HOPES 15

The annual HOPES (Holistic Options for Planet Earth Sustainability) conference, founded by the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts, works to promote a deeper understanding and broader application of sustainable design principles. Today, it remains the country's only ecological design conference developed and managed entirely by students.

This year's conference will be held April 2-5 in Lawrence Hall, on the University of Oregon campus. The four-day, interdisciplinary conference will feature internationally recognized keynote speakers, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, a 24-hour design charrette, local food, and many other activities.

The conference theme, "Thinking Small," calls for focus in the face of massive change. It reminds us to consider the details and impacts of our actions when we are thinking big – to listen to the quiet voices, and accomplish our visions incrementally. Attend the conference to contemplate the meaning of "local" and "appropriate," to ponder the ripple effect, and to examine nanotechnology and microclimates.

This year's keynote speakers include:

• Steven Kellert: Professor, Social Ecology and Co-Director, Hixon Center for Urban Ecology, Yale University; Partner, Environmental Capital Partners; Author, "Biophillic Design" and "Building For Life"
• Bill Wilkinson, AICP: Former Director, National Center for Walking and Biking; Founder, International Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conferences; Former Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Coordinator, U.S. Department of Transportation
• Anna Maria Orru: Architect, Exploration Architecture, London; Researcher, Arup Global Foresight and Innovation; Collaborator with Grimshaw, Anne Thorne Architects Partnership, and Shigeru Ban
• Tony Brown: Founder and Director, Ecosa Institute; Designer, Cosanti Foundation; Architect and Illustrator To find out more and register for the conference, check out the HOPES website at http://hopes.uoregon.edu/.

Help plant the tiny seeds to grow the revolutionary change!