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: 14.04.2025 - 30.05.2025
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Mikko Jalas, Tatu Marttila
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: Finnish, Swedish, English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
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. As part of the course, students will also be working in teams on one to two assignments, focusing on redesigning existing products and services, and exploring sustainable design opportunities around a material or technology.
Sustainable Design is one of the joint compulsory courses for the students of the Design major (Finnish) and BA Design in English.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
The final grade for the course is based on an reflective report and course assignments.
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
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 112 hours
- Personal reflection 16 hours
- Giving course feedback 1 hour
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
A reading list is provided at the outset of the course.
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language: English
Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring V
2025-2026 Spring VRegistration:
Minimum 20, maximum 86 students. Registration in Sisu. Priority order to courses is according to the order of priority decided by the Academic committee for School of Arts, Design and Architecture https//www.aalto.fi/en/services/registering-to-courses-and-the-order-of-priority-at-aalto-arts -