CATALYZING the Conversation: Benign by Design
By Dr. Mary McBride
Issue 1 Spring | Summer 2009
Catalyst was designed to stimulate thinking and encourage conversation about the role of strategic design in making and shaping an economy that is generative, humane, resourceful and “good by nature.” Our first issue examines the design of everyday life: our cityscapes, our buildings and educational systems. We explore the consequence of deeply contexted and community-focused design strategies that can enrich and sustain.
A global economy need not threaten community or commons. Robust commercial activity can enable and enliven. But this will require that design serve life and that design strategists catalyze the transition from an economy that generates negative consequences for human health and environment to an economy that is truly generative: benign by design.
Catalyst is an international dialogue on strategic design sponsored and published by the graduate program in Design Management at Pratt Institute of Art and Design. We begin the conversation where we are located, in New York City, a city which has established itself as a leader in the design of urban space, social transformation and economic innovation.
Excerpt from the “Pratt Anthem”:
“…Only where the mind is free,
and dreams are tempered into skills,
Will come the healing hands to stay,
the cities and the nations ills…”
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