The Future is…

Author: Trusha Naidoo

Date: 31st August 2018

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The subtitle to “The Future starts here” at the V & A is “100 projects shaping the world of tomorrow”. That’s everything you need to know. It challenges you right from the start as it’s peppered with killer questions, that we’ve all thought about but aren’t sure how to answer. It gives us a glimpse of what the top minds in the world are working on. 

 

The in-your-face questions help you navigate the exhibition, challenging you to think about what effect such futuristic thinking, inventions, experiments and experiences will have on our minds, bodies, homes, work, communities, cities and the environment.

 

While the objects in the exhibition provide food for thought, they also underline the fact that our future is a work in progress and very dependent on the choices we make. All the way through you get a sense of how much you can impact on your future. It leaves you feeling hopeful despite all the unknowns. It also restores your faith in the creativity of humans. We are able to think up solutions come what may it seems. Phew.

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Good questions invite interesting answers

 

Here’s a taste of what you get asked as you explore:

What makes us human?

We are all connected, but do we feel lonely?

What if your bathroom mirror could read emotions?

Does Democracy still work?

What does it mean to be a good global citizen?

Can asteroids save us?

If Mars is the answer, what is the question?

Are cities for everyone?

How should a driverless car make decisions?

Is Edward Snowden a hero or a traitor?

Who wants to live forever?

Could my toaster turn against me?

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Inventions with profound implications…

 

This shirt powers your day

 

If your wear this solar shirt in the sun for just an hour, you create enough electricity to charge your phone. How does it work? Solar cells woven into the fabric harness the sun’s power. Electricity can be saved in the shirt’s battery pack in the front pocket. Neat.

 

A flag for refugees

 

Yara Said, a Syrian artist, designed this flag for the first refugee team to compete at the Rio Olympics in 2016. The flag’s colours are inspired by the orange and black lifejackets many refugees have to wear when making dangerous sea crossings to safety.

 

The library to rebuild civilisation

 

I spent a loooong time in this library. It consists of almost 1000 books that are thought to be vital to sustaining and rebuilding our civilisation. If you ever wanted the ultimate reading list this is where you’ll find it! Compiled by visionaries like Brian Eno, the books span classical literature, technical know-how, science fiction and philosophy.

 

Portrait by genetics

 

When Chelsea Manning was imprisoned for revealing classified information to WikiLeaks, no images could be shared of her. Using just her genetic details from hair trimmings and cheek swabs her portrait was created. Before she was released in 2017, this was the only available image of her since her gender transition in 2016.