WORKSHOP
For the A.Y. 2023/2024 POLIMI, JAVERIANA and PUC RIO promote Design for Peace Ecosystems as a distributed didactical initiative that offers a multicultural design challenge dedicated to exploring innovative solutions for peace ecosystems.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The course Design for Peace Ecosystems is divided into the following phases:
CONTEXTUALIZATION
Study and analysis of a peace or conflict context to identify an innovation theme or challenge on which to develop a project dedicated to Peace Ecosystems.
IDEATION
Starting from the innovation themes and challenges, each group will generate a concept of PSS/Product-Service-System solutions with a special focus to local technology /low-tech/Gambiarra/ Jugaad approach and with a focus on rural/urban development preferably interacting and engaging with stakeholders and local communities.
CONCEPT
IMPLEMENTATION
Development of the concept/prototype from the standpoint of detailed design, technical feasibility, communication strategy, economic sustainability model for its implementation, dissemination, and distribution.
For each design team, the final outcomes of the program concern a final presentation and a tangible prototype, ideally discussed, and validated within a relevant community. This will not only add practical value to the program but also provide participants with a hands-on and meaningful experience.
TOPICS
The thematic areas for the “Design for Peace Ecosystems” course, which focuses on addressing cultural and socio-economic differences in countries like Italy, Brazil, and Colombia (and at different scales: neighborhood, city, region nation…), can be broadly categorized into several key areas:
CONFLICT ANALYSES
AND PEACE STUDIES
This involves understanding the dynamics of conflicts, including territorial disputes, civil wars, terrorism, and political instability. It includes studying the historical and contemporary conflicts and how these conflicts intersect with environmental sustainability.
ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY AND
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
This area delves into the environmental aspects of peacebuilding, exploring how resource scarcity, control, and the consequences of climate change contribute to conflicts. It examines sustainable practices that can mitigate these issues.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AND
INEQUALITY REDUCTION
Here, the focus is on designing solutions that foster sustainable and inclusive development. This includes understanding the socio-economic disparities in different regions and how design can help reduce inequalities and strengthen local institutions.
CULTURAL
CONTEXTUALIZATION
Understanding the specific cultural and social dynamics of countries like Italy, Brazil, and Colombia. This involves analyzing how cultural differences impact the approach to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
INNOVATION IN
DESIGN FOR PEACE
This involves learning about and applying concepts like Product-Service System (PSS) solutions, low-tech/local technology approaches, and circular innovation. It emphasizes the role of design in peacebuilding through innovation in products, services, and systemic solutions.
STAKEHOLDER
ENGAGEMENT AND
COMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
This area focuses on the methods and strategies for engaging with local communities and stakeholders. It covers rural and urban development, and how to effectively interact and collaborate with local entities for peace initiatives.
These thematic areas can be progressively implemented before and during the course. Morevover, new thematic areas can be added.
Each of these thematic areas contributes to a comprehensive understanding and skill set for designing solutions that address peace ecosystems in diverse socio-cultural and economic contexts. The courses will try to concluded by a Prototype Development and Implementation activity, which includes the practical aspects of designing, developing, and implementing a concept or prototype. It covers technical feasibility, design detailing, communication strategies, and the economic sustainability of the projects. It would be a desiderable result the presentation and validation of the prototype within the relevant communities. This not only provides a real-world testing ground for the designs but also enriches the learning experience through hands-on application.
FOCUS ON TERRITORIAL CONTEXTS AND URBAN AREAS
Design for peace ecosystem will focus on the territorial contexts of reference for the three universities. Urban contexts will be the main focus for the development of projects covering one or more of the thematic areas presented above.
Below is the schedule of the workshop “Design for Peace Ecosystems”:
CONNECTIONS
Links to the schools and individual courses websites/pages of the universities involved:
POLIFACTORY – DIPARTIMENTO DI DESIGN – POLITECNICO DI MILANO
DESIGN FACTORY JAVERIANA – DEPARTAMENTO DE DISEÑO – PONTIFICIA UNIVERSIDAD JAVERIANA BOGOTÁ