ENABLING REGENERATIVE CULTURES

Communicating for
Planetary Health

Adaptable, Evolving, and Essential for Tomorrow

What is SEED?

Social and Ecological Engagement in Design (SEED) is an innovative design thinking methodology and vision for a social and cultural transformation. SEED uniquely integrates the social and the ecological imperatives and challenges that we face into the design process, to help guide students and organisations in addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

MORE ABOUT SEED

People

We empower communities by fostering inclusive and codesign practices that prioritise social equity and well-being. SEED ensure that diverse voices shape interventions for a healthier future.

Prosperity

We promote awareness, impact, and action to enhance the natural and built environments. SEED is focused on working towards a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Planet

We address global ecological challenges through innovative design practice. Our vision is to support and enable a sustainable and harmonious relationship with our planet.

research, practice and education

Visualising Cultural Change

VIEW Student Projects
Bridging Research and Real-World Impact Connecting Communities through Ecological Engagement Enabling Positive Cultural Change through Research and Design

“Design, in conjunction with art and science, has a unique ability to enact interdisciplinary thinking and learning focused on sustainability challenges.”

Transformative Collaboration

In the global arena of design, innovation is the currency and impact is the measure.

Excellence Awards 2023

Excellence in University Engagement - Highly Commended.

This innovative engagement project featured scientists and nationally significant creative practitioners, linking art, science, design, and mass communication to deepen social and ecological understanding of the environment.

Painted River Project Team: Dr Leo Robba, Margaret Hancock, Associate Professor lan Wright, Dr Amy-Marie Glipin, Dr Greg Hughes, Dolla Merrillees, Sally Tsoutas, Matthew Lahoud, Katherine Warwick, Kelsle King, Simon Bosch, Emily Caws

PhD Industry Partnership

Research and creative expression of scientific data that delves deep into the unseen energies and interconnections between nature, trees and humans. Developed as a direct response to Western’s call for innovation, sustainability, and global reach.

Partnership: Matthew Lahoud with Streaming Museum
Humanities, Arts and Social Science (HASS), Western Sydney University

Excellence Awards 2020

Meritorious Service to Western during the COVID-19 Pandemic for work that "shone a glowing light on the Visual Communication Design program’s objective to generate citizen-designers."

Social Design Team: Dr Leo Robba, Matthew Lahoud

Research and practice-led initiatives are
supported by our wonderful partners