The polycrisis we are living through presents challenges that are complex and unprecedented. These novel challenges cannot be addressed with the siloed, rationalist mindset that the industrialised world has become accustomed to. This is the space that Speculative Design and many other similar practices (Radical Design, Critical Design, Discursive Design, Design Fiction and more) have long been occupying. In this event, Anab Jain will lead us into her understanding of speculative design through her experience at Superflux, sharing a design approach that does not consist of a particular method or toolkit, but rather a design practice grounded in a poor pedagogy, that of exposing ourselves and taking us out into the world.

The human food system is making the planet and people sick, and urban food systems, in particular, are affected by complex socio-economic challenges, such as food and nutrition insecurity. The design is addressing these challenges with a circular, participatory and systemic approach that takes into account not only the “human” needs of people but also the “non-human” needs of the planet. In addressing this challenge, designers are designing to engage, inform and empower public and private actors, third sector and citizens to become the primary agents for change. Come find out how at Off Campus NoLo, where Open Polifactory staff will curate a research projects showcase to open a public and concrete dialogue about a more-than-human design approach to urban circularity.

When we think of new technologies and the impact they can generate on our daily lives, imagination too often easily bring us into a dystopian sci-fi movie scenario. During this event, we will find ourselves involved in such types of scenarios, thanks to short selected movies that depict possible futures defined by a blurred boundary between humanity and technology. After the movies, we will reflect on the transformation of the design profession in a more-than-human scenario.

Trajectories for a more-than-human revolution is an arena for critical discussion that explores the concept of the more-than-human and related large-scale transformations involving protagonists from different disciplinary and practice fields.

The event will start with an introductory speech by Leonardo Caffo, Curator, Writer, Creative Director and Researcher, exploring the contemporary posthuman as described in the book “Fragile Umanità. Il Postumano Contemporaneo”. It will be followed by a panel discussion involving Manuela Celi, Associate Professor and Carla Sedini, Assistant Professor of the Department of Design, Politecnico di Milano.

The closing part is dedicated to an open discussion between the audience and the panelists, followed by a networking aperitivo.