New European Bauhaus
and Principles of Sustainability in Design
Introduction
Welcome to the Introductory Course – New European Bauhaus and Principles of Sustainability in Design! This course aligns with the three pillars of the New European Bauhaus—Sustainability, Aesthetics, and Inclusion—and builds on insights from recent needs analyses in sustainable design education.
The course provides a foundational understanding of the Bauhaus movement, with its emphasis on functionality and simplicity, while expanding into the New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles.
Sustainability: You’ll explore circular design concepts, learning how to select eco-friendly materials, implement sustainable production methods, and design for durability, adaptability, and end-of-life recyclability. These practices are vital for meeting the NEB’s goals of environmentally responsible and regenerative design.
Aesthetics: The course emphasises creating designs that are both sustainable and visually compelling, fostering an appreciation for merging beauty with function. Students will develop skills to balance aesthetic appeal with sustainability, reflecting the Bauhaus ideal of uniting practicality and art.
Inclusion: By addressing the social impacts of design, the course incorporates ethical production considerations and fair labour standards, guiding students in creating projects that respect both people and the planet.
This course equips you to understand and apply NEB principles across projects, ensuring that design is both sustainable and socially responsible. With an emphasis on responsible consumption, climate action, and decent work standards, you’ll gain practical skills to drive positive change in the design industry. Let’s dive in and begin this journey into sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful design!
Index
Contents
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New European Bauhaus and Principles of Sustainability in Design
Module 1: History and Principles of the Bauhaus Movement
This module introduces the origins and historical context of the Bauhaus movement, tracing its evolution from the early 20th century and its impact on modern design. It explores the core principles that define Bauhaus design, including functionality, simplicity, and the integration of art, craft, and technology. The module also examines the tools and methods pioneered by Bauhaus artists, providing a foundational understanding of its lasting influence on design practices.
Key Topics
1.1 Overview of the Bauhaus movement’s origins and historical context. 1.2 Core principles of Bauhaus design & tools.Goals
Understand the origins and historical context of the Bauhaus movement. Identify and describe the core principles and design tools of Bauhaus.Required reading for Module 1 (Youtube videos incl. in the module are also required)
Activity
Quiz: Choose the right answers about questions related to this module.
Module 2: Fundamental Principles of NEB
This module offers an introduction to the New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles, focusing on their goals of sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics. It explores the tools NEB employs to bring these values into contemporary design, highlighting innovative approaches that support the green and digital transitions. The module concludes with a comparative analysis of Bauhaus and NEB principles, examining how NEB builds upon and adapts the original Bauhaus ideas to address current social and environmental challenges.
Key Topics
- 1 Introduction to New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles.
- 2 Exploration of NEB tools.
- 3 Comparative analysis of Bauhaus and NEB principles.
Goals
- Explain the foundational principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).
- Identify and explore tools used in NEB-aligned design.
- Compare and contrast the principles of Bauhaus and NEB to understand their evolution and differences.
Required reading for Module 2 (Youtube videos incl. in the module are also required)
European Commission – New European Bauhaus: Information on NEB principles, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and beauty & NEB Tools.
Activity
Quiz: Choose the right answers about questions related to this module.
Module 3: Principles of Sustainability in Design
This module delves into the fundamental principles of sustainability within design, defining its importance in fostering environmentally responsible and resource-efficient practices. It covers key sustainability concepts such as reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling, providing a framework for sustainable design processes. The module also includes case studies of real-world sustainable design practices, illustrating how these principles are applied across various design disciplines to support a more sustainable future.
Key Topics
- 1 Definition and importance of sustainability in design.
- 2 Key sustainability concepts: reduce, reuse, recycle.
- 3 Case studies of sustainable design practices.
Goals
- Define sustainability in design and explain its importance.
- Apply the key sustainability concepts of reduce, reuse, and recycle in design contexts.
- Analyse case studies to recognise sustainable design practices.
Required reading for Module 3 (Youtube videos incl. in the module are also required)
Activity
Quiz: Choose the right answers about questions related to this module.
Module 4: Integrating NEB and Sustainability in Projects (Theoretical Focus)
This module focuses on the theoretical aspects of integrating New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles and sustainability into design projects. It begins by examining techniques for incorporating NEB principles, such as inclusivity, beauty, and sustainability, into design frameworks. The module then explores conceptual applications of sustainability, offering insights into how sustainable design principles can guide project planning and decision-making. Finally, it presents theoretical models and approaches that provide a structured understanding of sustainable and NEB-aligned design, preparing learners to apply these frameworks in real-world contexts.
Key Topics
- 1 Techniques for incorporating NEB principles into design projects.
- 2 Conceptual Applications of Sustainability in Design.
- 3 Theoretical Models and Approaches.
Goals
- Identify techniques for incorporating NEB principles into design projects.
- Explore conceptual applications of sustainability within design projects.
- Evaluate theoretical models and approaches for integrating NEB and sustainability.
Required reading for Module 4 (Youtube videos incl. in the module are also required)
Activity
Quiz: Choose the right answers about questions related to this module.
Module 5: Evaluating Environmental and Social Impacts
This module provides an in-depth look at evaluating the environmental and social impacts of design choices. It introduces methods for assessing the environmental footprint of various design practices, including resource consumption, emissions, and waste. Additionally, it explores how to analyse the social implications of design decisions, considering factors such as inclusivity, accessibility, and community impact. The module also covers essential tools and frameworks that support the evaluation of sustainability in design projects, equipping learners with practical resources to make responsible and informed design decisions.
Key Topics
- 1 Methods for assessing the environmental impact of design choices.
- 2 Analysing the social implications of design decisions.
- 3 Tools and frameworks for evaluating sustainability in design projects.
Goals
- Apply methods for assessing the environmental impact of design choices.
- Analyse the social implications of various design decisions.
- Utilise tools and frameworks to evaluate sustainability in design projects.
Required reading for Module 5 (Youtube videos incl. in the module are also required)
Social Impact Evaluation in Design: Methods and frameworks to assess social implications.
Activity
Quiz: Choose the right answers about questions related to this module.
Module 6: Case Studies and Project Development
In this module, learners review successful case studies of New European Bauhaus (NEB) and sustainable design projects, analysing real-world applications of the principles and techniques covered in previous modules. This module provides insights into how these projects have effectively integrated NEB and sustainability values. It also introduces a structured framework for project development, guiding learners through the initial planning stages to practical implementation, ensuring that sustainability and NEB principles are embedded in their own design projects.
Key Topics
- 1 Review of successful NEB and sustainable design projects.
- 2 Framework for project development.
Goals
- Review successful NEB and sustainable design projects to identify key factors in their success.
- Develop a framework for structuring and advancing sustainable and NEB-aligned projects.
Required reading for Module 6 (Youtube videos incl. in the module are also required)
Activity
Quiz: Choose the right answers about questions related to this module.
Recommended/Further Readings/Resources
To deepen your understanding, here are some recommended readings and additional resources:
- The Bauhaus Movement – A Revolution in Design: Overview of the Bauhaus’s historical context, principles, and influence on modern design.
- MoMA Learning – Bauhaus: An overview of Bauhaus principles and history, with insights into key figures and tools.
- European Commission – New European Bauhaus: Information on NEB principles, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and beauty & NEB Tools.
- Circular Design Guide by Ellen MacArthur Foundation: Offers tools and case studies for circular design.
- UN Environment Programme – Sustainable Design in Practice: Discusses models and approaches.
- Social Impact Evaluation in Design: Methods and frameworks to assess social implications.
- Design Council – Case Studies of Sustainable Design: Case studies focused on sustainable design in the UK and beyond.
Final Test
This test will assess your knowledge and understanding of the material covered throughout the course.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.” Project number 2023-1-CY01-KA220-HED-000160668