The view from 384,560 km

March 1, 2009 | Bruce N. Wright

As the Eames’ camera pulls back from the image of the earth at a rate of a kilometer per second, we soon discover (in less than a minute!) how relatively insignificant the earth really is in relation to our galaxy, the universe and everything.* Eames’ image of the earth seen from outer space mimicked the “Whole Earth Catalog” cover with it’s NASA photo of the earth seen from the surface of the Moon, and supported the era’s optimistic outlook on the future.

With the Eames’ film, we have a highly effective tool for understanding the relationship of scale and measurements. And since the moon landing, our daily dose of images by weather satellites of the earth’s atmosphere (a planetary “health assessment” so to speak) reminds us how fragile it can seem.

This is the International Year of Astronomy and with all the related activities around the world, we are again reminded of how insignificant our blue planet is in respect to “out there.” As I write this, 2009 will mark a significant shift in the world’s understanding of the importance of buildings in influencing our planet’s health. It is worth repeating here that of all the major sources of human activity contributing to global warming, buildings and building construction can claim more than 40% of the total.

In the spirit of minimizing our carbon footprint, might I suggest the theme of this issue’s feature stories — temporary and transportable buildings — may inspire you to consider a temporary structure for your next project. Does your client’s building really need to be built with so-called “permanent” materials? Will the building’s initial function or intended purpose be around in 30 years? How about 20, even 10 years? With the rapidity of societal change we are experiencing throughout the world, the idea of a permanent building for a specific function comes increasingly into question. Take a look at the examples we’ve collected here, and see if they don’t challenge your usual assumptions about “permanent construction.” The view of the future from here is inspiring.

*Find more on this phenomenal film at www.powersof10.com.

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