I’ve just returned from my third year in Hale County Alabama as a advisor at Project M. The brainchild of John Bielenberg, Project M is a global design movement that promotes positive change. This year eleven young designers were hand selected by Mr. Bielenberg and are currently spending an entire month in Greensboro Alabama. They share a small house with single bedroom. Being the middle of summer temperatures easily hit 100+ degrees daily with little relief at night.
Creative professionals visit throughout the month to serve as advisors, they help guide and inspire the young designers in their quest to create a project that will ultimately benefit the greater good.
In the past, Project M has spawned urban gardens, helped save rain forests, and brought water to poor rural families. Last year a permanent design lab was established in Greensboro with rotating designers. This led to “PieLab”, a neutral place for locals and designers to connect and discuss issues that might lead to potential projects, while enjoying a slice of pie.
Project M was inspired by the late Samuel Mockbee and the Rural Studios which is also centered in Greensboro, AL. Part of the architecture program at Auburn University, the Rural Studios creates housing that's not only affordable for the rural poor but it's also modern, world class architecture.
Each time I participate in Project M, I come away with a renewed sense of the power design can have on all of us. The same power that motivates us to consume objects, eat fast food, and watch bad TV, can also be harnessed to change a life, improve a town, or possibly save the world. Yes, It’s that inspiring!
Downtown Greensboro, AL
M/PieLab
Greensboro Opera house tour
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