International Living Future Institute:
https://ilbi.org/about/logo%20story
"People often wonder why a common dandelion features prominently in the logo of the International Living Future Institute (the Institute). “Isn’t that a weed?” some have asked. “And what does a lawn menace have to do with green building?”
We are glad you asked and we are happy to explain.
"We carefully and intentionally chose the dandelion1 –Taraxacum officinale
– as the symbol of the Institute because it stands for many of the same
things we do. It is a perfect metaphor. The Institute is committed to
creating truly restorative structures and communities, generating global
discussion about the need for transformative change in our built
environment and flipping conventional wisdom on its head. Our logo’s
beautifully stubborn flower helps us convey all that and more. Think
it’s a weed? Think again."The dandelion symbolizes strength. Derived from the French words meaning “lion’s tooth” (used to describe the shape of the leaves), the dandelion’s very name implies natural leadership. Just as the proud lion symbolically leads the animal kingdom, the Institute seeks to guide the human effort toward a restorative future.
"The dandelion is collaborative. People think that the dandelion is merely an opportunistic invader. Quite the contrary. With its deep taproot, it has the ability to break up hard earth and bring nutrients up from below the reach of other plants. It literally creates future opportunities for other plants to benefit by growing first where other plants cannot initially grow. It is a good companion for shallower-rooted crops and also attracts pollinating insects, which benefit many other species.
"The dandelion endures. This little marvel is a true survivor, challenging our notions of what is and is not desirable in the natural world. We devote incredible amounts of water and energy and petrochemical fertilizer to irrigate the typical American lawn in climates where it would never grow naturally, and then attack the thriving Taraxacum genus with toxic chemicals to rid our landscape of so-called weeds. This is another metaphor for many things in our civilization that we covet, which are actually hurting us and degrading our environment. We need to rethink what we value and the dandelion is a powerful symbol of that paradox.
"The dandelion is simple. In the name of progress, humans have a habit of developing complicated technologies that end up being harmful to the planet and its inhabitants. Yet the simplest solutions – such as vegetated roofs, rainwater collection systems or composting toilets – usually deliver the most powerful results. The straightforward nature of the dandelion is similarly commanding: a small flower that can grow just about anywhere.
"The dandelion is curative. How could something so packed with vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and zinc be considered a nuisance? The dandelion has been used for a source of nourishment in the form of salads, wine and tea. It has also been shown to have healing properties in the treatment of many medical conditions and has been used as a medicinal plant by many cultures for hundreds of years. Anything with such restorative potential, whether it is a plant or a revolutionary approach to green design, deserves our attention and respect.
"The dandelion generates no waste. All parts of the plant may be put to service, just as all systems in a Living Building Challenge project should be models of integrated systems. Whether used for medicinal or culinary purposes, the dandelion’s roots, leaves and buds all offer distinct and often delicious advantages.
"The dandelion spreads elegantly. A gentle breeze is all that is needed for the seeds of the dandelion to take flight before settling in nearby soil and beginning a new phase of growth. In the entire natural world there are few methods of spreading the gene pool that are as elegant. Why are there so many delightful photographs of children blowing dandelion seeds? We think there is something primal and beautiful about blowing the seeds off a dandelion – just like we want spreading the word about Living Buildings, Sites and Communities to be so enthralling.
"The dandelion is a weed to some people, but to us it represents the possibilities of a restorative future. What, after all, could be more naturally beautiful than a reproductive cycle that relies on the winds of change? "
