4/ The Imagination Revolution

The exploration of space has long captivated our imagination, the possibility of discovering multiple worlds beyond our own. It represents a profound quest for understanding our place in the universe and the potential for life elsewhere. Each discovery, from distant exoplanets to the mysterious moons of our solar system, sparks new questions about the nature of worlds vastly different from Earth. 

The journey into space is more than a physical exploration, it is a journey into the depths of human curiosity and the endless possibilities that the universe holds. Scientists have long speculated on the theory that life in its most primitive form may be the next step in cosmic evolution after the formation of planets.

In exploring the depths of space, humanity is moving towards a decentralized reality. This scale, stretching from the vastness of the universe to the interconnectedness of our world, urges us to embrace a broader perspective. It is about understanding and harmonizing the diverse realities and viewpoints that exist not just in space but also in our own interconnected global communities. 

Technological advances create the possibilities of new explorations on a larger scale. Large amounts of data and computing power will be used to monitor global systems. The concept of space will be used on Earth to create new cities, factories and food systems developed using data, insights and human imagination.

Why this matters

Largescale thinking and exploring other worlds helps to inspire new ways to address shared challenges and opportunities.

AI weather model/ GraphCast

GraphCast, a machine learning and Graph Neural Networks based weather forecasting system, enhances medium-range forecasts by accurately predicting weather conditions up to 10 days ahead, utilizing decades of historical data to understand cause and effect in weather patterns. Read more here

Exoplanet K2-18 b/ NASA 

An investigation with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope into K2-18 b, an exoplanet 8.6 times as massive as Earth, has revealed the presence of carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide. Webb’s discovery adds to recent studies suggesting that K2-18 b could be a Hycean exoplanet, one which has the potential to possess a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a water ocean-covered surface. Read more here

Starlink/ SpaceX

Starlink has passed the 2 million subscriber mark, SpaceX announced. The Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation is supplying broadband internet to more than 60 countries on all seven continents.  See more here

Human-AI Design/ Dinuo Liao

In his graduate project at Delft University of Technology, Dinuo Liao developed an AI model that could adapt to human tastes by having people rate AI-generated images of lamps, using their preferences to fine-tune the AI for better-liked designs, demonstrating AI's potential in aligning with human preferences in design. Read more here

Technology has created the posibility to create nature, blending the elements of nature with the man-made. The organic and synthetic forms come together, creating new life forms and insights. This fusion has the potential to reshape the essence of life itself.

Innovation intersects with the natural world at a time when there is a critical need for ecological preservation. Big data and artificial intelligence offer more efficient management of natural resources, ensuring the conservation and regeneration of the planet’s assets, a symbiosis of technology and nature.

The rise of diverse life forms, both biological and artificial, prompts a re-evaluation of the conventional definition of life. Integrating biotechnology and synthetic biology into the ecosystem expands biodiversity beyond traditional categories. These new entities, part of both the natural and the engineered worlds, call for an expanded, new and inclusive view of biodiversity.

At the micro level, advances in biotechnology enable the manipulation and engineering of biological cells, offering insights into the fundamental building blocks of life. By understanding and harnessing cellular processes, scientists can unlock new possibilities for medical treatments, environmental remediation, and sustainable food production.  

Acknowledging the interconnected health of the planet and all its inhabitants links directly to the future of how we use technology. As exploration extends to the cosmos, the nurturing of the Earth remains vital, grounding all new developments and securing a sustainable foundation for all forms of life.

Why this matters

Integration of technology and ecology is crucial for shaping a sustainable future.

Wh331 0f 1!f3/ Wang & Soderstrom

This installation explores the entanglement with the digital world and portrays a digital life form’s journey through a symbolic wheel of life to achieve digital nirvana, reflecting on the impact and risks of our increasingly virtual existence. See more here

Mythology has always been a vital part of human culture, reflecting our deepest values, fears, and aspirations. Future mythology describes the combining of science fiction and spiritual philosophies. By imagining future mythologies, we can explore how our cultural narratives might evolve as our societies and technologies change. It provides a bridge between our past, present, and future, maintaining a sense of continuity. 

Through the use of mythology, we can explore potential future scenarios in a more nuanced way. It allows us to envision not just the technological aspects of the future but also the natural, human, cultural, and social dimensions. Myths are timeless, each generation of storytellers adds another layer of fact and fiction to the stories. They show us the extremes of our experiences, the hardships of life, sudden and catastrophic events, radical reversals of fortune and seemingly arbitrary events that can change our lives.

Future mythology blends ancient and modern narratives, highlighting humanity’s shared journey. It mixes past and future and serves as a link between generations, connecting old wisdom with new technological possibilities. In developing new technologies and societies, it keeps the diverse cultural histories that shape civilization in focus, ensuring that progress honours and respects these rich traditions. 

Why this matters

Envisioning future mythologies fosters a deeper understanding of how past, present, and future intersect.

Ra/ Sabine Marcelis    

Sculpture inspired by the ancient Egyptian reverence for the sun god, Ra, and the invention of the sundial in Egypt, crafted from solar glass, a transformative material capable of harnessing solar energy for power, potentially enabling self-sufficient energy generation in skyscraper windows. See more here

Introduction Vision 2026

The Shifts

01/ Archive to the Future

01/ Strategy

01/ Mindset

01/ Colour

01/ Material

02/ Future Generations

02/ Strategy

02/ Mindset

02/ Colour

02/ Material