Nature is Good Design

The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia is sponsoring the first annual Advanced Architecture Contest under the following theory: We believe that housing - where human inhabitation takes place - should take its cues from the trees: it should be tied harmoniously to the surrounding environment, taking only the indispensable resources (energy, water, etc.) and generating recyclable waste that follows natural cycles.

It's a good theory and one that should be on the minds of not only architects, but us regular folk, who may find ourselves searching for new ways to live within the bounds of nature, sure, but also within the realm of good taste and high design.

For more information on the contest and where to follow up on all the great ideas that are sure to come from it, go to www.advancedarchitecturecontest.org.