Design For Sustainability
Dedicated to those who aspire to change the world: designers, engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers.
—— Introduce——
After two years, Design for Sustainability, the English edition of《可持续设计》, has finally been published by Springer. We hope to take this opportunity to present the insights and practical case studies, which are rooted in the Chinese socio-cultural context, to a broader international audience. It is our aspiration to add a voice from the East to the global discourse and dialogue in the field of sustainable design. This book is also the first volume in the book series Sustainability and Interdisciplinarity (Series Editors: Zhong Zhou, Liu Jing).
· Title: Design for Sustainability
· Author: Liu Xin, Zhong Fang , Zhang Jun
· Publisher: Springer Singapore
· DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-8657-5
Thanks to Xia Nan, Wang Bosen, Song Jiajia, and Maurizio Vrenna for their contributions to this book.
—— About this book——
The book gives a panoramic introduction to design for sustainability to students, with input for undergraduate students, design students, and interested design practitioners. It is based on frontier research, give insights into best design practices to clarify the application of design strategies and offer a systematic review of sustainability. Through its novel approach to the topic, the book gives a systemic perspective instead of focusing on single environmental or social perspectives. Additionally, it builds a theory-practice parallel as means of introducing the topic. This aids readers in establishing an integrated understanding of design for sustainability.
The book summarises sustainable design strategies with chapters on the track of product, service, social, and system. The design strategies are introduced with dimensions on history, theory, and empirical cases. The author maps the design for sustainability with a theoretical framework as well as the best design practices. Moreover, the book is based on long-term interdisciplinary collaboration. By working with environmental scientists, sociologists and citizens, the author expands traditional design capacities into dedicating the perspective to a more concrete knowledge of design for sustainability.
Students are increasingly interested in design for sustainability. However, it is difficult to find guides on this topic. Books with related titles are research-oriented, theme-oriented, or focusing on specific topics like environmental, material, or social issues. This book aims at exploring the field of design for sustainability with in-depth insights on multiple levels. This book helps students gain an overview of the topic and include insights in their future studies. Overall, the book provides opportunities for instructors to share these perspectives. Additionally, it helps establish a structured course system with a multitude of advanced cases, several interrelated themes, as well as insights into the theoretical underpinning of design for sustainability.
Table of contents (12 chapters)
Front Matter
1 Sustainable Development
2 Design for Sustainability
3 Lifecycle Design
4 Design for Recycling
5 Design for Reuse and Upcycling
6 Emotional Durability Design
7 Design for Reduction
8 Design Learning from Nature
9 Product-Service System Design
10 Design for Social Innovation
11 The Distributed Economy
12 Systemic Design
Back Matter
—— Foreword ——
In this edition, we invited two renowned scholars in the field of design for sustainability to write the forewords: Ezio Manzini, Professor Emeritus at Politecnico di Milano, and Carlo Vezzoli, Professor of Design at Politecnico di Milano. Their words bring valuable international perspectives to this book and deepen the global discourse on sustainable design. We are sharing the full texts of both scholars’ forewords here, in the hope that they will be inspiring for our academic colleagues and all readers.
Ezio Manzini
Professor Emeritus at Politecnico di Milano
World-renowned design theorist and advocate for social innovation.
“A book that is, at the same time, a compendium of everything that has been said, written and experienced up to now on the topic of design for sustainability, and an indicator of the themes that represent its future.”
1. The transition towards sustainability is a social learning process in which we all, that is, the whole humanity, have much to experience and learn.
Today, almost 40 years after we began this journey, we know that the social systems we must generate must be, first of all, ecological and just. Where "ecological" means rich in diversity and mutual relationships between humans and between humans and non-human beings (and this at every scale: from that of individuals to those of communities and societies as a whole). And where "just" means that in them all human beings have the same rights and that everyone must be given the same opportunities (which also means that, given the inequalities found today, it is necessary to offer more possibilities to those who, up to now, have had less).
Ecological and just are two adjectives whose philosophical meaning is profound and open to a variety of interpretations. In indicating them as the main characteristics of the transition that we would like to see implemented, it does not mean proposing a model to be reproduced, but a path to undertake. Everyone starting from where they are. Each with its own specificity. Knowing that we all need to learn from everyone else. And, at the same time, we all have something to bring to others.
This book seems to me to do so: it is open to all the ideas that, over time and in all regions of the world, have emerged regarding sustainability and design. And, at the same time, it introduces themes that are, or could become, the specific contribution that China can bring to this great social conversation on the future of the Planet.
By doing so, it seems to me that it proposes design for sustainability as an ecosystem of ideas that coexist, supporting or contrasting each other (because they refer to complementary aspects of the same reality or because they refer to different approaches and visions of the world). A set of proposals that constitute the current vast and articulated offer of visions and tools with which to act for the future of our Planet.
All this, in my opinion, makes it an important and useful book. A book that is, at the same time, a compendium of everything that has been said, written and experienced up to now on the topic of design for sustainability, and an indicator of the themes that represent its future.
2. In his Preface to this same book, Liu Guanzhong writes: “The standard for evaluating the innovativeness of a rational design comes from ancient Chinese philosophy and entails assessing what is appropriate, moderate, and suitable, rather than the infinite pursuit of desire and optimal solutions”. I believe that this statement is of great relevance, in China and everywhere. And I believe that, when faced with the challenges of the future, it should be carefully considered.
Of course, what "appropriate, moderate, and suitable" means today must be discussed and new shared visions of the qualities we want to seek must be found. But many years of work in the field of sustainability clearly tell us that it is necessary to radically change the ways of thinking and doing that are dominated today. Design for sustainability can and must follow all the different strategies indicated in this book, but at the basis there must be the search for a renewed wisdom that has to lead us to redefine the criteria with which we judge the quality of life.
In my opinion, based on many different experiences, this redefinition must be made on the basis of three key words: collaboration, proximity and care. Where "collaboration" means that only by working together we can hope to achieve ecological and just sustainability. “Proximity” means that sustainability is to be sought starting from its molecular physical dimension, creating rich and diversified proximity systems: proximity systems habitable by us humans, in harmony with the non-human entities that constitute the network of life on our Planet. “Care” means attention, empathy and closeness and refers to the quality of relationships between human beings and between human beings and their environment. Care relationships which, in order to exist, require giving oneself the necessary time to build them.
All this may seem to be shared by everyone (who could declare themselves in opposition to the need to collaborate, be close and take care?). But if these keywords are taken seriously, with all their practical implications, they appear in stark contrast to the lines of action currently dominant in modernized societies. In fact, the economic and cultural models on which they are based and the technologies they produce push in a diametrically opposite direction, towards societies of isolated individuals competing with each other, towards desertified proximity systems and towards careless interactions.
In opposition to these dominated trends, design for sustainability is therefore design for collaboration, proximity and care. More precisely, it is the design of proximity systems that make collaborative and caring relationships possible and probable. Which, as has been said, does not constitute a complete model to be replicated. But it indicates a direction, leaving it open, case by case, to decide how one should actually operate, combining ideas and practices that come from the past with new sensitivities and new technological possibilities. It's not an easy path, but I think this book helps you get started.
Carlo Vezzoli
Professor of Design at Politecnico di Milano
Founder of LeNS (the Learning Network on Sustainability).
“The publication of Design for Sustainability is a landmark moment in this journey……One of the book’s most compelling features is its contextualization within China’s unique sociocultural and economic landscape.”
Sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern but a defining principle for humanity’s future. It is a call to action that transcends disciplines, geographies, and social and economic contexts, urging us to rethink the way we produce, consume, and design. Among the various fields contributing to this global shift, design occupies a pivotal role. It bridges creativity and implementation feasibility, offering solutions that address environmental challenges, foster social equity and inclusion, and promote economic prosperity. As designers’ researchers, educators, and practitioners, we stand at a critical juncture where our collective creativity can either perpetuate unsustainable practices or forge pathways toward a resilient and sustainable future for all.
The publication of Design for Sustainability is a landmark moment in this journey. Authored by Professors Liu Xin, Jun Zhang, and Zhong Fang, this book represents a significant contribution to the field of Design for Sustainability (DfS). Originally written in Chinese, it has already established itself as a key resource for researchers, educators and students in China. The release of its English edition marks a crucial step in amplifying its reach and impact, enabling global audiences to benefit from its insights and approaches. As someone deeply invested in the promotion of design for sustainability in research, education and practice, I am honored to write this foreword.
The book’s structure is both comprehensive and forward-thinking, addressing the historical context, theoretical underpinnings, and practical approaches and strategies of DfS. It navigates the evolution of sustainability from a conceptual framework to a practical imperative, illustrating how design can act as a catalyst for system changes. Through its twelve chapters, the book explores key concepts such as product Life Cycle Design, circular economy principles, biomimicry, Product-Service Systems (PSS), social innovation, and systemic thinking. These topics are not merely theoretical; they are actionable frameworks that guide designers in tackling complex, multidimensional challenges.
One of the book’s most compelling features is its contextualization within China’s unique sociocultural and economic landscape. By incorporating localized case studies, the authors demonstrate how global sustainability principles can be adapted to address specific regional challenges and opportunities. For example, the book highlights innovative practices emerging in China, offering valuable lessons for other regions. These case studies not only enrich the book’s narrative but also underscore the importance of cultural and institutional factors in shaping sustainable design solutions.
The inclusion of these localized perspectives aligns seamlessly with the ethos of the Learning Network for Sustainability (LeNS), a network counting on more than 150 universities worldwide, aiming at diffusing DfS knowledge-base and know-how, through a learning-by-sharing, multipolar and open-access ethos. As the founder of LeNS, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse community of scholars and practitioners, including the authors of this book. Their contributions to the LeNS network have been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of how sustainability can be integrated into design research, education and practice. This book stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, mutual exchange, and co-creation, embodying the core values that LeNS seeks to promote.
A key strength of the book lies in its emphasis on systemic approaches to sustainability. The authors recognize that addressing today’s sustainability challenges require system innovations that account for the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic dimensions. By advocating for integrative design strategies, the book equips readers with the tools needed to navigate this complexity. It encourages the design community to move beyond isolated interventions and to embrace a systemic mindset, where each decision contributes to a broader vision of sustainability.
Another notable aspect of the book is its forward-looking perspective. While it provides a thorough analysis of current theories and practices, it also anticipates emerging trends and challenges. The chapters on Product-Service Systems (PSS) and Distributed Economies (DE) design for sustainability, for example, explore how those models can drive sustainability by win-win solutions, i.e. environmentally, socio-ethically and economically beneficial. By addressing these forward-thinking topics, the book positions itself as a valuable resource not only for today’s readers but also for future generations of designers, educators and researchers.
The publication of this book in English is particularly significant in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange. It enables readers from diverse backgrounds to engage with China’s unique contributions to DfS while also contributing their own perspectives to the global discourse. This exchange of ideas is essential for advancing sustainability, as it allows us to learn from one another’s successes and challenges, building a collective understanding of what it means to design sustainability for all.
Beyond its scholarly contributions, the book carries a profound message of hope and empowerment. It reminds us that design can be a transformative force that shapes the way we live, work, and interact with the world. By embracing sustainability as a guiding principle, designers can become agents of change, driving the transitions needed to address the urgent challenges of our time. This message resonates deeply with the ethos of LeNS and with my own belief in the power of design to create positive environmental and social impacts, with economic benefits.
As this book reaches an international audience, its potential to inspire and educate is boundless. It serves as a vital resource for students, educators, researchers and professionals across disciplines, equipping them with the knowledge-base and know-how needed to contribute to the transition towards a sustainable society. More importantly, it fosters a sense of responsibility and agency, encouraging readers to see themselves as active participants in the journey toward sustainability.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Professors Liu Xin, Jun Zhang, and Zhong Fang for their outstanding work. Their dedication to advancing design for sustainability in education is evident on every page of this book, and their contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the field. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute this foreword and to support the dissemination of their invaluable insights to a global audience.
May this book serve as a source of inspiration, guidance, and collaboration for all who read it. Together, let us harness the power of design to envision and contribute to an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable society for all.
The publication of Design for Sustainability is a sharing of knowledge, a cross-cultural dialogue, and above all, a firm step in our commitment to contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions towards a global sustainable future. We believe that the power of design will ultimately envision and co-create a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous future for all humanity.
Read link: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-8657-5
