Reimagining Alternative Technology for Design in the 21st Century

Brook S. Kennedy is an industrial designer and Associate Professor in the School of Architecture, Arts and Design at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), US. There his research focuses on topics in sustainable design, materials and biodesign. Prior to Virginia Tech he spent 15 years in full time practice, including as an Associate Director at Inclusive Design pioneer Smart Design in New York City, where he helped Fortune 500 clients and start-up companies embrace the value of human-centred design processes. He has been honored with numerous international design awards from the Industrial Design Society of America, International Forum (iF), Red Dot (Best of the Best), Spark!, European Product Design Awards and the Chicago Athenaeum among others. His work has been covered in the New York Times, PBS Newshour, Fast Company, NPR and the Washington Post and has been exhibited internationally. He holds more than 20 utility and design patents and has published and exhibited internationally.

Introduction: Alternative Technology for the 21st Century 1. Why Should Alternative Technology be Reexamined? 2. The Imperfect Renaissance of the American City Street: Sidewalks, Bike Lanes and Electric Surface Transit 3. Heating and Cooling: Alternatives for Thermal Comfort 4. Daylighting Vs. Electric Lighting 5. The Hidden Costs of Domestic Upkeep 6. Return to Durable Design 7. Reimagining Design with Traditional Materials 8. Manual and Therefore Modern? 9. Manufacturing with Water, Wind and Human Power 10. Transporting Goods and People Conclusion: Alternative Principles for 21st-Century Design