APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY

Saturday 9 APRIL 2022 9am – 5pm

Usually early April – Saturday 9am – 5pm

Central Auckland

TUTOR – Ron Sperber

Modern civilisation has resolute faith in its own ability to design and develop new technologies to resolve any and all contemporary environmental, social and economic issues. In this workshop participants will explore the relationship between technology and the development of human culture, the nature of appropriate technology and the link between energy and technology. Students will be taught about New Zealand’s ‘energyscape’ and its infrastructure, the key principles of small-scale energy generation, the importance of resource management to long-term energy security and design strategies for achieving this. This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in appropriate and innovative technology and concerned about energy security in New Zealand and the Auckland bioregion.

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction to – Technology and culture; Examples of appropriate technologies – high tech and low tech solutions, ecological and climate appropriate design and application; Sources and use of energy in New Zealand; Energy production – solar, wind, geothermal, micro hydro; Energy storage; Systems maintenance; Site specific and community based systems; and Practical design activity.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Develop an understanding of the role and influence of technology in human culture and society
• Develop an understanding of the relationship between energy and technology
• Identify issues and opportunities related to energy generation and the transition towards greater energy resilience
• Apply the day’s learning to a practical design activity
• Identify opportunities and challenges to applying today’s learning

LINKS + REFERENCE MATERIAL

• New Zealand Energyscape
• Massive change
• Design for the Other 90%
• Pachamama Alliance
• The Citizen-Powered Energy Handbook: Community Solutions to a Global Crisis
  GREG PAHL, 2007
• Grey World, Green Heart
  ROBERT THAYER, 1993