Notes from Metropolis
By Susan S. Szenasy
In search of the greenest furnishings, we find ourselves at the frontier of invention.
Observed
Productsphere
By Paul Makovsky
As the measures of sustainability grow even more sophisticated, these products rise to the occasion.
In Production
By Belinda Lanks
Giant’s new bike for the comfort-minded urbanite comes fully loaded.
Materials
By Mason Currey
Tricycle expands its alternative sampling program with Tryk.
America
By Karrie Jacobs
In the wake of the Minneapolis tragedy, our columnist asks: As the interstate highway system ages, are other failures inevitable?
Far Corner
By Philip Nobel
The Yale University Art Gallery triggers a reappraisal of Louis Kahn’s message.
Enterprise
By Kristin Palm
A new San Francisco–based furniture company looks to Europe for inspiration and business models.
Portfolio
By Erich Nagler
A fellowship invites photographers to document New York and its denizens.
Text Message
Ingo Maurer answers a few questions on lighting design, inspiration, and process—using his thumbs.
Reference Page
By Barry Harbaugh
More information on people, places, and products covered in this issue of Metropolis.
|  | By Martin C. Pedersen
Despite claims to the contrary, products with zero environmental impact do not yet exist. But these new approaches to green design point to a day when that might just be possible.
By Jamais Cascio
Nanotechnology will turn everyday objects into tools for harnessing the sun’s vast energy.
By Michael Silverberg
Mainstream science and environmental groups have lambasted it, green customers and clients shun it, and companies are scrambling for alternatives. So why is PVC still so ubiquitous?
By Martin C. Pedersen
Milliken has been retooling its manufacturing processes for decades and now, according to a leading eco–think tank, is actually “carbon negative.” Impressive, but what does that even mean?
By Belinda Lanks
How products are transported is just as important as how they’re made. Here are three smart approaches.
By Margaret Maile Petty
For all their energy efficiency, fluorescents still have dangerous traces of mercury. With its Alto II bulb, Philips has reduced the toxic metal by half.
By Jade Chang
Hans Wegner’s midcentury classic suggests that quality craftsmanship may be the ultimate green strategy.
By Peter Hall
Western Michigan’s big-three furniture makers have plans for your office chair once you’re finally done sitting in it.
By Sara Hart
Metropolis asked ten leading commercial carpet-tile manufacturers about their most sustainable products.
By Jill Fehrenbacher
With countless products claiming the eco-friendly label—many bearing prominent “seals of approval”—a little definition might be in order.
By Véronique Vienne
Spain’s family-run shoe manufacturer confronts the pains—and perks—of being a truly global brand.
By Stephen Zacks
The raging, unregulated world economy is now one we all share. How we reconcile that with the threats facing us will be the moral and technological dilemma of our time.
By Fred Moody
Seattle entrepreneurs attempt to crack the notoriously insular health-care market with a new chair designed for both patients and caregivers.
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