Situating Design in Alberta

Situating Design in Alberta emphasizes the importance of design in driving economic growth, improving quality of life, and promoting sustainability. The collection brings together scholarly and practice-based perspectives from diverse disciplines, exploring issues related to history, education, business, and sustainability.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2021
Publisher: University of Alberta Press

Situating Design in Alberta is a compelling argument that design holds immense potential to propel economic growth, enhance the quality of life, and foster sustainability not only in the province but also across Canada. This comprehensive collection brings together a diverse range of contributors from various disciplines, including architecture, interior design, industrial design, and visual communications. Organized into four main themes—history, education, business, and sustainability—the authors delve into a wide array of issues, fostering a rich dialogue and offering valuable insights.

One of the key strengths of this collection is its ability to bridge the gap between scholarly and practice-based perspectives. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, the authors provide a holistic understanding of design's role in shaping Alberta and beyond. This synergy of different design approaches adds momentum to the field, stimulates reflection on opportunities and challenges for practitioners and policy makers, and serves as a valuable model for future studies in other regions.

The book's foreword by Douglas J. Cardinal, a prominent figure in the design industry, adds further credibility to the arguments presented. Cardinal highlights the importance of design in driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering a sense of place. He emphasizes the need for collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to address complex societal challenges, and Situating Design in Alberta exemplifies this approach.

Contributors to the book come from diverse backgrounds and offer a wealth of expertise and insights. Each chapter is authored by a different expert, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on the various aspects of design. From Tim Antoniuk's exploration of the historical roots of design in Alberta to Ken Bautista's examination of the role of design in business innovation, the chapters cover a wide range of topics.

One of the standout chapters in the collection is "Design for Sustainability: A Case Study of Edmonton's River Valley." Authored by Courtenay McKay, Lyubava Kroll, and Isabel Prochner, this chapter provides a detailed account of the efforts undertaken by the City of Edmonton to create a sustainable and livable urban environment. Through the use of design principles and strategies, Edmonton has transformed its river valley into a thriving community that blends environmental sustainability with economic development.

Another notable chapter is "Design Education in Alberta: Shaping the Next Generation of Designers." Authored by Megan Strickfaden, Elizabeth Schowalter, and Janice Rieger, this chapter explores the challenges and opportunities in designing education in Alberta. The authors highlight the importance of integrating design thinking into curriculum, fostering creativity, and providing students with practical skills that can contribute to the growth of the design industry.

In conclusion, Situating Design in Alberta is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the role of design in shaping Alberta and beyond. The collection brings together a diverse range of perspectives, offering a comprehensive understanding of design's potential to drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and promote sustainability. By integrating scholarly and practice-based approaches, the book provides a model for future studies in other regions and encourages collaboration among designers, policymakers, and community members.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781772125788