SPUR's Agenda for Change

Included in the Meeting of the Minds 2010 conference was a presentation by Gabriel Metcalf from SPUR. Focusing on the innovations we need for more sustainable cities, the conference was a gathering of leading thinkers, architects, designers, political officials, policy experts, environmental advocates, urban planners, leading foundations, community activists, and on and on. There was a lot covered in two days that I’ll write more on this week. But one of the most engaging presentations was from Gabriel on the work of SPUR. Their Agenda for Change includes Community Planning, Disaster Planning, Economic Development, Good Government, Housing, Regional Planning, Sustainable Development and Transportation. It’s really worth exploring further.

Fire in the Hole: 3 Dimensional alphabet created from melted plastic army figures.

The work of Oliver Munday. Part of the efforts of Piece Studio, a collaborative design studio in Baltimore that believes designers can play a significant role in positive change and social justice. I very much admire his work, his efforts in engaging community organizations working for impact and his commanding visual wit. Inspiring stuff.

designers are...

http://changeobserver.designobserver.com/

Change Observer just posted their extensive collection of Project Reports. Looking at the intersection of design and social innovation, posts include Climate Change Chocolate, Es Tiempo, DesigNYC, and Rising Currents, to name a few. Really amazing design work here, for really important causes.

A jacaranda tree, which blooms every spring