Designers must reassess their connection to nature, according to a curator advocating for a design approach that considers not only human needs but also the wellbeing of animals and the environment. Justin McGuirk, curator of the upcoming More Than Human exhibition at the Design Museum in London, asserts that our present ‘human-centric’ design model is obsolete and must change, as we adjust to the challenges of climate change.
“Our current practices essentially aim to minimally lessen harm but aren’t effective enough,” he said. “We need a complete overhaul, where every design project contemplates its impact on other species and seeks to improve their health,” McGuirk emphasized.
The More Than Human exhibition, set to open on July 11th, showcases innovative designs focusing on enhancing ecosystems. It will feature a pavilion designed for insect habitat, a New York project using oysters as a natural wave breaker, and a large seaweed installation by artist Julia Lohmann. The exhibition also includes groundbreaking designs aimed at revitalizing damaged marine environments, such as coral reefs, which are bleaching at unprecedented rates.
McGuirk highlighted that humans are intricately linked with natural systems rather than separated from them, and we extract and construct within these systems without detrimental consequences.
The More Than Human movement began in the late 1990s, originating from David Abram’s work, and has transitioned from theoretical to practical applications in design. The movement is gaining traction among a newer generation of designers, indicating a paradigm shift toward more eco-friendly and inclusive design practices.
This exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Design Museum and its national design research program, Future Observatory, which focuses on environmental design issues. The exhibition is expected to be pivotal, steering perspectives from anthropocentric to more environmentally conscious design.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/05/london-design-museum-exhibition-more-than-human
