Speculative Systems (ABPL90147)

This seminar explores technology in relationship to nature, culture and design. Its core goal is to critically consider future design practice and values, knowledge, skills, communities, learning behaviours and forms of resistance that are of relevance to future practitioners.

The seminar engages with creative, speculative, imaginative, critical and aesthetic aspects of technology. It does so by analysing a broad range of computational and other practices including generative design, textual or visual programming, electronics and mechatronics, robotics, digital fabrication, game design, interactive and new media art, dynamic modelling, simulation and visualisation, interactive and distributed systems, forms of autonomy and artificial intelligence, self-organisation and self-assembly, material computing, cyborgs, singularities and even extra-terrestrial creativity.

The teaching method combines reading and class discussions with individually tailored speculative research methods where students are encouraged to develop and investigate future-oriented projects motivated by their own long-term personal goals.

As an opportunity for an in-depth exploration, the seminar can be used to develop themes for the subsequent Design Thesis or topics for the Master and PhD programs. Beyond this, the outcome of this course can be used to inform design/art projects, support research within professional practices or lay foundations for innovative career paths and business models.