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That might be a great book, but I am searching for a two-language-dictonary…

The time-lapse photography is what I found fascinating, too. Attenborough’s documentaries usually have a very different way of looking at things than the average nature documentaries.

Andrew,
You’re assuming some of us to be more extreme than we actually are (something which we are all probably guilty of on this forum, including myself). I don’t think Ben or anyone else is arguing that everyone should grow their own food. We are arguing that it will be harder for us to have a lot of our food grown several hundred mile away. I…[Read more]

I’m particularly interested in how a designer approaches the issue of pending change? Are there practicable ways a designer can both influence and adpat to a changing culture/market/climate?

Should the designers role always/ever be reactive?

Dictionary of Landscape Architecture by Baker H. Morrow, ASLA Great book

Roland,

I finally got around to checking this out. I’m spending some time this morning watching it online and so far have been pleasantly surprised. I thought it may be kind of a dry plant-person thing, but I’m finding the time lapse camera work astonishing. Thanks.

And I found it…[Read more]

I can agree with that. I need some time to think about the article a little more.

Yup, the original article definitely lacked a practical solution, it was simply a different way of looking at the challenges ahead. I was hoping the discussion would flush out some more solutions. There is no single solution, but more a thought process of planning that could be brought to many different types of projects. Possible solutions that…[Read more]

“Anyone who has climbed a hill or a mountain knows that it is usually easier to go down than up as gravity works with you and more energy seems to be expended on slowing down then walking.”

I started skimming after about this point. Anyone who has ever actually climbed a mountain knows going down can be a lot more painful than going up.

Overall,…[Read more]

Thanks for sharing the link. The author’s conclusion is definitely the point I was trying to raise:

Designers alone can’t bring about a steady state economy, but we can begin to use the economy for sustainable ends, rather than letting the economy use us solely for economic growth. This challenge requires us to simultaneously deal with the daily…[Read more]

“Can landscape architects contribute to a world where more human effort is required?”

To answer your question, this article might help-
http://www.core77.com/blog/news/_the_context_of_low_product_how_designers_can_help_articulate_a_new_social_language_by_ann_thorpe_13623.asp

It depends on what part of the design phase you want to focus on. I use Maya for conceptual design studies since it allows you to quickly create complex forms without being bogged down by a technical process. It’s the equivalent to the cut & paste method of paper study models during the creative process. When you have a design you’re happy with…[Read more]

I am currently working for a local architecture firm in Beijing and have been here for almost four months. It is very safe here and have had no problems other than adjusting to the food – I got sick almost everyday for the first few weeks, but I’m now okay (I guess my immune system adjusted).

In Beijing, you’ll have no problem walking alone. Just…[Read more]

Unfortunately, In America we’ve regressed to a collective state of over-caffeinated logic based somewhere between the attention span of a hyper-active 12 year old and the litigiousness of Erin Brokovich.

Good design? I think we need more flashing, lime-green, tinsle-covered, 200 foot, interpretive, brushed titanium, elevation enhancement features…[Read more]

I geuss I have to re-iterate my point that ‘fun design’ is ultimately just good design – all the fireworks are not needed..The difference between a tiresome staircase with 6-7″ risers and 12″ treads, and a ‘fun’ 2″ riser with 3′ treads – that is good design versus boring design..Yes, one has to fit the space…But you do not need an electronic…[Read more]

I definitely agree a lot with the comments about trying to over-intellectualize design (I am guilty of that myself), and loved these projects because they blended an intellectual component (addressing global concerns, public space, human behavior) with great, fun, creative ideas. Seemed like a nice vision of the role for designers as well – that…[Read more]

It looks like there is very little 3d modeling done in those two images. The second one may just be a hand drawing with photoshop trees, texture and tone. For this, making a sketchup model, printing it, drawing over it to achieve correct line weights and then using photoshop for the rest is the easiest method. I’d say you’ll be best to learn both…[Read more]

Carbon footprint? really Trace? just think how much extra energy the people are expelling… ahhh extra carbon dioxide from rapid exhales due to elevated heartrates…. the glaciers are definately shrinking due to the “fun steps”. Another argument between go figure! How much energy can you save if you can shut down the escalator?

yeah but as soon as someone starts jumping between six steps to “play” “Chopsticks” or “Twinkle, Twinkle…” and misses the step tumbling down the step and sues everyone and their mother for the insurance money then it all comes to an end. I hate the buzzkills of the world that will end the fun, I think Nick started a post about the world…[Read more]

Good points Jason. I’m not trying to be alarmist, but clearly there are people who refuse to listen to anything resembling change. A different tone or presentation is required at times.

I also agree that moving up (or making contacts up) the decision making chain is one of the most effective way to have a positive influence on attitudes and…[Read more]