Get ‘cultured’.

Brainstorming, researching, sketching, making, constructing, deconstructing.

The process of our prototype was very organic. Firstly we reflected upon our scenario to come up with some speculative objects. These ranged from wearable solar energy, objects to help food feed off CO2, breathing tubes where condensation is collected to grow plants, as well as a shoe that creates compost for your garden. We overcame a few hurdles of being uninspired in our ideas but through making and sketching, we decided to create this pillow.

The pillow was mainly inspired by a piece by Michiko Nitta and Michael Burton, called Algaculture, in which algae is grown through the user’s carbon dioxide and wearable garments supply nourishment.

Algaculture: a symbiosis suit

This way of thinking and visualisation investigating ways “alternative ways to fuel the body” (Zimmer 2013), inspired us to think about ways our product could do so too – perhaps in a less invasive way. This idea suggests that humans evolve to be more like sea slugs and salamanders as they become more semi-photosynthetic. These suits would allow humans to convert light into nutrients that are high in energy, with algae as a clear example. At first glance this may seem like a strange option, however Jeff Simmons states that “People don’t want safe, modern and efficient technology used in food production” (2011). The future should provide an affordable and abundant food supply while also being sustainable. We researched into the benefits of algae to a diet, and found that it has a high source of protein, B-vitamins and iron and it also increases energy and metabolism. (WebMD) 

According to Arne Jensen in her article, Present and future needs for algae and algal products, the growth in human population, exploitation of land, lack of freshwater and pollution will push us to use seaweeds. She states that it is important to consider the uses of algae and to investigate the supply and prices of present and future volumes.  It was an interesting read about algae being a potential fuel of the future as Amanda Leigh Macarelli explores. Algae thrive and grow in the presence of water, sunlight and carbon dioxide as well as being easily harvested. With thousands of kinds of algae to choose from, experts are “exploring a wide range of possibilities for harnessing energy from these microbes” (Macarelli 2009). She states that an issue in algae cultures is that an open pond can easily be contaminated and invaded by unwanted species. A solution is to grow the algae in enclosed containers that have controlled levels of sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.

We worked in between prototyping and sketching to gauge a better vision of what our final object would look like. As the sketches developed, so did the materials we used for the prototypes. Starting with easily malleable materials such as paper and tape, our object started to take shape and we could use these early objects to inform a more refined final prototype. We used our combined research to inform the way we would design this prototype, taking into consideration the uses of the algae, how it is grown and how our product is worn on the body.

Image of our final prototype

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jensen, A. 1993, ‘Present and future needs for algae and algal products’, Hydrobiologia, , no. 260/261, pp. 15-6.

Mascarelli, A. 2009, ‘Algae: fuel of the future?‘, Environment, Science and Technology, vol. 43, no. 19, viewed 23 October 2015, <http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/es902509d>.

no author 2015, BLUE – GREEN ALGAE, WebMD, viewed 22 October 2015, <http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-923-blue-green%20algae.aspx?activeingredientid=923&activeingredientname=blue-green%20algae>.

Simmons, J. 2011, ‘Making safe, affordable and abundant food a global reality’, The Three Rights: Food, Choice, Sustainability, viewed 24 October 2015, <https://www.ncbiotech.org/sites/default/files/pages/Three-Rights-White-Paper-Revised.pdf>.

Zimmer, L. 2013, Algaculture: A Symbiosis Suit That Uses Algae to Grow Food From Light, Ecouterre, viewed 24 October 2015, <http://www.ecouterre.com/algaculture-a-symbiosis-suit-that-uses-algae-to-grow-food-from-light/>.

Sustainable Design Thinking

Interdisciplinary LAB A takes you out of the realm of design thinking and into a more complex matter. Thinking about the future and creating scenarios based on our own research as well as the lectures given through topics about the Anthropocene, Big Data, Human Technology Interaction and Design at the Border has helped in viewing the future differently. As a group James, Angela, Marie and I brain stormed our scenario towards the idea of technology focused on research and development rather than communications, food abundance or scarcity and urban and green living.

The research for our scenario helped lead towards our ideas, ideas like creating urban farming similar to the indoor farm in Japan. As our scenario of green living is further highlighted in an article by Tom Armour in which he states, “Sustainable urban development, which is integrated with technology, is the answer“(2014). As a Director for Global Landscape Architecture with Arup, Armour suggests a future in very similar ideas as the group. A future where technological developments help with sustainable living as well as the population increasing resulting in high food demands turning into alternative methods to meet these demands.

Formulating our future scenario, we also had to design a suitable speculative object that integrates with our scenario. Designing the prototype taught me to think about the future of design and how to approach a design that connects with future possibilities. Our speculative object looked to the prospect of creating algae through human sweat, which is collected pass a series of filters and into a tube all designed into a pillow. Algae can be seen as the future food source, with food demands high alternative measures will be needed to feed the growing populations. Dr John Finley a professor of food science states, “Forty years isn’t very long to get there. We can’t do it with traditional agriculture alone. Microalgae has incredible nutritional value. Ultimately, it’s just an environmentally clean way to produce quality food.” (J.Finley 2014). Our object focused on creating an alternative method of producing food sustainably and organically. It was important for not only finding alternative foods but also foods that supply the nutrients needed in the future. In creating a sustainable food production, other solutions can be made towards a sustainable and ecological living.

The vision for the future is a sustainable one, “ There is certainly no ‘one size fits all’ solution, but there are strategies and actions that have the commonality…” (Jenks & Dempsey, 2005). Our scenario and speculative object aimed for a brighter future and alternative solutions. The actions of older generations cannot be changed, but in creating solutions to work towards a sustainable and ecological future is possible. With many possibilities of inventions and innovation through technology the future is looking brighter.

Reference:

Weiss, A. (2014). ‘Food of Future Past: Want sustainability? Eat Algae..’ Online. Solazyme. Viewed on 28 October : http://solazyme.com/blog/2014/09/08/food-future-past-want-sustainable-future-eat-algae/?lang=en

Armour, T. (2015). ‘The future of our cities lies in the technology – ecology balance’. Online, The Information Daily.com. Viewed on 28 October: http://www.theinformationdaily.com/2014/05/07/the-future-of-our-cities-lies-in-the-technology-ecology-balance

Ronald, P. and Adamchak, R. (2010), ‘The future of sustainable food production’. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1190: 184–185. Viewed on 28 October: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/doi/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05261.x/full

Jenks, M. and Dempsey, N. (2005). ‘Future forms and design for sustainable cities’. Amsterdam: Architectural Press. Pp. 415

‘Intentional Design’

Climate change has increased severely, affecting agricultural systems and the availability of food produce. These consequences have developed into important issues in developed countries causing great concern on food supply for the future. A future scenario visualisation of 2050 was developed through the process of creating a quadrant resulting with the scenario of food scarcity and advanced technology availability. Throughout the research process, it was predicted that a variety of innovative strategies such as vertical farming and rooftop farming will replace agricultural systems due to climate change, thus becoming an alternate way of food production. It was visualised that these innovative strategies are supported by the availability of advanced technology, as society in 2050 will change the use of technological resources, from social connections to environmental use. This prediction of a slow living lifestyle modifies society’s lifestyle, as greater attention is offered to sustainable living

As the chosen quadrant focuses on the idea of food scarcity and advanced technology availability, a pillow prototype was designed and created as a response to environmental and food concerns. This pillow known as ‘Algae-rhythm’ is designed to enhance the idea of sustainable living, through the process of absorbing sweat, which is transformed into algae through a technological, scientific system in the transparent pillow. The produced algae are purposed for gardening and mainly eating since it contains the nutrients and protein required. Thus, this innovative pillow will guide society and reduce the concern of food production. The algae is created through the process of sweat being absorbed through the textured soybean plastic on the inner section of the pillow, which is then processed through muslin cotton fabric, micro-tubes and two larger tubes, transforming the sweat into algae. Therefore, the innovative system of the Algae-rhythm pillow demonstrates the concept of sustainable living benefiting the environment and the wearer’s lifestyle.

   

Product designer, Bui Bjarmar Adalsteinsson addresses the issue of food scarcity as he created an innovative product design known as the Fly Factory purposed to breed insect larvae for human consumption. Adalsteinsson was inspired by an article exploring the concept of society beginning to eat insects to reduce the issue of hunger and pollution. Therefore, his interest directed him into designing the Fly Factory that is demonstrated as an eco-friendly product since it does not produce waste. “The conceptual micro-factory feeds insects on food waste and recycles the nutrients they excrete as fertiliser.” (Dezeen magazine 2014) Adalsteinsson further proclaims, “The larvae are given organic waste and become rich in fat and protein, which then can be harvested for human consumption.” (Adalsteinsson 2014) The designer believes this approach is a way of directing society into changing the way we eat and produce food, and to act more sustainably and harmonize with the planet.

    

Academic Nathan Stegall explores the design aspect of the designer’s decisions of responding to environmental concerns, as he believes that ‘sustainable products’ do not act sustainably. “The idea of a “sustainable product” is misguided because the impact that any product has on the social and ecological environment depends as much on its use as on the technology it deploys.” (Stegall 2006) Through this, Stegall portrays the aspect of designers creating ‘sustainable products’, however it would not be completely sustainable as people may not return it for recycling at its end life. “…any artifact makes an argument for how people should live and what values they should hold and consciously designing products that encourage positive, constructive ways of life.” (Stegall 2006) Stegall refers to this as ‘intentional design.’ Nevertheless, Adalsteinsson follows the idea of ‘intentional design’ as he informs his product is used in an industrial environment such as restaurants instead of households. Adalasteinsson believes people may not favour growing their own food since western society is highly dependent on processed food. Thus, Adalasteinsson takes design decisions into account to ensure that the product is used sustainably until the end of its useful life.

REFERENCES

Stegall N. 2006, Designing for Sustainability: A Philosophy for Ecologically Intentional Design, Design Issues, vol. 22 , viewed 29th October 2015, <http://www.mitpressjournals.org.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/doi/pdf/10.1162/desi.2006.22.2.56&gt;

Iceland Magazine 2014, ‘Icelandic Product Designer came up with a Sustainable way to Prevent Food Shortage’, viewed 29th October 2015, <http://icelandmag.visir.is/article/icelandic-product-designer-came-a-sustainable-way-prevent-food-shortage&gt;

Dozen Magazine 2014, ‘Fly Factory Produces Insect Pate that “tastes like chicken”‘, viewed 29th October 2015, <http://www.dezeen.com/2014/05/04/fly-factory-breeds-insects-for-human-consumption-and-produces-no-waste/&gt;

The Future is in Our Hands

“Sustainable architecture isn’t a prescription. It’s an approach, an attitude. It shouldn’t really even have a label. It should just be architecture.” (Maxman 2001)

As part of my primary research, I conducted an interview with architect student Shayan Athari who currently study’s at the University of Sydney Technology. Shayan offers an insight into his thoughts and opinions on the concepts of technology and the environment, and its impact on the architecture world. Technology has become a significant impact on our daily lives, as it has become a routine to involve some sort of interaction or use with technology. Shayan deepens into this concept revealing his perception of the unnecessary use of technology in architecture, as he believes advanced technology is not a necessity in the design process to express inspiration and the experimental process of architectural designs. “Computer technology only helps me realise my vision, I don’t use it as an actual vehicle to drive it.” I found his particular statement fascinating since students at UTS receive the education and have the availability of technological to enhance the aesthetics of their designs especially in architecture. Nevertheless Shayan expresses his creativity through traditional practices, which I find highly intriguing.

The rapid growth of technological advancements has negatively effected the environment through certain ways such as waste energy, consumption of non-renewable resources to make technology and disrupting ecology. However, Shayan exposes a positive outlook on technology use and its methods of improving environmental issues, specifically focusing on global warming. It is highlighted by researcher Christine Pasquire, “These challenges appear in the areas of ‘environment considerations’, ‘innovations in technology’, ‘planning and policy issues’, ‘social requirements’, ‘political forces’ and ‘economic considerations’. To respond to these macro level challenges, buildings need to change in terms of the ‘function’ they house, the ‘capacity’ to achieve the performance required for the population they hold and the ‘flow’ of reacting to internal and external environmental forces.” (Pasquire 2013) Shayan emphasises on this idea of buildings responding to environmental issues where architectural designs would result with an effective outcome to the aesthetic design and users of the building and to the environment. To gain a deeper insight, the innovative strategy of rooftop gardening was specifically questioned to understand Shayan’s thoughts of integrating this system into architectural designs. Shayan further establishes the concept of effectiveness and the reduction of wasting resources, as well as an aesthetically pleasing design would create a future of sustainability in the architecture world. As he emphasises, “There must be a balance!”

It was found in the Journal, ‘Adapting buildings’, Pasquire also proclaims the same idea Shayan expresses, “A recent consideration has been given to identify how the new building stock could be adapted to face the 21^st century challenges, which requires an understanding of the extent of changes required to the existing building stock and the lessons learnt for designing buildings to be sustainable in the future.” (Pasquire 2013)

Shayan’s perspective of architectural design integrated with a sustainable approach to prevent current environment and technology concerns from increase, interesting and exciting. Approaching a primary research by interviewing a design student revealed a distinctive view through in depth explanations and examples in relation to the design field, architecture.

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Transcript: Interview with Architect Student Shayan Athari

 So why did you choose architecture? Tell me your story

In high school I took engineering as an elective and I pretty much failed. Doing model making in the subject seemed interesting but the mathematics side just literally killed me. Oh I was terrible at math’s, but the design part I particularly enjoyed. This is why I decided to study architecture, I want to be as big as Frank Lloyd Wright!

What form of identity or aesthetic have you built as an architect student?

I’m still finding my way, so I don’t actually have an aesthetic. But the style I like is Japanese minimalist architecture such as Sou Fujimoto, I like his type of designs. I basically only like the Japanese aesthetic, the simplicity of it. For example the concept of blurriness in Japanese architecture is pretty fascinating. This type of concept involves the design aspect of how they create spaces in the idea of…how do I explain. For example imagine a room filled with tiny columns and you can’t see ahead of you because there are too many tiny columns, which creates that blurriness, the congestion of objects.

So Japanese architecture would clearly be your inspiration in most of your architectural designs

Yeah minimalism and simplicity is what I think that balances and creates a distinct architectural design outcome.

How do you envision yourself as a designer in the next 10 years?

I don’t know to be honest. I would like to be an independent architecture you know doin’ my own thang, running my own thang, engineers doing my own thang hahaha But I would like to be in Japan. But I don’t think I would reach the level of current Japanese architects because I have never studied there. But I would love to study in Japan increasing my knowledge and skill about Japanese architecture.

There are recent studies that technology advancement is a threat and has disturbed society’s lifestyle. Has the rapid growth of technology effected your design practice negatively?

Not really, when I started architecture I always used pencil and paper its like my own ‘thang’. I take my journal with me, pretty much everywhere I go and just sketch things all the time. I still use the computer it enhances augmentation. But I think that some people use it too much, for example they use algorithms to generate forms, which I dislike.

                     

Has computer technology helped shape your design field and why?

Not really, it hasn’t because I usually take inspiration from designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Sou Fujimoto, Kenzo Tenge, and Kisho Kurokawa. Computer technology only helps me realise my vision, I don’t use it as an actual vehicle to drive it.

Do you prefer using computer technology during your design process or do you still draw on paper?

No, pencil and paper at all times. Sometimes it feels more free! You can sketch what you want. There are no restrictions. Using a computer feels like you can only enter certain commands.

In the next 50 years do you think the artificial will replace natural aspects of society? If so, how would this change the way you approach your design process and present ideas?

No I don’t think so, I mean even if it does happen it will but its up to us if that can happen later in the future. Humans have chosen the Internet to replace human interaction, it’s really up to us. It would certainly impact the way I design, I place a lot of emphasis on design, it would impact me on a personal and professional level. The thing is I would be the last person who would go against the idea of technology replacing certain ways of approaching the design process. But if it does take over I would still do my own thing, head strong, still carry my journal around and sketch as much as I like, and produce designs using pencil and paper with patriotic music playing in the background and that’s it hahaha im not giving up…

How can architecture participate in acting sustainable to improve environmental concerns and develop a better future?

First of all, Jesus Christ man the concept of orientation is the most important aspect of architecture, so make sure you orientate your building carefully. Every building has to have the smart use of materials. Its not suppose to look ‘cool’, it needs to be recyclable. There are buildings in Japan that get torn down and recycled even though they are known to be important buildings. Another important thing is materiality and the context of the built environment. You have to take note of these two aspects before making any design decisions, because once you do consider those aspects then you can make informed decisions on how your building will react to its context and how its context reacts to the building.

How would you as a designer approach sustainability in your design practice in 10 years time?

I don’t know to be honest, the thing is climate change is a big factor, the planet is warming up so whatever we build even in a few years time, it has to account to that and respond to that in a very direct way. Climate change is such a big factor it changes our lives in general. I currently work in a nursing home and there is a lot of food waste, maybe architecture can help minimize the issue of food waste. Because you cook food and there is a lot of energy used, which also turns into waste energy, so I think there should be systems implanted to reduce food waste, energy waste and the effect of climate change somehow. The simple way of doing this like I said is orientation and the colour of the materials. Painting a building using darker colours will absorb too much heat from the sun. Although a climate where it is cold would be fine like Norway, however in Australia a black building wouldn’t make sense. I think we need to take that aspect of liking dark buildings out of our dictionary and respond more sustainably.

One of the main issues I have come across during my research is the issue of agricultural strategies disturbed by the increase of global warming. Farmers are finding it difficult to adapt to the effects of climate change, thus a preparation of innovative strategies have commenced to avoid the possibility of food shortage in the future. One of these agricultural strategies include rooftop gardening. What is your opinion about this innovation integrated into the architectural design such as the building at One Central Park on Broadway?

It works in central park because it looks ‘cool’, it doesn’t involve the act of people, they don’t climb and get food from it. But if an actual building provides food in that manner such as an office or apartment building it would have to be effective, this would include effective methods of farming the food within that building as well as an effective office building in general. If you can’t do both perfectly well then you shouldn’t do it, you wouldn’t result with a good building or farming strategy. So you would be wasting resources on both.

What is your prediction on the style of architecture in the future since rooftop gardening is beginning to take part in architectural design?

Hmmm.. I think it would be awesome, I really like that idea of rooftop gardening but only if its 100% effective and very sustainable and productive. It shouldn’t waste more food that what is happening now. It needs to be perfectly balanced. My prediction is that aesthetically it will look minimalist. In terms of performance it would be to a very high standard responding to the environment in a very structured manner. In the future we would have the calculation of food waste and would be able to respond to the issues more effectively through the design of architecture. But yeah aesthetically, minimalism would be my prediction of architectural forms.

REFERENCES:

Guy S. & Farmer G. 2001, ‘Reinterpreting Sustainable Architecture: The Place of Technology’, Journal of Architectural Education, vol. 54, viewed 29^th October 2015, <http://www.tandfonline.com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/doi/pdf/10.1162/10464880152632451&gt;

Manewa A. & Pasquire C. 2013, Adapting Buildings: Striving Towards a Sustainable Future, online article, viewed 29^th October 2015, <http://global-cities.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Adaptable-Buildings-Striving-Towards-a-Sustainable-Future1.pdf&gt;

Primary Investigation

For primary research, I decided to approach my brother with these questions as I was interested in a perspective that was fresh and not tainted by research or overthinking. Some of his responses were quite interesting, especially “liquid food” and the future of technology and the way that it will work even more cohesively and sychronized with the body.

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1. What kind of technology do you currently use most in your life?

Currently I use my iPhone the most, then laptop and internet. They are probably the main way I stay connected in communication, through social media, networking and research as well as movies and entertainment.

2. What do you think technology will be like in 2050?

I think that in 2050 technology will consist of implants and devices that work cohesively to our bodies, synchronizing the thoughts, emotions and actions in everyday life. It will be super advanced in a way that is actually very clever and intuitive. People won’t need to ‘learn’ how to use it because it will be such a smooth transition from what we see as ‘normal’ now.

3. What will food be like in 2050?

There will be simplified dishes which everyone will be able to enjoy in liquid form for convenience and to enhance nutrient intake. I don’t think there will be much meat – I’ve read some articles talking about a potential vegetarian future, but this will probably be caused by the climate and sustainability around farming practices and production.

4. Liquid form – that’s interesting, why do you think that this will occur?

Because with growing rates of obesity and people wanting to live a healthier lifestyle as well, convenience will become an essential in the busy life as population growth increases.

5. How do you envision the way technological changes in the next ten years will impact our lifestyle?

People may become lazier due to the convenience of technological advancement such as cars that drive themselves. The ease of use for social media may become a downside for networking because instead of face to face connection, people may develop a false sense of friendship and bonding which may affect someone’s psyche.

    6.  Through our research, we found that there is a potential future where cities will be very green and buildings will consist of vertical gardens and indoor farming. What events or major global issues would lead Sydney’s society to transform in this way?

Sydney has already begun to change in this way as you can see at Central Park where they have incorporated a lot of greenery on each of the balconies. With climate change evident raising weather conditions and temperatures affecting crop and plant growth and a rising ageing population, Sydney may be “forced” to conduct such transformations to keep the environment clean and free from pollution too. The urban space will become a central part for food production as it will save costs on transportation.

The Future They See – Primary research

The future, something many of us think about. There are many possibilities, many scenarios created to how our future will be like. During this subject while looking towards future possibilities, finding alternative methods and focusing on the Anthropocene, Big Data, Human Technology Interactions and Design at the border, my view of the future have been influenced. Not necessarily negative influence, but to think alternative measures that can help the future.

Leading to this aspect I interviewed my sister for my primary research to see how she viewed the future by answering 4 simple questions. I chose her specifically as she is studying communications and has a greater knowledge of global situations. These questions highlighted her view of the future, technology and society.

How do you envision the future to be like in 2050?

By 2050, the future will look heightened than what it is now. At the rate of developing technology, I think more society will rely more on technology or machine in terms of getting to places, building things, connecting with one another on a device – a lot of things will rely on technology, especially with a generation that doesn’t know what it’s like to live without it.

The environment will probably look less green. And have heightened days of really cold or really hot. Green spaces will probably be man-made in efforts to undo deforestation and you can already see that with places like Central Park Living and the shopping mall. More species of animals will be extinct, as they can’t cope with the changes of higher water and atmospheric temperatures. I also think having clean air will be a luxury, as industrialisation and urbanisation of the world affect air pollution.

The world in general will see more built structures, less houses, more apartment units, and more emphasis on saving space rather than having the luxury of space.

How will technology change in the future?

It might be ‘smarter’ than humans in terms of efficiency and cost. In the production of goods, technology could be the one producing rather than the hands of people because they might do it at a faster rate and is cheaper instead of paying for labour.

Sense of immediacy from technology will drive the competition between manufacturers of technology… what/who can do something the fastest, achieve the best result in the most limited amount of time. In the future, there will be a bigger market of different technological industries (phone, computer, Wi-Fi, transport, etc.).

What would society be like in the future?

There will be less diversity in a global society. As people travel more, live in different countries, have interracial offspring; the blurring of culture and national identity slowly erases the differences of these cultures. People will become accustomed to a culture from somewhere else (an example of this right now is the international fanbase of kpop). English is becoming a global language, making it difficult for generations forward to be able to speak a mother tongue of their parents.

Borders will probably still exist to distinguish nation states but a higher population of people will be global citizens due to ease of connection through social media (presently) and whatever form that will be in the future, and this ease of connection will be made through advancement of technology.

How will we be living like?

People might not know how to be ‘social’ with one another, or be able to know each other on a deep and personal level. Instead we’ll rely on communication through technology. Immediacy and ease of connection with the world could hinder our ability to connect face to face. This could be the norm. Social cues and common sense could be lost. At the same time, we might already be experiencing this and this whole technological phase could pass and everyone might try and live with each other without reliance on technology.

We’ll probably be living in tower buildings and houses might be a thing of the past and viewed upon with rarity. We might be more sun-conscious due to climate change and our fashion might alter to cater to climate protection whether in very hot or cold weather. Global citizenship could possibly increase number of languages spoken by a person through interest and interaction with people in other countries. Who knows?

Maybe this is the view many of us think of when we are asked about the future. The future where technology will be ‘smarter’ than humans, citizen are global citizens with borders expanding and our cities will continually be going up than out. We can only think of alternative solutions to solve these growing views of our future and the negative connotations it brings. Solutions which start now.

Transhumanist and We?

Top 10. A common sight found of various sites. Top 10 future gadgets, Top 10 Innovations and Future Tech. With many future scenarios focusing towards technology and the possibilities of a technological driven world, how much of human interaction will be affected by technology? Even now with social media and smartphones, our lives have been effectively influenced by technology. As technology develops, so do ideas. As human interactions have changed due to the overwhelming integration of technology, we have become mass consumers and mass producers of data. From the moment we wake up to the moment we fall back asleep, our engagement with technology is throughout.

New innovations are changing, from interaction to becoming a part. Technicism is described in which technology would become the main contributor to the changes in society. Not only that but the future of Trans-Human technology is becoming prominent, with many breakthroughs in science, “You are now living in an era of trans-human technology — an era some call an evolutionary renaissance. And you are what we call a cyborg: part human, part machine.” (C.Phillips 2014). Are we slowly changing human interaction with technologies to incorporating technology within human form?

Joel Kinnaman stars in Columbia Pictures’ “Robocop.”

In the 2014 remake of Robocop directed by José Padilha shows a future possibility with the creation of Cyborg. The film shows a critically injured man being selected to be part of a governmental experiment in creating robot soldiers. Although seemingly unrealistic, the scenario may be possible. The Robocop has software implanted that allows his brain to process information as accurately as a computer. Does the idea of half man and half robot showcase possibilities of humans in the future and effect human interaction? Maybe.

This goes back to our present day, with many of us using technology, our interactions goes further than human interaction. It works towards how the Internet has become our form of interaction with one another. Video viewing, commenting, liking, are just some aspects of interaction within the Internet. Its vast sources have enables humans to gain knowledge of ongoing situations from around the world. It also creates a virtual reality within our lives through social media. Technology has set a part human interaction, with connecting and communicating creating a gap between, “If we are constantly checking in with our virtual worlds, this leaves little time for our real-world relationships.” (L.Rosen, 2015)

The advancement of technology is only going to be exponential, in both human interaction and human integration. Although thoughts of human’s already becoming robot like due to our connection to technology rather than human integration, are we going to become like a robot? Future possibilities are there with the cyborg but it may just be an alternative in making us more human.

Reference

Blackford, R. (2015). ‘A Transhuman Future’. Online, Philosophersmag.com. Viewed on 24 Oct. http://www.philosophersmag.com/index.php/tpm-mag-articles/11-essays/25-a-transhuman-future

Phillips, C. (2015). ‘Building a Better You? The Era of Trans-Human Technology’ (Op-Ed). Online,Viewed on 25 Oct. http://www.livescience.com/45872-transhuman-technology.html

Chow, D. (2015). ‘‘RoboCop’: When Will Cyborgs Walk Among Humans?’. Online,Viewed on 25 Oct. http://www.livescience.com/43287-robocop-cyborgs-robots-future.html

Geggel, L. (2015). ‘Human Cyborgs Come to Life in Nat Geo’s ‘Breakthrough”. Online. Viewed on 26 Oct. 2015.http://www.livescience.com/52419-human-cyborgs-national-geographic-breakthrough.html

Rosen, L. (2015).’ Is Technology Making People Less Sociable?’. Online, WSJ. Viewed on 26 Oct. http://www.wsj.com/articles/is-technology-making-people-less-sociable-1431093491#livefyre-comment

Newest Trend: Digital Human Interaction

Technology has commonly been perceived as a negative impact on society’s lifestyle by changing and disturbing the traditional practices of human interaction. “The internet has been blamed for disconnecting people from local, family interaction, drawing them into online relationships with people of unknown and unconfirmed identity.” (Haythornthwaite 2011) Thus, the use of internet connectivity has caused the disconnection of face to face human interaction.

Is there a possibility that the increased use of the internet will lead to the loss of humanity forever? Or will the natural way of socialising relinquish?

As technology seems to dominate society’s lifestyle, it in fact plays a significant role within society resulting with positive outcomes. Technology is not all evil, it has shaped society into an improved and enhanced lifestyle, allowing us to have the advantage of connecting with relatives, friends or other people for different purposes. The internet involves a wide range of networks such as chat rooms, email and websites to create a connection. Common Internet accessibility includes facebook, skype, blogs and twitter. These enhancements have directed society into a world where technology is beneficial to our advanced world.

The film Blade Runner directed by Ridley Scott (1982), demonstrates the idea of a predicted futuristic world where technological advancements has dominated society. A technological invasion is immediately exposed in the opening scene of the film, however, the film presents an eerie, dark and polluted atmosphere that offers a negative view of the future.

Throughout the film all characters expose a sense of loneliness and isolation. This is specifically identified through the character JF Sebastian, “You must get lonely here, JF.” It is portrayed in the conversation between JF Sebastian and Paris, that the increase of technological use has taken control of society’s lifestyle leading to the lack of humanity, as JF Sebastian is unable to communicate with humans. This concept is further emphasised through the dark atmosphere of the enormous abandoned building he appears to live in, as he replaces friendship with humans, with the toys he creates. Therefore, it is identified that society within the Blade Runner world has abused the use of technology, where bad consequences become imminent involving the separation between natural human interaction and connectivity.

While analysing the film, I was able to comprehend that as technology becomes more advanced, the natural way of living and natural objects are replaced with the artificial. The entire film creates a dark and solitary atmosphere due to the never-ending darkness presented in each scene. The significant quotes, scenes and atmosphere of the film offers the viewer an alternate perception of a predicted world, communicating the theme of humanity versus artificial. This represents the idea of human interaction being replaced with the artificial use of ‘technology’ as a source of connection. Although, the film explores the dark side of technology, I desire to focus more on the positive aspects of human interaction through technology connectivity, where our future may evolve into a more connective world without feelings of loneliness and isolation.

The internet is currently an innovative source of connection used in different fields, from households to the workplace. As technology continues to develop rapidly, how will it remain as a positive tool in the future?

Academic Caroline Haythornthwaite explores the concept of internet connectivity creating stronger ties to allow communication between people, as this medium is widely used.

“The Internet is a technical means of connecting people. It provides an easy way for individuals as well as groups and organisations to adopt peer-to-peer communication. Weak ties can emerge based on interest, common need, or commercial enterprise, such as scholarly networks among academics; social and medical support groups.” (Haythornthwaite 2011)

Artist Amar Bakshi takes connectivity to a new level as he created a global art project ‘Portals’, to connect people by entering one of the portals in a certain area such as New York or Tehran and begin the process of human interaction. Bakshi created a series of portals with built audio and video technology, allowing viewers to live video chat for twenty minutes with any individual located with its sister portal. “This project is about connecting people from all walks of life in direct dialogue about day-to-day life—what makes a day in Tehran or the U.S.? In Accra or Beijing? What we hope to achieve is to link cities around the world into an expanding network.” (Bakshi 2015) This project is a new mode of communication where communities are able to share and tell their surroundings.

In the video below Bakshi informs his innovative way of connectivity and includes people’s responses of their experience using this system, which I found extremely fascinating.

Technology is often perceived as an interruption of human interaction, where the natural feelings involved in a discussion is lost. However, innovative technology has only expanded the way connection is created, acting as an alternative of connecting with people around the world.

REFERENCES

Hampton N. K., Livio O., Goulet S. L. 2010, The Social Life of Wireless Urban Spaces: Internet Use, Social Networks, and the Public Realm, Journal of Communication, vol 60, no.4, pp. 701-722, viewed 26 October 2015, <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/doi/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2010.01510.x/full#ss3&gt;

Haythornthwaite C. 2011, Social Networks and Internet Connectivity, Information, Communication & Society, vol. 8, no. 2, pp.126-142, viewed 26 October 2015, <http://www.tandfonline.com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/doi/pdf/10.1080/13691180500146185&gt;

Jesionka N. 2015, How a Shipping Container Can Connect You to Anyone in the World, viewed 26 October 2015, <https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-a-shipping-container-can-connect-you-to-anyone-in-the-world&gt;

Shared_Studios 2015, Talk to Distant Strangers Through Portals, video recording, Youtube, viewed 26 October 2015, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thO3i1gi7Dk&gt;

Songs4K 2015, Blade Runner: JF Sebastian’s Toys, Kaiser and Bear, film, Youtube, viewed 26 October 2015, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLPpXNhL9z8&gt;

Quackenbush C. 2015, These Artist-Designed ‘Portals’ are Connecting People Across the World, Observer Culture, viewed 26 October 2015, <http://observer.com/2015/06/these-artist-designed-portals-are-connecting-people-across-the-world/&gt;

Us and Them

Today we are so in sync with our mobile technologies. The thought of unplugging might cause more stress than not as these technologies have become such an inherent part of our everyday life. A technological utopia envisions happiness, convenience, efficiency, progress, information and freedom. To a certain extent, yes, the developments of technology and the impact it has in our lives does have positive effects – we are able to stay more connected with people over different cities, it helps us get to places faster and more efficiently, and it helps us with our learning and education, just to name a few. It is interesting to see technology gradually replace some human interactions such as cashiers at supermarkets and toll collection on motorways. It makes me wonder what the future will be like and how technology will further impact (or control) our lives and the way we relate as humans.

After watching Spike Jonze’s film, Her (2013), themes of isolation and a dysfunctional technological age challenged my perception of the future of technology in our lives. The film depicts an emotionally distant Theodore, whose existence has been infused by technology which offers only the illusion of relationships. Some ideas/questions that came up for me as I was watching include:

• Whether humans can have this genuine relationship with an inhuman/inanimate object
• How technology seems to be progressing and evolving much faster than we are – Samantha’s quick development and evolution socially and emotionally throughout the film progresses much faster than Theodore.
• The limitations of human relations and interactions compared to limitless technology and how that would affect how we relate to technology – We are finite beings who lose previous information as we learn more. On the other hand, Samantha is only capable of learning more and has a greater capacity to love.

Samantha – never too far away

This film is a way of challenging our current perceptions and question how this dystopic visualisation could be foreshadowing a future ahead for us. In a way, Her (2013), portrays a negative connotation towards the future of technology in our lives. I am more interested in the potential of the benefits and advancements in technology that will impact our lives positively.

Artist and professor Mari Velonaki creates human-machine interfaces that are intellectually and emotionally engaging (CUSP 2015). She designs with the philosophy that “technology should be designed for people, not designed for the sake of technology” (Howden 2015). Her work challenges and expands on the current understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) where it is focused on the transfer of our human knowledge to machines. Intelligence is the brain’s ability to comprehend one’s surroundings through reason, learning, emotions and self-awareness. Velonaki work creates these poetic human-machine interfaces of truly intelligent non-human objects (CUSP 2015). One of the projects she has worked on previously includes Blue Iris, five-year collaborative research project that explores emotional communication of human movement and its relation to artificial intelligence. It is a wallpaper that invites visitors to touch, speak or whisper to it. It responds by changing colour, weeping, or rearranging and displaying marks on its surface. The wallpaper understands human actions and “preserves a memory of its visitors” through its anthropomorphic skin.

Velonaki works with robotics and in her work Diamandini (2012), where it can be seen that robots have the potential to engage with humans on an emotional level. “Velonaki says that, on average, about 80 percent of visitors reached out to touch the robot’s hands, arms, or torso” as the robot responds to body language, sound and movement.Velonaki also adds that “participants were attracted to the robots not because of the way they look but because of the way they behave.” (Lim 2013)  Below is a video of this work at the V&A Museum in 2012.

 (Video by IEEE Spectrum 2013)

Through the many years of her robot interaction experience, she knows that trial and error is inherent in every successful project. “Only one thing is sure: humans are unpredicitable.” (Lim 2013)

Another project that positively explores technology and its relationship with human interaction is Feel Me by Marco Triverio. The gap between synchronous and asynchronous communication in our mobile devices is enriched through this design. Feel Me allows you to non-verbally be intimate in real time through touch of the interface. It explores the presence of the person on the other side rather than the conversation that is shared, evoking a sense of a deeper connection and interaction.

(Trive 2012)

Feel Me does not aim to replace current human interactions, rather enrich the sterile and distant digital communication that are evident in our lives today.

It is interesting to think about what technology will be like in the future, and reflect on how prominent it is in our lives today. In the future scenario that we designed, we hope that technology will work to enrich our lives and positively impact our human interactions.

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B I B L I O G R A P H Y

CUSP Design n.d., Mari Velonaki, CUSP Design, viewed 22 October 2015, <http://128.199.250.80/designer/mari-velonaki/>.

Howden, S. 2015, Artistic touch humanises Australia’s androids, BBC News, Sydney, viewed 22 October 2015, <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-30572244>.

Diamandini Robotic Statue by Mari Velonaki 2013, Youtube Video, .

Lim, A. 2013, What Roboticists Can Learn From Art, and What Artists Can Learn From Robots, IEEE Spectrum, viewed 22 October 2015, <http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/diy/what-roboticists-can-learn-from-art>.

McGuire, D. 2015, Read: Designer Catchup: Mari Velonaki, CUSP Design, viewed 22 October 2015, <http://cusp-design.com/read-designer-catchup-mari-velonaki/>.

Robson, D. 2013, Agent Provocateurs, CUSP Design, viewed 22 October 2015, <http://cusp-design.com/agent-provocateurs/>.

Visnjic, F. 2012, ‘Feel Me’ by Marco Triverio – Digital touch and new channels for bit-intimacy, Creative Applications Network, viewed 22 October 2015, <http://www.creativeapplications.net/i-os/feel-me-by-marco-triverio-digital-touch-and-new-interactive-channels-for-bit-intimacy/>.

How Important is Technology for Food?

Technology has developed exponentially. Within the past 30 years technology has grown, especially in the past 10 years with groundbreaking innovations. Ray Kurzweil wrote, “ We won’t experience 100 years of progress in the 21^st century- it will be more like 20,000 years of progress”. (Kurzweil 2001). With innovations like the wireless Internet, smartphones, social media, it can only continually grow towards other contributing factors for the future.

The future of technology towards food technology has been set in motion. With focus regarding the possibilities of food becoming scarce, scientists are on the fast track to create alternative ways to produce food both naturally and genetically. The future of genetically modified food is a high possibility, with many alternatives in biotechnology, nanotechnology and indoor productions that are currently being experimented.

Our future idea focuses towards food abundance and technology being used to research and develop towards agriculture and food production rather than human interactions in terms of communication. As we progress further into the future, technology and its focus on food become more prominent with alternative ways as a means to produce food. By 2050 the population has grown with that the need of food is up by 50%, different ways like genetic modification will play an important factor with how we produce food in the future, “Generally people have given up on climate change as happening through restraint and regulation and sort of believe now the answer’s going to be technical, and one of the technical solutions is to manufacture food.” Nicholas Negroponte (Big Think, 2015) The video below is Nicholas Negroponte discussing the changes in climate change and the advancement of technology for genetic modifications.

With many of the technologies today designed towards human communication, aspects of the technologies enables scientist to experiment different methods and possibilities. Ideas like nanotechnology and biotechnology have moved forward in creating food for the future. With the possibility that raw food produce would slowly deplete these approaches are essential in creating for an abundant future.

Another alternative is indoor food production. The possibility to be built within the city walls, with other cities experimenting has given a positive outlook in our future. Indoor food production can not only bring in food but also have a sustainable way of running this alternative that can be placed in cities in need of food. It is a sustainable way in food production, with it able to cut food waste from 30% to 40%. With special design ways to recycle the water used in production and LED lighting that stimulates plant growth, indoor production has a high possibility in the futures we have. This alternative is also beneficial for farmers to move towards indoor farming and use their knowledge. “What is important here is that the success of this project depended not only on the technology, but also on the accumulated knowledge of farming practices,” (Shigeharu Shimamura, 2014) who has created the worlds largest indoors farm and has set the possibilities of food production in our future.

Our future scenario focuses on food abundance and the importance technology plays. With future scenarios facing the idea of food scarcity being inevitable, our future looks towards technology and its major role it will play. With alternate technologies in biotechnology, nanotechnology and indoor farming, the future alternatives are the motivation for our future.

Reference

Editors, B. (2011). Big Idea: Technology Grows Exponentially | Big Think. Online .Big Think. http://bigthink.com/think-tank/big-idea-technology-grows-exponentially#articles-nav-dropdown-65. viewed on 10 Sep. 2015

Editors, B. (2014). Genetically Modified Food is the Future, says Nicholas Negroponte | Big Think. Online. Big Think. http://bigthink.com/think-tank/genetically-modified-food-is-the-future-says-nicholas-negroponte. viewed on 10 Sep. 2015

Elliot, T. (2014). Life in Australia in 2044. Online. The Sydney Morning Herald. Available at: http://www.smh.com.au/good-weekend/life-in-australia-in-2044-20140925-10luzx.html . viewed on 10 Sep. 2015

Neville, R. 2001, ‘Seizing the Moment for Future Generations’, in S. Inayatullah & S. Leggett (eds), Transforming Communication, Praeger Publishers, Westport, CT, pp. 166-168

Simmons, J. (2015). Online. Available at: https://www.ncbiotech.org/sites/default/files/pages/Three-Rights-White-Paper-Revised.pdf. Viewed on 10 Sep. 2015

Doede, B. (2015). Single Sign On | UTS Library. Online. Go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au. Available at: http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.lib.uts.edu.au/ps/i.do?&id=GALE|A223751102&v=2.1&u=uts&it=r&p=EAIM&sw=w&authCount=1. viewed on 10 Sep. 2015

Dickie, G. (2014). Q&A: Inside the World’s Largest Indoor Farm | Nat Geo Food. Online. News.nationalgeographic.com. Available at: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/07/140717-japan-largest-indoor-plant-factory-food/ .viewed on 10 Sep. 2015