Principles Practices and Portfolio Development for Sustainable Design for 16 to 18 year olds Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This intensive course offers a hands-on introduction to sustainable design, combining scientific concepts with practical design processes. Perfect for students considering foundation studies in sustainable design, this course equips students with essential skills to develop and present high-quality projects and support successful college applications.
Through presentations, discussions, data collection, insight generation, hands-on experiments and design exercises, you'll gain valuable insights into the world of sustainable design. This course takes a research-focused approach and covers fabrication techniques, portfolio development and design conceptualisation.
By the end of the course, you'll have explored practical applications, developed design skills, and gained insights into how sustainability integrates with design, preparing you for future studies or careers in this rapidly growing field.
Please note: this course includes a field trip to Hampstead Heath.
Who this course is for
- Students aged 16 to 18 with an interest in science
- Students without a science background, but passionate about design and sustainability and want to learn more
- Students preparing for future studies or careers in the fields of sustainable design, fashion product, systems and strategy
- This course includes a trip or visit off site
Key information
Topics covered
- Sustainable design framework overview (introduction to the core concepts of sustainable design, e.g. essential sustainability vocabulary, literature, case studies, and projects)
- Foundational scientific enquiry (opportunities to collect and analyse data from natural environments through field research, surveys, and scientific testing)
- Scientific paper analysis and home-based experimentation (decoding scientific papers and conducting experiments)
- Creative processes and problem-solving (strategies for choosing the right materials, connecting scientific concepts to design, overcome challenges in planning and portfolio development)
- Methods for design thinking and developing sustainable design concepts (techniques for generating creative ideas, conceptualising design outcomes, and cultivating a unique design style through prototype development and visual representation methods)
- Documentation (best practices for documenting and compiling the design process, covering research, iterations, and final outcomes)
- Introduction to advanced topics (e.g. emerging trends, case studies, design ethics and reflective practices)
Learning outcomes
- Develop and present your own design project for inclusion in their portfolio
- Understand core sustainable design principles and how to apply them in practice
- Able to apply scientific concepts to enhance design processes and outcomes
- Experience with data collection, analysis and generating insights for design projects
- Able to develop design concepts and prototypes using accessible resources
- Have the skills needed to create and curate a portfolio showcasing sustainable design projects for college applications
- Be able to decode and interpret scientific papers and techniques to inform and refine design practices
- Improve your skills in presenting and communicating design concepts effectively
- Develop strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities applicable to complex design challenges
- Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance
- Develop an open-minded approach to art and design
- Experience art school teaching
For practical information about our kids and teens courses, take a look at our kids and teens information hub. This includes details of our policies on safeguarding, food allergies, learning requirements and online study.
Materials
If possible, please bring a camera or camera phone to record the process of making the work, and the outcomes.
Everything needed to complete the course is provided, but please feel free to bring any current sketchbooks or materials you enjoy using.
Tutor
Debarati Das
Debarati is a Product and Strategic Designer specializing in sustainable design solutions. She has a wealth of experience working on sustainable development projects with organizations of various scales and specialization in the textile industry. In her recent endeavours, Debarati has spearheaded research and development on natural dyes at an industrial scale for application on linen fabrics, with her findings currently in the process of patenting. Collaborating with the Government of India on craft cluster development projects, she has played a crucial role in strategizing and designing products and initiatives to support Indigenous craft communities, focusing on preserving heritage knowledge of Indigenous crafts and building sustainable systems to integrate these crafts into the mainstream market.
Her career includes roles with textile conglomerates leading projects focused on sustainability. She has also worked with award-winning design studios, contributing to projects with artisans and craft clusters across India, developing sustainable products and strategies. Her current research focuses on the possibility of integrating innovative Biodesign practices in preserving indigenous craft communities.
Debarati earned her MA in Biodesign from Central Saint Martins and completed her Bachelors degree at the renowned National Institute of Design in India. Her MA graduation project, a finalist at the prestigious MullenLowe Nova Awards, involved the research and development of integrating bacterial biopolymers packaging and formulations in consumer hygiene products. Based in London, Debarati advances her Biodesign practice while leveraging her extensive industry experience and ongoing research to mentor students, preparing them to become future leaders in sustainable design.
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