VCUQ in partnership with the Ministry of Civil Service Affairs and Housing hosted day three of the Annual Tasmeem Design Conference.
The day began with a presentation by Kirsten Childs which discussed ways in which we can embrace living with a lighter footprint in harmony with the natural world. She explained the theory behind her new thought process for the built environment which aims to maximize the assets of the site, considers cultural and historic significance, the geology/hydrology that shaped the site, existing features, change to climatic opportunities i.e sunlight and wind patterns as well as ways to optimize energy potential.
"The objective is to make the city a jewel. I can not make a difference by myself, a difference will only be made if other firms also adopt the theory" noted Childs.
During the presentation she described in detail the design of the National Resources Defence Council which she directed in 1989. 1991Child's received the American Institute of Architects National Award for Environmentally Sensitive Design for this building.
During a press conference after his presentation co-founder of the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems Plink Fisk III stated that 24% of Qatar's gas is pure sulphur, he went on to talk about ways in which the sulphur can be put to good use by turning it in to paint, using it to strengthen buildings and make roads.
"The company you keep is extremely important, it's like a learning system, attend conferences and be part of a network" was Fisk's reply when asked by a student on ways to become a good architect.
Jonathan Barnbrook began his presentation by asking the audience if they thought it is possible for graphic designers to change the world. He answered his own question by saying that it is not possible for them to change the world as designers but as citizens they can do so. He then went on to show the audience his self-initiated and commercial work.
Natalie Chanin spoke about Project Alabama of which she is both the co-founder and designer. The idea came about, when one day Chanin found herself with nothing to wear. She decided to take an old t-shirt that she had, cut it up and put it back together again. She wore that same t-shirt while she was at a party in New York and many people asked her where she got it from.
The t-shirt was put together using quilting techniques, the popularity of the T-shirt got Chanin thinking and she decided to approach the ladies in the 'quilting circles' back home in her community in Alabama. Demand for the garments was incredible and Chanin started to manufacture them.
"Project Alabama has allowed me to stay close to my roots and I have developed my business in a way which I believe is sustainable. I believe that sustainability is the future for product designers" commented Chanin.
The last presentation of the conference was given by Susan Szenasy, Editor in Chief of Metropolis. Szenasy explained that she has been a part of the sustainability movement for quite a while. In her presentation titled 'The Ethics of being Environmentally Aware' she said that we are now entering a time where ethics matters once again, compared to the last few years where people had given up caring about ethics.
"Designers are now becoming aware of their responsibilities. Nature, technology and culture are a major concern for 21st century designers. Ethics are personal, you can bring environmental awareness to everything you do" she explained.
