SPECULATIVE ENVIRONMENTS: STORIES FROM INDIA 2050
May 2019 - Present
Speculative Worldbuilding
Foresight & Forecasting
Crafting Plausible and Possible Scenarios
Critical Design
Alternate Histories
Visual Narratives
School of Interior Design
Unitedworld Institute of Design
Karnavati University, Gandhinagar
Featured Student work: Year 3 Semester 6 batch
“Speculative Environments - India 2050”- was introduced to the Interior Design curriculum to not only widen the students’ purview of the applications of design but also consider the impact interior designers can have on the design of future societies and ecosystems. Reflecting on the current concerns the world is facing and to understand the probable future trajectories of the current socio-economic, political, cultural and environmental trends, the studio relied heavily on Arup’s trusted research on ‘drivers of change’ and established foresight techniques to trace the development of different spatial environments in India from 2020 onwards to forecast the state of their spaces in 2050. Most student projects from this course were liberated as spatial narratives. This was made possible through curated methods and resources that transgressed disciplinary boundaries. These resources included lived encounters of the sites to be studied, universal methodologies transformed into uniquely local devices, workshop-based studio charades and iterative, reflective production of knowledge.
WESTBENGAL 2050
West Bengal in 2050 is a state that has emerged strong and functional in the face of adversity. Due to the floods and environmental challenges, there is a shift and division of the population into four different areas of the state based on economic status.
One of the areas is the Sundarban Islands, which are a major tourist attraction, preserving wildlife and nature. The Islands are connected to the mainland by bridges used for access and transportation of goods. An underwater town has come into existence because of the submersion and developed as a social hub with various experience-based recreational activities like bioluminescent walkways and artificial gravity swimming pools. Floating structures with mechanisms for purifying water surround this town. On the areas on land, people living in and around the landfills and the industrial areas live in poverty compared to the middle-class society. This part is powered by the conversion of waste into thermal energy, generating electricity. The people living in the landslide-prone areas now live in modular, stackable houses that can be moved to safer places with weight-bearing drones in case of an alert. The main state area accommodates mostly a part of the middle-class society. The families are mostly nuclear having a single child leading to the rise in the number of studio apartments due to lack of space. The education system has gone through some reforms. Education is made more practical, interactive, technologically advanced and free for the first child of the family. The literacy rate has also increased to 92% in 2050 from 77% in 2020.
With the introduction of the Japanese MNC since 2030, the state started flourishing in the technology sector leading to significant Japanese influence in the work culture of people. The working system is professional and highly organised with a natural increase in home offices and coworking spaces. Workspaces continue to become smaller and automated. Day-cares are made mandatory at workspaces with more women getting involved in work. There is an increase in small-scale and collaborative businesses. Online shopping is booming and Japanese products are flooding the market. The pharmaceutical business is booming as well due to increased diseases and addictions to medications. Introduction of auto-inventory checks and self-billing systems have lead shops to be attendant free.
West Bengal continues to be the largest producer of rice and fish in 2050 with constant up-gradation of technology with the help of Japan. Genetic modification to increase food production by increasing crop rotation and the use of SAP, along with planar agriculture has been instrumental in the growth of agriculture. However, tourism is now the most income-generating sector of the state. Work stress and the increase in digital lifestyle has lead to health issues and the need for proper healthcare facilities. Healthcare is one of the best and fastest advancing systems. Healthcare is provided and accessible to all however, fees are charged as per people’s economic status. The number of doctors had reduced as well as the hospitals have become smaller due to machines and automation. The advancements in the medical field have led to the development of 3d printed organs.
The fusion of the two cultures became prevalent in the lifestyle of the citizens. Japanese ingredients and food preparations have become an important part of daily life. With the increase in the working population, the number of restaurants, packaged food and drone-delivered food has grown exponentially. Capsule food available in different flavours is eaten as supplements. Food grown with the help of genetic modification has brought about a change in people’s palettes as well as 3d printed has also come into practice. Socially interactive spaces for experiencing quality time, gaming zones using VR and sport simulation centres are major advancements in the entertainment sectors. Live theatres, 3d screening and drone lighting shows are performed in public spaces. The Sundarban Islands and the underwater town are famous holiday destinations. Restoration of heritage sites allows people to explore the culture of the state. Group gatherings and events build a strong community. People have good relations with each other however everyone is becoming busy day by day. Overall there is harmony and mutual acceptance of other values between cultures
KERALA 2050
Kerala in 2050 is divided into two major parts where 60% of the state is on the land and 40% of the state has developed as an island after submerging. There have been some important developments and landmark changes that have affected the life and systems of the state in a significant manner.
Air drones are used for surveillance as a policing system that contains shock guns for the protection of people. These drones are also used for waste management in the state. They have vacuum tubes that are suspended from the sky and sucks in the waste and stores it in the pod attached to it. These drones collect the waste of an entire colony together and then dispose of it altogether. Air drones are also largely used for various kinds of deliveries throughout the state. Such technological advancements have made life simpler for the people of Kerala. WiFi bins are placed in all public places. The bin generates a 4-digit code to connect with free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes at every disposal done inside it.
The introduction of Vertical farming increased export rates in Kerala. Enhanced seeds In the agricultural field, we now have enhanced seeds. The technique used for cultivation is modern step farming. Food and Fashion in the state have experienced changes because of the merging of the Dutch and Kerala cultures. The food habits, ingredients, cooking practices of the other culture have been adapted resulting in many restaurants serving mixed cultural food in 2050. Smart clothing such as mood shirts is introduced. This helps in basic healthcare, screen-free GPS through small directional taps known as haptic feedback, sensors
Houseboat hotels, floating spas, floating bridges are constructed leading to increased tourism. Water sports levitation, crafts, entertainment, music marts are created. Stay in capsules/pods are created for the development of the Ayurveda sector. Herbs + artificial sunlight; Ayurvedic recreation + treatment; rock salt pits/ beds are the main trends.
Hybrid schools are in practice in the state which essentially follows the same curriculum with an adaptation of one Dutch rule. Any student who fails 3 times loses the financial support from the school or colleges.Employment opportunities have increased with the increase in migration and technology in the state. Job possibilities range from agriculture, engineering, science, tourism, fashion, architecture, design etc. These developments have lead to a stronger economic situation in the state.
Amphibious vehicles such as two, three and four-wheeler concept cars run throughout the state. Three-wheelers are specifically used for public transportation. Two and four-wheelers are privately owned. Jetpack scooters and ferry system is developed. Water taxis are introduced in the form of a modern ferry system. Water rules and regulations are created for the reduction of water traffic. Overall technological advancements and digitalization of systems have resulted in increased crime rate however the entire state operates on 100% renewable energy.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH 2050
Having gone through drastic changes, Arunachal Pradesh has become a civilised state in the past 30 years. The state has experienced many cultural, technological, social and economic reforms as a result of the inter-religious war, Korean influence on the state and other developments.
The lifestyle in the state has changed entirely. The tribes who used to have many differences before, now live together without any differences or conflicts. They work together in industries and farms. The Arunachal people more or less want the Korean NGO to go back as they think they are capable enough to work without their guidance. Some part of the population feels mistreated and exploited by the Koreans which has resulted in the formation of a Union by the youngsters, protesting and revolting against the government and insists on the return of the NGOs back to Korea.
The earlier existing big bamboo houses have now become modern houses built with handmade bricks and have been incorporated with ‘Base Isolation Technique’ to stay safe during earthquakes. Elevated houses are built in flood-prone areas. High security and strict rehabs restore the health of the people who were addicted to drugs. This leads to a very healthy lifestyle among the people as they focus more on their priorities like their jobs or further education. The traditional staple diet is replaced by Asian food and food pills. Luxurious restaurants are built lavishly. Korean interiors dominate the hospitality industry which is one of the reasons for the protest against the Koreans.
New business ventures like opium dyed fabrics, agricultural advancements like soil regeneration technologies, new crop breeding technologies, cosmetic industries, retail markets, speciality stores, healthcare industries, mining industries, opium industries have become very popular. Poultry farming is replaced by poultry vending machine. The culture has become more open to involving nature in day to day life. Spa and Meditation Centres, Ayurvedic Hospitals, Multi-speciality Hospitals function concurrently. With the advancement in the industries, lot of pollution has increased through their drainage, chimneys, etc which is highly concentrated and toxic. Arunachal Pradesh suffers from the advancement of technology.
International Technological Schools (ITS) has come into the picture. These schools use modern technology like VR to teach the students. A small ear-piece device with a microphone and a pre-installed translator help people who speak different languages to communicate with others. Paper is no longer used in the form of textbooks and notebooks. Hand skills like writing, drawing, colouring etc. are now taught with the help of VR.
Bamboo Village, an initiative by AP Handicrafts Ltd. and Karigari, (a popular firm dealing in handicrafts) is now a huge success in the field of tourism. It has expanded over the years promoting the tribal culture with the use of the latest technology. It is now a major source of income for the state. Healthcare facilities have improved a lot with the help of Korean technology. Medical stations have been introduced where a person goes in, gets oneself scanned to detect the minor problems and gets suggestions for suitable medical treatment. Many ayurvedic and multispeciality hospitals have come up for the treatment of various diseases.
The entertainment sector has seen a lot of technological development. VR glasses are being used to play games like football where games can be seen through hologram imaging. Theatres have an advanced technology where the surrounding effects can be seen and felt for real. Eg. If the stage is on fire, it will be seen and felt by everyone. The seats will have a temperature control system for the audience.
PONDICHERRY 2050
Pondicherry in 2050 is declared as the UNESCO heritage city, cleanest and slum-free city where most part of physical interactions is replaced by technology. The constant struggle of keeping the rating high has given rise to mental health issues. The city runs on renewable sources of energy in the form of floating solar panels and rooftop panels resulting in reduced carbon footprint. Cycle docking stations for Manual cycles, E-cycle and equipped cycle are created. there is an increase in public transport in the form of Hop-in-hop-off buses and Intercity smart buses.
GMOs introduced leading to exploitation of organic farming has impacted the quality of food products leading to a big sad back in their healthy lifestyle. The fitness tracker, use of bicycles, sustainable practices, yoga and other beach activities help in maintaining an active healthy life. Introduction of a Microchip to monitor environmental practices in Pondicherry has affected the lifestyle in a very significant manner. These microchips use a rating system where citizens are rated for each of their practices. Perks of having a high rating- tax subsidies, VIP access, country club memberships, coupons and reward consequences of low rating- extra duty hours (e.g. beach cleaning), attend compulsory vocational training, reformation camps. This system has become the landmark in the life of the town as the rating systems have led to changes in practices as a result of which the city has become clean, efficient waste disposal system is in place. Use of non-biodegradable material has decreased and the use of sustainable material has increased. The system has led to an increase in safety leading to a decrease in crimes. Finances, general health check-up (B.P., Sugar, Heart Rate) etc have become digital.
Many forms of discriminations have come into practice. Entry restrictions to beaches, monuments, events are defined based on the ratings. Hierarchy of class has been altered based on performance factors apart from money. Such discriminations and internal competition have increased greed, anxiety and consciousness, hyper Tension and stress in day to day life. Overall lifestyle has become more sustainable. Food has undergone changes in the way it’s packed and served. No artificial food and synthetic flavours are used. Fast fashion and sustainable clothing have increased which has boosted the local industries. New renting systems for clothes has developed.
Without a doubt the digital world is boon but at the same time, vulnerabilities have made it a curse. Day to day behaviour monitored in more than one ways and common data sharing has increased the threats of security. The trust in the government for the use of data protection is threatened. Risk of data selling and leaking without one’s consent has increased. A new level of corruption is in practice with selling data to private companies, bribes, paying money to increase ratings. Records of individuals and citizens can help in formulating policies. Help people with a high rating in crises. The youth and social activists realise the gullibility of citizens and have started forming secret societies. In these societies, they try to find ways to hack into the system, find antidotes and secure their data.
The effects of the extremely high tech life are observed which include short term effects such as nerve and muscle stimulation, changes in CNS. Whereas the long term effects include cardiovascular disorders, reproductive disorders, neuro-behavioural effects and even cancer. Exploitation in the green practice as coming up as EMR’s effect on human health and organic farming. Yoga is found helpful in balancing out the negative effect of frequent technology use. One can create harmony between our physical life using ancient practices. The practice of yoga and ancient healing techniques are used to combat the harmful radiations- spiritual centre for a digital detox.
