The role of design in enabling sustainability in small scale textile manufacturing: A case study of small scale textile manufacture in Wales

Thomas, A

Abstract

The paper examines the relationship between design and sustainability in a policy context of sustainable development, in Wales, UK, a devolved Government with a legal remit to sustainable development.
A case study approach has been used alongside grounded theory methods; a range of producers being studied, factory production to individual makers. The use of design, and the design expertise of the producers was assessed as were ways the producers are contributing to elements of sustainable development.
Initial findings suggest that the producers fall into three categories: firstly, those who use design strategically to enhance their output and add value. A second group use design without any professional training but continue in business. A third group have used design consciously; they have gone out of business however. The role of design is therefore complex. If design is to play a significant role in sustainability and sustainable development, it is crucial that ways in which this can be executed are identified and articulated.

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: LeNS Conference: Sustainability in Design: Now! Challenges and Opportunities for Design Research, Education and Practice in the XXI Century.
• Start Date: Sep 29, 2010
• End Date: Oct 1, 2010
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Oct 14, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Publisher URL: http://www.lens.polimi.it
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference