Sustainable Design - DESG4035

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2026 to 2027
Canterbury
Summer Term 4 20 (10) Simon Basketter checkmark-circle

Overview

The designs we create significantly influence both the communities and the environments we inhabit. This module unveils the intricate relationship between ethical considerations and design decisions, emphasising sustainability's essential role in crafting environmentally conscious and socially responsible spaces. You will explore these concepts through lectures and seminars introducing the theoretical underpinnings of ethics and sustainability and engaging you in discussions about case studies and current events that highlight sustainable practices in the design world. 

Throughout this journey, you will be equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to incorporate sustainable methods into your design projects, ensuring that your creations are both innovative and mindful of environmental and social impacts. By the end of this module, you will have a deeper understanding of how sustainability intersects with design, preparing you to be a conscientious designer who actively contributes to a more sustainable future.

Details

Contact hours

Lecture: 8 hours
Design Studio: 37 hours

Method of assessment

10-minute Presentation + Presentation submission Design Studio Project - Research and Development. Assessment Details: Presentation + Presentation Slides (Digital/Print) + Study models worth 30%.
15-minute Presentation + Portfolio Design Studio Project – Final submission. Assessment Details: Presentation + Digital/Print Portfolio presentation + Physical models worth 70%. This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.

Reassessment Method: Like-for-like (each component submitted in digital format without presentation)

Indicative reading

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:? 
 
Understand how ethical considerations influence design decisions and assess their impact on communities and the environment. (A2, C3) 
Apply sustainability principles in design projects to create environmentally friendly spaces that reflect current ecological needs. (B3, C4) 
Study case studies and current events to identify and evaluate effective sustainable practices within the design industry. (A3, B2) 
Combine theoretical and practical knowledge to create design solutions that are both socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. (A1, B4) 
Communicate design concepts, demonstrating the integration of ethical and sustainability considerations through visual and verbal methods. (B4, C4)

Notes

  1. Credit level 4. Certificate level module usually taken in the first stage of an undergraduate degree.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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