At the session our group chose to read this paper https://moodle.arts.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/1535648/mod_resource/content/1/Introduction.pdf – i really enjoyed unpicking it as a group and seeing the connections that others made – it felt relevant to textile processes and UAL’s rejenerative design goals
“Design for the Pluriverse” by Arturo Escobar – challenges the dominant worldview of modern design and proposes a new approach that acknowledges the diversity and complexity of the world we live in.
Escobar argues that modern design has been driven by Western-centric perspectives, resulting in a homogenisation of cultures, environments, and ways of life. (often in ways that appear as the normal / go unseen e.g. garment production for western market produces multiple waste streams, an ‘untouched’ island’s weather and water will be impacted by western choice) Escobar suggests that designers should instead embrace a ‘pluriversal’ approach, which recognises and values the multiple ways of being, knowing, and doing that exist in the world.
designers must engage with and learn from diverse communities and incorporate their knowledge and perspectives into the design process. Escobar discusses the importance of recognising the interconnectedness of social, economic, and ecological systems in design, and calls for a shift towards more sustainable and equitable practices.
‘Design for transitions’ is an active and revolutionary process that requires a choice to be made as to our future and goals before design choices can be made.
Ontological design is the understanding that all design-led objects bring about particular ways of being, knowing, and doing, and it is important to consider whether design can be reoriented towards relational modes of knowing, being, and doing. (similar to braiding sweetgrass and indigenous approach to making)
Design should be a collaborative process, where everyone can be involved – should aim to create positive change towards more sustainable and fair ways of living. It is crucial to consider the social, cultural, and ecological context when designing (and in turn designing study for our students; the designers of the future) and to acknowledge the potential consequences of design choices. Ultimately, design and design school should be used as a tool to transform entrenched ways of being and doing towards more sustainable practices.
Overall, “Design for the Pluriverse” presents a compelling case for a more inclusive and socially just approach to design that takes into account the diversity of the world and its inhabitants.
This iss highly relevant to UAL’s climate, racial and social justice principles.
Climate justice,- Escobar calls for a shift towards more sustainable design practices that take into account the interconnectedness of social, economic, and ecological systems. This aligns with UAL’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in its operations, as outlined in its Climate Emergency Declaration.
https://www.arts.ac.uk/about-ual/ual-stories/climate-emergency-declaration
Racial and social justice – escobar emphasizes the importance of engaging with and learning from diverse communities and incorporating their knowledge and perspectives into the design process. This aligns with UAL’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as outlined in its Race Equality Action Plan and Social Justice Declaration. https://www.arts.ac.uk/about-ual/equality-and-diversity/race-equality-action-plan
https://www.arts.ac.uk/about-ual/equality-and-diversity/social-justice-declaration
By embracing a pluriverse approach to design, teachers and designers at UAL could help create more equitable and sustainable solutions that reflect the diversity of the world and our global community. This would contribute to the achievement of UAL’s climate, racial and social justice principles.