At the forefront of today's struggle to reduce consumption, learn about Zurich's plan at the exhibition Smarter Living: The 2,000-Watt Society, which closes this Sunday, March 11. The exhibition illustrates the goal and the current plan of sustainable construction in Zurich, and demonstrates the diverse range of possible solutions.

On February 15, we were delighted to host architect Umberto Dindo, Principal of Dindo Architect P.C in New York City. Umberto was born and educated in Switzerland and was contacted by the Swiss Consulate to speak about the exhibition and Zurich's commitment to sustainability. Umberto explained that Zurich citizens voted to decrease energy use in 2008, approving a referendum that set the goal of reducing energy consumption by each person from the current 6,500 watt to 2,000 watt by 2050. Both new construction buildings and renovations in Zurich are made to be more efficient and low energy, intended to give architects, investors and contractors the courage and desire to continue on this path, and to invite them to accept the vision of the 2,000-watt society.

This exhibition illustrates 18 projects that take different approaches to sustainable architecture with complex technical solutions and clever references to traditional construction methods in small and large projects, retro fitting old housing stock, and new urban developments. What is being done today needs to be part of the future. In Switzerland, "Green" is no longer an option, it's the Law!

Be sure to check out this exhibition before it closes on March 11, and be sure to check out GMD's upcoming exhibitions.

By Jenny Parker: Goldstein Museum of Design Graduate Assistant,
MFA candidate in Graphic Design and Museum Studies