Design and sustainability

This is a discussion paper on design and sustainability. It does this by presenting empirical, though entirely personal experiences of sustainable design. The intention is not to present a definitive theory or model of sustainable design but instead to stimulate discussion among its community – which in turn may inform its theory and with luck the resultant methods too. Much has been written about the theoretical fields of ecodesign and sustainable design and myriad methods, tools and approaches have emerged for its practice. Throughout this time the author, and perhaps many other designers, have been left with an uneasy feeling that something is not quite right. Somehow theory and practice of this eco- and sustainable design have largely missed what we know, feel and do as designers. Readers may find themselves asking where is the ‘design’ in eco- or sustainable design? Some of these questions, issues and dilemmas will be discussed in this paper from a designer’s personal perspective. It looks at some of the unique characteristics of this ‘designed sustainability’, paying particular attention to how current sustainable design theory reflects its practice in companies. In doing so it will explore and question some of the myths and realities of the subject. Readers are invited to feedback and comment on the thesis presented – as well as on similar or different experiences.

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