Architecture for Humanity
Posted: September 30, 2010 Filed under: Inspiration Leave a comment
Building a more sustainable future using the power of design.
Through a global network of building professionals, Architecture for Humanity brings design, construction and development services to communities in need.
In Search of the Miraculous or One Thing Leads to Another
Posted: September 27, 2010 Filed under: Inspiration, Resources 1 Comment
October 1–November 24, 2010
As a graphic designer, Milton Glaser has created some of the most powerful and enduring visual art of our time. This exhibition of Glaser’s work attempts to plot the path of a series of design ideas over a period of time to demonstrate how one influences another, and how any two ideas brought together can produce a totally new idea that cannot be anticipated.
Check out:
http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/exhibit-milton-glaser
Sightseeing in New York?? A place to visit
Posted: September 27, 2010 Filed under: Inspiration Leave a comment
Past AIGA Gallery shows
Located at 164 Fifth Avenue in New York City, the AIGA National Design Center serves as a base of operations for the national staff as well as a source of inspiration for members and the public. The AIGA National Design Center features a gallery open to the public during exhibitions throughout the year, an extensive library available by appointment to members only, the AdamsMorioka Archives Vault and a green roof.
Gallery
The Gallery at the AIGA National Design Center in New York City is an exhibition space dedicated to presenting examples of outstanding contemporary design. These examples are not just displayed, but placed in context through dedicated, clear narratives that explain the process of designing and the different roles of the designer as an influential member of the community, business force and society at large. Learn about the AIGA National Design Center’s exhibition selection criteria.
The Gallery at the AIGA National Design Center hosts a range of design exhibitions throughout the year. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
AIGA National Design Center is located at 164 Fifth Avenue (between 21st and 22nd Streets) in New York City. The nearest subway station is on the N/R/W line at 23rd Street.
Green roof
In 2007 AIGA installed a green roof—a vegetated roof cover—at the AIGA National Design Center in New York City. AIGA contracted Weston Solutions, Inc., to create the 1,156 square foot GreenGrid roof system to top its historic, four-story headquarters. Eight varieties of sedum were planted in four-inch-deep containers, lined by a walkway of recycled rubber pavers.
By “greening” its roof, AIGA pursues its ongoing environmental stewardship effort. Green roofs have been shown to reduce heating and cooling loads on a building, counter the urban heat island effect, filter pollutants and carbon dioxide out of the air, as well as filter pollutants and heavy metals out of rainwater.
For More information:
http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/national-design-center
Carrots flying out of vending machines
Posted: September 26, 2010 Filed under: Design Around Us Leave a comment
Will redesigning the way ‘health foods’ are packaged encourage better eating habits?
“Getting kids to eat their veggies is a challenge even when they’re little and you can keep an eye on them at home. Once they get older — into high school, say — and can pick and choose what they eat? Forget it.”
Carrots flying out of vending machines in Ohio | Marketplace From American Public Media.
Ditch Your Laptop, Dump Your Boyfriend
Posted: September 26, 2010 Filed under: MU Life Leave a comment
Advice for freshmen from the people who actually grade their papers and lead their class discussions.
Op-Ed Contributors – Ditch Your Laptop, Dump Your Boyfriend – NYTimes.com.
beBLUU™ filtered water bottles – filtered, reusable, recyclable, BPA Free
Posted: September 20, 2010 Filed under: Design Around Us Leave a commentbeBLUU™ filtered water bottles – filtered, reusable, recyclable, BPA Free.
Design Research
Posted: September 13, 2010 Filed under: Inspiration, Resources 1 Comment
Image of Design Research Store
A new book designed by Michael Bierut @ Pentagram
Today, retailers like Design Within Reach, Crate & Barrel, Habitat, IKEA and Target have all popularized the idea that good design should be accessible to everyone. But the concept was first introduced over a half century ago by Design Research, the influential modernist mini-chain that mixed design objects from Charles and Ray Eames, Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen with eclectic folk materials and textiles from around the world and helped introduce the modern “lifestyle” to postwar Americans and their homes.
The first Design Research store was established in 1953 …
http://pentagram.com/en/new/2010/08/new-work-design-research.php
Robert Campbell talks about Design Research
Hydroponics Vegetable & Herb Gardens & Seed Kits
Posted: September 11, 2010 Filed under: Design Around Us 1 Comment
Indoor Hydroponics Vegetable & Herb Garden Systems Grow Greens 5 Times Faster Than Soil.
The AeroGarden lets you grow organic-based plants inside your home at any time of the year. This kit comes with everything you’ll need to get started, including a gourmet herbs seed kit that can produce herb harvests for up to four months. Growing fresh vegetables and herbs at home not only saves money, it also ensures that your greens will be as fresh and nutritious as possible.
http://www.earthtechproducts.com/hydroponics-vegetable—herb-garden.html
Amazon Tries to Cut Frustration Over Packaging
Posted: September 11, 2010 Filed under: Design Around Us Leave a comment
“For nearly two years, Amazon has been trying to get manufacturers to adopt “frustration-free packaging” that gets rid of plastic cases and air-bubble wrap — major irritants for consumers and one of Amazon’s biggest sources of customer complaints.”
“For brick and mortar retailers, traditional packaging remains popular because it can help deter theft. But in Web shopping, there is general agreement that the alternative packaging is a hit with consumers, and that it is simple for packaging companies to create. It is also environmentally friendly, using recycled and recyclable cardboard rather than plastic and wire ties, quicker to produce than the retail packaging and costs less.”
“With this project, though, AllpakTrojan could use a single material, and it went through a machine just once instead of the two to three times required for the traditional package. “From design to finish, it’s as efficient as it gets,” he said.”
Amazon Tries to Cut Frustration Over Packaging – NYTimes.com.
Design for the Other 90%
Posted: September 7, 2010 Filed under: Inspiration, Resources Leave a comment
“The majority of the world’s designers focus all their efforts on developing products and services exclusively for the richest 10% of the world’s customers. Nothing less than a revolution in design is needed to reach the other 90%.”
—Dr. Paul Polak, International Development Enterprises
http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/
A Better World by Design 
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