Things that make a difference

A pilot model for developing educational material for schools with a focus on social design. In recent years, social design has become the focus of a debate on design theory and praxis. Topics discussed include society and creating positive change within it, justice, democracy, participation, solidarity and fair trade. Because, based on our experience, relevant design approaches and transdisciplinary questions also impact and interest students in school, this aspect of contemporary design was chosen as a focal point for developing educational materials for schools.

The aim of this pilot project is to deal with design in a way that responds to the desires and experiences of both students and their teachers. In the process, points of interconnection and unexpected encounters between the students' everyday life, social design practices and design theory are created. During VIENNA DESIGN WEEK 2011, there were workshops on ›collective design,‹ ›chillaxing‹ and ›design education.‹ The workshops used participative strategies to establish access and expectations regarding the topic, as well as interest in different methods of communicating and educating.

Project partners:
Kathrina Dankl, DANKLHAMPL
Gabu Heindl, GABU Heindl Architketur
Eva Dertschei und Carlos Toledo, TOLEDO i DERTSCHEI

In cooperation with students at BORG 20 Brigittenauer Gymnasium, ORG Hegelgasse
BORG 3 Landstraßer Hauptstraße

Project leader: Elke Smodics-Kuscher
Project team: Projekteam: Nora Sternfeld, Renate Höllwart, Werner Prokop

Acknowledgements: Maria Hündler, Eva Lausegger, XXX, Markus Laumann (Hofmobiliendepot), Kochclub Kühn