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| Photo by Daniel Suchenski |
In his book The Philosophy of Sustainable Design, Jason McLennan defines sustainable design as “a design philosophy that seeks to maximize the quality of the built environment, while minimizing or eliminating negative impact to the natural environment.”[1] This is a useful definition for McLennan as he seeks to establish sustainable design, first and foremost as a philosophy. In so doing McLennan establishes sustainable design, not simply as a ‘stylistic endeavor,’ but as a pervasive and necessary force that must be integral in all applications of design. Having grasped the initial overtures of McLennan’s discussion it is prudent, as a second step, to delve into the more subtle implications of such a discussion. Is it right or wanted to try and establish sustainable design as a philosophy? What are the benefits? What are the obstacles? While there are often many obstacles impeding new ideas as an established and familiar way of doing things is replaced by a newer one, there is invariably going to be resistance. While there are some noteworthy obstacles toward sustainable design being categorized as a philosophy, ultimately the benefits outweigh the potential pitfalls.
Having grown up in a small mining town famous for its nickel exports and its environmental degradation, McLennan left Ontario to learn all he could about sustainable design and green alternatives. Ultimately becoming one of the most knowledgeable in the field of sustainable design, McLennan’s efforts to make sustainable design a philosophy is really an effort to legitimize sustainability as more than a passing fancy, more than an ‘aesthetic exercise.’ The benefits of legitimizing sustainable design are most notably increased quality and the reduction or elimination or negative effects on the natural environment. The greater implications of these ‘benefits’ is increased longevity of both the natural environment as well as healthier happier and longer lives for each of us.
This is an Excerpt only and may not be copied or cited without permission, Please Contact me to learn more.
[1] McLennan, Jason F. The Philosophy of Sustainable Design. Kansas City: Ecotone, 2004.
Having grown up in a small mining town famous for its nickel exports and its environmental degradation, McLennan left Ontario to learn all he could about sustainable design and green alternatives. Ultimately becoming one of the most knowledgeable in the field of sustainable design, McLennan’s efforts to make sustainable design a philosophy is really an effort to legitimize sustainability as more than a passing fancy, more than an ‘aesthetic exercise.’ The benefits of legitimizing sustainable design are most notably increased quality and the reduction or elimination or negative effects on the natural environment. The greater implications of these ‘benefits’ is increased longevity of both the natural environment as well as healthier happier and longer lives for each of us.
This is an Excerpt only and may not be copied or cited without permission, Please Contact me to learn more.
[1] McLennan, Jason F. The Philosophy of Sustainable Design. Kansas City: Ecotone, 2004.
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