Monday, December 19, 2011

Wrapping the semester, saving music and the planet


The semester is coming to an end and as I am wrapping up my blog and thesis proposal I feel more hopeful than ever about the trajectory sustainability is taking. With Occupy Wall Street as an example all along the way during the semester, I was reassured that we could make a difference in this time of global crisis. I've learned that to change the world it takes patience but also determination. If people believe in it and pour their heart into making a difference then we'll get there.  While I want to take part in building physically and mentally healthier places to live,  some share their passion to save classical music:  Dale Henderson plays Bach on the NYC subway platforms.  I was very lucky to "find" him in my station on my way home tonight.  Henderson believes that if people hear and enjoy classical music (sometimes for the first time) then maybe there is a chance to save it. “From the first time I ever started Bach in the Subways, I had a sense of conviction of the value of what I’m doing [...] I think that Bach in the Subways is providing something meaningful to the people who hear it,” Henderson says. The same way we need to design something that is meaningful to the people. If we design space where people can experience the “healthiness” in sustainable design and connect to the natural environment then they will begin to demand more of it. Like Henderson, I am an optimistic. If we love what we do, it will become contagious.
If you can bear with the commercial, listen to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmyWJsr-3KQ


Have a great holiday break!