Design 21: Social Design Network

Thanks to <a href="http://www.socialdesignsite.com/index.php%3Fidcatside%3D53">Social Design Site</a> for crediting the <a href="http://www.thevenusproject.com/">Venus Project</a>:

"This organization proposes a feasible plan of action towards a peaceful and sustainable world; eradicating wars, poverty and pollution by using the idea of a resource-based civilization. The <a href="http://www.thevenusproject.com/">Venus Project</a> calls for a straightforward approach to the redesign of a culture, in which the age-old inadequacies of war, poverty, hunger, debt, environmental degradation and unnecessary human suffering are viewed not only as avoidable, but totally unacceptable. Anything less will result in a continuation of the same catalog of problems inherent in today's world."

<a href="http://www.thevenusproject.com/">Venus Project</a>

For anyone not aware of the <a href="http://www.massivechange.com/about">Massive Change</a> project by the magnificent Bruce Mau and his team... you must read this: <br><br> Design has emerged as one of the world’s most powerful forces. It has placed us at the beginning of a new, unprecedented period of human possibility, where all economies and ecologies are becoming global, relational, and interconnected. In order to understand and harness these emerging forces, there is an urgent need to articulate precisely what we are doing to ourselves and to our world. This is the ambition of <a href="http://www.massivechange.com/about">Massive Change</a>. <br><br> <a href="http://www.massivechange.com/about">Massive Change</a> is a celebration of our global capacities but also a cautious look at our limitations. It encompasses the utopian and dystopian possibilities of this emerging world, in which even nature is no longer outside the reach of our manipulation. <br><br> For many of us, design is invisible. We live in a world that is so thoroughly configured by human effort that design has become second nature, ever-present, inevitable, taken for granted. <br><br> For all information on the project and the books: <a href="http://www.massivechange.com/about">Massive Change</a>

<a href="http://www.droogdesign.nl/">DroogDesign</a> have launched a competition for Climate Change. <br><br> "Ranging from ideas about food, heating, music, literature, fashion, architecture...anything you like in any form you wish. The 10 best design proposals will be published on our website; the public will be invited to choose one favourite and vote for an overall winner." <br><br> Deadline for participation is June 30, 2007. <br> See the website > <a href="http://www.droogdesign.nl/">DroogDesign</a>

<a href="http://www.indexaward.dk/">INDEX</a>: is a non-profit network organization - based in Copenhagen - that focuses on Design to Improve Life worldwide. <br><br> <a href="http://www.indexaward.dk/">INDEX</a>: works through a global network to ensure access to the best knowledge on design and the cutting edge of contemporary thinking. <br><br> The network consists of designers, businesses, organizations and design institutions who collaborate in disseminating and applying the latest knowledge in the field of “Design to Improve Life.” Between its large-scale biannual events, <a href="http://www.indexaward.dk/">INDEX</a>: Community gathers the best expertise and collects and distributes the latest knowledge, making INDEX: the most extensive center of knowledge on Design to Improve Life. <br><br> To accommodate this large network, <a href="http://www.indexaward.dk/">INDEX</a>: has taken a different approach in the design of its organizational structure. <a href="http://www.indexaward.dk/">INDEX</a>: is made up of so-called “lounges” organized around its daily management, i.e. the operational lounge, which functions as a platform for dialog and the exchange of ideas. The organization is symbolically represented as a flower, since it cannot be contained in any conventional organizational plan. Each leaf represents a lounge that pr...

An interesting project worth having a look at if you are interested in our Environmental Footprints: <br><br> "<a href="http://zerofootprint.net/">Zerofootprint</a> is a not-for-profit that combines the best financial engineering, environmental engineering, social networking tools and business intelligence to create products and services that help large corporations, organizations and individuals significantly reduce their environmental footprint." <br><br> "Zerofootprint started with an idea about ideas. If future generations blame us for not responding adequately to the converging crises of this century, it won’t be because we didn’t have any good ideas at our disposal. It will be because we didn’t do anything about them. <br><br> Zerofootprint’s mission is to change the world by helping people reduce their environmental footprint. Our goal is to provide a forum for the massive and growing, but mostly unconnected majority of people – whether they think of themselves as citizens or businesspeople, parents or consumers, activists or theorists—who want to do the right thing. <br><br> Action is impossible without information. We are forging a community where those who have it can share it with those who are looking for it, and where those who can offer direction will come into contact with those who need it. Zerofootprint: getting good ideas off the drawing board and into the world."...

This project creates and influences social interactions at the workplace, school and public spaces, using arts, architecture and interior design. <br><br> Bosch & Fjord create spaces where design challenges people and poses questions. The projects influence how people act and think, potentially changing the organisation, procedures and learning situations. Affecting existing structures, the projects can have thoroughgoing influence on people’s day-to-day lives. They break fixed habits and ingrained thinking and open up dialogue.
<br><br> On the premise that everyone is different, thinks differently and learns differently in different situations, Bosch & Fjord have created a complete and challenging design at Ordrup School. Bosch & Fjord, working with SKUB, a school development and expansion project in Gentofte Municipality, has done away with traditional school interiors and instead created varied areas with room for differentiated teaching and creative thinking. Now there are raised window seats with a view of the outside world, green platforms with round red holes where discussions can percolate and large upholstered tubes where kids can hide with a good book or spend some time alone. See full article: <a href="http://www.socialdesignsite.com/index.php%3Fidcatside%3D90">Bosch & Fjord (DK)</a>

An interesting project worth having a look at if you are interested in our Environmental Footprints: <br><br> "<a href="http://zerofootprint.net/">Zerofootprint</a> is a not-for-profit that combines the best financial engineering, environmental engineering, social networking tools and business intelligence to create products and services that help large corporations, organizations and individuals significantly reduce their environmental footprint." <br><br> "Zerofootprint started with an idea about ideas. If future generations blame us for not responding adequately to the converging crises of this century, it won’t be because we didn’t have any good ideas at our disposal. It will be because we didn’t do anything about them. <br><br> Zerofootprint’s mission is to change the world by helping people reduce their environmental footprint. Our goal is to provide a forum for the massive and growing, but mostly unconnected majority of people – whether they think of themselves as citizens or businesspeople, parents or consumers, activists or theorists—who want to do the right thing. <br><br> Action is impossible without information. We are forging a community where those who have it can share it with those who are looking for it, and where those who can offer direction will come into contact with those who need it. Zerofootprint: getting good ideas off the drawing board and into the world."...

Upcoming RSA/Innovaro Lectures: <br> <a href="http://www.rsa.org.uk/events/detail.asp?EventID=2217">Designing Interactions</a> [13 June]<br> Jeremy Myerson, Fiona Raby, Tony Dunne & Bill Moggridge<br> <a href="http://www.rsa.org.uk/events/detail.asp?EventID=2257">Café RSA: Climate Change DIY</a> [14 June]<br> Manifesto Challenge: Moving Towards a Zero Waste Society<br> <a href="http://www.rsa.org.uk/events/detail.asp?EventID=2297">RSA Lecture with Nick Clegg MP</a> [18 June]<br> Manifesto Challenge: Developing a Capable Population<br> <a href="http://www.rsa.org.uk/events/detail.asp?eventID=2285">Innovation - Tomorrow's Communities.</a> [20 June]<br><br>

For further details visit the <a href="http://www.rsa.org.uk/events/">RSA Website</a>

Here's one for the innovative and creative ones out there, also one for the kids!

"<a href="http://www.readymech.com/"> Ready Mechs</a> are free, flatpack toys for you to print and build. They are designed to fit on an 8.5"x11" page and printed with any printer. You’ll need double-sided tape, thick matte paper, and 10-15 minutes for build time."

See the site: <a href="http://www.readymech.com/"> Ready Mech</a>

Tuesday 1 May 2007 at Old Billingsgate in central London. <br><br> The Think conference and exhibition explores the wider responsibilities of the property and construction industries as we deal with the issues of climate change, urban renewal and redevelopment. Think are thrilled to announce the launch of The Think Ball - a glittering social occasion to take place on the first day of the Think conference. <br><br> The event captured the spirit of Think in a dramatically different way. While the critical themes - sustainability, regeneration and innovation - remain absolutely the focus, the Ball explored these in a wildly imaginative, inspirational and entertaining fashion. It combined glorious surroundings with star personalities and world-class entertainment, all while keeping a firm focus on the imperatives being faced in the property & construction sectors. <br><br> The Think Ball was a magnificent event, symbolising how nature and the built environment can co-exist in harmony. By sharing powerful and emotive themes, with a twist of humour, The Think Ball offered a special, memorable and thought-provoking evening. From the creative environment, to the provenance of the menu and the use of recyclable materials, the Ball employed sustainable resources and responsible suppliers wherever possible.' <br><br> See the website <a href="http://www.think07.co.uk/">Think07</a><br> and my support and Photo...