GUIDELINES
A series of guiding concepts will be applied throughout the course to support the development and creation of the course projects and the final thesis.
Before initiating the creation and development of the projects proposed during the course, a reflective exercise was conducted to identify some guiding concepts that could be applied across all areas of work. This process began with a phase of introspection, leading to the realization that the current global system is steering humanity toward a precarious future. Factors such as the inequitable distribution of resources (extreme wealth concentration among billionaires) and the values promoted by this system are driving the destruction of nature and the degradation of human well-being.
Building on this reflection, and considering the context of the Design for Emergent Futures master's program, the second phase of the exercise involved envisioning a hypothetical, utopian future that represents the ideal world I aspire to achive.
The work produced during this time aligns with the vision of this utopian future, serving as a practical step toward turning that vision into reality. The focus is on creating projects that are not only meaningful but also have the potential to evolve into professional endeavors. The personal aspiration driving this approach is to break free from the traditional concept of "living to work" and instead embrace a lifestyle centered on "working to live", pursuing a career that reflects my dreams, supports authenticity, and fosters a truly fulfilling life.
In conclusion, my aim is to use this master's program as an opportunity or "excuse", not only to complete the required weekly assignments but also to explore and develop a concept I’ve been contemplating for over a year. This program provides a unique mental and physical environment, alongside the personal privilege I acknoladge I have to be able to pursue this goals. I believe the best way to take advantage of these opportunities is to actually use them by laying the foundations for an idea I hope to pursue professionally once the program is complete.
My goal is to create a solid framework and roadmap that I can follow in the future. To achieve this, I plan to align the focus of each mandatory task within the program in a way that meaningfully contributes to the development of this concept. This integrated approach will allow me to maximize the master's potential, ensuring that every step takes me closer to my long-term objectives.
Some of key concepts implemented in this creation are:
Creative Ecosystem: The goal is not to create a single, fixed entity, such as a clothing brand or a magazine, but rather to establish an ecosystem of diverse disciplines united by a shared purpose. From an introspective perspective, my aim is to embrace flexibility and, through collaboration, harness the potential of various creative fields, including design, audiovisual media, graphic design, architecture, engineering, narrative and more. This approach will allow me to explore and create across all the disciplines I am passionate about. In my personal experience, one of the aspects I disliked most about working in a large company was the monotony and repetitive nature of the tasks. By building this ecosystem, I seek to overcome that rigidity, fostering a dynamic and fulfilling creative process.
Collaboration: Collaboration has been chosen as the foundation of this model, to prioritize collective creativity and equitable power distribution. Unlike traditional hierarchical structures, where decision-making and authority are concentrated in the hands of one individual or a small group, this approach seeks to create a more level playing field. Power and influence are shared among all contributors of each project, enabling more diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and a sense of shared ownership.
This structure is particularly relevant when the goal is to create an ecosystem of multiple interconnected projects. Achieving this vision requires collaboration with talented individuals from diverse fields. By fostering collaboration, this model allows each participant to contribute their unique expertise, resulting in higher-quality outcomes and a more dynamic creative process. Furthermore, it promotes transparency, mutual respect, and a strong sense of community, aligning with broader objectives of fairness and sustainability.
Moonshooting: Within the context of this master's program, where creativity is unrestricted and the goal is to create meaningful change in the present, I have set out to develop a concept free from barriers or limitations. Moonshooting, inspired by the ambition to send humans to the moon and bring them back safely during the Apollo 11 mission, embodies the essence of striving for goals that are extraordinary, ambitious, and seemingly impossible.
This approach emphasizes:
Extreme ambition: Pushing beyond what is currently considered feasible with available resources.
Disruptive innovation: Exploring new ways of addressing challenges rather than merely optimizing existing systems.
Massive impact: Focusing on global challenges that have the potential to benefit humanity, such as sustainability, social justice, and global health.
While these ambitious goals may not necessarily be fully realized by the end of the master's program, their existence provides a vital source of motivation, driving the effort to push as far as possible toward their achievement. This mindset reinforces the project's core ethos: progress is not defined solely by outcomes but also by the journey and the vision to pursue transformative change.
By incorporating these principles, the project aims to challenge existing systems, democratize technology, and inspire transformative innovation for a more equitable and sustainable future. It underscores the importance of imagination and collaboration to generate meaningful and lasting impact, aligning with the foundational of moonshooting: to redefine what is possible and to pursue bold ideas that can shape a better world.
Since I can remember, I’ve always been clear about my desire to create something and live off that creation. Therefore, the following text details the process of exploration, realization, and in-depth explanation of "what" to create, based on personal experiences and reflections I have had over the past year (CANCEL·LAT) and the new knowledge and experiences I am gaining in the MDEF master (CREA).
First, however, I want to emphasize that what I aim to create stems from a process of introspection. One of the main goals of this process is to extract an idea and develop it based on the set of emotions experienced along my journey. This process also serves as a means for me to better understand myself and to create something that truly motivates and moves me. The objective is to ensure that the expression is authentic and integral, resulting in a pure creation driven by an intention that goes beyond merely creating for purely economic purposes.
Finally, we firmly believe that creating from the perspectives mentioned, combined with the freedom this master's degree offers, is personally beneficial as it fosters self-exploration. Therefore, even if this creation does not result in a tangible outcome, it will not be considered a failure. Embarking on this process represents personal growth, which I will be able to apply and showcase in my personal and professional life in the future
The project I wish to undertake is divided into two parts, inspired by the concept of "Yin and Yang", The idea of two oposites forces/concepts working together in orther to achive a common goal. In orther to achive the change we want in the current world we think it necessary the use of these concept, for one hand a destructive force that question, expose and try to brake the current ultracapitalist practices, and the constructive force that whants to try to givve alternatives of doing of the current ultracipatilst sistem in orther to give a chance to the individual who whants to not particpated in this practices.
REACTION - CREATION
“CANCEL·LAT”
The first part of the project adopts a destructive approach to challenge the established capitalist system and the elites controlling its resources. This dimension aligns with the Yin principle, representing deconstruction, introspection, and rebalancing. Although seemingly “passive” in essence, this aspect has a strategic nature: using the system's own tools to challenge it from within.
At this stage, the project does not aim to perpetuate chaos but to generate active critique, raise awareness among the population, and secure the necessary resources (financial, influential, etc.) to fund the constructive part of the project. Although destructive, this dimension is not about aimless elimination but about transforming the current imbalance into a more just and sustainable order.
“CREA”
On the other hand, the second part of the project focuses on the constructive creation of alternatives to the current capitalist system. This dimension seeks to promote a positive evolution of humanity based on values such as equity, harmonious coexistence among species, and environmental sustainability. This approach aligns with the Yang principles, characterized by dynamism, expansion, and constructive action.
This is an active and committed part that proposes practical actions to establish new economic and social models, fostering an equitable distribution of resources and combating the excessive production and consumption that define the current capitalist system. Through education, the promotion of social justice, and environmental protection, this dimension seeks a conscious and profound transformation to build a fairer and more sustainable society.
Although Yin and Yang are associated with energetic characteristics, stating that Yin is inherently destructive and Yang constructive is overly simplistic. Both energies have the potential for creation and destruction, depending on the context and whether they are in balance. In Chinese philosophy, the key concept is that these two forces are interdependent and complementary. Destruction and construction are parts of an eternal cycle, requiring a balance between Yin and Yang to maintain harmony.
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