The Rockefeller Foundation just awarded the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City $600,000 to make its 2007 Design for the Other 90% exhibition into an ongoing series. Inhabitat reported on the exhibition when it took place in 2007 and we were amazed by the innovation on display. So much of the great design we see is focused on the wealthiest 10% of the population, it’s nice to know that Cooper-Hewitt will be able to highlight more of the cutting-edge sustainable technology that is designed for the developing world.
The Big Boda Bike allows people to carry unusually heavy loads on a bicycle
Design for the Other 90% highlighted a unique display of useful low-cost technology for the developing world. A lot of the designs were centered on creating sustainable everyday solutions for people without clean water, cooking fuel, electricity or practical transportation. In 2007 Cooper-Hewitt highlighted devices like the Solar Ear, the LifeStraw water purifier and the Portable Light. We are itching to see the designs that will be featured in the upcoming exhibition.
The next installment will be in the Fall of 2011 and will be titled “Critical Mass”. It will focus on, among other things, sanitation and water, climate change and urban planning. In addition to the exhibition all the field work done by the museum will be available in an online open-network database. Sharing is caring, people, and it seems like the Rockefeller Foundation has figured out one great way to help the underprivileged through great design and innovation.
+ Design for the Other 90%
+ Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
+ Rockefeller Foundation
Via Artdaily
