WEDESDAY, JAN 11, 2023: NOTE TO FILE
Eric Lee, A-SOCIATED PRESS
TOPICS: SUSTAINABILITY, FROM THE WIRES, LANGUAGE GAMES
Abstract: As I have sustainability concerns and concerns for posterity's and the biosphere's future, I will start a course in Ecological Design tomorrow, which is one of four 'dimensions' of the offering. Subnotes to file will likely follow.
COOS BAY (A-P) — The 7th lesson. [My comments are in brackets.]
Another important contribution to ecological whole-systems design was developed by Professor Stephen Kellert of Yale University. Human and natural systems are connected, linking ‘quality of life’ and integrity of natural systems. Ecological and human values are mediated through landscape, providing economic, social and psychological as well as environmental advantages. The built environment and its operation uses large amounts of resources and so emphasises that wise design decisions have to take into account: i) how to minimise their impact on ecosystems and in doing so minimise their ecological and carbon footprints; ii) how design can be an expression of our interconnection with and innate love for nature (biophilia); and how local traditions, indigenous wisdom, and vernacular architecture are all valuable expressions of the ‘spirit of place’ in a given location and can inform restorative design.
Kellert has come to call this approach Biophilic Design – literally design that expresses and engenders our innate human love for life and all living beings.
Here is a short introduction (3min) [on Biophilic Design] to the documentary Biophilic Design – The Architecture of Life [Link is to the 3 min preview introduction to a documenary you have to pay $10 to view for 24 hours. A Google search will be more informative.]