EVALUATION

Sustainable Design was completely new to me. I knew what sustainable means but not necessarily that much behind it. My lessons on TEDs ten strategies have definitely explained it all.

My favourite of all, has been recycling and upcycling. It has definitely inspired me in my own work. Looking at materials, that I can later possibly recycle like wood. Saving money and energy. A shop, which I have talked about on my blog, Herbert and Masons bombed Machč shop, is a great example. Showing how we can give new life to anything. The design will have a short life, but can be reused again. The intention was to create something beyond just a shop. An experience. It means that visitors could engage, as well as see the brands culture. It strengthened the brand. It isnt the only shop known for great experience. Another great example is Howies store in Bristol. Produced products that have a very long-life. Not only letting the consumer have an attachment to it, but also caring for the environment. Using organic cotton for any garment; t-shirt. Their store is also very low impact. The interior shows the the retailers sustainable approach. Using reclaimed and found materials such as timber for walls, furniture and some display areas. All the furniture can be moved, removed and adjusted in different spaces/positions. I love the fact, that they have been very environmental friendly when it comes to details. Designing a typeface on wood, from a locally fallen chestnut tree. Not only used nature but also showed personality through it.

It relates to my own work as Im looking into using nature, without making a high impact on the environment. Cutting down on the usage on energy and water. My structure is very simple and self-dependent. A willow will only be coppiced, repeatedly cut down to ground level to maintain it. It will make it stronger, and wood can be used for others needs. Reducing the need to consume. It can become an social experience, learning a new skill. It would also make London greener. Being able to make such a statement, I should hope it would inform people. It is something that definitely has not be done properly yet. Designing for disaster (my unit), our planet being so contaminated is a disaster itself.

I have learned that as a designer, Im making statements. I can change the environment. Its something that I did not acknowledge very much before. This project showed me that I have to be the system thinker, and that there is no need to consume so much. Our planet is filled with so much plastic, theres enough to cover it. It is worrying, as uninformed costumers keep buying more. We should look into something more durable. With the innovation of new technologies, theres many alternatives. As designers, we should have strategies. Use only durable materials. Building should be used for a long time. Not abandoning, but actually looking into maintenance. One that can adapt to changes, that possibly will happen in the future. Creating a city that is environmentally friendly. 

 

 

 

 

 

BASF. A sustainable building is made with durable technologies and durable materials. [online] Available at: <http://www.construction.basf.com/p05/industry/en_GB/content/your_stories/tsuchihashi>

Remodel. Howies, Bristol store. [online] Available at: <http://www.remodeldesign.co.uk/portfolio/howies/>

Howies. We are Howies. [online] Available at: <http://www.howies.co.uk/about-us>

Sian, M., 2012. Sustainability in Interior Design. London: Lauren King Pub.