Friday 13th November:
From beer to books
What began as an assemblage of 1,000 empty beer cartons pulled together by residents in East Germany has now evolved into an incredible open-air public library. Designed by Karo Architekten in collaboration with local residents, the grassroots project revitalises a post-industrial district in Magdeburg, Germany by creating a cultural centre and pop-up library where books are free to take and leave 24 hours a day.
Libraries and book lending are great green practices insofar as they encourage the use of shared resources and cut down on crates of pressed tree pulp circulating the globe. They’re even better when they foster a communal spirit of sharing, as does Magdeburg’s new Open Air Library.
In addition to its book lending facilities, the Open Air Library also introduces a burst of green public space to a post-industrial district. The grassy plaza features a reading cafe and a stage that hosts elementary school theater plays, public readings, concerts, and other cultural events.
Ref. http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/11/03/stunning-open-air-library-pops-up-in-east-germany/
Tagged with: Design for good, Public sector, Sustainability
Wednesday 28th January:
Self-help is on the rise so how can you make the most of it?
Think like PatientPak – a collection of antimicrobial and other hygiene items for those planning a hospital visit. Its aim? To kill 99.99% of bugs, including nasties such as MRSA, salmonella and E. coli.
For £16, you get a set of 14 different germ prevention items, ranging from hand, surface and fabric sanitizing sprays to an advice leaflet, disposable pen and polite bedside sign to remind others to wash their hands.
PatientPak was made available from UK stockists such as Amazon.co.uk, Tesco and Mothercare late last year. Separately, much of the pack’s contents are readily available, but by bundling a range of products for a specific purpose, the brand has created a new product that should speak both to consumers’ worries and their desire for convenience.
Ref. http://www.springwise.com/index.php?page=2
Tuesday 27th January:
How can your brand act with a sense of humour in these tricky times?
Think like women’s hair removal brand, Veet, which capitalised on Dubya’s departure with this punchy little ad.
Ref http://brandstrategy.wordpress.com/