Airbound

From molecule to atmosphere: the global climate crisis and the possible futures of our coexistence will be decided by means of air. We are »airbound« – bound through air. How can we create a sense of what is coming? And what will connect us in the future?

The exhibition »Airbound« features climate fictions and speculative everyday scenarios – developed in an open process by collaborators from society, science, and design. Through speculative installations, »Airbound« provides space to discuss urgent geopolitical issues. At stake are the contested knowledge of the climate, the destructive use of joint resources, and the injustices that are inherently connected. Air is critically bound to these – as collective, active, and intelligent material.

The interactive exhibits problematize the technical promises of climate engineering and life under the pressure of ever-increasing emissions. They present designerly and research-based approaches to what air carries with it and to the intimate processes of breathing. What kind of air would we inhabit once climatic tipping points have been passed? In which ways do local approaches and other technologies offer hope? What new (breathing) practices and routines are we developing as individuals and collectives?

With contributions by

Valerian Blos | Lena Böckmann & Rodolfo Acosta Castro | Monika Dorniak | Doris Dziersk | Gosia Lehmann | Clemens Winkler.

Team

Exhibition concept and design: Mina Mahouti
Scientific curators: Léa Perraudin and Martin Müller
Workshop concept: Kristin Werner and Antje Nestler
Project management: Kristin Werner

CollActive Materials

CollActive Materials is an experimental laboratory of the Berlin Clusters of Excellence »Matters of Activity« (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin) and »Science of Intelligence« (Technische Universität Berlin), funded by the Berlin University Alliance. The aim of the project is to develop Speculative Design as a new approach for knowledge exchange between research, society, and design, thus making joint encounters possible at eye level. As an experimental, transdisciplinary project, CollActive Materials brings material everyday practices from diverse social contexts into open conversation with approaches in research.

»Airbound« is part of Berlin Science Week 2023.

Funded by the Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the State of Berlin within the framework of the excellence strategy of the federal and state government.

Image © NODE Berlin Oslo