Project Reaction

Paul Woodward

Hort 208

11/15/00

Now that I have completed my design for the Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build site, I am able to assess my work. The issue of sustainability is very important in today’s society. Unfortunately, however, I don’t think that the issue is considered enough when professionals do their designs. Beauty is important, but at what price?

During the weeks that I spent on this project, it became clear that maybe there was an easier solution to the problem. Sure we could have bulldozed the site and started over, and that would have saved everybody a lot of time and effort, but that would have put a horrible strain on the environment. By constantly considering the aspect of sustainability, I was able to keep a different outlook on the project then maybe some of my classmates.

Now that the work is over, I am pleased with the outcome. I was able to tackle a real world problem and come up with a real world solution. It pleases me to think that when Habitat for Humanity chooses the design, they will have at least one that is sustainable from which to choose. I am afraid, however, that nobody on the higher levels is going to concern himself or herself with the issue of sustainability. I am afraid that they are going to do the worst thing possible for the site, because it would be a cheaper alternative. I am talking about clear-cutting the site and starting over. I don’t think that people are aware of the damage that clear-cutting an area can do. I am aware of the side effects of clear-cutting, which is why I find it so important, now and in the future, to keep sustainability in mind at all times when designing. I hope to continue working on sites like this, so that I can be the voice of sustainability, to people who may not know what that concept is. Now all I can do is wait for February and help with the construction.