Be green but, don't spend all your green.

Here is an object of desire for the green community. An electric moped called a Yike. Check it out on the video.



Urban transportation is a compelling design premise. The sexy Yike is steeply priced at $4500. It is also an awkward design, leading to some safety concerns. This brings me to my point. Green needs to make economic sense. A bike is $100-400...plus it gives you exercise. An electric fold up scooter like a Razor is $100-300 and can sit under your desk.

While not as sexy as a Yike, a bike or a razor makes more sense. Style vs utility is the age old battle of form follows function. Good design must marry utility, cost and desirability for it to succeed. Innovation is good but sometimes a study of the vernacular, classic or even current market place is the wisest path to pursue.

These alterenative modes of transportation radically change our needs in the built environment. The need for a parking stalls are reduced. Traffic jams are decreased. Streets become pedestrian malls or bike lanes are added. Two car garages become one car garages. Climates with snow and ice may not adapt as readily. Although, bike commuters have learned to relish their snow bike adventures.

This snapshot of life translates well into the design process. In a green home design there many such decisions. Tankless water heaters vs. solar water heaters. How much glazing, insulation... Form, function and cost are a careful balance. Good designs may follow different paths. Different clients, designers, climate and so on yield unique solutions. So be green but, don't spend all your green.