Evolutionary Design: design according to Nature
The way we currently design houses, consumer products, and other technological artifacts is obsolete and harmful. While there is a growing consciousness concerning environmental impact and so-called appropriate technology and some progress is noted in the mainstream, the most promising ideas are found at the “fringe,” in the domain of a group of visionaries here called the “outlaw designers.” The inspiration for the right solutions can be found all around us by appropriately drawing from Nature’s design techniques. It requires a profound change in our compartimented way of thinking to properly understand Nature’s systemic and synergetic quality. Applying this holistic view to the design of houses and other products will lead to better integration with the surroundings, with the users, and reduce considerably the environmental footprint. We briefly list architect Eugene Tsui’s principles of Evolutionary Architecture, which represent a Nature-inspired, bold and necessary departure from tradition in building appropriate shelters. In the same spirit, we also propose a series of 12 evolutionary design principles to be applied to small scale technological products.
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Tags: alternative energy, architecture, cosmology, design, Eugene Tsui, evolutionary architecture, evolutionary design, Nature, outlaw designers, synergy
Posted in Environment, Health and well-being, Shelter, Spirit | No Comments »
The true wisdom of Chief Seathl
There is ample evidence that our expansive materialistic industrial society has much to learn from aboriginal cultures which, throughout the world, have certain traits in common: a profound connection to Nature and deference towards its sacredness, societies built of small, human-scale units centered on family and community, and a system of government based on consensus and wary of the long-term impact of its decisions. Chief Seathl, who became chief of the Suquamish tribe in 1808 at the age of 22, captures well that spirit and wisdom in his famous speech given in 1854. It speaks of sound values, of recognizing the sacred character of Nature, of the attachment to the land where one’s ancestors are buried. It also describes the decline and resignation of the American Indians, and indirectly warns White Man of the future environmental and social consequences of his recklessness.
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Tags: Chief Seathl, expansion, hallowed ground, land, Native American, Nature, sacred balance, West
Posted in Biography, Environment, Spirit | No Comments »
