Introductory description

Living in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world, which is characterised by a fast-accelerating climate and biodiversity emergency, sustainable design is no longer enough to produce a just and regenerative future for all. In recent years, the integration of environmental considerations in the design process has shifted designers' focus on strategies which are more considerate of the use of natural resources and their circulation as well as the overall reduction of our impact on the environment and all its eco-systems.

Whether we consider zero-waste design, decarbonisation through design or sustainable material innovation, it is inevitable for new designers to create with redundant, invasive and extractive mindsets. Regenerative practices go beyond sustainability and actively contribute to the restoration and replenishment of what human activities have deteriorated and exploited. From toxic agriculture, energy production, design and manufacture to global economics, finance systems, policy and governance design - the colossal complex issues we are facing today, were inevitably caused by poor design. As such, there is an enormous responsibility on designers to gain a better understanding and relationship with eco-system around us in order to engage with new design ecologies and regenerative practices which foster a culture of repair and replenishment.

This module will take you on a journey of regeneration by exploring methods and approaches in sustainable architecture, life-centred product and UX design, visual communication for change, alongside other disciplines through intricate practice-led design briefs.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Over the course of this module students will undertake a journey of critically and creatively exploring issues of design ecologies and regenerative practice through various strands of design and architecture, underpinned by systems thinking . Students will respond to a brief in the form of a portfolio, design solution and pitch which will seek to be entirely regenerative in concept, evaluation and intervention.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• To demonstrate an understanding and use of systems thinking in the design process.
• To document eco-system analysis through visual methods and creative responses.
• To develop skills in communicating complexity regarding design ecologies and regenerative practice.
• To develop abilities in regenerative design processes through a multi-disciplinary design approach.
• To describe and critically evaluate designs from a life-centred perspective.
• To develop critical and ethical awareness of issues surrounding sustainable and regenerative design.
• To demonstrate persuasive communication in delivering complex information to a trans-disciplinary audience.

Indicative reading list

Arturo Escobar - Designs for the Pluriverse: Radical Interdependence, Autonomy, and the Making of Worlds (New Ecologies for the Twenty-First Century)
Chris Reed and Nina-Marie Lister - Projective Ecologies: Ecology, Research, and Design in the Climate Age: Second Edition
Joanna Boenhert - Design, Ecology, Politics: Towards the Ecocene
Bart Johnson et al - Ecology and Design: Frameworks for Learning
Donella Meadowns - Thinking in Systems
Carson Chan - Emerging Ecologies: Architecture and the Rise of Environmentalism
Joe Brewer - The Design Pathway for Regenerating Earth
Craig Bremner - Design for the Unthinkable World: Strange Ecology and Unwelcome Change (Design Research for Change)

Interdisciplinary

This module runs as all other Design Studies modules in the School for Cross-faculty Studies. As the hub for interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary scholarship and practice, by default this and other Design Studies modules are inter- and trans-disciplinary, enabling students from all disciplinary backgrounds without prior design study experience.

International

This module will be part of a degree which also has an international intercalated year and will also host students from other departments including international students to partake in this learning.

Subject specific skills

• Systems thinking: Understand and apply systems thinking to analyse and address interconnected ecological and social systems.
• Design thinking: Apply design thinking methodologies to creatively and collaboratively solve problems within the context of ecological and regenerative design.
• Ecological literacy: Develop a deep understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the principles governing ecological balance.
• Biomimicry knowledge: Gain insights into the principles of biomimicry and the ability to apply nature-inspired solutions to design challenges.
• Social design skills and community engagement: Develop skills in engaging and collaborating with local communities, understanding their needs, and incorporating local knowledge into design processes.
• Resilient design: Design systems and solutions that are resilient to environmental changes and can adapt to evolving conditions.
• Visual communication: Capabilities in compositing, creating and disseminating complex information through diverse graphic media.
• Rapid prototyping: Abilities in creating quick and low fidelity contextualisation of ideas through diverse materials and digitalisation.

Transferable skills

• Collaborative and interdisciplinary skills: Work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders, recognising the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to address complex challenges.
• Critical thinking: Cultivate critical thinking skills to evaluate the environmental and social implications of design decisions and propose innovative solutions.
• Communication skills: Effectively communicate regenerative design concepts to various audiences, including stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public.
• Adaptability and lifelong learning: Foster a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability, staying informed about new developments and emerging best practices in regenerative design.