THE END OF SUBURBIA

In America in 1946 new system of habitation called SUBURBIA became revolutionary thanks to cheap oil.  Cheaper than water! So everyone wanted it! Unfortunately many Americans seeking this suburban dream life invested in no future and although this way of life gave sense of security it created the need for further oil extractions and its drastic reduction. More cars appeared on the roads as people had to travel miles and miles to work in the city. Highways were built making suburban life possible– and at what cost??

In 2003 in Canada itself 50 million people were affected by the blackout, causing havoc but did people really took it seriously?? Well, politicians, people with power fail to address oil depletion and the consequences caused by its misuse or abuse.

I wonder if it is too late to reverse the situation???! I don’t think young generation understands the consequences of our doings. Some might say that this change is god’s doing! Well, to me it seems like an excuse not to act. We are responsible for our own actions. And it is our responsibility as parents, teachers and scientists, (I have no hope in politicians!!..nor god) to MAKE every human understand  what is really happening to our planet.

Green Design is definitely a way to go! Ideas about returning to traditional way of living like: growing our own vegetables and fruits, walking rather than using cars - to some it is an alien experience. But collectively we can make a positive impact on our environment.

This documentary urges: STOP SUBURBAN WAY OF LIVING! Truly, we can’t live like that anymore. But will we be able to function without the unnecessary commodities? Will people become unemployed because they are car dependant? Or would we pay more attention to how we use energy to save our planet? Perhaps we will able to grow closer and be neighbors again. 

Making things happen locally will help global situation. 

We need to raise greater awareness and we as designers will make great impact on the change so huge responsibility rests on us.

Quite interestingly future generation looking back on our times might think of us as irresponsible silly people who lived according to their selfish desires...quite a thought!