A Failure of Design- "The Lightbulb Conspiracy"

Planned Obselescence is a failure of the modern design & engineering age. An enconomy based on continuous growth which fails to recognise the limits of the earth's resources and capacity for waste is partly a failure of the design industry. Designers have an ethical obligation to design products and buildings that last, not to fail. We must start changing the industry to respect posterity not obselescence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5DCwN28y8o&feature=related

Michael Pawlyn: Using Nature's Genius in Architecture

Biomimicry is a way forward for design, for humanity. Taking lessons from nature and applying them to our needs.
We are only on the cusp of discovering what is possible, but first we have to believe it is possible. Just because we can't conceive it doesn't mean a solution doesn't exist.

Cradle to Cradle

One of my greatest influences is the well known Architect William McDonough. His famous book 'Cradle to Cradle' is what I believe, one of the most important works for any upcoming designer to read.

It is necessary to read the book for the greatest impact, but his TED talk is a great summary of the idea, the principle and the philosophy.

e2

One of my favourite documentary series is a look into ways architects, engineers, councils and collectives are pushing the world in the direction that is sustainable and inspiring, solving problems with fresh, innovative perspectives, pushing the boundaries and testing what's possible.

This series is e2. With narrators including Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman it brings these ideas, this philosophy into the living room where it can have the greatest impact, on the people that become the clients. After all it is the client that has the first and last word and if their mindset is open to these ideas from the beginning it makes the designers much more capable of producing meaningful outcomes through the design process.

The first episode of the design series to wet the appetite...