On Monday November 1st, at the at the EQuilibrium™ Housing Forum — True Stories: Sustainability in Action - I've been granted the opportunity to present the the Integrated Design Process for the Abondance, Le Soleil project. I'll be introducing the concept of a design charrette and it's role in the implementation of a systemic, facilitated integrated design process. The conference presents to people in the larger building community the successes and challenges of the development of three net zero home building projects in the province of Quebec.
The fundamental importance of the integrated design process was one of my personal take-away lessons form having participated in the development of the Abondance Montreal project. Not only were we able to understand the project from a variety of perspectives and work out complex design issues as a group - but when challenges arose (and they always do in construction projects), the sense of collective ownership and commitment to the team that was developed through the collaborative design and development process was invaluable in over coming challenges. It's a civil and incredibly democratic way to work.
If you weren't aware there are these advanced homes in the province - you can actually visit the projects to learn more about them. Visiting these sites provide an excellent opportunity to witness the culmination of many years work the teams involved.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Psssst.... Tale Spin #21 is coming up!
The 21st edition of DeAnne Smith's Tale Spin is taking place this Thursday, October 28 starting at 8:30pm. I will be telling tales about "Spilling Secrets" with Dan Bingham, Kyle MacDonald, Andrea Stanford, and Tim Rabnett. The evening will be hosted by the DeAnne Smith. Old school story-telling infused with comedic sensibilities.
Great value for only $5. Takes place at Cagibi, 5490 St. Laurent.
Monday, October 4, 2010
10:10 No Pressure
Wow. Well, you can't fault someone for trying (most things), below is an short film for the organization 10:10.
I suppose one way to broach the notion that not doing something about climate change is fundamentally suicidal, is with dark humour. It's an uncomfortable notion, but many feel that there is folly in our current laissez-faire approach to climate change. I guess the folks at 10:10 were thinking that subtleties are best reserved for non-urgent situations. However, given how defensively some have reacted to the piece, it might not be terribly effective in terms of bringing people "into the fold" of environmental action. But strangely enough, that is not likely the point of this campaign.
For those who "get it" this wee film could likely serve as a kind of in-joke, reminiscent of the now famous Apple/PC ads. As a result of that particular campaign, PC people might think Apple users are - more than ever - self-righteous assholes (not my opinion, btw). However, Apple users will be more likely to further identify with their computing choice, as they come out looking like the cool kids in those pieces. Cool kids, in the case of the "No Pressure" film, are the folks not blown to jelly-coloured bits (the majority of those depicted in the film).
The film was pulled within hours of its release, as it was said to cause some embarrassment for the organization. But I think these clever folks are well aware of the power of the internet and are letting the video live on, in YouTube-land. It'll likely have a bigger impact post-pull than it ever could have without this controversial chatter around it.
I suppose one way to broach the notion that not doing something about climate change is fundamentally suicidal, is with dark humour. It's an uncomfortable notion, but many feel that there is folly in our current laissez-faire approach to climate change. I guess the folks at 10:10 were thinking that subtleties are best reserved for non-urgent situations. However, given how defensively some have reacted to the piece, it might not be terribly effective in terms of bringing people "into the fold" of environmental action. But strangely enough, that is not likely the point of this campaign.
For those who "get it" this wee film could likely serve as a kind of in-joke, reminiscent of the now famous Apple/PC ads. As a result of that particular campaign, PC people might think Apple users are - more than ever - self-righteous assholes (not my opinion, btw). However, Apple users will be more likely to further identify with their computing choice, as they come out looking like the cool kids in those pieces. Cool kids, in the case of the "No Pressure" film, are the folks not blown to jelly-coloured bits (the majority of those depicted in the film).
The film was pulled within hours of its release, as it was said to cause some embarrassment for the organization. But I think these clever folks are well aware of the power of the internet and are letting the video live on, in YouTube-land. It'll likely have a bigger impact post-pull than it ever could have without this controversial chatter around it.
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