ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the relationship between prosaic objects and an understanding of sustainability that includes personal meaning along with practical and social meaning, and where economic considerations are acknowledged as a means rather than an end, and of a lower order than the other three. It explores the creative practice employed and expresses ideas arising from the critical inquiry. While environmental degradation may be unavoidable when the materials of the earth are extracted for human use, today its sheer scale is unparalleled. The chapter focuses on the latter category objects that invite reflection upon current technologies in the light of sustainability. However, design's eye can be focused elsewhere, and its role can, and arguably should, be construed rather differently if it is to play a significant part in creating a sustainable future. The knowledge, skills, techniques and synthetic praxis of design are, therefore, well suited to the complexities and multifarious dimensions of sustainability.
