operate like a cherry tree

Recently we created a new twitter feed dedicated to the interactions that take place between us, our clients, partners and even random visitors. Sometimes you hear quite memorable and inspiring quotes, and other times errors in grammar reign supreme. From a self negating statement like, “For 40 bucks, you get a month of free yoga”, to a motivational Timspiration™ such as “Zubaz are always a good alternative,” every bit contributes to the experience of the Rule29 culture. As the current intern of R29 I have taken it upon myself to track and archive all the memorable quotes over the past six months. I found myself wondering about how much time it was taking to record these statements and if it would really be adding anything to the overall effectiveness of our work. Soon after thinking about the question, I remembered a book I had read.

In an architecture class many years ago, I read Cradle to Cradle, by an architect named William McDonough and a chemist named Michael Braungart. In the book they cover topics ranging from the current approach to ideas of renewability and sustainability, to using architecture to better your productivity and overall contribution to the workplace. Relating to this Cradle to Cradle mentality, I remembered a particular metaphor that McDonough and Braungart discussed relating to the ecological impact that a cherry tree has on its environment.

“Consider the cherry tree: thousands of blossoms create fruit for birds, humans, and other animals, in order that one pit might eventually fall onto the ground, take root, and grow. Who would look at the ground littered with cherry blossoms and complain, How inefficient and wasteful! The tree makes copious blossoms and fruit without depleting its environment. Once they fall on the ground, their materials decompose and break down into nutrients that nourish microorganisms, insects, plants, animals, and soil. Although the tree actually makes more of its product than it needs for its own success in an ecosystem, this abundance has evolved (through millions of years of success and failure or, in business terms, R&D), to serve rich and varied purposes. In fact, the tree’s fecundity nourishes just about everything around it. What might the human built world look like if the cherry tree had produced?”

It was interesting that although I cannot measure the tangible effects of the humorous and sometimes inspirational dialogue that flow through our workspace, they clearly contribute to the environment and culture of the office. So what is to be learned by the application of these ideas in our everyday interactions? I would contend that even the smallest events and environmental considerations all add up to a sum larger than the parts. Each hilarious comment, video and inspirational quote adds something to our office culture. In my estimation, if the human built world were to operate like a cherry tree, it would look similar to Rule29.

Enjoy some of the Rule29 culture for yourself, and follow our comments on twitter @Around29.com, @rule29 or @designsobriety