The Green Imperative: Ecology and Ethics in Design and Architecture

By Victor Papanek

Book Overview

What is the purpose of design and architecture? How can designers forge a moe sustainable path? Why must we all demand better? The Green Imperative is an urgent call to arms to consider the impact our choices have on the environment before it's too late. Based on decades of experience as a designer and educator, Victor Papanek makes a compelling case for more meaningful design at a human scale, using examples from packaging to parking lots, playing cards to playgrounds. This means designing for the long term, using less and reusing more, and sharing resources. By busting the "bigger is better" myth and challenging the ideas of design progress, Papanek guides us all-designers, architects and, crucially, consumers-towards a greener future. His clear prose is as passionate about the possibility for change as it is insightful and instructive. Book jacket.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0500296197
• ISBN13: 9780500296196
• Release Date: February 2022
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.1" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

A Designer's Must Read

As a design student, I found this to be among the best design titles I have read to date. The book is inspiring, offering practical suggestions for adding sustainable principles to any design project. It is also eye-opening, exposing readers to successful design from a myriad of cultures. Papanak also explores the benefits of design education for everyone, and provides examples of successful design for every point he brings up. Every page seems to inspire a new design idea. This title is a must for every designer and design student.

This book suppose to recommend for every design student.

It is a great book which can give every designer, from a student to an expert, understanding natural-enviromental design examples and concepts.

THIS BOOK SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING FOR U.S. BUSINESS

THIS BOOK IS ONE THAT SHOULD BE READ BY EVERYONE INVOLVED IN ANYWAY WITH MANUFACTURING, MANAGING AND PURCHASING. IF MORE PEOPLE USED THIS MATERIAL OUR WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE.

Eye-candy. Needed more aggressive editing

The Green Imperative is a beautiful book. Many pictures. Very high quality paper. I found it difficult to read as a serious book as there are places where politics supercede accuracy. "within seven and a half years the entire energy needs of the world could be supplied by...solar panels...Super-conducting cables *would* carry the power to areas with less sunlight." emphasis mine, page 43 "Finnish design... 22mm rifle.." .22 caliber (inch), perhaps? page 52 Also, a blithe treatment of the issue of economics "the timber industry generally refuses to engage in selective harvesting from multi-species mature forests..." page 36 This book could have brought Greens and industry closer together. Rather, it gives Greens more "evidence" of an anti-environmental conspiracy.