SbyD

The "Sustainability by Design" project focuses on climate-neutral and resource-conserving ways of production and living. It uses design methods that can be found in the general structure of design processes (research, definition of the task, brainstorming, prototyping and testing) to transfer knowledge from sustainability research into society and the economy. Design methods and processes have the potential to play a significant role in this transformation due to their special ability to make theories and research tangible and transfer them into everyday life, as well as through their ability to act as a link between different disciplines. The aim is to explore, discuss and implement sustainable innovations in practice. Various formats such as workshops, symposia, exhibitions and an "Artist/Designer in Residence" programme serve as platforms for the exchange of knowledge and practical application.

Led by the Folkwang University of the Arts, the project is scientifically supported by Fraunhofer UMSICHT and the Wuppertal Institute. The Wuppertal Institute is contributing its expertise in sustainability research and the design of transformative research. In particular, findings from the areas of sustainability principles and assessment as well as design for circularity will be incorporated. The associated "Design for Repair" concept is combined with sustainability assessment methods in order to promote resource-saving and durable solutions. A particular focus is on integrating the Wuppertal Institute's many years of experience in the field of real-world laboratories and living labs. These formats offer practical environments in which experimental solutions can be tested and further developed. In the project, these approaches are taken up within the focus areas – the Bio Lab, the Technology Lab and the Craft Lab – in order to develop solutions that become tangible, applicable and  future-proof through design methods.