Imagine: Coral Reef

The experimental design exhibition Imagine: Coral Reef. Regenerative Design seeks a new orientation for design in a world marked by numerous crises. The complex ecosystems formed by corals, where fascinating biodiversity reigns, serve as a metaphor. Increasingly, these “rainforests of the seas” are being so stressed by human-made climate change that they are in danger of disappearing in the near future.

The exhibition attempts to transfer the logic of nature to design processes and establish guidelines for regenerative design. This exhibition project aims to show the potential paths that lead us from an extractive, degenerative culture to one in which we see ourselves as part of nature and share its creative principles.

The exhibition creates an immersive space where macro-corals, based on the open design instructions from the project “Crochet Coral Reef” by Christine und Margaret Wertheim (Institute for Figuring), refer to coral bleaching events, which signify the dying of the corals. The coral reef is populated with a selection of objects representing core themes of regenerative design principles based on Andreas Weber’s text Enlivenment. The exhibits can be seen as conversation starters to encourage contemplating potential roles design can have in creating regenerative futures.

Travelling Exhibition with Workshops

The exhibition is accompanied by workshops with students at local universities and presents their works alongside existing products. In keeping with the dynamic cycles of nature, the exhibition is conceived as a “learning travelling exhibition”, influenced by and adapting to local contexts and conditions.

More than Human

Imagine: Coral Reef. Regenerative Design is part of the project More than Human. Design after the Anthropocene.

The exhibition is a cooperation between EOOS and the Institute of Design Research Vienna.
Bueronardin is responsible for the graphic design.

The exhibition is funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs and the Kulturforum Berlin. It is supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport.

A special exhibition by the Kunstgewerbemuseum – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin