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Design Researchers in Residence 2024-25

 

More-than-human Fellowship 2024-25

 

Future Observatory: Tomorrow’s Wardrobe

What is the future of fashion at a time of climate crisis? Discover the urgent research and innovation taking place to design a future for fashion that is both stylish and sustainable. Tomorrow's
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Fables for Our Time

Fables for our Time is a triptych of stories about environmental urgencies, which uses folktales and a new collection of emoji to examine humanity’s relationship with the natural environment. Fables
 
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The taste of bioregioning in Taiwan

Earlier this month I attended Circular Design Week in Taiwan, and had the opportunity to join a group of people from various backgrounds – design, engineering, food, publishing – curious to see some of the different approaches to circularity being adopted in the island nation.
 
Author: Justin McGuirk

‘We all have a stake in biodiversity’

In conversation with Future Observatory coordinator Leilah Hirson-Comley, Nick and Rupert share how their Design Exchange Partnership is exploring new ways to record and experience urban biodiversity.
 
Leilah Hirson-Comley

‘Tech is shaping the conversations and culture around climate action’

In conversation with Future Observatory coordinator Leilah Hirson-Comley, Jo Walton shares how his Design Accelerator project is helping the cultural sector improve its digital sustainability.
 
Leilah Hirson-Comley

Solar material mapping: Wonky Brick

Wonky Brick makes visible the journeys of the materials used in Design Researchers in Residence: Solar
 
Author: Alys Hargreaves

The return of the grand narrative

Justin McGuirk revisits his three-tiered framework for impact in design research, with a particular focus on stories. Does the ‘green transition’ not demand a new grand narrative?
 
Author: Justin McGuirk

The impact of design: symptoms, systems and stories

At Future Observatory we increasingly think about impact in terms of three different levels: symptoms, systems and stories. Design can help us to imagine a different future, tackling the climate crisis through creativity and innovation.
 
Author: Justin McGuirk

Design Exchange Partnerships 2024: Biodiversity

 

Design Accelerators 2024: Commercialisation

 
meet the future observatory network
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Listen to Future Observatory Podcast

Growing a Home, with Material Cultures

Recycling Colour, with Aida Rafat

Stone Age revival, with Amin Taha

Luxury from Landfill, with Elvis & Kresse

Algae Farming, with Samuel Iliffe