Learning Objective
Students will recognize relationships between design and policy, and advocate for and support environmental and climate policy through design. They will assess how their design practice can align with civic, cultural, and environmental climate goals.
Biological Strategy
When a beehive has reached its capacity, it becomes necessary for some members of the hive to relocate. Rather than just sending bees away, scout bees leave their home hive to search for a suitable second location. When a scout finds a nice spot, he returns to the hive and uses a complicated dance to communicate the location and desirability of the potential new hive. Interested bees fly out and gather to assess the proposed site. When the number of bees gathered at a location reaches about 15, the group heads back to the main hive to announce that they’ve decided on a new location. Honeybees engage with new hive policy to vote by quorum on a site for a second hive.
When business executives, collaborators, and legislators fail to value sustainability, designers must use communication and leadership skills to convince them.”
- Sustainability in the Future of Design Education, page 160
At the end of the day, there’s so much that rides on policy. And this is where designers are very often completely in the dark, at least coming out of design school.”
- Design Professor, Interview #22