A University of Aberdeen project has been included in a showcase exploring how design research can help develop innovative solutions to complex issues around the world.
It is one of 67 projects to feature in ‘Design Research for Change’ as part of the London Design Fair which gets underway today (September 20) in the Old Truman Brewery.
The exhibition is a mix of physical and digital displays and focuses on Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded projects which have tackled issues ranging from sustainability, ageing, health and wellbeing, to developing new environmentally-friendly materials and transforming public services.
The University project featured is Equal by Design which created a 25-minute documentary film about equality, wellbeing and the UK housing crisis and it is free to view at www.equalbydesign.co.uk
It was led by Dr Beth Lord from the Department of Philosophy in collaboration with Dr Peg Rawes from the Bartlett School of Architecture at UCL.
In addition to the creation of the film, the project explored concepts of equality, proportion, and wellbeing through the philosophy of Baruch Spinoza, and considered how these concepts relate to housing design today.
Dr Lord said: “I am delighted to see Equalities of Wellbeing represented in the Design Research for Change exhibition at the London Design Fair, highlighting the relevance of philosophical concepts for good design.”
The showcase has been organised by Lancaster University’s Professor Paul Rodgers as part of his ongoing AHRC Design Leadership Fellowship.
He added: “The projects illustrate wide-ranging social, cultural, and economic impact and highlight the significant roles that UK-based Design researchers play in some of the most complex and challenging issues we face both in the UK and globally and the positive outcomes that are being designed and developed.”
For more information about the ‘Design Research for Change’ project visit: https://www.designresearchforchange.co.uk/
For more information about the London Design Fair visit: https://www.londondesignfair.co.uk/