Details attached.
Written more about the system/process, not the designer or person
How we design, make, transport etc. and the system or process of that
Example: Tesla.. writing not about Elon Musk but about the system/process
Research Paper: Sustainability Systems and Processes in Design
DESN 268: History and Theory of Sustainability in Design
Fall 2020
Learning Outcomes:
• Use interdisciplinary historical and contextual knowledge combined with global
and local examples to generate creative solutions to novel situations
• Apply knowledge gained through interdisciplinary and contextual research as well
as through group discussions to pursue interests outside of the classroom
Designers, architects, engineers, scientists, and business leaders have worked together
over the last several decades to create a number of systems or processes that aim to
improve the sustainability of the ways we design, make, transport, consume, and dispose
of things in a global society. Select one sustainability process, system, or model
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, biomimicry, Cradle to Cradle,
emotionally durable design, service substitution/sharing economy, upcycling, materials
certifications like Forest Stewardship Council, etc.) and write a 1000-1500 word (approx.
4-6 pages) formal academic research paper driven by a thesis and argument that
analyzes the process, system, or model. Issues to consider include, but are not limited to:
• What sustainability problem does the process or system address?
• Who are the major figures responsible for developing the process or system?
What were their goals and/or values?
• How does the process or system address sustainability concerns? What is its
approach? What problems does it solve? How?
• Does the process or system adequately address the scale and scope of the problem
it seeks to address? How?
• How does the process or system interact with other processes or systems? Does it
address one aspect of sustainability or does it address sustainability in a
comprehensive way?
• Are there any drawbacks, blind spots, or deficiencies in the approach of your
process or system? Are there issues it fails to address?
• How successful do you think the process or system is in improving the
sustainability of designed objects and spaces? Why?
All papers must include proper footnotes and bibliography in appropriate
Chicago/Humanities format (see guides on BeachBoard).
All papers must be Word or PDF documents and must be submitted to the Systems
and Processes Paper Dropbox folder through BeachBoard by the end of the day (11:59
p.m.) on Thursday, October 15. Late papers will be accepted with a 10-point penalty until
the end of the day (11:59 p.m.) on Tuesday, October 20.
DESN 268 – History and Theory of Sustainability in Design
Sustainability Systems and Processes Rubric
Substandard Poor Fair Good Excellent
Argument and Analysis
- Thesis addresses assignment
- Argument is clearly made and
supported by evidence - The theories and approaches
of a sustainability system or
process are analyzed
effectively to support the ideas
expressed in the essay
Content and Development - Content is comprehensive and
accurate - Writing is clear and persuasive
Organization and Structure - Structure and organization are
clear; writing is easy to follow - Transitions are logical; flow of
thought is maintained
throughout - Conclusion is logical and
flows from the body of the
essay
Grammar, Punctuation,
Spelling, and Usage - Rules of grammar, usage, and
punctuation are followed;
spelling is correct - Language is clear and precise;
sentences display consistently
strong, varied structure
Citations - Sources are cited using the
appropriate system - Citations are accurate and
complete - All necessary citations are
present