„More than Human”

‘More than Human’ showcases a growing design movement that challenges the human-centred focus of Western design, recognising that the flourishing of all species is inextricably linked. Until 5 October 2025, the Design Museum in London is hosting an exhibition that showcases a diverse array of approaches to design, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Among the featured exhibits are examples of Indigenous knowledge and innovative habitats designed for non-human life. It aims to open up new perspectives in an era of climate crisis, exploring topics such as protecting the oceans, granting rights to rivers and fostering a more empathetic view of the animal and plant kingdoms.

The exhibition is divided into three chapters. ‘Being Landscape’ showcases works that depict humans as integral to nature, including an eight-metre mural by the More Than Human Life Project, which highlights the global movement to grant legal rights to bodies of water. The chapter also features paintings by Solange Pessoa and photography by Federico Borella and Michela Balboni.

‘Making with the World’ presents design solutions that benefit plants, animals and ecosystems. Alongside traditional fishing tools from around the world, there are projects such as Living Seawalls by Reef Design Lab and the Alusta Pavilion by Elina Koivisto and Maiju Suomi, which is designed for humans and insects alike. Johanna Seelemann’s Oase features terracotta vessels that improve tree watering in urban settings.

The third chapter, ‘Shifting Perspective’ puts the viewpoint of the non-human world centre stage. Highlights include Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg’s monumental tapestry, ‘Pollinator Pathmaker: Perceptual Field and Julia Lohmann’s large-scale kelp installation, Kelp Council, which features five organic sea creatures gathered together as if in an underwater conference to discuss the state of the oceans.

‘More than Human’ is not just an exhibition; it is a catalyst for a paradigm shift in design. Future Observatory Director Justin McGuirk describes it as ‘a radical rethinking’ towards a form of design that prioritises the flourishing of all life. The programme includes workshops and a symposium on 13 September 2025, as well as outdoor installations such as the Pollinator Pathmaker DIY Edition in St Mary Abbots Garden in Kensington.