Concentration

How Can Design Be Used To Create A More Sustainable Future?

My concentration explores the elements of sustainable and green design. It illustrates the four core elements: energy efficiency, proper site evaluation, water efficiency, and material selection. Within each of those core elements are sub elements that can be seen in each of my pieces. Sub elements include solar panels, passive house design, living roofs, etc. I reimagined the spaces we live, work, and play in so that they are created to be sustainable without sacrificing aesthetics.

When creating pieces 1 and 2 I began to explore the concept of designing and drawing your own house. When designing each house I automatically found myself incorporating green design elements into each piece, unconsciously. In piece 3 I decided to once again design my own house, this time incorporating a unique perspective in to showcase the multiple green elements: solar panels, passive solar design, a living roof, and native plant selection. I then applied these elements to a more real world application in piece 4, where the top of a large office building is covered in grass, trees, solar panels, and walking trails. In pieces 5-7 I decided to play around with more fantasy like houses and buildings. Each have distinct color pallets that were consciously chosen. Playing around with color eventually led me to the creation of pieces 8 and 9 which break down two forms of renewable energy ( wind and geothermal) into color, pattern, and shape. Although a different style from my first few pieces, they still incorporate elements of sustainable and green design. In pieces 10-12 I decided to focus on more real world application of green design. Piece 10 illustrates a system of "living" rain gutters, piece 11 illustrates a solar farm along a highway, and piece 12 illustrates a community that surrounds a urban farm.

The future of our environment depends on a transition to renewable energy. My pieces show examples of how green design elements can be incorporated to new construction and existing homes/buildings. Homeowners, business owners, and corporations can set a precedent for environmental sustainability by taking responsibility for their emissions and impact on the environment. Incorporating these elements into cities can create a better standard of life with more green spaces and better air quality. It is up to individual homeowners and multi-national corporations to implement green design to work towards a more sustainable and healthy future.