How Good Water Works...

There is a must-see new interactive exhibit at The Ecology Center that recently opened:  Splash!  How Good Water Works

 

        

(Thanks to Jimmy Cheng Photography for the preview!)

A collaboration between The Ecology Center, Hurley H2O, and Zago, this visually-engaging multi-media installation takes visitors on a educational exploration that incorporates art, community, and critical environmental issues. 

 Featuring 'The Juggernaut', an installation created from over 350 five-gallon water jugs seen in the image above, the exhibit offers a visual representation of each Californian's average daily water footprint (over 1800 gallons!), as well as suggestions as to how that footprint can be reduced.

As we become more aware of the impacts our decisions have on finite resources, it's imperative that we educate ourselves on how the natural environment is affected by our actions, as well as understand the measures that can be taken to change our patterns of consumption and waste.

Stop by The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano for more information...

Sustainable By Design: Adaptive Reuse + Historic Preservation

One of the most sustainable practices that can be incorporated into how we live, work and interact with our built environment is that of reuse and preservation.  Utilizing existing buildings and materials and repurposing them for new functions keeps construction waste out of landfills and minimizes development impact on sites and neighborhoods.  Adaptive reuse also serves to enhance a sense of place by incorporating elements from the past into the present and future.

Located in picturesque Quechee, Vermont, the Simon Pearce glassblowing factory, flagship restaurant and retail store is a beautful example of how historic preservation can sustainably create both inspired and functional spaces.

This masonry building, directly adjacent to the Ottauquechee River, was renovated in 1981 by Simon Pearce, an Irish glassblower who brought his craft to the states and converted the 19th century woolen mill to a glassblowing factory.  The renovation included the addition of a restaurant and retail space, as well as the incorporation of a new hydroelectric turbine, tucked beneath the building to utilize the site’s natural resources to provide power to the factory.

For more images and the full post, visit Inspired Design Daily!