Principles of Ecological Design
From Ecological Design by Sim Van der Ryn and
Stuart Cowan (Island 1996)
1) Solutions grow from place-Ecological design begins with the intimate
knowledge of a particular place. Therefore
it is small-scale and direct, responsive to both local conditions and local
people. If are sensitive to the
nuances of place, we can inhabit without destroying.
2) Ecological accounting informs design- Trace the environmental impacts of
existing or proposed designs. Use
this information to determine the most ecologically sound design possibility.
3) Design with nature-By working with living processes, we respect the needs
of all species while meeting our own. Engaging
in processes that regenerate rather than deplete, we become more alive.
4) Everyone is a designer-Listen tot every voice in the design process.
No one is a participant only or designer only.
Everyone is a participant-designer.
Honor the special knowledge that each person brings.
As people work together to heal their places, they also heal
themselves.
5) Make nature visible-De-natured environments ignore our need and our
potential for learning. Making
natural cycles and processes visible rings the designed environment back to
life. Effective design
helps inform us of our place within nature.
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