Sustainable Design: Create Eco-friendly Objects and Spaces

Sustainable Design: Create Eco-friendly Objects and Spaces

“Hi and welcome to the end of this Domestika course. I hope that all the insights and strategies related to sustainability and object design have been useful and that you now feel inspired to make your projects part of the change. When I began as a designer, I realised that I did not want to design the kind of objects that I was taught in University. My approach to design was different. My creativity sparked when I took some material that was lying around and intended to transform it into something different. That was the starting point for what has become my perspective to sustainable design: work with informal sources of material by understanding their potential function in order to create something new. Somehow, I must say that the process of understanding objects from their materiality it’s a playful state of mind: you take out its given function and make a connection to another function. Highlights and insights of the course First of all, the most important aspect of this type of design is to understand and value the informal sources of material. All contexts have a great potential when it comes to this type of source. From what others consider garbage, to leftover material, or even rubble from construction sites can be turned into functional objects. To locate the informal sources of material you will need to explore your territory with an open eye. This will allow you not only to stumble upon found materials but also to find a network of artisans, manufacturers and makers of all kinds. That way you will be able to create a network of tacit knowledge and know-how. Remember that making them participants in the process is the most fruitful way to approach this type of design. Through several independent projects, I understood the importance of gathering and mapping found materials in a given context. Map your territory and locate your sources. Then create a strategy that will help you transport your materials in the most efficient way, but also understand the temporality of your sources. Remember that transportation generates a carbon footprint that we all need to be aware of but also that some material opportunities might not be there forever. The creative process needs to be understood as a shared outcome. Acknowledge that any construction has an impact and we have a shared responsibility to make it as low as possible. If you need to work with providers, remember that it is vital to review the way they produce their materials. Make informed choices. What impact do your choices make? Where do your materials come from? Are they proximity suppliers? Do they use green energy to produce them? What are the social conditions in which your materials are produced? Finally, document all your processes. Generate as much data, images and records as possible. Sustainability and circularity are shared common goods. What has been useful to you may inspire or help others. In the same line, it is important to understand what the narrative of your project is. Share, be open about your design process. Don’t be afraid to revisit your documentation and evaluate your previous projects, in order to improve your methods in further ones . It’s all part of the learning curve. Also, don’t forget to participate in the forum. I will be there to give some guidance. You can also give ideas or feedback to other members of the community. It has been a pleasure to share all my insights with you. Thank you and goodbye! ”

Partial transcription of the video

“Insights and Highlights Welcome to the end of this Domestika course. I hope that the insights and strategies related to sustainability and object design were useful and that you feel inspired to make your projects part of the change. When I began as a designer, I didn't feel identified with the objects I was taught to design. My approach was different. My creativity got triggered by objects laying around and I wanted to make something different out of them. That was the starting point on my perspective on sustainable design, which is related to working with informal sources of material by u...”

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Course summary for: Sustainable Design: Create Eco-friendly Objects and Spaces

• Level: Beginner
• 97% positive reviews (60)
• 2254 students
• 4 units
• 9 lessons (1h 42m)

• Category

  Architecture & Spaces, Design

• Areas

  Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Product Design