FLUX Design Symposium 2022
On the evening of September 29, renowned scholar in design for social innovation, Professor Ezio Manzini, kicked off the FLUX symposium with a compelling keynote on his latest work, Livable Proximity, exploring how design can respond to the theme of Flux.
The following day, September 30, we hosted thought-provoking academic discussions with leading voices in critical design research and practice. You can listen to reflections on FLUX through our podcast.
Key sessions and discussions
Session 1: Flux and Future: Conceptualizing Change In/By/Beyond Design
Professor Ramia Mazé
The concept of flux and our vision of the future both underscore the urgency of change. In the face of challenges like the climate emergency, design must evolve. Professor Mazé explored how we must critically engage with core concepts, embracing interdisciplinary approaches to envision change that extends beyond traditional design frameworks.
Session 2: Participation as Patronage or Reciprocal Dislocation
Professor Erling Björgvinsson
Design is often tasked with addressing large-scale social and environmental issues, but traditional approaches that focus on dialogue rarely result in true transformation. In this session, Professor Björgvinsson challenged modernist assumptions and discussed how reciprocal dislocation might offer a path to meaningful change.
Session 3: Co-creating Radical Design Principles for a World in Flux
Professor Lesley-Ann Noel
In this interactive workshop, participants engaged with themes such as oppression, liberation, justice, and equity. Together, they co-created guidelines for future design practices that centre radical, transformative principles.
Session 4: In and Out of Shape: Transforming AI Controversies with Provocative Methods
Professor Noortje Marres
The world of AI is rife with controversy, often dominated by corporate power and fragmented discourse. Professor Marres introduced a provocative methodology to critically engage with AI controversies through her project Shaping AI, aiming to shift the way we understand and address these issues.
Session 5: You are T/Here Pluralizing the East(s)
Professor Georgia ‘Jilly’ Traganou
In this seminar, Professor Traganou explored the multiple narratives surrounding Queen Elizabeth Park, focusing on the displacement and contestation both before and after the London Olympics. The discussion also examined the significance of East London and the Here East campus in this context.