LEARNING SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
What skills and knowledge are required of those who will lead the evolution toward
greater sustainability? In the rush to embrace what has become a vibrant trend, few are
stopping to ask such pertinent questions. My sustainability journey began as I prepared to
attend graduate school for Design in 1996, before the term had entered popular usage.
The Urban Sustainable Design Studio (USDS) is the summation of my experience as a
student, practitioner, and teacher. It is intensive and interdisciplinary by nature; the
complexity and urgency of the issues involved require it.
Since its first term in 2003, USDS has empowered participants to more effectively engage
the pursuit of great sustainability through a highly participatory learning experience. A rich
mix of weekly readings, field trips, guest speakers and hands-on project work offers
attendees the opportunity to deepen their understanding, develop abilities, and gain
experience. USDS was created to equip and build a community possessing the values,
skills and strategies necessary to integrate sustainability across sectors and in every facet
of life. We draw upon traditional and emerging design methodologies to analyze and
engage a range of problems. Graduates leave with a foundation for continued practice and
learning that includes a more complete appreciation of both the potential of Design to
address systemic issues, and the many opportunities for, and barriers to, influencing
change.
Successful past participants have come from a range of backgrounds, including
humanities, natural and social sciences, and a variety of design disciplines. They are
united by their passion for understanding and pursuing sustainability, and their
willingness to pursue that intention in a highly collaborative and exploratory environment
with like-minded others. The work, it should be noted, often spans sectors and challenges
comfort zones. More than creating environmentally superior products or buildings (i.e.
Green Design), Sustainable Design seeks more fundamental solutions. Foresight’s
approach employs systems thinking and an intensive interdisciplinary process to envision
and effect change. The methodology can be applied to a broad spectrum of social,
environmental and economic issues, taking into consideration the often-complex web of
cultural, political, economic, historical and psychological factors, among others.
Outcomes can vary widely, and can include the creation of a new product, public policy,
business or evolution in behavior. It is an often an exciting process of discovery, but rarely
an easy one.
Examples of previous undertakings range from providing insight on a proposed
sustainable urbanism initiative to advising the City of Chicago on the creation of a
comprehensive green business strategy. This summer’s projects will be just as ambitious
and diverse.
Every summer Foresight looks forward to opening its studio to a group of creative
forward thinkers. Realizing the professional ambitions of many participants, optional
career coaching is also offered. Sharing experience developed over more than ten years of
learning and practicing, we strive to create a dynamic program that is challenging,
empowering, and fun. If this sounds like a rewarding experience, worth participating in
and contributing to, we look forward to receiving your application.
—Peter Nicholson
USDS Program Director
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Monday, April 13: Final Application Deadline
Wednesday, April 15–22: Applicant (Phone) Interviews
Monday, April 27: Final Decisions Announced
Monday, May 4: Program Deposit Due (Non-Refundable)
Monday, May 18: Tuition Due
The 2009 program calendar is available online as a Google calendar.
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TUITION
8-week Session: $2500.
A $250 non-refundable deposit is due by Monday, May 11 (regular) in order to reserve your place in the program.
Payment in full is due prior to the start of the program on Monday, June 1.
QUESTIONS?
Contact:
Andrew de Coriolis
Sr. Associate/Program Coordinator
Foresight Design Initiative
E: usds@foresightdesign.org
W: www.foresightstudio.org
T: (773) 271-1990
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