Abstract
This paper examines the critical role of understanding temporal cycles—such as those involved in cultivating, transforming, designing, using, and maintaining materials—in fostering environmentally and socially sustainable design practices. The objective is to argue that acknowledging and working within these natural timelines can profoundly reshape production and consumption processes in contemporary design. The methodology combines an interdisciplinary literature review, drawing from design theory, ecological studies, and anthropology, with an analysis of objects—case studies—where temporal awareness is decoded as a design strategy. Findings suggest that embedding an understanding of material temporalities within the design process supports ecological regeneration, enhances social cohesion, and promotes the longevity and care of designed objects. The paper concludes by proposing practical guidelines for design students to engage more thoughtfully with time as a critical, living component of their sustainable practice.
Presenters
Carla Paoliello De Lucena CarvalhoInvited Assistant Professor, Product Design, FBAUL , Lisboa, Portugal
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Design Across Time
KEYWORDS
Temporalities, Sustainable Design, Material Lifecycles, Ecological Practice
