By many people’s standards, I don’t watch much telly. I struggle enough to fit my life into 24-hour chunks as it is, without having to make time for telly as well. So it’s a wonder that I stumbled upon More4’s documentary last Tuesday entitled “True Stories: Garbage Warrior”, a documentary looking at the work of eco-friendly architect Michael Reynolds. And how pleased I am that I did!
Somewhat of a maverick in his field, Reynolds has been experimenting with his 'biotecture' in the New Mexico desert for the last 35 years. He’s convinced that humanity is headed for oblivion due to our depletion of the Earth's resources and pollution of the environment: “I'm trying to save my ass - and that is a powerful force”, he says.
Reynolds builds self-sufficient, off-the-grid 'earthships' out of old beer cans, bottles and tyres hard-packed with earth. His seemingly magical buildings use power from the sun, harvest rainwater and treat their own sewage, meaning that they are not reliant on any infrastructure.
Surprisingly, despite their make-up and their low-tech construction, his buildings are beautiful and enchanting. And proven to work: as well as living in them himself for many years, his earthships have literally saved the lives of tsunami victims in the Andaman Islands left homeless and waterless after their villages were flattened.
Reynold’s buildings are beautiful and fascinating to look at. Moreover they are immensely sustainable, boasting a build of natural and recycled materials, thermal/solar heating and cooling, solar and wind technology, water harvesting, contained sewage treatment and food production – and a construction time of 15 days to boot.
Yet what strikes me most about Reynolds work isn’t simply the remarkable design of his structures. It’s his drive and determination to push his work forward, despite some seemingly insurmountable bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of vision or support from US authorities – which has even resulted in him having his architect’s licence revoked for a period of time.
Reynolds’ determination is remarkable. He fights endlessly to push the boundaries of architecture and sustainable building and his life and his work are inseparable. Clarity of vision is the lifeblood of his achievements.
http://www.earthship.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4
Yet what strikes me most about Reynolds work isn’t simply the remarkable design of his structures. It’s his drive and determination to push his work forward, despite some seemingly insurmountable bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of vision or support from US authorities – which has even resulted in him having his architect’s licence revoked for a period of time.
Reynolds’ determination is remarkable. He fights endlessly to push the boundaries of architecture and sustainable building and his life and his work are inseparable. Clarity of vision is the lifeblood of his achievements.
http://www.earthship.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4
No comments:
Post a Comment