Design and the Social Imagination

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How can social theory help us all design solutions to address the social, political and ecological challenges that confront us, and build more sustainable communities Design professions have typically been associated with intervention and action, while social science has long been associated with thought and reflection. Design and social thought are too frequently considered distinct in terms of how theories can be applied in practice. Design and the Social Imagination brings together the creative, action-oriented sensibility of design with the reflective, analytical capacities of the social sciences to offer models, ideas and strategies for shaping the future of the world we live in. In a world of global economic inequality, racism, and environmental degradation, designing with an understanding of our social reality is increasingly crucial to our survival. Matthew DelSesto explores current practices and discourses in areas of urban design, design for social innovation, environmental design, co-design, service design, and more, illustrating how thoughtful design can contribute in a more productive way. Drawing on a range of theory and practice from radical social thinkers C. Wright Mills, Patrick Geddes, Jane Addams and W. E. B. Du Bois, his book shows us how design and the social sciences can interact in order to intervene in the crises we face today.

Reviews

In this lively and accessible book, Matthew DelSesto argues persuasively for meaningful self-reflection, coupled with practical intervention to solve social problems. DelSestos design-theoretic approach, informed by C. Wright Millss imaginary, shows a way of acting in the social world and of creating possibilities in it that is not only inspiring, but also doable. -- A. Javier Trevio, Professor of Sociology, Wheaton College, USA
For those of us who have struggled to bring the design and sociological traditions together in dialogue, this book is a welcome arrival. In a world where academics and practitioners work in silos and speak only to narrow disciplinary audiences, we see far too few efforts to develop transdisciplinary thinking. This book breaks away from those enduring shackles, offering a grounded historical understanding of how several of the most important urbanists of the 20th century have re-thought the social world through the lens of design, and vice-versa. -- Diane E. Davis, Charles Dyer Norton Professor of Regional Planning and Urbanism, Harvard University, USA
Matthew DelSesto sketches out practices that attempt to blend rigorous social inquiry with creative forms of activism. In the process, he produces a guide to a possible way of thinking for action. While he draws inspiration from historic figures such as Patrick Geddes, Jane Addams and W.E.B. Dubois, readers of this book will be equally inspired to seek out contemporary practices of social transformation that combine design and activist strategies in highly effective ways. The book serves two purposes, as an enlightening introduction to awakening the social imagination by examining the fields of sociology and design, and as an inspiring jumping-off point for the 'choreography of beautiful action' by framing approaches that are already well underway in cities around the world. -- Aseem Inam, Professor and Chair in Urban Design, Cardiff University, UK
This original, erudite, and nuanced book innovatively connects social thought, social action, and design via its focus on three foundational scholar-activists who forged and transcended their home disciplines. Elaborating on the fascinating lives and consequential work of Patrick Geddes, Jane Addams, and W.E.B. Du Bois, Design and the Social Imagination illuminates the capacities of both design and social science to reflect the world and to take action in it. -- Robin Wagner-Pacifici, The New School for Social Research, USA

Author Bio

Matthew DelSesto is Coordinator of the Initiative for Community Justice and Engaged Pedagogy and Teaching Fellow in the Sociology Department at Boston College, USA, where his research practice focuses on social-ecological interventions and public engagement towards equity and sustainability. He previously studied urban design at Parsons School of Design/The New School, New York, USA.