Over countless millennia, nature has developed some of the most inspiring and sustainable solutions to a multitude of different problems. Bio-design is a compelling and inspiring method of both seeing and doing for problem-solvers of every discipline, and can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainability.

More and more often science and the private sector are turning to design inspired nature. Possibly one of the most obvious architectural examples are the Eden Projects ‘biomes’ which were inspired by soap bubbles consequently an incredibly efficient structural form that has one hundredth of the weight of a glass solution. The result is one of the lightest structures ever created and a building that is largely self-heating using passive solar design principles.

Participants on these dynamic course will be presented with a fresh design lens by looking at the natural world. They will be offered dynamic examples of successful applications of biomimetic innovation from a surprising range of professions, including: architecture, product design and medicine. Participants will practice techniques for discovery, analysis, ideation and implementation of creative solutions using experimental, problem solving and team based learning.

How Would Nature Do That? Bio-Inspired Design, taught by Tom McKeag runs from June 13 – 17, 2011 followed by

Biomimicry and Buildings: Innovation and Sustainability in Architecture taught by Michael Pawlyn and Robert Somerville runs from June 20 – 24, 2011

To find out more about these course:

Email: admin@schumachercollege.org.uk

Tel:+44 (0)1803 865934

Schumacher College, Dartington is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Last weekend I made it to the Design Museum to catch the ‘Brit Insurance Design awards 2011’ It was an inspiring exhibition on many levels, not least because of my perspective as a designer. I very quickly noticed a popular theme in the nominated work, which was that there were many designs that had some form of ethical purpose.

The kind of considerations ranged from products that are created primarily to be an ethical alternative, designs that simply served their purpose in a thoughtful way, through to designs that had their ethical credentials seemingly as an afterthought (though importantly they were still mentioned). My favourites included the winner: Plumen 001 (a beautiful lightbulb intending to make energy efficient lighting more desirable) and the Branca chair (a nature inspired chair made with minimal waste).

Finish reading the article here >

epitype is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Launched in January 2010 NEW FRONTIERS is a national to global initiative created to stimulate truly sustainable design solutions fit for the social and environmental challenges of the 21st Century. Designed to capture, catalyse and create ideas and innovation, from architecture to urban design to materials engineering to product design, NEW FRONTIERS is working with leading universities, professional institutions, NGOs, government agencies and pioneering global brands to embed a strong understanding of sustainability; form new collaborations; and promote the best innovation for this new and fast moving sector.

Focused on interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing, capacity building and public discourse,  NEW FRONTIERS programme comprises seminars, scholarships, mentoring, a participative digital platform, a living lab and other planned elements, culminating in a prestigious biennial national prize.

The initiative begins with a series of seminars created in collaboration with NEW FRONTIERS’ partner organisations and panel members, many of which are playing an integral role in the development of the series. Featuring a world-class speaker line-up and rolling out across venues in Greater Manchester including the Centre for the Urban Built Environment, the seminars will explore the very latest developments in sustainable innovation in design, engineering, science and technology.

Themes the seminar series will explore include Biomimicry, Living Architecture, Industrial Symbiosis, Design Ecology, Closed Loop Systems, Chemical Leasing, Sustainable Building Technologies, Smart Cities, Urban Farms, Air Pollution, Resource Harvesting, Urban Acoustics, Open Source Design, Fab Labs, Upcycling and Micro-production. Confirmed speakers who will be giving presentations and keynotes during the seminar series include amongst others NEW FRONTIERS panel members Senior TED Fellow Dr. Rachel Armstrong, Professor Neil Spiller of the Bartlett School of Architecture and the UK’s foremost biomimicry expert Professor Julian Vincent.

On 23rd September 2010 NEW FRONTIERS is hosting the second seminar in its series. Titled ‘Building Blocks of the Future’ the event will bring together diverse elements of the built environment supply chain, from material chemists to architects and designers to explore new and evolving chemistry solutions and materials for the future of sustainable buildings. The speakers are Dr. Richard Miller (Technology Strategy Board), Dr. Troy Manning (NSG Group, Pilkingstons) and Gill Kelleher (BASF). The free seminar will be followed by a drinks reception and buffet sponsored by industry-led chemical cluster support organisation for the £10.2 billion NW chemical sector, Chemicals Northwest.

Individuals that wish to participate with NEW FRONTIERS seminars, but cannot make the events in person can send questions and comments remotely via the NEW FRONTIERS groups on Linked and via the Twitter using the hashtag #NEW_FRONTIERS

Further information on this event can be found at NEWFRONTIERS.uk.com

Societás is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

With more and more people working from home, the market for home office furniture has been booming.  Buying a desk for your home is certainly not as straightforward as purchasing for the traditional workplace – the furniture will often be situated within the heart of your home where a modern workstation may not compliment your room scheme.  With space at a premium and many rooms having dual functions, it is essential that when ‘not at work’ your desk space can be enjoyed for its own beauty and be useful within the room.

One viable alternative is to look towards solid wood furniture, designed with the same functionality as a modern work station, but with a natural beauty which fits into your home more discreetly, allowing you to use the room and the furniture itself for other purposes when not working from home.  Here are some useful key points to consider when making your choice:

• Size and space – If a room is used as an office as well as another function (guest room, music room), do consider the space that you are willing to allocate to your work station.  If space is tight, try to opt for a petite office desk and clever storage options.
• Storage options - remember that working from home often entails more than just a laptop on a desk, there is also your printer, paperwork, files and other work paraphernalia to be housed.  Look to purchase complementing furniture such as bookcases, filing cabinets and other storage options to keep your work area functional and allow your office clutter to be stored out of sight once the working day is over.
• Finish and style – as mentioned, it’s not always attractive to have an ultra-modern work station sitting in prime position within your home.  There are lots of great alternatives on the market today, including traditional style and solid wood desks, filing cabinets & bookcases which may be more appropriate for the style of your home. 

Finally, remember that this is a purchase for your home and is furniture that will hopefully be with you for many years.  A few extra pounds of investment on a high quality product now could save you money in the long run… cheapest is not always the best!

See all Myakka’s Home Office range here.   See all of our furniture, textiles and accessories at www.myakka.co.uk

Myakka is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Led from Manchester NEW FRONTIERS has embarked on a journey to stimulate truly sustainable design solutions fit for the social and environmental challenges of the 21st Century. It will capture, catalyse and create ideas and innovation, from architecture to urban design to materials engineering to product design.

The brainchild of futurologist and design scientist Melissa Sterry and developed in partnership with environmental scientist Matt Prescott, NEW FRONTIERS is working with leading universities, professional institutions, NGOs, government agencies and pioneering global brands to embed a strong understanding of sustainability; form new collaborations; and promote the best innovation for this new and fast-moving sector. 

Designed to convert ideas into action, NEW FRONTIERS will focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing, capacity building and public discourse. Its programme comprises seminars at venues around Manchester, scholarships, a participative digital platform and other planned elements, culminating in a prestigious biennial national prize.

Judged by leading experts including Zac Goldsmith and Michael Pawlyn, the NEW FRONTIERS Prize will help to provide economic stimulus, raise the profile of many crucial disciplines not always directly connected to sustainability and help to progress of ideas and projects of true quality and value.

The NEW FRONTIERS panel

Zac Goldsmith, Professor Lorna Walker, Michael Pawlyn, Dr. Rachel Armstrong, Professor Neil Spiller, Lynda Relph-Knight, Dr. Tim Fox, Professor Rachel Cooper, Professor Erik Bichard, Dr. Beth Perry, Dr. Richard Miller, Leonora Oppenheim, John Thackara, Dr. Tuba Kocaturk, Mike Reardon, Dr. Vicky Lofthouse, Dr. Mike Pitts, Angharad Thomas, Matt Prescott, Dr. Angela Lee, Melissa Sterry, Sophie Thomas.

NEW FRONTIERS partners

University of Salford (primary academic partner), Royal Society of Chemistry, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, University of Manchester, Loughborough University, Chemistry Innovation, Centre for Construction Innovation, Centre for the Built and Urban Environment, Eco Connect, Mickey & Mallory, CURB, 100% natural media, Societás, What Women Make.

Find our more about NEW FRONTIERS at http://www.newfrontiers.uk.com

Societás is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

For
the first time we will be offering a unique service to
‘design-your-own’ goodone piece. As you may know, goodone designs are
made from upcycled garments such as t-shirts and jumpers, which means
there are endless opportunities when it comes to selecting colour and
fabric combinations for our designs. This Friday we’re giving you the
opportunity to:

• choose which goodone design (past or present) you want
• select what size you would like it
• pick your favourite colours and fabrics from our shelves

Then we’ll put it in a pack for you and within a couple of weeks we’ll
pop your specially made goodone garment in the post, ready for wear.
It’s a great opportunity to make the ideal combination for you!

For directions click below

Goodone
Studio 1 B
2-4 Southgate Road
London, N1 3JJ 
The
studio is based at the bottom of Southgate Road, a 5 min bus ride from
Old Street station. Leave Old Street at exit No 5 and jump on the 141,
21 or 76. When you see the canal you will be on Baring Street and the
Briggs Brothers Building will be in sight. 
A good landmark is the
2&4 cafe which is at the front of the building. There will be signs
directing you through to the studio when you arrive. If you get lost
just give us
a bell and we’ll direct you.
 Our studio number is 0207 249 01 99  

TAPE Launch – 24th September 2009 7pm till close, free entry

International designer Ryan Frank and Indie label TAPE hit the charts at this year’s London Design Festival
New UK Indie record label TAPE will be exhibiting their launch range of merchandise designed by Ryan Frank,
and will also be showcasing some of their musical talent at Music/bar
venue 93 Feet East 150 Brick Lane, London. Expect big sounds and live
performance from YoMundo, Animals on Wheels, Theo Bard and the Super
Luckies.
The merchandise range to be launched currently consists of a computer
cover, a universal phone/mp3/handheld sleeve and a vinyl record sleeve.
All products are handmade from fabric-backed 100% cork, with a custom
stitched edging in a selection of bold colours.
This range of sustainably sourced cork-based products will grow over
the next few months, so expect some new edgy, eco-chic products to
emerge from the depths of London’s Borough of Hackney. TAPE’s founder
Daniel Cross decided to keep production in E9, thereby supporting local
business and keeping transport to a minimum.
Daniel says: “Music is going digital, maybe we are old school, but we
love the physical element. So teaming up with Ryan to develop a
complimentary, tactile and cool music-oriented product range makes big
sense, and so far the response has been super positive.”

You can purchase the product range here: http://taperec.com/shop/products/

Dimensions of Vinyl sleeve:                 265/265 mm            
Dimensions of cpuPouch:                    425/290 mm
Dimensions of iPouch:                         130/88 mm

Shoreditch Shelf – 23rd and 25th September 2009

Ryan Frank free-range furniture designer prepares for battle with international art group – Secret Wars.
Ryan’s latest project the ‘Shoreditch-Shelf’ becomes a battle field for premier art group ‘SecretWars’
The SecretWars graffiti artists group, take their trademark ‘marker-pen’ illustration contest to the London Design Festival using Ryan Frank’s iconic shelf as canvas.
The first live art battle will take place directly on to a
Shoreditch-Shelf in the Bricklane Gallery on Wednesday the 23rd at 3pm.
Two respected artists will do an illustration directly onto the
Shoreditch Shelf, from both sides at the same time.
On Friday the 25th from 2-5pm the Secret Wars posse will then take
their markers and might to the courtyard of 93 Feet East, where they
will step onto a purpose built stage and commence another ‘art jam’.

The completed
boards will be put on display in the Bricklane Gallery, where they can
be selected to be transformed into a unique Shoreditch-Shelf. www.thebricklanegallery.com

Origins of The Shoreditch Shelf
The Shoreditch Shelf is inspired by the now iconic Hackney Shelf, which
originated when large white boards were installed at graffiti
‘hot-spots’ around East London, allowing for graffiti and sporadic
stenciling. Once covered boards were removed and transformed into
mobile shelving units, bringing London street art indoors.

About SecretWars
Secret Wars is the World’s premier live art battle – working in
similar ways to Fight Club, where two contenders have a set amount of
time to make an illustration using black marker pens in front of an
audience. For more information, go to Www.secretwars.co.uk

1st ‘artjam’ 3pm on Wednesday  23rd of September – 196 BRICK LANE, E1 6SA, 3pm
2nd ‘artjam’  2-5pm 25rd of September- Yard @ 93 Feet East. 150 Brick Lane, East London E1 6QL

Dimensions of Hackney Shelf:                   1800/1200/450 mm

Enzo- stacking stool – 24rd and 26th September 2009
Ryan Frank international free-range furniture designer launches ‘Enzo’ stool with live performance workshop

‘Enzo’ a felt-free version of the celebrated ‘Isabella’ stool, spices up this now in-demand range.
Constructed
from a solid section of spruce wood the stool represents a more budget
rugged option, while keeping the same iconic shape.
Spruce is a certified European softwood sourced from managed forests,
ideal for heavy-duty usage. The fun and functional stools can be
stacked on top of each other when not in use creating the trademark
totem pole structure.
‘Enzo’ comes in a selection of natural wood stains, boasting a range of bold and earthy colours.

To promote the new colour range, Ryan will be hosting an ‘organic’ staining workshop on Thursday and Saturday the 24th & 26th of Sept in the yard area of 93 Feet East.
Live on stage the designer will be showcasing the purpose build
‘Scuff-o-nator’ – a contraption allowing the designer to blotch,
blemish, scuff and stain a limited number of ‘Enzo’ stools with a range of vegetables, spices & herbs.

Origins of Enzo
Enzo is the little brother of the celebrated Isabella stool. Isabella is a totem pole style stacking stool made from straw and wool felt.
Isabella recently won ‘Most sustainable product’ 2008/09 at the Hidden
Arts annual award, received an Honorable Mention at the annual Green
Dot Award 2008, and has been selected by the National Design Museum of
New York for inclusion in the next Design Triennial exhibition.
Enzo and Isabella are in production in the UK and distributed in the
EU. In an effort to reduce transport and support local manufacturing a
second producer in the USA is used for distribution in the Americas

1ST workshop Thursday 24th September 1-4pm – 93 Feet East, Yard, 150 Brick Lane, East London E1
2nd workshop Saturday 26th September 1-4pm – 93 Feet East, Yard, 150 Brick Lane, East London E1

Dimensions of Enzo:                   400/400/200 mm

About Ryan Frank
Ryan Frank is a South African born furniture designer living and working in East London. His collection of edgy free-range furniture makes frequent use of sustainable materials and draws inspiration from the urban landscape and his African roots.
His work has also won Ryan several awards including a Green Dot Award
2008, Most Sustainable Product 2006/07 and Most Environmentally
Conscious Company 2008/09 at the Hidden Arts Annual Awards ceremony.
For more information visit www.ryanfrank.net

About the venue 93 Feet East – Live music venue and bar.
150 Brick Lane London, E1 6QL www.93feeteast.co.uk

We’ve been neglecting keeping our compatriots at Ethical Junction in the loop about developments in Leap’s world… Here are some of the latest happenings including the Leap designed – Good Energy Shop winning the observer ethical awards, a Leap designed children’s book ‘Tales of Porth’, winning a Big Tick for Climate Change from Business in the Community, gaining an ISO-14001 accreditation for our Environmental Management System, confrimation that Leap had achieved the Ethical Company Organisation’s Ethical Award and winning gold medal at the Hampton Court Flower Show in association with the Lost Gardens of Heligan…

Back
in April we were told of our success on behalf of the Cornish Language
Partnership and their Leap designed children’s book series ‘Tales from
Porth’:

PICTURE
CAPTION: From Left to Right: Matt Hocking, Director of Leap-design for
change; Pol Hodge, Cornish Language Consultant; Jenefer Lowe,
Development Manager for Cornish Language Partnership; Brian Hoskin,
Illustrator; Will Coleman, writer of ‘Tales from Porth’ and Kieran
Holden, Designer for Leap (Other Illustrator Emma McCann Not Pictured).

In June we won a Big Tick for Climate Change from Business in the Community:

PICTURE
CAPTION: From Left to Right: Peaches Gelding, Regional Director,
Business in the Community; Chris Maynard, PR and Marketing Coordinator
for Leap.

At around the same time the Good Energy Shop won The Observer Ethical for Best Online Retail Initiative:
“We can now say that Leap
designed the most ethical online retail site in 2009! That’s right
folks… Good Energy Shop won! Everyone is thrilled at the news and
we’d like to congratulate everyone at Good Energy for ensuring that a
great website is backed up with a great team and customer experience.
As the award was decided by nominations from customers, we’d like to
add to Good Energy’s words by thanking all those customers who voted
for the site.”

PICTURE
CAPTION: From Left to Right: Lucy Siegle, The Observer’s ethical living
columnist; Barney Rhys Jones, Good Energy MD; Colin Firth, actor, Oxfam
Ambassador and director of Fairtrade coffee shop chain
Progresso and Sophy Fearnley-Whittingstall, Head of PR and
Communication for Good Energy.

During July we were given our ISO-14001 accreditation for our Environmental Management System:
“After two years of hard graft and the training of four of our five
employees, we have now (last Tuesday in fact) been given our ISO-14001
accreditation.This is culmination of a huge amount of work and
drive by Matt and Jonny and singles us out as the only graphic design
studio in the South West (and maybe the country) that has achieved this
prestigious recognition.
The 14001 accreditation is concerned with
Leap’s environmental management system and calls for a measurable
reduction in all of its outputs year on year.”

Also in July Leap, in association with the Lost Gardens of Heligan won a gold medal at the Hampton Court Flower Show:

PICTURE CAPTION: From Left to Right: Lorna and Sarah with Claire England, Designer for Leap.

PICTURE CAPTION: From Left to Right: Sarah and Lorna Tremayne, Marketing and Media Manager from Heligan.

Last month we received confirmation that 

Leap had achieved the Ethical Company Organisation’s Ethical Award:

Choice, options and range: Key trend for 2009/2010.

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Gillian and Kevan Trott became involved in sustainable design and construction several years ago.  They saw Mike Reynolds (the visionary behind a fully sustainable building design called an earthship} speak in Brighton and decided to help promote his concept in Europe.  The buildings incorporate a large amount of waste materials in their construction.  They are also buildings which are self-sufficient for power and water and a large amount of food is also produced on site.

Kevan worked as Mike Reynold’s European Associate to develop
the earthship concept in Europe for over 5 years.  They have been
involved in developing earthships in Holland and Scotland.  The
company, Earthbuilds has evolved from the original earthship concept
using new technologies and materials and ways of working.  There is a
strong emphasis on Permaculture which is at the heart of the
organisation.  The Normandy earthship was the first project which was
completed in June 2OO8.  The earthship in Zwolle was completed in an
amazing 13 weeks last Autumn and progress on the current earthship in
Glasgow can be checked out on the Earthbuilds Facebook page. 
Earthbuild workshops are being run later this year in Portugal and
Poland.  A number of projects are also in the pipeline for 2O1O
including a 5 earthbuild development in the Orkneys, as well as
planning applications being processed in Nottinghamshire, Cornwall,
Gloucester and Holland.  

Earthbuilds is a public limited company with a strong emphasis on education, information sharing and networking.  

Design
and planning applications are undertaken by Kevan, they are developing
a Euro Crew for construction and Gillian runs workshops, courses,
co-ordinates volunteers and develops promotional material.

Kevan
and Gillian are based in Brighton but built their own earthship with
initial assistance from Mike Reynolds, in Normandy France.  They are
involved in developing this type of construction in Northern Ireland,
England, Scotland and Wales, France, Holland, Portugal and Poland so
far. They are in the process of developing opportunities in other
European countries in the near future.

See www.earthbuilds.com
for information about construction.  Earthship ‘Perrine’ is available
for rent so that earthship living can be experienced first hand see www.earthship-france.com and up to date information about developments can be found on the Earthbuilds Facebook page.