rethinking design - Spatial Design@Massey

ethinking design
Appro-tech:
Design of heating, cooking and/or cooling systems.
Maree Leppard
What/Why:
Appro-tech is short for appropriate technology, which is being mindful of what we're
doing and aware of the consequences. Appro-tech changes with every situation, and
every different environment. For example; it is not appropriate to install solar modules in
a place with very little sun.
Appro-Tech:
- Meets peoples needs
- Helps protect the environment
- Uses local skills and materials
- Helps people earn a living
- Affordable
- Paves the way for a better future
Therefore Appro-Tech is inventing technological innovations necessary to meet these needs.
A good quote to summarise this is "Appropriate technology has to fit the infinite variety of life
on earth, rather than forcing life to fit the technology."
(http://journeytoforever.org)
Minimal materials is the use of materials more efficiently and effectively.
For example; using as little materials as possible.
Appro-tech is a very important area of research in relation to sustainable design.
Designers have great potential in identifying resources that are readily available and
recycling, re-using, regenerating or reconstructing these to give them a purpose in the
modern world. Minimising materials is equally as important to sustainable design
because there are many problems that have evolved from waste products. Working with
local materials is a step in the right direction to minimize problems like deforestation.
Who:
Amy Smith is a Mechanical Engineer who designs cheap, practical solutions to tough
problems in developing countries. Many of her designs have particular focus on
appropriate technology and sustainability.
Droog design is an enterprise based in Amsterdam. They have made a strong claim on
sustainable ideas and have created a number of designs with the intention of generating a
reaction from the public. These designs intend to push the boundaries and make one feel
compelled to think about cultural specificity, what do we need to live
Shigeru Ban is a Japanese architect well known for his 'relief projects' and works with
strategies such as material minimization to quickly and efficiently house disaster victims.
Appropriate technology is another strategy incorporated in many of his designs.
As the 'disaster relief houses' are only temporary the material selection is local, recyclable,
and perishable.
Kengo Kuma is also a Japanese architect who uses material minimization and appropriate
technology to promote sustainable design. Many of his designs are innovative and minimalist,
and use local materials such as bamboo, and within these designs local circumstances are
considered.