Sustainability Solutions

For designers frustrated when discussing sustainability strategies with ill-informed peers, there is a (free) resolution.

“Matrix by Callison” (matrix.callison.com) is a sustainable design planning tool previously used internally by Seattle-based firm Callison that was recently published online. How does it work?

When one opens the Matrix tab on its website, a list of icons appear, each representing different sustainable design approaches for commercial, residential and retail projects. After one is chosen, a submenu lists how much it would cost or save; the benefits and drawbacks; and the process of getting started, etc. Complementary strategies are linked from the submenu, showing other coinciding approaches. Afterward, the user can download their research via the Your Book tab.

Matthias Olt, designer for Callison and creator of the tool, explains that users learn about green practices by drawing connections between strategies, and can use the website to present ideas to clients.

“There is a need to convey the complexities of sustainable design so it becomes understandable and tangible,” says Olt, who has 20 years of design experience. “I thought, ‘What if the design industry had something to help professionals or clients … speak about sustainable design?’ Now the world has access to a one-stop shop.”