About HOPES

Since its creation in 1995, the EDC's HOPES (Holistic Options for Planet Earth Sustainability) conference has remained the only ecological design conference developed and managed by students. Held every year in April, HOPES works to promote the deeper understanding and broader application of sustainable design principles.

Over the past ten years, the conference has brought such luminaries as Shigeru Ban, Sim Van der Ryn, Samuel Mockbee, James Hubbel, Angela Danadijieva, Michael Pyatok, Steve Badanes, Richard Register, David Orr, John Schaeffer and Clare Cooper Marcus to the University of Oregon campus.

HOPES features:

  • nationally recognized keynote speakers
  • expert panel discussions
  • hands-on workshops
  • green business expo
  • 24-hour design charrette
  • environmental art
  • and more!

About the EDC

The relationship between the built and natural worlds must be sustainable. The Ecological Design Center believes designers should pioneer this relationship. The EDC seeks to educate and inspire University of Oregon design students to have the awareness, sensitivity, and expertise to lead the community toward sustainability. While the EDC's focus is in the design disciplines, we welcome interested students and community members of all fields.

Our mission is to:

  • Advocate for an interdisciplinary ecological design curriculum for AAA students,
  • Cultivate networking opportunities for AAA students with professionals practicing sustainable design of the built environment,
  • Create a forum for ecological design dialogue through the HOPES conference, traditional and digital publications, and on-going events,
  • Advocate for and implement ecological planning and design on the University of Oregon campus and Eugene community.

Our sponsors

In addition to the EDC's funding through the Associated Students of the University of Oregon and the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts, the HOPES conference receives sponsorships from various businesses and organizations in the community.

Thank you to this year's conference sponsors:

  • Associated Students of University of Oregon (ASUO)
  • UO School of Architecture & Allied Arts
  • Eugene Water and Electric Board
  • Ninkasi Brewing
  • Valley River Inn
  • Bring Recycling
  • PIVOT Architecture
  • Café Mam
  • Lane County Waste Management Division
  • UO Architecture Department
  • UO Landscape Architecture Department
  • UO Art Department and Digital Arts Program
  • UO Historic Preservation Program
  • UO Arts & Administration Program
  • John Reynolds

    • Conference Partners

    HOPES would not be possible without the collaboration of the following groups:
    • John Baldwin Memorial Film Series group
    • Sustainable Business Group
    • PODS: Office of Professional Outreach and Development for Students
    • Cathy Holmes, BOORA architects
    • SAWA, Student Association for Women in Architecture
    • DesignBridge
    • CASL, Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Living
    • AIAS, American Institute of Architecture Students UO Chapter
    • EPP, Environmental Planners and Policy-Makers
    • ASLA, American Society of Landscape Architects, UO Student Chapter

    Planning crew

    • Sustainable Stewardship: Professor Kingston Heath, Historic Preservation
    • Sustainable Faith: Alex Miller, Undergraduate, Architecture
    • Importance of Local Food: Josh Wilkinson, Undergraduate, Architecture
    • “Greener” Fuels: Nick Wallace, Undergraduate, Architecture
    • Meeting of the Minds: Sylvan Cambier, Graduate, Architecture
    • Diversity in Eco-Design: Rachel Auerbach with SAWA, Graduate, Architecture
    • Mithun: Becky Whitlock, Graduate, Architecture
    • SiteWorkshop: Jessica Dunlap, Undergraduate, Architecture
    • George Gessert: Anna Hook, Graduate, Landscape Architecture
    • Backyard Habitats: Kelly Brenner, Graduate, Landscape Architecture
    • CASL Bicycle Building: Paul McBride, Undergraduate
    • Found, Formed & Functional: Himat Khalsa, Graduate, Architecture
    • Composting Workshops: Kelsey Moore, Undergraduate, International Studies and Martini Morris, Undergraduate, International Studies
    • Product Innovation: Ally Frueauf, Undergraduate, Interior Architecture
    • 24 Hour Design Charette Participants