Design: relationships, circularity, and science.

The ecological crisis, highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought into focus the unsustainable separation between humans and nature. This divide, rooted in Western-centric thought, has contributed to the environmental challenges we face today. The pandemic, as a global pause, allowed humans to reflect on their interactions with non-human life, revealing the interconnectedness of all living and non-living beings. The ecological system, once viewed as separate from humanity, is now recognized as an intricate web of interdependencies that cannot be ignored. A shift in design thinking is necessary, moving from human-centered, exploitative practices to a more inclusive, relational approach that considers both human and non-human needs. Design, in this context, has the potential to restore balance by fostering relationships across different species and ecosystems. Projects such as urban beehives and social initiatives like Senegal’s Y'en Marre movement demonstrate the importance of rethinking our interactions with the world around us. These examples highlight how design can act as a tool for fostering mutual respect, social change, and ecological sustainability. Similarly, the concept of circularity has emerged as a critical solution to the environmental crisis. Circular economy practices, which aim to eliminate waste through the reuse and recycling of materials, offer potential for a more sustainable future. Innovations like the Print Your City project in Thessaloniki and the Precious Plastic initiative illustrate how communities can engage in local recycling efforts, transforming waste into valuable resources. These projects align with a broader vision of circularity that includes the creation of sustainable materials from agricultural, food, and industrial by-products. Finally, the evolving relationship between design and science signals a promising path forward. The integration of biological sciences with design, such as in the development of algae-based materials or biological co-creation projects like Neri Oxman’s Silk Pavilion, showcases how nature can inspire new material innovations. These collaborations, which dissolve traditional disciplinary boundaries, foster a deeper connection with the environment and offer new possibilities for sustainable design. In conclusion, re-establishing relationships—whether between humans and nature, or through the principles of circularity and interdisciplinary collaboration—requires a paradigm shift in design. By embracing systemic, inclusive thinking, design can contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and harmonious world, where human and non-human life are seen as interdependent partners in the shared goal of sustaining life itself.