Design for Sustainability research focus area launched
CONCEPT: A rolling roof-top garden designed by a CPUT student is a good example of sustainable design
Friday, 24 May 2013
Africa Day celebrations at CPUT marked the launch of the institution’s Design for Sustainability research focus area.
This focus area is one of seven outlined in the institution’s Research, Technology Innovation (RTI) 10 Year Blueprint.The RTI blueprint, in support of CPUT’s Vision 2020, is designed to provide the institution with “a strategic frame within which it seeks to produce research and innovation which is relevant and which is aligned to the needs of the province, the country, the continent.
CPUT recognises that design and its associated processes across all disciplines, is a powerful catalyst for change that can enable more sustainable ways of living. Central to this is Design Thinking and practice. Individuals who take this approach to design consider the deeper social, cultural, economic, environmental, and technological aspects of any product, system or service development. Prof Saki Mafundikwa, the Director of the Zimbabwe Institute of Digital Arts, who delivered the keynote address at the event, reflected on sustainable design on the Africa continent. Mafundikwa says design has its roots in Africa and must play a role in its development.Respondents to Mafundikwa’s address, which included CPUT Design Thinkers, Prof Mugendi M’Rithaa, Nigel Tapela and Bruce Snaddon, echoed his sentiments, pointing out that sustainable design is the way forward for the development of South Africa and the continent.
Written by Candes Keating
Email: keatingc@cput.ac.za
Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.
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