Design Diaries-Teach–In 2012 Imperative

 

by Laura Andrews

We welcome Laura Andrews, Fashion student, EcoChic design intern and author of our new and exciting design diaries. This month’s theme discusses sustainability in design following the  2012 Imperative Teach-In; a conference to inspire sustainable design, Monday 12th October 2009.

The theme of the day focused on how ecological thinking can inform and create a shift in sustainable practice within many design disciplines. Ecologists, economists and designers discussed past and present situations and future solutions and asked some very important questions..

How will design practice change to meet the current ecological and social challenges?
How can we learn as designers to develop systems, which work in harmony with nature?
How can designers contribute to a truly sustainable society?
How can designers, architect and engineers build solutions to systemic problems?

The day was inspiring, highly focused and created continuing discussions which will effect and inform my own personal work. The conference reinforced the fact that we need to take responsibility as designers in creating a sustainable future and this is achieved by changing the way we think, a concept summed up brilliantly by Albert Einstein in:

‘We can’t solve problems by using the same way of thinking we used when we created them.’

Although there were many inspirational speakers, two were of special interest:

Tactical Tech, an international NGO, founded by Stephanie Hankey and Marek Tuszynski ‘aim to advance the use of technologies in the developing world to use as a tactical tool to communicate’ and give a platform to important global issues.

Also Jodi Boehnert from Brighton University set up an action plan to inspire sustainable literacy in universities and educational establishments. Jody Boenart says Teach-ins are about learning, connecting and catalysing action.

The conference created informed discussions, to act as a catalyst for change. Solutions are ongoing and evolving and continually being tested by new and evolving ideas. By reassessing our values, and asking more questions we can begin to change the future for the better. The message of the day was loud and clear… It is important to look at sustainability at conceptual level, so informed design solutions can be achieved.

Laura Andrews is currently in her final year of the Mdes Textiles Design with Business Studies with a focus on sustainable Design at the University of Brighton.

To get further information or to sign up to Teach-in visit www.teach-in.ning.com.

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