coral reef1

2.5.–23.6.²⁴ coral reef1 regenerative design

Design« seeks a new orientation for design in a world marked by numerous crises.
The complex ecosystems formed by corals, where fascinating biodiversity reigns, serve as a metaphor. Increasingly, these »rainforests of the seas« are being so stressed by man-made climate change that they are in danger of disappearing in the close future.

The exhibition attempts to transfer the logic of nature to design processes and thereby to establish guidelines for regenerative design. The goal of this exhibition project is to show the potential paths that lead us from an extractive, degenerative practice to cultures in which we see ourselves as part of nature and share its creative principles.
The exhibition creates an immersive space, where macro- corals, based on the open design instructions from the project »Crochet Coral Reef« by Christine und Margaret Wertheim (Institute for Figuring), reference coral bleaching events, which signify the dying of the corals. 
The coral reef is populated with a selection of objects representing core themes of regenerative design principles based on Andreas Weber’s text »Enlivenment«. The exhibits can be seen as conversation starters, contemplating potential roles design can have in creating regenerative futures. 

Next to already existing products the exhibition shows works created during workshops with students at local universities accompanying the exhibition.
Following the dynamic cycles of nature, the exhibition is designed as a »learning traveling exhibition«, influenced by and adapting to local contexts and conditions.

PartCuratorial team
The exhibition is a cooperation between EOOS and the Institute of Design Research Vienna.
Responsible for the graphic exhibition design is Bueronardin.

Partners
Funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs and the Austrian Kulturforum Berlin. Supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport.

7 principles of »regenerative design«

»Culture must imagine the desire of the living in such a way that does not destroy the biosphere but enhances it. Culture does not have to realize more than the continuation of the principle that there be life.(…)« Andreas Weber, Biologist, Philosopher (1967*)

Based on Weber’s guidelines for mutual productivity in nature (Enlivenment), the following rules for »Regenerative Design« have been derived. These principles guide both the work of students and the selection of objects from Austria.

1 Consider local rules: Ecological principles are reimagined through design based on the location and culture.

2 Shape the nature/culture relationship: Consider human and non-human actors in a holistic design process – favoring Posthumanism over »Human-centred Design.«

3 Preserve commons: Design processes that promote, protect, and regeneratively use the seas, the atmosphere (CO2!), and the biodiversity of life.

4 Give material resources immaterial meaning: Draw inspiration for design solutions from the aesthetics and wisdom of nature.

5 Forge creative connections: Designing culture follows the natural principle of dynamic balance that creates vitality and transformative capability through perpetual creativity.

6 Design without copyright: Away with copyright and patents! Embrace Open Source Design! New things emerge from playing with existing elements (Creative Commons).

7 Enable resource exchange: Turn waste into nourishment for the new. Creating biological and technical cycles without further resource exploitation guides the design (Circular Design Rules for the circular economy, Cradle-to-Cradle principles).