Sustainable design combines aesthetics and responsibility

 Young designers combine modern concepts with sustainable criteria and more and more traditional houses are following suit - welcome to the new perfection!

Sustainable design
Source & Copyright by Carl Hansen & Søn

We are only at the beginning: the era of sustainable design has dawned. Sustainable design, also known as "Sustainable Design", "Eco Design" and "Green Design", is currently conquering all areas of modern interiors and exteriors. The possibilities of a conscious lifestyle are expanded in the most varied of facets. However, there is one basic common ground: From planning to post-consumer use, the principles of sustainability are taken into account. Here is an overview of the cornerstones of sustainable design.

What is sustainable design?

By definition, sustainable design is already implemented at the time of planning and manufacture. The best possible conditions and possibilities for the implementation of ecological responsibility are taken into account. The following basic principles can be summarized.

Criteria:

  • Conception and planning: According to the cornerstones of sustainability
  • Production: Local production is preferable, fair working conditions and wages
  • Material: Use of renewable and sustainable raw materials free from sheep materials
  • Marketing & Packaging: Sustainable material and short transport routes
  • Use: Easy maintenance, efficiency and durability
  • Disposal: Recyclability and waste reduction

Development:

In the design phase, you choose the optimal sustainable option for every design decision. This includes the entire value chain, starting with the cultivation and extraction of the required resources. A multi-layered approach is required in order to take into account all aspects of sustainability: ecological, economic, social and cultural criteria.

In the past, the design industry paid little attention to sustainability. Eco design Without compromising on aesthetics, haptics or usage, there were at most in niches. This has now changed. Sustainability is establishing itself as a core topic of modern design and will move even more into focus in the future. There is a clear change, especially in universities, where sustainable design is increasingly part of the educational agenda.

Sustainable design

Source & Copyright by Form & Refine

6 tips for sustainable design in the home

1. Recognize sustainable design

One should first take a look at that Materials and textiles throw, because it's always worth it: Where is the origin of the raw materials? Are you certified? Where were they produced? The supply chain must be called into question here. Also, the brand's direction. Is there an environmental report? These questions provide a good overview of the sustainability of design products.

Tip: The company should establish sustainability as part of the corporate culture and not just launch a single sustainable line.

2. Reduce carbon footprint

In the last few decades, the lifespan of furniture and Furnishings increasingly shortened. This is due on the one hand to the larger and cheaper range, and on the other hand to fast-moving trends such as those we see from the Fast fashion industry know. It is almost impossible to trace the path a piece of furniture has traveled: Wood comes from Asia, textiles from Europe and then it was produced in the USA. A piece of furniture travels around the world almost once. It is therefore always worthwhile to keep the transport routes as short as possible for new purchases. In addition, are sustainable packaging Plastic-free, easy to implement, especially with furniture.

Tip: Browse through local designers or place online orders directly in the store and collect them yourself.

3. 2nd hand, vintage and upcycling

Shopping second hand is always associated with a little more effort and research. Here you often need a little longer breath, but by investing a little time and leisure, you can find great design classics and unique pieces. These parts can even tell their own story. From a purely ecological point of view, you are definitely on the safe side here: No matter how sustainably something has been produced that already exists is always more ecological than something that has to be newly produced.

Tip: There are more and more providers for Second hand furniture, Also Upcycling furniturewho have taken the approach of circular economy pursue are on the rise

4. Sustainable design in terms of architecture and living culture

Sustainability also means architectural to act and act on a holistic level. However, one should not neglect the significant reduction in the energy required for heating and air conditioning. The use of more durable and innovative materials, the possibility of easy maintenance and Modularity are further criteria for Sustainable Building. The architectural principle has been valid for a long time: Form follows function (form follows function). This is further thought according to sustainable criteria to “form follows environment” (the form follows the environment).

Tip: The design is therefore primarily timeless in that it is smeared into its immediate surroundings. Design living spaces flexibly and choose modular furniture so that they can be adapted to the living conditions and be used for a long time

5. Handpicked to your own style:

Redesigning a home from scratch is neither always possible nor necessary. It is becoming more and more essential to keep the things that you can design yourself according to your own ideas as authentic as possible. In the area Interior the possibilities of beautiful sustainability are almost infinite. Because sustainable furniture, Accessories, textiles, ceramics and Home decoration can be found easily. Here everyone can choose their own favorites and design their own four walls.

Tip: In principle, the principles of sustainable design also apply. Here is good advice not to always follow the first impulse to buy, because if you consciously surround yourself with beautiful, hand-picked things in your home, you will benefit from it for a long time.

6. Sustainable design as a holistic consumer concept

How about making the basic principles of sustainable design our basic principles of consumption? All things with which we surround ourselves should be the best possible option for us and our very personal circumstances at the time of purchase. They should make us happy and remain part of our lives for a long time. Because the conscious decision for something makes it something very special.

Tip: Pay attention to your choice sustainable design brandn and on seals such as Fairtrade, Blue Angel, FSC, PEFC, or ÖkoControl.

Sustainable design is the future

In this case, it is not only consumers but also industry that are changing. Sustainable design will find its way into our everyday life in the future, be it in terms of architecture, product development or interior design.

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