top of page

LWE DC4SD : LIVE WITH EARTH DESIGN CONFERENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT | PRESS RELEASE We present the "Live With Earth – Design Conference for Sustainable Development" (LWE DC4SD), a unique event happening in Portugal. This conference was born with a format that brings together academia, design students, creative professionals and the general public, with the aim of creating an "engine of sustainable development". Through the sharing of ideas and knowledge, artistic practices, project development and artificial intelligence, we seek to promote local actions for the global transition, in the materialization of sustainable solutions and social innovation. LWE DC4SD is composed of five main areas: Projects, Presentations, Cultural Production, Performances and Partnerships. The Projects will be launched in a competition at design universities and for the general public, with the aim of selecting, supporting and promoting five projects in specific areas: Natural Pigments & Eco-Arts; Sustainable Development & Circular Economy; Design for Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation; Design of Permanent and Regenerative Cultures and Design of Ecovillages & Green Economy. This competition aims to stimulate creativity and innovation by providing a platform for ideas that make a difference. Three intense days are expected at the "Earthinkers Bootcamp", from 23 to 25 October, where mentors will support the winning projects in the development of their presentations, which will take place on the two subsequent days of the conference, providing a unique opportunity for participants to showcase their ideas and innovations. The Presentations will be conducted by recognized experts, who will share their experiences in the panels: Organizing Committee; Research & Science; Western Bioregion; LWE DC4SD and From Portugal to the World. Cultural Production will bring a diversity of content, such as the creation of articles, videos, photographs, eco-art installations, traditional crafts and the “Earthinkers Journal”. During the conference, the artistic performances will convey messages related to ecology and sustainability through various art forms, such as music, painting, sculpture, visual arts, poetry, dance and multimedia, creating a dynamic and engaging environment. The Partnerships will be represented by exhibition spaces dedicated to sustainability initiatives, strengthening networks of collaboration and visibility. The first edition of LWE DC4SD will take place at PPLSSA – Paisagem Protegida Local das Serras do Socorro e Archeira, on 26 and 27 October 2024. The Live With Earth Association invites thinkers, creators, designers, artists, and all individuals and collectivities concerned with the environment, society and the future of humanity, to participate in this pioneering initiative. Together, we can replicate existing solutions and create new strategies for sustainable development, ensuring the well-being and evolution of future generations. Join us in shaping a harmonious, regenerative and conscious future together for all.

LWE DC4SD PROGRAMA 2024.jpg
LWE DC4SD 2024 PROGRAMA CULTURALON.jpg
ECOARTS5LWEDC4SD.jpg

LWE DC4SD : NATURAL PIGMENTS & ECO-ARTS Let's celebrate nature's incredible ability to provide us with a vibrant and unique color palette! In a world increasingly aware of environmental impacts, this space is dedicated to exploring the potential of using local inorganic natural pigments, in various ecological applications such as paints, mortars, ceramics or dyes. Here, artists, designers and artisans have the opportunity to immerse themselves in ancestral and innovative creative practices, using resources that not only respect the environment but also promote the regeneration of the ecosystem. This segment of the conference is an ode to sustainable art, highlighting the creative potential of eco-friendly materials, inspiring new generations of artists to connect deeply with the earth and use their creativity as a vehicle for change. Hands-on workshops, live demonstrations and exhibitions of works will allow participants to discover and experiment with the various processes of creating with natural pigments. Participants will be invited to understand the world of eco-arts, learning about the biodegradability of materials and how the conscious choice of resources can drastically reduce the carbon footprint associated with artistic production. We investigate how eco-arts can be integrated into urban, rural, and domestic environments, transforming common spaces into living and sustainable settings. The LWE DC4SD represents a meeting point for those who believe that art can and should be a driving force in building a greener and more responsible future. Join us on this journey of color, texture, and innovation, where every brush stroke counts in the narrative of a more sustainable world.

LWE DC4SD - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & CIRCULAR ECONOMY This space is where design meets innovation to create practical solutions that close the loop of production and consumption, transforming waste into valuable resources. Sustainable development is at the heart of global discussions about the future of the planet, and in this area of the conference, we take it a step further by integrating circular economy principles into all aspects of design and production. During the conference, participants will have the opportunity to learn and share practices that promote the reuse, recycling and regeneration of resources. We investigate how companies, communities and individuals can align with these principles, creating production cycles that benefit the environment and society as a whole. From the choice of materials to the design of biodegradable products, products are designed to be reused or reinserted into new chains at the end of their life cycle. Participants will have contact with inspiring initiatives and case studies, which demonstrate how it is possible to prosper economically while taking care of people and the planet. We will map and develop innovative business models that place circularity and sustainability as core values, proving that the future of the economy is intrinsically linked to the preservation of natural resources. This space is a unique opportunity for visionaries, entrepreneurs, designers and students to collaborate in the creation of an economic system that values natural capital above all else, and works in harmony with the environment.

LWE DC4SD – DESIGN FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SOCIAL INNOVATION At the heart of the LWE DC4SD is the conviction that design can be a powerful catalyst for social and environmental transformation. This area of the conference is dedicated to showing how design, coupled with entrepreneurship, can create innovative solutions that address pressing challenges in our communities and on the planet. Here, students, professionals and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to present their ideas, as well as learn about other projects, prototypes and solutions that have the potential to generate positive impact, on a problem-solving platform with solutions that create economic and social value. How can design be used to create new business models, products and services that respond to real needs in a sustainable way? Examples of ventures that are at the forefront of sustainability and social responsibility will be highlighted, showing how it is possible to create businesses that are both profitable and responsible. This space also promotes collaboration between different sectors, encouraging partnerships that accelerate innovation and amplify social impact. More than anything, this is a movement to empower those who believe in the power of design to change the world.

LWE DC4SD – DESIGN OF PERMANENT & REGENERATIVE CULTURES This area explores how we can build human ecosystems that function in harmony with nature, using permaculture principles and regenerative design. By creating agricultural, architectural, and community systems that not only sustain but regenerate the environment around them. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about permaculture design, regenerative systems, and agroforestry systems, which are essential for creating permanent, self-sufficient crops. Methods that can be applied at different scales and in different sectors will be shared, from community gardens to sustainable development projects. The focus is on how design can be used to restore degraded human or natural ecosystems, increase biodiversity, and create abundant living systems. Participants will be inspired by examples of projects that already make a difference, showing that it is possible to create a future where human presence on the planet is beneficial to the environment. This area of the conference promotes the integration of traditional practices with modern innovations, creating a holistic approach to sustainable development. This is a call to all those who wish to be part of the transformation of our world into a place where life flourishes in all its forms.

LWE DC4SD – DESIGN OF ECOVILLAGES & GREEN ECONOMY This area of LWE DC4SD is dedicated to creating sustainable communities and promoting an economy that prioritizes environmental and social well-being. This space is where design and architecture meet community life, creating ecovillages that function as models of self-sufficiency. Ecovillages are intentional communities that incorporate ecological practices into all aspects of life, from building homes to producing food and managing resources. In this area of the conference, we explore how design can be used to create spaces that are sustainable and promote well-being, cooperation and resilience. We will share how ecovillages lead the way to a transition to a green economy. Examples of ecovillages from around the world will be presented, which demonstrate how it is possible to live in harmony with nature while building a strong and cohesive community. How can we create economic models that not only minimize environmental impact, but that regenerate the environment while promoting social development? Participants will have the opportunity to learn about new technologies, business models and governance practices that are being implemented in ecovillages and communities in the most diverse contexts. An inspiring vision of what the future can look like, where self-sufficient communities live in balance with nature and contribute to a more just and sustainable world.

5 (50)on.jpg
bottom of page