A mighty wind farm
And now, to address a different sort of potentially venture-backed technology.
Given the recent work of Al Gore, $72/barrel oil, and no middle east stability is sight, it's a good time to think about the relationship between energy sources and our hip tech-centric lifestyle.
One of the reasons design is so important, in addition to delivering choices, is the extent to which it conditions choices. People aren't rational decision-makers at all (which gives the lie to a lot of historic philosophy and economics). We vote for candidates based on demeanor, run up our credit cards, and order a diet coke with our super size fries. A lot of choices are based on (in declining order) habituation, superstition, or aesthetics.
So, wind farms....They aren't the post-carbon panacea. They may kill too many birds. But, they have their points. A lot of people object to them, not because they aren't a good idea, but because they are "ugly" or "unnatural".
Over at Design Observer, Justin Good develops an interesting line of reasoning in rebuttal.
Form follows function and Nature recycles everything.
Written by Erika Hall on May 30, 2006 | 
1 comments so far. Add yours below.
aj says:
There's alternate windmill designs, such as "spiral sails" and "wide V" intended for use out on the ocean, that are a bit less visible than traditional triblade designs. As the market matures you'll see designs diversify for different uses and settings (urban use, tops of buildings, etc.) - right now we're in the Model T era.
now if we can only get people to give up cars in favour of "mobility" as a kind of abstract service, we might start making a dent in this issue.
May 31, 2006 8:04 AM