I like how gt2P — that stands for Great Things To People — is thinking and operating. In their own words, “That is how the concept of digital crafting was born, based on the implementation of digital design methodologies and the experience and the know-how of Chilean artisans, who feed and contribute to qualify each “generative algorithms” or DNA. Through this concept gt2P has succeeded in communicating its ability to investigate, explore and experiment with new materials and processes, and integrate technologies CAD/CAM with traditional techniques and knowledge.”

By combining this approach with the use of sustainable materials, gt2P demonstrates how a commercial design studio can cater to wealthier consumers and still act responsibly within the local community and environment.Read about the hexagonal shelving system pictured above.

Get your Ohm on and Ohm out with this wall-mounted, energy-efficient, and enlightening light source, coming soon.

The above image is from a mail order catalog that will soon go out to Felissimo customers in Japan, so they can order the awesome clothing and home products made from the Hope fabric that I designed that is handwoven in Bangladesh. The page on the left shows these necklaces that are made from the fabric scraps to reduce waste and the little pendant is a golden bicycle wheel. What does a bike wheel have to do with hope and Bangladeshi weavers? Well, as it turns out — a lot. With money from the “Infinite Hope Fund” created by this fabric project, several of another Japanese product known as Cycloclean — bicycle-powered water filtration systems — will be given to the Bangladesh community. In fact, the company that designed Cycloclean, Nippon Basic, will apparently be starting up production in Bangladesh to save money and improve the local community at the same time. I just found this out Tuesday night.

The realization that what was already a super cool collaboration to provide Bangladeshi weavers with jobs (and incidentally there are now 300 weavers employed from this project alone, up from 30 before) is now unfolding into a focused effort to increase access to clean water significantly, and that this innovative generosity is coming from a country who suffered its own incredible natural disaster in March of this year that is still reeking havoc on its economy and physical environment, not only touches my heart, but also strengthens it and reminds me that big, important changes can happen and are, and inspires me to keep looking for ways to be a part of it.

If you catch yourself feeling pessimistic about the world we live in and where it’s going, or your own life even, just change what you’re paying attention to. There is so much to be proud of and happy about. Noticing that and experiencing it on a personal level can make all the difference in the energy you have for your own challenges, as well as to those around you. We can’t do anything when we are dispirited, but when we enjoy the meaningful successes in the world as our own, then we have the hope of the world behind us and everything we need becomes possible. On that note, dear Japan: Domo Arigato Gozaimasu. Thank you so much for your inspiring gifts to everyone. I love you and hope that 2012 will be an amazing year for you as a nation as you recover from the earthquake of 2011. Read more about Cycloclean via physorg.

It’s the night before Thanksgiving and while writing a friend I got on the subject of meaningful work and remembered that access to clean drinking water is the number one health/survival issue in the world yet I’ve done nothing about it in any way. So – this is a start, as well as the start of a new Thanksgiving tradition for me, to research a major humanitarian issue, raise awareness, and donate to a worthy organization that is making significant progress in alleviating the problem… because to me, true gratitude isn’t real as just a feeling, it’s got to be an act — of giving and caring and asking others to care too. And there are so many things to care about of course, but this is really the most basic, urgent one for the most people: according to water.org, nearly a billion people lack access to clean water. I’d like to congratulate PATH for their excellent progress in developing a new household water treatment filter, in collaboration with a wonderful company, Seattle-based Cascade Designs. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. I hope everyone will read about your efforts and support them by donating or spreading the word so that one day we all can enjoy a Thanksgiving that is happy AND hydrated.

I’ve noticed (and blogged about) many architectural projects that push eco-friendly to  a whole new level. From MIT’s experiments with literal treehouse neighborhoods that grow and sustain themselves, to community schools submerged into lush landscapes, proposals for “living architecture” vary in complexity, but they share a simple theme: building with nature –instead of on top of it — is the way of the future…even if it takes decades to do it.

The Patient Gardener, by Stockholm-based VisionDivision for Italy’s Polytecnico di Milano Campus, is another example of this architectural wisdom, and I am excited to see the effect that it has, though we’ll be waiting a while to find out. But in a world that seems addicted to speed, I’m grateful for these sensible pioneers who are digging deep and slowing down. If you can, take a second to check it out.

How ironic that in a city of a million weavers, almost no one owns more than one item of clothing. Grameen Check, a fabric production initiative formed by Grameen Bank just a couple of years ago will change all that. I first learned of Grameen’s founder, the Nobel Prize-winning economics professor and social visionary, Muhammed Yunus, when I picked up his audio book from the sale rack of Powell’s in Portland almost a year ago exactly. I was preparing to drive across the U.S. to relocate closer to family, and Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism was the only audio book out of seven that I could get to play in my car. Thankfully, I was riveted, enthralled and inspired for thousands of miles and couldn’t get his ideas out of my head. Over the next few months I tried unsuccessfully to develop first a kid-focused nutritious snack business (The Rawleigh Lama) and then a community healing arts center (Boylan Heights Healing Arts) in my new home base of Raleigh, North Carolina. A lack of finances, partnership, and simply the process of transitioning to my new life proved too many obstacles to overcome at this stage. So it is extra exciting to have become involved in Professor Yunus’ vision anyway, by winning the contest to design the next Grameen Check pattern. And in light of those fresh disappointments, it’s even more meaningful that the theme of the contest was “weaving hope.” I feel so honored to play some role in this incredible endeavor which is serving the world in a practical way and simultaneously changing so many lives for the better. And I am so inspired by the good people I have connected with in the process, such as Haruko Smith, who authored this introduction to Grameen Check as well as this insightful interview with Kazuhiko Yazaki, the president and CEO of Felissimo Corporation of Japan. Read these stories and realize how you can be part of a global culture of happiness. Then check out pics of the handbags that Felissimo is making out of the new Hope check fabric. And stay tuned for updates as the line launches in January.

I recently received this sneak peek at the first couple of items that have been created with the Hope Check Pattern fabrics that I designed for Grameen Felissimo in their collaboration with Design 21, a design network  that promotes social change, and I had to share it.  I am so proud to be involved with this project and just thrilled with the results so far – can’t wait to see more! Check my home page for the full story on Grameen Fabric and Japan-based design company, Felissimo, via my friend Haruko Smith for Design 21.

I just love simple ideas that actually improve things on multiple levels, as in the case of Madécasse: Two guys meet in the Peace Corps, notice that one of the poorest countries in the world also presents a business opportunity that benefits both the environment and strengthens the economy of the local cacao community. The result is truly delicious chocolate that we can feel truly wonderful about indulging in! Read more via fastcompany.com

Columbian architecture studio Giancarlo Mazzanti has committed itself to developing an optimally functioning,  low-cost, and sustainable solution for new schooling in impoverished communities: Timayui is the 12th of its kind over the past several years. Within these individual designs, the architects emphasize a need for neutral space that kids can use their imagination to transform; meanwhile the communities themselves are being transformed by this larger architectural mission of social renewal. Lots of great views and drawings via Designboom. Read the larger story in Architectural Review.

I had a knee-jerk joyful reaction to this bench, the concept, the look, the material – I just love it.  I wish I could find more info on it – specifically I want to know how they made those cuts. There’s debate about whether the design is too hospitable  for “critters.” I see their point, but hey it never hurts to expand your comfort zone to include more living things. It’s not that hard. And the payoff is greater relaxation for yourself. hm. In any case, I think it could probably come in handy in parts of the world where people are more used to bugs. They need cheap, easy-to-make, attractive public seating too I bet. Designed by Elena Goray and shown at DMY Berlin Design Festival 2011, see more pics on Design Boom.