Design for a Sustainable Future

This intensive high school program led by professional, practicing designers prepares students for the next step in their creative careers in sustainable design.

This 11-week program is for Highschool Juniors and Seniors interested in designing sustainable/regenerative products and systems using biology (e.g. biodesign). During this program, you will design for a post-petroleum future, tackling the problem of unsustainable design using plastics. We will cover industry-relevant themes such as biomaterials and genetic engineering, plus, you'll learn from outside experts and do hands-on activities and experiments, resulting in your very own sustainable product!

In addition, during the last weeks of the program, you will build your social media presence, work on your design portfolio, and present your designs, preparing you for your dream job, internship, or university.

Curriculum Collaborator

Aula Future

Skills & Topics

Biodesign, Biomaterials, Genetic Engineering, Sustainable Product Design, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Environmental Advocacy

learning goals

• A foundational understanding of sustainable and regenerative design
• Understand product life cycles and the concept of the Circular Economy
• A foundational understanding of design principles (conceptualization, prototyping, testing, etc)
• Understand major biodesign themes (biomaterials, microbiology, genetic engineering, synthetic biology)

Careers highlighted

Product Designers, Bioengineers

Student fit

This program is a great fit for any student who is interested in environmental science, biology, art, design, building your social media presence and creating a design portfolio

practical take-aways

• Ability to visually represent concepts (sketches, renders)
• Ability to speak confidently about the project and biodesign themes
• Ability to communicate within a team and within the broader context of a community
• Finished prototype/demo for portfolio
• Certificate of completion

Mentor fit

This program is a great fit for any professional who is in the biotech and/or health industries, including researchers and lab scientists. Professionals in the design field with some experience in speculative design would also be a great fit.