Design for the other 90 percent opened it's exhibit July 8. The installations fall under the theme of: innovative designs that benefit the other 90 percent of the world outside of the U.S. The projects are completely altruistic and have goals such as increasing the efficiency of transportation, energy consumption, irrigation tools, and low-cost, durable shelters in third world countries.
The exhibit is up at the Redline Gallery (2350 Arapahoe Street) and brought in work and research from designers all across the globe. Although the exhibit opening was in early July, there will be additional presentations running until September 26. Upcoming presentations include: Earthbags for Education, Eyes Wide Open and the "Oz" series.
I went to the opening back in July and it was interesting to see how integral design was to these projects that at a glance seem to be engineering-centric. Some of the ideas were simple: such as a bicycle that was ergonomically structured to carry freight up to 300 hundred lbs. without compromising the strength of the frame or putting additional strain on the rider. Other ideas were more complex, such as an air-drop shelter type piece. It's essentially the same idea as food drops in third world countries, but instead the boxes contain self-sustainable shelters that require little assembly with no tools. There was also a fashion show, sponsored by four local, little-known clothing designers, with a running theme of simplicity and sustainability.
It was interesting to see so many people from different fields (like engineering, sustainability, and political science) come together and talk about their experiences with design and appreciate design as an item in the forefront as opposed to an afterthought.
Thanks Bryan,
ReplyDeleteThis is a really important exhibit, one I think everyone should see. This also reiterates many of the things we have discussed in class as to where design is going in the future.