liquiddesign: What is the promise of green?

From the very beginning, early 2000, we named ourselves Liquid Design. This was based on our vision of where we saw our profession headed, as ever flowing, changing daily, extremely "liquid". Finally, at least we like to think, our profession has caught up to our vision. This vision is based on the "promise of green". The promise of green is a more responsible, economically driven, intentional lifestyle that has an environmentally friendly focus. This is where Liquid Design comes into play in today's world of architecture. The promise of green is going to require "earth-green" design solutions.

WHY "EARTH-GREEN"?
With the green train leaving the station and everyone quickly jumping on board to seek out the promise of green, Liquid Design is poised to provide services that integrate our concept of "earth-green" design solutions to the clients and communities we design for.

"Earth-green" is our coined concept of a holistic design approach to sustainable design in architecture. Before the green train there was always smart, environmentally responsive design. It's not just about meeting a predefined benchmark that is now prevalent in our culture such as LEED or Energy Star ratings. It's about using the best strategy for the solution at hand. As William McDonough, FAIA so elequently states: It's about maximizing the return from the cradle to, our goal, back to the cradle.

Even Toyota understands "earth-green" design solution within their industry as it pertains to the promise of green. For instance they are currently creating a concept car that is made from "seaweed", specifically a kelp-based bio-plastic. (My personal opinion is that I prefer they use spinach). This vehicle is a variant of the company's 1/X hybrid concept car. (See image)

Liquid Design's "earth-green" design solution employs a two-front design strategy mindset with an array of off shoots within each front. The two fronts are "passive design" and "active design" strategies. Yes, "earth-green" design focuses on the wonderfully outlined LEED 6 basic categories; sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy & atmosphere, materials & resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design, but, and this is very important, Liquid Design's "earth-green" design solutions requires established relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and contractors who can further our objectives in a rapidly evolving lifestyle shift. Everyone involved must have a developed understanding of the green movement process to achieve the promise of green through our "earth-green" design solutions within the field of architecture.

One of our relevant examples of "earth-green" design is the Celadon project for Origin Development. It is one of only 2 projects in the State of North Carolina that is going through the LEED Neighborhood Development pilot program. Constructed by Sagehorn and Company the Condo's are Energy Star Rated with over 20 sustainable design features. Those features are simply a byproduct of our smart "earth-green" design solutions. Check out the The McDevitt Agency photo tour of the project.