Design is inherently optimistic. That is its power.
William McdonoughRead
We are proposing buildings that, like trees, are net energy exporters, produce more energy than they consume, accrue and store solar energy, and purify their own waste, water and release it slowly in a purer form.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes sustainable architecture that mimics nature's efficiency.
William McDonough's quote highlights the concept of designing buildings that function like trees, emphasizing sustainability. These structures are envisioned to not only generate more energy than they use but also to manage resources like water and waste in a manner that purifies and enhances the environment, reflecting an innovative approach to architecture that seeks harmony with nature.
Themes
SustainabilityArchitectureEnergyNatureInnovation
In practice
Example use cases
During a presentation on sustainable urban design, you can use this quote to emphasize the importance of environmentally friendly buildings.
More from William Mcdonough
All quotes →Designing renders visible our hopes and dreams. It is the first signal of human intentions.
William McdonoughRead
If we think about things having multiple lives, cradle to cradle, we could design things that can go back to either nature or back to industry forever.
William McdonoughRead
I think as designers we realize design is a signal of intention, but it also has to occur within a world and we have to understand that world in order to imbue our designs with inherent intelligence.
William McdonoughRead
Here's where redesign begins in earnest, where we stop trying to be less bad and we start figuring out how to be good.
William McdonoughRead
Designers are inherently optimistic people who try to make the world a better place
William McdonoughRead
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