Study architectue and forestry simultaneously!

The 4th August broadcast of By Design (ABC RN) featured the design of buildings which create less waste in their construction process.
It is available for mp3download or perusal .
Peter Graham, from the University of New South Wales Environment and Sustainability Research Group, spoke.
One of the most interesting notions was a joint project the UNSW is doing with a university in Japan. This university runs a course in architecture and forestry. So both professions become more knowledgeable in each field.. What a GREAT idea!

Meanwhile I have found 2 more good websites on sustainable materials choices,
one which is from the US, and slightly outdated, but the theory in there is helpful, and a nice idea for a website...
AIA Sustainable Design Resource Guide

The other is Eco-Find : based in Victoria but useful for all Australia, it allows one to search for particular products by category and area. It is not as credible as the Ecospecifier, however on first use it seems quite sound.

Peoples lives controlled by design! WEBSITE REVIEW

Here is what the blog Architectures of Control says about itself:

"Increasingly, many products are being designed with features that intentionally restrict the way the user can behave, or enforce certain modes of behaviour. The same intentions are also evident in the design of many systems and environments.

This site aims—with readers’ input—to examine and analyse the ideas and techniques of these architectures of control in design, through examples and anecdotes, and by keeping up-to-date with relevant developments.."

Interesting stuff! Thanks for the link Leigh!

Photo of tree reveals secret

I hope you get the chance to see the exhibition currently traveling the world :
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year
There are many beautiful and touching pictures in the exhibition. The one which struck me the most is this one. It is better to see this photo up close. A hurricane flattened an area of plantation timber in this shape, and the roads made by the trucks retrieving the timber have left this pattern of a tree. Perfect. This exhibition is on at the Lovett Gallery, Newcastle until the 11 August.