Herman Miller Presents ``Heroes for the Planet: An Evening with William McDonough'' at the John...

McDonough is the former dean of the school of architecture at the University of Virginia and operates his architectural practice in Charlottesville, VA. His appearance in Southern California is aimed at advancing the cause of the environment. Susan Sarandon and Cameron Diaz (a hybrid driver), two of Hollywood's best-known voices for the environment, have narrated DVDs that illustrate McDonough's sustainable design philosophy and his work with Michael Braungart, a chemist focusing on creating ecologically sustainable materials.

At the Ford Amphitheatre, McDonough will explain how it is possible to profit in a green world.

"Design," says McDonough, "is the first sign of human intention... Why design buildings and offices that do not prioritize preserving the earth for future generations -- unless that is your intention?"

The designer adds that the traditional design philosophy in industry has long been to use brute force, e.g., the monolithic, "unsinkable" Titanic. McDonough's mission is to take a fresh approach to industry and office design, a green philosophy that melds human desire with nature's needs. It is a collaborative relationship that McDonough has christened the "declaration of interdependence."

McDonough has had a close relationship with Herman Miller for many years. He designed the company's Green House seating operations in Holland, Michigan, and advised Herman Miller in its adoption of a Design for the Environment protocol. He also has appeared several times at the company's popular Environmental Conferences staged at Herman Miller facilities in Michigan. McDonough also is the lead designer for Ford Motor Co.'s Rouge plant near Detroit, a $2 billion project.

--  Wednesday, October 27, 2004

    --  John Anson Ford Amphitheatre
        2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East
        Hollywood, CA 90068

    --  Program begins at 7:30 p.m.

    --  For more information contact
        Heroes_for_the_Planet@hermanmiller.com

All media inquiries should be directed to Farrah E. Smith at EMG, 323-658-8531, or email farrah@emg-la.com.