I believe that the wicked problems website is a very useful tool to use when designing. It is something that teaches you about what kind of mindset it entails to develop something sustainable. They have all kinds of modules on methods to planning a business, creating new designs, synthesizing data and developing ideas, and conducting research and gaining empathy. This is something that will initially get me started on trying to define solutions on how to alleviate the problems in the wicked problem I am currently researching.

For the past few weeks I have been addressing the problem of gentrification, and it has become quite difficult to try to find solutions that will deplete the problem entirely. Like many wicked problems, not all solutions will benefit everyone. Looking at the three Ps, people, profit, and planet it seems in order to find a solution one of these “Ps” is going to have to take a hit in order to make any sort of change. Utilizing the idea of the current state, I think in order to slow the process of gentrification is to shop at small family owned local establishments rather than chain corporations. Before making decisions, it is important to be mindful about what the outcome will be for the future generations as well. This will allow for less displacement for the citizens native to that area. A great organization that helps with these displacements of families is Habitat for Humanity. Not only do they help with paying for the construction of homes, they help them acquire the access, skills, and financial education needed in order to maintain good home ownership.

I believe that if we even started to make it a requirement to build sustainable buildings and homes they would have more long term cuts in the cost of utility bills, cleaner air (less chance of encountering illness), etc. A takeaway that I had gotten from the market reading that we had discussed is that the government reigns jurisdiction between our society and a more sustainable future, mainly due to political parties not being able to agree on specific stipulations. Also, green building may have a more expensive upfront costs, but it tends to pay itself off in the long run. The article even stated that LEED certified buildings are typically only two percent more expensive than the average building.