With the election of a new American President in 2008 pushing for a greener economy and a revitalization of our country’s infrastructure, I was reminded of the WPA posters from 1936-1943 as part of FDR’s New Deal. My hopeful Renewable Electrification Administration posters are a 21st Century upgrade paying homage to Lester Beall’s Rural Electric Administration posters from 1937.
Project
Renewable Electrification Administration
Poster · Climate Action
Design Problem
In 2008, renewable energy production was 9% of total in the USA (US Dept. of Energy). As the climate crisis continues to become more pressing, renewable energy production needs to increase quickly and exponentially.
Research Question
How can the designer become a change agent for a better world? What designs and strategies from history can be replicated to effect contemporary political issues?
Outcomes
With the election of a new American President in 2008 pushing for a greener economy and a revitalization of our country’s infrastructure, I was reminded of the WPA posters from 1936-1943 as part of FDR’s New Deal. My hopeful Renewable Electrification Administration posters are a 21st Century upgrade paying homage to Lester Beall’s Rural Electric Administration posters from 1937.
This poster series is in the private collection at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, in the book “Green Patriot Posters,” and has been featured in the “Graphic Design: Now in Production,” “Green Patriot Posters: The Revolution Will Be Designed,” and “Graphic Advocacy: International Posters for the Digital Age 2001-2012” Exhibitions.
Credits
Designer - Eric Benson
Group Exhibitions
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