Green Design: Creating an Eco-Friendly Environment
by Wendy Croix
Interior Design School Review Columnist
If you're a student designer who wants to create environmentally sound interiors and your school doesn't offer courses in Green Design, don't worry. Workshops and conferences in Green Design will help you add this important approach to your design repertoire.
The Main Principles of Green Design
Green design, also known as "sustainable design" or "eco-design," emphasizes the environmental, social, economic and ecological aspects and consequences of design. Designers of interiors in all branches of commercial and residential design have joined with architects and community planners to form a green movement.
According to the World Commission on Environment and Development, green or sustainable development "is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (The Brundtland Commission, Our Common Future (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987)).
Green Design Emphasizes...
- Energy Efficiency. Green designers study how to heat, light and design in ways that are ecologically friendly to the environment and non-toxic to people. Design of walls and floors and their connection to indoor air quality is an important feature of green design.
- Recycling. Green designers use recycled interior design products where possible. Product lifespan is also important in eco-design.
- Sustainability. Unsustainable practices of consumption use up resources and leave waste behind. Sustainability, in both design and development, emphasizes renewable resources.
To Find Out More about Green Design
The US Department of Energy provides extensive resources and case studies in green design on their Smart Communities Network pages. Both residential and commercial design and renovation are discussed. Check out the SD Gateway, a hub for information about Sustainable Development. Their Calendar of Events lists conferences and workshops on green design.
About the Author
Wendy Croix, Ph.D. is a freelance writer, cultural critic and university professor. In her twenty years as a professional educator, Wendy has guided hundreds of students toward the careers of their dreams.
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