Abstract
This paper examines the concept of Intertwinia as a representation of new possibilities and futures in sustainable design, juxtaposing it against the often-misused term of sustainability in the corporate world. Our investigation draws upon Tony Fry’s notion of “sustain-ability” to challenge traditional discourses on sustainability, advocating for a new paradigm that recognises the finite nature of resources and the significance of ethical design interventions. We focus on the pivotal role of design educators in equipping students with the necessary capabilities to affect change in a circular economy. By highlighting the importance of incorporating a circular mindset within design education, we present two courses at the Copenhagen School of Design and Technology. One course aimed at developing circular fashion product designers, capable of enhancing material longevity; the other course focused on designers as “change agents” who can guide companies towards sustainable and circular business models. The research reflects on the integration of hands-on design competencies within the curricula of the two courses, in alignment with two different frameworks for sustainability competencies. Our findings illuminate the ways in which specific educational elements foster sustainable competencies, preparing students to become agents of change in the design profession and a circular economy. Through this reflective process, the paper discusses the challenges and possibilities in design education, providing insights and inspiration for future curricular development.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drslxd.2025.038
Citation
Näsman, S., Nerup, L., Bangsund, D., Simonsen, R.,and Brandt, E.(2025) Fostering Circular Competencies in Design: From Uncertainty to Agency, in Clemente, V., Gomes, G., Reis, M., Félix, S., Ala, S., Jones, D. (eds.), Learn X Design 2025, 22-24 September 2025, Aveiro, Portugal. https://doi.org/10.21606/drslxd.2025.038
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Full Paper
Fostering Circular Competencies in Design: From Uncertainty to Agency
This paper examines the concept of Intertwinia as a representation of new possibilities and futures in sustainable design, juxtaposing it against the often-misused term of sustainability in the corporate world. Our investigation draws upon Tony Fry’s notion of “sustain-ability” to challenge traditional discourses on sustainability, advocating for a new paradigm that recognises the finite nature of resources and the significance of ethical design interventions. We focus on the pivotal role of design educators in equipping students with the necessary capabilities to affect change in a circular economy. By highlighting the importance of incorporating a circular mindset within design education, we present two courses at the Copenhagen School of Design and Technology. One course aimed at developing circular fashion product designers, capable of enhancing material longevity; the other course focused on designers as “change agents” who can guide companies towards sustainable and circular business models. The research reflects on the integration of hands-on design competencies within the curricula of the two courses, in alignment with two different frameworks for sustainability competencies. Our findings illuminate the ways in which specific educational elements foster sustainable competencies, preparing students to become agents of change in the design profession and a circular economy. Through this reflective process, the paper discusses the challenges and possibilities in design education, providing insights and inspiration for future curricular development.