Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
Coming of Age as Design(er) for Social Sustainability
Asheim, Jonas; Kj, Anders
Type:
Year:
2012
Editor:
Lyndon Buck, Geert Frateur, William Ion, Chris McMahon, Chris Baelus, Guido De Grande, Stijn Verwulgen
Author:
Series:
E&PDE
Institution:
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Section:
Wellbeing
Page(s):
525-530
ISBN:
978-1-904670-36-0
Abstract:
Based on a reflection on a multi-disciplinary design project in Haiti, this paper aims to discuss how social sustainability, in particular from an emerging economy and developing world perspective, could be integrated in design education. Whereas a holistic view based on user and stakeholder centred context-mapping, problem-solving and interdisciplinary work is advocated by several scholars, few design programmes allow for practical implementation of such an approach. Sustainability education for designers is still often rooted in environmental issues, and do not succeed in making students understand the broader relationships at hand. The reflection suggest that social questions rather than environmental ones can provide an entry point for the student’s understanding of sustainability that may be more in relation to holistic thinking, and may benefit the student’s growth, both as a person and as a designer per se, as well.
Keywords:
