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The Stone Demonstrator
The Stone Demonstrator is a low-carbon construction prototype, which puts pre-tensioned stone building techniques to the test. The Stone Demonstrator is a boundary-pushing stone prototype, located on
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Future Observatory: Tools for Transition
In this free display, discover four research projects from across the UK that are driving change in housing, healthcare, local planning and resource management. Together, these projects show how
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Future Observatory Journal
Issue Nº2: More than Human
Five more-than-human research projects join the Design Exchange Partnership programme
As part of a broader initiative to advance research in more-than-human design – recently reflected on in a blog post by Future Observatory director, Justin McGuirk – we are thrilled to introduce the
‘Urban green spaces have untapped potential for the green transition’
An interview with Katharine Willis and Ashita Gupta, Plymouth University
Ashita Gupta & Katharine Willis
‘Human health is inextricably linked to the health of the planet’
An interview with Paul Rodgers and Mel Woods, Design HOPES
Paul Rodgers & Mel Woods
More-than-human thinking for multiple audiences
Understanding the potential of designing with and for other species and living systems feels like an urgent undertaking. That is why we adopted More than Human as an ongoing research theme for 2024-5
Author:
Justin McGuirk
Future Observatory Journal – Issue Nº2
We are delighted to bring you Issue 02 of Future Observatory Journal. We launched the journal earlier this year to explore more expansive narratives for design that respond to the true scale of the
Author:
Justin McGuirk
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
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.
Nick Dunn & Rupert Griffiths
‘Tech is shaping the conversations and culture around climate action’
An interview with Jo Walton, University of Sussex
Joseph Walton
Solar material mapping: Wonky Brick
Wonky Brick makes visible the journeys of the materials used in Design Researchers in Residence: Solar
Author:
Alys Hargreaves
Open call: Artificial
The time for the residency open call has rolled around once again. For its fourth consecutive year, Future Observatory is excited to share the open call for our programme, Design Researchers in
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
Author:
Justin McGuirk
Contaminating our current thinking
Cher Potter, Future Observatory's Curatorial Director discusses the role of design research with the Design Researchers in Residence Solar cohort.
Jamie Gatty Irving, April Barrett, Freya Spencer-Wood & Eliza Collin
What is the potential legacy of a research project?
In late May, we held a networking event at the Design Museum for the researchers and industry partners involved in our Design Accelerator, Design Exchange Partnership and Design Researchers in
Author:
Leilah Hirson-Comley
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Growing a Home, with Material Cultures
Recycling Colour, with Aida Rafat
Stone Age revival, with Amin Taha
Luxury from Landfill, with Elvis & Kresse