design journals, I came to form my own definition on the matter. We all know that global warming is reaping havoc on our world. It is up to the inhabits to go green and practice sustainable design. I have fond that sustainable design I the a strategy targeted to reduce the negative impacts on the environment and preserve nature through the use of products good for the economy. Not everybody has to race out and completely convert to sustainable design, but everybody has to take small steps together.
Interior Sources Oct/Nov 2007
Every person counts when it comes to Sustainability. The article, “A Call to Green Action,” explains how individuals can do their part of the greater whole (i.e.- recycle, hybrid cars, locally grown produce, etc). Enough people came together and in 2005, New York passed an act that stated most of the new municipal buildings must meet a standard of sustainability
Buildings March 2007
In, ‘ A Smart Approach to Sustainability, Ralph Dinola explains that, “longevity is key to sustainability.” This article stressed the importance of small steps. People don’t have to switch everything over to sustainable design in one setting; they just need to become aware of a change. Location is a key factor in learning about an individual’s sustainability needs.

Metropolis Oct 2007
This article quotes Ray Anderson in saying that, “No one should be claiming sustainable products. There is no such thing yet in terms of zero footprint. What you can do is demonstrate reduced footprint.” So, instead of coming up with a solution to sustainability, ‘7 Steps In the Life Cycle of a Green Product,’ has come up with seven things a product can be that comes relatively close to being sustainable.

Buildings March 2007
Tools like this are helpful when it comes to aiding a person or building on their journey to incorporate more sustainable design into the world.

Dwell Nov 2007
Do you know who is already taking large steps to a more sustainable lifestyle? It is not who you’d think. The article, ‘ The Third Influx of Global Greening Is At Hand,’ notes that places such as, “ Wal Mart, McDonald’s, Ford Motor, even Shell and BP” are miles ahead of the mass public in “effective environmental action and awareness.”




Environmental Design+ Construction
Even School and Universities are deciding to become more sustainable. ‘Campus Commitment Shapes A Sustainable Community,’ displays how Pacific University was the first recognizable sustainable residence hall.
Interior Design Oct 2007
Switching over to sustainability cannot only have an effect on the environment, but it can look cool in the process. Ice Stone is the new kind of sustainable countertop made from recycled glass and concrete.
Sustainable Facility Oct 2007
Joel Pizzuti is the first to come up with the idea of ‘Green Construction.’ He placed 6,600 sq. feet of bio infiltration cells that would allow surface water to collect in a 32,000 sq. foot bios wale I order to trap pollutants and silt from ground water.

Other Journals used:
Dwell Dec/ Jan 2008
Perspective 2006-2007
Space Fall 2007