Ethics and challenging the dogma of green design

Can we pay the rent and keep our principles? Design Agenda believes we can, as long as the relationship between design problems and social problems are clarified. After all, many social problems imply few, if any, design solutions. We need a clear view of what can be achieved through design and through other means.

This often implies that the assumptions that so many of today’s debates rest on are challenged. For example, while supporting the rational use of resources and reduction of waste, we believe that the green design discussion is marred by ill-informed assertions, irrational generalisations and apocalyptic predictions. Our approach to design is human-centred, relies on an unemotive review of the scientific facts. We believe in the positive potential of rationally planned human intervention in the environment (in other words Design).