Ever enjoy swimming in fresh or salty blue water? Most people find much solace and self-renewal in immersing themselves in the natural world.
As the pioneering oceanographer, Sylvia Earle has said, “Without the blue, there could be no green.” The natural world can no longer be taken for granted as if there were no tomorrow. All relationships best blossom thanks to genuine giving and receiving of the best in life. This is how we ultimately find our true place in the world. Our planet is alive, intelligent, supportive, unconditionally and generously providing abundant life energy, resources, and beauty. We, humans, are being called to align our actions with life-giving choices.
Author Rev. Michael Beckwith stated that “a challenge offers the opportunity of becoming.” Mary Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post, said: “In life, there are happiness chasers and happiness creators. Who do you choose to be?”
At Pratt’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS), we have developed a Sustainable Design Certificate Program under the guidance of Tetsu Ohara, Coordinator of the Sustainability Coalition at Pratt and in collaboration with Carolyn Schafer, Director of Pratt’s Center for Sustainable Design Strategies (CSDS), to empower those who seek to turn ecological challenges into design opportunities. The Program is intended for existing and aspiring designers and architects to gain the much-needed knowledge and skills in sustainability that informs responsible design for the common good of the planet and all its inhabitants. Each Fall, the latter two parties organize Blue Week, an event series “celebrating the element of water” and those innovators who contribute to protecting it; and every Spring they organize Green Week, an event series showcasing innovative sustainable design solutions.
The Sustainable Design Certificate curriculum, taught by champions in the field, is further strengthened by these above resources and more, including the networking opportunities available within a highly vibrant, innovative, dedicated, passionate, collaborative, skillful community of students, faculty, and administrators, together advancing the agenda of responsible Design for sustainable life on Planet Earth.
Completing the Sustainable Design Certificate Program prepares the designer or architect for a stronger career path with the increasingly in-demand Sustainable Designer’s skillset. It can also give an upper hand to students seeking to apply for a Graduate-level degree program in a design field.
When we elevate our work to aim for the benefit of the common good, including that of the Earth, we become “happiness creators.” We hope you join us and become empowered to create sustainable design solutions now for a better tomorrow.
About the Author:
Joelle Danant is a Program Director at Pratt Institute’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies, where among other endeavors, she has conceptualized the initial ideas for a Sustainable Design Certificate Program and the Sustainability by Design course as a Summer Credit Intensive course. For more information, contact prostudy@pratt.edu or visit this website.