Design for Good
A New Era of Architecture for Everyone
A New Era of Architecture for Everyone
280 pages
8 x 10
Book Description
"I can't recommend John Cary's book, Design for Good, highly enough. His argument...is clear and revolutionary." —Melinda Gates
“That’s what we do really: we do miracles,” said Anne-Marie Nyiranshimiyimana, who learned masonry in helping to build the Butaro Hospital, a project designed for and with the people of Rwanda using local materials. This, and other projects designed with dignity, show the power of good design. Almost nothing influences the quality of our lives more than the design of our homes, our schools, our workplaces, and our public spaces. Yet, design is often taken for granted and people don’t realize that they deserve better, or that better is even possible.
In Design for Good, John Cary offers character-driven, real-world stories about projects around the globe that offer more—buildings that are designed and created with and for the people who will use them. The book reveals a new understanding of the ways that design shapes our lives and gives professionals and interested citizens the tools to seek out and demand designs that dignify.
For too long, design has been seen as a luxury, the province of the rich, not the poor. That can no longer be acceptable to those of us in the design fields, nor to those affected by design that doesn’t consider human aspects.
From the Mulan Primary School in Guangdong, China to Kalamazoo College’s Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership, the examples in the book show what is possible when design is a collaborative, dignified, empathic process. Building on a powerful foreword by philanthropist Melinda Gates, Cary draws from his own experience as well as dozens of interviews to show not only that everyone deserves good design, but how it can be achieved. This isn’t just another book for and about designers. It’s a book about the lives we lead, inextricably shaped by the spaces and places we inhabit.
Review Quotes
"Architect and author John Cary presents 29 multinational case studies from 10 countries and seven U.S. states in which professionals allied with disenfranchised and poor people work to produce buildings and plans that serve and dignify their needs...[the book] sets an admirably high standard by conveying good news and good ideas without pretending there were no problems."
Planning
"Design for Good shows us that it is possible to build great spaces that function well for anyone and that a well-designed space really can help people to expect more for themselves."
Spacing Vancouver
"John Cary's Design for Good comes at a time when it is so important to re-instill the hope that design brings to people...This book is a must read for all."
Nature of Cities
"Design for Good draws a clear line between the spaces we inhabit and the social justice we seek. Through rich stories and breathtaking images, author John Cary makes a compelling and fresh argument that architects have an opportunity to not just build buildings, but build dignity. It's time we raise all people's expectations that they too deserve good design. The world will be a better, more just, and more equitable place for it."
Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation
"Design for Good is a visual testament to the fact that every human being has the right to live a healthy, dignified life. This beautiful book marries my own passions for design and global health leadership in a way that no other book has. More importantly, it demonstrates that designers can—and must—play a role in creating a more equitable world. The best part? It's a new generation of leaders from the Global South who are on the cutting edge of the next health revolution. If questions about the uncertain future of global health keep you up at night, this book is for you."
Barbara Bush, Co-founder & CEO, Global Health Corps
"In John Cary's remarkable book, we hear directly from the creative minds—users, clients, and, yes, designers—that came together to create 20 stunning buildings across the globe. They were brought to life by a process that we, at IDEO, call human-centered design. It's not just a buzzword; it's a way of approaching work that matters. These solutions, this book, matter deeply to a field searching for its highest calling and to a world in need of our best efforts."
Tim Brown, CEO, IDEO and author of "Change By Design"
"I can't recommend John Cary's book, Design for Good, highly enough. His argument—that everyone deserves good design—is clear and revolutionary."
Melinda Gates
Contents
Foreword by Melinda Gates
Introduction: The Dignifying Power of Design
Chapter 1: If It Can Happen Here
Chapter 2: Buildings that Heal
Chapter 3: Shelter for the Soul
Chapter 4: Spaces that Enlighten
Chapter 5: Places for Civic Life
Chapter 6: Raising Expectations
Conclusion: A Call to Expect More
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Appendix
Photography Credits
Events
Design for Good :: Boston Book Launch
Tuesday, 3 October 2017 - 5:30pm
Humanscale
34 Farnsworth Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02210
United States Join Humanscale + Bernhardt Design for the Boston launch of Design for Good: A New Era of Architecture for Everyone—author John Cary’s new book is focused on the dignifying power of design.
EVENING SCHEDULE
5:30-6:30pm: Welcome and drinks
6:30-7pm: Author remarks
7-8:30pm: Book signing and reception
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Humanscale believes that the best designs are based on purpose and function. Simplicity and ease of use are at the heart of functionality; a product's form should flow from its function, resulting in products that will feel and look as current and relevant in 20 years as they do today. Humanscale believes everything the company creates—from its factories to its products—must be self-sustaining and make a positive contribution.
Bernhardt Design was founded in 1980 by the 128-year-old Bernhardt Furniture Company and continues to be a leader and innovator in furniture design and production. During the past 15 years, President Jerry Helling has assembled an extraordinary creative team that has positioned Bernhardt Design as one of the premier international design companies with a focus on supporting future generations of designers.
Design for Good :: NYC Book Launch
Wednesday, 4 October 2017 - 6:00pm
Bernhardt Design
136 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10016
United States DESCRIPTION
Join Humanscale + Bernhardt Design for the New York launch of Design for Good: A New Era of Architecture for Everyone—author John Cary’s new book focused on the dignifying power of design.
EVENING SCHEDULE
6-7pm: Welcome and drinks
7-7:30pm: Author remarks
7:30-8:30pm: Book signing and reception
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Humanscale believes that the best designs are based on purpose and function. Simplicity and ease of use are at the heart of functionality; a product's form should flow from its function, resulting in products that will feel and look as current and relevant in 20 years as they do today. Humanscale believes everything the company creates—from its factories to its products—must be self-sustaining and make a positive contribution.
Bernhardt Design was founded in 1980 by the 128-year-old Bernhardt Furniture Company and continues to be a leader and innovator in furniture design and production. During the past 15 years, President Jerry Helling has assembled an extraordinary creative team that has positioned Bernhardt Design as one of the premier international design companies with a focus on supporting future generations of designers.
The event will be held in Bernhardt Design’s flagship NY showroom at 136 Madison Avenue. Consisting of white monochromatic tones with natural light throughout the perimeter, the expansive 20,000 sqft. space provides a blank canvas to a focus on the furniture displayed in a gallery setting.
Design for Good :: SF Book Launch
Thursday, 5 October 2017 - 5:30pm
David Baker Architects
461 2nd Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
United States DESCRIPTION
Join David Baker Architects for the San Francisco launch of Design for Good: A New Era of Architecture for Everyone—author John Cary’s new book focused on the dignifying power of design.
EVENING SCHEDULE
5:30-6:30pm: Welcome and drinks
6:30-7pm: Author remarks
7-8:30pm: Book signing and reception
ABOUT THE HOST
David Baker Architects is a progressive architecture firm located in San Francisco and Oakland that creates acclaimed buildings in urban environments. Like many of the projects in Design for Good, including the firm's Lakeside Senior Apartments, DBA has a passion for and deep understanding of the power of humane and respectful environments to transform neighborhoods and elevate the lives of individuals and families.
Design for Good :: Chicago Book Launch
Wednesday, 11 October 2017 - 5:30pm
Archeworks
625 N. Kingsbury Street
Chicago, IL 60654
United States DESCRIPTION
Join Archeworks and Humanscale + Bernhardt for the Chicago launch of Design for Good: A New Era of Architecture for Everyone—author John Cary’s new book, focused on the dignifying power of design.
EVENING SCHEDULE
5:30-6:30pm: Welcome and refreshments
6:30-7pm: Author remarks
7-8:30pm: Book signing and networking
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Humanscale believes that the best designs are based on purpose and function. Simplicity and ease of use are at the heart of functionality; a product's form should flow from its function, resulting in products that will feel and look as current and relevant in 20 years as they do today. Humanscale believes everything the company creates—from its factories to its products—must be self-sustaining and make a positive contribution.
Bernhardt Design was founded in 1980 by the 128-year-old Bernhardt Furniture Company and continues to be a leader and innovator in furniture design and production. During the past 15 years, President Jerry Helling has assembled an extraordinary creative team that has positioned Bernhardt Design as one of the premier international design companies with a focus on supporting future generations of designers.
Archeworks is a Chicago-based design lab, educator, and media outlet dedicated to using design as an agent of change in the public interest.
CreativeMornings SF with John Cary
Friday, 22 September 2017 - 8:30am
Instacart
50 Beale Street
11th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States An architect by training, John Cary has devoted his career to expanding the practice of design for the public good. Due out next month, John’s forthcoming book is titled Design for Good: A New Era of Architecture for Everyone. With a foreword by Melinda Gates and designed by Paula Scher of Pentagram, the book showcases 20 extraordinary building projects from around the world. It makes the case that everyone deserves good design, and celebrates design centered around compassion, empathy, and dignity.
John’s first book was The Power of Pro Bono: 40 Stories About Design for the Public Good by Architects and Their Clients. His writing on design, philanthropy, and fatherhood has appeared in the New York Times, on CNN.com, and in numerous other publications. John works as a philanthropic and strategic advisor to an array of foundations and nonprofits around the world, and he frequently curates and hosts events for The Aspen Institute, TED, and other thought leadership organizations. Deeply committed to diversifying the public stage, he is a founding partner in FRESH Speakers, a next-generation speakers bureau that represents young women and people of color.
A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, John completed his graduate work at UC Berkeley. He is a fellow of the American Academy in Rome, a resident of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center, and a three-time commencement speaker, among other honors. John lives in a cohousing community in Oakland, with his wife, author Courtney E. Martin, and their two daughters. He is an avid marathon runner and photographer. John drives a vintage VW Bus in his favorite color, orange, and recently built a ridiculously intricate Lego model of it, which was a lot harder than it may sound!
Design for Good :: Twin Cities Book Launch
Friday, 13 October 2017 - 10:30am
Milkweed Books
1011 S Washington Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55415
United States DESCRIPTION
Join Milkweed Books and On Being Executive Producer Lily Percy for the Twin Cities launch of Design for Good: A New Era of Architecture for Everyone—author John Cary’s new book on the dignifying power of design.
The event will take place in the Target Performance Hall at the Open Book, the nation's largest literary arts center and home of Milkweed Books.
EVENING SCHEDULE
5:30-6pm: Welcome
6-7pm: Author interview with Lily Percy, Executive Producer of On Being
7-8pm: Book signing and reception
ABOUT THE HOST
Milkweed Books is a part of Milkweed Editions, an independent publisher of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Milkweed Books showcases and sells titles primarily published by independent presses, nonprofit presses, and other publishers working to bring the most exciting literary art to the marketplace. If you want to find the best new poetry, experimental or creative nonfiction, short stories, or translations, this is the bookstore for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
An architect by training, author John Cary has devoted his career to expanding the practice of design for the public good. Design for Good is John's second book, and his writing on design, philanthropy, and fatherhood appears in The New York Times and on CNN.com, among many other publications. John works as an advisor to TED, The Aspen Institute, and other foundations and nonprofits around the world.
John Cary at San Francisco SPUR
Tuesday, 27 March 2018 - 12:30pm
SPUR Urban Center
654 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-4015
United States When design becomes a collaborative and empathic process, buildings and places can be greater than simply components of the built environment. However, design is often taken for granted, and many people don’t realize that something better is possible. In Design for Good, John Cary spotlights real-world solutions from around the globe that illustrate how the spaces and places we inhabit inextricably shape our lives. Join the author for a discussion about how we can achieve truly good design. Co-presented by Island Press.
Webinar: Design for Good: A Conversation between Erin Barnes and John Cary
Wednesday, 13 February 2019 - 12:00pm
Almost everything around us was designed by someone; our homes, schools, workplaces, and nearly every imaginable public space. Design is everywhere and, for better or for worse, it shapes the quality of our lives.
In this free webinar, Erin Barnes, co-founder and CEO of ioby (in our backyards), and John Cary, author of Design for Good will explore how to design our homes, buildings, and public spaces to be accountable to diverse communities, respond to our everyday needs, and improve our quality of life. We’ll see why building civic participation and growing resident leadership must be center-pieces of designing for the collective good. You’ll hear about examples of neighborhood projects that illustrate the power of collaboration.
Blogs
Designs that Dignify: Photos from Design for Good
In his inspiring new book Design for Good, award-winning designer and entrepreneur John Cary offers character-driven, real-world stories about the power of designs that dignify. Beautifully designed in full color with stunning photos that capture the spirit of the places—and people—they represent, Design for Good is a triumphant look at the power of dignifying design. From Atlanta to Angdong, Dallas to Dhaka, Design for Good features 20 projects from around the world that show not only how dignified design can elevate and empower communities, but also show how it can be achieved.
Check out some of the photos from the book below, and order your copy of Design for Good today.
#ForewordFriday: Dignified Design Edition
Well-designed spaces are not just a matter of taste or a question of aesthetics; they literally shape our ideas about who we are and what we deserve. Design impacts our health, our education, our community, our sense of self-worth, and more, yet all-too-often design is viewed as a luxury. To address critical problems of access and inequity at home and around the world, good design must transcend the endless coverage of multi-million dollar homes and Silicon Valley office spaces to become a key means of uplifting those who need it most.
In his inspiring new book Design for Good, award-winning designer and entrepreneur John Cary offers character-driven, real-world stories about the power of designs that dignify. Beautifully designed in full color with stunning photos that capture the spirit of the places—and people—they represent, Design for Good is a triumphant look at the power of dignifying design.
An uplifting call-to-action, Design for Good challenges designers and interested citizens to seek out and demand designs that dignify. As philanthropist Melinda Gates observes in the book’s foreword, “Great design is not a finite resource; it is a choice we can all make by listening more, empathizing more, and demanding more for humanity. [These stories] call on us all to insist that even in the face of scarcity and suffering, there must always be room for dignity.”
Check out an excerpt from the book below.
2017 Holiday Gift Guide
This holiday season, consider the Icelandic tradition of gifting books. They don't go bad, are one-size-fits-all, and are sure to make anyone on your shopping list smile.With a library of more than 1,000 books, make Island Press your one-stop shop for book buying, so you can get back to enjoying the holidays. To help you out, we've compiled a list of staff selections and mentions on various best-of lists.
Get any of these books at your favorite neighborhood bookstore or online retailer!
For the health nut in your life – Whitewash
Let me just say I am unequivocally a health nut; I am definitely that friend who will straight up say “you so should not eat, it is so unhealthy for you.” So If you have a friend or family member that is kind of like me and cares about the kind of food and chemicals they put in their body; Carey Gillam Whitewash is the book to have! This riveting number exposes just how far one company is willing to go to line their pockets while showing total disregard for public health and safety. You think you know what is being sprayed on your food, well this book is here to say think again!
Whitewash is aslo one of Civil Eats' Favorite Food and Farming Books of 2017
For the Lego lover in your life – Design for Good
What good is building something if it doesn’t help the people it’s build for? In John Cary’s Design for Good, readers are presented with colorful, character-driven stories about project around that are designed with dignity in mind. Did we mention it also contains a ton of drool-worthy photos of architecture?
Design for Good is aslo featured on the San Francisco Chronicle's 2017 holiday books gift guide. Check it out!
For the peacekeeper in your life – The Spirit of Dialogue
Know someone who always serves as the conflict resolver for your friends or family? Give them some new ideas of masterful mediation with The Spirit of Dialogue which draws lessons from a diversity of faith traditions to transform conflict. Whether atheist or fundamentalist, Muslim or Jewish, Quaker or Hindu, any reader involved in difficult dialogue will find concrete steps towards meeting of souls.
For the history buff in your life – Toms River
Toms River recounts the sixty-year saga that plagued this small New Jersey town. Your history-loving friend will meet industrial polluters and the government regulators who enabled them, the pioneering scientists who first identified pollutants as a cause of cancer, and the brave individuals who fought for justice. Longtime journalist Dan Fagin won the Pulitzer Prize for this page-turner, and gives us all a reason to think twice about what’s lurking in the water.
For the person in your life who thinks the environmental movement is made up of white outdoorsmen (or for the person in your life who thinks that the environmental movements doesn’t include them) – Energy Democracy
Energy Democracy frames the international struggle of working people, low-income communities, and communities of color to take control of energy resources from the energy establishment and use those resources to empower their communities—literally providing energy, economically, and politically. The diverse voices in this book show that the global fight to save the planet—to conserve and restore our natural resources to be life-sustaining—must fully engage community residents and must change the larger economy to be sustainable, democratic, and just.
For the lazy environmentalist in your life – Design Professionals Guide to Zero-Net Energy Building
We all know someone who really means well and cares about the environment, but cannot be bothered to change his lifestyle. With the Design Professionals Guide to Zero-Net Energy Building, you can introduce the zero-net energy building, which offers a practical and cost-effective way to address climate change without compromising quality of life.
For the foodie in your life – No One Eats Alone
For your favorite gourmand, give the gift of No One Eats Alone, an exploration of how to deepen connections to our food sources and to our own communities. Through over 250 interviews, Michael Carolan shows concerned food citizens opportunities for creating a more equitable and sustainable foodscape
For the conservation warrior in your life – Nature’s Allies
Worried about the state of nature in our divided world? Or know someone who is? Nature’s Allies is a refreshing antidote to helplessness and inertia. Within its pages Larry Nielsen brings alive stories of brave men and women around the world who have responded to the conservation crises of their time by risking their reputations, well-being, and even lives to stand up for nature when no one else would do so. These stories provide inspiration for a new generation of conservationists to step up in the face of adversity and challenge social and environmental injustice occurring today—and to assure them that they can make a difference by speaking out. This year, give a holiday gift of courage and inspiration: Nature’s Allies.
For the traveler in your life – Let Them Eat Shrimp
This book brings to life the importance of mangroves. Mangroves have many jobs: protecting coastlines, acting as nurseries for all kinds of fish, provide livlihoods and food for people. Kennedy Warne dives into the muddy waters of the mangrove world and shares the stories of the people who depend on them. The book is both a well-written travelogue and exploration of the science of the mangroves ecological service they provide.
Don't just take our word for it, check out these best-of lists:
For the nature-in-cities lover in your life – Handbook of Biophilic City Planning & Design
Featured on the ASLA's The Dirt Best Books of 2017
For the bike lover in your life – Bike Boom
One of Planetizen's Best Books of 2017 and one of the four books in Bicycle Times' Gift Guide Cycling Enthusiast
Design For Good — A Podcast Interview With John Cary
In this episode in our series of Urban Resilience Project (URP) podcasts in partnership with Infinite Earth Radio, host Mike Hancox interviews John Cary, author of Design for Good: A New Era of Architecture for Everyone. In the episode, John explores the dignifying power of design and the importance of human-driven architecture.
Says Cary:
"Great design is more of a process than a product — a process that honors the users of that space, the organizations that are supported by that space and ultimately makes people feel valued."
Highlighting character-driven, real-world examples from his book, John shows not only that everyone deserves good design, but how it can be achieved.
Listen to the episode below. You can also download the episode on iTunes and Stitcher.
The Infinite Earth Radio podcast is a weekly podcast produced by Skeo in association with the Local Government Commission.
Check out our entire series of podcasts on urban resilience topics HERE.
