Design Education in India

This book traces developments in design education in India and shows the continuing impact of the Bauhaus School of design education, which formed the basis of the National Institute of Design. It presents the findings of the author's research and experiential learning as a design educator over a 25-year period. This book argues that as the effects of climate change and the exploitation of natural and human resources become more pervasive, it has become increasingly important to ensure that the values of social responsibility are instilled into the design students who will become future practitioners. This book offers an alternative model of understanding regarding the ecosystem of design and sustainable design education. Going beyond description and analysis, it includes three case studies of adoptable design curricula created by the author, with student responses to the programmes to provide first-hand insights into their impact. Research findings are based on detailed interviews with contemporary faculty members, all experts in the various design disciplines, along with an in-depth survey of existing design programmes in India. Design Education in India encourages a paradigm shift in thinking about the environment, spaces and places. It offers a unique perspective on the status of design education in an important and fast-growing economy and will be a useful read for design educators and researchers in varied disciplines.

Sanjeev Bothra (1968-2021), an alumnus of a five-year design course at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, India, did a year-long experiment of 'unlearning consumerist perspectives' so acquired, by spending time in rural India. Thereafter he was engaged with design education across numerous design schools and departments in and outside of India. In addition to being an educator and researcher, Sanjeev was a passionate freelance graphic designer. He was committed to the ultimate values of humanity, concern for environment and the future of the planet. This book is a culmination of his 25 years of professional practice, alongside part-time research and teaching.

1. Prologue 2. Beginning of the End: Spaceship Earth 3. Significance of Design 4. Personal Belief System 5. Contemporary Design Education and Concern for Social Responsibility 6. Challenges in Imparting Values of Social Responsibility 7. Changing the Change