Phi Beta Iota: Important for two reasons. First, it makes possible mapping the just enough just in time supply chain that is totally vulnerable to disruption. Second, it makes possible the introduction of true cost economics at every point in that supply chain.
OPEN VALUE: Accounting for value created in open collaborative networks – the case of SENSORICA
“A value network is a business analysis perspective that describes social and technical resources within and between businesses. The nodes in a value network represent people (or roles). [1]”
Inspired by the abstract concept of the “value network”, Sensorica is a network of real people spread across the globe that currently experiment with ways of creating value together in the real world economy. Sensorica is composed of academics, engineers, farmers and computer programmers and the core products are sensors for scientific measurement and for industrial applications.
In two key areas (computing and transportation) the comprehensive level of technical and engineering expertise required is far beyond the majority of individuals to cope. Most people are not even aware of the environmental damage being done by computers and vehicles. Silicon ICs require vast amounts of pure water, as well as large quantities of heavy and rare earth metals. Electric vehicles – touted as “the future” – require large quantities of neodymium (for the magnets), copper (for the motors) and lithium (for the batteries). Neodymium is found only in deposits that are surrounded by radioactive isotopes, and requires a THOUSAND litres of boiling sulphuric acid to purify just one kilogram of neodymium.
Constructing houses out of mud with a 3D printer … this looks like a great advance for getting building costs down to what can be afforded locally just about anywhere!
The future of affordable (and sustainable) housing may lie with 3D printing. The World’s Advanced Saving Project (WASP) has unveiled the world’s largest delta-style 3D printer, which can build full-size buildings out of mud and clay for nearly zero cost. The massive BigDelta printer stands 12 meters tall (40 feet), and it’s nearly completed its first house at a cost of just 48 euros so far. Read more, watch video, see compelling photographs.
In the face of the converging crises of climate change, resource depletion, environmental degradation, and unacceptable economic inequality and suffering – particularly in the global South – designers everywhere are called to assume a deeper responsibility for the impacts of their work. Designers are finally stepping up to the challenge that David Orr so aptly described in The Nature of Design (link is external). We are challenged to “redesign the human presence on Earth.”
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“to make the World work for 100% of humanity in the shortest possible time through spontaneous cooperation without ecological offense or the disadvantage of anyone.”