A speculative design ideation and fabrication workshop lead by Andrew Friend and Sitraka Rakotoniaina.

Using speculative design methodologies and tools we will be exploring potential new empathetic experiences and future scenarios derived from outer space exploration. We will craft narratives and prop objects as a way to tell new stories and worlds. The workshop will take place over one evening and two days during London Design Week, incorporating a live link with School of Machines, Making and Make Believe in Berlin.

The workshop will commence with an evening presentation within the galleries at Space Studios on Mare Street, showcasing research produced as part of the ‘Fabricating Empathy’ workshop at School of Machines, Making and Make Believe in Berlin, and an Introduction to the ‘Very Very Far Away’ project. Over the following weekend we will explore speculative design ideation processes and methods using narrative and timelines to provide a structure and basis for the development of critical design fictions. From this conceptual base we will design and prototype prop elements using everyday materials. In addition to the props themselves we are also interested in exploring the application, experience and communication of the objects (and associated scenarios) through controlled photography and documentation.

Participants on the workshop will gain experience developing ideas, through to quickly prototyping objects and producing associated documentation all within a critical design framework. The workshop will take place over the evening of Wednesday the 23rd, and weekend of the 26/27th of September, at Space Studios, Mare Street, London.

Tickets - £140 each with groups of 3 receiving a discount price of £120 each. See the website for booking link.