Making next generation infrastructure possible through design

What is it about?

This article argues for a turn away from sustainable development, which is a growth for the sake of growth kind of model, and towards strategies such as infrastructural opportunism, which leverage on-going investment for greater social and environmental gains. Using two research and design-based case studies, one in St. Louis and one in the Southwest Sun Corridor, this article explores how alternative metrics, mapping, and studio design work can lead to more aspirational, next generation infrastructure projects.

Featured Image

Photo by Jesse Collins on Unsplash

Photo by Jesse Collins on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The US has billions of dollars of infrastructure repair and replacement needs; interdisciplinary teams of designers can intervene in the process, shift the paradigm, and change the prototype to make more productive, socially conscious and adaptable alternatives that provide for the public realm.