A framework for sustainable whole systems design

A whole systems approach, considering the interrelatedness of both problems and solutions, can help create more sustainable designs. Still, designers often apply exclusively reductionist approaches to generate designs. One way to address this issue is to reduce ambiguity in the whole systems approach. This paper describes research to define and unify elements of whole systems design. Elements were identified through a methodical review of sources describing theories, perspectives, and practices from multiple design disciplines. These elements were coded and then organized using concept mapping. The resulting framework has 20 elements categorized as processes, principles, and methods. This framework is meant to help enable more widespread application of whole systems design in practice.

[1]  Jessica Lagerstedt,et al.  EcoDesign and The Ten Golden Rules: generic advice for merging environmental aspects into product development , 2006 .

[2]  Bill Freedman,et al.  Principles and practice of ecological design , 2004 .

[3]  Obata Kassabaum Hellmuth,et al.  The HOK guidebook to sustainable design , 2000 .

[4]  Alberto J. Cañas,et al.  A TEORIA SUBJACENTE AOS MAPAS CONCEITUAIS E COMO ELABORÁ-LOS E USÁ-LOS * THE THEORY UNDERLYING CONCEPT MAPS AND HOW TO CONSTRUCT AND USE THEM , 2010 .

[5]  Joachim H. Spangenberg,et al.  Design for Sustainability (DfS): the interface of sustainable production and consumption , 2010 .

[6]  J. Novak.  The Theory Underlying Concept Maps and How To Construct Them , 2004 .

[7]  Stephen M. Wheeler,et al.  Planning for sustainability , 2004 .

[8]  James L. Fridley,et al.  Design principles for ecological engineering , 2001 .

[9]  Lennart Y. Ljungberg,et al.  Materials selection and design for development of sustainable products , 2007 .

[10]  J. Heerwagen,et al.  Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life , 2011 .

[11]  Sven Erik Jørgensen,et al.  Ecological Engineering and Ecosystem Restoration , 2003 .

[12]  Mark Lemon,et al.  Exploring the design and perceived benefit of sustainable solutions: a review , 2009 .

[13]  Stephen M. Wheeler,et al.  Planning for Sustainability : Creating Livable, Equitable and Ecological Communities , 2004 .

[14]  Raymond P. Côté,et al.  Eco-efficiency and SMEs in Nova Scotia, Canada , 2006 .

[15]  Cassandra Telenko,et al.  A Compilation of Design for Environment Principles and Guidelines , 2008 .

[16]  Juan García-Serna,et al.  New trends for design towards sustainability in chemical engineering: Green engineering , 2007 .

[17]  B. English.  Ecological Economics: The Science and Management of Sustainability , 1991 .

[18]  P. Anastas,et al.  Green Chemistry , 2018, Environmental Science.

[19]  D. Deitz,et al.  Engineering sustainable development , 1996 .

[20]  Jason F. McLennan,et al.  The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture , 2004 .

[21]  M Hadfield,et al.  The Butterfly Effect: Creative Sustainable Design Solutions through Systems thinking , 2007 .

[22]  Barbara Kitchenham,et al.  Procedures for Performing Systematic Reviews , 2004 .

[23]  Contributions from M. Walpole.  The Millennium Development Goals Report , 2008 .

[24]  Brian S. Thompson,et al.  Environmentally-sensitive design: Leonardo WAS right! , 1999 .

[25]  Roland Leduc,et al.  Sustainable Development in Engineering: A Review of Principles and Definition of a Conceptual Framework , 2009 .

[26]  Fiona Charnley,et al.  Exploring the process of whole system design , 2011 .

[27]  Philip Enquist,et al.  City Building: Nine Planning Principles for the Twenty-First Century , 2010 .

[28]  G. R. Brundtland.  Our Common Future World Commission on Environment and Development , 1987 .

[29]  D. Meadows.  Thinking In Systems , 2008 .

[30]  J. Korhonen.  Four ecosystem principles for an industrial ecosystem , 2001 .

[31]  L H Lovins,et al.  A road map for natural capitalism. , 1999, Harvard business review.

[32]  Janine M. Benyus,et al.  Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature , 1997 .

[33]  Peter Jacobs.  Achieving sustainable development , 1985 .

[34]  Defne Apul,et al.  Ecological Design Principles and Their Implications on Water Infrastructure Engineering , 2010 .

[35]  Paul T Anastas,et al.  Applying the principles of Green Engineering to cradle-to-cradle design. , 2003, Environmental science & technology.

[36]  John R. Ehrenfeld,et al.  Industrial ecology: A framework for product and process design , 1997 .

[37]  P. Anastas,et al.  Design Through the 12 Principles of Green Engineering , 2007 .

[38]  Carol Boyle,et al.  Sustainability principles and practice for engineers , 2005, IEEE Technology and Society Magazine.

[39]  Giannis T. Tsoulfas,et al.  Environmental principles applicable to supply chains design and operation , 2006 .

[40]  John Todd,et al.  From Eco-Cities to Living Machines: Principles of Ecological Design , 1994 .