What is the cutting edge of ecological design?
About the video: ‘What is the cutting edge of ecological design?’
Architect Sim Van de Ryn describes what he believes to be the leading edge of contemporary design. He talks about biomimicry, which uses the way nature works as a basis for design. He gives examples of breakthrough that has recently occurred in propeller design. He then discusses the future of the built environment, taking into account the fact that oil is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. See also: Amory Lovins
Total views: 6,307
Filmed: San Francisco, USA on 19 October 2005
Credits: Interviewer - Marcus Morrell Camera and Editor - Marcus Morrell
Copyright © 2005 Big Picture TV
About Sim Van der Ryn
Sim Van der Ryn is the President of Van der Ryn Architects, a northern California firm known worldwide for its pioneering work in sustainable architecture.
Van der Ryn was a Professor of Architecture at UC Berkeley for over thirty years.
He was also appointed California State Architect by the administration of Governor Jerry Brown, during which time he developed the United States’ first government-initiated energy efficient office building program.
He has written seven cutting edge books, including his latest,”Design For Life” (2006) as well as “Ecological Design” (1996) with Stuart Cowan, “The Toilet Papers and Sustainable Communities”(1986) with Peter Calthorpe.
Other videos with Sim Van der Ryn
Sim Van der Ryn
How can design be part of a sustainable future?
Sim Van der Ryn believes we are witnessing the end of an industrial-mechanical era, in which nature is seen as a free resource to be used without regard for the consequences. What…
Recorded: 19 October 2005
Related videos
William McDonough
What might a sustainable city look like?
The Chinese plan to build housing for as many as 400 million of its citizens by 2017. With this in mind the Chinese government commissioned world famous eco-architect Bill McDonough…
Recorded: 21 April 2005
Richard Douthwaite
What impact will oil depletion have on the economy?
Economist Richard Douthwaite explores the economics driving climate change. He looks at how the current economic model requires sustained growth in order to survive and examines…
Recorded: 4 March 2005
Richard Heinberg
What is peak oil? (Part 2)
Professor Heinberg explains that the theory of peak oil has its roots in the work of US petroleum geologist M. King Hubbert. Hubbert first alerted the world to America’s falling…
Recorded: 19 October 2005
Bill McKibben
Will localisation define the future?
Cheap fossil fuels have facilitated longer trade routes, thereby making global trade possible. Oil depletion and climate change are now requiring of us to reduce fossil fuel dependence…
Recorded: 15 October 2005
Matthew Simmons
What is the truth about Peak Oil?
Matt Simmons takes a candid look at the future of global oil and gas supply and demand. Forecasts show demand booming as developing countries such as China and India continue to…
Recorded: 14 February 2007
Matthew Simmons
What is the truth about the world’s oil reserves?
Simmons examines the arguments put forward by those who believe that oil supply can continue to grow. Optimists point to the theory of “reserve appreciation”, an argument that…
Recorded: 14 February 2007





