disSolution
Iconocast, the podcast produced by Lunar Design, just published a presentation by Jeff Smith, Lunar’s CEO, and Nirmal Sethia, Director of the Center for Business and Design at Cal Poly Pomona. Titled “Prius is not the solution, and Hummer is not the problem”, the podcast provides a very interesting take on sustainable design. It reminded me of Malcolm McCullough’s closing keynote at Interaction 08. Malcolm likewise suggested that alternatively powered vehicles are not the answer—urban living is. A well-designed urban environment provides everything its occupants need within walking distance. Public transportation is available when longer trips are necessary. We wouldn’t need to own personal cars, nor the spacious garages to store them. It’s a compelling argument.
Tough beans! I’m all for sustainable design. I do want to use less, recycle, buy smart, and lower carbon emissions. But there is no way you’re going to get me to live in a city—not even a relatively small one. I need my space. I want a yard where I can play with my kids. I want flower beds and a vegetable garden where I can get my hands dirty. I need trees. My current house is on top of a mountain where I have a gorgeous view down into the Ohio River valley. I see deer and turkeys in my back yard on a regular basis (although I could do without the deer). It’s a peaceful place, and I don’t have to put an 8 foot fence all the way around it for privacy from neighbors.
Car ownership affords too many freedoms and conveniences that I refuse to give up. I’m free to visit my parents (in another state) whenever I choose. I’m free to teach a weekly class an hour and a half away from where I live and work. I’m free to pack up my tent and take my family on a weekend camping trip. These are all of extreme value.
So, from my point of view, Prius is part of the solution, and an important part at that.