Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful local event. Put on by the USGBC California Central Coast Chapter, or C4, it was an art show highlighting green building and design. I haven't heard of too many projects doing this, at least locally, and it seemed to fit very well with the Santa Barbara crowd.

Half of the works on display were finalists from our local entries submitted to the Natural Talent Design Competition. This is put on by the USGBC to challenge emerging professionals to come up with great sustainable designs. This year's topic is focused on the rebuilding of New Orleans, specifically within the Broadmoor neighborhood, and a few finalists picked from all over the US will be sent to Greenbuild to be showcased. The other half on display was a cube decorated on all sides with architectural renderings, drawings, and photographs of building and design from all over the world.

What struck me the most as I walked around was the notion that each and every entry served as a piece of art. The way designers and architects blend colors and shapes to create the very same buildings we applaud for sustainable efforts is quite amazing to look at. This was the first event of its kind for C4 and I believe it will turn into an annual occasion. Support seemed very strong for this kind of showcase and in the end I learned that by pursuing these works as creative pieces, it makes it more accessible in a way to the public.

Anyone can read about and listen to information covering green design but then get bogged down in the details. When pictures and drawings are introduced, highlighting pieces with color and shading, it really sends a strong message that allows the viewer to take something with them. 

Do you know of any great examples like this of ways to present education regarding green building and design?