The other day, we picked up The Ecology Center's recently published book Backyard Skills: A D.I.Y. Handbook, a collection of projects, infographics, and practices inspired by last year's popular Basic Needs lecture series- not to mention a great image of MYD's Energy Lab/ Solar Structure.

Divided into five key topics- energy, shelter, waste, food and water- the book is aimed at getting readers engaged in sustainability, and it does so effectively, with visually compelling graphics and well-composed text that make the prospect of green living accessible and engaging. 

It's a hands-on approach to education that conveys ideas, concepts, and strategies well, and we hope it inspires others to get involved in this movement towards a more environmentally friendly and ecologically sound future.

At MYD studio, we focus on sustainable design practices, as well as fostering relationships with like-minded organizations and non-profits,  such as the Ecology Center. Its initiatives are in alignment with these values, and we applaud efforts to bring knowledge, skills and awareness to the local community and beyond.

That said, we were pretty enthusiastic to come across several beautiful images of one of our favorite projects completed last year, the Energy Lab/Solar Structure, as we thumbed through the colorful pages of Backyard Skills. 

Many thanks to Jimmy Cheng Photography for the great Energy Lab images used in this publication; view more photos here or at the project portfolio page.

Backyard Skills: A D.I.Y. Handbook is available online through The Ecology Center or at a number of bookstores in the area.

We focus on sustainable design practices and fostering relationships, and have found outreach and pro-bono work to be not only a means to realize built projects, but a critical step in establishing a professional identity as well as personal growth.We view architecture as a means to promote community, education and awareness.Connections to local organizations have enabled us to apply our abilities and knowledge creatively, while upholding our core values and making a positive contribution on a regional scale.