Ecological Design: Inventing the Future

ECOLOGICAL DESIGN: INVENTING THE FUTURE

This documentary illuminates the emergence of ecological design in the twentieth century. Beginning with the work of Buckminster Fuller, from the 1920s through the 1960s, continuing through the counter-culture, and ending on the doorstep of the twenty-first century, the film follows the evolution of ecological design from the early visions of a few independent thinkers to the powerful movement it has become today. Ecological design features the interdisciplinary perspectives of many noted designers and thinkers, including Jay Baldwin, Mary Catherine Bateson, John Toddy, Stewart Brand, Armory Lovins, and Paolo Soleri, among many others. As each designer leads us on a deep exploration of their design process, they reveal their methods, metaphors, inspirations, and commitment to a vision of a desirable future. Their prototypes range from microorganism to megastructure, but amidst the diversity a number of common themes emerge: design as a way of life, designing with nature, regenerative design, creating new forms of wealth, the biosphere and the technosphere.

Humanist Hall is wheelchair accessible on 28th Street

Before and after the film, everyone's invited to indulge in our Humanist Tea House.

$5 donations are accepted. Wheelchair accessible.