The past twelve months I've been deeply engrossed in the development of something I like to call 'Futures Ecologies'—future scenarios envisioned through the lens of ecology. This approach amalgamates ecological methodologies, speculative design, and storytelling to craft vibrant and tangible depictions of what the future might hold.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to share my method during the seventh edition of the Future Academy (Toekomstacademie), organized by the College of Government Advisors (CRa). It was an event filled with insightful discussions and enthusiastic participants, as we delved into exploring three speculative future directions for the beautiful city of The Hague.

An Interwoven World = An Interwoven Future

Picture this: a world where we aren't just forward-thinking but profoundly grasp the intricate interdependence between humanity and nature. A world where time is perceived as localized, relational, and cyclical. This relational worldview is what I advocate for—an understanding that every individual influences one another, and where we realize that we're an integral part of nature, not standing above it.

This perspective unlocks the door to symbiosis, a profound connectedness among individuals. We are genetically hybrid, a fusion of cells and DNA, much like numerous organisms in nature. The microbiota in our intestines are a prime example. Unique to each of us, they shape our personality and play a crucial role in our immune system. It's not about living on, but living with—just like bees, offering invaluable pollination services to our food system. We can reciprocate by ensuring an abundant supply of wildflowers, showcasing how we can harmoniously coexist with nature.

Journeying in Five Steps Towards a Future Scenario

With 'Futures Ecologies,' we embark on a five-step journey. From future meditations and crafting future webs to identifying entanglements and narrating future stories. And finally, reflecting on the present—a crucial step to translate our vision of the future into action in the present.

In the workshop we harnessed the power of 'science fiction storytelling' to create scenarios, placing a central character and portraying what life might look like in 2100 if a particular development were to dramatically unfold. It's about storytelling, crafting a vivid image of the future.

We concluded with a creative twist. We let an AI program transform our story's words into approximately 500 words and generate an image. This stimulated the imagination and makes the future more tangible.

Developing Alternative Futures

This approach prompts participants to think in terms of interconnectedness, to be creative, and to envision alternative futures that are conceivable and discussable. It throws open the doors to a sustainable future where we all coexist and collaborate with nature.

wondermash offers a space for curious and boundless exploration using insights from trans-disciplinarian research, future speculation and design. Reach out for collaborations and enquiries.