Sustainable by Design

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‘This book delves into the mindset and philosophy that should drive sustainable design and not just token gestures in product innovation like 100% recyclable eco efficiency labels, although every little helps. Walker takes you on a journey from the enlightenment period to modern day consumerism and shows how our perception of time, place and aesthetic norms affect our ecosphere. His analysis is deep, insightful and regularly refers to case studies and his own experimentation… Overall this is an inspiring book for design students, academics and professionals. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough and will endeavour to educate myself further on sustainable theory and practice.’ - Alex Kimber

• Introduction * Rethinking Material Culture * Sustainable Development in Context * Design Process and Sustainable Development * Enduring Artefacts and Sustainable Solutions * Reassessing 'Good' Design * Design, Sustainability and the Human Spirit * Fashion and Sustainability * The Application of Theory * Tacit Knowledge in Design * Reframing Design for Sustainability * Time and Design * Creating Objects in a Saturated Culture * Ephemeral Objects for Sustainability * Intellectual and Aesthetic Understandings of Design * Bibliography * Index