Sustainable Design: The Next Chapter

Project August 2010

Masters Unit

With being aware that many people are narrow-minded when it comes to sustainability, I wanted to create something that would ‘open their eyes’ to sustainability, pushing the boundaries and so making them think outside the box.

The book is an aid for understanding a ‘new’ phase of Sustainable Design, which exists for educational purposes, (educational; to educate the reader, not just present in schools). It explains (through text and imagery) that there is more than ‘materials’ and ‘energy consumption’ to consider within Sustainable Design. As the book will explain, aspects such as how the object is used can be more effective than what the object is created from.

There are many books on Sustainable Design, but these tend to consist of designs that use sustainable materials, not sustainable thinking. This is where my book differs.

The designs included in the book vary from classic designs of the 1920s, such as Eileen Gray, through to graduates of 2010. This is to represent that although this way of thinking is new, it does not mean the work has to be new. With my past work being influenced by Sustainable Design, this will also be included where appropriate.

There are 28 principles in the book, which are broken down in to three parts; 1. The explanation of the principle. 2. The explanation of the featured work. 3. How the work and the principle are connected to sustainability. The points I will put together are influenced by other designers, who’s work is also about a new level of Sustainable Design.

Model Of Sustainable Design

Project May 2010

Sustainable Direction; For A Community Context

The model is designed to be used by people within communities, that are considering introducing sustainable values in their social context, it will demonstrate that there is more than ‘just re cycling’ to initiate. From working together as a community, to the awareness every individual needs; to progress to the desired sustainable target.

The model doesn’t state ‘step by step’ what routes to take to achieve the ‘ultimate sustainability’, it gives examples of how sustainability can work, and what aspects to consider. With these positive points, the model also represents the negative outcomes; if these aspects were not to be taken on board.

The model is represented in the form of a circle, so each sustainable aspect has the positive and negative section facing opposite each other, so the user can easily see the different outcomes of the same criteria.

Half It

Project May 2010

a studio-based experience that places emphasis on materiality, and the nature of physical experience as mediated through the design, production and physical manifestation of things.

I've created a series of one off products that enter a ‘new’ kind of design genera (not the usual ‘bigger, better, faster selling designs’). I want this series of products to bringing engagement but also to be insightful!

With halving products symmetrically, and down the new revealed edge I’ve applied a modern crisp finish. With the products being divided, there are two of them, so, instead of having one neglected old one, there are two new desirable products. New value is given through the process of rescuing, the manipulation and the deliberate change.

I chose objects that will still function in their half state, but with a slight sacrificed utility to them. With the objects still functioning in their half state – it makes the viewer question; How much do we have? What is actually necessary? what is actually needed?

I completed this process because; in our society we have enough objects and products ready available, we don’t need to keep producing new ones, so with this process - twice as many new objects can be obtained from neglected old ones.

On The Back

On the back of each half is a small logo and a sentence. The logos match up in case each half is ever re - united and the sentence reads 'In slicing one unwanted product in half, two desirable ones are created.'

The sentence is intended to inform the viewer about the object and the process it has gone through.

2020!

Project February 2020

I produced a short film that is set in 2020; which focuses on a female making her daily cup of tea.

The film is to represent how we are quickly turning our norm society into a disposable society, and the daily extremes we could end up carrying out. But also it is an awareness of how we could end up if we don't change, I'm wanting the viewer to consider; how much you use and throw away, where this goes and who this effects. The film was shot using stop frame to give a jerky effect so it is like a 'vision'. It is about how we will become very OCD about out routines and our progression of disposing, with how we do so light heatedly, without knowing where they end up - they get thrown away, but where exactly is this 'away'. The film is very abstract , it has exaggerated actions and things are out of proportion.

To view the short film, please click on the link below;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odhIenKyBCM

Product # 05

Project January 2010:

Materiality Project

I created a series of lighting using abandoned glass wear, the interior of the glass has been sand blasted to create the opaqueness, and the red cable gives a striking contrast. My aim was to create products that’s emphasis is on the materiality and the nature of physical experience as mediated through the design, production and physical manifestation of things.

Materials

Project December 2009:

Can alternate materials change our behavior?

An experiment in to materials and how our behavior changes.

Investigating - if familiar objects were created in alternate materials - would they be treated any differently?

An MP3 is usually cased in plastic, making the user careful not to damage the object so no scratches and scuffs are created, but objects such as wooden ones collect scratches and marks adding to their history and aesthetics of wood.

So I combined a material that improves with age, with an object that doesn't usually 'want' to age to see if it would be treated any differently.

Moss Chair

Project November 2009:

Can We Be Controlled By Nature?

With placing moss in a particular position within our ‘every day tasks’ I wanted to reverse the roll of humans controlling nature, so that nature controls our actions. In doing so I was intending on the user taking note of the forced changes they have to make to continue their daily tasks.

House Make Over

Project November 2009

Oliver Heath: Tonight With Trevor Mc Donald

I was involved in an ‘Eco’ house make over in Brighton that was run by sustainable interior designer and enthusiast Oliver Heath. I was involved in making the soft furnishings shown in these images, including cushions and lamp shades. I was also involved with the reviving of old furniture through maintenance and design.

This house makeover was also shown on - Tonight With Trevor Mc Donald.

http://www.itv.com/news/tonight/episodes/throwawayfuture/default.html

Car Companion

Project 2009;

Based from, people spending long periods of time in transport.

The 'Car Companion' provides a way for a preferred flower or fruit bearing plant to be admired in the location of the car. This can also be transported to area such as the office.

A connection to nature is created from relief of the artificial car interior, and if a fruit plant is chosen food is provided.

Car Garden

Project 2009;

Pushing the boundaries of a car.

Continuing the experiments with cars and greenery, I transformed half the car in to a simple garden. As movement is provided through the car, the garden can be taken anywhere. For the car owners that are situated in flats, a private garden is created.

Car Cultivation

Project 2009;

Pushing boundaries of a car.

With the majority of internal cars not used to their full potential, I decided to experiment with using the car as an object to cultivate plants, a great climate is created for plants to thrive, and over a number of weeks, they did. Movement is provided through the car so natural light is always available.

Dressing Table

Project 2008;

To design a 'dressing table' with a difference.

This table was designed so the users 'dresses the table' with patterns due to their late actions.

The table is filled with a memory material so imprints from objects remain for a short period of time. A pattern builds up because of use, then slowly fades back away.