Sustainable DesignLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

The student
• identifies the concepts, theoretical basis and models of sustainable development and sustainable design in practical design processes
• knows the principles of sustainable design
• becomes more aware of systematic thinking, circular economy, life cycle thinking, eco-efficiency, and material efficiency
• increases their knowledge of social and economic sustainability in design
• is able to utilise environmental management systems and environmental legislation to develop their expertise.

After completing the course the student
• is aware of planetary ecological boundaries, climate change and biodiversity loss
• understands the three dimensions of sustainable development as a systemic whole and can argue the interdependencies between them
• is aware of the European regulations related to digital and green transitions
• is able to identify the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and how the goals are promoted within U!REKA cities
• is aware of the sustainability focus within U!REKA European University Alliance.

Content

• Concepts, design models and processes, the design environment
• Circular economy and life cycle thinking
• Sustainable development
• Sustainable design and material efficiency
• Eco-efficiency, resource efficiency, environmental systems

• Sustainability in the European urban environment
• Awareness of the values and mindsets that underpin sustainable development change
• Sustainability: systemicity and the ecological limits of the planet
• Ecological, social and economic sustainability
• EU legislation related to the digital and green transition
• Sustainable development in European cities, case studies

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student
• is familiar with the concepts, theoretical basis and models of sustainable design and sustainable development in design processes
• knows the principles of sustainable design
• recognises the importance of systemic thinking, circular economy, life cycle thinking, eco-efficiency and material efficiency
• is aware of environmental systems and environmental legislation.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student
• masters the concepts, theoretical basis and models of sustainable design and sustainable development in practical design processes
• knows how to apply the principles of sustainable design
• masters the importance of systemic thinking, circular economy, life cycle thinking, eco-efficiency and material efficiency
• is able to utilise environmental systems and environmental legislation to develop their expertise.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student
• extensively masters the concepts, theoretical basis and models of sustainable design and sustainable development in practical design processes
• is able to creatively and justifiably apply the principles of sustainable design
• understands the importance of systemic thinking, circular economy, life cycle thinking, eco-efficiency and material efficiency
• understands and is able to make extensive use of environmental systems and environmental legislation to develop their expertise.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student
• is familiar with the concepts, theoretical basis and models of sustainable design and sustainable development in design processes
• knows the principles of sustainable design
• recognises the importance of systemic thinking, circular economy, life cycle thinking, eco-efficiency and material efficiency
• is aware of environmental systems and environmental legislation.