Some pictures from a good day over at the Centre for Alternate Technology (CAT) in Wales with this year's cohort of Green Design students.
Student comment: "Lovely (journey)! Amazing views. It was a great day out. Probably the best uni trip I've been on. "
Student comment: "The centre was really interesting and gave me a better idea of what materials to look into but also how these materials could be reused/ recycled... This trip gave me a lot to think about and will benefit my research when looking around for suitable materials."
We've evolved links, annual visits and lectures with staff there over a number of years now and take our student cohorts each year for a visit and lecture/workshop around sustainability and materials properties. Students were also set tasks for their own personal learning journal blogs on top of the exploration of exhibits on site and the lecture from the excellent Jo Gwillim. Students will now use some of the references gathered and points raised in Jo's lecture to add to their present thinking regards this year's 'live' eco packaging brief (for regional natural paints manufacturer Edward Bulmer: Pots of Paint).
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| Heading outwards into Wales on a crisp, sunny November morning. |
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Students take pictures of the view from the top of
CAT's water-driven tram railway. |
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| A fantastic autumnal view from the top of CAT's tram railway. |
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The excellent Jo Gwillim talks through energy
used in making and recycling different materials. |
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| Students undertaking the materials workshop. |
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| Jo talks with students undertaking the materials workshop. |
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| Students undertaking the materials workshop. |
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| Students and tutor undertaking the materials workshop with Jo. |
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| Students enjoy some play after lectures, workshops and blog tasks. |
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| The courtyard in CAT's new WISE Centre. |
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| The rammed-earth lecture theatre in CAT's WISE Centre. |
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| One of the many art installations on site. |
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| Students examine one of the biodomes on site. |
Session Task
Weds 27th and Thu 28th Nov: Your Thoughts & Feedback
N.B. Please add your replies as a 'comment' to this blog post. Please use any browser but not Safari to do so as it's a bit funny with blogs.
Before your answers in your comment, please write:
A. Your name.
B. Which session you're in (i.e. tues or thu).
Reflective questions to answer:
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective).
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
Leigh Kelly
ReplyDeleteThursday Afternoon Session.
1. I hadn’t heard of CAT before I entered the module, but now that I have I think it’s history is very interesting given that it came into being as a product of an imminent threat to potential WW3 or nuclear war.
2. Three notable points that had been raised during Jo Gwillim’s Talk were firstly, the use of wooden timber that had been locally sourced from the surrounding Welsh valley. Given that Jo had previously stated that the CAT was a museum of mistakes I found it amusing that in an effort to reduce the carbon emissions in the construction for the centre they attempted to use Green Timber. Otherwise known as timber that hasn’t been properly dried and curated. This resulted in the buildings frame warping out of shape and smashing the glass roof that had been put in place to allow the maximum amount of natural light in. Lastly I thought one of the last points he raised about modern day hoovers was interesting and something I had never really considered before. It’s all well and good the company offering biodegradable bags for the waste to be stored in, but the amount of energy it takes to power the device is enormous when compared to the first wireless hoovers that were kinetically powered by the user themselves. Using no electricity at all.
3. In particular I really liked the Green Roofing ideas that CAT had, so used to reduce the surface water and boost biodiversity in urban areas that wouldn’t have necessarily had anything before. Such a simple change to the majority of buildings would have such positive effects of the environment at large. The diorama on the effectiveness on solar panels in different situations was also something I found of particular interest and lastly, the clear evidence of how strong the over currents of air are when you sat on a chair that moved vertically in response to the attached windmill was shocking.
4. This visit opened my eyes to the problems that recycling and remaking actually brings to the environment and so special thought has to be put into what materials I will actually consider using during the sustainable packaging brief. It isn’t enough to know that the materials can just be recycled but the amount of energy needed to recycle them has to be put into consideration also, although recycling will always be better than sourcing virgin materials outright. You always have to ask yourself how much energy will this material take to produce.
Thanks Leigh, some useful additional thinking there.. Always useful to go somewhere that comes at some of the issues being discussed on a module from a slightly different direction.. All helps.. Andy..
DeleteMartha Ives. Thursday's session.
ReplyDelete1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
--
- No, I hadn't heard of CAT before our visit.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective).
--
- I thought it was definitely an eyeopener when Jo said one their goals at CAT was to achieve a 100% cut of carbon emissions, which would address all parts of society. This seemed highly ambitious to me, yet it also seems to be necessary.
- I also found it worrying to know that we in Britain were using up more than our fair share of the planet. If everyone behaved as we did, we would need three planets to sustain us. It seems that some cuts would have to be put in place.
- In regards to this, Jo explained that a lot of countries didn't have a healthy balance. For example, poorer countries were not using up many resources, yet they were also poor places to live. And in Britain and America, living conditions and education were good, yet we were using up too much. Jo explained that Cuba was a country that had the best balance; it wasn't using up too many resources, yet it was still a good place to live in terms of conditions and education.
- I also knew that oil was running out, yet I had no idea that metals such as copper had about 40 years left if we continued to use it the way we were, while led and zinc had only about 20 years.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
--
- I was interested in the alternative natural materials they used to keep their buildings running. Like using sheep wool as insulation, for example.
- There was also a house that you could look around and throughout its different rooms there was information explaining how you could make your home more energy efficient.
- They had installed an electricity-generating photovoltaic (PV) roof and next to it they had a panel to show how much energy it was generating at the moment (600 watts when we visited), how much it had generated since installation (61566 kWh) and how much Greenhouse Gas emission had been saved (35092 kg).
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
--
- Thinking of what materials would be the best to use for project. For example, I learned that some metals take more energy to produce than others.
- I was also inspired to experiment more with different materials, those that might not seem as obvious for the job.
- Making sure my packaging is energy efficient and doing its bit toward helping the environment.
Thanks Martha, yes Jo's always good at putting across related issues such as energy used in some materials etc.. The various depletions of other raw materials is a real concern too as you say.. It does pay to experiement with different materials too - just look at Shiguro Ban and the cardboard buildings and structures etc.. Some would call it 'silly' but some of the buildings have (with added weather treatments) already lasted years! Glad that you found the additional pointers put across interesting..
DeleteSarah Kimbrey Wednesday
ReplyDeleteCAT- Centre for Alternative Technology
Cat has been open and operating since 1973 it was in the midst of the oil crises and a threat of nuclear war people started to realise that the energy humans use would not last forever and we were having a huge effect on the environment.
So a small group of people started experimenting on how to get energy more sustainably on top of a slate waste. They attempted to make their own solar panels and wind turbines trying to use as much natural material as possible. They wanted to experiment to educate and aim to reduce carbon emissions by 100%.
3 Notable points raised:
98% material brought in the uk is thrown away within 6 months
You need to think about the energy used to make the product
And you need to think about the effect after the material is recycled.
When researching into recycling you do not think about what happens after the product has been thrown away or recycled, you also do not consider the energy used to make it the though is often just on the product itself and throwing it away. But it is important to think about the whole process; before, after and during.
3 Notable things picked up:
The food: vegan, fresh, locally sourced reflecting the ideology behind C.A.T
The failed/working/old: even though some of their structures did not work they still left them as they were to learn from them
Their sustainable habitat: Buildings made from recycled material and decorated with natural materials
The 3 things that will stay with me from the lecture are:
Not cheating on yourself
Not cheating on your children
Not cheating on the planet
These 3 things are so inspiring and it is important to remember them whilst designing, there are no shortcuts when creating something sustainable you have to be able to do it forever.
http://gdes3003.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/cat-centre-for-alternative-technology/
Thanks Sarah, yes the whole sustainability argument's a tough one - especially as politicians in this age of tight budgets are often just looking for quick savings (and 'green projects or taxes' are often seen as just that). Like the foodie refs, would have expected nothing less! I guess if we don't start looking into ways that we can work sustainably then we may well be faced with a crisis at some point. One that many have been shouting about already - but one that could (and should) be averted by some forward-thinking! Andy
DeleteCatherine Winkles
ReplyDeleteWednesday Session
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module?
If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
Yes but only by name, from my brother who had previously visited the center
when on a trip / holiday.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate
change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts
(i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the
most sustainable but in practice another was simpler and more effective).
- One of the most notable and interesting points for me was the right sized
carbon footprint, Cuba being the only country using the right amount of land
per person and in a sustainable manner. Unfortunately Jo explained this is
not the case for us in Britain and countries such as the USA, who use more
than the appropriate amount of land on the planet per person.
- Jo stated that at a guestimate each person across the world has the
use of 2 hectares of land across their life time, this obviously lessens as the
population grows, To keep a sustainable planet we must keep within this land
use, but the way we live in Britain we are using more than our fair share.
- Another notable point was the current kind of land use in Britain, at the
moment we use an excessive amount of land for animal farming to keep up
with the demands of our modern day lives, if we are to live a sustainable life
and cut carbon emissions this needs to be cut down and every part of
society will feel this change.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at
CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency
with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings
to help reduce CO2 etc).
- For me one of the most interesting things about visiting CAT was the
materials used to create the buildings on site. For example, inside the
shop the glass roof used to keep heat in and encourage surface run off.
Also the sheep's wool insulation within the wall cavities, and the wall around
the theater. The site is covered in examples of sustainable design and this is
inspiring to see.
- It was also interesting to see and understand the use of solar panels on site,
large banks of panels that power operations on site. There was also an exhibit
explaining the amount of energy it created that day, previously and what we
have saved, carbon wise.
- Finally the Cord wood Wall, these are logs within a wall lay crosswise with a
lime crete mixture to hold them in place, the insulator used is perlite but many
could be used including sawdust and chopped newsprint, all inventive forms
of insulation.
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging
brief?
- One of the issues i learnt from the trip that I can apply to the brief is taking
extra care in the materials i choose to use in my design, paying particular
attention to the amount of energy it takes to make materials even recycled
ones.
- During the workshop we were also introduced to some new interesting
and environmentally friendly materials, for example hemp etc, broadens the
mind to what other types of material i could use for my designs.
- Making structure and creation of the packaging energy efficient.
Hi Cat, yes I think energy use and the amount that might go into materials and processes are fair comment really in terms of the way you might evolve your own ideas further for this brief.. These aren't areas that might be immediately apparent and I'm glad that Jo was able to explain some more of these considerations to you to expand your knowledge further.. Andy
DeleteSian Lipscomb
ReplyDeleteThursday session
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If ‘yes’ then please give an idea where you’d heard about them.
No, I hadn’t heard of CAT before the module trip
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the ‘future’ given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of ‘real worth’ with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective).
- I was thinking about using aluminum for the material of my paint pots and so was listening to the facts about how much energy it uses to make and to re cycle. Although it uses the most energy to produce, it also uses the least amount of energy to recycle so could counter act the environmental cost.
- The influence and trials of new renewable sources, which ones had turned out to be successful and which ones not at successful. The chart showing how much of our renewable energy comes from which sources allowed me to picture what might be the main sources in the future.
- To consider the practicalities of products more. Even if the design is good and fits the brief, will it still work practically or will the design hinder this.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
- The use of earth I had never really seen or thought people had used before. The lecture theatre in the CAT was not only aesthetically pleasing and you could also feel the heat benefit in the theatre.
- There was a particular exhibit about transportation, which informed people how they could use alternative methods of transport or have their current method could be made more environmentally friendly. These included things like switching to an electric car, driving smoother without any sudden changes in speed etc
- The simple things that the CAT had done to reduce their effect on the environment, such as harvesting rainwater to go into the river, energy efficient installation using straw and sheep’s wool and consideration of using materials to their best purpose
4. Now you’ve had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
- The pros and cons of aluminium/ plastic / tin
- Alternatives of cardboard packaging or advantages of cardboard
- To think about practicalities of a design as well as the graphical design element e.g. shape transportation, ergonomics, health and safety etc.
Hi Sian, yes, this brief does have a dual consideration, in one respect the materials and the other the visual treatments on any ideas developed.. I think it's interesting how these considerations to a brief are slowly but surely becoming higher profile too through company CSR's to the extent that the likes of Puma and Heinz are really taking these to heart now when procuring desgn and packaging work from agencies and designers.. Andy
DeleteJaspal Kaur – Thursday Group
ReplyDelete1.Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module?
No I previously hadn’t heard of CAT until hearing about it in this module.
2.Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site.
A notable point was that 98% of materials UK citizens buy are thrown away within 6 months, which is was shocking! I wouldn’t have thought that the UK was this bad, compared to America which is at 99%; we can still improve on this amount of waste thrown away.
Another notable point was when Jo mentioned that Cuba is an example country that has the right eco/carbon footprint. With other countries knowing about this they could surely learn from the country and start making changes to lower their carbon footprints.
Another statement Jo made was that we should save energy, so that we can start to use renewable energy such as solar power, wind turbines, offshore wind and heat pumps. Which I believe something that we should start doing, by saving the energy that is running out and using energy that we will still have for many years it will make much better sense and it could be very beneficial in the long run.
3.Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT
Walking through CAT I saw many great examples of recycled materials being used for fences to informative displays. One display I came across was of an old wind turbine, which was great because instead of it being thrown away it was used to make a display which informed the public about how wind turbines work.
I also came across many buildings that were made from recycled or natural materials for example a lecture theatre that were made from earth, the earth had been compressed with clay which formed this amazing material which is sustainable enough to be able to create buildings from. This was an amazing example of a renewable source that can be used to create architecture.
In the onsite shop they sold many items that had been made from other materials, such as a bad that was made from out jeans, hats that were made from plastic bags and rugs/throws made from recycled wool and fabric; which were all brilliant examples of usable products made from recycled items.
4.Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
From the lecture we had Jo made it clear that when creating products I definitely need to think about how much energy it takes to make the product, and how much energy the product will use in its lifetime in order for it to be a successful eco-friendly product.
Also from the workshop we undertook about different materials I feel that cork is a material that I will definitely be thinking about using for my final designs.
Lastly, I will ensure that any materials for the design and packaging I will use, will be completely eco-friendly and safe for the environment and for all living animals and people.
Hi Jaspal, cork's an interesting idea, I guess it has many properties that could help too. You'd need to try to best justify this from precedents and refs found through research though - i.e. where it might have been used in a similar way, could it be re-used in some way or maybe have a second use? Glad that you thought it an interesting place, I think there's something for everyone there really.. Andy
DeleteMatt Richardson. Wednesday.
ReplyDelete1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module?
Nope.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site.
I was mostly affected by the fact that these guys moved out to Wales in the seventies to live on a pile of rocks and make electricity out of wind. That's like something I've seen in films but I didn't realise anyone had actually done it. It's the hippy dream realised. Not that I'm a fan of hippies but I think it's pretty cool that they actually did it. Not just theory and preaching and ideals..they actually went and did it. Impressive.
I was interested to learn that you can get a rough approximation of how much energy a material takes to produce by the weight. This makes choosing materials much easier.
I was also interested to learn that they chose to build the shop originally from untreated timber. As someone with experience of construction I knew that was a bad idea, it shrinks and cracks and makes the roof leak. I kinda wish they had someone with experience when they made that decision but like he said, they learned through trial and error.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
I liked the fence made from recycled plastic. I don't know why...I think it's because it wasn't a big feature. It just sat there quietly, being awesome.
I liked the wind turbine blades...I didn't realise how huge these things were and I was impressed by the tech. Also liked how they used one as a retaining wall in the car park.
I liked the green roof thing...a garden on the roof. That's pretty cool .
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
Ummm....the energy by weight thing....That's useful. And I learned that aluminium takes surprisingly little energy to recycle once it's been produced...that might be useful info. And the fact that you can make all sorts of shapes out of recycled plastics.
Thanks Matt, yes it's always a useful visit out to CAT.. As mentioned above, it seems to chime with different people on different levels really but it's clear that you've seen new things and ideas which have made their mark on you.. Look forwards to seeing your prototype ideas next week.. Andy
DeleteLaura Bradley
ReplyDeleteWednesday class
1. I had not heard about CAT before.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site.
- I had never relies the effect cattle has on our environment – eg the space they take up which we could be using for producing other sustainable materials for energy.
- Quote that stood out to me 'If we can't imagine a healthy further, we can't create one'
- The eco effectiveness of a materiel is not just that it can be recycled, but the energy it takes to make, and transport.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT
- An innovative use of materials – such as compacted soil and clay to make a wall, encouraged me to challenge the convectional use of materials
- I found interesting the ‘bug houses’ in the wall, this encourages me to think broader in forms of secondary solutions.
- They don’t hide their mistake, but keep them as a reminder, showing their paths, what they have tried and what they learn from it.
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas?
- A lot of there buildings were made from wood – would it be possible to the paint pot to be made from this material
- I need to look at material, and see if ones can be molded, rather than relying on something that is almost ready made
- I need to think about the cost, and energy it take to make, as well as the material itself.
Hi Laura, some good thinking there re materials use towards the end.. It's clear that some of the issues raised by Jo have made you think a bit more laterally.. Interesting too that there's the emphasis there on learning from mistakes, that 'mistakes ' are normal, human and part of the wider learning process.. Andy
DeleteSam Hall
ReplyDeleteWednesday session
1. No I hadn't heard of CAT before this module however I had been to the Eden Project.
2. I found it intriguing how the guys at CAT were able to show energy requirements for the production and use of such a variety of materials and how they were able to check this against the amount of CO2 they created in production. This then begs the question, what is the middle ground and how do you balance these factors?
I was impressed when Jo explained how they got to the point that they are currently at from moving there in the 70's and how they did something that most people can only talk and dream of.
Lastly it was interesting to see which renewable resources were being used the most currently such as wind turbines and solar panels being used widely but tidal energy not being used as much. This got me thinking (weirdly) why not place a ton of solar panels out in the sahara? surely the amount of energy that would produce would be huge.
3. I liked how they had created a garden on the roof as this is similar to my late uncle's underground house.
I liked their extensive use of solar panels as it shows that they are effective if enough are used.
And I liked seeing their use of wind turbines as this, coupled with the solar panels, would be enough power for any household to be able to produce their own and possibly put energy back into the grid.
4. When Jo talked about how the energy required to recycle plastics was close to the energy required to make it in the first place, it got me thinking about my pouch idea and how it might not be the best material to use.
The array of materials that we looked at has given me more insight into what might be better to use.
Lastly I've started thinking not only about energy requirements for various materials but also which materials are more widely available compared to those which we could run out of in the next 20 years or so. Thinking ahead for Pots of Paint will be a valuable consideration.
Hi Sam, some good thoughts there.. Clear that you've been inspired to think a bit more laterally too - taking in wider consids such as energy used in supplying materials/making them etc - these are all useful things to add to any research and mention in any report too.. Look forwards to seeing your prototype(s) next week.. Andy
DeleteCarl Sherry
ReplyDeleteThursday 2:15 Session
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
Nope! I hadn't heard of them at all...
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective).
(1). I felt it was really valuable learning about the range of different insulating materials we had in front of us and how the items you'd expect to be most efficient weren't the best and most ideal solution after all...
(2). Another interesting fact I learnt was that 99% of the materialns US citizens buy are thrown away within 6 months of purchase. With the UK only doing slightly better with 98%. It just goes to show how disposable our lifestyles are today...
(3). I also found it interesting when it was briefly discussed about how a products energy usage has to take into consideration all of the energy that was used to make each tiny part of the product and then shipped from all corners of the world just to then potentially be used as a 'disposable product' and to see it landfilled instantaneously.. It again just goes to show how much unnecessary energy is being used in manufacturing today.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
(1) I thought it was really interesting how their new buildings were contructed out of very efficient materials and in a very efficient manner, especially their grand lecture room with their compressed mud walls.
(2). It was also eye-opening to see how they have turned nearly any bit of scrap material into something worth-while and re-used it as a new object.
(3). It was interesting learning about how they learnt from their mistakes. They tried being as sustainable as possible but there were times where this resulted in construction work not quite working as well as quite thought (their broken glass roof.) But this knowledge then helped them for future projects...
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
(1) Look outside the box when considering packaging ideas, you really can make things out of almost anything...
(2) What other ways can we used recylced objects rather than just a new compressed material?
(3) How you can make something that is recycled look elegant, in terms of colour and shape..
Hi Carl, some useful pointers there, especially so towards the latter points.. I really do think that this brief will allow looking outside the 'box' (was that an unintentional packaging-related pun btw?).. There's vast scope really when you think about what can be achieved with materials of all kinds.. All because a material hasn't -yet- been used in a particular way, it doesn't mean that it can's (think about the mushroom packaging or Shiguru Ban's cardboard buildings etc).. Andy
DeleteLauren Vasey
ReplyDeleteWednesday session
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
No
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective).
a)Britain chuck 98% of materials away within 6 months of purchasing them.
b)WWF-eco footprints website. We have all ready been introduced to it but it was good to be reminded.
c)The entire life cycle must be researched to make an informed decision in material choice.
d)Its not just a general life cycle, areas to which materials are process will effect the energy efficiency as well. For example America's Aluminium production is more eco than say Turkeys due to the technology developments within the processing.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
a)They have engaging exhibits that will entertain as well as educate children.
b)The exhibits play on peoples natural curiosity, the cave for example was exciting for most, scary for some but made me want to explore and find out what it was all about.
c)The composting toilet was an interesting experience that I would not like to relive. I found that the simple luxury of a working toilet over in the cafe made everyone walk in the wind and the rain, rather than use the smelly composting alternative that was right there to use. I used it by the end of the trip and did not like the smell or the thought of all the germs and yuk beneath me. It may be better for the environment but my attitude towards the hygiene and comfort of a regular toilet will not change soon.
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
a) Material choices life cycle
b) Where the material is processed
c) closed or open looped life cycles
Ah the composting toilet experience there Lauren, yes it can be quite a shock if you've not dabbled previously! :) Maybe that's one of the challenges though, i.e. we're all so used to our modern-day creature-comforts and regard them as 'normal'.. Some of these can be achieved in a sustainable way, some are terrible for the environment in real terms (think flying etc). I like the focus on closed loop life cycles though as mentioned and think that this thinking will become much more 'the norm' in future commerce etc - it has to be really when you consider the availability of some materials is becoming thinner and thinner.. Look forwards to seeing some prototype ideas next week.. Best, Andy
DeleteRachel Hayes
ReplyDeleteWednesday session
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module?
No, I hadn't heard of CAT before this module.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site.
a) 99% of the materials that US citizens use are thrown away within 6 months. This figure is shockingly high and is a good way to raise awareness that more needs to be done to make products recyclable and reusable.
b) It was very interesting to learn about the different type of 'natural' insulators that the centre were using, especially sheep's wool. Jo discussed the limitations of using this material, including the smell when it got wet however as a material that is renewable I thought that the idea of it was resourceful.
c) I also found Jo's talk interesting as he kept promoting the idea of using renewable energy including, solar panels, wind turbines etc. This implies as to how seriously we should be considering the planet, especially since over the past few years we have been victim to several natural hazards. I think it is important for everybody to start changing their lifestyles somehow taking future generations into consideration.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT.
a) I found it interesting that every building was different, made from different materials, which suggest that they are experiments that CAT have tested over the years. Also how they used aeroplane propellers to use in the same way as wind turbines.
b) Another feature that I liked was the insect houses which were created for helpful insects including bees, which help to pollinate our fruit. I liked this little idea as I think it is important to look after such species that help the planet.
c) 'Green Roofs' are an important example of the kind of technology that can help the population adapt to climate change. I read that this material helps to reduce surface flooding water in cities by absorbing water quickly and by releasing it slowly. This particular idea also helps to provide important habitats for biodiversity in urban areas. I liked this particular idea as it related to everyone, everyone is affected by climate change and by introducing a design like this I think if people change their carbon footprint then ideas like this will become more popular.
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
a) The trip opened my eyes to large amount of materials that are available which essentially are all considered 'natural'.
b) The importance of creating an idea that can be replenished, re-used and recycled in order to lessen the amount of energy that is wasted.
c) There will be numerous considerations to make when thinking about selecting the materials i.e. cost, durability, colour.
Hi Rachel, yes, again this idea of re-using, of building-in thinking about possible second uses, closed loop production etc.. It might seem like a strange notion at the moment but I really do think it will become much more the 'norm' in our business thinking etc.. Lessening energy used at various points in a process is a useful additional set of consids too.. Look forwards to seeing your prototype ideas.. Best, Andy
DeleteRachel McCourt
ReplyDeleteThursday session
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module?
No I had not heard of CAT before this module.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site.
We had previously learned that America throw away 99% of materials in just 6 months, I was shocked to learn that the UK are nearly just as bad, throwing away 98%.
It is known that oil is running out, but I did not know that other materials such as copper, led and zinc were running out, and that it is estimated that if we continue to use it at the same rate we do now it could be used up within 20 years.
I found it interesting that Cuba are the only Country with the right sized 'carbon foot print', using the right amount of land and resources per person, but I was not surprised that the UK and USA have the biggest carbon footprints.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT
The architecture was interesting within the CAT site, and the use of natural resources within the buildings, such as sheep wool as insulation. The rammed earth lecture theater looked very modern and I was suprised at how warm it was inside.
There were parts of wind turbine scattered about, which was great as they served a new purpose of educating people rather than being thrown away. They served as a display with information boards on wind energy, and it was interesting to see how big they are up close.
There were exhibits scattered throughout the site showcasing ways to recycle many different things, such as a wall of glass bottles, scrap wood and bricks.
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
It's important not just to look at what materials are recyclable or natural, but to look deeper into how much energy has been used to process that material, how much it takes to recycle, how much it has to travel about to achieve this and so on. An interesting example - Steel processed in Korea takes half the amount of energy as Steel produced in the UK, due to technology and so on. But would it be better to have it processed in UK to save having it shipped from Korea?
Hi Rachel, yes energy used in the 'making' process is a valuable additional factor.. I think (in general) Jo was explaining that we in the west can actually make raw materials like steel etc more efficiently in terms of energy used - but that it's much cheaper to do in the far east - despite the greater energy use.. I guess it's a sobering lesson in economics but I think the tide is slowly turning and that various operations presently based in the far east are now coming back to the west - albeit being structured to work much more effectively, efficiently and sustainably.. I noticed this article when I did a search on the subject (it seems to be a growing trend).. Best, Andy
Deletehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/management-advice/10079388/UK-firms-are-coming-back-from-China-but-they-need-more-help.html
Polina Litvinova
ReplyDeleteWednesday session
Reflective questions to answer:
1. No, I have never heard of CAT before this module but I am glad that we got to see what it is about and what it does because it really gives you an insight of what green/sustainable design is all about.
2. If a material traps a lot of air it is a good insulator. This was new information to me due to the fact that I was not sure which materials are best to use for a specific type of job, where as now I have a better understanding of what material is best to use and why.
• When choosing what material you want to work with the two main things that need to be taken into account is how much energy does it take to make the product along with how much energy will it use. I was surprised to find out that some of the materials such as aluminium takes so much energy to produce (depending in which country it is produced in). This made me realise how important recycling is even though it plays a small part in the overall picture it’s a start, a very good one.
• Cuba has the right size footprint. When thinking about foot prints an overall view needs to be taken into account. Education, health system, life expectancy is all included. Stability is what it is all about. Only because a country is poorer doesn’t necessarily mean it has a lower footprint (which is usually the case) but everything else within the country is taken into account.
3. Wise building (Wales institute for sustainable energy). A lecture hall made out of rammed earth has created a big impact on the way I viewed green design/ architecture. I never expected it to be so big and beautiful. Usually when though of green design the word sustainable comes to mind not beautiful. The structure of the wall/hall is quite rough, it has this earthy feeling to it. It is also warm to the touch which was unexpected because it looks very concrete like. The structure traps the heat within, releasing it slowly into the atmosphere keeping the surrounding environment warm. The walls are stuffed with sheep’s wool which works as a good insulator by trapping a lot of air within.
• Water balanced cliff railway. Great example of sustainable technology, having two carriages which are linked by a steel cable having to pull one another up and down. When the carriage goes up or down the water is being flown into the tank of the top carriage making it heavy enough to go down and pull the bottom carriage use. This made me think of alternatives for fuel and if water could possibly be one of them.
• A windmill propeller which was HUGE!!! I have seen a lot of windmills from a distance but I have never expected to come across one casually lying around in the CAT centre. Now I will not double how incredibly useful, strong and powerful windmills are .
4. Having to pick my materials carefully having looked at how sustainable they are along with how much energy they use.
• Gave me an idea for re-use of materials, which doesn’t have to be plant pots but something else entirely different.
• Reducing the CO2 print through packaging, lighter, stronger, recyclable, re-usable materials used which does not have to stick with traditional type of packaging.
Hi Polina, wow, it seems that loads of things started to catch your eye in terms of the ways things 'can' work more sustainably.. It's very much this holistic view of sustainability applied in so many respects that I was keen for you guys to experience.. Most people so far seem to have been both surprised and quite affected by at least one aspect up at CAT - which is interesting to see.. Yes, lighter, stronger methods and possibly experimenting with new uses of existing materials (i.e. corrugating materials maybe?) can all supply new angles to think about for this project.. Best, Andy
DeleteAlexandra Durrant
ReplyDeleteThursday Session
I had never heard of CAT before the module, I heard of a place that focused purely on recyclable material but I was unaware that it wa potentially CAT.
The idea of the costs of the reusable materialwas interesting along with the graph that shows the various countries that produce the different metals etc and how much they would cost to create within those countries was facsinating.
The workshop with the different materials and their insulation level was inspiring as some of the more unlikely materials to keep a building insulated worked better than some of the frequently used materials, as well as them being economically friendly and not altered by various potentially harmful chemicals. And finally the fact that 99% of the materials the US alone by are thrown away 6 months after their purchase was very hardhitting and made me realise that a change needs to happen.
The idea of the solar panels was amazing, by the cafe the one side of the roof being coated in solar panels made me realise how effective solar panels can be, the reused toothbrushes that were melted down to create fencing was oddly beautiful and functional. Finally the insulation idea of straw that was in one of the buildings visable through a small window were all very interesting to witness the innovative and creative solutions that people have managed to come up with in order to be more economically friendly.
Three things that I have gained from the CAT visit would be a more extensive knowledge of what is currently being used within the reusable and recyclable world and how effectively it is being used, the many different methods of providing energy (water, air etc) and the different methods of retreaving these reusable resources. I may bring some of these methods of creation and innovative reuse into my personal work as well as being more considerate when chosing my materials and how they have been processed, I have also begun to consider which materials could be more efficient within my design and will still reflect the sophistication of the client.
Hi Alex, yes, it's a balance potentially at some stage.. As the paint is a premium natural product then it really does ideally need to reflect this visually and structurally - it needs to feel 'quality' even if you're using natural materials in some way in your ideas.. Remember that Farrow and Ball paints are similar in this respect and that the product has to remain 'premium-looking' between travel from A to B etc.. Look forwards to seeing reduced- down prototype designs next week.. Best, Andy
DeleteSarah Forster
ReplyDeleteThursday session
I had not heard of CAT before I came on the module, and found the visit interesting, informative, and the scenery was beautiful!
Jo Gwillam mentioned a number of points which surprised me, one which stood out to me in particular was that 98% of materials Britain buys is thrown away within 6 months. We have been brought up in a world that is designed to break, it is a money making scheme instead of repairing the old.
In addition, we were shown products that are better for the environment, yet the material used for products has to be functional for its job. For example, the strength and durability of the recycled plastic fence is suited to its function. This is something to keep in mind when designing sustainable packaging – particularly for paint as it is transported in large quantities and involves the use of solvents. (The material must be strong and unreactive with certain solvents.)
The positives and negatives of CO2 were also discussed, CO2 does not harm the environment, and is part of the carbon cycle, its excessive amount that does. I think this is what many people forget, it is about regulating our emissions.
One of the most interesting things I noticed on the CAT visit was the way they advertised the benefits of using public transport instead of individual cars. The bus stop sign held information about the benefits, and facts and figures around the issue of pollution. Inside the building, there was a wall made from compacted ground and clay, I had not known this had been done before and it was impressive to see the scale of the wall made up of this sustainable material. In addition, around the site were subtle changes such as a branch weaved fence instead of using machinery and transportation to create a standard fence. I think even the smallest changes to our lifestyle should be taken into consideration.
Three things I have gained from the CAT visit are;
• The materials used must be functional as well as sustainable if possible. This needs to be taken into consideration when I plan which materials I will use.
• Products must be reusable where possible to extend the products life cycle. However, certain considerations must be taken into account here, due to the solvents in the paint, if reused, there must be instructions available about cleaning the packaging thoroughly before use.
• Shelf appeal is crucial. The CAT shop illustrates this, with a range of interesting products for sale. The paint packaging must be able to sell the paint as well as being more sustainable.
Hi Sarah, you raise some good points there.. Good that you found various aspects interesting - it was this broad set of refs around the application of sustainable living/practises that I was keen for students to see.. Yes, shelf appeal remains a facet of the brief and you've been asked to evolve eventual visuals showing how your sustainable packaging designs might look on a shelf too on the supporting A1 board for the brief.. Look frowards to seeing your reduced-down cardboard 'prototypes' next week.. Best, Andy
DeleteKarla Thomas
ReplyDeleteWednesday session
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
No I had never hear about CAT before
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective).
- CAT intend to have a zero carbon britain by 2030 this is a ambitious but very worth while. i think that if they succeed in doing this it will show people that it can be done and hopefully encourage others to try and have this same approach whether it be just individuals or large companies and organisations.
- Another point that stood out to me was how Cuba is properly the only country that has managed to find the right balance using the right amount of land per person, achieving a Happy Planet Index score of 56.2,and Ecological foot print of just 1.90. Whether this is because they are only a small country I am unsure. I was also shocked to hear how The UK throw away 98% of materials within 6 months, just 1% behind America and our country is not even half the size of America, nor do we have as bigger a population so I don't know how we manage this. Either way we need to take a leaf out of Cuba's book!
- The point that stood out to me is how mankind in spewing 6 billion gigatons of carbon dioxide of into the air each year and wonder what our reaction would be if we could see some kind of representation of this in solid for so we realise the effect it is having on the planet. This may give people the needed push to reduce this problem.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
- I learnt about materials that i never new could be used as insulation such as:
- Hemp and lime
-Ash
-Cork
Warmcel
I had heard of the use of rammed earth but I was surprised when entering the Sheppard Theatre at how warm a room could be when insulated in this way. as it was cold around the rest of the site I would much like to have stayed in there longer. it also looked slick and modern and to look at it you wouldn't think it just to be rammed earth.
- I also like how they has used recycled materials to create the signage . This was a clever and eco- friendly way of guiding visitors around site and a could way of saving energy and materials that would have been used making new signage.
- The various interactive displays showing how electricity could be created through solar and water power. Im not sure if these were meant for children but I had a go :)
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
- A definite consideration about the materials I will used as some take a lot more energy to produce and recycle then other, to try a find a good balance of both of this issue in the material I used.
- " its sustainable if you can keep doing it forever" - ensure that my product have have a secondary use and keep being used, instead of "throwing it way after 6 month's"
- to look further into materials that can be used instead of jus the obvious or popular choices
Thanks Karla, that's a great quote from Jo's talk and it really does quickly sum up the ethos that we're trying to build in to our devt ideas here.. It's clear that you listened well though and took a lot in, it's also clear that there were many new ideas and refs to take in which have made you consider things differently too - good.. Best, Andy
DeleteIm glad you understood what said, should have spell checked it before really as some words were a bit of -_- lol
DeleteAlex Banes
ReplyDeleteWednesday Session
1. I had not heard of CAT before the module.
2. There were many notable points raised in the sustainability lecture that I found interesting. I was quite drawn back when Jo told us that 98% of materials bought in the UK are thrown away within 6 months and 99% in the USA, this is an astonishing amount of waste! It made me realize that as a country there must be lots of viable options that we can explore to re-use these materials.
- I was also surprised to hear that CAT had been going since 1973. 40 years ago climate change wasn’t in the public domain as much as it is today so to start experimenting with alternative technology on a pile of rocks in South Wales must have been quite revolutionary and forward thinking for the time!
- Lastly I was intrigued to hear Jo talk about ‘living within our means’ He told us how each person has the equivalent of 2 hectares of land to use across there lifetime, however in the UK we are often using more than our fair share due to our demanding and energy fueld lifestyles. To live on a sustainable planet we need to cut back which will be hard on a continuously growing planet.
3. I found my visit around the CAT site very eye opening. I was aware of alternative materials being used in construction such as sheep wool insulation and earth rammed walls but to see them in use was very interesting. It made me consider why more people aren’t adopting these construction methods to make a more sustainable planet, not only were they aesthetically pleasing but they also provided increased heat benefits.
- It was great to see how CAT had implemented wind turbines into the site, I’m definitely in favor of more wind farms starting up in the UK as we have ideal weather so I was happy to see various displays educating the public on just how much energy wind can provide.
- It was also clear to see how CAT had not just focused on promoting one single way of sustainable living; they had identified lots of methods and displayed them in fun exciting ways. This made me aware that as a planet there are lots more things we should implement in the home and work place to help reduce CO2.
4. After visiting CAT there are many ideas that I can start to bring forward into my development process. The most important factor is to not just look at whether a material is recyclable or reusable but to be aware of just how much energy was used in the manufacturing process. A tin paint pot might be easier to recycle but it may require more energy in order to shape the metal.
- Before leaving CAT I made sure to visit the gift shop, here they sold recycled & sustainable products that were elegant and had great shelf appeal to customers. This is important, the packaging still needs to sell the paint and make the business money whilst still juggling all the other environmental factors.
Hi alex, it's clear that many of the ideas put over by Jo have made you think differently about not just this module's brief - but possibly even broader about life, the universe and everything (Douglas Adams quote..).. :) Seriously though, pleased that the ideas and thinking shown at CAT in exhibits and those that were more specific to materials use etc via Jo have made an impact.. Interesting idea too to make sure that you'd seen eco gifts etc being sold/how that was done/some of the consids involved.. A useful additional consideration considering that shelf appeal still comes into this brief (ref the A1 board imagery etc).. Look forwards to seeing your reduced-down cardboard rough prototypes next week.. Best, Andy
DeleteTom Dobson
ReplyDeleteThursday Session
1) No, I hadn't heard of the Centre for Alternative Technology before this module.
2) Unfortunately I couldn't attend the trip as I was really ill :( So it's been difficult for me to pick up on much. However, I have listened to the recording of the lecture by Jo and one of the things that stood out to me was when he talked about the suitability of materials.
For example, how one may assume straight away that plastic is bad and cardboard is good... however you need to think past that and at the next step and ask why? Each material has it's own properties, and just because plastic is oil based, doesn't mean it isn't suitable for eco design.
Need to consider the weight, costs of manufacture, ease of recycling etc. For example, plastic is much lighter than glass, which can save CO2 and money on transportation costs etc.
All of this has given me a nice nugget to think about when considering the choice of materials for the main brief.
Thanks Tom, yes not so easy if not there but thanks for listening to the audio as it was of a goodly length.. Weight of product was a big consideration with last year's concepts 9lessening the weight of the bottle glass lessened fuel used/carbon/ and of course the costs.. Also there aren't just eco plastics out there - look too at corn starch plastics, consider the way they're used maybe by both London Bio Packaging and/or Biopac in Evesham.. Look forward to seeing prototype ideas next week, Peter/Edward from PoP also invited if they're free. You can bring along a couple of concepts if you wish at this stage still.. Best, Andy
DeleteMatthew Blick
ReplyDeleteThursday Group
Reflective questions to answer:
1. I had not heard of CAT before this module.
2. One point that Jo gave that I found interesting was the sharp rise of carbon emissions over recent years and that we need to reduce the amount from >390 bitts per million which we are currently at down to 350 which is considered the safe zone.
Another interesting fact was that 99% of materials US citizens use is thrown away within 6 months.
And something that Jo mentioned that has stuck with me since is that 'sustainability is something that goes on forever not something that is temporary'.
3. I found the energy meter next to the solar panel which recorded the amount of emissions saved very enlightening.
I also think that the workshop with the insulators was useful and you can see first hand what is better/worse and holding heat.
I found the lecture theatre (not the one Jo presented in) very impressive, and the lady that toured us around it provided us with lots of design knowledge to the building such as insulating for the winter, cooling in the summer, lighting efficiently, and making the acoustics for sound just right.
4. I will defiantly bring forward knowledge of how perhaps a recycled material could be used.
I will think about secondary uses/life after the primary use.
I Before visiting CAT I would not think of using a material that isn't noted as being environmentally friendly, but as Jo mention, there is nothing wrong with doing that if it does the job correctly and for a long time, as producing lots of friendlier materials that will not last as long could use more resourceful energy than producing one long lasting material. - That's defiantly something to think about.
Hi Matt, some good pointers there.. The materials one is a delicate one and there's certainly a surprising case for things like aluminium in certain scenarios due to the limited energy needed to re-cast etc.. Clear that you've found the visit of interest though and the various exhibits that put across different ideas.. Look forwards to seeing prototype(s) next week, hope that we get one of the PoP guys to join us if they're free too.. All best, Andy
DeleteMegan Feeley
ReplyDeleteThursday pm session
1. No, I had not heard of CAT before the module.
2. Jo Gwillims talk on sustainable design, products should be made to last and not break – 98% of materials citizens buy are thrown away within the first 6 months. Examples Jo showed us included; the electric fan, requires batteries not much wind output in comparison to the hand held fan, little man power required but a great sustainable product. It really shows how much unnecessary energy is being used in manufacturing for items that will simply be thrown away within 6 months.
CAT’s Zero Carbon Britain scheme, they aim to have a zero carbon Britain by 2030. They are motivated and determined to reach this goal and hopefully they will be successful, they do a great job in encouraging others whether that being individuals or organisations to do this, so why not the whole of Britain! I certainly have changed my ways since starting the green design module to reduce my carbon footprint.
The promotion at CAT of the use of renewable energy sources- testing with successes and failures, an example being insulation – sheeps wool, getting wet smelling bad. The use of wind turbines at CAT is great they clearly make best use of being on top of a slate quarry. Being in the UK we definitely do not make the most of our bad weather for energy, the infographics and information boards around the centre were great for informing the public in how much energy we could provide using renewable energy sources. Why is it not implemented all over the UK.
3. The 7.2m rammed earth lecture hall, built from sustainable materials, surrounded by timber framed glazing, the feel of the circular walls were rough, felt like concrete but had the same earthy colour as you would expect. It smelt damp, and the walls were insulated with sheep’s wool, more people should adopt this method of construction for a more sustainable planet.
I liked the way CAT had used recycled materials to create signage and fencing. It was creative, eco-friendly and a great illustration of recycling. An example of this was the fencing around the children’s play area, this was made from recycled toothbrushes, and as Jo said in the lecture at first they smelt minty.
CAT's water-driven tram railway - feeding the railway, water to the cliff railway flows from the big lake into the small pool by the railway, then through the stone arch and into a pair of metal chutes. When a railway carriage arrives at the upper station it docks into its chute and gets filled with enough water to overbalance its companion at the bottom, it is stopped from going too fast by its hydraulic brake. The hydraulic brake collects surplus energy from the descending carriage and stores it in the form of compressed gas in the green cylinders. From time to time the compressed gas is used to pump water back up into the pool, and it arrives back up into the pool. Recycling!!! I thought it was great, just a shame we didn’t get a chance to go on it.
4.I will try as much as I can to encourage a second use for the packaging to try and lengthen the products lifecycle. This will prove difficult within the paint industry due to solvent paints and being able to safely dispose of paint, but I hope to come up with a solution within my packaging.
I am aiming to produce packaging for the paint that will reduce CO2, making the packaging good-looking yet recyclable, lighter and stronger. I want to make my recycled product packaging attractive!
Looking into other existing materials that aren’t necessarily linked with packaging, overlooked materials that are perfectly suited to the job but are simply disregarded.
Hi Megan, it's clear that you took many things on board when at CAT from the details you describe above.. Yes, I think overlooked materials may be an interesting angle to work in if you can.. There's no doubt though - some serious challenges and balancing acts involved in evolving a set of working ideas.. Do bring a couple of prototypes if it helps broaden feedback/discussion.. Look forwards to seeing your ideas to date this week.. Thanks, Andy
DeleteOwen Diment
ReplyDeleteThursday Afternoon
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
A. No I hadn’t heard of CAT before this module.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective).
A. One fact that really shocked me was that 99% of materials US citizens buy are thrown away within 6 months, with the UK following with 98%.
B. Not only is oil levels running scarce but materials such as copper, zinc and led are becoming rare. It’s projected that we will use up this supply within 20 years if we keep using at the rate we are.
C. Another fact I found interesting was that Cuba is the ‘only’ country that has the appropriate Carbon foot-print in relation to the amount of land and resources used per person.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
A. Although it wasn’t up and running when we visited CAT, the water-powered railway was one of the most notable things for me. I had no idea such thing existed, especially something that used the weight of water to move the carriages from A to B.
B. Another very notable thing I noticed was the different materials they used to create the centre. The one that stood out was the way they created the structure for the WISE building (rammed-earth construction).
C. Finally because I’ve never actually seen a wind-turbine up close, I had no idea of the scale. I was stunned by the actual size and the cost behind them.
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
A. After the lecture a few of us asked Jo what his take was on our brief and is response was to look more in depth into dual-use and secondary purpose packaging. If this is the case the product must then be able to sustain its life cycle.
B. To take a deeper look into the energy used in the process of creating the different materials I may possibly use for my packaging.
Hi Owen, yes there's a wide range of things that probably seemed new and quite incredible at CAT.. I always see something new each time I go there with a group.. We are keen to encourage duel use in this design solution deffo.. I've spoken to a few students who have some interesting dual use concepts.. Look forwards to seeing your progress on ideas this week.. Andy
DeleteGeorge Moss – Thursday Afternoon Session
ReplyDelete1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
- No I had not heard of CAT previously.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective)
- 99% of the materials in the US are thrown away in 6 months, and in britains its 98%. A ridiculous figure that surely needs to be cut down if we are to continue to live on this planet!
- Embodied Energy was a topic I had yet to research before the talk Jo gave us. It was interesting to see how much energy it takes to create the goods/packaging out of material compared to recycled material. These facts and figures relate to all packaging and will affect my material choices when choosing the right material for the Eco Paints brief.
- In Britain we use 195 kWhrs per person a day! 60 kWhrs are used transporting and making the things we buy. The production of products matters just as much as recycling products. When designing packaging it is important to consider the process as it could affect the type of material used or concept it uses.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
- The average household releases 8.2 tonnes of CO2 a year! A staggering figure, one that surely had to be cut if we are to start the initiative of living greener. Not only do we have to think about the knock on affect the appliances have but the gas emissions used to generate the electricity. Installing a solar panel would be cost efficient and save green house gasses. The solar panel roof they had installed at CAT presented the benefits - Since October 2006, 35090 kg green house gas emissions were saved by the solar panel roof and 61563kwh of energy had been generated.
- Innovative sustainable insulation was a big thing at CAT, most notably were the examples of sheeps wool and pertile.
- The Information Centre/shop and the new circular lecture hall both used compressed earth as the structure for the walls. The earth had been compressed by more then x7 to maintain strength and durability! Its good to see that CAT are consistently trying new things and mistakes that have been made in the past are left for people to see and take note of. For example in the shop they unfortunately used timber as supports without drying it first ( as this uses too much energy to do ) causing it to shrink and break!
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
- A new way of judging how appropriate/suitable some materials are in terms of sustainability. Taking into consideration the production process, Embodied Energy as well as recycling.
- A more creative approach when it comes to thinking outside the box for what materials I could use that aren’t so common. Such as CAT using wool as insulation.
- The importance of what happens to the life after the product /packaging use. The packaging could contain information to encourage people to recycle it rather than adding to the 98% waste figure.
Hi George, yes some startling facts given over by Jo about our energy usage.. The one about the single house is just amazing.. I guess that you can't fail to be affected by some of these figures really... Yes, it does make you think again about materials and their properties and how this might affect your final ideas for the brief.. I'll be taking ref shots of peoples' early mockups for Peter and Edward this week too. I may put a selection of these online too for general ref.. Best, Andy
DeleteRyan Broome
ReplyDelete1. Had not heard of CAT before this module
2. -Jo brought up a quote from John Porrit which stuck with me after the trip to CAT. The quote is; “ its sustainable if you can do it forever “ and hearing this allowed me to understand that it does not always have to be a certain type of eco material, if the material used for the product is sustainable and it can be used for its needs time and time again then that makes the material sustainable so that left me asking, does sustainability come before the material used?
-98% of materials Britain buys is thrown away within 6 months a single percentage less than the USA which is 99%, an astonishing figure that puts into place why we and a country and a planet need to begin changing our ways.
-Another thing i found interesting from Jo's talk was the predicted times we had left of materials, such as oil, copper and zinc etc. If the predictions were to be correct there would be no oil to last the lifespan of children today which again shows that what people do at CAT will really benefit the future.
3. - The extent of natural and recycled materials used to pretty much build the whole site at CAT i found inspiring as well and interesting.
- The lecture room that was built from rammed earth i found really interesting, and also to learn how low its CO2 emissions were taught me that this material could become a very popular factor in modern construction.
- The natural uses of insulation that we got shown were also interesting such as; hemp lime and sheeps wool!
4. - Sustainability of a product or material can be more vital as apposed to the material used.
- Considerations in terms of energy use of the production of my chosen material and product, such as manufacturing and transport.
- Take a further look into the possibilities of materials i could use as the CAT trip widened my knowledge as to how many sustainable and eco friendly materials there are out there!
Hi Ryan, yes transportation and the energy used within is another consideration.. The quote was actually by Jonathan Porritt I think but it makes perfect sense really when you think about it.. I guess the nub of things is that industry is slowly but surely having to come to terms with many of these considerations and the effects of CSR with larger companies so designer's who've had experience working on projects like this will hopefully be at an advantage.. Look forwards to seeing your rough 'proof of concepts' this week.. Best, Andy
DeleteMaddie Pegrum
ReplyDeleteThursday Session
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
I had not heard of CAT before the module.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective).
The aim to have a zero carbon budget by 2030 was something that made me realise how quickly they want to make a difference to the environment, and the fact that it can be done if enough effort is made.
I found it hard to believe that 99% of materials are thrown out after 6 months in the US, and 98% in the UK. It was a shocking statistic that made me consider my own habits with throwing things away without a second thought.
Since the industrial revolution, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by a considerable amount, hinting that technology plays a big part in the issues we face.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
It was interesting to see recycling in a different way - it was the first time I had seen plastic made from old toothbrushes, normally plastic recycling is with bottles and packaging, not actual items.
I thought the display of re-used tins was inspiring, it demonstrates simple ways to prolong the life of everyday items.
There is an extensive use of glass in the structure of the buildings around the site. This enables them to minimise heating required and therefore less energy is needed.
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
A sustainable product plays a part of hinting towards a more sustainable future.
There are lots of natural materials that work just as affectively as man-made materials.
Something is sustainable if you can carry on doing it forever.
Hi Maddie, some useful pointers there.. I think pretty much everyone was affected by the realisation that we're a completely throwaway culture and only marginally better than the Americans in that respect. Glad that you found various things to inspire there - I think most took something away as inspiration.. Look forwards to seeing your proof of concepts this week.. Best, Andy
DeleteChloe Easterlow
ReplyDelete1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
No I had not heard of CAT before this module.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective).
I Thought that it was interesting when they mentioned cuba having the best carbon footprint
The fact that 98% of materials Britain buys is thrown away within 6 months also took my interest.
Also the different materials that can be used for eco architecture such as lime and hemp
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
I thought that the umbrella exhibit was interesting (umbrella/washingline)
The exhibit which you had to walk/run around to create energy was good
The way that the materials had been used in their actual buildings (such as the use of timber in the lecture rooms)
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
I have thought more about the material and the embodied energy that every material has so that I can compare them to see what is more environmentally friendly.
Using more natural materials such as bamboo leaves or straw as they do not let our bad emissions.
Reducing the CO2 print, by making the packaging stronger, recyclable and lighter in weight.
Hi Chloe, glad that you saw some interesting refs there.. I think the dryer is a great idea deffo.. It's a Rotaire Dryline I think (and all made in Malvern I think!!):
Deletehttp://www.rotaire.com/
I think the natural materials ref is an interesting avenue deffo but I guess it's what can be applied en masse too and yet still be a relatively sustainable solution.. The mushroom packaging works in this sense (as an example).. All best, Andy
Nathan Ford
ReplyDeleteWednesday Group
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module?
No I had not.
2. Please give your toughs on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site.
That it is necessary to research the energy cost that goes into making a material. Not just its biodegradability, environmental friendliness etc.
The amount we throw away in this country after about 6 months. I think the figure was something like 98%. It just seemed like a lot.
Wasnt aware that copper was running out quite as fast as it is. And certain other materials for that matter.
3. Thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT.
That the whole place is kind of like a graveyard of experiments, successes and failures.
The food was delicious. And also it was interesting to see how they had made the whole cafe area quite sustainable (no disposable cutlery or crockery etc)
All the hands on stuff was really cool and interesting. Especially the wind powered chair that moves up and down.
4. Thoughts on the 3x things gained from the CAT visit that I may bring forward?
Secondary usage plays a big role in the sustainability of the packaging.
Research into the energy usage of creating the materials is equal if not more important than the material itself.
That overall it has to work. The story about using the untreated wood for one of the buildings made me think that as well as being sustainable, the material has to actually work.
Hi Nathan, yes, I thought it interesting too how they learnt from both their failures and successes. I think there's a valid point in there about anything that we attempt really - it's all a learning experience - one way or another.. Yes, practicality is very important too, it does gave to work as you say, it also has to be simple and practical so that it can be applied in numbers as opposed to just a working prototype (ideally).. Look forwards to seeing your proof of concepts.. The lovely food comment made me laugh - are you sure it's not Sarah who wrote that?! :) Best, Andy
DeleteJodie Knight (Wednesday)
ReplyDelete1. No I had not heard of CAT before but was intrigued to find out what it was all about.
2. Jo's talk was quite eye opening and he raised a few good points that I had not really previously thought about. He is very passionate about our planet and the aim for zero carbon emissions is very ambitious but more companies should think about trying this. I wasn't keen on the video he shown as I thought it was very childish and a bit too simple! It was good to have a look and feel of the different insulating materials and try to work out the figures for each.
3. I wasn't too impressed with the centre itself as I was expecting it to be more educational and interactive but I felt that I didn't really get that much out of it. It was disappointing that the water powered lift was not in use as this is what I noticed on their website before the trip and I was looking forward to getting a lift in this and seeing how it worked. The wind powered chair lift was interesting to see but it didn't really do anything unless there were huge gusts of wind! Many of the activities around the site either didn't work or were difficult to work out what they were all about. It was interesting to see that their restaurant food was made up using foods they had grown themselves/locally sourced.
4. I don't really think there is much from CAT that I can bring forward into my ideas for the brief as I never found anything to be truly inspiring. I could look further into the figures about how much energy is used to make the materials (talked about in Jo's lecture) to see which materials are overall the best to use. Also there were old paint tins at the centre with plants in (secondary use) however this is something i had already seen before anyway.
Overall I wasn't that impressed with the centre as a whole but at least I got to see what it was all about and Jo raised some good points and issues.
Hi Jodie, mmm, it strikes me that you didn't really get under the skin of the place really from what you've said.. Most people were struck by something so I'm slightly surprised that you didn't take away some refs - especially so given that your working on a sustainable design brief (and CAT is all about promoting sustainability across various genres).. Yes, the lift stops around end Oct as I understand (I'm guessing as they then have issues with ice and frost most years - which could play havoc with a water-powered system like that) but we were constrained to go when Jo was free - hence us going in Nov when we did.. Happy to offer-up additional support in a tutorial if that helps further - slightly worried now that you're not engaging on the level of some of the others.. Best, Andy
DeleteAshley Handley (Wednesday group)
ReplyDelete1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
No, but it’s a great place. Shame its so far away.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective).
- I found it interesting that 98% of materials UK citizens buy are thrown away within 6 months. I hate to think that we are so wasteful. This makes me think more about the re-use element of the brief.
- I was interested to learn that there isn’t a clear winner for the best material to use.
- Cuba is the only country to use the correct amount of resources.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
- It was great to see all the materials in practice, for example; wool as insulation or the use of solar or water power.
- The cafeteria used some food that was all at the centre, adding to this whole living off the land ethics.
- It was good to see so many interactive elements, to ultimately encourage children, and make them ask questions about the environment.
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
- I will look more in depth into finding ways to re-use my packaging concept.
- Not one material has the answer, some good points and bad points for all.
- I will look into the life cycle of different materials. Making sure I pick the most eco-friendly.
Hi Ashley, yes, good areas to look into: life cycles, re-usability etc.. Re the Cuba ref though, I think they're not quite as good as they once were now.. Ironic really as they've taken on more of the trappings of western society and with it some of our energy-guzzling ways seemingly.. At the end of the day it's a great place to take folks with a range of amazing applications of energy-saving and sustainable lifestyles etc.. With luck there were some things that made you think a little more - especially so some of Jo's talk and the refs made.. Look forwards to seeing your rough working prototypes this week.. Hoping that Peter might still be free to come across one of the days too.. All best, Andy
DeleteHeather Cutler (sent via e-mail to me @ 4.45pm)
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of the CAT centre before.
When we was first told about the CAT centre I was excited to see what this centre had to offer. When we first arrived the water powered tram wasn't working and I was disappointed. When we arrived at the top of the centre, I was firstly taken back by the views and the look of the place. However this all changed when we went for a talk with Jo, as the information he gave us I already knew as i had been researching the past weeks. I liked how enthusiastic jo was about the planet and how our actions affect the environment. When we had to match the materials I found this interesting as I'm a hands on person. but at the same time I felt that it didn't have any fitness for purpose for the brief itself which i thought was a shame as i don't feel i could use any of the materials for the paint pot.
Whilst walking around i was looking forward to getting interactive with all the different items they had there, however I found that most of the objects wasn't working and because of this factor i became very annoyed with the CAT centre. Maybe i set my standards too high.
(Andy)
Amelia Hall (sent to me via e-mail @ 4.30pm)
ReplyDelete1. No.
2. The three most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture were: first point was the amount of whrs used by per person per day, 195Whrs, how the powerpoint showed what uses the most and how it all adds up. Second point was the chart that showed what materials we were running out of and how many years it would take to use the remaining resources left. Third point was, ways to reduce CO2, i.e. car share, share a bath, turn the heating down.
3. The three most notable things picked-up while at CAT were: first was the 'rotaire dryline' and that about 35% of UK household energy is spent on the washing cycle, i found this fact very shocking! Second was the ‘Hydraulic Ram Pumps’, and that it has helped many countries that can benefit from a reliable source of water. Third was, the seat that lifts up and down when the wind blows the wind turbine, I found it shocking that it could lift the seat as well as the person sitting on it, it was fascinating. Also, the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4. Three things gained from the CAT visit that i might bring forward into my ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief: first is, look at chosen material/s to check the amount of energy is used to process it. Second is, to reduce the amount of packaging used, do not use extra packaging if not need! Third is, to use less materials so easy to recycle and spilt up.
(Andy)
(Sent to me 3.17pm today)
ReplyDeleteZoe Luther
Thursday afternoon
1. I had not heard of CAT before beginning this Green Design module.
2. The three most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture for me were:
-the balance of considering the materials going into a product, in terms of the carbon energy consumption/emissions per product over the recyclable/green content of the materials it’s made from.
-6 Gigatonnes of carbon is released into the air every year, and the earth can only absorb/deal with half of this – change must occur in our habits for the earth to benefit.
-2 hectares of land are available for each person on the planet, based on if the inhabitable space was even shared on. This is relatively small, when taking into account the amount of space needed for growing crops, vegetables or rearing animals.
3. the most notable things I picked up whilst at CAT were:
- sustainability works best when you keep assessing how successfully your ideas or products are working for their purpose and for the earth.
- the difference in energy consumption by changing your halogen light bulb to an LED light bulb, making a difference of about 50 watts.
-how much kinetic energy was required to power a light bulb! A lot of physical power had to be exerted to produce the constant glow.
-the amount of energy they could gain from solar panels that enabled full site usage of electricity or cookers or such.
4, the things I have gained from the CAT visit that I can put in place for my own designs are:
- Researching the carbon footprint of a recycled product further to determine the whole cost on the planet through the whole cycle of production
- Sustainability means will it last forever, and how will a new design or product influence my children’s earth – considering not just making short term solutions, but beginning designing in a way that can make a slow and steady difference from then onwards.
- As 98% of things bought in the UK are thrown away in 6 months, this puts a high emphasis on sustainable practices for packaging design, that allow either a closed loop system or a decent reusable item.
(Andy)
Hannah Wood
ReplyDeleteThursday PM Session
1. Had you heard of CAT before you came on the module? If 'yes' then please give an idea where you'd heard about them.
No, I hadn't heard about CAT before this module.
2. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable points raised in the sustainability lecture on site. For example it could be methods of reducing CO2 discussed, the varying views of the 'future' given the issues of oil and climate change or maybe the idea of 'real worth' with materials and artifacts (i.e. remember Jo explaining that one torch would appear to be the most sustainable but in practise another was simpler and more effective).
- Learnt about what materials are more sustainable than others especially when completing the task given by Jo when we had to put the insulation materials in order of efficiency.
- Was surprised when we was told that 98% of UK population throw away their waste in 6 months... Which is a huge amount, and was shocking.
- I was also interesting to see how much time we have left on living off of certain natural resources, which was showed on the bar graph with in the presentation. It put everything into perspective of how fast we are running out.
3. Please give your thoughts on the 3x most notable things picked-up while at CAT (i.e. it could be one of the specific exhibits seen, their self sufficiency with solar etc and/or maybe the clever use of materials with specific buildings to help reduce CO2 etc).
- We came across a wind seat when walking around the site, which was interesting when the wind made the turbine above move the seat would rise up!...Ameila had a fun time on this :)
- Funky sustainable bowls were used to serve our food in, keeping even little things consistently ECO around CAT.
- Interesting to see a lot of solar panelling around the food hall, and the wind turbines placed around site.
4. Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
- It was interesting to see how CAT made use of lots of scrap materials, making me want to research thoroughly in material options when designing for my product.
- When walking around i saw the paint pots on site which were re-used as planters.
- The gift shop also gave my inspiration of to how they used many different materials and imagination to make a product (like the recycled hats)
James Manning
ReplyDeleteWednesday group
1. I hadn’t heard of CAT before the green design module.
2. I thought the vast range of different materials throughout the site and that we explored during the task helped show the vast range of materials out there, all of which can be used for a positive outcome. A material may be terrible for one thing, but extremely useful for something else.
Although I was already aware of the unbalance of how resources are used throughout the world the trip to CAT really helped enforce the scale of the issue. Mainly there goal to cut carbon emissions by 100% was extremely ambitious, but it was encouraging to see that there are individuals that want the best for the plant, but most of all that are willing to dedicate so much time to finding the solutions that we need. It makes doing ‘your bit’ for the planet seem worthwhile.
I liked how open the people at CAT were about sharing what had gone wrong for them. In hindsight, some of the issues they had encountered could have easily been avoided if there had been more preparation. Not only did this show how important it is to plan if your doing something for the first time, but it also showed just how constructive being open about failure can be.
3.I enjoyed seeing a wind turbine up close and it’s inner workings. It really put into perspective how big they are and how much work and energy must go into building one. It’s easy enough to say why aren’t we using renewable energy like this everywhere, but seeing one up close shows how it’s just not that simple.
I liked how the materials had been arranged into the displays to form some interesting architecture based on such simple but effective ideas.
It was interesting to see how much energy could be generated from the different sources around the site. For example, the miniature wave box, or the roundabout. This also helped put into perspective the amount of energy produced using different theories and allowed a greater understanding of how they might work on a bigger scale.
4.Looking at all the different materials used on site, and seeing where things had or hadn’t worked out so well has pushed me to research the materials used in my own project to a greater extent, thinking more about long term effects and making sure there aren’t any obvious issues that have been skipped over.
From the talk it was made clear that it’s not just the final product that has to be sustainable, every little aspect of the design and materials used all add up and these need to be taken into account to ensure the outcome is actually a sustainable solution, opposed to just coming across as one.
Some of the things that were shown during the talk that were described as being recycled into something that could be used again didn’t seem like they actually had a valuable use. This has pushed me to look more into how my own work can be used or recycled after it’s completed its primary use. If it were to have a second use, would it actually be of value to anyone, and if it were to be recycled, how easy is that to do. Dependant on the materials used and their recyclability, what would the best option be once the packaging was finished with.
Lizzie Vallance - Wednesdays session
ReplyDeleteI found it quite shocking to hear that recycling isn't always good. We are always under the impression that if we can recycle then we are having a positive effect on the environment. And if two different products can be recycled they are both are as good as each other. For example with aluminum, you are doing a lot of good by recycling it as it took so much energy to make it. With things like plastic though it was said that it makes very little difference. I need to take this into account with my designs. Plastics should only be used where it is completely justifiable to be used. Also thinking about a way the product can be reused for something else, not just recycled.
Sheeps wall and chopped up newspaper can be used as installation
Theres is 200 years worth of aluminum left ahead of us.. To make a kilogram of aluminum takes 170 mega joules of energy.
Sometimes it can be good to use synthetic material for clothes IF they are light and IF they take less energy to wash and dry etc than other 100% recyclable materials. We always have it in our heads when it comes to green design that synthetic material are an out and out no.
Unable to answer this question as I was unable to be there on the day as I was ill so just doing as best I can with the recording that was taken at the lecture.
Now you've had time to reflect, what 3x things gained from the CAT visit might you bring forward into your ideas and developments for the sustainable packaging brief?
I need to research deeper into what materials are more effective when being recycled and energy consumption. As the main thing I took from hearing the lecture is recyclable isn't always necessarily a good thing.
I need to get more creative with the materials I can use.