The Planetary Experiments conference focuses on the ecological, social and ethical dimensions of design. The conference addresses the important question of how we, as a society, can respond to global transformations and use design as an active tool to shape the future. Topics such as geoengineering, synthetic biology, data-driven climate adaptation, and speculative design approaches will be discussed. The aim is to understand design as both a formative practice and a practice that can change society.

The conference views Planetary Experiments as an analytical framework through which to examine the extensive human impact on Earth’s ecosystems and climate. These experiments encompass targeted interventions such as deep-sea mining, land reclamation, rewilding, and speculative technologies like geoengineering, synthetic biology, and data-driven climate adaptation. Due to the rapid advancement of technology, we are currently reaching a critical threshold where interventions that were once confined to laboratories are being scaled up to a planetary level. This is fundamentally changing how we understand, shape and inhabit the environment.

Planetary Experiments aims to map the complex dimensions of planetary design interventions and reflect on the ecological, social, and ethical consequences of an experimental approach to the Earth. The expansion of methodological landscapes in design research is at the heart of this, with a focus on interdisciplinary, practice-based approaches that enable new forms of knowledge and collaboration. In an era of overlapping crises, the conference fosters dialogue about design as an active, critical and transformative practice in response to planetary challenges.

The conference specifically promotes the exchange between science, design and activism, with the aim of fostering new approaches to knowledge production and recognising the active role of design in developing sustainable living spaces.

A particular highlight of the interdisciplinary conference will be the keynote speech delivered by Lydia Kallipoliti (Cooper Union, New York). Entitled ‘Ecological Design: Cohabiting the Planet’, her speech will explore new forms of cohabitation and design responsibility in an era of ecological sensitivity. Other speakers include Adam Wickberg (KTH, Stockholm) and Orit Halpern (TU, Dresden). The keynotes, panels and practical contributions will present interdisciplinary approaches that deliberately transcend traditional academic boundaries. There will also be a community kiosk dedicated to the current topic groups of the DGTF.

The event is aimed at anyone who views design as a means of effecting social change, whether through research, design or engagement with civil society. It will take place at the Dülfersaal at TU Dresden and will also be broadcast online. Further information and registration details can be found at planetary-experiments.dgtf.de.