Thinking Small, HOPES 15, eco-design arts conference, April 2-5, 2009

"Solving our ecological problems requires massive change. Yet, even as we think big, we must also remember to think small, considering the details and impacts of our actions. We must listen to the quiet voices, and accomplish our visions incrementally. Join us to contemplate the meaning of “local” and “appropriate”, to ponder the ripple effect, and to examine nanotechnology and microclimates. Help plant the tiny seeds to grow the revolutionary change."

This year's HOPES conference will be held April 2-5, 2009, in Lawrence Hall, on the University of Oregon campus. Get ready for some fantastic speakers and workshops!

The Keynote Speakers are: Bill Wilkinson, Anna Maria Orru, James Tuer, Stephen Kellert, and Antony Brown!

For more information, to register and for a pdf schedule visit Hopes Oregon.

Since its creation in 1995, the EDC's HOPES (Holistic Options for Planet Earth Sustainability) conference has remained the only ecological design conference developed and managed by students. Held every year in April, HOPES works to promote the deeper understanding and broader application of sustainable design principles.

Over the past ten years, the conference has brought such luminaries as Shigeru Ban, Sim Van der Ryn, Samuel Mockbee, James Hubbel, Angela Danadijieva, Michael Pyatok, Steve Badanes, Richard Register, David Orr, John Schaeffer and Clare Cooper Marcus to the University of Oregon campus.

HOPES Features:

Nationally recognized keynote speakers
Expert panel discussions
Hands-on workshops
Green business expo
24-hour design charrette
Environmental art
And more!

About the EDC

The relationship between the built and natural worlds must be sustainable. The Ecological Design Center believes designers should pioneer this relationship. The EDC seeks to educate and inspire University of Oregon design students to have the awareness, sensitivity, and expertise to lead the community toward sustainability. While the EDC's focus is in the design disciplines, we welcome interested students and community members of all fields.

The EDC's mission is to:

Advocate for an interdisciplinary ecological design curriculum for AAA students,

Cultivate networking opportunities for AAA students with professionals practicing sustainable design of the built environment,

Create a forum for ecological design dialogue through the HOPES conference, traditional and digital publications, and on-going events,

Advocate for and implement ecological planning and design on the University of Oregon campus and Eugene community.