Istituto Marangoni, London - Validation of the next generation design courses

Istituto Marangoni is a highly reputable Italian university renowned for its fashion design and successful designers. With its headquarter in Italy, the university has schools of design all over the world, including the well-established fashion degree at their London school. However, what is less known are their offering of BA courses in Product Design, Interior Design and Visual Design, and MA in Product, Interior and Jewellery Design. Situated at the heart of London City, Istituto Marangoni has access to a wealth of industry, design, and fashion connections.

The design courses are now going through validation, and I was invited as an industry expert to give my advice and input to what the next generation of design students need to know. With my passion for supporting the next generation in sustainable development and my experience as a craft maker, designer, research, and business owner, I wanted to influence the program to embrace the four pillars of sustainability: socially, environmentally, culturally and economically.

Elegance and Responsibility - The perfect pair

It is no longer enough to simply create aesthetically pleasing products; they must also be environmentally responsible. Luxury design and sustainability have become two sides of the same coin. The first step in creating a sustainable design is to assess the potential environmental impacts of the product. This includes considering the materials used, the manufacturing processes and end-of-life disposal. High-end materials and sophisticated finishes can be used to create a product that is both elegant and eco-friendly. Furthermore, products can be designed to be modular and easily repaired or upgraded, ensuring that they can be used for a longer period of time. Istituto Marangoni in London is embracing the concept of combining luxury and sustainability with their design courses, ensuring that the next generation of designers are well-prepared to create products that are both luxurious and sustainable.