Ecological Design Principles
- Reduction. In the consumption of materials and energy.
- Circular economy. Keeping resources in use for as long as possible or is practical. Followed by the recovery and regeneration of materials.
- Value. Less waste and more value to the ecosystem, breaking the cycle of ‘make, use, toss’.
“We don’t need to keep making brand new things from brand new materials to keep growing”
Hannah Thomas, Service Design: Can We Design For Sustainable Consumption?
Ecological Design Origins
Ecological design is a term defined by Sim Van Der Ryn and Stuart Cowan defined as;
“Any form of design that minimises environmentally destructive impacts”
And they encourage design that integrates itself with living processes. We endorse this principle. In creating a circular economy, we can:
- cycle resources through industries
- generate more opportunities for value extract
- reduce our reliance on brand new materials
- consume without excessive waste
- protect scarce resources
Embracing Ecological Design in Charlotte Findlater Designs
Ecological design is a responsibility that should now be incumbent on any designer. We need to search for new building and consumer solutions. Considering our environmental impact is vital.
Our designs acknowledge the impact of climate change, and increasing CO2 emissions. Our team brings a more environmentally conscious approach to design, considering at each point:
- the choice of materials
- the energy consumed in creating these materials
- the disposal of waste
“Our designs focus on sustainable consumer values. We all need to show an understanding of our ecological footprint on the planet. And we must work against the negative effects of mass markets and industrialisation. Ecological designs are an investment in luxury and sustainability.”
Charlotte Findlater
