TOPICS: DECOLONISING DESIGN: ANTI-RACIST AGENDAS in Summer 2025 (CM40913WK2)

How does design produce and continue to re-produce racism through designs that 'other', stereotype and culturally appropriate from the Global South? This course will focus on decolonising the global design system, exploring racial capitalism in the production process, unsustainable use of resources, over-consumption and waste to investigate the entire lifecycle of design. Join this summer course to critically question design’s dominant Eurocentric canon by learning about colonial histories and cultural imperialist tactics, extractive production practices and models of economic injustice You will investigate alternative design approaches rooted in histories and voices that have long been ignored, erased, or omitted, taking inspiration from art and activism, everyday design practices and indigenous thinking. Inspired by anti-racist decolonial feminist theories and practices, this course explores ways to challenge racism in design and to re-centre feminist, queer, Black, crip, working class and global majority design processes for planetary justice. This course will help you to foster anti-racist and pluralised forms of design(s) knowledges and work towards a more responsible social, racial and climate justice-oriented design thinking and practice. The course will include visits, group work, discussions and presentations.