Future Narratives

Future Narratives / airytales / School of Design, Pforzheim University - Photo: Meli Dikta

Ars Electronica Campus Exhibition

Exhibition

Future Narratives

School of Design, Pforzheim University (DE)

In a time of profound upheaval, questions surrounding the role of humans in relation to intelligent machines come to the forefront: How do we respond to technologies that increasingly shape the way we work, live, and think? What does it mean to design in an era where the future is not only predicted but must be actively created?
The exhibition by Pforzheim University approaches these pressing issues with an open, interdisciplinary perspective. Students from different design disciplines come together to create a panorama of visions, prototypes, and narratives. Their works oscillate between critical reflection and speculative design, between societal discourse and creative intervention.
The exhibited projects offer new perspectives on the interplay between humans, machines, and the environment. They question existing systems, envision alternative futures, and create spaces for discussion, disruption, and inspiration. Rather than providing definitive answers, the exhibition invites us to activate and consciously shape our imagination.

University of Arts Linz, Hauptplatz 8

  • RESIDUUM

    Clara Emmerling (DE)

    RESIDUUM was developed in between design, textile technology, and generative programming. It is a a tool to generate patterns for flatbed knitting, while including the functionality of working with small quantities of deadstock material and informed decision making regarding the material consumption.

  • MUSIC IN MOTION

    Fangbo Han (CN)

    This project enables users to conduct music using body gestures. A camera and AI interpret movements to control tempo, volume, and instrumentation, offering real-time, intuitive interaction and allowing participants to shape sound through physical expression.

  • FROM GESTURE TO OBJECT: BRIDGING DIGITAL INTERACTION DESIGN AND PHYSICAL MAKING

    Felicitas Ferch (DE)

    This project presents a body-driven interface for digital fabrication. A clay 3D printer is controlled by intuitive hand gestures, removing the need for CAD or design software. The resulting forms are sculptural imprints of human motion—embodied sketches shaped by gesture in space.

  • AUTOMATED FILAMENTATION OF BACTERIAL CELLULOSE

    Caja Peters (DE)

    This project presents an alternative method for the resource-intensive production of textiles through designed biofabrication. In an automated process, a yarn-like filament made from bacterially growing cellulose is fermented, harvested, washed, dried, and wound up.

Credits

Curators: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steffen Reichert, Dipl.-Des. Dagmar Korintenberg,Students:Clara Emmerling (HS PF), Felicitas Ferch (HS PF), Fangbo Han (HS PF), Johanna Heilig (HS PF), Sanika Karandikar (HS PF/ NID Ahmedabad), Ann-Sophie Lutter (HS PF), Caja Peters (HS PF), Daniel Cruz (HS HN), Arthur Hann (HS HN)Pforzheim University School of Design, Master of Arts in Design and Future Making, Bachelor in Industrial Design, Bachelor in Fashion, Bachelor in Visual Communication

Please note: The program for the Ars Electronica Festival 2025 is still in progress.
We are currently preparing all the information for the website and plan to put the full program online in the coming days – stay tuned!