Material Futures

"Material Futures" comprises a research agenda dedicated to investigating and understanding material network assembly systems. This includes their physical, cultural and affective life cycles. Our focus lies in exploring how these systems can be intervened in to create more environmentally and socially conscious designed objects, territories, and environments. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and rigorous inquiry, this agenda aims to unravel the complex interplay between materiality, sustainability, and social responsibility. By examining the entire lifecycle of materials, from extraction to disposal, opportunities for innovation and intervention are sought to promote sustainable practices and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, the agenda acknowledges the cultural dimensions of materials and their influence on identities, values, and social relations. The overarching goal is to drive real-world change by envisioning and implementing thoughtful design interventions.

Serious Play

The research agenda revolves around utilizing play and intuitive processes of making and organizing as a dynamic strategy for social innovation, emphasizing inclusion. This integrated approach encompasses Social Innovation through Play, Material Assemblies, Narrative Construction, and Intuitive Making + Organization Processes. Social Innovation through Play taps into the creative and collaborative potential of play to address societal challenges, fostering inclusivity in problem-solving and community building. Material Assemblies explore the selection and arrangement of materials, seeking sustainable and culturally resonant solutions. Narrative Construction delves into the power of storytelling to shape perceptions, promoting inclusivity in design narratives. Intuitive Making + Organization Processes focus on spontaneous creation, understanding how intuitive processes intersect with inclusive organizational methods. By merging these elements, the agenda aims to contribute both theoretically and practically to a more inclusive, dynamic, and impactful approach to social innovation.

Edible Ecologies

The design-research focus on Edible Ecologies intricately explores the convergence of food systems, cultural identity, expression, environmental and cultural sustainability, landscapes, and craft. This multidimensional investigation seeks to understand how these components intersect and influence each other within the broader context of design. By examining the relationships between food and culture, the research aims to unveil sustainable practices that integrate environmental considerations and celebrate diverse cultural expressions. The inclusion of landscapes and craft further enriches the exploration, emphasizing the interconnectedness of design, nature, and cultural heritage. Edible Ecologies strives to formulate design strategies that not only promote environmental well-being but also honor and preserve the intricate tapestry of cultural identities woven into the fabric of food, landscapes, and craft. Through this comprehensive approach, the research endeavors to contribute to the development of holistic, sustainable design solutions for the future.

Affective Environments

The design research focuses on material affects, exploring how material choices profoundly influence the design of objects, spaces, atmospheres, and behaviors. Investigating the sensory, emotional, and experiential dimensions of materials, this interdisciplinary exploration seeks to optimize their impact on design outcomes. In the realm of objects, the research examines how material selection shapes the tactile, visual, and auditory qualities of artifacts. Spatial design analysis involves understanding how materials contribute to the overall atmosphere, creating environments that elicit specific moods. The study extends to atmospheric design, exploring the interplay of materials with light, sound, and other environmental factors. Additionally, the research considers how material choices influence user behaviors, aiming to intentionally shape human interactions and experiences within various contexts. This comprehensive investigation aims to provide valuable insights for crafting aesthetically pleasing, resonant, and responsive designed environments.