Class Session VI – One of
the folks working to rewrite our civilization’s “story” is a fellow by the name
of William McDonough. What Bill McDonough is doing is changing the way we
humans think about and interact with the rest of life and the planet. He sees a
world where humans are actually good for the planet, where we help to restore
ecosystems, replenish natural resources, and increase the diversity of life
while, at the same time, having a lot of fun…oh, and making a pile of money. In
1999 Time magazine recognized him as a 'Hero for the Planet' (2/22/99), stating
that "his utopianism is grounded in a unified philosophy that—in
demonstrable and practical ways—is changing the design of the world." His
clients include Herman Miller Furniture (a leader in the office furniture
field), Interface Carpets (the world’s largest carpet manufacturer), Nike (Just
Do It!), the City of
For this week’s second glass session, you are to view the film about
McDonough’s work, “The Next Industrial Revolution” which is on reserve in the
basement of the college library, and answer the following questions:
1. What is “Eco-efficiency?”
2. How do William McDonough and Michael Braungart feel about
eco-efficiency?
3. If you were to undertake the Industrial Revolution as a
retroactive design assignment, what would be the outputs?
4. What are the three principles of the Next Industrial
Revolution?
1.
2.
3.
5. What is the difference between a biological and technical
nutrient material?
6. What are the design objectives of the Next Industrial
Revolution?
7. How do you feel about these objectives?
8. In your own words, explain the concept of current solar
income.
9. Describe the lowest cost, first step you might do either at
home or work to take advantage of solar "income".
10. Describe McDonough's concept of the biological cycle and
products of consumption and the technical cycle and products of service. Be as
detailed as necessary.