TECHNE: Special Series Vol. 3
Essays and Viewpoint

Exploring Life-Centered Design through a bottom-up analysis of case studies

Niccolò Casiddu
Department Architettura e Design, Università di Genova, Italy
Claudia Porfirione
Department Architettura e Design, Università di Genova, Italy
Francesco Burlando
Department Architettura e Design, Università di Genova, Italy
Annapaola Vacanti
Department of Culture del Progetto, Università Iuav di Venezia, Italy
Isabella Nevoso
Department Architettura e Design, Università di Genova, Italy

Published 2025-07-31

Keywords

  • Life Centered Design,
  • Posthuman Design,
  • MMore-than-human Design,
  • Ecosystemic Design,
  • Non-human agency

How to Cite

Casiddu, N., Porfirione, C., Burlando, F., Vacanti, A., & Nevoso, I. (2025). Exploring Life-Centered Design through a bottom-up analysis of case studies. TECHNE - Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment, (3), 53–59. https://doi.org/10.36253/techne-16990

Abstract

This paper explores Life-Centred Design (LCD), an emerging concept aiming to overcome anthropocentric approaches by addressingall forms of life in the design process. Through a bottom-up analysis of case studies, it identifies the distinctive traits of LCD compared to other post-human approaches. The findings highlight the strong integration of foundational LCD principles, such as sustainability and systemic thinking, while revealing challenges in implementing co-design practices, non-human agency, and prioritising non-human interests. Addressing these complexities is essential for advancing LCD into a practical framework capable of tackling Anthropocene challenges.

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