From Human-Centered to Life-Centered: How Design Changes for Contemporary Challenges. Experiences from the Bauhaus of the Seas Sails Project

In recent decades, Design Thinking and the human-centered approach have dominated design and innovation processes, placing human needs at the core of creative solutions. However, as environmental and socio-ecological crises deepen, this framework starts to be questioned by recent alternative methodologies prioritizing the wellbeing of the ecosystem as a whole, summarized by the term life-centered design. This paper explores the evolution of design philosophy, tracing the transition from human-centered to life-centered approaches that seek to incorporate the voices of non-human actors and the planet itself into the design process. Life-centered design shifts focus from solving problems exclusively for humans to creating sustainable, regenerative solutions that consider the well-being of entire ecosystems. Drawing from the Bauhaus of the Seas Sails project, this paper examines real-world applications of life-centered design. This initiative, which brings together disciplines such as art, science, and local knowledge to address coastal challenges, offers compelling insights into how life-centered approaches can foster a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Through this analysis, the success and limitations of the project will be addressed to outline best practices and potential enhancements for future projects.