ARTX-C1008 - Sustainable Design, 20.04.2021-01.06.2021

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Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 

- recognize priority sustainability concerns and understand how existing patterns of consumption and production connect to such concerns.
- command basic understanding of design strategies for sustainability ranging from materials to products and services to system level.
- analyse sustainability aspects of design and use sustainability related knowledge to suggest improvements.
- communicate main sustainability aspects of products and services.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 20.04.2021 - 01.06.2021

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Mikko Jalas, Pirjo Kääriäinen, Tatu Marttila

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Mikko Jalas, Pirjo Kääriäinen, Tatu Marttila

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Sustainability concerns permeate the broad field of design. This course introduces major sustainability concerns and connects them to contemporary production processes and consumption patterns. The course charts design strategies for reduced negative sustainability impacts including material selection, energy efficiency, changes in consumption patterns, abilities to affect overall demand, various strategies for closing material loops and the role of new materials in design for sustainability. All designers need to be able to turn this knowledge into design actions. A critical view on sustainability also requires a systems view through which to recognize connections between different levels and to identify potential leverage points. 

    The course consists of lectures, exercises and independent work, for example reading the given literature, and keeping a learning diary throughout the course. As part of the course, students will be working in teams on one to two assignments, focusing on redesigning existing products and services, and exploring design opportunities around a novel material or technology.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The final grade for the course is based on a learning diary, which documents the personal assignments on the course as well as on the group assignments. 

Workload

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The total workload for the course amounts to 162 hours (I ECTS credits = 27 hours).  

    - Contact teaching (including final presentation) 33 hours
    - Individual and group work 105 hours
    - Personal reflection 24 hours 

DETAILS

Study Material

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Allwood J & Cullen J (2010). Sustainable Materials - with Both Eyes Open. Available at http://www.withbotheyesopen.com/read.php?c=8 – Selected chapters

    Vihma, S. (2010). On Design Semiotics. In S. Vihma (ed.). Design Semiotics in use. Helsinki: Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. - selected sections to be announced in the course syllabus.

    Ashby et al (2013). Materials and Sustainable Development —a White Paper. Available at http://lewis.upc.es/~ricksellens/final/74/1-Papers-SustainableTechnology.pdf

    Peattie, K., & Belz, F. (2013). Sustainability marketing: A global perspective. John Wiley and Sons. - Selected sections to be announced in course syllabus.

     

Prerequisites

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Bachelor Programme in Design students need to have completed ARTX-C1016 Introdutory Design project prior to taking the course. 

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

    13 Climate Action

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof