‘Beyond 100: Transforming Design & Imagining Futures with Lab4Living’ opened in Hong Kong on 11 November 2022

Is it possible to create an equal world through design as we live longer, where we can all feel secure and lead healthier and more fulfilling lives?

That’s exactly what’s being explored in a new exhibition at the Hong Kong Design Institute this month, and we’re thrilled to hear that projects from our very own research-led design team at Lab4Living will take centre stage.

‘Beyond 100: Transforming Design & Imagining Futures with Lab4Living’ opened in Hong Kong on 11 November 2022.

Sheffield Hallam University spoke to the exhibition’s curator, Dr Michael Tan from Lab4Living, to find out what’s on show…

__________________________________________

‘More-than-human-centred’ design

We’re responding to the fact that, as human life expectancy increases, support for aging populations and the future of our societies have become pressing issues confronting many, especially designers.

The exhibition acknowledges the interdependencies of human and non-human factors in shaping our lives. It also shows how design and art can convey and address real-world challenges. In particular, we look at how design can respond to changing demands around health, wellbeing, and supporting human flourishing as we live longer.

We’d like visitors to think about the role of civic responsibility as well as the curious, provocative and technical qualities of design in response to society’s changing needs.

 

What’s on show

The exhibits are drawn from our Lab4Living research projects. We’ve organised them into five themes:

  • Creative Provocation
  • Frugal Design and Sustainability
  • Life Transitions
  • Capturing and Expressing
  • Data Design Research in Healthcare.

___________________________________________

“This exhibition shows how Lab4Living has utilised design to enhance quality of life in an increasingly extended life. It showcases a diversity of design approaches that highlight the importance of defining questions not just answers; the value of participatory and collaborative approaches; the need for inclusive and sustainable approaches; and solutions that are culturally and environmentally appropriate.”

 

Lab4Living director, Professor Paul Chamberlain