Eros and ecology : the new alchemy of sustainable design

Abstract

This article explores the multifaceted nature of Eros, the incarnation of desire, as a central theme in contemporary design, where objects become symbols of desire that blur the lines between absence and presence, necessity and satisfaction. Drawing on Plato’s Symposium, which describes Eros as born from both poverty and resource, we investigate the dynamic interaction between lack and desire in the form of creativ- ity and human achievement. We analyze how iconic objects, from Ettore Sottsass’s “Shiva” to the “Bocca” sofa and the “Valentine” typewriter, seduce us, possess us, and eventually lead to abandonment, reflecting a perpetual cycle of desire and detach- ment in our interaction with the material world. The discussion extends to the concept of “erotically sustainable design”, exploring the shift towards sustainability in design that adds a level of desirability to objects not only through aesthetic and functional appeal but also through narratives of ethical commitment and environmental steward- ship. The article aims to illuminate the deep connections between aesthetics, affection, and consumerism in contemporary culture, proposing that the challenge for modern designers lies not only in creating visually and functionally seductive objects but also in incorporating sustainable values that resonate with the urgent ecological and social needs of our time.