Re-Imagining Responsive Frameworks for Circular Urban Design Pedagogy

In pursuit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030, this paper presents Method Design as a strategic approach to address the challenges of sustainable urban development. Method Design, as an urban design pedagogy, integrates the concept of circularity, emphasizing a regenerative and holistic approach. This approach focuses on continuous improvement and adaptation, considering ecological, social, and economic interconnectedness. By advocating for a circular urban design pedagogy, Method Design fosters an open learning process in design studios, situating urbanization within architecture and highlighting interdisciplinary learning, collaboration, inquiry-based learning, and diverse perspectives. This approach also emphasizes a socio-ecological perspective, introducing circular pedagogy to aid cities and communities in becoming more equitable, livable, and resilient amidst climate change and inequality. The paper explores how the Method Design approach, implemented in the Urban Prototype design studio at ETH Zurich, effectively negotiates the dynamic between ‘engaging, caring, and acting’ as criteria for developing sustainable urbanization solutions. By promoting circular processes and a holistic view of sustainable development, Method Design cultivates a culture of sustainability that respects the natural environment and recognizes its significance to our well-being and quality of life. The paper addresses how designers can effectively address complex urban development challenges and the implications of this approach for achieving the SDGs. It also examines its effectiveness within the context of current higher education models. Ultimately, the paper argues that embracing a circular urban design pedagogy offers a powerful means to shape sustainable urban futures, contingent upon the adaptability and support of the higher education systems in which it operates.