WTU pioneers sustainable design education

A sustainability design seminar is held at ICUS 2025. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The School of Fashion at Wuhan Textile University (WTU) is making significant strides in sustainable design education, establishing itself as a leader in nurturing environmentally conscious designers.

The school has launched a series of initiatives to integrate sustainability into its curriculum, practical applications, and competitive platforms.

Central to WTU's approach is an innovative curriculum framework that encompasses the entire fashion industry chain. The cornerstone of this framework is the "Comprehensive Fashion Design" course for third-year students, a 40-hour module that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application.

This course challenges students to address environmental issues throughout the design process, from initial concept to final exhibition. While maintaining essential modules in textile materials and design techniques, the curriculum also introduces cutting-edge topics, such as textile recycling, to create a robust foundation for future designers.

The school has established dynamic platforms for showcasing sustainable practices, including themed exhibitions and design weeks. In 2024, the school partnered with the British Consulate-General in Wuhan to host the "Power of Zero" Sustainable Design Week, which highlighted 32 innovative projects by 97 students, each exploring diverse avenues of sustainable practice.

The school encourages students to participate in prestigious sustainable design contests. In the 2024 "Beautiful China" Innovative Design Competition, two works guided by the school’s professors secured first prizes in the fashion and apparel design category.

The school also utilizes international collaborations to incorporate advanced sustainable concepts from countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan.

Professor Tao Hui's "Cross-Cultural Thinking Training Model" has become a hallmark of the school's educational approach.