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Applications: Now Open
Design Researchers in Residence
Apply now to join the new cohort of Design Researchers in Residence with projects responding to the theme of ‘Mineral’.
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Now Open: More than Human
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
opened on
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
Book your ticket
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
Artificial: New display open
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
opened on
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 the new publication
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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‘Why not look at the house as a bigger picture?’
An interview with Jo Patterson, Cardiff University
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
Hiring a Coordinator
We are seeking a highly organised Coordinator to join our fast-paced programme. The Future Observatory Coordinator serves as a key point of contact for project participants, supporters, as well as
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
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
