What do we mean when we talk about nature? Is it something separate from humans, or is that very distinction itself a product of design? And, what is design, really? Is it something only humans do or a broader process that shapes us back? In this seminar, we’ll dive into these questions by examining the historical conditions and underlying logics that have shaped prevailing notions of design, nature, and their relation until today. We’ll trace how design developed alongside modern practices that framed nature as a resource to be exploited and transformed through technology. At the same time, we’ll challenge this legacy by considering alternative approaches that honour local, non-exploitative ways of engaging with the natural world.

Design isn’t just about making objects, experiences, or environments; it’s a world-making activity that configures our values, ways of being, and relating. Far from neutral, modern design is built on the idea of commanding nature to serve capitalist modes of production, reducing it to a mere commodity. Yet, “nature” is not a fixed, objective reality; it’s a concept historically shaped by patriarchal and colonial interests. The climate breakdown and today’s conflicts over resources reflect deeper clashes between different ways of understanding and relating to nature: between those who treat it as an exploitable object and those who view it as a living, active subject with which we can build reciprocal relationships.

Departing from an ontological perspective of design, this seminar will unpack these tensions by drawing from ecofeminism, decolonial theory, Indigenous thought, and feminist posthumanisms. We’ll critically examine how power, gender, and race have shaped (and continue to shape) design’s relationship with nature—and imagine how it could be otherwise.

Methodology

Reading, reflecting, and discussing: we’ll engage in readings, critical reflections, and lively discussions that question assumptions and practices. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on how context, positionality, and power dynamics influence notions of nature and design practices.

Excursions and field explorations: we’ll connect theory with real-world practice and activism through visits to the botanical garden, exhibitions, and local initiatives. These excursions will highlight how conversations about nature are inseparable from the struggles of the peoples whose existence and connections to the natural world are under threat.

Research and writing: your final assignment will be a research-based essay on a nonhuman of your choice, where you’ll apply the theories we’ve explored to develop and articulate your own critical perspective.

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