Green / Design · Oct 3, 02:43 PM
Green is a hot topic, and so has become merchandised, advertised and sold—the latest way to make money by selling us things. But becoming more green is essentially a subtractive process: the main thing to be added is a mental attitude that sees the reality of the world environmental crisis and acts accordingly, in big and small ways, most of which do not involve buying things. It requires making changes: smaller car, fewer cars—walk, ride a bike. Smaller house, closer to work. Less energy use in the home: insulate, turn off the lights, use energy-star appliances, replace those incandescent light bulbs. Recycle, compost. A green house is not an exurban mansion with 6,000 square feet and solar panels. A green house is one where every decision is subjected to ruthless standards, and the result is a smaller, more comfortable and more efficient house—- a house that uses less of every precious resource, and brings the activities of your everyday life into harmony with your convictions.
DESIGN
Design is what architects do, and green design adds one more set of concerns to the usual ones of siting, budget and program. With green design every decision from the most basic idea to the smallest detail is subjected to the standards of green building, and uses the best of an ever-expanding array of green products and practices. Design itself is a process of integrating all aspects of a structure with an eye to beauty, harmony, and proportion. Design is also a subtractive process: initial grand ideas often become more modest in the light of budget and other realities, but good design can give you everything you need in a smaller structure. Good design is often nearly invisible: your new kitchen or living room or bathroom or deck can seem so right you forget it hasn’t always been there. Design is a process of solving problems using knowledge, imagination and an aesthetic sense, so that your environment reflects your life and makes it easier. Green design gives you a built environment that reflects, as well, your desire to reduce your footprint on the earth.
— David Peabody
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