A timely book that (finally) situates design within a systems context. Diverse articles examine the social and environmental implications of designed images, artifacts, systems and structures in a globally inter-connected and interdependent world as well as the ethics and values that underpin them. Essential reading for designing responsibly in the 21st century. - Terry Irwin, Head, School of Design, Carnegie Mellon University
This compelling collection is an outstanding resource for people who see design as a tool that can be used to create a better civilization, whether they be practitioners, students, researchers, or enthusiasts. Egenhoefer reminds us of our responsibility to use our professional skills and opportunities to not just do good design, but to do good! - David Berman, RGD, FGDC, Sustainability Chair, Icograda/ico-D
The comprehensive and anticipatory nature of this book is profoundly informative and operationally useful in ways that previous books have not been. It is by being so comprehensive on the front end that we designers can mitigate the Law of Unintended Consequences that has so often plagued the practice of design.
While this book is aimed at designers, it would also be useful for political leaders, policy makers and theoretical thinkers in any field. As a society, we are woefully silo-ed by profession, nationality and paradigm. This condition does not accrue to our collective benefit. Any approach that seeks to dismantle this myopic state of affairs will persevere. This book seeks to do just that. - Peter Dean, Co-Founder and Concentration Coordinator, Nature Culture Sustainability Studies Concentration, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
We are only beginning to explore how design can create the conditions for net positive change throughout society. This handbook shows how design thinking is breaking out of its past boundaries to have a positive influence on all aspects of theory, practice and being. - Janis Birkeland, Professor, University of Melbourne, author of Design for Sustainability and Positive Development
Sustainability does not have meaning independent from what needs to be sustained, and this need is an object of environmental, economic, political and philosophical contestation. It follows that the concept, and its associated practices begs vigorous debate. This book makes a contribution to the substance of such a debate. - Tony Fry, The Studio at the Edge of the World and University of Tasmania
This is essential reading for those beginning to explore sustainable design. Rachel Beth Egenhoefer has taken a unique approach to illustrating both the breadth and depth of the field. The structure around five themes provides very different perspectives and enables the reader to understand how the approach of design and sustainability together can begin to make real change in the world. - Tracy Bhamra, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Sustainable Design, Loughborough University, UK.
The Handbook of Sustainable Design pushes design beyond artifacts, common definitions and methodologies. Instead, it advances the discourse to a more impactful, holistic and systemic level, incorporating a much-needed variety of voices, perspectives, and ideas that challenge the designer's ever-changing role and responsibility in a complex, interconnected and uncertain world. - Mike Weikert, Director, Center for Social Design + Master of Arts in Social Design, Maryland Institute College of Art
