This course delved into Life-Centred Research practices, focusing on the theme of Aging & Longevity. The aim was to develop systemic solutions that enhanced quality of life for all, emphasising the interconnectedness of people, nature, and local systems. Through a hands-on research process, students gained skills to observe, analyse, and design with empathy, sustainability, and inclusivity, creating meaningful and lasting impacts on the community and its future.
Students engaged with the rich ecosystem of Bergamo and its surroundings. Through conversations with the local community and observations of the natural environment, they explored the complex interactions between human life, the environment, and local ecosystems.
The week ended with an afternoon of presentations to those who had partnered with the students, as interviewees and mentors. A heartfelt thank you to the Municipality of Bergamo—and especially Marcella Messina and the Social Services team—for their invaluable support in making this project happen!
Irene is a service designer with Italian and Bulgarian roots, currently based in Paris. Her expertise spans design across various domains, from systemic thinking, product to service and interior design, graphic facilitation and illustration. She currently blends these skills in projects for the French public institutions that address social and environmental challenges in the sectors of health, education and housing.
Passionate about frugal interior design, she dedicates her free time transforming homes and offices into more functional, pleasant and intentional spaces, always starting by repurposing imaginatively what is at hand.
Göksu is expert in Design Research and Service Design with a passion for purpose-driven businesses and life-centred design solutions. Throughout her career, she developed an elevated capacity for thinking at scale, bringing a unique approach to any conversation with her systems-thinking mindset and expertise in service design methods and tools. She helps people and businesses to identify meaningful problems to solve and facilitates multi-disciplinary teams for user-driven innovation.
Beyond her professional work, Göksu is dedicated to exploring sustainable and ethical practices in fashion systems. She delves into the realms of repair, reuse, and transformation design, seeking to inspire change in an industry in need of renewal. Currently based in Berlin, she is cultivating a vibrant community through the Social Fashion Club, fostering sustainable rituals around pre-loved fashion items and paving the way for a more regenerative future.
