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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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Final weeks: More than Human Exhibition
A major exhibition bringing together art, science and radical thinking to ask how design can help our planet thrive by shifting its focus beyond human needs. Why has design traditionally only focused
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More than Human Symposium
Tickets include all-day access to the symposium and entry to the More than Human exhibition. Lunch is not provided. Join designers, architects, artists and researchers in a symposium that explores our
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More than Human | student price £5 | unitill 5 October 2025
Research updates

Earthly Memorials: São Paulo Terra IndÃgena
More Than Human Fellowship 2024-25

More-Than-Human Rights Mural
More Than Human Fellowship 2024-25

Pollinator Pathmaker
More Than Human Fellowship 2024-25

The Coast Is Not a Line, It's A Zone
More Than Human Fellowship 2024-25

An introduction to More than Human
The irony of calling our age the ‘Anthropocene’ is that, in acknowledging the awesome power of humans, we place ourselves at the centre of things just when we should be doing the opposite.
Author:
Justin McGuirk
Future Observatory Journal
Issue Nº2: More than Human

Last chance to visit Artificial
Artificial brings together the work of the 2024/25 cohort of Design Researchers in Residence. The projects featured in the display examine the perceived boundaries separating what is ‘natural’ and
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Artificial: In Conversation
Join the Artificial cohort of Design Researchers in Residence in conversation with Future Observatory Curator Abbie Adams, as they discuss designing for the green transition, exhibiting

Read: Artificial
This publication features the work of the 2024/25 Design Researchers in Residence. It accompanies an exhibition staged at the Design Museum from June to September 2025. This year's theme, Artificial challenges the boundaries of human-centred thinking. It interrogates the structures, systems and values that have led to generations of human separation from and dominance over nature. Design Researchers in Residence is Future Observatory’s programme for emerging design researchers hosted at the Design Museum.
Authors:
Laura Lebeau, Neba Sere, Christie Swallow, Hani Salih, Abbie Adams & Leilah Hirson-Comley
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Designing a greener tomorrow
Author:
Katherine Mansfield

‘An opportunity to reimagine exhibition design beyond plinths and partition walls’
In this interview, architectural designer Kaye Song discusses the ethos and process behind her design for the Design Researchers in Residence: Artificial display.
Kaye Song

‘Why not look at the house as a bigger picture?’
In this interview, Jo Patterson discusses leading a project that broadens the scope of improvements to housing beyond retrofitting.
Jo Patterson

Open call: Mineral
Applications are now open to join the next cohort of Design Researchers in Residence with proposals responding to the theme of 'Mineral'.

Hiring a Project Manager
We are seeking a dynamic Project Manager to join our fast-paced programme.

Hiring a Head of Curatorial Programme
We are seeking a Head of Curatorial Programme (maternity cover) to lead the translation of cutting-edge research into engaging displays, publications and public programming. For full details and to

An introduction to More than Human
The irony of calling our age the ‘Anthropocene’ is that, in acknowledging the awesome power of humans, we place ourselves at the centre of things just when we should be doing the opposite.
Author:
Justin McGuirk

More-Than-Human (MOTH) Rights Mural
A few years ago, I founded an initiative that I called More-Than-Human Life (MOTH) . Co-organized with colleagues at NYU School of Law, the project brings together lawyers, scientists, Indigenous
Author:
César RodrÃguez-Garavito

‘An immersive museographic experience’
Former Designer in Residence, Mále Uribe, designs Chilean pavilion at London Design Biennial 2025
Author:
Rebecca Lewin

Pollinator Pathmaker
Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg shares her research progress in this article as she explains her ongoing living artwork, Pollinator Pathmaker and the development of a large-scale tapestry, which has emerged
Author:
Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg

‘Rewilding benefits biodiversity, health and well-being’
In this interview, Justin Webb and Siân Moxon share how their Design Exchange Partnership is engaging Londoners with urban rewilding.
Siân Moxon & Justin Webb

Earthly Memorials: São Paulo Terra IndÃgena
In this article, Paulo Tavares shares the development of a project that will serve as a tool to advocate for more-than-human rights on the Jaraguá Guarani Land in Sao Paulo, supporting the Guarani
Author:
Paulo Tavares
‘Natural Stone Shows Huge Potential to Reduce the Carbon-Footprint of Construction’
Low Carbon Housing
Wendel Sebastian

More-Than-Human Rights Mural
In this article, César RodrÃguez-Garavito shares the development of the mural he has been working on with artist Elena Landinez. Representing many years of research into activism to protect the rights
Author:
César RodrÃguez-Garavito

The Coast Is Not a Line, It's A Zone
In this research update, More-than-human Fellow Feifei Zhou, focuses on Kupang Bay in West Timor to examine traditional fishing practices threatened by coastal erosion and salt mining. The final piece
Author:
Feifei Zhou
meet the future observatory network
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Design Researchers in Residence 2024-25

More-than-human Fellowship 2024-25

Growing a Home, with Material Cultures

Recycling Colour, with Aida Rafat

Stone Age revival, with Amin Taha

Luxury from Landfill, with Elvis & Kresse
