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The last few decades have brought forth a great deal of thought and information about creating sustainable societies. What is meant by sustainability varies to some degree between ecologists and environmentalists. Webster defines the word sustain "to keep in effect or being". If we look to nature, we will find obvious examples of this idea. Take for instance one of nature's most marvelous creations, the tree. The tree is an example of three billion years of evolutionary design. Through photosynthesis in its leaves, carbon dioxide, sunlight, and water and minerals from its own waste - the tree is able to produce energy for growth and propagation. It is a closed system. In contrast, the evolution of the human species has gradually divorced itself from the natural system into a linear process, where natural resources are consumed with little concern for regeneration. Primitive humans were in tune with the cycles of nature. They lived and produced and took only from nature what was needed. However, as the human population began to explode in the latter half of this century, increasing from 2.5 billion in 1950 to 6 billion by the end of this century, coupled with the consequences of the industrial revolution, humans began to drastically affect the life cycles of all life on the planet.
The increased population, industrial waste, burning of fossil
fuels, damming of riparian habitats, strip mining, and the destruction
of forests have all caused drastic destruction to this closed
system we call a biosphere. Over half of all living species today
will be extinct by the end of the next century due to loss of
habitat caused by human expansion if this trend continues.
In 1900, only 10 percent of the world's population lived in cities. Today, over 50 percent of the world's population live in cities and by the middle of the next century it is estimated that this percentage will increase to over 70 percent. Mexico City grows at the rate of 80,000 people per month due to rural migration.
It is the city that contributes most to the imbalance of the natural cycles. Cities consume over 75 percent of all the energy in the world and also contribute to more than 75 percent of all pollution. The growth of cities should not, however, be looked on as the Armageddon of the human race. It is the design of cities we must address. Cities are like living organisms. They consume natural resources for energy and produce waste. Cities are complex in function. They involve government, education, housing, utilities, transportation, waste management, health services and much more.
In order to bring sustainability to our highly populated world, we must recognize the fact that we need to begin to live in more compact, higher density communities to increase efficiency in transportation, use of natural resources, energy, and distribution of goods. Transportation must emphasize the use of public vehicles to hopefully eliminate the automobile, which absorbs 60 percent of all our land and one third of all our energy. We need to look to the sun as a permanent source of renewable energy. Each day the sun brings to the earth more energy than the world population of humans uses in a year. By living in a compact society, we can more easily distribute goods. The transport of food could be reduced 75 percent by making agriculture an integral part of the cities' plan. With an increased demand on our natural resources, we must employ the principles of Buckminster Fuller, 'energetic geometry" and "tensegrity', in the construction of our manmade environment to bring efficiency to the use of building materials. Much of what we now waste could be recycled. In fact, more than 75 percent of all natural materials can be reused. Water, the most important of all natural resources, is presently not recycled in most communities, however, the technology to recycle 100 percent of our water is possible.
Last, but not least, we must recognize the fact that we share this earth with many species, and it is our responsibility to respect and protect their rights. It is well to remember that nature does not recognize political boundaries.
If one looks for examples of sustainable society, only a few valiant attempts can be found. One that comes first to mind is Arcosanti, the urban laboratory as envisioned by architect Paolo Soleri in Cordes Junction, Arizona. Others to be found are the Earthship community developed by architect Michael Reynolds near Taos, New Mexico, or the Cerro Gordo Community developed on the north shore of Dorena Lake near Eugene, Oregon, These examples do not represent the 'American Dream,' but they do recognize the future.
I will end with the reminder that the literal translation of
the word 'Hohokam' means all used up.
The Arizona VisionWeavers' web site is on the way back after a prolonged absence! |
| Work has started on the new design of the Arizona VisionWeavers' Web site. The Web page will be composed and hosted by TRK Architecture and Facilities Management, Inc. and is projected to start running approximately in April of this year. The plans for the new site will incorporate a home page explaining the VisionWeavers' mission and philosophy. Visitors will be able to find out the latest VisionWeavers' endeavors such as the Eco-house remodel, upcoming lectures, workshops and special events. The site will also include areas to view the VisionWeavers' "Toolbox" of living in the desert, the Desert Dweller Newsletter, various articles, links and essential bits of information about desert living and other local resources. |
So many houses, so big with so little soul. Our suburbs are filled with houses that are bigger than ever. But are bigger houses really better?" asks Minneapolis architect Sarah Susanka in her newly released book, "The Not So Big House: a Blueprint for the Way We Really Live."
Ms. Susanka argues the case for bigger living in smaller homes. She is not necessarily advocating smaller houses, but rather, as she puts it, "not-so-big houses." In her practice, she sees people deeply unhappy with what the market offers in the housing market.Most people speak in terms of square footage and number of rooms. However, more rooms, bigger spaces, and vaulted ceilings do not necessarily give us what we need in a home. A house is so much more than its size and volume, neither of which has anything to do with comfort.
One reason houses have become so big is that they are planned with the idea that there needs to be a separate room for each activity. A house becomes "not so big" when it's composed of adaptable spaces, each designed to share various functions. The same kind of thinking that makes a sailboat both habitable and seaworthy can make a "not so big" house work. Each space within a boat is carefully tailored to serve more than one function. When attention is paid to the usefulness of a space, there's a place for everything and everything in its place. Through thoughtful and efficient design, smaller areas can be transformed into spacious and comfortable spaces for gracious living.
There is growing recognition that we can't continue to squander the earth's resources. Our houses must take into consideration their impact on the environment. By putting emphasis on livability rather than on quantity of space, a house becomes less of a burden on the environment. A "not so big" house makes better use of materials and uses less energy.
To achieve a sustainable future doesn't mean we have to necessarily sacrifice the comforts we have come to expect in the modern industrialized world. We can serve our planet and ourselves by designing our homes to be better custodians of our natural resources. By reducing the amount of materials and waste we generate in the process of building, we improve the quality of life for generations to come.
We need to look more closely at ourselves, at how we want to live, and at what our planet needs to return to balance. If we can start reflecting these values in our houses, we will make a small but significant step in helping to achieve a sustainable future.
Susan Susanka's book contains numerous examples and beautifully photographed projects. Her firm has been selected to design the next Life Magazine Dream House. Her book is published by Taunton Press and is available in most local book stores.
ECOLOGICAL DESIGN |
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CITIES FOR A SMALL PLANET |
| Design principles that help build a more efficient, less toxic, healthier, and more sustainable world. | A reference for improved quality of life; Wise use of technology and ecological planning. | How future cities could bring humanity into harmony with its environment. |
| Sim Van Der Ryn & Stuart Cowan Island Press 1718 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20009 | Doug Aberley New Society Publishers 4527 Springfield Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19143 | Richard Rogers Westview Press 5500 Central Ave. Boulder, CO 80301 |
Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in Solar Energy. Arizona VisionWeavers, whose goal is to educate and inform the community on concepts of design and building issues relating to the desert, took the initiative to organize a tour of solar homes for the Valley of the Sun residents.
On October 24th, 1998, the Valley of the Sun Tour of Solar Homes opened to the public eight of the Valley's finest examples of solar energy homes.
The main criteria
for the eligible homes were implementation of passive and active
solar energy design in the construction of the homes. Arizona
VisionWeavers, Arizona Solar Energy Association, Rio Salado Chapter/Arizona
Solar Energy Industries Association, and the City of Scottsdale
Green Building Program joined forces in the organization of the
tour. Over 200 Valley of the Sun residents attended the self-guided
tour. The homes were located throughout the East Valley spanning
from Ahwahtukee to Cave Creek. Eddie Jones, Architect; Tom Hulen
of the Desert House, Desert Botanical Gardens; Lane & Ursala
Garrett; the APS Environmental Showcase Home; the Wolf Environmental
Home; Mark & Michelle DeSimone; Frank Brannan; and Scott &
Patty Biller all received tremendous responses from interested
tour attendees. The homeowners were gracious and enthusiastic
in sharing information concerning the construction methods of
their homes. The tour lasted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More and more people are realizing the benefits of going solar.
Governor Jane Hull has declared October to be Solar Energy Month.
The State of Arizona allows a 25 percent credit for the cost of
a designated solar energy device to be deducted from your income
tax, with a maximum of $1000 credit per household. The money saved
on utility bills come in handy for the average family, helps the
local economy, and reduces the need to create additional power
plants and the pollution that accompanies them. It's SMART to
go solar with the number of sunny days per year here in the Valley
of the Sun!
The event was sponsored by American Solar Energy Society (National Sponsor); U.S. Department of Energy; Interstate Renewable Energy Council; Real Goods Trading Company; Utility Photovoltaic Group; Home Depot; BP Solar (National Co-Sponsors); Arizona Solar Energy Association; State of Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office; Arizona Public Service; Salt River Project (Statewide Co-Sponsors); Arizona Science Center; City of Phoenix-Desert Botanical; Coffee Plantation; Healthy Housing, EcoClean (Local Co-Sponsor).
Special thanks to Melissa Sharp of KYOT radio, Frank Baranowski
of KTAR, Sue Doerfler of the Arizona Republic, and Joe Oelman
of the Tribune for promoting the tour, and to the homeowners for
their generosity for opening up their homes to the public.
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Due to the success of the Valley of the Sun Tour of Solar Homes, Arizona VisionWeavers is committed to increasing awareness and interest in the use of solar energy and alternative construction methods.
When Ken O'Keeffe, past President of Arizona VisionWeavers was approached by Sheryl Marks, a professor at Ottawa University, about holding a tour for her students, Arizona VisionWeavers was more than willing to arrange for a tour in an on-going effort to educate the public about the usage of solar energy and alternative construction methods.
On January 23, and again on March 6, Arizona VisionWeavers will be holding private tours for 67 students at Ottawa University. Three homes will be shown: the Wolf Environmental Home, the Greib Residence, and the DeSimone Residence. Special thanks to the homeowners for their generosity in making this possible.
We look forward to the continued success of the home tours and more associations with professors like Sheryl Marks from Ottawa University.
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The Sonoran Solar Lecture Series is sponsored by the City of Scottsdale Green Building Program and the Arizona Solar Energy Association, a statewide not-for-profit group dedicated to the promotion and use of solar and renewable energy. Each of the following lectures will take place on the second Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the City of Scottsdale, Redevelopment & Urban Design Studio located at 7506 E. Indian School Road (NE corner of 75th Street & Indian School Road). |
802 North 5th Avenue · Phoenix, AZ 85003 Learn about new building products! No charge and lunch is provided. 11:451:00 p.m. Space is limited. Please make reservations by calling Louise at the Reference Library 602-258-7499 or Fax: 258-2541. Web site: http://www.thereferencelibrary.com |
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February 10, 1999 "In Hot Water? It Isn't a Bad Thing" A Primer in solar water heating for domestic use. Presented by Michael Neary, Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association. March 10, 1999 "What's Cooking And Other Solar Applications" Presented by Bob Larson, Sunlight Works, Inc. |
January 27 Superlite John Traynor will discuss the properties of concrete masonry and how masonry can help you with your next design. February 3 Terry Vaughan Sales/Skywall Join us for an overview of the most exciting development in Translucent Skylights to date. February 10 AVR and Da-Lite AVR & Da-Lite will present the latest screen technology February 17 Seneca Architectural Products This technical/educational presentation will be based on the proper design and detailing of exterior insulation and finishing systems. February 24 Wilsonart International Wilsonart, the leader in surfacing materials, will show you the latest additions to their product line including Laminate Flooring |
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| 1050 S. Verdugo · Tucson, AZ 85745 | |||
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Earth & Straw: A Natural Building Sampler Thursday, January 28, 7-9 p.m. Once you've begun thinking about building a "natural" home, how do you choose from so many options? Slide show and discussion on strawbale, cob, rammed earth and adobe. Gray Water Tuesday, February 16, 6-9 p.m. Learn the characteristics of a safe system as you build a simple gray water tank for your own washing machine. The Practice of Sustainable Living February 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fee is $60 This workshop is offered by the Permaculture Drylands Institute. Call Linda for details at 520-299-2123. For more information and to register for these workshops, call 520-206-8000. |
The
Wolf Environmental Custom Home was designed by Blossom Design
Group, an architecture and planning firm based in Tempe, Arizona.
Working in collaboration with Sol Source Architecture, an environmental/building
consultant, the project team utilized an array of building design
strategies and construction methods that optimize energy efficiency,
water efficiency, material-use, indoor air quality enhancement,
and solid waste reduction. The project is constructed by Wolf
Environmental in North Scottsdale as a model for homeowners and
builders. At 3200 square feet, this four bedroom, three bath custom
home is a prototype of environmental features for homes in desert
climates.
The home is designed to use approximately 40 percent less cooling equipment capacity than a conventional house of the same size and provides natural daylight and natural ventilation opportunities. Landscape features and careful selection of appliances and plumbing fixtures will significantly reduce the home's demand on energy and water resources, perhaps as much as 50 percent. Materials, products and systems used in the home include recycled content and recyclable materials, efficiently engineered products, and materials and systems that significantly reduce the amount of toxic and noxious out-gassing created by many conventional building methods. Through both careful design and conscientious construction practices (including recycling and soil preservation), the solid waste impact on local landfills will also be noticeably reduced. The landscaping and selection of special appliances and plumbing fixtures (including preplumbing for a future gray water recovery system) reduces the home's demand on energy and water resources by as much as 60 percent. Passive rainwater harvesting, xeriscaping with native and existing plants, and water efficient fixtures and equipment are the main aqua conserving aspects of the residence.
The Wolf Environmental Home is recognized as a prime example
of environmental construction by the Green Building Program in
Scottsdale and Arizona VisionWeavers. It is located on the N.E.
corner of 69th St. and Jomax Road.
SunCor proudly supports Arizona VisionWeavers
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| A special thanks to our new members who are enabling us to further our quest for education and community dialogue about design and building issues relating to the desert. | ||||
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On December 9, 1998, the Arizona VisionWeavers elected new officers to their board. Acting as new President of the group is Andrea Forman, who has been with the group for three years and active in bringing new programs to fruition. Andrea is also a busy architect in Scottsdale and is on the Scottsdale Building Review Board.
Frank Henry as the new Vice President, has been active in giving lectures and presentations on desert related building issues and conservation, to numerous elementary and real estate schools. Frank is also an architectural designer.
Su-shien Cho was elected Secretary. Su-shien is an architect in Phoenix and active in numerous civic organizations. She was responsible for organizing the very successful Valley of the Sun Tour of Solar Homes in October 1998.
Ronald Mark asked to remain as Treasurer of the group and was unanimously accepted as he has done a tremendous job.
We wish to thank our past officers: Ken O'Keeffe, President; Andrea Forman, Vice President; Nancy Dallett, Secretary, and Ronald Mark, Treasurer, for their dedicated services and moral support that helped VisionWeavers accomplish their 1998 goals.
AVW Membership gathering to focus on upcoming projects and welcome our new members, will be happening this spring. Invitations will go out soon. If you are not a member and interested in attending, call Marcia at (602) 949-5860.
AVW Tool kit for visitors and newcomers to the Valley, that provides pertinent information about living and building in the desert. We are working on the final draft and plan to have this printed and distributed by Summer 1999.
A lecture by Nader Chalfoun, the House Doctor from the U of A, will be coming this Spring at the Arizona Science Center. Details and exact times will be available soon.
An Environmentally sensitive renovation of an old house that will be financially achieveable for middle income people is our next big project. The house has been identified and planning is in progress. Look for more details in our next newsletter. Volunteers and sponsors are welcome!
ADVANCE TERRAZZO