• GENERAL PRINCIPLES • In viewing sustainability, certain fundamental considerations must be taken into account before beginning a proper design process. This leads us to some general principles which need due attention before starting a project. » Think before doing. Weigh up the objectives. Since certain design proposals are in themselves ethically unacceptable, before starting on a project think about its general implications. For example, do not use products which have been declared harmful or genetically modified organisms, do not design weapons, do not collaborate with companies that use child labour. » Promote variety. Protect and develop biological, socio-cultural and technical diversity. Since sustainability is practically synonymous with diversity, plan to respect existing diversity (biological, but also cultural, organisational and technological) and if possible generate new forms of diversity. For example, give greater prominence to craft products, to the development of energy systems based on different sources and to fostering multiple modes of transport. » Use what already exists. Reduce need for the new. Since we need to minimise intervention, before thinking up something new, enhance what is already exists. For example, restore infrastructure, buildings and unused products, optimise the use of things that are underused and protect or update knowledge and existing forms of organisation.
• QUALITY OF CONTEXT • By this we mean the tendency to develop solutions which promote the overall quality of contexts. In particular, solutions which imply the restoration of common assets and the promotion of an ecology of timing. This brings us to face complex issues such as our relationship with nature and food in highly artificial urban contexts, or the organisation of space in daily activities and the shared and flexible use of common assets and service infrastructure. » Give space to nature. Protect natural environments and promote ‘symbiotic nature’. A densely populated and highly artificial environment requires planned ‘natural’ spaces. We must plan systems that respect remaining natural areas and which integrate natural components innovatively into the urban fabric. For example, natural parks, urban parks and gardens, but also urban vegetable gardens and city farms; and green, leafy roofs and facades which also help maintain a steady temperature inside the buildings. » Re-naturalise food. Cultivate naturally. Develop evolutionary advanced, organic food production systems which reduce the artificial nature of our food system and make its product flow more transparent. For example, organic food production; direct, transparent distribution systems and product traceability systems. » Bring people and things together. Reduce the demand for transport. Develop low intensity transport systems to reduce the impact of mobility and reinforce the local social fabric. For example, decentralised services; point-of-sale production or consumption; neighbourhood offices for distance working. » Share tools and equipment. Reduce the demand for products. Develop systems which optimise the employment of products and systems and at the same time foster new forms of socialisation. For example, car sharing, condominium laundries, shared gardening and do-ityourself tools. 58 ı SUSTAINABLE EVERYDAY