Interdisciplinary design projects and the sustainability agenda

1
Inter-disciplinary design projects and the
sustainability agenda
The Inter-disciplinary Quandary Conference, De
Montfort University 13th February 2002

• Anne Chick
• The Designing for Sustainability Research Group
• Kingston University

2
Inter-disciplinary design projects and the
sustainability agenda
Anne Chick

• The Designing for Sustainability Research Group
• wide ranging research across design disciplines
  and political positions on sustainable
  development
• umbrella identity - group not a centre

3
Anne Chick
Inter-disciplinary design projects and the
sustainability agenda

• The Designing for Sustainability Research Group
• individuals research and team research projects
• resources - annual evening lecture series,
  workshops and websites

4
Anne Chick
Inter-disciplinary design projects and the
sustainability agenda

• Inter-disciplinary
• A team of individuals with different training
  and backgrounds who share common objectives but
  who make a different but complementary
  contribution

5
Anne Chick
Inter-disciplinary design projects and the
sustainability agenda

• Sustainable Development
• Long term health and vitality - culturally,
  economically, environmentally and socially

6
Anne Chick
Inter-disciplinary design projects and the
sustainability agenda

• Understanding sustainability
• there are limits to growth
• direction rather than a destination
• fresh perspectives, creative minds and a capacity
  to explore other points of view

7
Anne Chick
Inter-disciplinary design projects and the
sustainability agenda

• New perceptions and expectations
• broader critical perspective
• new design project pathways
• conflicting professional values, approaches and
  expectations

8
Anne Chick
Inter-disciplinary design projects and the
sustainability agenda

• Key personal attributes
• inter-professional understanding
• communication (verbal, written and visual)
• work with others
• enthusiasm

9
Anne Chick
Inter-disciplinary design projects and the
sustainability agenda

• CASE STUDY
• Making a Stand
• Students exploring sustainability in a live
• inter-disciplinary design project..
• (Video courtesy of Surrey Institute of Art
  Design)

10
Anne Chick
Inter-disciplinary design projects and the
sustainability agenda

• Conclusion
• Design is the key to making a difference
  within the Sustainability Agenda and an
  inter-disciplinary approach to designing ensures
  the place of designers within this agenda.
• The Designing for Sustainability Research Group
• Kingston University