
The University of Utah’s Multi-Disciplinary Design (MDD) program is delighted to welcome Daniel Zwangsleitner as a new faculty member. With a dynamic background in architecture, urban planning, and photography, Daniel brings a wealth of interdisciplinary expertise to the program. His international perspective, honed through academic and professional experiences in Europe, aligns seamlessly with MDD’s mission to address complex global challenges through innovative and inclusive design practices.
A Conversation with Daniel Zwangsleitner
| What inspired you to join the MDD program?
Daniel was drawn to MDD’s inclusive and expansive understanding of design, which spans products, services, places, and experiences in both digital and physical realms. He expressed appreciation for the program’s ability to transcend disciplinary silos, calling it essential for addressing today’s urgent global challenges. “The interdisciplinary ethos of MDD signals an environment ready to tackle these challenges head-on,” he shared.
| How has your background shaped your approach to design?
Starting his career in architecture, Daniel quickly realized the importance of integrating multiple fields. His approach emphasizes the need for holistic processes that consider the environment and the spaces people inhabit as integral part of any given design. He highlighted his commitment to blending creative vision with systemic thinking and practical solutions to foster meaningful change.
| How do you define multi-disciplinary design?
Daniel views multi-disciplinary design as an approach that breaks down traditional boundaries to address interconnected challenges. He stressed the need for collaboration and systemic thinking, especially in tackling what he calls the “polycrisis” of social, environmental, and technological crises. “Design must act as a tool for transformation and reimagining how we live and coexist,” he explained.
| What unique skills do you bring to MDD?
Daniel’s expertise lies in collaborative learning and connecting local-global perspectives. His passion for addressing systemic crises such as the climate emergency, biodiversity crisis and social inequalities informs his teaching, encouraging students to think critically and experiment boldly.
| What projects are you excited to explore with students?
Daniel is excited to work with students on transformative projects that draw on their personal expertise and real-world experiences within their communities and environments. By starting locally and addressing the challenges we know best, we can drive meaningful change while contributing to a more sustainable, and accessible global future.
| What advice do you have for students?
Daniel encourages students to use design as a vehicle for systemic change, focusing on processes that are participatory, acknowledge complexity and working towards a more just world.
As Daniel embarks on this exciting new chapter with MDD, we look forward to the energy, innovation, and inspiration he will bring to our community. His vision and passion for transformative design promise to leave a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the program as a whole.
Join us in welcoming Daniel Zwangsleitner to the MDD family, and stay tuned for the exciting projects and opportunities that lie ahead.
[Photo by Elif-Simge Fettahoglu-Oezgen]
Written by Curtis Shosted