Towards equality, social inclusion and human development in design education: The case of Global Studio 2005-2008

This paper explores the theory and practice of the evolving project Global Studio, and contributes to a relatively untheorized area of engaged design education for inclusive and sustainable urbanization. Drawing on the capability approach and ideas about agency, Global Studio's programmes in Istanbul, Vancouver and Johannesburg have engaged the redistributive social policy objectives of the poverty alleviating Millennium Development Goals (MDG), with the aim of enabling the design and planning of equitable, sustainable and inclusive cities that support human development and help alleviate poverty. The paper raises questions about design education in an international context, the potential for social entrepreneurship, and the challenges of pursuing a social inclusion agenda.