INSIGHT

When it comes to discussing the future of libraries, words get in the way. More accurately, books full of words (and rooms full of books) get in the way.

On a recent winter’s day, stretched parallelograms of sunshine track slowly across the bamboo floor of my renovated kitchen, marking time’s slow passage.

Last week, and only four days apart, two major league baseball pitchers performed the rare feat of throwing a zero hitter. Their performances – and the publicity they generated – proves the power of zero to capture the public’s imagination (as well as a certain victory).

Every product claims to be “green” these days. You can eat chips out of “biodegradable” bags, swaddle your infant in “pure and natural” diapers or buy doll accessories made from scrap and recycled materials.

Talk is cheap, but building is not. Some of you have asked me to stop talking about building small and show an example of a small, sustainable home. Fair enough.

A handy, if unauthorized, subtitle for the New York State Building Code might be “The Absolute Least You Can Do Without Breaking The Law”.

Gift examples demonstrating the principles that will titillate your Inner Architect.

It makes solid, long-term sense to invest downtown. Why? Because that’s where the future is.