Transformative Solutions for the Next Generation

We stand at a unique moment of human history, where so much of what we cherish is dependent on our capacity to create change rapidly and in fundamental ways. As Albert Einstein so famously stated, “Problems cannot be solved by the same level of consciousness that created them." What we need are big solutions - brilliant solutions. Somewhere out there is an idea that can create shifts in our culture and change the path we are on. Somewhere out there is brilliance waiting to be unleashed and an idea waiting to be shared.

15 Minutes of Brilliance is an answer to this call. Cascadia invites individuals with innovative and unique ideas - both big and small - to the stage to share their brilliance with the world. Through 15 Minutes of Brilliance, we hope to engage our membership to step up and share big picture solutions to change the relationship between the built environment and the natural environment and humanity's role therewithin.

Little ideas can change the world

What are some example of Brilliance? How about Gottfried’s and Italiano’s idea to form the US Green Building Council in the mid-nineties? How about Janine Benyus’s idea to connect and share nature’s lessons to the built environment? How about Ed Mazria’s 2030 Challenge to address climate change? How about Wangari Maathai’s simple but profound idea to begin the greenbelt movement in Africa? How about Cascadia's own response - The Living Building Challenge? 

We are surrounded by brilliance each day, but most have no platform on which to share it with a wider audience. Living Future 08 is providing that platform for you. If you’ve been thinking about something big, or something small with big consequences, then step forward! All ideas will be shared in the conference program, and a few individuals will be selected to give a 15 minute presentation to the whole conference. These ideas could be the start of the solutions we so dearly need.

How to Enter

1. Be Brilliant
2. Submit your idea to Cascadia
3. Come to the Conference
4. Change the World

Submittal Requirements

Submit your idea electronically as a Word or PDF document with "Living Future ’08 – 15 Minutes of Brilliance" in the subject line. Faxed or mailed proposals will not be accepted. Submissions should not exceed one page and are due by midnight, March 14th.  Submit to info@cascadiagbc.org.

Click here to listen to part 1 of the 15 Minutes of Brilliance podcast. 
Click here to listen to part 2 of the 15 Minutes of Brilliance podcast. 
Click here to listen to part 3 of the 15 Minutes of Brilliance podcast. 
Click here to listen to part 4 of the 15 Minutes of Brilliance podcast. 
Click here to listen to part 5 of the 15 Minutes of Brilliance podcast.