Systemic design: Relations among territory, culture and environment in the field of the “Royal Road”

Abstract

The contemporary crisis, in the social, environmental, economic and cultural scopes, are consequences of our current economic model, which depends on the continued and increasing consumption. However, this model no longer contends, because the problems today are complex and interconnected. Therefore, a new approach is needed, one that is able to travel on the complex systems, including, or perhaps mainly, the design field. This article aims to demonstrate the relevance of the Systemic Design approach in a complex context, in order to promote social economic development, promoting the region and the rescue of local cultures in order to contribute to the resolution of the crisis. Therefore, two case studies are presented, both involving handmade products in the “Estrada Real” (Royal Road) scope. As results, we glimpse, on a lasting prospect, the valorization of the region, its people and its local culture, the onset of new activities, employment and income; the keeping of workers in their territory; the sustainable management of natural resources; and the improvement of quality of life and the environment.

Keywords: systemic design, territory, handicraft.