How can we give more direction to (future) use, design, and applications of new technologies in public space, so that we can be less surprised by unintended consequences?
How can we develop and visualise/design scenarios that make experiential what will be critical in possible futures – with the intent to use those scenarios to fuel the social debate about the quality of public space and city life of the future?
To answer these questions the Learning Community Urban IxD issued an open call for students and professionals to design “provocatypes” (provocative + prototype) based on one of three speculative scenarios. A magazine was published and presented at a special event ‘Imagining the Unimaginable’ that took place on April 28th, 2022 at Spui25, in Amsterdam. A program of speculative thinkers, urban planners and engaged citizens alike were invited to discuss topics, and explore how we can better plan our future together. Watch the event’s recording below.
Speakers: Alice Haugh, Tessa Steenkamp, Troy Nachtigall, Tomo Kihara, a.o..
Imagining the Unimaginable Magazine
In the magazine, you can find the three scenarios and the trends that informed them. A selection of received submissions from around the world is also featured. Interviews with Martijn de Waal (Lector research group Civic IxD) and Troy Nachtigall (Lector research group Fashion Research and Technology) offer challenging perspectives on the future of the city. Author Dirk van Weelden ends the publication with a vision that leads us to hidden territories that, like the digital realm, prove to not be missed when imagining the unimaginable. You can download the publication below:
This project was financed by Centre of Expertise Creative Innovation (Creative Crossover)