LARA

Future Stories 

Introduction

I definitely agree that there are a lot of possibilities of how the future might turn out. This will depend on the evolution of the earth, which, I think, is not always in our hands.

Step One: What Futures do we want?

A lot of people have tried to determine what would happen in the future or what they would like to happen, but in my opinion, this is almost impossible. One can dream, but it is not likely that these visions will come true. There are things that could happen in the future that no one could predict, just like no one could have predicted Covid-19, but that did have a big impact on everything in our lives and our future.

I agree with Thomas Malthus that there will never be a point where people will be happy and nothing will change anymore. People will always want more. There will always be an evolution in the world in some way.

Step Two: What Futures Look Most Likely

I like the idea of these ‘unknown unknowns’, as I think that these sometimes have the biggest impact on our futures. There are things that we can predict right now that will happen (known unknown), but a lot of what will change the world in the future hasn't even been invented. 

These growth trends are very important. If these things don’t get solved, there is no point of imagining anything else in the future, as there may not be one. Especially inequality is a big sign for me that we will not plateau very fast. As long as there is inequality, the world needs evolution. The world will have to change until everyone has a home, can eat, can get an education and until everyone is treated in the same way. This can happen through politics, technology or another way that we don't know yet.  

I think this way of describing possible futures in 4 scenarios is not realistic. There are so many more ways things could turn out, or there could be a combination of multiple possibilities. It is a very pessimistic way of looking at the future that only 1 option would mean that the world evolves how it is doing now without strong politic rules and measures. I think we as normal people could find ways of making this world a better place and working on a better future. 

Step Three: What Actions Needs to Be Taken?

The solution seems so simple, but the hard thing is to get everyone on board. A lot of people will not agree with slowing down the economic growth to slow down the climate change. Most politicians just think for themselves and not the greater future.

What role can technology play in augmenting or replacing a wide range of human activities and their impact on non-humans?

In a society-driven community, manual labor is still a very important. In a system where the government doesn't have a lot of input, every person needs to put labor in the communal facilities. That is also a result of the fact that the community doesn't get funding from the outside. This doesn't give them a lot of possibility to focus on technological innovation. But it makes the people think in a more creative way about how they can improve the functioning of their community. They will find ways to decrease manual labor without just completely let technology take over. 

Can individuality be maintained online?

These community driven systems are very tempted to keep everything inside the community. They won't share a lot with the outside world because of their focus on society. I can imagine that they don't have the need to share everything online or see other peoples lives. They are happy with their own community and found people that are like-minded within it. They might individually post online about their visions and opinions as they feel comfortable within their community to talk about it.

How can we negotiate privacy in a world where sharing and using personal information has blurred traditional boundaries?

In a beta community, it is important to share with other people. This also means that privacy will decrease. It is important to share your situation with your neighbors to find the best way to fit in the community. This may give you the feeling that you don't have privacy, but at the same time it gives you a feeling of community and understanding. 

How might we use design to help us heal or transform ourselves, corporeally and psychologically?

In a society driven community, people tend to specialize in one profession. This results in the fact that some people will focus on providing the community of materials like furniture. For them, this gives them happiness psychologically to contribute their part with their craft. In return, the people that are able to use these designs are content and will provide the maker of other goods like food. 

How will we feed a growing population?

In a beta scenario, people provide for themselves without outside help. This also means that they grow their own food and have animals to provide them of food. This way, it is easier to increase the amount of food to provide just the one community. They don't need to think about importation or exportation, but just focus on their own people. If the population in their community grows, they just increase their resources. 

How can we re-naturalise ourselves?

In these communities, nature is very important. It gives people the possibility to provide for themselves without having to import goods from the outside. They grow their foods themselves. Take materials from nature like wood to make their amenities. They don't need big factories with a lot of technology to survive. 

Self-sustaining communities aim to reduce dependence on external systems by leveraging renewable energy, local resources, and sustainable practices. They promote resilience against climate change and economic challenges through decentralized energy, local food production, and skill-building initiatives. Such communities foster independence, environmental sustainability, and strong local economies while improving quality of life and physical wellness. Examples like Denmark's Samsø Island demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of this model. 

Resilient, Innovative Communities

In the future, self-sustaining communities will thrive by merging sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and advanced infrastructure. Farmers will pioneer agriculture systems, producing food and energy, while local governments and residents collaborate to develop energy-efficient housing and shared resources. Decentralized systems will promote energy independence, with surplus energy supporting local needs instead of relying on national influence.

Consumption and Design 

Consumption becomes local, efficient, and circular. Food consumption shifts to locally grown produce, minimizing transport and waste while promoting seasonal eating. Goods and services are produced or sourced within the community, encouraging shared resources, repair, and reuse. This localized approach not only reduces environmental impact but also empowers communities to prioritize essential needs, fostering sustainability, independence, and resilience against global disruptions.

Design becomes a catalyst for creativity by reimagining how resources, spaces, and products are used. Designers craft modular, adaptable structures for shared spaces, use biomimicry to integrate nature, and develop goods for longevity and circularity. Creative problem-solving thrives as individuals tailor designs to local needs, transforming limited resources into unique, community-driven solutions that balance practicality with artistic expression, fostering a distinct identity for each community.
-> architecture, energy solutions, product design,... 

Identity 

Identity in self-sustaining communities is shaped by shared values and collective goals, rather than traditional markers like nationality or occupation. People define themselves through their contribution to the community, such as farming, energy production, or crafting, fostering a deep sense of belonging and purpose. These communities emphasize collaboration and inclusivity, allowing diverse personal identities to coexist within a unified cultural framework focused on sustainability and resilience.