Rooted in Place: Crafting Sustainability Through Locally-Embedded Design Education

Abstract

From the introduction:
This paper addresses the need for alternative educational models that embed sustainability into the core of the learning process. It explores how place-based approaches and material-led pedagogies, which draw on local knowledge and resources, can be powerful tools for fostering sustainability in design education. By integrating Indigenous and Local Ecological Knowledge (ILEK) into the curriculum, educators can create immersive, context-specific learning experiences that not only reduce the environmental impact of long-distance material transport but also foster a deep appreciation for local ecosystems and cultural heritage (Mellegård & Wiebren, 2020).This research aims to illustrate how these approaches can contribute to more equitable, resilient, and sustainable educational practices that transcend geographical boundaries.