Sustainable DesignSustainable Design

Course content.
The “Sustainable Design” minor is based on the belief that a desirable future must be actively shaped – drawing on the competencies and research activities of all design disciplines. The minor follows the guiding principle “from knowledge to action”: Through solution-oriented project work, you will learn how design competencies can advance the urgently needed societal transformation – the Sustainable Turn.
The minor focuses primarily on ecological sustainability while also addressing social and economic perspectives. Building on forward-looking developments and innovations in the field of sustainability (for example in sharing and circular economy, social design, green tech, climate communication, regenerative practices, urban farming), current topics are explored, best-practice projects are presented, and collaborative projects with external partners are initiated.

The “Sustainable Design” minor is supported by all study programs within the Department of Design and coordinated by the Knowledge Visualization program. It is open to both Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

Skills acquired in the course.
You will learn to identify strategically relevant fields of action and to position your own role, activities, and sphere of influence in relation to the sustainable development of our society. Students in the minor understand the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability and integrate current research findings, their own knowledge, and the design competencies from their major into their work as designers.

You will learn to develop solution-oriented project goals within interdisciplinary teams and to initiate forward-looking design projects in collaboration with research and practice partners. You will design concepts, validate them through prototyping, and work toward their real-world implementation.

Admissions requirements.
The “Sustainable Design” minor is intended for designers who wish to place sustainability at the center of their work, strengthen their competencies in this area, and position themselves accordingly. The ability to collaborate is essential: You will work within an interdisciplinary network, build connections, and further develop your professional adaptability by engaging creatively, critically, and practically with current and future challenges of sustainable development.

“Sustainable Design” is open to all students of ZHdK. Specific admission requirements for the minor are collected via self-declaration.

Language skills required.
You need the following languages to take this minor:
–  German and English: to be able to follow a discussion
–  German and English: to actively participate in a verbal exchange
–  German and English: to understand a text
–  German or English: to write a text

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.
Achieving genuine sustainability is one of the most urgent tasks of the coming decades. Designers will play a key role in this process. The “Sustainable Design” minor gives you direct access to this essential field of the design practice.

The “Kick-off” in the field takes you directly to places where bottom-up initiatives are tackling the major issue of sustainability, allowing you to meet the protagonists and learn about their approaches.

In the introductory lecture series “Perspectives,” you will meet experts addressing key topics and challenges of sustainability, including: the climate and biodiversity crisis, donut economics and planetary boundaries, circular economy and sufficiency, political frameworks, and social resilience. Joint reflection and contextualization conclude each lecture and excursion.

During the project weeks “Practice Modules,” you will engage in inspiring exchanges with external partners and enter into concrete collaborations, supported by dedicated lecturers. You will gain access to a diverse and impactful network of professionals and researchers in the field of sustainability – offering valuable opportunities for your continued studies (such as a diploma project) and your entry into the professional world.

The “Sustainable Design” minor will support you in finding your own role, activities, and sphere of influence in shaping the sustainable development of our society – with the goal of enabling you to contribute critically, creatively, and constructively to the Sustainable Turn in the future.

→ More information about this minor (PDF download)

Minor Coordination

Lecturers

At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.