Modern Materials: The Sustainability of Designed Objects

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This interdisciplinary course explores the relationship between the production of material goods and their environmental impacts. Modules are designed around specific industries, such as fashion, electronics, furniture, construction, and packaging, allowing students to examine the unique technical, economic, and social conditions in each category. Students will trace products back to raw materials and forward to their "end-of-life" (whether that be re-manufacture, regeneration, or landfill), while employing various techniques for assessing impact. Students will hear from sustainability professionals about their approaches and visit production facilities to see firsthand how goods are made. Significant time in the course is given to an independent project in the West Lake Design Studio, allowing individuals to apply their unique backgrounds and skills to the teardown and redesign of a particular product or service.