Can design save the world?  Next time you’re busy Googling (yes, it’s a real word) type in the phrase “Design can save the world.”  Apparently back in 1998 someone had the audacity to wear a t-shirt proclaiming so.  It created quite a vitriolic backlash – and the heading above (and another version of the t-shirt).  I can’t remember how I stumbled across this recently :-)

In 2013 Kayne West said the world can be saved through design, and more infamously that “everything needs to actually be architected.”  Obviously I’m a fan of design and architects and strongly believe in the power of our built environment to nurture us,  inspire us, and bring us together.  But saving the world?

No.  Design won’t save the world.  But nor will love, or volunteering at a soup kitchen.  But that doesn’t make any of those things less important.  And nor are any of them mutually exclusive.

Which reminds me – another thing that won’t save the world – haters!

Update – just read a quote (don’t know when/where) from David Carson (American graphic designer) “Graphic design will save the world right after rock and roll does.”

Why pay to get this delivered from the US?  Wouldn’t it be easier to buy the code that you then feed into your own printer – or the one at the local library, or M10.

Of course, if you can’t wait and want one of these now, visit Chris Milnes Etsy shop.  The 6 inch version (that’s 15 cm) is only $38.77NZD + $15USD to get here.  According to Etsy he’s had over 17oo sales (Batman isn’t the only option)

More interesting – the modelling credit goes to contributors at MakerBot’s Thingiverse  – a thriving design community for discovering, making, and sharing 3D printable things.  They’ve got over 100,000 3D models available.  WARNING – you can spend quite a bit of time on this site.

Confession – I don’t actually want a 3D printer.  At least not just yet, but I know the day will come when I will – and it’s getting closer :-)