Design and the Social Imagination

In this lively and accessible book, Matthew DelSesto argues persuasively for meaningful self-reflection, coupled with practical intervention to solve social problems. DelSesto’s design-theoretic approach, informed by C. Wright Mills’s imaginary, shows a way of acting in the social world and of creating possibilities in it that is not only inspiring, but also doable. -- A. Javier Treviño, Professor of Sociology, Wheaton College, USA
For those of us who have struggled to bring the design and sociological traditions together in dialogue, this book is a welcome arrival. In a world where academics and practitioners work in silos and speak only to narrow disciplinary audiences, we see far too few efforts to develop transdisciplinary thinking. This book breaks away from those enduring shackles, offering a grounded historical understanding of how several of the most important urbanists of the 20th century have re-thought the social world through the lens of design, and vice-versa. -- Diane E. Davis, Charles Dyer Norton Professor of Regional Planning and Urbanism, Harvard University, USA
Matthew DelSesto sketches out practices that attempt to blend rigorous social inquiry with creative forms of activism. In the process, he produces a guide to a possible way of thinking for action. While he draws inspiration from historic figures such as Patrick Geddes, Jane Addams and W.E.B. Dubois, readers of this book will be equally inspired to seek out contemporary practices of social transformation that combine design and activist strategies in highly effective ways. The book serves two purposes, as an enlightening introduction to awakening the social imagination by examining the fields of sociology and design, and as an inspiring jumping-off point for the 'choreography of beautiful action' by framing approaches that are already well underway in cities around the world. -- Aseem Inam, Professor and Chair in Urban Design, Cardiff University, UK
This original, erudite, and nuanced book innovatively connects social thought, social action, and design via its focus on three foundational scholar-activists who forged and transcended their home disciplines. Elaborating on the fascinating lives and consequential work of Patrick Geddes, Jane Addams, and W.E.B. Du Bois, Design and the Social Imagination illuminates the capacities of both design and social science to reflect the world and to take action in it. -- Robin Wagner-Pacifici, The New School for Social Research, USA
Design and the Social Imagination is distinctive among current explorations of design for social innovation, design justice, and systems change literature because it explores a novel historical conjunction. ... DelSesto has provided a crucial nudge that opens the door, now it is time to enter, deepen our understanding of this landscape by continuing to engage history in reflection and following DelSestos’s signposts to both read and contribute to the contemporary design conversation. As he concludes, “the work is unfinished and awaits your participation” (177) * Design and Culture *