Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
Sustainable Design Thinking in Applied Arts: Integrating Local Materials, Aesthetic Values, And Contemporary Creativity
Tang Duc Vu
4 November 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 11, pp. 1982-1988
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E11/2026-04
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What is this article about?
Background: Applied-arts design increasingly faces the challenge of reducing material impacts while preserving aesthetic distinction and recognising local craft knowledge. Local materials are often promoted as inherently sustainable, although their actual performance depends on sourcing, treatment, production, use, repair, and disposal.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 4 November 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 11, pp. 1982-1988
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
Background: Applied-arts design increasingly faces the challenge of reducing material impacts while preserving aesthetic distinction and recognising local craft knowledge. Local materials are often promoted as inherently sustainable, although their actual performance depends on sourcing, treatment, production, use, repair, and disposal. Objective: This study develops an integrated approach to sustainable design thinking connecting material provenance, life-cycle responsibility, cultural and aesthetic meaning, and creative experimentation. Methods: An integrative conceptual review and practice-oriented comparison draw on design-for-sustainability scholarship, circular-design guidance, ISO life-cycle principles, UNESCO's understanding of craftsmanship, and a recent Vietnamese account of Khmu weaving. No prototypes, laboratory tests, or life-cycle inventories were produced. Results: Four recurrent tensions are identified: local identity versus environmental proof; craft continuity versus product standardisation; aesthetic novelty versus durability; and material substitution versus system change. A five-element PLACE framework-Provenance, Life cycle, Aesthetic coherence, Craft partnership, and Experimental iteration-is proposed with a decision matrix for material, cultural, and design assessment. Conclusion: Sustainable creativity in applied arts should be evaluated through a traceable design process that combines environmental evidence, meaningful aesthetics, and fair collaboration rather than through the unverified label 'natural' or 'local'. The framework is a conceptual design tool requiring testing in actual design studios and production chains.
Keywords
- sustainable design
- applied arts
- local materials
- craft knowledge
- aesthetic value
- circular economy
- contemporary creativity
Cite this article
Tang Duc Vu (2026). Sustainable Design Thinking in Applied Arts: Integrating Local Materials, Aesthetic Values, And Contemporary Creativity. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(11), 1982-1988. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E11/2026-04
@article{Tang2026,
title = {Sustainable Design Thinking in Applied Arts: Integrating Local Materials, Aesthetic Values, And Contemporary Creativity},
author = {Tang Duc Vu},
journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
year = {2026},
volume = {2},
number = {11},
pages = {1982-1988},
doi = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E11/2026-04},
url = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E11/2026-04}
}Published in Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS)
ISSN 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Tang Duc Vu.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 2, Issue 11, pages 1982-1988, published by EP Journals Group on 4 November 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E11/2026-04 (https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E11/2026-04).
How do I cite this article?
APA: Tang Duc Vu (2026). Sustainable Design Thinking in Applied Arts: Integrating Local Materials, Aesthetic Values, And Contemporary Creativity. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(11), 1982-1988. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E11/2026-04
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