The Shape of Green

Do energy-efficient cars have to be boring? Are green buildings necessarily unsightly? Is sustainability incompatible with beauty? Lance Hosey's answer is a resounding "no," and in The Shape of Green he argues that for far too long sustainable design has neglected aesthetics. If green is to fulfill its promise, it must be both efficient and appealing. Hosey shows how design at all scales, from products to buildings to cities, can effectively marry art and science.

In addition to examining fundamental principles of aesthetics — what makes something attractive or emotionally pleasing — Hosey connects them with down-to-earth design challenges. How can a city become as energy-efficient as Manhattan and as comforting as Grover's Corners? Could buildings be constructed of porous materials that simultaneously capture carbon dioxide and soothe the skin? What can a child's love of a shabby old stuffed animal teach designers about how to captivate consumers and lengthen the lives of their products?

Hosey's refreshing analysis represents an important step toward making beauty an essential part of green design. He believes the design community is up to the challenge and that designers can promote sustainability by embracing what they have always cared about most—the basic shape of things.