Get started
Work

DesignS: World Design Cities Shanghai Manifesto 2024, with an Introduction by Yongqi Lou and John Thackara

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The DesignS: World Design Cities Shanghai Manifesto 2024 redefines the role of design in addressing contemporary polycrises—from climate collapse to AI-driven societal shifts—by advocating for a human-nature engagement paradigm. Building on predecessors like the 2008 Kyoto Design Declaration and 2014 DesignX Manifesto , this document positions design as a catalyst for regenerative economies, equitable innovation, and systemic resilience. Launched at the 2024 World Design Cities Conference in Shanghai, it emphasizes collaborative, cross-disciplinary, and cross-cultural dialogues to reshape the role of design and designers, design education, urban ecosystems, and AI integration, while prioritizing cities and their bioregions as living laboratories for sustainable futures.
Source: She ji
DOI: 10.1016/j.sheji.2025.05.003
Authors: Yongqi Lou, Don Norman, John Thackara, Yrjö Sotamaa, Rosanne Somerson, Lorenzo Imbesi, Ezio Manzini, Patrick Whitney, Dan Hill, Jin Ma
Institutions: Tongji University, University of California San Diego, Aalto University, Rhode Island School of Design, Sapienza University of Rome, Politecnico di Milano, Brown University, The University of Melbourne
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,500
OpenAlex ID: W4411682498
FWCI: 0.861
Cites:
Cited by: 2
Related to: 10