What does it practically mean to work in an earth logic way?
Which new professional roles are needed to create healthy and safe lives within Earth’s limits?
In the project Earth Logic Design, we are rehearsing new designer roles that create values beyond economic growth. (Earth Logic = what makes sense for the happiness and health of planet and people). Imagine, for example, a language ombudsperson who helps organisations to use words and imagery that open up new ways of understanding, and that ease connection with both different disciplines and different species. Or, a matching agent who is so attentive to needs and resources in the local area, that they can match surplus time, energy, furniture, skills, community with a lack thereof.
Which shoes do new types of designers need to fill?
Photo Mathilda Tham, 2023.
To learn about the potential of an earth logic lens, we are collaborating with individuals and organisations that we think work in an earth logic way, a youth theatre group, a museum of storytelling, as well as people working close to life and death. We do this in the specific place of Ljungby, Sweden, so that we can learn how change agents are rooted in place and form networks. We are collaborating with designers working as change agents globally to find out what friction they meet, which tactics they have evolved and how their work can be supported with education, infrastructure, regulation.
An important contribution we want to make with this project is a way to evaluate and communicate values of earth logic design. We will also develop guidelines for how, for example, municipalities and universities can support change agents.
Rehearsing new professional role ‘matching agent’ with Åsa Ståhl
and Sara Hyltén-Cavallius – identifying needs and resources for a new eco village.
Photo BOOST metadesign, 2019.
Mathilda Tham leads this project, working with Åsa Ståhl and Maja Frögård, the Department of Design, Linnaeus University. Earth Logic Design is an ongoing research project (2023–2025) within the larger project InKuis which explores innovative cultural entrepreneurship through collaboration and is funded by the Kamprad Foundation.