Circular & Sustainable Design Practices
Circular & Sustainable Design Practices
Embedded Files
Circular design is an approach to design that prioritizes minimizing waste and maximizing the longevity of products by emphasizing the continual use and recycling of resources within a closed-loop system. The circular design framework aims to move away from the traditional linear model of "take, make, dispose" to a more regenerative and restorative system.
Sustainable design focuses on creating products, systems, and environments that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses a holistic approach that considers environmental, social, and economic dimensions, aiming for a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural world.
Image Source
Eco-Design Basics
Eco-Design Basics
When designers create a product, they make important decisions about how it’s made, used, fixed, and eventually thrown away. These choices matter because they can significantly impact the environment throughout the product’s entire life.
Imagine you’re designing a smartphone. How it’s manufactured, how long it lasts, and what happens to it after use—all these factors matter.
The circular economy is like a recycling superhero; It aims to minimize waste and keep resources in use. Here’s how designers can apply circular principles:
Make It Last Longer:
Design products to be upgradable, so you can add new features without buying a whole new item.
Think of a laptop: Instead of replacing the entire thing, just upgrade the memory or storage.
Repairability Matters:
Create products that are repairable. Imagine a pair of sneakers with replaceable soles.
When something breaks, fixing it should be easy. Like a bike—replace a flat tire, not the whole bike!
Reuse and Recycle:
Choose materials wisely. Some materials are better for the environment than others.
For instance, using recycled plastic for water bottles instead of new plastic reduces waste.
CASE STUDY: D-SMILE - This 'spa aesthetic' dental company has re-imagined conventional dental products through the use of locally sourced recycled plastics and packaging & product design that makes them easier to return & recycle.
Design Out Waste:
When designing, think about how to minimize waste.
Example: A reusable coffee cup made from bamboo instead of disposable cups.
Going Beyond:
Designers can take it a step further:
Support Natural Systems:
Imagine a building with rooftop gardens that help clean the air and provide habitat for birds.
Designing with nature in mind benefits everyone.
Community Connection:
Consider how your product impacts people. Can it benefit the community?
A solar-powered phone charger not only helps you but also reduces energy use for everyone.
So, as designers, remember: Your choices matter! By creating products that last, are easy to fix, and respect the environment, you’re making a positive impact.
CASE STUDY: HUSKEE CUPS - Made from coffee bean husk, a waste product of the coffee industry. They also build in a return loop to re-use materials from old & broken cups so the materials are reused.
Key Principles of Circular Design:
Key Principles of Circular Design:
Closed-Loop Systems: Products are designed to be easily disassembled, recycled, and reintegrated into the production cycle. CASE STUDY | EDI-CUP: THE EDIBLE CUP
Life Cycle Thinking: Consideration of a product's entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. CASE STUDY | ADA HODGSON JEWELLERY DESIGN
Modularity and Repairability: Products are designed with components that can be easily replaced or repaired, extending the lifespan and reducing the need for constant replacement. CASE STUDY | ARGENT SILVERSMITH JEWELLERY DESIGN
Reuse and Upcycling: Encourages the reuse of materials and components in innovative ways, transforming waste into valuable resources. CASE STUDY | PRAHRAN HOTEL MATERIAL USE
Waste Reduction: Aims to minimize waste by designing out waste at the source and promoting the efficient use of resources. CASE STUDY | KUWAII FASHION BRAND - REPAIR, REWEAR, RECYCLE
Material Selection: Prioritizes the use of sustainable and recyclable materials, considering their environmental impact throughout the life cycle. CASE STUDY | JAMES WALSH ANTHROPIC BENCH
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Involves collaboration among designers, manufacturers, consumers, and recyclers to create a more integrated and efficient circular system. CASE STUDY | IKEAS MOVE TO CIRCULAR DESIGN BY 2030
Key Principles of Sustainable Design:
Key Principles of Sustainable Design:
Environmental Impact Reduction: Minimizing the negative environmental effects of design choices, such as resource depletion, pollution, and habitat destruction. CASE STUDY | ASHLEY ERIKSMOEN 'THE DREAM'
Energy Efficiency: Prioritizing energy-efficient solutions, whether in the manufacturing process, product usage, or building design, to reduce overall energy consumption. CASE STUDY | SELF-POWERED PRAHRAN HOME
Renewable Energy Sources: Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to minimize reliance on non-renewable energy and reduce the carbon footprint. CASE STUDY | SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET
Social Responsibility: Ensuring that design practices respect human rights, promote fair labor practices, and contribute positively to social well-being. CASE STUDY | PRAHRAN DESIGN ARCHITECTS BRAVE NEW ECO
Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting cultural diversity in design, ensuring that products and environments are sensitive to the cultural context in which they are used.
First Nations' Approaches: Recognising that First Nations traditions & practices are inherently sustainable, and that support of cultures, designers, and craftspeople continuing these cultural and design practices is an essential aspect of sustaining the cultures broadly. CASE STUDY | NGALI FASHION DESIGN
Biodiversity Conservation: Incorporating measures to protect and promote biodiversity, such as green spaces in urban planning or habitat preservation in building projects.
Economic Viability: Designing for economic sustainability by considering the long-term costs and benefits, promoting circular business models, and fostering economic resilience. CASE STUDY | NIGHTINGALE HOUSING
Education and Awareness: Promoting awareness and education about sustainable practices, both among designers and end-users, to encourage responsible consumption and decision-making. CASE STUDY | FIVE MILE RADIUS DESIGN STUDIO
Messages
Messages
Materials
Materials
Graphic designers, working with messages, choose materials that align with the intended message. Print materials like paper and cardstock may be selected for traditional mediums, while digital designers consider the visual language of pixels and screens.
SUSTAINABILITY QUESTIONS FOR PRINT & MESSAGE DESIGNERS
Waste Reduction
Waste Reduction
Digital messages reduce physical waste associated with print materials. Designers focus on creating digital content, minimizing the need for paper, ink, and other physical resources.
Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency
Designers working with messages focus on efficient digital platforms. Optimization of file sizes, efficient coding, and use of energy-efficient technologies contribute to reduced energy consumption.
Design Choices
Design Choices
Designers consider the environmental impact of the platforms they use for message dissemination. Choosing digital platforms over print can reduce the ecological footprint associated with paper production.
Objects
Objects
Materials
Materials
Product designers consider the functionality and aesthetics of materials for tangible objects. Choices range from metals and plastics for durability to sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled plastics for eco-friendly products.
CASE STUDY | PLANT PIN RECYCLED PLASTIC
CASE STUDY | ATELIER CAYELLE JEWELLERY MADE FROM COFFEE GROUNDS
Waste Reduction
Waste Reduction
Product designers incorporate principles of circular design, considering the life cycle and recyclability of products. Modular designs allow for easy repairs, reducing the need for replacement and subsequent waste.
CASE STUDY | JARDAN MELBOURNE FURNITURE DESIGN
Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency
Product designers explore energy-efficient manufacturing processes and consider the energy consumption of products during use. Smart technologies, like energy-efficient lighting, may be integrated into objects.
Design Choices
Design Choices
Sustainable material choices and production processes contribute to positive ecosystem impacts. Avoiding materials that harm ecosystems, such as certain plastics, and prioritizing recycled or upcycled materials are common considerations.
CASE STUDY | IKEA MOVING TO CIRCULAR DESIGN BY 2030
Environments
Environments
Materials
Materials
Environment designers make choices based on the purpose and atmosphere. Sustainable, durable materials may be chosen for long-lasting structures, while softer, flexible materials may be used for temporary or adaptable environments.
Waste Reduction
Waste Reduction
Sustainable design practices, such as repurposing existing structures or using reclaimed materials, contribute to waste reduction. Designers also plan for deconstruction and recycling at the end of a structure's life.
Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency
Sustainable architectural practices, such as passive design principles and energy-efficient building materials, contribute to the energy efficiency of environments. Integration of renewable energy sources is also a common method.
Design Choices
Design Choices
Environment designers select materials with minimal environmental impact, ensuring that construction processes and materials don't harm ecosystems. Integration of green spaces and consideration for local flora and fauna are also factors.
Interactive Experiences
Interactive Experiences
Materials
Materials
Interactive designers may consider touch-sensitive materials, adaptive surfaces, or smart materials that respond to user interactions. Choices depend on creating a tactile, engaging, and responsive experience.
Waste Reduction
Waste Reduction
In interactive design, digital platforms can be updated without producing physical waste. Virtual and augmented reality experiences reduce the need for physical materials, contributing to waste reduction.
Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency
Interactive designers optimize code and graphics for efficiency, reducing the energy consumption of digital experiences. Sustainable interactive installations may incorporate solar or kinetic energy sources.
Design Choices
Design Choices
In interactive design, choices of technology can impact ecosystems. Responsible sourcing of materials for electronic components and consideration of the environmental impact of digital infrastructure are key considerations.
Material Choices & Circular Design
Material Choices & Circular Design
Circular design principles are crucial for several reasons:
Sustainability: Circular design ensures that products and materials have a minimal environmental impact. By considering the entire lifecycle, designers can create more sustainable solutions.
Resource Efficiency: These principles promote efficient resource use. Instead of the traditional linear approach (take-make-dispose), circular design aims to circulate materials and products, reducing waste.
Climate Change Mitigation: Circular design helps combat climate change by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. It encourages reuse, recycling, and regeneration of materials.
Economic Benefits: A circular economy can lead to cost savings for businesses. Reusing materials reduces the need for raw resources and lowers production costs.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health: Circular design contributes to ecosystem regeneration. Choosing materials that align with natural cycles supports biodiversity and environmental health.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse