Workshop:
Design Science Lab for the Southern Appalachian Region
July 19th – July 28th, 2006
UNC Asheville
Visit http://www.designsciencelab.org for full details
SPACE IS LIMITED – REGISTER NOW!
Description: The Design Science Lab http://www.designsciencelab.org/ develops solutions to global and local problems. It does this through a design and planning methodology often referred to as design science. This methodology is inspired by the work of R. Buckminster Fuller, the late 20th century inventor, philosopher, and designer.
At its core, the Design Science Lab recognizes the profound contribution 'ordinary' citizens can make toward solving our most pressing local, regional and global problems. Through direct experience, participants come to understand that individual initiative can and indeed must make a difference in creating a better world.
The Lab is a collaborative effort of a number of organizations. Its primary participants are students, professionals, and experts in various global and local problems. Its primary focus is the development of strategies for reaching the UN Millennium Development Goals.
The Design Science Lab program involves participants in the development of real—world solutions to the major challenges facing the planet. Using present day technology and known resources participants develop affordable solutions to local, regional and global problems. Working in teams, participants acquire a shared language and set of perceptual tools for complex—problem solving, enabling them to take on issues of pressing concern.
The Asheville Design Science Lab is the first regional offering of this program. A key learning experience of this program for those who choose to focus on regional issues will be a systems–based perspective of the relationship between the issues facing the Southern Appalachian region and the global problems affecting us all. Solutions developed to address the challenges facing the region will be viewed as models for global application.
Asheville Design Science Lab Outcomes
Participants of the Asheville Design Science Lab will develop:
· Skills needed to lead their communities, and regions in developing and implementing local and global solutions to humanity's biggest challenges.
· A series of interrelated solutions, and strategies for their implementation, that deal with achieving the UN's Millennium Development Goals
· A series of interrelated solutions, and strategies for their implementation, that deal with achieving a set of sustainable goals for the Asheville and Southern Appalachian region (For those electing to take this curriculum path.)
· A knowledge of projects, businesses, and opportunities that could be used in many regions throughout the U.S. and world for delivering sustainable solutions to pressing societal and economic problems.
The Asheville Design Science Lab will be of particular relevance to people interested in:
· The state of the world and what we can do about it
· Comprehensive problem solving and leadership skills
· The interconnections between local, regional and global issues
· Sustainable and socially responsible business opportunities
· Renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and other environmentally sound technologies
· Environmental stewardship
· Public health
· Human rights
· Community planning and design
· Experiential education
· Social, environmental, and political science data visualization and analysis
· Global citizenship, responsibility, and prerogative
Example applicants include:
· Engaged citizens
· Under – graduate or graduate students
· Advanced – level high school students
· Educators
· Governmental representatives
· Business professionals
· Non-profit representatives
· Retirees
Visit http://www.designsciencelab.org to register or help sponsor scholarships for the event.
