Yesterday, at 3:00 PM, we closed a successful Compostmodern. It was the event for which we all worked and hoped. It was ambitious. There were 18 speakers, and instead of a one-day conference, we extended it to two days. We launched an iPhone application, which will be available in the iTunes store soon. And, the entire event was organized and executed by a small group of dedicated volunteers. There wasn’t a single event planner in the bunch.
However, more important than any fact or accomplishment associated with the conference, we gathered almost 600 people together, people who are dedicated to making the world a lasting world, a world that is built upon a philosophy of sustained global prosperity. These people walked with purpose. They connected. They chatted about the future of design. And, they will go on to do great things.
When it was started in 2004, Compostmodern was dedicated to an emerging trend, a discussion about the intersection between design and sustainability. Today, it isn’t a trend; it’s a movement. We all recognize that change is needed. We need a new dream. It is the perfect challenge for the design community, who often gives shape to the dreams of others.
If you weren’t able to join us, you can continue the conversation on LivingPrinciples.org, and videos will be available soon. Thanks to everyone who made the event a success.
Published on January 24, 2011 8:12 am.
Filed under: conference, design, environmental, sustainability Tags: Compostmodern, conference, design, sustainability
Compostmodern begins tomorrow, and if you haven’t purchased your tickets, there is still time. This year, Compostmodern is a two-day event, which includes a day of presentations from a number of great doers and thinkers and a day of deep interaction. It’s going to be a fantastic event, whether you are deeply concerned with sustainable design or simply interested in getting your toes wet.
Come and join us.
Published on January 21, 2011 11:20 am.
Filed under: conference, design Tags: Compostmodern, conference, design, discussion, sustainability
Welcome to the year of sustainability. (Not really. Every year is a year where sustainability is needed.) However, there is a great feature in the New York Times called The Sustainable Life. There are articles on love, money, food, and technology. As an added bonus, each installment features a nice illustration from The Heads of State.
If you want to learn more about sustainability, get a ticket to Compostmodern, which is this month in San Francisco. Buy a ticket today and hear from the likes of Bruce Mau, Yves Behar, and others.
Published on January 3, 2011 10:53 am.
Filed under: conference, design Tags: Compostmodern, New York Times, sustainability, The Heads of State
On January 22 and 23, San Francisco will host another installment of Compostmodern, a conference dedicated to discussing the intersection between design and sustainability. I’ve been part of the planning process for this conference, and it is turning into a truly remarkable two-day event. In addition to a lineup of exceptional speakers, which includes Bruce Mau, Yves Behar, and Janine James, there is a full-day unconference, where attendees will engage in discussions and launch projects. Core 77 is hosting a design competition that will take place before and during the conference. And, throughout the event, there will be parties and other events for people who are interested in the future of sustainable design.
I’ll write about the conference on a few occasions, but if you are interested in attending, grab your early-bird tickets now.
Published on October 27, 2010 7:44 am.
Filed under: conference, design Tags: Compostmodern, San Francisco, sustainability
I just returned from the Sustainable Brands conference in Monterey, where I heard Eric Park and Marc Mathieu deliver their presentation on the New American Dream. I worked with Marc on his presentation, and there is an inspiring conversation happening at the conference.
If the original American Dream was about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, how and why did it evolve into a dream about stuff, and how do we get back to the original idealism that sparked a world movement?
If you have a free moment, offer your perspective by tagging your tweet with #sb10 and #sb10dream.
Published on June 8, 2010 5:42 pm.
Filed under: brand, conference Tags: BeDo, Marc Mathieu, New American Dream, Sustainable Brands
At MAKE/THINK, AIGA announced The Living Principles, the first quadruple bottom-line framework for design. The principles outline four tiers of responsibility: environmental responsibility, social equity, economic health, and cultural vitality. Download the Genealogy, which illustrates how the principles have evolved over time within the design community and beyond. This is important thinking for a new generation of designers.
Published on October 12, 2009 4:07 am.
Filed under: conference, design, education, environmental Tags: AIGA
Published on February 8, 2009 11:34 am.
Filed under: conference, education Tags: Jay Walker, TED
An absolute must for every designer and art lover. Kelly Dobson reminds me of the love interest in Real Genius, which starred Val Kilmer. However, in reality, she is a wonderful, curious designer/artist, who combines human emotion, technological innovation and human intuition in beautiful works.
Published on October 25, 2008 1:42 pm.
Filed under: art, beauty, conference, design, engineering, travel, video Tags: Kelly Dobson, MIT, Pop!Tech
If you are following my Twitter posts and are interested in watching Pop!Tech online, you can visit the Pop!Tech web site. This is a nice way to get the goods without paying the fee. I would personally recommend the sessions with Benjamin Zander, Dickson Despommier, Malcolm Gladwell, Paul Polak, Chandler Burr and Marian Bantjes, just off the top of my head. There are a number of great sessions.
Published on October 24, 2008 6:43 am.
Filed under: conference, travel Tags: conference, Pop!Tech, video
