2011 OWA Retreat
16 - 18 September 2011, Westerbeke Ranch, Sonoma, California
sustaining places: less is more
Creating sustaining places that are beautiful, egalitarian, healthy, and resourceful is the theme for this year's retreat. Smaller is greener. Christie Coffin will talk on six design strategies that support sustainable, people friendly place making. Frugal planning and design can save energy and reduce construction costs, freeing budget dollars for attractive low carbon features. Central to the discussion will be evaluating the benefits of sustainable design concepts from the client's perspective in the context of proliferating green rating systems.
For attendees who missed her excellent presentation earlier this year, Jean Hansen will reprise her talk on healthier building products, toxic substances to avoid and practical strategies for specifying safer products. This is a bonus session in addition to the main program.
We invite you to send us (or bring) pictures of your work that illustrate earth friendly, people friendly places and construction details. We will organize your submittals to facilitate lively discussion about moving gracefully toward a carbon neutral world. Send jpg's or PPT slides to christie@dpsf.com (10MB max).
art project: Everyday materials will be transformed into works of art and craft in the annual art project.
fun with movement and centering: This year an instructor of the Alexander Technique will introduce this approach to movement and alignment.
Saturday night music: There will be a live musical performance and dancing on Saturday night.
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