The influence of humans on the earth can hardly be underestimated. Think of climate change, deforestation, and the decline of biodiversity. We are heading for a sixth mass extinction, but it is not too late. Can we imagine a different biodiversity based on design? Can we use technology for a natural future? Explore with us how to design for a world where biodiversity is declining and where the boundaries between design and science meet.

The DDW Talks: Next Biodiversity takes place on 23 October 2021 from 10-12am at Fifth NRE in Eindhoven. Register here for tickets. Members of NNN join this event for free. Please drop us a line if you'd like to attend.

Meet the speakers:

Dr. Koert van Mensvoort is an artist and philosopher best known for his work on the philosophical concept of Next Nature, which revolves around the idea that our technological environment has become so complex, omnipresent and autonomous that it is best perceived as a nature of its own. It is his aim to better understand our co-evolutionary relationship with technology and help set out a track towards a future that is rewarding for both humankind and the planet at large.

Sofia Crespo created the Neural Zoo. It utilizes neural networks to create a zoo of animals that only exist through algorithms imitating a simplified human brain. In this project, natural textures such as fur, feathers, and skin are processed through a neural network to create images that our brains recognize as part of the natural world and yet not existing. Essentially, The Neural Zoo designs possibilities in the natural world, questioning if these slightly tilted views of nature could become part of the world’s natural biology.  

Sophie Falkeis’ speculative ecological story-telling project, First Encounters, details the possible story of two species with no previous interaction. With climate change, animals have been markedly changing their movement patterns, a phenomenon which is sure to occur more frequently as time goes on. How will the interactions of animals changing their paths due to environmental shifts affect the rest of the world? By questioning the outcome of these new interactions, Sophie brings to light the possibility of rapidly shifting ecologies through human cause. 

The DDW Talks: Next Biodiversity are moderated by Ruben Baart, editor-in-chief at Next Nature Network.

Tickets and practical

The DDW Talks: Next Biodiversity takes place on 23 October 2021 from 10-12am at Fifth NRE in Eindhoven, followed by a light lunch.

Registration via DDW. Members of NNN join this event for free. Please drop us a line if you'd like to attend.

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