Navigating the complex topic of circular and sustainable design ideology and practice

Abstract

Economic growth has been centralised in Western societies for over two hundred years as the measure of balance in our societies – with more growth being synonymous with innovation.  Since the 1950s, manufacturers have capitalised on this desire for growth; the 'new'; the subsequent development, through the building in obsolescence in the products we consume and recruiting advertisers to ensure that we are in a constant state of dissatisfaction in order to construct a desire for new. Indeed in the post war era, obsolescence was seen as contributing to a healthy society