Interdisciplinary Studies

Designing for Sustainability

SF 116
Instructor: Jessica Kraft
Tues., 6:45–9:45 p.m., June 9–Aug 11
10 sessions. $300. Noncredit. Prerequisite: none

The challenge for 21st-century design of all disciplines is how to create beautiful environments and products that enhance ecosystems while promoting human health. In this course we explore the paradigm shift of sustainability and examine how designers can respond to the challenges of global warming, resource depletion, over-consumption, and material toxicity with resilience, creativity, and beauty.

Following a critique of the last two centuries of design history, we delve into the current tools of the sustainable designer: Life Cycle Analysis, Cradle to Cradle, LEED certification, and systems thinking. Students develop final projects that integrate these tools and apply them to their own design focus.