Follow a manual added link
PROJECT
IT’S OUR F***ING BACKYARD
Designing Material Futures
by Amanda Pinatih and Ingeborg de Roode
Fernando Laposse, The Dog, 2019. Knotted sisal (agave plant). Courtesy of Odette Blum. Photo: Fernando Laposse.
Earth’s climate is changing at an alarming rate. Excessive deforestation and CO2 emissions are two of the main causes, but the spread of pollutants and waste are also major problems. There is no doubt that we are now living in the Anthropocene, the epoch when the destructive influence of humankind becomes visible everywhere on Earth.
It is our own backyard
The time has come for all of us to get to grips with this issue in fundamental ways. It is our own backyard after all. The first global climate strike in 2018 reflected growing awareness that we need to change the way we live. Following small-scale initiatives toward the end of the last century, activity around these matters is now on the rise in the field of design.
The exhibition IT’S OUR F***ING BACKYARD shows how makers and companies are choosing to make their contribution to solutions to the climate crisis. The focus in this exhibition is on their selection of materials, one of the most crucial strategies. There is a great deal of work being carried out to develop new materials based on re-use and resources that cause less damage. Some designers are showing that ancient, local knowledge can lead to new or renewed insights. Another option is to create products that require far less raw material. Other makers are focusing on increasing awareness as another way to exert influence.
The striking examples in the exhibition have emerged from a variety of design disciplines and are at differing stages in their development. They range from product design and fashion to architecture, from utilitarian objects that are already on the market to experiments that may or may not deliver concrete results.
Research Logs
Take the plunge
On the occasion of the exhibition It’s our F***ing Backyard. Designing Material Futures the Stedelijk commissioned emeritus professor Ab Stevels of TU Delft to write a set of Research Logs about the use of sustainable materials and the history of its design and application. Drawing from decades of experience in both design, industry, and academic fields, in this set of logs he addresses what designers and companies can do to become more sustainable. but also how as consumers, we can all become more vigilant of companies that might be greenwashing their activities.
