LESDES

LESDES is the name given to a European research and education collaboration focused on design for sustainability. The organization coordinates joint degree programs, research initiatives, and exchange opportunities among universities, design schools, and industry partners. It seeks to integrate design thinking with environmental science, engineering, and social sciences to address urban and industrial sustainability challenges.

Origins and scope

The collaboration began in the early 2010s through partnerships among higher education institutions in several European countries and was supported by national research agencies and EU frameworks. It aims to develop curricula, shared methodologies, and best practices for sustainability in design, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary study and collaboration across borders.

Activities

LESDES supports joint master’s programs leading to degrees issued by multiple partner institutions; it funds doctoral and post-graduate research projects; it disseminates open-access publications; it hosts annual symposia; and it promotes the exchange of students and faculty to foster cross-cultural learning and co-created projects.

Organization

The consortium is governed by a Steering Council with representatives from member institutions, and a central secretariat coordinates day-to-day activities. Membership is open to universities, design schools, and research centers that meet agreed criteria, with partnerships regularly reviewed to reflect evolving sustainability priorities.

Impact

LESDES has contributed to cross-border curricula, collaborative design studios, and case studies on sustainable materials and circular design. It maintains a digital repository of teaching resources and research outputs to support educators and practitioners.

See also

Sustainable design; European Higher Education Area.