Engaging with Speculative Thinking to Decolonize the Future
Part of this seminar in which we talked about how we can imagine a better future in which the world is no longer solely focused on humans but also other species.
Discussing the thoughts of Donna Harraway
The first part of this class was focused on discussing on how different aspects on Harraway's principles are in the world today. I found it very interesting to gain a deeper insight into the more philosophical side of the world and try and see how I might see the world from my perspective might alter from others. I think the quote that stuck with me the most from this is "That while the anthropocene is a universal concept, the consequences of the anthropocene are felt differently in other regions of the world". For me this is something as a designer we must really try and understand that while we create problems/solutions the effects differ largely in other areas of the world
Trying to see the MACBA project from a variety of perspectives.
The MACBA project is an extension being done to a local museum in Barcelona, but this comes from mostly the municipality and governments side. Many actors that were connected to this problem were left out and during class we mapped these actors, both human and non-human. From here we formed small groups and tried to create solutions/arguments from our own perspective.
MACBA current expansion proposal illustration
Our Proposal
Together with Panchi, I worked on understanding what the MACBA truly wanted and how their needs could potentially be merged with other actors in this problem. I felt that this exercise was one of trying to understand other emotions and struggles. As the expansion stands now I do not see the true compromise that the MACBA is making.
We determined that what MACBA truly needed was a museum that is more navigable and open to its public and communities. Next to this we felt that there was a need for a more participatory, approachable and humane museum that was expanded so it could share new artistic experiences. The community on the other hand felt that Raval already had a lack of public and green spaces. This expansion was taking away the space there was for them to gather and interact with their neighbors. The square is also a popular space for skaters and they felt as if they were being forced out as well.
In the end the proposal we had for the other stakeholders was a new space in which museum culture merges with public life, offering an inclusive and dynamic space where art flourishes amidst the bustle of Barcelona. Unlike traditional institutions, MACBA's openness invites all to engage freely, whether through exhibitions, skating in the adjacent area, or participating in monthly community activities tailored to local residents. Here, art escapes the confines of walls, spilling out into the public space, creating a vibrant area where creativity thrives and communities meet.
I feel that this future talk really allowed me to try and gain a deeper insight into the problems that other groups might face, but also the unattended consequences of ones actions. Not every bad effect comes from bad intentions.
During the discussion that took place after the class exercise I felt that it was nice to see how we as outsiders we were all able to empathize and imagine what it would be like to be that actor in the problem. I feel that the main learning of this exercise was truly that if you create a meeting with all the actors you most likely will be able to understand the problem from a new point of view. In relation to my design practice this is something I am always contemplating and trying to use as I feel that to design outside of the community is a very old approach and the better way now is to integrate and learn from others.
