Creating a Resilient Future: Shaping Tomorrows Path

Visiting Multiple Futures: Bringing Evidence of Future Possibilities to Life

As someone who ventures into the future for a living, my journeys have allowed me to explore not just one future, but many potential futures. It’s like being an archaeologist of the future, unearthing evidence and bringing it back for you to experience today. One of my memorable expeditions involved discovering a new species of synthetically engineered bees. Another intriguing find was a book titled “Pets as Protein,” which certainly challenged traditional notions of pets. Oh, and let’s not forget the machine that promised wealth through trading your genetic data or the lamp powered by sugar!

Now, I must clarify that physically traveling to different futures is not within my reach at the moment. However, my husband Jon and I spend a significant amount of time pondering and envisioning various futures in our studio. We constantly search for weak signals, those faint murmurs of future potential, and then follow their thread into the future. Our goal is to imagine what it would feel like to live in those futures—what we might see, hear, and even breathe.

Once we have a glimpse of those future possibilities, we embark on a process of experimentation, prototyping, and object creation. We bring aspects of these futures to life, making them tangible and concrete so that you can truly feel the impact of those potential futures here and now. But let me make it clear, this work is not about making predictions; it’s about creating tools.

These tools serve as bridges that connect our present selves with our future selves. They enable us to become active participants in creating the future we desire—a future that works for everyone. Now, you might be wondering how we go about doing this. Let me share with you one of our recent projects called Drone Aviary, which delves into the concept of living alongside drones in our cities.

Drones possess the power to see and go where we cannot, operating with increasing autonomy. To truly understand this technology, getting our hands dirty was crucial. So, in our studio, we built several drones with unique names and functions, and yes, we flew them—though not without encountering difficulties along the way. Loose parts, glitchy GPS signals, and the occasional crash taught us invaluable lessons.

But through this experimentation, we managed to construct a concrete and experiential slice of one possible future—the future of living with drones. Let’s take a moment to imagine ourselves in a city with drones like the Nightwatchman. It patrols the streets, often seen in the evenings and at night. Initially, many of us found its slow and dull hum annoying. However, like with most things, we eventually got used to it.

Now, imagine being able to see the world through the eyes of the Nightwatchman. Witness how it diligently logs every resident in our neighborhood, including the kids playing football in a no-ball-game area, marking them as statutory nuisances. (Laughter) And observe how it disperses another group, the teenagers, with the threat of autonomously issued injunctions. But that’s not all; there’s also this giant floating disc called Madison. Its overpowering presence makes it hard not to stare. It’s as if every time I look at it, it knows a little more about me—flashing Brianair adverts as if it’s aware of the holiday I’m planning. It’s either mildly entertaining or entirely invasive; I’m not entirely sure.

While these particular drones might not exist yet, many elements of a drone-infused future are already present today. Facial recognition systems, for instance, are ubiquitous, found in our phones, thermostats, and city cameras, recording our every move. These technologies often operate silently, and we seldom understand their inner workings or the

Exploring Drone-Infested Cities: The Nightwatchman and Madison

Imagine living in a city teeming with drones, where these futuristic machines have the power to see what we can’t and go where we can’t. They operate with increasing autonomy, and their presence becomes a part of our everyday lives. This is the world we delved into in a recent project called Drone Aviary.

In our studio, my partner Jon and I were captivated by the idea of understanding what it would be like to coexist with drones in our cities. To truly grasp the technology, we knew we had to get hands-on experience. So, we embarked on the exciting endeavor of building several drones from scratch, each with its unique name and purpose. These flying marvels became our experimental subjects as we sought to reveal the possibilities and challenges they present.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Our drone journeys were fraught with difficulties. Loose components, glitchy GPS signals, and the occasional crash were constant reminders of the complexities involved. But through these trials, we gained valuable insights and, most importantly, a concrete and experiential glimpse into one possible future—a future where drones are an integral part of our urban landscape.

Let’s take a moment to transport ourselves to that envisioned future—a city alive with drones. Among them is the Nightwatchman, a familiar presence patrolling the streets, especially in the evenings and at night. Initially, many of us found its slow and monotonous hum bothersome. However, as time passed, we grew accustomed to its presence, accepting it as a part of our urban soundscape.

Now, picture yourself seeing the world through the eyes of the Nightwatchman. It diligently logs the activities of every resident in our neighborhood, documenting even the kids playing football in areas deemed off-limits, marking them as statutory nuisances. The drone’s watchful gaze also disperses another group—the teenagers—with the threat of autonomously issued injunctions. And then there’s Madison, a massive floating disc that looms over the cityscape. Its sheer size is overpowering, drawing our attention whenever we glance at it. Interestingly, it seems to possess an uncanny knowledge about us, flashing tailored advertisements as if it’s aware of our future travel plans. Whether we find this mildly amusing or entirely invasive remains a question.

While the specific drones I’ve described may not exist just yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that various elements of a drone-infested future are already part of our reality today. Facial recognition systems, for instance, have become ubiquitous. They can be found in our smartphones, thermostats, and city cameras, silently recording our every move. These technologies operate in the background, often beyond our understanding of their inner workings or the potential consequences they entail.

It’s a thought-provoking scenario, isn’t it? This difficulty in envisioning the ramifications of our present actions on the future is a recurring challenge we face. As we explore the possibilities of tomorrow, it becomes evident that our choices today play a significant role in shaping the world we will inhabit.

So, let us delve into the future with open minds, hugging the uncertainty and discomfort it may bring. By actively immersing ourselves in these potential futures, we gain the power to imagine new possibilities, to discover paths forward, and to influence the trajectory of our collective destiny. We have the opportunity to alter our course, to ensure our voices are heard, and to become active participants in shaping the future we genuinely desire.

The drones and their presence in our cities offer a glimpse into the technological marvels and ethical complexities that lie ahead. Let us take these insights and navigate the path forward with wisdom, understanding, and the collective intention of creating a future that works for all.

Connecting Present and Future: Understanding the Consequences of Today’s Actions

In our quest to explore multiple futures and bring their possibilities to life, my partner Jon and I have discovered a crucial element: the significance of connecting our present actions to the future we desire. It’s not about making predictions; instead, it’s about understanding the consequences of our choices today and actively participating in creating the future we want.

We live in a world where technological advancements, like facial recognition systems, have become pervasive. They’re present in our phones, thermostats, and city cameras, silently documenting our every move. Yet, often, we don’t fully grasp how these technologies work or comprehend the potential consequences they hold. It’s a prevailing challenge we face—the difficulty in envisioning the impact of our present actions on the future.

A poignant example of this disconnect can be found in recent events, such as the Brexit referendum in the UK. After the results were announced, a word emerged: “Bregret.” It described individuals who voted for Brexit as a form of protest, without fully considering the potential consequences. This inability to foresee the implications of our actions is evident even in the simplest of scenarios.

Consider a night out where you decide to have a few extra drinks, knowing you’ll wake up feeling awful the next morning. You justify it by telling yourself that the future “you” will deal with the consequences. However, as we all know, that future “you” is still you. The consequences are not separate; they are intertwined with our present selves.

I recall my upbringing in India during the late ’70s and early ’80s, where planning for the future was a necessity. Simple things like getting a telephone in our house required ordering it and waiting patiently for almost five years before installation. Contacting my grandparents in another city meant booking a “trunk call” and enduring hours, or sometimes even days, of anticipation. When the phone finally rang at two in the morning, we would all jump out of bed, eager to catch up and discuss general well-being.

Today, it often feels like everything is happening at an accelerated pace, making it challenging to grasp our place in history. The rapid changes can lead to an overwhelming sense of uncertainty and anxiety, causing us to let the future unfold passively, treating our future selves as strangers and viewing the future as a foreign land. However, the truth is that the future is unfolding right before us, shaped by the actions we take today.

Recognizing the urgency of fighting for a future we desire has become more crucial than ever. It’s not just about hoping for a better future; it’s about taking active steps towards creating it. In our work, we have discovered that one of the most powerful ways to effect change is by providing people with the opportunity to tangibly and emotionally experience the consequences of their actions today.

For instance, we were invited by the government of the United Arab Emirates to shape their country’s energy strategy. Using their econometric data, we created a large city model and visualized various future scenarios. Walking government officials and energy company representatives through one sustainable future on our model, we encountered skepticism. One participant couldn’t imagine a future where people would stop driving cars and opt for public transportation. He couldn’t fathom telling his own son to give up his car.

To address this skepticism, we worked with scientists in a chemistry lab in my hometown in India. Together, we created approximate samples of the air in 2030 if our behaviors remained unchanged. With just one whiff of the noxious polluted air from the future, the participants grasped the point more powerfully than any amount of data could convey. It was clear that this was not the future they would want their children to inherit.

The following day

Experiencing the Future Consequences: The Power of Tangible and Emotional Encounters

Have you ever wondered about the impact of your present actions on the future? As Jon and I continue our exploration of multiple futures, we have discovered a powerful element that bridges the gap between today and tomorrow—the ability to tangibly and emotionally experience the consequences of our actions in the present.

In our work, we have found that merely hoping for a better future is not enough. We need to actively engage with the consequences of our choices today to shape the future we desire. It’s about going beyond theoretical discussions and providing people with concrete experiences that evoke emotions and provoke thought.

One of the most memorable experiences we encountered during our journey was when the government of the United Arab Emirates invited us to help shape their country’s energy strategy. Using their econometric data, we constructed a large city model and visualized various future scenarios. Leading government officials and energy company representatives through one sustainable future on our model, we faced skepticism and resistance.

However, we were prepared. In collaboration with scientists from a chemistry lab in my hometown in India, we created approximate samples of the air in 2030 if our behaviors remained unchanged. It was an eye-opening experience for the participants. With just one breath of the noxious polluted air from the future, they grasped the urgency and consequences more powerfully than any amount of data could convey. Suddenly, the future became tangible and immediate—a future they didn’t want their children to inherit.

These tangible and emotional encounters with the future allow us to question the implications of our actions today. They push us to reflect on the world we are creating and inspire us to take proactive steps towards positive change. It’s about recognizing that the future is not some distant abstract concept; it is unfolding right in front of us, shaped by the decisions we make today.

By immersing ourselves in these future scenarios, we gain a deeper understanding of the potential ramifications of our choices. It’s no longer an exercise in speculation or theoretical debates. Instead, it becomes personal and real, encouraging us to ask crucial questions. What are the implications of living in a world where we are judged based on our genetics? Who owns our genetic data, and what might they do with it?

These questions may seem far-fetched, but they hold relevance in our present reality. For example, a little-known bill called HR1313, known as the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act, is currently being passed through the American Congress. If enacted, it would allow employers to ask employees about their family medical history and genetic data for the first time. Refusal to comply could result in substantial penalties.

Through our projects, such as our exploration of genetic crimes and medical genomics, we aim to shed light on the unintended consequences of connecting our genetic information to healthcare. We bring these future scenarios to life through thought-provoking exhibitions and meticulously crafted evidence. By delving into the fictional lawsuit of Dynamic Genetics v. Mann, we encourage people to consider the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding our genetic data.

Experiencing the future consequences firsthand ignites a sense of responsibility within us. It compels us to take action and make informed decisions. It reminds us that the future is not a far-off destination, but an ongoing creation that is shaped by the actions we take today.

So, let us hug these tangible and emotional encounters with the future. Let us explore, question, and challenge the potential outcomes of our present actions. By doing so, we can actively contribute to shaping a future that aligns with our values and aspirations—a future that we can be proud to pass on to the generations to come.

From Air Samples to Billion-Dollar Investments: Shaping Energy Strategies

When we were invited by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to contribute to their energy strategy, it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. The task at hand was to shape their country’s energy trajectory all the way up to 2050—a bold endeavor that required meticulous planning and innovative thinking.

To fulfill this mission, we delved deep into their econometric data, extracting valuable insights and projections. With this wealth of information, we set out to create a large city model—a visual representation of the future—to envision various potential scenarios and their implications.

Walking government officials and representatives from energy companies through one sustainable future on our model, we encountered skepticism and doubts. One participant, in particular, couldn’t fathom a future where people would give up driving cars and hug public transportation. He felt it was impossible to ask his own son to relinquish his cherished automobile.

This reaction didn’t catch us by surprise. We knew that illustrating the consequences of our present actions on the future required more than just data and statistics. We needed something tangible, something that would hit home and touch with the participants on an emotional level.

Collaborating with scientists from a chemistry lab in my hometown in India, we embarked on a groundbreaking experiment. We created approximate samples of the air that people would breathe in the year 2030 if our behaviors and practices remained unchanged. These samples offered a glimpse into a polluted and noxious future—a future that no one would want to endure.

Bringing these air samples back to the participants, we provided them with a firsthand experience of what the future could hold. With a single breath, they could sense the toxicity and understand the urgency of change. It was a visceral encounter that transcended mere numbers or theoretical discussions. Suddenly, the need for renewable energy and sustainable practices became undeniably clear.

The impact of this experience was profound. The following day, the government made a resolute announcement—they would invest billions of dollars in renewable energy. While we can’t definitively attribute their decision solely to our experiment, we believe that the tangible encounter with a potential future consequence played a role in shaping their energy policy.

This project highlighted the power of tangible experiences in shaping our understanding and motivating action. It revealed the significance of connecting our present actions to future outcomes. The ability to see, touch, and feel the consequences of our choices provokes us to question, to reevaluate, and to forge a path toward positive change.

We live in a world where the consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. The urgency to prepare for the future is more pressing than ever. Our project, still a work in progress, seeks to develop tools and attitudes that enable us to thrive in a world marked by scarcity and climate challenges.

Imagine a future city plagued by repeated flooding, scarce food supplies, economic instability, and broken supply chains. This is the world we are envisioning. To understand and adapt to this challenging reality, we are building a room—a time capsule—from the year 2050 right in the heart of London.

This room strips away the excesses and trappings of modern life, focusing on the essentials. We repurpose abandoned materials, turning waste into sources of sustenance. Our latest creation is a fully automated fogponics machine that uses fog as a nutrient, enabling rapid growth of crops. Although we’ve successfully grown tomatoes so far, we know that we’ll need more food sources to survive and thrive in this future.

The question arises: what else can we forage from the city? Could insects, pigeons, or even foxes become viable sources of sustenance? By immersing ourselves in this future room, we confront the consequences of our present actions and adapt accordingly

Unintended Consequences: Genetic Data, Lawsuits, and Ownership

In our quest to understand the implications of connecting our genetic data to healthcare, my partner Jon and I delved into the complex world of medical genomics. We wanted to explore the unintended consequences that might arise when our genetic information becomes intertwined with our healthcare decisions.

To delve deeper into this topic, we crafted a fictional lawsuit and brought it to life through carefully curated evidence. We built an illegal genetic clinic, a DIY carbon dioxide incubator, and even purchased frozen mice on eBay. Our goal was to create an immersive experience that would shed light on the ethical dilemmas surrounding our genetic data.

Let me introduce you to the defendant in this fictional lawsuit, Arnold Mann. Arnold finds himself embroiled in legal proceedings with Dynamic Genetics, a global biotech giant. The company claims to have evidence that Arnold illegally inserted their patented genetic material into his body. How did Arnold manage to do this, you might wonder?

It all began when Arnold was asked to submit a saliva sample using a spit kit provided by the UK’s National Health Insurance service, the NHI. When Arnold received his health insurance bill, he was shocked to discover that his premiums had skyrocketed, beyond what he and his family could afford. The state’s algorithm had scanned his genetic data and identified a potential chronic health condition hidden within his DNA. As a result, Arnold was now responsible for paying towards the potential costs of that future disease.

In a moment of fear and desperation, Arnold sought treatment in the shadows of an illegal clinic, hoping to modify his DNA and evade the state’s algorithm. His aim was to appear less risky and thereby reduce his insurance premiums. However, Arnold’s actions did not go unnoticed, and thus began the legal proceedings in the case of Dynamic Genetics v. Mann.

This fictional story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the complexities and ethical implications of linking our genetic data to healthcare decisions. It prompts us to consider fundamental questions. Who owns our genetic information, and what rights do they have over it? What are the potential consequences of living in a world where we are judged and treated based on our genetic makeup?

While the specifics of this particular lawsuit may be fictional, they bear relevance to our present reality. A little-known bill known as HR1313, the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act, is currently making its way through the American Congress. If passed, this bill would allow employers to inquire about their employees’ family medical history and genetic data. Refusal to comply could result in severe penalties.

By bringing these thought-provoking scenarios to life, we aim to foster discussions and spark critical thinking about the unintended consequences of our actions today. Our genetic information is deeply personal, and decisions regarding its use and ownership should be made carefully and collectively.

It’s essential to recognize that the trajectory from the development of a technology with utopian ideals to its implementation in the real world is not always straightforward. Even with the best intentions, once a technology leaves the laboratory and enters society, it becomes subject to forces beyond the creators’ control.

As we navigate the complexities of the genetic data landscape, we must remain vigilant and engaged. We have the power to shape policies and regulations that protect our privacy and ensure responsible use of our genetic information. By advocating for transparency and open discussions, we can work towards a future where our genetic data is respected, our rights are safeguarded, and the unintended consequences are minimized.

Let us seize this opportunity to be proactive in our approach, ensuring that our genetic data is not just a commodity but a foundation for informed decision-making and a pathway to a more equitable and ethical future.

Preparing for Troubling Futures: Developing Tools and Attitudes for Hope

As we witness the challenges posed by climate change, it becomes increasingly clear that we need to prepare for the troubling futures that lie ahead. This realization has motivated us to develop tools and grow attitudes that can help us find hope and inspire action in the face of adversity.

In our studio, we are currently running an experiment—a work in progress. Based on climate data projections, we are envisioning a future where the Western world transitions from abundance to scarcity. Picture a city subjected to repeated flooding, periods of food scarcity, economic instabilities, and broken supply chains. It is within this context that we aim to thrive, not merely survive.

To truly understand and hug this future, we are constructing a room in a London flat that represents a time capsule from the year 2050. This room strips away the trappings of modern life, focusing on the essentials. We repurpose abandoned and salvaged materials, transforming today’s waste into tomorrow’s sustenance.

One of our recent accomplishments is the creation of a fully automated fogponics machine. By utilizing fog as a nutrient, rather than relying on water or soil, we can grow crops quickly and efficiently. Although we have successfully grown tomatoes using this method, we recognize the need for additional food sources within the confines of this small room.

This prompts us to ponder what else we can forage from the city. Could insects, pigeons, or even foxes become viable sources of sustenance in a future defined by scarcity? By immersing ourselves in this future room, we confront the consequences of our present actions and adapt accordingly.

The aim of our experiment is not solely to survive but to thrive in challenging conditions. By engaging with these tangible scenarios and hugging the uncertainty and discomfort they bring, we have the opportunity to imagine new possibilities and forge paths forward. It is through such active participation that we can transcend hope and move into meaningful action.

We recognize that the trajectory from our present to future consequences is not always straightforward or linear. Even when technologies are developed with utopian ideals in mind, their implementation in the real world can be influenced by external forces beyond the control of their creators.

To navigate these complexities, we must remain vigilant and proactive. It is crucial to stay informed about the potential implications of our present actions and advocate for responsible policies and regulations. By enabling ourselves and others with knowledge and fostering open discussions, we can shape a future that aligns with our values and aspirations.

We are living in a time where the consequences of our actions today will have a profound impact on the world of tomorrow. The future is not some distant realm—it is being shaped by us, right here and now. Let us hug the challenges, face them head-on, and work collectively to create a future that we can be proud to pass on to future generations.

By preparing ourselves, developing innovative tools, and growing attitudes of toughness and hope, we can forge a path towards a future that is defined by sustainability, equity, and a harmonious coexistence with our planet. Together, we have the power to shape our own destiny and make a positive impact on the world.

Building a Future Room: Creating Positive Action in a Hostile World

Imagine a future where repeated flooding, food scarcity, economic instabilities, and broken supply chains are the norm. It may sound daunting, but in our studio, we are hugging the challenge of envisioning and preparing for such a world. We believe that by developing tools and growing the right mindset, we can not only survive but also thrive in a seemingly hostile environment.

To bring this future to life, we are constructing a room—a microcosm of what life might be like in the year 2050—right in the heart of London. This room serves as a time capsule, stripped of unnecessary modern amenities, focusing on the essentials that sustain life. We repurpose discarded materials, transforming waste into valuable resources.

One of our recent achievements is the creation of a fully automated fogponics machine. By harnessing fog as a nutrient instead of relying on traditional methods like soil or water, we can grow crops quickly and efficiently. Although we have successfully grew tomatoes using this innovative technique, we recognize that the limited space of the room necessitates the exploration of alternative food sources.

In this future room, we challenge ourselves to think beyond traditional options. Could insects, pigeons, or even foxes become viable sources of sustenance? By hugging the uncertainties and discomforts of this future scenario, we confront the consequences of our present actions and adapt accordingly.

The purpose of this experiment extends beyond mere survival. We seek to develop an attitude of toughness and proactive engagement in the face of adversity. By immersing ourselves in these tangible representations of potential futures, we have the opportunity to imagine new possibilities and forge paths forward.

However, we must acknowledge that the trajectory from our present to future consequences is not always a linear path. External forces beyond our control can shape the outcome, even when technologies are developed with the best intentions. It is a reminder that we need to remain vigilant and advocate for responsible practices and policies.

Preparing for a future characterized by scarcity and challenges requires a collective effort. We must stay informed, actively engage in open discussions, and work towards a future that aligns with our values and aspirations. The consequences of our actions today will profoundly impact the world of tomorrow, and it is up to us to shape it for the better.

Let us hug the opportunities and responsibilities that come with creating positive action in a seemingly hostile world. Together, we can transcend hope and move into meaningful and impactful change. By preparing ourselves, developing innovative tools, and fostering a mindset of toughness, we can navigate the uncertain terrain ahead and pave the way for a future that thrives despite the challenges it presents.

In this future room, we discover not only our own potential but also the power of collective action. By working together, we can build a future that is defined by sustainability, equity, and harmony with our planet. Let us embark on this journey of transformation and create a legacy we can be proud to pass on to future generations.

Conclusion

In a world where the future is unfolding before our eyes, it is crucial that we take an active role in shaping the outcomes we desire. Through my journey and exploration of various potential futures, I have come to understand the power of tangible and emotional encounters in connecting our present actions to future consequences.

We have witnessed the transformative impact of bringing the future to life through immersive experiences. Whether it is inhaling polluted air samples, stepping into a future room, or encountering thought-provoking scenarios, these encounters have the ability to evoke genuine emotions and prompt critical reflections.

By bridging the gap between the present and the future, we can no longer afford to be passive observers. Instead, we must become proactive participants, hugging uncertainty, and fostering hope. It is our responsibility to consider the unintended consequences of our choices and to advocate for ethical practices and policies that protect our collective well-being.

Through the development of innovative tools, the cultivation of toughness, and the power of collective action, we can navigate the challenges that lie ahead. We must strive to create a future that is sustainable, equitable, and harmonious with our planet.

While the road to a desirable future may be complex and riddled with uncertainties, our determination and commitment can lead us to transformative change. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and build a future that prioritizes the well-being of both present and future generations.

Let us seize this opportunity to hug the power of tangible experiences, to question the status quo, and to envision new possibilities. The future is not a far-off destination—it is being shaped by us, here and now. So, let us join forces, enable one another, and embark on a journey towards a future that we can be proud of.

Remember, the choices we make today have the power to create ripple effects that will shape the course of our shared future. The time for action is now, and the potential for positive change is within our reach. Together, let us pave the way for a future that is filled with hope, toughness, and infinite possibilities.