intro

more than human. design after the antropocene

The Kunstgewerbemuseum is launching a new discursive platform with pop-up exhibitions, lectures, workshops and discussion panels to explore the concept of »more than human« from the perspective of the design disciplines, in particular design. At the same time, a speculative cabinet of curiosities will be created, which will also take into account previously neglected contributions from non-human actors.
»More than human« encompasses a spectrum of transdisciplinary theories and approaches that question anthropocentric perspectives and call for a paradigm shift towards more intensive networking between humans and the environment. The American feminist scientist Donna Haraway introduced the term “natureculture” into the discourse in order to draw attention to the existing interdependencies between human and non-human species on our planet. The blurring of boundaries between nature and culture also requires new ways of thinking about power and agency, difference and communality, atmospheres and epistemology.
»More than human« reflects a growing awareness of the necessity to include not only the needs of humans, but also the needs of other species such as plants, animals, insects, microorganisms and entire ecosystems in responsible design, research and innovation processes. 
Against the backdrop of the current climate crisis and growing scarcity of resources, design disciplines such as architecture and design are increasingly being scrutinised. Therefore, the question arises: What does »more than human« imply for a design concept or for a design philosophy that primarily focuses on people and their needs? What does design mean beyond the still valid modernist vision of progress? What alternative spaces for action are opening up for a production practice that has so far focussed on the exploitation of life forms and resources? What can a holistic design process look like that takes into account the integration of non-human life forms and ecosystems? Who are the actors in such a transformation? 

What role do technologies and artificial intelligence play in these entangled histories?
Design museums and museums of decorative arts reflect an anthropocentric view, as their collections are generally limited to man-made objects that have aesthetic, technological or cultural significance. However, these museums not only contribute to the preservation of these artefacts, but also shape the public’s understanding and appreciation of design. The selection, presentation and interpretation of their collections play a decisive role in what design stories are told and which remain untold.
The concept of »more than human« forms the basis for a paradigm shift towards cross-species forms of knowledge production. What perspectives does this open up for design museums, for their collections, for their exhibition practice, for their storytelling? What challenges will the design museums of the future have to face, what boundaries will they have to cross? What role can design museums in particular play as catalysts for the development of resilient design practices? How can they help to sensitise the public’s perception and awareness of these holistic design approaches? And how could museums as built environments, in particular the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin, be transformed into places where humans and non-human actors can meet at eye level and enter into dialogue with each other?

Curator

Claudia Banz (Kunstgewerbemuseum, Berlin)

© Kunstgewerbemuseum Berlin, 2024