The Architecture of Sustainability

Instead of writing a long-winded essay in which I make tortuous connections between all of Hawken's points and Mcdonough's presentation, I have opted to focus on just three points, and I will make very solid connections to each.

1.)Replace nationally and internationally produced items with products created locally and regionally.

William Mcdonough's project in China resulted in an exemplary model for this point. He moved the farmland to the roofs of the buildings, and by so doing maintained the towns folk's ability to locally produce food. Mcdonough's plan spared the townspeople from dependency on external sources of agricultural products and allowed them to produce their own products which they could help distribute to others.

2.) Create objects of durability and long-term utility whose ultimate use of disposition will not be harmful to future generations.

Mcdonough's project in China once again exemplified this quality. The building plan Mcdonough created for the Chinese town would not only not be harmful to future generations dwelling in the city; it would be beneficial to the city's future inhabitants by providing a sustainable source of food and possible economic income (through exporting agricultural products).

3.) Engage in production process that are human, worthy, dignified and intrinsically satisfying.

This is the most important way that Mcdonough fits Hawken's criteria for a sustainable business. All of Mcdonough's projects follow the trend of an emphasis on sustainability, so they immediately qualify as being worthy. We, as a species, face a gargantuan challenge; the issue of global warming, and any conscious, sustained (pardon the pun) effort to confront this problem also immediately qualifies as being dignified, and, to any normal person, intrinsically satisfying. The idea that Mcdonough is doing this to benefit other people (indeed, the entire species), makes it a very human effort, and a very worthwhile one at that. Mcdonough's work gives hope to those who are cynically-inclined, such as myself. They shine as beacons of light in a world of ecological and intellectual darkness.