Presentation Title
Degree Name
Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MA)
Department
Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
Location
Tioga Library Building
Start Date
26-5-2014 4:35 PM
End Date
26-5-2014 4:40 PM
Abstract
“The sociology of knowledge must first of all concern itself with what people ‘know’ as ‘reality’ in their everyday.” (Berger and Luckmann, The Social Construction of Reality)
The world population is expected to rise to 11.3 billion by the year 2100 (Nordhaus, The Climate Casino). On a global scale we are approaching the tipping point of enormous costs associated with health, life, and safety concerns that will be brought on by the living of consumptive lifestyles.
In an increasingly global society, I know that individually I don’t have a great deal of influence. But, as a community of individuals, we can shift the tide and change the construct of reality.
My research recognizes the need for corrective actions to mitigate environmental degradation. The proposal is to remodel existing commercial structures and use them to demonstrate sustainable living practices to the community. The concept is that the building will act as conduit to change the public vision and vocabulary surrounding conservation and ecological issues. The model would act as the proving ground to blend the theoretical with the physical and inspire change in the existing social construct.
If we are to make change in our environmental landscape we must do so from within the social norm and use that frame to shift societal ontology from user to steward. Combining ethnographic interests of the public and the design science practicality of energy conservation measures will achieve a harmonious outcome and produce an example of community development for the Pacific Northwest.
COinS
(Re)Building Commuities Sustainably
Tioga Library Building
“The sociology of knowledge must first of all concern itself with what people ‘know’ as ‘reality’ in their everyday.” (Berger and Luckmann, The Social Construction of Reality)
The world population is expected to rise to 11.3 billion by the year 2100 (Nordhaus, The Climate Casino). On a global scale we are approaching the tipping point of enormous costs associated with health, life, and safety concerns that will be brought on by the living of consumptive lifestyles.
In an increasingly global society, I know that individually I don’t have a great deal of influence. But, as a community of individuals, we can shift the tide and change the construct of reality.
My research recognizes the need for corrective actions to mitigate environmental degradation. The proposal is to remodel existing commercial structures and use them to demonstrate sustainable living practices to the community. The concept is that the building will act as conduit to change the public vision and vocabulary surrounding conservation and ecological issues. The model would act as the proving ground to blend the theoretical with the physical and inspire change in the existing social construct.
If we are to make change in our environmental landscape we must do so from within the social norm and use that frame to shift societal ontology from user to steward. Combining ethnographic interests of the public and the design science practicality of energy conservation measures will achieve a harmonious outcome and produce an example of community development for the Pacific Northwest.