The Home House Project: Green Cleveland

Exhibit: Affordable Housing for the Future
Reinberger Galleries, Cleveland Institute of Art
November 3, 2006 - December 22, 2006

Panel Discussion: Affordable Housing for the Future
Aitkin Auditorium (Cleveland Institute of Art?)
November 3, 2006
7.00 pm

Exhibit Opening Reception
Reinberger Galleries
5.15 pm
November 3, 2006

In 2003 the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) held a competition based upon affordability, design and sustainability in housing. The open competition drew 440 multinational entries which were based on the typical layout of Habitat for humanities three and four bedroom designs. Then, in an effort to grab more attention to the idea of living in well designed and environmentally friendly homes they published a very pretty book.

Whilst I was away this weekend visiting my family I noticed the above postcard sitting on my mother's kitchen island. "I was saving that for you" she said when I picked it up and waved it about with an inquisitive look on my face. No doubt inferring that I would glance at it and respond with my usual "Oh, yeah, I saw that (insert location here) and am really excited about it."

Well, that didn't happen. I don't know why as the opening is only a couple of weeks away. One would think that the Reinberger Galleries would at least have some notice up. Or maybe E4S, I mean, it is a whole exhibition of 100 sustainable, affordable houses for criminy's sake.

Regardless, the whole thing has me very excited something like this is coming to Cleveland but also really upset that it isn't being broadcast more. Maybe it is. Maybe it lurks in the archives of Green City Blue Lake and I just haven't found it.

What I want to know is where are the 100 award-winning designs from? Are any local? Are there more competitions coming up that we should be made aware of? Who do I go to for answers? Dear God, don't say I have to become self reliant!

I admit when I was a lad that the thought of the Olympic Games would get me a bit excited. I think most of it had to do with the plethora of sports and participating countries, all seeming so new and exciting to me. We had only a small black and white TV back then so I suppose the full grandeur was lost upon me.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics are coming up quick and will be taking the world into the relatively contained and protected country of China. Typically seen as a gigantic economic engine the World Olympics can seemingly overnight spotlight an obscure city and turn it into an international giant. I for one am extremely interested in seeing what the Olympics does for China as far as cultural exposure. An entire nation that for so long existed behind a wall of secrecy and is already exposed bit by bit will be thrust into the limelight and scrutinized by the entire world. There is already talk of their massive investment into energy production infrastructure including coal and nuclear plants but this is tempered by massive programs for energy efficient technologies. I am interested to see what they can teach the world.

The 2010 Olympics are scheduled to be held in Vancouver, a rather progressive environmental city, one that I admit to not having the chance to really visit yet. I have the fear that if I went I might not return.

The 2012 London games have recently grabbed my attention. The city does not usually conjure up images of sustainable practices wit large, even though there is a definite and rather obvious movement to the contrary. An array of well publicized international sustainable architecture firms, urban automobile restrictions and taxes and now in an effort to make a gigantic public statement the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has unveiled plans for a 120m tall turbine capable of generating enough electricity to power 1200 homes.

Current plans call for construction of the turbine to be completed and fully operational by 2010, supplying power to the grid for 2 years before the Olympics take place. The ODA is also considering including "solar power, ground water cooling, small scale hydro/tidal power, biomass and a CCHP (combined cooling and heating plant)". The turbine will be the first and most noticeable step and will hopefully push towards rebranding London as a "Greener" city.

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said:
'We want to make use of as many innovative renewable technologies as possible to power the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and will be looking to industry to provide us with creative solutions in the months ahead.

'The wind turbine on the Olympic Park will be a symbol of the sustainability principles behind the Games. As the first large scale wind turbine so close to Central London it will also act as a "green" beacon for the Capital.'

Will London attain the goal of making the 2012 Olympics the most "environmentally friendly ever"? If not at least they are making some definite steps in the right direction.


This is Hertfordshire - "Green beacon" for 2012 Olympics

London 2012 Unveils Wind Turbine Plans

London 2012 Olympic Parkto be Powered by Wind Turbine

Beer; good for the planet.

Alright, I know I am not the first one to bring this up but bear with me. At dinner tonight I noticed the nice little beer coaster thingy under my beverage stating that the beer of the month was brewed in a brewery run on wind power. The brewery was the Brooklyn Brewery which had been running on wind power since 2003 (I think).

First off I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I think about wind power. I just do. I love the study of aerodynamics and the simplicity of the idea behind wind power and basically how beneficial and cost effective it is. Then, THEN, I find out people are using it to make beer.

I do like beer.

So, who else is using wind power to make beer? Is there a list? Some sort of great "Green Powered Alcoholic Beverages" site? I mean, we have to be able to relax and enjoy the gifts of our wonderful planet once in a while, right?

The best I could do was this article from "Wired" magazine from March 2006. I couldn't find an online list. I have to admit that I am amazed that I stumbled across something that no one made a web site for yet. This got me thinking, "What else is out there?" How about a Solar powered brewery? I'll be danged, Anderson Valley Brewery is using its "solar powered beer" as a huge selling point. How huge? Well, it is right there on the top part of their main page.

Excellent.

So far I haven't been able to find any geothermal, biodesiel or hydrogen powered breweries. I have no doubt that one or two should pop up soon enough. Until then, find some nice eco-friendly beers to guzzle as you contemplate how to save the planet.

What do you say for Coop?

Wolf Prix Lecture
Wednesday, Oct. 25th, 2006
Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main Library Auditorium
60 South High Street, Akron, O(h)io
6.30pm

The Akron Art Museum broke ground for the Co-op Himmelb(l)au's [whom I shall now lovingly call "Coop"] long awaited, sought after, exciting, remarkable, unbelievable addition way the heck back in March of 2004. I know, I know, you have probably "googled" it and said mostly "Where the hell is Akron?" or something along the lines of "They are doing that WHERE?" and then stared in awe at the sweeping forms (clouds?), skewed lines, balance of composition and coupling with the existing brick structure and then snorted in disbelief. I pretty much did the same.

I paid close attention to the Gehry addition to Case Western Reserve University campus, happy that something new and exciting was going up to challenge the local vernacular but also a little tired of seeing the Bilbao Gug. show up over and over again. I know that isn't fair, but I am sure that is what the school asked for, what they knew and what Mr. Gehry had to create to make everyone happy. It is an amazing building, I still look at it and see details that amaze me and for that I can appreciate it for what it is, a rather brave and gallant structure that gives at least a wink to the context without bowing in submission. I know I will catch hell from the "Western Reserve Style Architecture" lovers out there but to be honest, when they start talking I usually hum the Dr. Who theme song in my head and drown them out. Oh, and here is the Peter B. Lewis Building for you to reference.

Anyway, when Case's building was going up all I heard about was budget concerns and civic concerns and concerns about concerns and questions about whether concerns were concerning enough folk. It drove me crazy with concern. I was fearful for any other signature building to be attempted, any other great piece that attempts to blend art and architecture, would be approached with more caution. When the Coop addition was approved my hopes for the region soared. When they broke ground I giggled with delight, relishing that it was "too late now" for it to be changed.

I got to walk through it while it was under construction last spring. Someone took pictures and was going to send them to me but never did. Jerks. Anyway the place was so incredible back then when it was unfinished. Some of the large sweeping superstructure was in place and you really have to see it in person to really appreciate it.

I don't know what you kids are up to later, but if you have the time free around 6.30pm on Oct. 25th Mr. Wolf Prix of Co-op Himmelb(l)au will be giving a lecture. You can download the sweet .pdf right here. It will be held at the library right across the street and there is a cost. 5 bucks for students and museum members, $10 for the rest of us.

So far I believe that the museum addition is slotted to open in Spring of 2007. Whilst searching for a more definitive answer I stumbled across a little notice about a little project I got to work on while in school in response to the shenanigans of the Akron Art Museum's addition.

Oh yes, and I might as well mention

That due to me having a rather annoying Type 'A' personality I have taken it upon myself to start posting events that pander to my interests on a Google calendar from which you can find in a link on the left under the graphic-type links. I don't expect everyone to stand in wondrous amazement upon my grasp of simple technology, instead I expect some of you slackers to participate in said events, representing your views and hopes, your dreams and your city.

Anyway, I am off to dinner, so peruse and take heed. Also, if you are of the notion that you would like your event on the calendar go ahead and leave a comment and I will try to get to it. Since this is all new there is not the mad rush of people wanting their stuff on there as you would like to believe.

I can't go one day without the Breuer tower shoved in my face

Thursday, October 26, 2006
5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs
Glickman-Miller Hall, Atrium
Light refreshments will be served!!!!!!*

Well, that isn't exactly true. I didn't think about it at all this weekend while I was in Columbus enjoying some fine folky music and non-smoking bars and an old pal's new feline roommate. I mostly just think about it on the way to work, when I see it from the train and then the walk into my building. Then again as I wander around my office attempting to look busy and see it ominously outside the window, it's dark portals staring unblinkingly at me.

I don't love it. I don't hate it. I have become indifferent to it mostly. Well, not indifferent, just concerned that Cleveland will lose one of it's few tall buildings (our skyline is going to look like the five fingers of Kansas City soon) rather then a piece of architectural history.

Don't get me wrong, as a designer and environmentalist I usually think that resolving existing solutions in a clever manner is far more difficult and therefore more impressive then working with a clean slate. However I suppose we must make concessions if the existing building doesn't fulfill the necessary functional requirements. Of course I am not privy to the dealings of the county with regards to programming requirements so I cannot fully judge. Nor am I a great fan of asbestos filled brutalism. I love me some brutalism but I fear the punctured skin takes the strength away from the stark form enough to almost consider this a sad attempt of heavy "international" style structures. I could be wrong. I admit that most usually that is the case.

Regardless there will be a forum at the
Maxine Goodman Levin college of Urban Affairs and sponsored heavily by the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects and will no doubt be attended by Steven Litt whom is fun to both agree with and find totally baseless. Mr. Litt may or may not be against the county tearing down the Breuer building. It would be hard to tell.

*extra exclamation points added by me~ ed.

Cleveland Museum of Art- Partially Open!

First off, I just got back from Columbus so sorry for missing a couple of days. Secondly I am having a heck of a time with blogger uploading images. I am going to have to go around it the ol' fashioned way, which isn't making me happy and is sort of killing the fun of adding pretty pictures. I hope to sort out my stupidity soon.

Cleveland Museum of Art, after closing all of it's doors for (what seemed to be) ever, ifsopening back up TODAY for Barcelona and Modernity: Picasso, Gaudi, Miro, Dali which looks to be a very interesting and exciting show. I grew up with a Picasso book (as a baby) and became an instant lover of Gaudi and Dali once I reached high school. Now that I am old and bitter few things make me giddy with excitement like the reopening of PART of CMA coupled with an exhibit around which I am sure will motivate me to save up the cash to finally go to Barcelona next spring.

There is a charge because it is a special exhibition. However, if you are a member you can get in for free.

Anyway, this is cause for celebration! MUCH celebration!

Levin College Forum: "A Vision for the Warehouse District"

Tuesday, October 17, 2006
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs
Glickman-Miller Hall, Atrium

Bob Stark will be on hand to talk about his 21-acre proposal to redevelop the Warehouse District into mixed use residential/office space and street level retail. This is a huge investment and one that may well become more complex as imminent domain domain laws are flexed by cities attempting to create capital reinvestment in "blighted" downtown areas. I don't want to comment any more about that.

Mr. Stark though, is an amazingly driven man and someone who has a great vision for the city of Cleveland. Steven Fong, Dean of Kent State University's School of Architecture and Environmental Design will be one of the panelists.

You can find an agenda and more information, including registration, here

National Building Museum: The Green House

The National Building Museum in Washington, DC is adding on to the The Green House exhibit with a series of exhibits and workshops to promote "going green" and raise awareness of the possibility of living an "environmentally-conscious" lifestyle.

Overall the site offers many interesting features including information on green materials, events and basic principles and since I am such a sucker for green building and green this and green that you can bet that I signed up for their monthly email and will be going through all their online information too.

Pass It On 2006 - Recycling

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District is a great source for Clevelanders who are looking for information on how to alleviate their impact on local landfills and the world's resources by recycling and reusing usable items. The CCSW offers tips on how you can dispose of certain items, where you can find recycling centers in your city and where you can donate usable items to be reused by those in need.

They offer a great variety of online publications including office recycling schemes, latex paint disposal and halting unwanted mail (my personal scourge).

My favorite by far is the Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable Stuff. With it you can find a new home for all that stuff that clutters your house that you don't ever use (and probably won't) without the guilt of throwing it out because you think that someday, you may be able to put that 5 1/4" floppy drive and old cross country skies to use. Heck, some of the stuff can even be tax-deductible if you are into that sort of thing.

Of course there are other resources (tons of them really) that you can use. There are online resources such as Freecycle which is an online bulletin board which allows you to seek for items to find and list items you would like to give away or there is the wonderful Craig's List where you can sell your old items (or look for a job or find a new apartment or house or best friend).

So get rid of your old skies and Apple IIe's and enjoy the openness and overall well being that comes with leading a simple clutter free life. Or simply replace the older items with newer energy efficient things. Someone, somewhere is probably looking for a cheap pair of skies right now.

Tremont Art Walk

The Tremont Art Walk is held the 2nd Friday of each month and as lucky October Friday the 13th is the second Friday you can expect the usual large bunch of local artists and art lovers wandering around Tremont, poking their heads into galleries between the hours of 6pm and 10pm and perhaps grabbing a bite or drink in some local establishment during or after.

Here is the current gallery list that relates to the attached map.

It is one of my favorite things to do and just wanted to let others know.

What happened to Westerville, Ohio?

Remember way back when Westerville, Ohio was awarded a $839,016 2003 ThirdFrontier Project Grant for their 250-kilowatt hydrogen power generator that became operational in November of 2004? I sure didn't until I saw a video on it on the "One Degree" website posted about earlier here. Supposedly this 250KW unit splits hydrogen from natural gas and electrochemically converts it into electricity. Enough electricity to power 180 homes, according to Green Energy Ohio's website.

I am just amazed. First that I don't remember hearing about this. Second that if this program has proved successful why is it not more widespread? Why are there not little hydrogen to electricity generators spread out all around town and villages? Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition seems to be running a relatively up to date web site (I admit I haven't had the time to fully check it out yet) so apparently similar programs, including the 3rd Frontier program are still active.

If anyone has any useful information they would like to share, please comment or email. I am looking for similar programs or attempts at medium scale electricity generation via hydrogen or anyone who has tries to work with OFCC or 3rd Frontier.

I do not suffer under the illusion that because my knowledge is limited on a subject that everyone else is also unaware so I apologize if I am repeating common knowledge at times.

Weather Channel - One Degree Climate Change

Weather Channel, which runs a website that I personally check at least once a day has just released "One Degree Climate Change", another web site devoted to global warming and combating human climate change effects. At first I was intrigued by the promise of a couple of broadband webcasts about climate change but upon investigating a little bit closer I found dozens or webcasts about everything from drought in the Midwest to hydrogen powered autos to tips for home remodeling.

Their mission statement is pretty dang provocative too.

"Throughout the world, people are confused about climate change and global warming. Many do not believe there is a crisis. Others simply absorb the media sound bites and cannot tell fact from opinion. While there are excellent resources and educational websites devoted to climate change, some may be concerned that these sites have hidden political or financial agendas.

For this reason we created One Degree.

One Degree will leverage the trusted scientific resources of The Weather Channel. One Degree's mission will be to present an open, balanced dialogue around the scientific facts concerning global climate change. We will provide a place where sound science can be heard and a forum where all people can question and debate. The site will leverage what the Internet does best; an exchange of rational ideas from both experts and non-experts with questions. In addition, One Degree will look at how climate change may already be affecting the lives of individuals, families, communities and businesses.

The site's name, One Degree, is a reference to the one degree of warming the earth has experienced in the past 30 years and how something so seemingly small as a single degree can change the world."

And so another website joins the long list of sources I scour looking for that bright lining. Yay.

Energy Star Podcasts

The fine people at Energy Star are well aware that our current society concerns itself with a plethora of electronic devices and love with technology. They are attempting to utilize this very technology to spread awareness about what they do and why they do it.

Discussions range from attempting to get manufacturers to compete for efficiency to our ignorance of "vampire" power usage and it's national impact. If you find yourself wondering what the advantages to the Energy Star program or just curious why people would take the time to rate and study lighting to blackberries this would be a good primer. At the very least there might be some new tips (unplug your phone charger when not using it!) or ideas (are CFLs already on the way our with the new LEDs coming online?) that you implement next time you are done charging your camera batteries or shopping for a new washer and dryer.

So far there are only two Podcasts up but more are coming soon.