(A lot like what the Indianapolis Island residents are going to experience in the IMA’s 100 Acres: Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park).

There’s an architect who’s long advocated for the domestic pleasures and greater sustainability possible with smaller, well-crafted homes: Sarah Susanka, author of the Not So Big House series of books.  She speaks at The Toby this Thursday, May 20 at 7 pm, as part of the IMA’s Planet Indy speaker series.

In advance of her Indy visit, I asked Sarah a few questions about her ideas:

What is the relationship between good design and sustainability?

In my books, they go hand in hand.  I believe that anything that is well-designed will stand the test of time and will sustain the inhabitant.  The wise use of both energy and monetary resources is a core element of good design.

How do you create desire for small instead of big?

I talk to people and work with people at all ends of the spectrum–people who want 600 sq. ft. homes and those who want 6,000 sq ft.  I’ve tried to offer the tools they really need to evaluate their decision.  When people are focused on high square footages, there is usually some “keeping up with the Joneses” going on.  I tell these clients: “How about having the coolest house, not the biggest?”  I help people “right-size” their homes.

What about modular homes?

The pre-fab industry is learning how to make better a house than the typical modular home currently on the market.  But a small house doesn’t have to be a cheap house.  You don’t buy a Porsche because it’s big – the point is that it’s beautifully made.  I believe that if we could look into the future we would find that many houses are going to be made through a manufacturing process.  The art of the home will be greatly enhanced and tailored onsite, but basic form will be delivered.

Manufactured Housing

What projects are you working on now?  What trends do you see?

My latest book [published March 2010] is More Not So Big Solutions For Your Home, about doing more with less space.  And we’re developing a line of houses for the builder market, for the people who build suburbia.  Some of them are gung-ho about building smaller houses, but you can’t just shrink a big one and make it livable.  We need to take their simple-to-build houses and make them a whole lot more interesting to live in.

A longer version of this interview will appear in the June-July issue of Indiana Living Green magazine.

The campaign includes Russian Communist inspired artwork on limited-edition bags, window displays, catalogs and an in-store presentation, all hitting stores on March 12.

Saks' Spring campaign

The campaign is inspired by the bold graphic designs and propaganda tone of Constructivist art. Though a controversial move, Saks sure could use the attention. The luxury retailer has felt the recession’s sting, recently announcing a $98.8 million loss.

Smart move, Saks. After all, Fairey has developed into one of the most influential street artists of our time. Despite the cloud of controversy surrounding him, his work can now be seen in museums and galleries, graphic design, signature apparel, and now: your favorite upscale department store.

Shepard Fairey

Terron E. Schaefer, the senior vice president of marketing at Saks recently said, “What we do every day, really, is propaganda.” Read the whole article at NYTimes.com. Pretty fierce stuff, but this could definitely be seen by Fairey’s fans as a major sell-out move. What do you think?

Obsessed with well-designed packaging and everyday objects? Check out some related links I found:

• The Dieline is chock full of fresh ideas in package design. From the latest soda bottle concept, to clever music packaging- critique a design or suggest your own.
  

  Wine bottles by Let it Grow

• Looking for a chic fly swatter or watering can with as much form as it has function? Check out the new Design Center online or here at the IMA.

Dr. Skud Flyswatter- $20

• On May 14^th, you can meet film director Gary Hustwit (Helvetica) and see his latest documentary, Objectified,  about the creative process of product design. The film features designers who shape our manufactured environment and our interfaces with mass-produced objects including the people behind IKEA furniture and the iPod.

Objectified movie poster