❓ How can we rethink resilience as we face increasingly frequent climate extremes? From recent floods in Valencia to Barcelona's ongoing severe droughts, it's clear that reactive approaches fall short. We need a fundamental shift in managing resources like water, starting with an awareness of the mental models that shape our relationship with it.
🔺 September 2023 marked the start of our Master’s in Strategic Design in Complexity at ELISAVA, setting us on a journey exploring the region's water challenges through strategic and systemic design. Our research and presentations sparked a commitment that extended beyond the course. We met on weekends, applied for grants, and connected with public and industry partners. A pivotal moment came when the Barcelona Centre de Disseny opened its doors –special thanks to Isabel Roig, Alessandro Manetti, PhD and Sonia Monclús for their trust.
We were invited to participate in this year's Barcelona Design Week, with the theme around water. Our team designed and led 4 different engagements throughout the week, each one addressing a key aspect of design around water:
🎤 Talk at Barcelona Design Week: Reframing water as part of who we are—"water isn’t ours; water is us"—to spark a deeper connection
🕰 Bet of the Future: Speculative objects challenging the mental models shaping ecological impacts.
💔 Amor Sec: An interactive installation immersing participants in a world without water, prompting reflection on the need for restorative action.
💧 H2Oh!: A visualization of household water use to promote awareness and stewardship.
These initiatives sparked dialogues, raised awareness, and opened research avenues. Public engagement was powerful, and we were moved by conversations and reflections—even hugs.
We couldn’t have brought these initiatives to life without the strong support of our director Christer and co-directors Toban and Magdalena Herrador Moreno. We’re also deeply grateful to Elisava Alumni and ELISAVA for the essential resources and spaces that made this possible.
We missed time with friends, partners, kids, and even our cat, Kiki! But our relatives and supporters stood by us through long hours. Special thanks to Cristian Situ for your incredible documentation and editing work, and to @Federico Sanchez, @Bob Bingenheimer, Raziur Totha, Joaquim Farguell, and @Felippe Constancio for their support. Thanks as well to Cohort 3 members who joined us: Beto Fonseca, Catalina Valdivieso, @Suzie Agustin, María del Carmen, and Esteban Millar—for stepping in with skill and insight.
As Cohort 2—Emma Aiyin, Karina Pastor, Raluca Mitran, Juanita Remolina, Álvaro Doladé, Pau Gomà, Pierluigi Delgiudice, and Daniela Castro, a.k.a. Complex 24—we invite you to learn more about us here: complex24.design.
🌟 And of course, let's end with a question: How might we ignite a global shift to understand that water is not ours—it is us—as we face increasingly extreme water-related climatic scenarios?
We read you 🤓
