Design and Sustainability in Debate at Lusófona University

On 19 May, Lusófona University – University Centre of Porto hosted the Design for Social Impact [D4Si] conference. This international biennial event, dedicated to reflecting on the role of design in contemporary society, brought together researchers, academics, students, and design professionals from different backgrounds and countries, creating a multidisciplinary space for dialogue around today’s social, environmental, and economic challenges.

The initiative welcomed participants from Portugal, Poland, and Italy, including representatives from international partner institutions such as the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna and the Strasbourg Academy of Fine Arts, as well as researchers and students from Portuguese universities, including the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto. The conference also involved Erasmus mobility students and design professionals working in the city of Porto.

With an approach centred on design as an agent of social transformation, D4Si sought to encourage open and diverse discussions across different fields of knowledge, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and the sharing of practices and research projects with a positive impact on society. The conference addressed topics related to quality of life, the social responsibility of design, and the importance of scientific research in developing more inclusive and sustainable solutions.

Professor Carla Cadete highlighted the international dimension of the conference, describing it as “a space for reflection on the impact of design on society”, capable of bringing together different academic, scientific, and creative perspectives. She also emphasised the importance of student participation and the collaboration between various fields of knowledge.

She further noted that the presence of students from different study cycles and disciplinary areas, ranging from communication design to video games, including master's students, demonstrates that it is “a motivating space for our students”.

Within this context, projects and perspectives were presented that showcased the potential of design as a tool for social intervention and the promotion of collective well-being.

The Design for Social Impact [D4Si] conference established itself as a platform for dialogue and critical reflection on the contribution of design to society and the future.

View Event Photos on ULusófona's Facebook Page

Text
Bruna Ferreira

Photography
Gabriel Motta

Video Coverage
Gabriel Motta

Video Editing
Gabriel Motta