Design by the Gallon

The situation is dire. In 2011, an average of 14.8 inches of water fell across the entire state, making it the driest year in Texas history. In October 2011, 88% of the state was classified as being in “exceptional drought.” And one only hopes that the drought conditions don’t extend to a period echoing the years from 1950 to 1957. During that time, farms collapsed, livestock died, and cities were hard-hit. To provide even a fraction of the water the city needed, Dallas was forced to pump water from the Red River, and its high salt content wreaked havoc with plumbing and landscapes. How did we get to this point and what can we do about it?

“Design By The Gallon: Architecture and Water Conservation,” the latest exhibition at the Dallas Center for Architecture, examines the environmental and human-generated circumstances that have put us in the situation we are now in. Looking at a series of architect-designed solutions of all scales—both in buildings and landscape—the show provides context and possibilities for changing our drought-stricken future. Featured projects include the soon-to-be-completed Perot Museum of Nature and Science, landscapes at Sprint Headquarters and the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as smaller-scale residential projects.

The show also tests your water conservation IQ and offers suggestions for how YOU can help address the problem…not just through behavior but by modifying your own home and workplace.

The show will run through September 19 at the Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 100. The exhibition is free and open to the public from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Information from venue