Annotated Bibliography Reflecting On The Importance of Working With The Natural Environment
Berleant, A. (1992) ‘Environment as a Challenge to Aesthetics’ The Aesthetics of Environment. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. p2-13
The chapter’s argument is for a redesign of the way we view aesthetics and our natural environment. Intertwining the two disciplines engages our understanding of the natural world in a way that improves our relationship to the natural environment in a more holistic manor.
The author examines the connections between aesthetics and the environment thoroughly, providing a strong argument for interconnecting the two fields, whilst also challenging anthropocentric views that we as humans are separate from nature. This defines the importance of our role as designers not to exclude ourselves from nature and the environment but to include it throughout the design process.
Aesthetics are philosophically viewed as something beautiful, something we have designed to look good. By designing purely to be aesthetically pleasing we are often disassociating ourselves from the natural environment. Combining our thinking of the two fields enables designers to create an aesthetic concept that enriches our understanding of the environment.
Orr, DW. (2004) ‘The Problem of Ecological Design’ The Nature of Design: Ecology, Culture, and Human Intention. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Incorporated. p1-32
The chapter discusses the need for urgent change in the design process that integrates human activity and ecological systems. Enabling a shift from negative impacts, to designs that reinforce both human and ecological welfare that builds a sustainable future.
The author highlights the need for change through a historical and cultural reflection of humanity’s impact on the planet. Using examples of Amish and Balinese cultures to exemplify successful sustainable living. Designers have a responsibility to combat the ecological degradation of our environment through sustainable practices.
Shifting the design process away from technical solutions towards a holistic understanding of our role within the ecological system allows us to change our presence on Earth. Designers have a moral responsibility to build environments that live in harmony with nature, this is vital in tackling climate change and developing a sustainable future for the planet.
Pannels, I. (2019) ‘Glass-A Material Practice in the Anthropocene’ Arts. Vol 8:1, DOI:10.3390/arts8010007
The article is about the “Material Journey” of an art project, looking specifically at the carbon footprint and environmental impacts of making art with glass. The author uses this project as an example to highlight the urgent need for us to shift towards a circular economy that understands the effects of material processes in the Anthropocene.
The article gives a clear understanding of “Material Journey” and its impacts on the environment. This highlights the importance of material choice within the Interior Design field. Understanding the entire lifecycle of materials creates an awareness around material selection making it possible for designers to make environmentally responsible decisions.
Understanding the carbon footprint of material production, will enable us a designer to shift towards a circular economy that engages with sustainable practices. We can make informed choices that promotes ecological responsible and sustains our natural environment.
This is a well-structured and insightful annotated bibliography. Your summaries of each text are concise yet thorough, capturing the main arguments effectively. Good job!