Sustainable by Design: Explorations in Theory and Practice

FROM THE BACK COVER:

Sustainable by Design: Explorations in Theory and Practice (London: Earthscan/Taylor and Francis) offers a compelling and innovative, design-centred approach that explores both the meaning and practice of sustainable design.

The book introduces vital concepts to students and will inspire designers by providing the well-articulated basis for understanding the complexity and potential of sustainable design, and extolling the contribution of design to the creation of a more meaningful material culture.

Reviews of Sustainable by Design from the Routledge website:

‘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 design 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

Review by designcherry:

5 stars

‘Through a process of practical research and experiments, Stuart Walker explores the relationships we have with the products we own, and most of all, the consumerist obsession with `newness’. Walker argues that the pristine, glossy finish of many new consumer products (think particularly electronic/digital products) and the inevitable reality that, with use, these products will quickly become less than pristine, is responsible for the ever-increasing rate of which we fall in and out of love with our latest purchase.

Through a fascinating analogy with religious prayer beads, Walker explores the paradox that it is usually our materially worthless possessions (art, music, etc) that hold the most significant value in our lives.

A thought provoking and inspiring read. Enough to make any product designer re-think the hierarchy of details they apply and constraints they work within.

Routledge website: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9781844073535/

Amazon.co.uk website: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sustainable-Design-Explorations-Theory-Practice/…