Who of you has seen this 2002 documentary? I just saw it for the first time tonight at a screening at my University.
If you haven't seen it... it's a humorous and quite disturbing "rediscovery" of PVC-based products -- which have been produced (and continue to be) for the past 40+ years or so.
I have seen this documentary. Wasn't it great? It was made in such a way that anyone could understand the harmful use of the overused (and overrated) vinyl siding. I thought it was somewhat comical what they did with the material at the end of the movie... all of them sitting there taking an opportunity to spread the word and their newfound knowledge.
...and the harsh irony of their "re-use" of the material, since the industry hasn't developed any viable or usable recycling program (at least when the film was shot). Its spirit oddly reminded me of that line from Fight Club: "We were selling rich women their own fat asses back to them."
I have plead with clients to go with Stratica flooring over VCT. Almost always they go with the VCT due to cost. They should just freely distribute this film to architects so they can 'educate' their clients more effectively.
The office I'm at actually has a copy that they keep in the staff library (has books for people to borrow). Not sure if we show it to clients though, but I did force my parents to watch it because they keep talking about replacing the veritical wood-plank siding on their house with vinyl. I know they both gave it a second though, and I haven't heard the topic come up much lately.
Our local AIA chapter showed the film. Then the vinyl reps found out about it and lobbied to keep it down about it, and even offered a film of their own, but no one was interested in their counter point.
Pixelwhore - did your office buy it for private viewing? I doubt that I could get my employer to buy that, especially at the $39.95 + $15 shipping. The price seems a bit steep (I recognize the costs but..) and is the only reason I'm not eager to buy a personal copy. I hate vinyl already and don't need to be persuaded but it looks entertaining.
A:
Not sure how they went about it. I just stumbled across it one day and asked who it belonged to, and was told that it was the office copy and that I could borrow it any time.
I agree with you on the price issue though; surprised that its so expensive to buy, figuring that a lower price would increase its distribution.
iwish:
It would be interesting to contrast the two videos at the same session, supplying both sides to allow the viewers to make an educated conclusion...
I can't believe you need a video to tell you not to use the stuff - its goddam ugly. Granted we use pvc & copper pipes here (instead of upvc like at home) but these people have a volcano to worry about so i doubt they care much.
after seeing the film, i did a little looking around on the net and found this site among others. For those less familiar with PVC's "qualities," it seems to sum it up nicely: http://www.healthybuilding.net/pvc
Agreed. Architects and the construction industry need to be aware of messages like this. This awareness should actually start with architecture and construction students - to know the environmental impact of different products and materials in addition to their structural and aesthetic qualities.
I'm starting to digress, but... it could even start with all students as early as Jr. High and High School. There should be a dedicated "core" science class called "Environment." It is just as critical and fundamental as the other "cores" like Math, Life Science, History, Economics, Government, etc. I think if the general population were more environmentally educated, the markets for vinyl siding (and all PVC for that matter), Hummers, F350's, suburban human "refrigerators," etc. would be much smaller if non-existent.
Oct 28, 04 8:30 pm ·
·
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.
"Blue Vinyl"?
Who of you has seen this 2002 documentary? I just saw it for the first time tonight at a screening at my University.
If you haven't seen it... it's a humorous and quite disturbing "rediscovery" of PVC-based products -- which have been produced (and continue to be) for the past 40+ years or so.
Here's a link to the website: http://www.bluevinyl.org/animation.htm
I have seen this documentary. Wasn't it great? It was made in such a way that anyone could understand the harmful use of the overused (and overrated) vinyl siding. I thought it was somewhat comical what they did with the material at the end of the movie... all of them sitting there taking an opportunity to spread the word and their newfound knowledge.
i saw another documentary on vinyl
its called "scratch"
have you seen it?
...and the harsh irony of their "re-use" of the material, since the industry hasn't developed any viable or usable recycling program (at least when the film was shot). Its spirit oddly reminded me of that line from Fight Club: "We were selling rich women their own fat asses back to them."
haven't seen "Scratch". is its premise similar?
not at all
I have plead with clients to go with Stratica flooring over VCT. Almost always they go with the VCT due to cost. They should just freely distribute this film to architects so they can 'educate' their clients more effectively.
The office I'm at actually has a copy that they keep in the staff library (has books for people to borrow). Not sure if we show it to clients though, but I did force my parents to watch it because they keep talking about replacing the veritical wood-plank siding on their house with vinyl. I know they both gave it a second though, and I haven't heard the topic come up much lately.
Our local AIA chapter showed the film. Then the vinyl reps found out about it and lobbied to keep it down about it, and even offered a film of their own, but no one was interested in their counter point.
Pixelwhore - did your office buy it for private viewing? I doubt that I could get my employer to buy that, especially at the $39.95 + $15 shipping. The price seems a bit steep (I recognize the costs but..) and is the only reason I'm not eager to buy a personal copy. I hate vinyl already and don't need to be persuaded but it looks entertaining.
A:
Not sure how they went about it. I just stumbled across it one day and asked who it belonged to, and was told that it was the office copy and that I could borrow it any time.
I agree with you on the price issue though; surprised that its so expensive to buy, figuring that a lower price would increase its distribution.
iwish:
It would be interesting to contrast the two videos at the same session, supplying both sides to allow the viewers to make an educated conclusion...
I can't believe you need a video to tell you not to use the stuff - its goddam ugly. Granted we use pvc & copper pipes here (instead of upvc like at home) but these people have a volcano to worry about so i doubt they care much.
after seeing the film, i did a little looking around on the net and found this site among others. For those less familiar with PVC's "qualities," it seems to sum it up nicely: http://www.healthybuilding.net/pvc
A,
Agreed. Architects and the construction industry need to be aware of messages like this. This awareness should actually start with architecture and construction students - to know the environmental impact of different products and materials in addition to their structural and aesthetic qualities.
I'm starting to digress, but... it could even start with all students as early as Jr. High and High School. There should be a dedicated "core" science class called "Environment." It is just as critical and fundamental as the other "cores" like Math, Life Science, History, Economics, Government, etc. I think if the general population were more environmentally educated, the markets for vinyl siding (and all PVC for that matter), Hummers, F350's, suburban human "refrigerators," etc. would be much smaller if non-existent.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.