Chicago has made incredible strides toward becoming more eco-sensitive, from the establishment of the Center for Green Technology on the West Side, to the enormous green roof on top of City Hall, to the Green Bungalow renovation project. To augment and build upon these initiatives the Foresight Design Initiative proposes the creation of a Sustainable Design Center. The list of what could be included in such a hub is long and exciting:

• Office/studio space for sustainable non-profit organizations (those working on social and economic, as well as environmental issues)
• Studio space for a collective of designers/planners engaged in sustainability issues (e.g. architects, product/graphic/packaging/landcape designers).
• Green Merchandise Mart. The name about says it. Display space for companies wishing to showcase eco-sensitive interiors products.
• Retail space for businesses striving to be eco-sensitive and good community citizens.
• Gallery space for sustainable design/arts projects.
• Meeting rooms for community gatherings, educational seminars, outreach programs
• Resource Center for high-performance building and renovation materials and technologies.

The Sustainable Design Center would be a significant nexus for a variety of sound forward-thinking programs and community-based initiatives. Existing models include the Eco-Trust Center (Portland, OR), the Thoreau Center (San Francisco, CA), and the recently completed Adam Joseph Lewis Cleveland Environmental Center (Cleveland, OH).

Contact

Peter Nicholson, Exec. Dir.

peter@foresightdesign.org