Introduction
The global movement towards sustainable development has highlighted the critical role of engineering design in creating sustainable solutions. However, the current frameworks and processes of engineering design such as life cycle assessment, design for the environment, circular economic designs, etc. have contributed to some setbacks to implementing sustainable solutions. These setbacks may include challenges with cost implementation, performance uncertainty, technical challenges and complexities and many more. In this article, we shall delve into the indigenous African perspective on design, which emphasizes the harmonization of nature and draws inspiration from nature itself. By incorporating principles from indigenous African cultures, we can develop a hybrid systematic approach to engineering design that fosters sustainability.
The Indigenous African Approach
Indigenous African cultures, with their rich history, have long understood the importance of maintaining a balance with nature. A typical example is the use of clay in Sub-Saharan Africa to mold coolers for cooling and storing water at drinkable temperatures which demonstrate the application of the effects of nature as a sustainable solution of cooling water. This does not pose any adverse effect on the environment. Their perception of nature differs from the mainstream view held by much of the world today. They perceive nature as a purposeful system, with each component having its own purpose and interacting with other components. Moreover, there is a recognition of the consciousness and interconnectedness of the natural environment. This holistic approach fosters a partnership with nature, rather than a dominion over it. We can adopt this fundamental principle to create a systematic approach to design that incorporates nature.
A Systematic Approach to Engineering Design
A systematic approach to engineering design can be visualized as a black box (see image below), where an input operand is processed to produce an output operand . The operators involved in this process include the human system (designers, etc.), technical systems (computers, CAD tools), information systems (design catalogues, patents), management system (project management), and the active environment (design office) . While the operands can take the form of information, energy, materials, or living things, in design, both the input and output operands are information.
Introducing the Nature System
To create a sustainable world, it is crucial to reevaluate the engineering design process and incorporate sustainability into product and process development - a fundamental principle used at IMHO. One approach is to revisit the indigenous African perspective on design and adopt the "Nature System" in the engineering design process. In addition to the five operators mentioned earlier, nature becomes the sixth operator in this approach.
The Nature System (represented in the image above as NatS) is founded on the belief that elements in nature possess their own purpose and consciousness and operate within the principles of karma (action and reaction). By incorporating this African concept into the systematic approach to engineering design, we can establish a connection between natural systems and the technical processes within the black box, ultimately producing sustainable solutions.
Benefits of the Nature System
The Nature System approach considers how nature responds to our actions and recognizes the interconnectedness of our solutions with the natural environment. By embracing this African approach, we can ensure the creation of a sustainable world and sustainable solutions.
Conclusion
By incorporating insights from the indigenous African perspective on design, we can revolutionize the engineering design process to create sustainable solutions. The Nature System offers a framework that considers the interplay between human actions and the natural environment, a vital system in engineering design for contributing to a sustainable future!
References
- W. Ernst Eder, Stanislav Hosnedl-Design Engineering A Manual for Enhanced Creativity- CRC Press 2007