Green Solutions for Everyday Living: Germany and Japan April 7, 2009

Green Solutions for Everyday Living:
Germany and Japan

How are the citizens of Germany and Japan living green lives?

Tuesday, April 7, 7:00pm

At G8 summits, the United Nations, and other international gatherings, the political leaders of Germany and Japan often make calls for green living on the world stage. But what about the daily lives of Germans and Japanese behind the scenes? Deutsches Haus and imagining global asia (iga) bring a lively panel discussion that will explore the everyday environmentalism of Germany and Japan, with a special focus on design.

Panelists: Dr. Miranda Schreurs (Freie Universität Berlin), Dr. Robert J. Mason (Temple University), Dr. Silke Claus (Deutsches Architekturzentrum Berlin), Michael Morris (Morris Sato Studio), Yoshiko Sato (Morris Sato Studio)

Moderator: Joel Towers (Parsons the New School for Design)

For detailed bios of the panelists, please click here.

-How is "green" located within culture?
In many parts of the world there is a long tradition of environmental movements forming a subculture within the society. Do Germany and Japan offer examples of green as being mainstream? How do we understand the historical and cultural relationship of individuals in Germany and Japan to their environment and how is it reflected in the cultural mosaics of these two countries?

-Why are green goods being produced?
The governments of Germany and Japan are clear about their efforts to act in ways that are seen as more environmentally friendly, but how does that affect products in the market? Behind the rhetoric of the governments, to what extent do individuals play a role in shaping what products are available on the market? It is important to understand the degree to which products on the market, from houses to appliances, are satisfying state demands, and to what extent they are satisfying market demands.

-How are products changing over the years?
How is the process of designing green products changing? Is the "greenness" of a product becoming secondary as products continue to change over time? Building on the commentary of design experts, this event will help us to understand how environmental products shape how people experiences environmentalism in their everyday lives.

Made possible by a generous grant from the DAAD.

Official Website: www.imaginingglobalasia.org