[SustainableTompkins] Dr. John Todd Wins 2008 Buckminster Fuller Challenge

[Rachel Treichler]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, visit: http://challenge.bfi.org
Contact: Matt Barron, Tel: 718.290.9283, Email: challenge at bfi.org

THE FIRST ANNUAL BUCKMINSTER FULLER CHALLENGE WINNER ANNOUNCED
MAY 2nd, 2008 NEW YORK CITY —

The Buckminster Fuller Institute is pleased to announce that
Comprehensive Design for a Carbon Neutral World: The Challenge of
Appalachia submitted by Dr. John Todd has been selected as the winner
of the 2008 Buckminster Fuller Challenge.

“Dr. John Todd’s comprehensive design strategy to bring about acarbon
neutral world, in the opinion of this jury, best embodies the bold,
visionary approach to large scale societal transformation pioneered by
Buckminster Fuller. Dr. Todd’s proposal sets forth a profound vision
to heal the environmental and economic scars of the Appalachian region
and a detailed strategy to build a dynamic sustainable economic basis
for lasting renewal,” said the Buckminster Fuller Challenge jurors in
a statement about their decision.

“Dr. Todd’s vision sets forth a new theory of ecological design
weaving together a set of processes - from restoration of land to
geo-sequestration of carbon, to community involvement, to long-term
economic vitality - to create a blueprint for a future for Appalachia
that envisions a harmonious self-sustaining community. This is one of
the only true whole systems projects that is place based but widely
applicable.” To read the full statement by the jury,
visit:http://challenge.bfi.org

Allegra Fuller Snyder, Fuller’s daughter, remarked, “My father
identified himself as a Comprehensive Anticipatory Design Scientist.
Each word is essential to understanding in what way he felt an
individual must be competent to be effective in fully implementing
constructive visions for our collective planetary future. John Todd’s
response meets that Challenge, literally and figuratively. My father,
who knew, and admired, Dr. Todd’s work in the 1970s, would certainly
agree.”

“The selection by the jury of Dr. Todd’s project sets the bar for the
Challenge for years to come. We are thrilled the jury selected a
courageous and truly integrated vision that sets forth a detailed
strategy to bring about a vibrant and life-sustaining future. The
depth and breadth of this vision is stunning and I hope it becomes a
catalyst for reflection and lively discussion across disciplines about
contemporary approaches to solving the major issues facing us today,”
said Elizabeth Thompson, Executive Director of the Buckminster Fuller
Institute.

In addition to selecting the winner, the jury also identified two
runners-up for their innovative work. The Barefoot College submitted
by Bunker Roy was selected as the first runner-up and Promoting Biogas
and Training Bedouin Women submitted by Kevin Leopold was selected as
the second runner-up.

The winner will receive a $100,000 prize at a press conference and
conferring ceremony June 23rd, 2008 at 2pm at The Center for
Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place in New York City.

For more information, visit http://challenge.bfi.org

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