Minor in Sustainability Studies
Sustainability is a buzzword in today’s world, but what does it really mean? Sustainability is about creating designs that not only serve their intended purpose but also are cautious about the planet. It’s about considering the entire lifecycle of a product, from its birth to its disposal, without causing harm to the environment. Indus Design School will guide the students to explore how sustainable design allows us to be conscious about the impact our creations have on the world around us.
Aspiring designers may wonder, “Why is sustainability so crucial for my career?” The answer lies in the transformation it can bring to a design. Sustainability represents more than just a passing trend; it signifies a dedicated effort to create designs that have a positive impact on society, the economy, and the environment.
At Indus Design School, we are committed to equipping our students with the necessary knowledge and tools to incorporate these vital aspects into their designs, be it in the realms of product design, architecture, fashion, or any other creative field. Sustainable Studies is more than just an interdisciplinary course in Indus Design School; it’s a transformative journey into a new paradigm of thinking, designing, and creating. Throughout this course, you’ll delve deeper into the integral role of sustainability in design. By the end of our program, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on a career that’s rooted in consciousness, responsibility, and a profound understanding of our world’s needs.
Course Structure
- Defining what is sustainable and what isn’t can be a complex matter. The Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) program offers valuable insights and solutions to address these uncertainties, guiding students in gaining clarity and a holistic perspective on sustainable design development.
- Sustainability enables the students to be conscious about “Designs”. This awareness fosters the development of functional and useful products that, in their life cycle, avoid causing harm to their surroundings.
- By engaging with sustainability, the students will gain the knowledge and skills to modify their designs in ways that are socially responsible, economically viable, and ecologically friendly. Consideration of “Who made it”, “how it was made”, “Which environment was it made in” and “How does it affect the environment?” are some of the influential guideposts that would be beneficial for them during the design journey.
- For a thousand years, the Earth has been intertwined with humanity and its ongoing experiments. It is crucial in this course to explore how these very same humans became conscious of the adverse impacts of their inventions on the environment.
- Design is a vast and interconnected field that extends beyond the designer and the consumer. It encompasses artisans, workers, transporters, vendors, and countless others who contribute to a product’s existence. This course will delve into the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and a positive work environment as integral aspects of social sustainability.
- The students will explore the broader landscape of sustainable policies, corporate social responsibilities, and sustainable development goals, offering them a comprehensive understanding of the wider world in which your designs will reside.
- This interdisciplinary course will offer insights into various key subjects that contribute to the formation of design and can be applied across various design disciplines. These subjects include Ecosystems, Climate Change, Industrialization, Ethical Practices, Ethnography, and Humanity-Centered Design.
Career Paths
The remarkable aspect of Sustainable Studies is that it doesn’t require students to exclude any particular course or field to create environmentally friendly designs. Students have the flexibility to incorporate sustainability into any career choice, enhancing their designs to be more Earth-friendly. Some significant job titles for designers aspiring to make a positive impact on the future include:
- Sustainability expert
- Sustainable designer
- Social Designer
- Sustainable researcher
- Sustainable Fashion Designer
- Research Scientist
- Design Researcher
- Sustainable Furniture Designer
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Environmental Consultant
