The Genesis † House was [controversially] designed by Planda and built on a cliff in California. The shape was inspired by the cover of an album by a Parisian group called Justice.
Thanx to simko for sharing this incredibly inspiring video of the new Genesis House in California. If you’re a Justice fan, you’ll immediately recognize the white cross that this home’s design was based on. The making of that 3D model took me right back to my school days at Parsons, but I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen AutoCAD used this way before. Seriously. They made AutoCAD look sexy?! A miracle indeed. The editing job on this vid is nothing short of brilliant.
On today, Green Design Girl’s 1 year anniversary on Tumblr, I’m celebrating with Justice. And some very cool architecture. Hit play above + join moi.
Clan du Néon :: Paris Video
Thanx to frothyparadise for posting this video of French green activists Clan du Néon, who have started a movement of killing the signage lights on retail venues when they’re closed at night. The Neon Clan’s word is spreading quickly and their fellow activists are submitting videos from across the country.
The final text of this Paris vid explains that all ended well, with the Police letting the Neon peeps go [They kept asking the officers: “Haven’t you ever heard of us? We’re on the internet!”]. The activists ended up at a cafe, celebrating with beers. As it should be, merci. I must also approve of the Ratatat soundtrack. C’est bon.
An English [automatic Google translation] of the entire site can be found here, but I’d recommend starting with their page of English FAQ’s, where you’ll also have a chance to see what these colourful Neon folks like.
The Girl Effect :: “It’s no big deal. Just the future of humanity.”
If there was ever a video worth repeating, it’s the above one for The Girl Effect. It is so simply made, yet incredibly moving and with a clear and powerful message.
When I first posted this clip on Green Design Girl and on my Facebook Fan Page in January of 2008, I received dozens of e.mails from readers expressing their immediate love for it. I even heard from an eco.jeweller in Toronto who said that he had been trying to decide which non-profit organization to make his company donations to, and after seeing The Girl Effect, had happily made his choice. I was thrilled to see that sharing this post had touched so many people in a positive way.
If you’ve never seen it before, I would highly recommend clicking this link instead of the above youtube clip. You’ll get a full screen with much better quality viewing. Enjoy.
Actor + eco-activist Harrison Ford will always be Han Solo and Deckard to me, but I’m equally excited about the return of Indiana Jones and can’t wait to see it.
So in honour of this weekend’s long-awaited release, I’m posting a new public service announcement for Conservation International [filmed on Earth Day ‘08], featuring Harrison Ford getting his manly chest waxed in an attempt to call attention to the environmental issue of deforestation. Yes, that’s right. He’s “losing an acre” of his own to make a point… and they’ve done a great job with it. Fans of politically active band Pearl Jam will probably enjoy the Corduroy track in the background.
Ford has been working with CI for 15 years and has been actively involved in enviro issues for a long time. He’s also a brilliant actor with a great sense of humour [ever seen him in interviews?]. You’ll know what I mean if you have. I saw a clip of him on TV asking for the strip of chest hair back from the aesthetician, worried about it “ending up on eBay.” Priceless! His social activism and genuine concern for the planet is the icing on the cake. Calista Flockhart is one lucky lady.
For behind-the-scenes footage [which is really worth watching if you’re a Ford fan], check out this vid here.
“Until the sun shines out of your ass, use an energy efficient lightbulb instead.”
Reason #46857969 to love British humour.
Even better, the closing voiceover is done by actor Martin Freeman of the U.K.’s The Office.
Of course, GDG has talked about using CFLs in your lighting fixtures before
…but has never been quite so cheeky about it.
Yeah, so I went there. How could I not?!
[p.s.: If the letters NSFW mean a lot to you, then you’re probably better off saving this for later]
If you live in New York City and don’t already know about The High Line and the massive preservation efforts taking place there, be sure to watch this inspiring 4 1/2 minute video.
Brilliant actor Edward Norton and Friends Of The High Line are helping convert the historic 1.5 mile elevated railway in the West end of Manhattan into a beautiful public park.
Norton sees this project as a “rare fusion of urban preservation, historical preservation and environmental preservation” and a great opportunity to create green and natural space within the city. I fully agree with Norton. I think that this is an amazing and really worthy project and I can’t wait to see the end results.
