Speculative Design for Uncertain Topologies

Hannah Korpel // Adviser: Dan Newman

Speculative Design for Uncertain Topologies

The existential crisis of individual, community, and environment that was accelerated post-2020 created a need to mitigate the transformation of current industry infrastructure into human infrastructure. This thesis explores the role of interiors as a narrative device within speculative future design methodology, utilizing interior design as a tool for decoupling design from consumerism. It does so in two parts.“

First, in the initial phase, a new academic process is introduced to bridge the gap between contemporary research and practical design applications. The process proposes an equation that generates functional future fictions. The second phase applies the proposed process into present-day design application, through the lens of the contemporary housing crisis.

Thus, through multiple speculative scenarios, this thesis initiates a dialogue to shift values within the field of design.