"I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land; but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob, by wasteful use, the generations that come after us.3"
Theodore Roosevelt, 1910
At Walburn Studio, we are committed to living principles of sustainability clearly spelled out by William McDonaugh and Michael Braungart in the Hannover Principles (referenced below). In addition, we are committed to exploration and use of building materials comprised of “low toxicity” with an effort towards use of primarily “no toxicity” materials and methods.
Our research includes hundreds of hours of research on design with an emphasis on holistic design solutions and design for stress reduction. In an effort to improve design strategies for individuals with autism, we have attended numerous workshops on sensory integration dysfunction, and behavioral intervention for autism and related disabilities.
Current research includes an architectural research project entitled Design Matters: Autism and Learning Environments. This work addresses the growing need for understanding how design in terms of architecture, interior design, graphic design and artwork can contribute to the overall success of educational facilities for students in the autistic spectrum. The findings will ultimately be used to determine ways in which building design can either positively or negatively impact the sense of well being in sensitive individuals. It also is foundational to a publication entitled Design Matters: Architectural Implications for Sensitive Individuals with an anticipated completion in late 2010.
In addition to consulting on matters of environmental design issues, Walburn Studio conducts workshops for architects, designers, healthcare and spa industries, and others interested in design for well being.
THE HANNOVER PRINCIPLES, 1992
Developed by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, the Hannover
Principles were among the first to comprehensively address the fundamental ideas of
sustainability and the built environment, recognizing our interdependence with
nature and proposing a new relationship that includes our responsibilities to protect
it. The Principles encourage all of us -you, your organization, your suppliers and
customers - to link long term sustainable considerations with ethical responsibility,
and to re-establish the integral relation-ship between natural processes and human
activity. When you make decisions in your organization, remember these essential
Principles:
* Recognize interdependence. Simply put: everything you do personally, in your
organization and through your work interacts with and depends upon the natural
world, at every scale, both locally and across the globe.
* Eliminate the concept of waste. Are you considering the full, life-cycle conse -
quences of what you create or buy?* Understand the limitations of design.
THE WHOLE BUILDING DESIGN GUIDE
“Sustainability is a mode of thinking and
acting responsibly. It is grounded in the
knowledge that all of life is interdependent -
that local actions may have global conse -
quences. The basic objectives of sustainability
are to:
1. Reduce the consumption of energy,
land, and other nonrenewable resources.
2. Minimize the waste of materials,
water, and other limited resources.
3. Create livable, healthy, and productive
environments.”10
“THE HANNOVER PRINCIPLES: DESIGN FOR
SUSTAINABILITY”- WILLIAM MCDONOUGH
1. Insist on rights of humanity and nature to coexist
in a healthy, supportive, diverse and
sustainable condition.
2. Recognize interdependence. The elements of
human design interact with and depend upon
the natural world, with broad and diverse implications
at every scale. Expand design considerations
to recognizing even distant effects.
3. Respect relationships between spirit and matter.
Consider all aspects of human settlement including
community, dwelling, industry and trade in
terms of existing and evolving connections
between spiritual and material consciousness.
4. Accept responsibility for the consequences of
design decisions upon human well-being, the
viability of natural systems and their right
to co-exist.
5. Create safe objects of long-term value. Do not
burden future generations with requirements
for maintenance or vigilant administration of
potential danger due to the careless creation of
products, processes or standards.
6. Eliminate the concept of waste. Evaluate and
optimize the full life-cycle of products and
processes, to approach the state of natural systems,
in which there is no waste.
7. Rely on natural energy flows. Human designs
should, like the living world, derive their
creative forces from perpetual solar income.
Incorporate this energy efficiently and safely for
responsible use.
8 . Understand the limitations of design. No human
creation lasts forever and design does not solve
all problems. Those who create and plan should
practice humility in the face of nature. Treat
nature as a model and mentor, not as an inconvenience
to be evaded or controlled.
9. Seek constant improvement by the sharing of
knowledge. Encourage direct and open communication
between colleagues, patrons, manufacturers
and users to link long term sustainable
considerations with ethical responsibility, and re-establish
the integral relationship between natural processes and
human activity.