This paper explores the concept of sustainability in design education through the lens of Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist philosophy. The author argues that sustainability should not be viewed as a mere add-on to design projects, but rather as a fundamental aspect of the designer's "existential project," their self-definition through actions and choices. He proposes that a designer's fundamental project, their core values and motivations, shapes their approach to design, influencing whether they prioritize sustainability. The design studio is presented as a key environment for fostering this self-reflection and potentially leading to a "radical conversion"where students adopt sustainability as a freely chosen value. Ultimately, the paper suggests that by integrating existentialist thought, design education can cultivate a more ethical and sustainable design practice.

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D’Anjou, P. (2007). The Existential Self as Locus of Sustainability in Design. Design Philosophy Papers, 5(3), 119–128. https://doi.org/10.2752/144871307X13966292017559

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