At first, this show is a little overwhelming, like a rummage sale or a county fair. There’s stuff everywhereart, architecture, product design projects. Gradually it becomes clear that not only does form follow function, but aesthetics follow ethics. In this case, it’s the principle of sustainability: a recognition that the earth’s resources are limited, and need to be reused and used less. Tile made from recycled bottles (pictured above, by Bedrock Industries), a compostable computer keyboard by Jason Iverson (made of carrot and celery pulp discarded by juice bars), along with light-filled architectural designs, recycled plastic chairs worthy of the Bauhaus, and many other innovative products and proposals, show that living smarter doesn’t have to mean sacrificing our beloved modern conveniences. Fine art made from reclaimed materials is also on display, such as Robert Yoder’s reconfigured road sign pieces. As the curatorial statement notes, “artifacts” reflect cultural values. In a culture where disposable artifacts abound, and during a time of year when our propensity for overconsumption intensifies, this show is all the more relevant. (A free discussion, featuring artist Buster Simpson, architect Paul Olson, and product designer Karin Carter, will take place next Thurs. Jan. 8 at noon in the Bertha Knight Landes Room at Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave.) City Space, 701 Fifth Ave. (Bank of America Tower), 3rd floor, 206-749-9525, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Closes Fri. Jan. 30. ELISE RICHMAN

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