Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Free Space -- A Planner's Dream

While I am no video artist, I must admit that I thought it would be interesting to seek out the definition of "sustainable housing" from the general public, planners and artists -- a la Jay Leno or Conan O'Brien. I figured that the final product would be good entertainment and probably educational. But I didn't think it would amount to "art".

To this Nathaniel eloquently replied, "Why wouldn't that be art? ...

'Art is a free space where you can do anything you want.' - Chris Burden"

Ahhh. My mind opened even more to this process. Free space where you can do anything you want ... a planner's dream.

Needless to say, we arrived very quickly at the decision to do the video project.

2 comments:

  1. "Housing" and "sustainability" are rich concepts that have literal and symbolic meanings. There is so much packed into those ideas that "sustainable housing" is overwhelmingly broad. I suggest narrowing your focus, or developing multiple foci that would make it easier for artists to respond...

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  2. HUD, OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLE HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES?

    I like to your approach of finding "your own definition of sustainable housing". I guess, that could apply to other elements such as sustainable transportation, sustainable open space, sustainable land use, etc. What about sustainable sustainability? or is it just a fad, an excuse to develop new industries for the 21st century and beyond?

    Sustainable housing...hum? Is it about the materials for dwelling construction? or is it a financing mechanism that allows fair entry into home ownership, a certainty system? Or is it about the type of houses that make up a neighborhood that contains different choices for different budgets and lifestyles? You certainly have intrigued me with your posting.

    I did a little surfing and was pleased to find out the H.U.D. (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) has an Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities:

    The mission of the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities is to create strong, sustainable communities by connecting housing to jobs, fostering local innovation, and helping to build a clean energy economy.
    http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/program_offices/sustainable_housing_communities

    Thanks!

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