VCUQ in partnership with the Ministry of Civil Service Affairs and Housing and Qatar Foundation announce the annual design conference; Tasmeem Doha 2007. The international design conference will take place at VCUQ from 5 - 8 March 2007.
The Keynote speaker of the conference is Dr. David Suzuki, Chair of the David Suzuki Foundation. He is an award -winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster. He is renowned for his radio and television programs that explain the complexities of the natural science in a compelling and easily understood way. Dr. Suzuki will deliver the keynote address on the opening night. He will discuss some of the reasons why human beings are no longer doing what our ancestors did to ensure our survival.
"Human beings are now the most numerous mammals on earth and with our science and technology, consumption and global economy; we are now altering the chemical, physical and biological features of the planet on a geological scale. Now we have the amplified predictive capacity of computers, scientists, engineers and telecommunications and for over 40 years, they have been informing us that we are moving on a dangerous path. We have been turning our backs on our collective foresight and not acting to avoid danger." explains Dr. Suzuki.
This year's conference continues the discussion initiated during Tasmeem 2005 and 2006 regarding the important role design plays in shaping our identity, determining our quality of life and driving our economy. VCUQ will host a group of speakers that are representative of the best designers working today, to address this subject.
"I welcome the major international design practitioners and theorists who have joined us in Doha to explore the role and potential of design and sustainability in this significant region." said Richard E. Toscan, Vice Provost for International Affairs & Dean, School of the Arts Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia.
"Year after year Tasmeem is a huge challenge for us, we are always looking for new ideas and creativity, with each Tasmeem Conference we try to improve upon past conferences. Tasmeem would not be possible without the continuous support of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned and The Ministry of Civil Service Affairs and Housing." added Abdulaziz Al Sulati, Tasmeem 2007 Vice President of the Organizing Committee and Marketing and Media Manager.
The theme of this year's conference, concerns the implementation of sustainable design policies and practices. It is based on the recognition that many developments in the sustainable design field begin in a context where there is little social, regulatory, professional or economic support in place for sustainable design approaches.
"Sustainability has become the topic of discussion and in particular in design fields. After the UN report on global warming that was released in January, the conference topic of design sustainability becomes a topic of even more importance" noted Donna Duffett VCUQ Events Project Manager.
A Student Charette will also take place during Tasmeem;each Charette team will include 5 students from VCUQ and 5 students from VCU Richmond. A Tasmeem guest speaker will be the team facilitator. The charette focus will be to improve the quality of life for people using sustainable design solutions.
