Sustainable by Design: Explorations in Theory and Practice

Description

To advance the subject of design one has to engage in the activity of designing. Sustainable by Design offers a compelling and innovative, design-centred approach that explores both the meaning and practice of sustainable design. Walker explores the design process in the context of sustainability, and challenges conventional ways of defining, designing and producing functional objects. He discusses the personal design process, tacit knowledge, ephemeral design, experimental design, and the relationship between intellectual design criteria, physical expression and aesthetic experience. This book will introduce vital concepts to students and will inspire designers by providing a well-articulated basis for understanding the complexity and potential of sustainable design, and extolling the contribution of design to the creation of a more meaningful material culture.

Stuart Walker PhD is Professor of Environmental Design and Associate Dean (Research and International) at the post-graduate Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary, Canada. He is also Visiting Professor of Sustainable Design at Kingston University, UK.

'Definitely to be on the booklist of any product design course' Professor Jack Ingram, Birmingham Institute of Art and Design 'A fascinating book that takes the reader on a journey that is both diverse and full of surprise' Jonathan Chapman, Senior Lecturer, University of Brighton 'A sensitive, thought-provoking book that explores fresh possibilities.' Alastair Fuad-Luke, sustainable design facilitator, lecturer, writer and maker 'Sustainable by Design is a key addition to the ... bookshelf' Martin Charter, Director, The Centre for Sustainable Design, UCCA 'At once inspiring and informative ... It offers designers, students, and practitioners alike a journey into the heart of design through philosophical questioning of place, time, materiality, self, society, and meaning, without sacrificing the practical concerns regarding the transition from models of consumption to sustainability. The sophistication of the exploration cannot be overstated and should be required reading for students of design. Summing Up: Highly recommended.' Choice 'With beautiful images to back up his words, Walker tutors, suggests and inspires...this book is a must for students and designers, its thoughtful approach also makes it an interesting read for anyone who's excited by the current shift of play.' Sally White, Resource, 2008. 'Walker presents an investigation of sustainable desgign that is at once inspiring and informative...The sophistication of the exploration cannot be overstated and should be required reading for students of design.' L. Farooque, CHOICE