From Human-centered to Life-centered: how design changes for contemporary challenges. Experiences from the Bauhaus of the Seas

Michele Andrea Tagliavini (), Marika Moscatelli () and Stefano Micelli ()
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Michele Andrea Tagliavini: Venice School of Management, Università Ca' Foscari Venice
Marika Moscatelli: Venice School of Management, Università Ca' Foscari Venice
Stefano Micelli: Venice School of Management, Università Ca' Foscari Venice

No 3, Working Papers from Venice School of Management - Department of Management, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia

Abstract: In recent decades, Design Thinking and the human-centered approach have dominated design and innovation processes, placing human needs at the core of creative solutions. However, as environmental and socio-ecological crises deepen, this framework starts to be questioned by recent alternative methodologies prioritizing the wellbeing of the ecosystem as a whole, summarized by the term life-centered design. This paper explores the evolution of design philosophy, tracing the transition from humancentered to life-centered approaches that seek to incorporate the voices of non-human actors and the planet itself into the design process. Life-centered design shifts focus from solving problems exclusively for humans to creating sustainable, regenerative solutions that consider the well-being of entire ecosystems. Drawing from the Bauhaus of the Seas Sails project, this paper examines real-world applications of life-centered design. This initiative, which brings together disciplines such as art, science, and local knowledge to address coastal challenges, offers compelling insights into how life-centered approaches can foster a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Through this analysis, the success and limitations of the project will be addressed to outline best practices and potential enhancements for future projects.

Keywords: Urban Regeneration; Life-centered design; Ecosystem; Co-design; Design Thinking; Civic Engagement; Toolkit (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L31 M14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 29 pages
Date: 2025-02
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