Design has the power to change lives and transform the shape of the world. That is not hyperbole or an exaggeration of design’s abilities. The Environmental Protection Agency stated as of July 28, 2017, Americans spend 93 percent of their time indoors and in cars. Except for the instances in which one may take a vacation into nature, the other 7 percent of people’s lives spent out of doors means that the built environment still surrounds them: urban design, signage, architecture, etc.
It’s easy to see how the built environment and its design has a significant impact on the public.
This goes beyond creating aesthetically appealing and comforting spaces. While the psychological importance of healthy, productive, and comforting interiors shouldn’t be disregarded, understanding the ways in which design can affect only the end user is a narrow way of viewing design’s impact.
Because design encompasses so much space in America, the choices that manufacturers make directly affect the choices of the client and end user.
For example: If every carpet manufacturer used mostly recycled materials, the client wouldn’t have a choice regarding whether they will partake in sustainable design. Every space that uses carpet would be participating in a more sustainable world.
The same goes for the choices designers and architects make. If an interior designer only used carpeting that comes from companies that utilize solar panels, every space they create will be promoting good, sustainable practices.
Is this realistic? Maybe not. The bottom line often comes down to dollars. But becoming aware of the immense impact the design community can have is the first step to a more sustainable world.
Editor’s Note: This piece is taken from Editor-in-chief Kadie Yale’s November 9, 2017, keynote speech at the Configura CET conference. The entirety of that presentation can be found here.