While mega-sized McMansions were all the rage just a few years ago, tiny dwellings are now gaining popularity as more and more of us move to cities and urban centers. Cramming our lives into smaller spaces isn’t always easy, but luckily we’ve seen a slew of furniture designs that speak to this move towards more minimal living. If you’re interested in making your tiny home a little more livable, check out some of our favorite transforming and double-duty furniture pieces – from a babushka-style 2-in-1 chair to a vertical garden that doubles as an exercise machine to stairs with hidden drawers built right in – here.
1. Bill McKibben — Environmentalist, President and Co-Founder of 350.org
2. David Assael & David Basulto — Co-founders of ArchDaily.com/The Plataforma Networks
3. Peter Weijmarshausen — CEO of Shapeways, 3D printing pioneer
4. Robert Ferry and Elizabeth Monoian — Founders of the Land Art Generator Initiative, Directors of Studied Impact Design
5. Todd J. Sanford, Ph.D. — Climate Scientist, Climate & Energy Program, Union of Concerned Scientists
6. Lloyd Alter — Designer, Editor at Treehugger
7. Jacob Louis Slevin — Founder and CEO of Designer Pages, Curator of Huffington Post Arts' Design Thursdays
8. Jean Lin — Editor-in-Chief at Designer Pages Media
9. Katie Fehrenbacher — Editor at Earth2Tech.com, Writer at GigaOM.com
10. Eric Corey Freed — Author, Founding Principal of organicARCHITECT
11. J Mays — Group Vice President of Global Design, Chief Creative Officer at Ford Motors
Did our experts’ predictions for 2012 hit or miss the mark? Read what they had to say about last year here.
Bill McKibben
Environmentalist, Green Journalist, President and Co-Founder of 350.org
I think there’s actually a chance 2013 will be a significant year in climate history — the year when the planet’s leaders actually ran out of excuses for their inaction. We’re seeing record temperatures, record melting, record storms, record everything: it’s clearly not the same world we thought it was even a few years ago. But we’re also finally seeing record dissent. In the U.S. for instance, students on more than 190 campuses are fighting to demand the divestment of stocks in fossil fuel companies. They’ve peeled back the layers of the onion — they’re not demanding new lightbulbs, they’re demanding systemic changes in the balance of power, trying to weaken the forces of the radical status quo, the ones systematically altering the chemistry of the atmosphere.
It’s a hard fight, of course, because those forces are led by the richest industry on earth — the oil, coal, and gas tycoons. So I don’t predict the outcome. Only that the choice for the powerful is going to get harder almost by the week, if we keep building the movements we need to build. We’re not as powerful as Exxon yet, but we’re closer than we used to be, which is the only good news I can think of.
Interested in sustainable design and looking to go back to school for further study? Whether you’re interested in a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or just looking to brush up on your sustainable design knowledge through online courses, the Boston Architectural College (BAC) offers the most comprehensive sustainable design curriculum of any accredited college or university. The 120-year-old design school, in Boston’s historic Back Bay, offers degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and design studies on campus. It also offers over 30 half semester, online graduate courses as part of the Sustainable Design Institute at the BAC’s graduate certificate program, or as electives in the BAC’s low residency Master of Design Studies in Sustainable Design degree.
2013 is finally here and we can’t wait to see what the new year has in store for us! But before we get out of holiday-mode and back into the groove of things (*grumble*), we thought that now would be a great time to reflect and set some eco-minded resolutions for the coming months. In the face of pressing issues such as climate change and increasingly weird weather patterns, this year we here at Inhabitat are committed to going the extra mile for our environment and the people who inhabit it. From making a commitment to volunteer more to going vegan to researching the localization of sustainable architecture to help bring it into mainstream practice, read on to learn what our writers and editors are planning to do to help make a difference in world this year. We also would love to hear your eco resolutions — please share them with us by leaving a comment below!
In 2013 I had a serious epiphany about the overwhelming nature of stuff – in short I have come to the crushing realization that I have way too much “stuff”. I’ve always tried to be a minimalist when it comes to clothes, gadgets and basically everything I own, but something about having kids (and grandparents who like to dote on them), being an editor (too many free samples), and working from home (piles of paper everywhere), can turn even the most well-intentioned minimalist into a virtual hoarder. This year, the birth of my second child coincided with Christmas (two catalysts for overly-excited grandparents) and I saw my home explode into chaotic mess of toys, wrapping paper, and untouched piles of paper! This year I’m taking a cue from the guy who only has 15 possessions (we published a story about him here), and trying to seriously downsize my life. I’m going to be donating and giving away as many clothes, toys and gadgets as I can, some on Inhabitat and Inhabitots – so stay tuned!
My other resolution is to think seriously about the implications of climate change and prepare myself and my family personally, with disaster-preparedness gear and supplies — as well as focusing my work energy and attention at Inhabitat on climate change and how we can prepare for it as a society with disaster-proof design. It seems quite evident now that our society just does not have the political will or the psychology to stem the tide of rising carbon emissions, and thus we will not be able to stop global warming. Hurricane Sandy really hit that truth home for me as I saw how utterly unprepared my beloved city is to deal with rising sea levels. We’re going to see more and more natural disasters everywhere of Hurricane Sandy / Hurricane Katrina proportions, so we best get ready!
I want to dedicate 2013 to digging in and getting my hands dirty by learning new skills that will lower my environmental impact. I’m looking forward to taking some classes in woodworking, fine tuning my soldering and electronics repair skills, and I’d love to learn how to use a 3D printer if the opportunity arises (these days it seems like they’re popping up everywhere.) Design is becoming more democratized every day as technology carries the means of production into the mainstream, so there’s never been a better time to join the DIY movement!
Yuka Yoneda — New York City EditorAfter years of writing about the importance of not polluting our air, rivers, forests and oceans, there’s one thing I never thought twice about polluting – my own body! It wasn’t until recently that I saw the irony of spreading the word about protecting the health of the environment while munching on cheese puffs and Hot Pockets all day. So this year, my New Year’s resolution is to be as discerning about what I eat as I am about what I would put into the waste stream. I’ve cut out meat from my diet completely and am making an effort to eat a lot more fruits and vegetables. Because it isn’t always my first instinct to reach for an orange or apple when I’m busy, I’m making it as easy as possible for myself by keeping them in clear containers around my kitchen and living room so that I’m always reminded to have one of those instead of a bag of chips. This simple but effective visual cue has been working so far and I hope it continues to throughout 2013 and beyond.
Diane Pham – Architecture and Design EditorMy new year’s resolutions this year are pretty simple: 1. To volunteer more with New York Cares‘ amazing programs. We often forget that one of the easiest ways to enable change is to act locally. This year I’ll be focusing on providing a good example and helping others achieve the goals they want to achieve but may not have the means or support to. Hopefully these people will find it in them to pay it forward and we’ll see the ripple effect of positive, community-centered actions turned global; 2. Start a compost. Yes, I’m one of those people who still tosses out their organics (hides in shame). I live in a small space in NYC, but I’m hoping that this handy little freezer compost container (and my neighborhood drop-off) will help me get the job done.
Tafline Laylin — Associate Editor2013 is my year for a deep green transition. Although I’ve always promoted gentle living and shun excess consumerism, my lifestyle hasn’t always been conducive to the kind of habits that we all need to incorporate into our daily lives if we want to leave our children any kind of a livable planet. See, I haven’t had my own home since 2006! For the last six years, I’ve been traveling the globe spreading love and eco-tidings, but do I have a garden? No. Do I have DIY projects to call my own? I’m afraid not. Have I had to put into practice many of the things that I preach on a daily basis? Not so much. Sure, I opt for buses and trains whenever possible and avoid other pitfalls of travel such as plastic water bottles and shopping bags, but there is no question that the planet pays a price for globetrotters like me.
Which is why I’m so eager to enter into the next phase of my life. My new day-lit home constructed of earth-friendly materials is just 525 square feet; it is rural, but a short bicycle ride will take me to a small town that supports local farmers, and I am determined that every single piece of furniture that goes into it will be used, refurbished or recycled – by me. My sister is going to teach me how to grow my own food on a plot nearby and I will have opportunities to become involved with an already ecologically active community. Rest assured that I won’t be going shopping for a pile of new stuff to populate my new abode. Instead, I hope to very slowly add only what I need, so that my living space becomes a cozy reflection of what my heart so richly desires for all of us: creative simplicity and a wholehearted respect for our mother earth.
Join me in making 2013 our greenest year yet.
Alyssa Alimurung — Operations AssistantIn 2013, I hope to get through my reading list (I’ll be happy if I even get through half of it!), volunteer more and commit to practicing yoga. Super long, super hot showers are my eco-sin, so this year I plan to get my hands on the Effergy to help me save water!
This year it’s my goal to go on an entirely vegan diet. I have been a gluten-free vegetarian for many years, and in the last several I have given up milk and eggs — but now it’s time to put the kabosh on cheese once and for all. If anyone reading this knows of a fantastic vegan cheese, please pipe up, as I’ve yet to find one! I also really want to get a secondhand bicycle and start using it as a mode of transport, thereby instilling a love of cycling in my children, and I want to plant a vegetable garden in a raised garden bed and figure out how to outsmart the wild rabbits in our yard so they don’t eat the fruits of our labor! Lastly, this year I really want to stop sweating the small stuff, and to focus more on the big picture.
It may still be December, but we’re already thinking about our resolution to make 2013 our greenest year yet. In addition to those classic resolves to eat healthier, spend more time with family and friends, and maybe shed a few extra pounds, we’re also focusing on reducing our environmental impact. If you’re looking to do the same, simple measures like recycling and composting at home can be a great place to start, but why not harness the power of technology to really make a difference? We’ve rounded up 6 high-tech gadgets that are geared at cutting down energy use at home all year round. From a powerful solar charging kit to juice up all your electronics to an occupancy sensor that turns lights on and off for you to save engery, check out our top 6 gadget picks sure to help you reduce your carbon footprint. Many of these will also make great gifts this holiday season, so leave those ugly Santa sweaters on the store shelf and give your loved ones something that will help someone go green in the new year and save some cash while at it. So whether you’re battling a 100 degree day or a below freezing chill, live in a small space or in a sprawling estate, start 2013 off on a sustainable foot by employing some of these green gadgets in your home!
We’re quickly making our way towards 2013, and as as we countdown these last few days of 2012, we here at Inhabitat are looking back at all the best green design and news stories from the past year. We saw a number of great strides achieved over 2012, proving that there are millions of people out there working tirelessly to make the world we live in a better, more sustainable place. From educating people on the little things they can do to help combat climate change to the mainstream adoption of 3D printing to a feel good story about a man who single-handedly planted an entire forest, check out the stories that really shined in the eyes of our editors this year.
Loading ...
It’s no secret that design and architecture are highly competitive fields, and those in the industry often pay thousands on R&D, not to mention the money spent on all of the educational degrees they needed to get a job in the first place. But for many successful designers, the answers and inspiration that led to their breakthroughs were found not in a school textbook or through a research and development firm, but right within their own natural surroundings. Biomimicry, or the application of solutions found in nature to man-made technologies, has been responsible for many innovations such as velcro, airplanes and passive cooling, and has inspired numerous designers to connect the dots and come up with world-changing concepts. If you’re interested in learning how this relatively new methodology can give you a competitive edge, Biomimicry 3.8 is giving away its online Introduction to Biomimicry course to four lucky winners. Read on to see how you can get this $99 course for free.
1. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE >
(If you are not already a subscriber.) We’ll be announcing the winner in our weekly newsletter, so if you want to find out who won, you’ll need to receive it in order to claim your prize!
2. LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW >
Tell us why you want to win this introduction to biomimicry course. Maybe you want to use it to gain an advantage over your competition or to simply become a better designer — let us know in the comments below. The deadline for this giveaway is TODAY December 31st. We’ll pick the comment we like best and announce the winner in our newsletter, so make sure you’re signed up!
2012 was a crazy ride for New Yorkers, and we saw everything from the good (phone booths repurposed into miniature libraries) to the bad (Hurricane Sandy crippling our city) to the just plain ugly (a zombie pumpkin’s face). Scroll down to see the Inhabitat NYC stories that had our readers buzzing the most and tell us which one you think deserves to be the #1 NYC story of the year by voting.
Loading ...
Climate change got you worried? Us too. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to get as many people as we can to ramp up their efforts to cut down on their energy use and make greater, greener strides to preserve the planet over the new year. To help kick off a 2013 full of green initiatives, we’ve teamed up with Lutron to give TEN lucky readers $150 each to spend on green gadgets and other energy-saving products at the Lutron Store. Lutron—who also happens to be the inventor of the light dimmer—boasts an array of eco-minded products that are aimed at significantly cutting energy use at home, all without sacrificing convenience or style. From dimmers to sensors to shades, don’t miss out on a chance at a free shopping spree at its store! Keep reading to see how you can score $150 to spend at Lutronstore.com and get your green 2013 off to a great start!
1. SIGN UP FOR THE INHABITAT NEWSLETTER HERE > We’ll be announcing the winners in our weekly newsletter, so if you want to find out who won, you’ll need to receive it!
2. LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW telling us what you plan to do to make 2013 your most sustainable year yet. The deadline for this fabulous giveaway is Sunday, December 30th. We’ll pick the comments we like best and announce the winners in our January 3rd newsletter, so make sure you’re signed up!
There was certainly no shortage of exciting green architecture news over 2012, proving that green building and sustainable design are going mainstream. Readers were glued to our architecture channel all throughout the year, and for good reason: Whether it was a towering 82-foot aquarium in Berlin or a recycled shipping container Starbucks drive thru or a levitating home able to withstand a major earthquake, there were plenty of mind-blowing designs to be seen. Check out our 6 most read architecture stories of the year and vote for your favorite below!
Loading ...
Used Christmas Trees, Shutterstock
Did you know that the Christmas time tradition of adorning an evergreen tree with ornaments dates back to Latvia in 1510 when the first decorated tree was recorded? Or that Thomas Edison’s assistant Edward Johnson first proposed to mass produce electric lights for trees? Albeit simple at first, these innocent ideas have turned into a racket for western consumers who devour millions of trees every holiday season. That equates to a lot of greenery that could be used to sponge up greenhouse gases. So we came up with a simple list of four ways to keep those trees out of the landfill once the time comes to pack away the holiday decorations. Hit the jump to learn more.
Welcome to Inhabitat, your online guide to the best green design ideas, innovations and inspiration to build a cleaner, brighter, and better future.
