No design exists in isolation; everything we create has social, ecological, and environmental consequences. Using the lens of circular design, REGENERATE at Decorex Cape Town explored how designers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers must all consider the impact of our decisions.
We had the opportunity to contribute to this powerful exhibition with a series of infographic posters that were on display, among talented South African designers, manufacturers and innovators who have committed to creating for impact.
If you missed the chance to view the exhibition in person, here are some key takeaways:
Circular Design and the Circular Economy:
Companies are deeply rooted in a linear approach to growth – make, use, dispose. Circular design and the circular economy, on the other hand, focuses on designing products that can be easily disassembled, repaired, and recycled, ensuring that materials can be reused and re-enter the production cycle.
“We’re taking resources from our children’s future, selling them today, and calling it GDP growth.”
By considering the entire lifecycle of a product from the outset, circular design encourages the use of renewable resources, reduces dependency on finite materials, and promotes longer-lasting, adaptable goods. This holistic strategy not only supports environmental preservation but also fosters innovation and economic opportunities by redefining traditional consumption and production patterns. The circular model aims to build economic, natural, and social capital.
Regenerative Design:
Regenerative design promotes the use of closed-loop systems (i.e circular design) where waste is minimised, and materials are continuously reused and recycled, mimicking natural cycles. It goes beyond sustainability and aims to create solutions that improve environmental and social conditions, contributing to the well-being of all stakeholders, while building flexibility into designs to adapt to changing conditions and future challenges.
Our Role as Designers:
Designers play a pivotal role in the circular economy by rethinking and reshaping how products are created, used, and disposed of. Our influence extends beyond aesthetics and functionality, it includes social, environmental, and economic impacts. How do we achieve this?
- Championing Sustainability
- Educating and Advocating
- Innovating for Change
- Community Engagement
- Human-Centred Design
- Promoting Ethical Practices
- Integrating Technology Thoughtfully
- Imagining a Better Future
“Our preoccupation with beauty and newness is standing in the way of design becoming more sustainable, relevant, and useful.”
Actions to Take Towards Circular Design:
The circular design movement is gaining traction in South Africa, fuelled by a surge of investment and hopefully more exploration into untapped economic opportunities.
- Innovative solutions that tap into the circular economy can enhance consumer experience. They also present potential additional revenue streams that could future proof your business.
- Examine your supply chains closely, viewing waste as a resource rather than a burden. Explore creative ways to repurpose this waste, experimenting with various end-use possibilities.
- Build relationships with reputable businesses, brands, and studios well-versed in this field. When seeking scalable solutions, carefully consider any unintended consequences.
Together with Decorex and The Dept. of Trend, we’ve made these posters open to the public, to use and distribute as resources. You can find more information here.
Need design work for your next exhibition? Let’s collaborate.
Curated by:
Bielle Bellingham, Executive Creative Director of Decorex Africa
Anja Joubert from Dept. of Trend
Stand design by:
Cameron Barnes
In partnership with:
Decorex Africa
Scamp Studio
Xanita
Afrimat
House & Leisure
Amnova