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The Eco-Design Handbook, Alastair Fuad-Luke, Thames & Hudson, £16.95
‘Designers need to be an integral part of the debate’ urges Fuad-Luke in his impressively informed introduction. Drawing on established examples including the early Arts & Crafts and Bauhaus movements Fuad-Luke succinctly explains the benefits inherent in environmentally responsible design. His background as an environmental scientist ensures that he can write persuasively on the creative energy derived from engaging with sustainable materials, while backing it up with scientific facts. The introduction concludes with a fourteen point manifesto for eco-pluralistic design which clearly sets out the criteria products must fulfill in order to qualify as eco-design.
Previous editions of the book proved bestsellers and, in this new edition, Fuad-Luke has not deviated from the formula of clear presentation of products accompanied by a compact illustrated table detailing essential facts about the product and/or material. Even more handily the tables are designed to allow easy cross referencing of designers, manufacturer’s and eco-design strategies.
The book is arranged in three main sections each dealing with a particular arena of design: Objects for Living, Objects for Working and Materials. The book also includes a comprehensive catalogue of green materials and a thorough reference section that includes contact details of manufacturers, design studios and green organisations on a global scale.
Some of the most innovative designing of the moment involves the use of sustainable materials as awareness continues to increase about the perilous state of the planet. Indeed, Fuad-Luke suggests that ‘Designers actually have more potential to slow environmental degradation than economists, politicians, businesses and even environmentalists. The power of designers is catalytic’. Design, as the embryonic stage of product development, has the potential to be uniquely influential. And, for those who refuse to compromise on style and quality, it is increasingly possible to reconcile your style conscience with your environmental duty. Copies can be orderd from Thames & Hudson
